Ingredient mixing funnel for beverages

Abstract

A mixing funnel (18) for mixing fluids is provided. In one embodiment, the mixing funnel includes a tray (300) having a fluid inlet (310) configured to receive a primary fluid flow (312), and first and second fluid channels (318a, 318b) configured to receive the primary fluid flow from the fluid inlet such that the flow is separated to flow along the first and second fluid channels. The first and second fluid passages direct a primary fluid flow to the mixing region (322). The tray may also include a fluid outlet (330) configured to receive the primary fluid flow from the mixing region and deliver the fluid to the container.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. nonprovisional application No. 18 / 300,860, entitled “Mixing Funnel,” filed April 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The topic discussed in this article concerns a mixing funnel that promotes thorough mixing of carbonated water and additives. Background Technology

[0004] Conventional beverage dispensing devices operate by carbonating and / or enhancing water. Some devices mix the carbonated water with additives, such as flavorings or vitamins, within the machine before dispensing the resulting mixture into a receiving section. This method can lead to contamination over time unless the device is thoroughly cleaned. Other devices rely on crushing, puncturing, and / or typically damaging additive containers to access the additives held within. These methods of damaging flavoring containers can cause splashing and mess, which can lead to similar contamination if not thoroughly cleaned.

[0005] Other devices rely on carbonating water within a specialized container attached to the device, thereby dispensing the resulting beverage. The container may be pre-filled with water and / or additives, then secured to the device and pressurized within for dispensing the beverage. However, these devices can generate excessive plastic waste because specially designed bottles must be manufactured to fit the device. Furthermore, these devices can only produce a single beverage within a pressurized container.

[0006] Accordingly, there is still a need for improved methods and apparatus for carbonating and dispensing mixed beverages. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure relates to additives for carbonated beverage blends.

[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the subject matter described herein is a beverage apparatus having the following features: The housing may have a first outlet configured to discharge the main fluid and at least one secondary outlet configured to discharge an additive to be mixed with the main fluid. A funnel may be configured on the housing to receive the main fluid through a funnel inlet.

[0009] In some embodiments, at least one secondary outlet and a second secondary outlet may be configured to discharge the first additive and the second additive, respectively. The funnel may be configured to receive the first additive in a first fluid channel and the second additive in a second fluid channel. Each channel may be defined by the funnel.

[0010] In some embodiments, the funnel may include a separator configured to guide the main fluid along a first flow channel and a second flow channel. The separator may include a fluid outlet path configured to guide the main fluid from the first and second flow channels to the funnel outlet. The funnel itself may be configured on the housing to receive an additive at a location adjacent to the funnel inlet, such that the additive flows along at least one of the first and second flow channels with the main fluid and flows through the fluid outlet path to the funnel outlet.

[0011] In some embodiments, the mixing funnel for mixing fluids includes a tray. The tray may have a rear wall with a fluid inlet configured to receive a main fluid flow. A bottom surface of the tray extends from the rear wall toward a front wall and may have a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel formed such that the main fluid flow from the fluid inlet is separated to flow along the first and second fluid channels. The first and second fluid channels slope downwards from the funnel inlet to a mixing region and can guide the main fluid flow to a mixing region adjacent to the front wall of the tray. A fluid outlet channel extends from the mixing region to the funnel outlet. For example, the fluid outlet channel may slope downwards from the mixing region to the funnel outlet. This outlet for the fluid may be configured to receive the main fluid flow from the mixing region.

[0012] In some embodiments, the fluid inlet and outlet are positioned adjacent to the rear wall. Additionally, at least one wicking rib may extend along the outer side of the tray between the inlet and outlet. In some embodiments, a handle may be formed on the front wall of the tray.

[0013] The separator may be located between the first and second fluid channels and is configured to guide the main fluid flow from the fluid inlet into the first and second fluid channels. In some embodiments, the separator may define an exit flow path extending to the fluid outlet. The separator may project upward from its bottom surface and is substantially U-shaped. The bottom surface may slope downward from the rear wall of the tray toward the front wall.

[0014] Various features may be included to mitigate any splashing that may occur during operation. For example, ribs may extend from the upper edge of the tray toward the interior of the mixing funnel. Alternatively or additionally, a removable cover may be disposed above the tray. In this embodiment, the cover may include a port allowing fluid inflow. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the tray may be hydrophilic. Attached Figure Description

[0015] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1This is a front view of one implementation of a beverage dispensing system;

[0017] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear-view perspective view of the beverage dispensing system, with various housing components removed;

[0018] Figure 3A This is a top view of one embodiment of the mixing funnel, with the fluid path marked.

[0019] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A side cross-sectional view of the mixing funnel, with the fluid path marked;

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A A bottom view of the outlet section of the mixing funnel; and

[0021] Figure 5 It has a lid Figure 3A A three-dimensional view of the mixing funnel.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mixing funnel with an integrated splash guard.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mixing funnel with an integrated discharge wing.

[0024] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system constructed to hold any of the components in the mixing funnel described herein.

[0025] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the bracket viewed from below.

[0026] Note that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered as limiting the scope of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Certain embodiments will now be described to provide a full understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the apparatuses and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0028] Furthermore, in this disclosure, components with the same name in different embodiments often have similar features; therefore, in a particular embodiment, the features of each component with the same name are not necessarily fully described. Additionally, if linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, apparatuses, and methods. Those skilled in the art will recognize that equivalents of such linear and circular dimensions can be readily determined for any geometry. The dimensions and shapes of systems and apparatuses and their components can depend at least on the composition of the object in which the system and apparatus will be used, the dimensions and shapes of the components to be used with the system and apparatus, and the methods and procedures in which the system and apparatus will be used.

[0029] Generally, this document describes a mixing funnel for mixing a carbonated fluid with an additive. The mixing funnel can be constructed for use in a carbonated beverage system and can be configured to receive a main fluid and at least one additive. The main fluid can be any fluid, such as water, and may or may not be a carbonated fluid. In the context of this disclosure, "carbonated fluid" encompasses a fluid having any gas (such as nitrogen and / or carbon dioxide) entrained within it, such that the fluid exhibits effervescent properties. While primarily described as using carbonated fluids, non-carbonated fluids may also be used, for example, water or ethanol, without departing from this disclosure. In some embodiments, the mixing funnel for mixing fluids may be in the form of a tray. The tray may have a fluid inlet configured to receive a flow of the main fluid, and the tray may include a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, such that the flow of the main fluid from the fluid inlet is separated to flow along the first and second fluid channels. The tray may also be positioned to receive one or more additives in the first and second fluid channels, such that the additive(s) flow into the main fluid flow. The first and second fluid channels slope downwards from the fluid inlet to a mixing zone, which can be configured to aid in mixing (one or more) additives with the main fluid. A fluid outlet channel extends from the mixing zone to a funnel outlet, thereby discharging the combined main fluid and additives. Using a single outlet nozzle allows drinking vessels with narrow openings to receive the resulting beverage.

[0030] Figures 1 to 2A beverage dispensing system 10 according to one embodiment is illustrated. Those skilled in the art will understand that the mixing funnel can be used with any beverage dispensing system, and the system shown is merely one example of such a system. The beverage dispensing system 10 can be used to create and dispense customized beverages for a user based on desired characteristics of the beverage. The illustrated beverage dispensing system 10 typically includes a housing 12 having a fluid reservoir 14 and a carbonation assembly 16. In the illustrated system 10, a mixing funnel 18 is included for receiving the main fluid to be used to create the beverage, as well as one or more additives from a container 20. The additive container 20 may include, as needed, one or more additives (e.g., flavorings, vitamins, food colorings, etc.) to be included in the created beverage. In some embodiments, two additive containers 20 may be used. Each additive container may include its own outlet configured to discharge the additive into the mixing funnel 18. Those skilled in the art will understand that the mixing funnel disclosed herein can be used in any beverage dispensing system, including beverage dispensing systems lacking additive containers. By way of non-limiting examples, other beverage dispensing systems include coffee, tea, beer, juice, and similar beverage making equipment.

[0031] During the beverage dispensing process, the user can activate inputs located at user interface 22 to select specific characteristics of the desired beverage, such as fluid volume and carbonation level. If the user selects an input indicating that the beverage is carbonated, water can be supplied from fluid reservoir 14 into carbonation assembly 16, and carbon dioxide can be supplied from tank 24 into carbonation assembly 16 to produce carbonated water. The beverage can then be dispensed from the outlet of funnel 18 into containers such as flask 26.

[0032] Examples of beverage dispensing systems compatible with the carbonation mixing chambers provided herein can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 989,640, filed November 17, 2022, entitled “Additive Container for Use with Beverage Dispensers”, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 744,459, filed May 13, 2022, entitled “Flavored Beverage Carbonation System”, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0033] Mixing funnel 18 Figure 3A and Figure 3BThe funnel 18 shown is illustrated in more detail below. It includes a tray 300 and a handle 302 extending along the front outer side of the tray 300. The tray 300 can have various configurations, but typically includes a front wall 304, a rear wall 308, and opposing side walls 306. A tray bottom 320 extends between the walls. The tray bottom may define features that facilitate fluid flow and mixing, as will be discussed below. The handle 302 may define all or part of the front wall 304 of the tray 300. In some embodiments, the handle 302 may project radially outward from the front wall 304, for example, along the entire front wall 304. In some embodiments, the handle 304 may extend laterally beyond the side walls 306 of the tray 300. In some embodiments, the front portion of the tray 300 and / or the handle 302 may have a profile that matches the outer surface of the beverage dispensing system 10. In some embodiments, the handle 302 may define a shoulder 309 along the foremost edge of the handle. Figure 3B To provide users with an improved grip.

[0034] As described above, tray 300 may define several areas to guide fluid flow. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid inlet 310 may be configured in the rear wall 308 of tray 300 to receive the main fluid flow 312, such as water or carbonated water. Although fluid inlet 310 is shown as formed in the rear wall 308, in other embodiments, fluid inlet 310 may be adjacent to the rear wall or formed at other locations in the tray, including simply positioned above the tray. Regardless of location, inlet 310 may be shaped to receive, retain, or otherwise engage the outlet of beverage dispensing system 10. For example, in embodiments where beverage dispensing system 10 discharges the main body from a tubular conduit, tray inlet 310 may define a partially circular or semi-cylindrical profile to engage with the tubular conduit. Figure 3A As further shown, in order to facilitate fluid flow through inlet 310, inlet 310 can be gradually tapered radially outward from the inlet toward the center of the tray.

[0035] Following the main fluid flow 312, after entering inlet 310, the main fluid flow 312 may impinge on a separator 316, which separates the main fluid flow 312 and directs it into a first flow channel 318a and a second flow channel 318b, with the separator 316 positioned between them. In some embodiments, the separator 316 protrudes upward from the bottom surface 320 of the tray 300 and may be U-shaped. However, other separator shapes and configurations, such as V-shapes, may be used without departing from this disclosure. Furthermore, while a single separator is shown dividing the tray into two flow channels 318a, 318b, the use and / or number of separators may vary depending on the number of additive containers used in the beverage dispensing system. For example, a system that accepts only a single additive container may have a tray without any separators, while a system that accepts three additive containers may have two separators for forming three flow channels.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the flow channels is defined by a separator 316, a bottom surface 320 of the tray 300, and a side wall 306 of the tray 300. A portion of the bottom surface 320 defining the flow channels 318a, 318b may be angled or tilted downwards from the inlet 310 at the rear of the tray to the front of the tray to guide the main fluid flow 312 toward a mixing region 322 located near the front wall 304 of the tray (e.g., adjacent to or closer to the front wall 304 than the rear wall 308). Furthermore, the flow channels 318a, 318b may taper gradually from rear to front inwards to guide fluid into the mixing region, as will be discussed below. Each of the fluid channels 318a, 318b may be positioned below the outlet of the additive container 20. That is, the additive 324 may be received by the tray 300 at a first receiving region 326a and / or a second receiving region 326b. During operation, the additive can be delivered to either flow channel 318a, 318b for a period of time, and the main fluid flow 312 can flow through channels 318a, 318b during or after that period of time. That is, the main fluid is used to remove all (e.g., most) of the additive 324 to help keep the tray 300 clean.

[0037] Several features can be used to reduce the risk of fluid splashing out of tray 300. In some embodiments, the main fluid flow 312 is supplied to funnel 18 by gravity or low pressure only, and additive 324 is supplied to funnel 18 by gravity or low pressure only. However, in some cases, hard dispensing may occur. This event may occur when the pressure upstream of inlet 310 is not released to atmospheric pressure before dispensing the main fluid flow 312. This results in a high-pressure main fluid flow 312, which may cause splashing. Therefore, retaining ribs 328 can extend from the sidewalls 306 and / or rear wall 308 toward the interior of tray 300 to overlying the fluid channels 318a, 318b, thereby preventing (or reducing) fluid from flowing above the upper boundary of tray 300. Alternatively or additionally, in embodiments where additive 324 is discharged at sufficiently high pressure to cause splashing, ribs 328 may perform a similar function involving additive 324. In this implementation, a gap may be included in the retaining rib 328 to allow fluid, such as around the inlet 310 or around target areas 326a, 326b, to enter the tray from the additive container 20 located above the funnel 18. Figure 1 ) Accept additive 324.

[0038] Fluid channels 318a, 318b may be recombined at mixing region 322. Mixing region 322 may be at least partially defined by a bottom surface 320 of tray 300 that slopes downward toward outlet nozzle 330. The outlets of mixing region 322 and fluid channels 318a, 318b are configured to cause a mixture of main fluid 312 and additive 324 to vortex within mixing region 322. For example, in some embodiments, the slope of mixing region 322 is in the opposite direction to the slope of fluid channels 318a, 318b. This change in direction can promote vortexing of the fluid emerging from fluid channels 318a, 318b. Alternatively or additionally, mixing region 322 may have a larger surface area than fluid channels 318a, 318b. This change in surface area can also induce vortexing. Vortexing is sufficient to effectively mix additive 324 and main fluid 312, but preferably mild enough to allow carbonation to remain substantially (e.g., partially or completely) within the resulting mixture 332.

[0039] Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least the inner surface of the tray 300 may be hydrophilic. Such a surface can be achieved using coatings, textures, or materials that constitute the tray. A hydrophilic surface can help maintain carbonation within the main fluid flow 312 and / or the resulting mixture 332.

[0040] Following the fluid flow from mixing zone 322, the resulting mixture 332 flows toward outlet nozzle 330 through an exit flow channel 334 defined at least by separator 316 and bottom surface 320. Specifically, the exit flow channel 334 may be formed in the middle of the U-shaped separator 316 and may slope downwards from the front to the rear of the tray. In some embodiments, the outlet nozzle 330 may be closer to the rear wall 308 than the front wall 304. In this embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom surface 320 may slope downwards from the front wall 304 to the rear wall of the tray 300. That is, the fluid exit channel 334 slopes downwards from mixing zone 322 to funnel outlet nozzle 330. As the fluid transitions from the bottom surface to the outlet nozzle 330, the bottom surface may define a smooth transition from the slope guiding the resulting mixture 332 toward the outlet nozzle 330. For example, the radius 336 of the transition may be large enough to reduce the possibility of cavitation, separation, turbulence, or other phenomena that may lead to the release of carbonation from the mixture. Similarly, all the ramps described in this disclosure may be gentle enough to substantially (e.g., partially or completely) maintain carbonation in the resulting mixture and the main fluid flow throughout the operation described herein. For example, in some embodiments, the ramp may be between 5° and 15°.

[0041] The outlet nozzle 330 itself can protrude downward from the bottom surface 320 to direct fluid into beverage containers, such as flasks 26 ( Figure 1 Although shown as having a circular cross-section, nozzle 330 may have other cross-sectional shapes, such as elliptical or square cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, one or more support pillars 338 may extend across outlet nozzle 330. These support pillars 338 help provide structural rigidity to the outlet and for straightening the flow of the resulting mixture exiting the funnel 18 through the nozzle. Although three support pillars 338 are shown in this figure, more or fewer support pillars may be used without departing from this disclosure. The nozzle may have sufficient length to guide the resulting fluid in a substantially downward direction (within 45°). Alternatively or additionally, nozzle 330 may have a sufficiently large cross-sectional area to reduce the possibility of vapor lock that may release carbonation from the resulting mixture. Alternatively or additionally, nozzle 330 may have an outlet 901 similar to that of a beverage machine 10 dispensing the main liquid. Figure 9 The cross-sectional area of ​​the nozzle 330. Alternatively or additionally, the nozzle size may range from 6.5 mm to 10 mm. In some embodiments, the transition radius 336, the nozzle cross-section, and the nozzle length are all configured to provide a visual display of the fill level on the funnel in the front window when the funnel 18 is made of translucent or fully transparent plastic.

[0042] As previously described, the nozzle directs the resulting mixture downwards into, for example, a drinking container. In the event of any leakage, the tray 300 may include additional features to direct the leakage into the drinking container. Figure 4 This feature is shown. Figure 4 In this configuration, wicking ribs 402 extend along the outer surface of tray 300 (rear wall 308 and bottom 320) between inlet 310 and nozzle 330. The wicking ribs 402 define a smooth surface that follows the shape of tray 300. In the event of stray droplets leaking from inlet 310 to the outside of tray 300, surface tension allows any fluid overflow to follow the wicking ribs 402 from inlet 310 to outlet nozzle 330. Although two wicking ribs 402 are shown, more or fewer wicking ribs 402 can be used; for example, a single wicking rib 402 or three wicking ribs 402 can be used.

[0043] While the wicking rib 402 can be used to mitigate leakage from the tray, other features can be used to better retain fluid within the tray. This feature... Figure 5 As shown in the figure. In the illustrated embodiment, the cover 500 is disposed above the tray 300. In this embodiment, the cover 500 can be attached to the tray using one or more hinges 506. Alternatively or additionally, the cover 500 can be attached to the tray via a snap-fit ​​connection. In some embodiments, the cover can be a removable cover. Removability can improve the cleanability of the funnel 18. In some embodiments, a tab 508 is included for user manipulation (e.g., removal or opening) of the cover 500. In some embodiments, the cover 500 can be used to replace or supplement the rib 328 ( Figure 3A ).

[0044] In embodiments including cover 500, the cover may define one or more ports. For example, cover 500 may define a main port 502 for providing access to inlet 310, such that cover 500 does not obstruct inlet 310. Alternatively or additionally, the cover may define one or more additive ports 504 for allowing additives to be delivered into a tray. Additive ports 504 may be located in a first flow channel 318a and a second flow channel 318b. Figure 3A Above. Other port locations are possible without departing from this disclosure; for example, in some embodiments, the port may be located above the mixing region 322.

[0045] In another example of fluid retention characteristics, such as Figure 6As shown, the splash guard 650 can be integrated into the tray 600. Except for any differences described herein, the tray 600 is substantially similar to the previously described embodiments. The splash guard 650 can extend from the front wall 604 of the tray 600 toward the rear wall 608 of the tray 600. In some embodiments, the splash guard 650 extends between the two side walls 606 of the tray 600. The splash guard 650 can extend, for example, 25% to 50% of the length of the tray 600. In some embodiments, the splash guard 650 can define a generally convex structure with a circular or conical profile. For example, the central portion of the splash guard 650 can have a length greater than the edge of the splash guard 650 adjacent to the side wall 606. This shape reduces the possibility of interference with additives discharged into the first and second flow channels (not shown in this view, but substantially similar to the previously described flow channels 318a and 318b). In some embodiments, the splash guard 650 can extend above the tray 600. For example, the splash guard 650 may have a dome-shaped curve extending above the plane defined by the top of the tray 600. Without departing from this disclosure, the features described in the various embodiments may be combined with each other; for example, an embodiment may include the splash guard 650 and the retaining rib 402. Figure 4 ).

[0046] Alternate or additional land, such as Figure 7 As shown, the discharge wing 750 can be integrated into the tray 700. Apart from any differences described herein, the tray 700 is substantially similar to the previously described embodiments. The wings extend along the handle 704 beyond the sidewall 706 of the tray 700. The wings 750 are used to extend the height of the tray 700 in areas where splashing may occur, for example, during hard dispensing. Each wing includes a wing wall 754 to help retain liquid in such cases. Each wing 750 may define a ramp 752 that guides any liquid received during splashing back into the tray 700. In the illustrated embodiment, the wings 750 have a substantially triangular shape; however, other shapes may be used without departing from this disclosure. Features described in the various embodiments can be combined with each other without departing from this disclosure; for example, an embodiment may include wings 750 and retaining ribs 402 ( Figure 4 ).

[0047] Trays 300 and 600 can be made of various materials, such as plastic, metal, or any other material suitable for contact with food. In some embodiments, the funnel can be made of multiple materials; for example, the lid 500 can be made of plastic, while the trays (300 and 600) can be made of metal.

[0048] The funnel itself may include several features configured to interface with the beverage dispensing system 10. For example, it may include features such as... Figure 5The recess 510 shown is configured to... Figure 8 One or more corresponding protrusions 802 of the beverage device 10 shown engage. In some embodiments, the protrusions 802 may be spring-loaded, for example by a metal coil spring or by a cantilever plastic spring 902, such as... Figure 9 As shown. The beverage device 10 defines a receiving portion 800 configured to receive and hold a funnel 18. For example, in some embodiments, the receiving portion 800 defines a track 804 on which the funnel 18 can rest. In operation, the funnel 18 can slide across the track 804 during insertion and removal. Once installed, the track 804 can at least partially vertically support the funnel 18. Alternatively or additionally, the funnel may include a protrusion configured to abut against a controller coupled to the beverage dispensing system 10. Figure 9 The microswitch 904 shown can be used to determine the presence of the funnel. In some embodiments, this microswitch can be coupled to a spring-loaded protrusion 802.

[0049] While this disclosure contains numerous details of specific embodiments, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments in this disclosure may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the other hand, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may, in some cases, be removed from that combination, and a claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0050] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring these operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the separation of the various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single product or packaged into multiple products.

[0051] Specific embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the actions described in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the processes depicted in the drawings do not necessarily require the specific or sequential order shown to achieve the desired result.

[0052] Other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0053] What needs protection is:

Claims

1. A mixing funnel for mixing fluids, comprising: A tray having: a rear wall having a fluid inlet configured to receive a main fluid flow; The bottom surface extends from the rear wall, and the tray has a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel formed therein, such that a main fluid flow from the fluid inlet is split to flow along the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel, the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel guiding the main fluid flow to a mixing region adjacent to the front wall, and the tray includes a fluid outlet configured to receive the main fluid flow from the mixing region.

2. The mixing funnel of claim 1, wherein the bottom surface slopes downward from the rear wall to the front wall of the tray.

3. The mixing funnel of claim 1, further comprising a separator positioned between the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel and configured to direct the main fluid flow from the fluid inlet into the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel.

4. The mixing funnel of claim 3, wherein the separator defines an exit flow path extending to the fluid outlet.

5. The mixing funnel of claim 3, wherein the separator protrudes upward from the bottom surface and is substantially U-shaped.

6. The mixing funnel of claim 1, wherein the fluid inlet is positioned adjacent to the rear wall.

7. The mixing funnel of claim 1, further comprising at least one wicking rib extending along the outer side of the tray between the inlet and the outlet.

8. The mixing funnel of claim 1, further comprising a handle formed on the front wall of the tray.

9. The mixing funnel of claim 1, further comprising ribs extending from the upper edge of the tray toward the interior of the mixing funnel.

10. The mixing funnel of claim 1, further comprising a removable lid disposed above the tray and having at least one port in the removable lid.

11. The mixing funnel of claim 1, wherein the inner surface of the tray is hydrophilic.

12. A beverage apparatus, comprising: A housing having a first outlet configured to discharge a main fluid and at least one secondary outlet configured to discharge an additive to be mixed with the main fluid; A funnel, disposed on the housing to receive the main fluid through a funnel inlet, the funnel having a divider configured to guide the main fluid along a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel, and the divider including a fluid outlet path configured to guide the main fluid from the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel to a funnel outlet, and the funnel being disposed on the housing to receive the additive at a location adjacent to the funnel inlet, such that the additive flows together with the main fluid along at least one of the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel and reaches the funnel outlet through the fluid outlet path.

13. The beverage apparatus of claim 12, wherein the at least one secondary outlet comprises a first secondary outlet configured to discharge a first additive and a second secondary outlet configured to discharge a second additive, the funnel being configured to receive the first additive in the first fluid channel and the funnel being configured to receive the second additive in the second fluid channel.

14. The beverage apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first fluid channel and the second fluid channel slope downward from the funnel inlet to the mixing region, and the fluid outlet path extends from the mixing region to the funnel outlet.

15. The beverage apparatus of claim 14, wherein the fluid outlet path slopes downward from the mixing zone to the funnel outlet.

16. The beverage apparatus of claim 12, wherein the funnel inlet and funnel outlet are located at the rear of the funnel, and the first fluid passage and the second fluid passage extend from the rear of the funnel to the front.

17. The beverage apparatus of claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the funnel is hydrophilic.

18. The beverage apparatus of claim 12, further comprising at least one wicking rib extending along the outer side of the funnel between the funnel inlet and the funnel outlet.

19. The beverage apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a handle extending along the outside of the funnel.

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