Lid with additive dispensing device for beverage containers

Abstract

A lid for a beverage container comprises a lid body with a beverage opening and an outlet opening, and an additive outlet device with a removable additive outlet element attached to the lid body. The additive outlet element comprises a main body with a storage cavity for holding a predetermined quantity of beverage additive, an actuating element attached to the main body, a punching element connected to the actuating element and projecting into the storage cavity, and an outlet membrane attached to the main body, which normally prevents the beverage additive from escaping into the container cavity. When the actuating element is actuated, the punching element is driven to pierce the outlet membrane, thus allowing the beverage additive to escape from the storage cavity into the container cavity.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage container and in particular a lid for a beverage container with an additive dispensing device in which an additive dispensing element is arranged such that it selectively dispenses a predetermined quantity of additives into the beverage container.

[0002] A conventional container, such as a water bottle, typically consists of a body and a removable lid. The body has a cavity to hold a specific amount of liquid, such as water. If a user wants to consume a beverage on the go, it must be prepared beforehand and stored in the container before they take it with them.

[0003] A major disadvantage of conventional beverage containers like the one mentioned above is that they can only hold one type of beverage, such as juice. If the user carries the container with them while out and about (e.g., during sports), they can only drink the liquid they've brought with them. Sometimes, the user might want to carry only water and mix it with something else (e.g., infant formula or other additives). In these cases, the user has to open the infant formula packaging and mix it with the water in the container. Sometimes, mixing the additives with the beverage in the container isn't possible. For example, there might not be a suitable table or stand available for mixing.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to develop a beverage container with a special lid that allows the user to conveniently mix additives with the beverage contained in the container.

[0005] This problem is solved by a lid and a beverage container according to the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the features listed individually in the claims can be combined with one another in any technologically meaningful way and define further embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the features specified in the claims are further specified and explained in the description, which also presents further preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0006] Certain variants of the present invention provide a lid with an additive dispensing device for a beverage container to enable convenient and easy release and mixing of additives with the beverage contained in the beverage container.

[0007] Certain variants of the present invention provide a beverage container comprising a lid with an additive dispensing device, in which a user can carry a certain type of beverage or additives and conveniently mix them at a later time (for example, while traveling) to create a different type of beverage.

[0008] One aspect of the present invention relates to a lid for a beverage container with a container cavity, wherein the lid comprises the following: - a lid body that can be detachably attached to the beverage container to selectively close the container cavity, the lid body having a beverage opening and an outlet opening, the beverage opening and the outlet opening being connected to the container cavity; and - an additive dispensing device comprising an additive dispensing element that is detachably attached to the lid body, wherein the additive dispensing element comprises: • a main body with a storage cavity for storing a predetermined quantity of a beverage additive, wherein the storage cavity is connected to the container cavity; • an actuating element provided on the main body; • a punching element that is connected to the actuating element and extends into the storage cavity; and • an outlet membrane attached to the main body to normally prevent the beverage additive from being released into the container cavity, wherein the punching element is arranged to pierce the outlet membrane when the actuating element is activated, so that the beverage additive can be released from the storage cavity and disposed of into the container cavity.

[0009] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage container comprising the following: - a container body with a container cavity; and - a removable lid attached to the container body, the lid comprising: - a lid body which is detachably attached to the container body in order to selectively close the container cavity, wherein the lid body has a beverage opening and an outlet opening and the beverage opening and the outlet opening are connected to the container cavity; and - an additive dispensing device comprising an additive dispensing element that is detachably attached to the lid body, wherein the additive dispensing element comprises: • a main body with a storage cavity for storing a predetermined quantity of a beverage additive, wherein the storage cavity is connected to the container cavity; • an actuating element provided on the main body; • a punching element that is connected to the actuating element and extends into the storage cavity; and • an outlet membrane attached to the main body to normally prevent the beverage additive from being released into the container cavity, wherein the punching element is arranged in such a way that, when the actuating element is activated, it pierces the outlet membrane so that the beverage additive can be released from the storage cavity and disposed of in the container cavity.

[0010] The summary presented above serves only to introduce certain concepts and not to identify important or essential features of the claimed subject matter. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a lid according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective exploded view of the lid according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 4 is another perspective view of a lid of the beverage container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a cutaway side view of the lid of the beverage container according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 6 is a partially enlarged view of section A. Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is another partially enlarged view of section B from Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view of an additive outlet element of the lid according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the lid according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, illustrating that a stirring element is attached to a lid body. Fig. Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a stirring element of the lid according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] The following detailed description of the preferred embodiment represents the preferred way of implementing the invention. This description is not to be understood as limiting. It merely serves to illustrate the general principles of the present invention.

[0012] In the following descriptions, it should be noted that the terms "arrange" and "place" refer to the connection relationship in the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. For example, "arrange" and "place" may refer to an element that is directly or indirectly seated or arranged on another element. Therefore, the above terms do not represent an actual connection limitation of the elements of the present invention.

[0013] It is understood that the terms “center”, “length”, “width”, “thickness”, “top”, “bottom”, “front”, “back”, “left”, “right”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “upper”, “lower”, “inside”, and “outside” in the following description refer to the orientation or positioning relationship in the accompanying drawings, to facilitate understanding of the present invention without limiting its actual position or orientation. Therefore, the above terms do not represent an actual positional limitation of the elements of the present invention.

[0014] Furthermore, it should be noted that the terms "first", "second", "one", "a", and "a" in the following description refer to "at least one" or "one or more" in the embodiment. In particular, the term "one" may refer to "one" in one embodiment and to "more than one" in another. Therefore, the above terms do not represent an actual numerical limitation of the elements of the present invention.

[0015] The terms “install”, “connect”, “couple”, and “assemble” in the following description refer to the connection relationship in the accompanying drawings to facilitate understanding of the present invention. For example, the connection may refer to a permanent or detachable connection. Therefore, the above terms do not represent an actual limitation on the connection of the elements of the present invention.

[0016] In the Fig. Figures 1 to 10 of the drawings show a beverage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The beverage container consists of a container body 100 with a container cavity 101 and a lid 20 detachably attached to the container body 100. The beverage container serves to store a predetermined quantity of liquid, for example water, and can be transported portably.

[0017] The lid 20 can comprise a lid body 21 and an additive outlet device 30. The lid body 21 can be detachably attached to the container body 100 to selectively close the container cavity 101. The lid body 21 can have a beverage opening 22 and an outlet opening 23. Both the beverage opening 22 and the outlet opening 23 can communicate with the container cavity 101.

[0018] The additive outlet device 30 can comprise an additive outlet element 31, which is detachably attached to the cover body 21. The additive outlet element 31 can comprise a main body 32, an actuating element 33, which is operationally provided on the main body 32, at least one punching element 34, and an outlet membrane 35.

[0019] The main body 32 can have a storage cavity 321 for storing a predetermined quantity of beverage additive. The storage cavity 321 can be connected to the container cavity 101 via the outlet membrane 35.

[0020] The punching element 34 can be connected to the actuating element 33 and extend into the storage cavity 321.

[0021] The outlet membrane 35 can be attached to the main body 32 to normally prevent the beverage additive from being released into the container cavity 101.

[0022] When the actuating element 33 is actuated, the punching element 34 is driven to pierce the outlet membrane 35 so that the beverage additive can be released from the storage cavity 321 and disposed of in the container cavity 101.

[0023] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the beverage container can be used for storing liquids, for example, water. The lid 20 can be detachably attached to the container body 100 in order to selectively cover the container cavity 101. The container body 100 can be made of plastic or metal and have a substantially circular cross-section (or any other cross-sectional shape).

[0024] The lid body 21 can have a suitable cross-sectional shape to be detachably and appropriately attached to the container body 100. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1 of the drawings, the lid body 21 can have an upper cover plate 211 and an edge plate 212 extending peripherally and downwards from the upper cover plate 211. The edge plate 212 can be detachably connected to an upper edge section 102 of the container body 100, preferably by threads or other structures.

[0025] The beverage opening 22 and the outlet opening 23 can be positioned at a distance from each other on the upper cover plate 211. If the cover body 21 is detachably attached to the container body 100, the beverage opening 22 and the outlet opening 23 can communicate with the container cavity 101. Referring to Fig. In Figure 3 of the drawings, the lid 20 can also include a mouthpiece 24 provided on the lid body 21, wherein the beverage opening 22 can be formed on the mouthpiece 24. The mouthpiece 24 can be designed so that a user can place it in their mouth, allowing the beverage contained in the container cavity 101 to be dispensed through the beverage opening 22 and conveniently consumed by the user.

[0026] In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the mouthpiece 24 can form a conical structure and protrude from the upper cover plate 211 of the lid body 21. The lid 20 can further comprise a mouthpiece protection mechanism 5 for removable covering of the mouthpiece 24. More precisely, the mouthpiece protection mechanism 5 can comprise a connecting frame 51 and a mouthpiece cover 52 movably attached to the connecting frame 51. The connecting frame 51 can be pivotally connected to the lid body 21 in order to selectively and releasably connect the mouthpiece cover 52 to the mouthpiece 24. Thus, a user can pivot the connecting frame 51 to selectively cover the beverage opening 22. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 6 of the drawings, the mouthpiece cover 52 can be detachably connected to the mouthpiece 24 via several threads 55 which are formed on the mouthpiece cover 52 and the mouthpiece 24.

[0027] In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the connecting frame 51 can be configured to have a head section 511 with a through-hole 512 and a plurality of connecting legs 513 extending from the head section 511, wherein the mouthpiece cover 52 can be movably connected to the head section 511 and can pass through the through-hole 512.

[0028] The lid body 21 can form a support platform 213 and a pipe 214 projecting upwards from the support platform 213. The support platform 213 can extend from the upper cover plate 211 to form a raised structure relative to the upper cover plate 211, with the connecting legs 513 of the connecting frame 51 being pivotably connected to the support platform 213. The outlet opening 23 can be formed in the projecting pipe 214 to communicate with the container cavity 101 when the lid 20 is fitted on the container body 100, as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings are shown.

[0029] On the other hand, the additive outlet element 31 can be detachably connected to the outlet opening 23, so that the main body 32 can be selectively inserted into the projecting tube 214. The main body 32 of the additive outlet element 31 can be elongated and tubular and have an outer diameter corresponding to that of the outlet opening 23. Thus, the main body 32 can be selectively inserted into the projecting tube 214. A predetermined quantity of additive, such as vitamin powder, concentrated fruit juice, or other additives, can be stored in the storage cavity 321 of the main body 32. The main body 32 can project into the container cavity 101, so that when the outlet membrane 35 is punctured, the additives are released and mix with the beverage contained in the container cavity 101. The projecting tube 214 can have a threaded section 215 for connection to the actuating element 33.

[0030] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5 of the drawing, the actuating element 33 can be arranged above the main body 32 for actuating the punching element 34. The actuating element 33 can comprise a connecting cap 331, which is detachably connected to the projecting tube 214, and a push button 332 attached to the connecting cap 331. The connection between the connecting cap 331 and the projecting tube 214 can be threaded. The connecting cap 331 can have a connecting chamber 3311 and several connecting threads 3312 on the inside of the connecting chamber 3311, which are detachably connected to the threaded section 215 of the projecting tube 214. The inner diameter of the connecting cap 331 can be larger than the outer diameter of the projecting tube 214.

[0031] The push button 332 of the actuating element 33 can be located above the terminal cap 331, with the punching element 34 extending from the push button 332 to the outlet membrane 35 in the main body 32 of the additive outlet element 31. When a user presses the push button 332, it deforms slightly and moves the punching element 34 in the corresponding direction. The push button 332 can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, so that the user can comfortably apply force to the push button 332 to actuate the punching element 34 as described above. The push button 332 can be shaped and designed to have a slightly convex contour when viewed from the outside onto the protruding tube 214.

[0032] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the additive dispensing device 30 can comprise several (but at least one) punched elements 34 extending from the push button 332. Each of the punched elements 34 can be elongated and have an upper connecting section 341 connected to the push button 332, and a lower punched section 342 located above the dispensing membrane 35. Each of the punched elements 34 can have several teeth 3421 formed on the lower punched section 342. The lower punched sections 342 of the punched elements 34 can be integrally connected and form an annular punched tip 343.

[0033] It is worth noting that the teeth 3421 are arranged such that when the outlet membrane 35 is pierced by the punching elements 34, they pierce only those parts of the outlet membrane 35 that are in direct contact with the teeth 3421. Other parts of the outlet membrane 35 remain intact. This ensures that the outlet membrane 35 remains attached to the main body 32 of the additive outlet element 31 even after being cut by the teeth 3421. This prevents the outlet membrane 35 from detaching and falling into the container cavity 101. The outlet membrane 35 can be made of aluminum or another suitable material. It can be thin enough to allow effective piercing by the teeth 3421 of the punching elements 34.

[0034] Since the push button 332 can be made of elastic and deformable material, it can return to its original shape when a user stops applying pressure to the push button 332, thus moving the punching element 34 away from the outlet membrane 35. This prevents the punching element 34 from interrupting the outlet of the additive from the storage cavity 321.

[0035] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the lower stamping sections 342 of the stamping elements 34 can be integrally connected to form the annular stamping tip section 343, wherein the annular stamping tip section 343, due to its annular structure, can allow the outlet of the additives from the storage cavity 321 even when the stamping elements 34 do not return to their initial position.

[0036] With reference to Fig. 9 to Fig.In Figure 10 of the drawings, the additive dispensing device 30 can also include a stirring element 36, which is detachably attached to the lid body 21 and extends into the container cavity 101 to allow a user to thoroughly mix the additives with the beverage in the container cavity 101. In particular, when the lid 20 is attached to the container body 100, a user can detachably attach the additive dispensing element 31 to the lid body 21 through the dispensing opening 23 and release the additives into the container cavity 101. The additives can then be mixed with the beverage contained in the container cavity 101.

[0037] The user can then remove the additive outlet element 31 from the lid body 21 and attach the stirring element 36 to the lid body 21 through the outlet opening 23. The user can then shake the container body 100 and use the stirring element 36 to thoroughly mix the additives with the beverage.

[0038] In this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the stirring element 36 can have a connecting section 361, which is detachably connected to the projecting tube 214, and an elongated stirring section 362 extending from the connecting section 361. The elongated stirring section 362 can have several elongated slots 3621 to enable effective mixing of the liquid and the additives in the container cavity 101. The connecting section 361 can be detachably connected to the projecting tube 214 via threads. The elongated stirring section 362 can extend through the outlet opening 23 and the projecting tube 214 to reach the container cavity 101. A user can shake the beverage container to thoroughly mix the beverage with the additives released into the container cavity 101.

[0039] The functionality of the present invention is as follows: A user can take the beverage container described above with them when traveling. The container cavity 101 can contain a specific beverage, for example, water. The lid 20 can be attached to the container body 100. The user can select an additive outlet element 31 with an additive contained in the main body 32. For example, the additive in this case could be concentrated lemon juice. Optionally, the user can carry the stirring element 36 described above.

[0040] On the go, the user can simply remove the mouthpiece cover 52 from the mouthpiece 24 and enjoy the beverage in the container cavity 101 (e.g., water). If they wish to add a beverage additive, they simply press the push button 332, causing the punching element 34 to pierce the outlet membrane 35. This releases the additive (e.g., the concentrated lemon juice described above) from the main body 32 of the additive outlet element 31 into the container cavity 101, where it mixes with the beverage.

[0041] Optionally, the user can remove the additive outlet element 31 from the lid body 21 and attach the stirring element 36 to it. The user can then shake the container body 100 and thoroughly mix the additive with the beverage.

[0042] A person skilled in the art will recognize that several additive outlet elements 31 can be manufactured to accommodate different additives, so that the user can select one or more additive outlet elements 31 to carry with him or her.

[0043] The present invention is presented and described with reference to a preferred embodiment and several alternatives. However, it is not limited to the description contained herein. Additional alternative or equivalent components can also be used to implement the invention.

Claims

[1] Lid (20) for a beverage container with a container body (100) defining a container cavity (101), characterized by that he: - a lid body (21) that can be detachably attached to the beverage container in order to selectively close the container cavity (101), wherein the lid body (21) has a beverage opening (22) and an outlet opening (23), the beverage opening (22) and the outlet opening (23) being in contact with the container cavity (101); and - an additive outlet device (30) comprising an additive outlet element (31) which is detachably attached to the lid body (21), wherein the additive outlet element (31) comprises: • a main body (32) with a storage cavity (321) for storing a predetermined quantity of a beverage additive, wherein the storage cavity (321) is connected to the container cavity (101); • an actuating element (33) provided on the main body (32); • at least one punching element (34) connected to the actuating element (33) and extending into the storage cavity (321); and • an outlet membrane (35) attached to the main body (32) to normally prevent the beverage additive from being released into the container cavity (101); wherein the punching element (34) is arranged such that when the actuating element (33) is actuated, it pierces the outlet membrane (35) so that the beverage additive can be released from the storage cavity (321) and disposed of in the container cavity (101). [2] Lid (20) according to claim 1, wherein the lid body (21) has an upper cover plate (211) and an edge plate (212) which extends peripherally and downwards from the upper cover plate (211), wherein the beverage opening (22) and the outlet opening (23) are formed at a distance on the upper cover plate (211). [3] Lid (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the lid body (21) has a support platform (213) and a tube (214) projecting upwards from the support platform (213), wherein the outlet opening (23) is formed in the projecting tube (214) to communicate with the container cavity (101) when the lid (20) is mounted on a container body (100) of the beverage container, wherein the additive outlet element (31) is detachably connected to the outlet opening (23) so that the main body (32) can be selectively inserted into the projecting tube (214). [4] Cover (20) according to claim 3, wherein the actuating element (33) comprises a connecting cap (331) which is detachably connected to the protruding tube (214), and a push button (332) provided on the connecting cap (331), wherein the connection between the connecting cap (331) and the protruding tube (214) is made via threads and the push button (332) of the actuating element (33) is operationally provided on top of the connecting cap (331). [5] Lid (20) according to claim 4, wherein the punching element (34) extends from the push button (332) to the outlet membrane (35) in the main body (32) of the additive outlet element (31), such that the push button (332) deforms slightly when pressed down and the punching element (34) moves in a corresponding direction to pierce the outlet membrane (35). [6] Lid (20) according to claim 5, wherein the additive outlet device (30) further comprises a plurality of punching elements (34) extending from the push button (332), each of the punching elements (34) having an elongated shape and an upper connecting section (341) connected to the push button (332), and a lower punching section (342) provided on a top surface of the outlet membrane (35), each of the punching elements (34) having a plurality of teeth (3421) formed on the lower punching section (342). [7] Lid (20) according to claim 6, wherein the lower punching sections (342) of the punching elements (34) are integrally connected to form an annular punching tip section (343). [8] Lid (20) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the outlet membrane (35) is attached to the main body (32) of the additive outlet element (31) and the teeth (3421) are arranged such that the teeth (3421) pierce the outlet membrane (35) which are in direct contact with the teeth (3421), while at the same time the outlet membrane (35) remains attached to the main body (32) of the additive outlet element (31) when at least one of the punching elements (34) is driven to pierce the outlet membrane (35). [9] Lid (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the additive outlet device (30) further comprises a stirring element (36) which is detachably attached to the lid body (21) and extends into the container cavity (101) to enable a user to thoroughly mix the beverage additives with the beverage in the container cavity (101). [10] Lid (20) according to claim 9, wherein the stirring element (36) has a connecting section (361) which is detachably connected to the projecting tube (214), and an elongated stirring section (362) which extends from the connecting section (361), wherein the elongated stirring section (362) has a plurality of elongated slots (3621). [11] Beverage containers, characterized by that he - a container body (100) with a container cavity (101); and - comprising a lid (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 10; wherein the lid (20) is detachably attached to the container body (100).

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