Ingredient dispensing and drink-through device for beverage containers

Abstract

The beverage ingredient mixing and dispensing assembly may include an adapter configured to attach to a beverage container and a beverage ingredient receptacle having a piercing assembly configured to pierce a frangible seal of the beverage ingredient cartridge. The piercing assembly may pierce the seal and deliver a beverage ingredient in the cartridge into the beverage container for mixing with a liquid, thereby forming a mixed beverage. The beverage ingredient receptacle is removable. A plurality of different graspable beverage ingredient receptacles may be removably attached to the adapter. A retaining member may be disposed on an upper end of the beverage ingredient cartridge positioned within the beverage ingredient receptacle.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] [CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 246,644, filed September 21, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

[0002] The invention disclosed herein relates to a beverage mixing and dispensing device, such as a beverage container, that allows a user to inject ingredients into the beverage container, mix the ingredients, and drink the resulting beverage mixture. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, tens of thousands of beverage products are widely available to the general consumer. Most, if not all, of these beverages are manufactured by mixing dried or concentrated ingredients with water and distributing the mixture in plastic bottles to retail outlets.

[0004] Many retailers are typically unable to sell all of the various beverages and waters currently offered by beverage manufacturers. For example, the practical realities of the large amount of shelf space required to sell prepared liquid beverages effectively limit the number of different beverages that many retailers can offer for sale at one time. Thus, most retailers must select a subset of the many beverages that can be sold in their establishments.

[0005] Recently, beverage ingredient dispensing machines have become available. Such dispensing machines may include a reservoir containing dry beverage ingredients with a frangible foil that temporarily seals the dry beverage ingredients within the machine. Various devices are provided for puncturing the seal and mixing the beverage ingredients with a liquid for later consumption. In some such devices, the beverage ingredient cartridge is pierced at its bottom and top ends so that after the beverage ingredients are mixed with a liquid, such as water, a user can drink the mixed beverage at the mouthpiece of the beverage dispenser, with the mixed beverage flowing through the cartridge.

[0006] In other designs, a beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the cartridge chamber and a hole is drilled at its bottom end, and then a lid is closed over the top of the beverage ingredient cartridge. The beverage ingredients are then mixed with water to form a mixed beverage, which is then dispensed through a separate beverage spout located adjacent to the cartridge receptacle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0072473 [Patent Document 2] US Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0166239 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,242,773 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2011 / 098865 [Patent Document 5] US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0025466 [Patent Document 6] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0183146 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] At least one aspect of the invention disclosed herein includes the recognition that systems including beverage ingredient cartridges are more difficult to manufacture if the mixed beverage is ultimately dispensed through the cartridge, i.e., from the beverage container, up through the bottom end of the cartridge, and then out of the container through the top end of the cartridge. For example, such designs require the cartridge to be pierced at both ends and a drinking spout arrangement that can accommodate the fluid flowing through the cartridge. Furthermore, other designs such as those described above in which the cartridge receptacle is located adjacent to the spout require additional space at the top of the beverage container and therefore may require a larger top portion of the beverage container to accommodate both the receptacle and the drinking port. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] Thus, at least one aspect of the invention disclosed herein includes the realization that a beverage mixing assembly can include a cartridge receptacle and an opening that, in use, e.g., during consumption, allows a mixed beverage from the interior of the beverage container to flow upward around the cartridge receptacle and outward through the spout. In such a configuration, the spout can be positioned near, overlapping, or generally aligned with the cartridge receptacle, thus reducing the amount of space required above the assembly for the cartridge receptacle and spout. This can also further simplify the assembly, such that no additional seal is required to penetrate the tip of the cartridge and form a seal with the spout.

[0010] In one aspect, a beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit includes a liquid container, at least a first beverage ingredient cartridge, at least a second beverage ingredient cartridge, an adapter member, a lid member, and a retaining member. The liquid container can have a reservoir portion and an upper opening portion. The upper opening portion can include a male thread portion configured for threaded engagement. The at least first beverage ingredient cartridge can include a first cartridge housing with a closed first upper end, a first lower end with a first opening defining a first ingredient delivery passage, a first frangible seal member sealed over the ingredient delivery passage, and a first beverage ingredient contained within the first cartridge housing by the first frangible seal member. The at least second beverage ingredient cartridge may include a second cartridge housing with a closed second top end, a second bottom end with a second opening defining a second ingredient delivery passage, a second frangible seal member sealed over the second ingredient delivery passage, and a second beverage ingredient contained within the second cartridge housing by the second frangible seal member. The adapter may include a bottom end, a top mouth portion, a removable first beverage ingredient receptacle portion, a removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, and a mounting flange. The bottom end may include adapter internal threads configured to engage with a male threaded portion of the liquid container. The top mouth portion may include adapter external threads. The first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion may include a first receptacle wall portion sized to receive the first cartridge housing, a first upper end having a plurality of first posts extending from the first upper end, each post having a first hook portion, and a first piercing member configured to pierce the first frangible seal member when the first beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use.The second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion may include a second receptacle wall portion sized to receive the second cartridge housing, a second top end including a plurality of second posts extending from the second top end, each post having a second hook portion, and a second piercing member configured to pierce the second frangible seal member when the second beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use. The mounting flange may be configured to removably connect with the removable first and second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portions, the mounting flange including at least a plurality of locking openings configured to receive the first and second hook portions and at least a plurality of liquid flow paths configured to allow liquid to pass from the bottom end through the plurality of liquid flow paths and out the top opening. The lid member may be configured to engage the top opening of the adapter member. The retaining member may be disposed between the adapter member and the lid member and may be configured, in use, to retain a first cartridge in the first removable beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion and a second cartridge in the second removable beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion. The retaining member may include a perimeter, a cartridge blocking portion, and a fluid passage portion disposed between the perimeter and the cartridge blocking portion, the perimeter being sized to fit between and be secured in place by the adapter member and the lid member, the cartridge blocking portion having no opening large enough to allow either the first or second beverage ingredient cartridges to pass therethrough, and the fluid passage portion including one or more openings configured to allow a mixed beverage from a liquid container to pass therethrough.

[0011] Various embodiments of the various aspects can be implemented. In some embodiments, the lid member includes a ring member and a baby bottle nipple. In some embodiments, the lid member includes a closable spout. In some embodiments, the first beverage ingredient cartridge is sealed within a sterile wrapper, the sterile wrapper includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first top end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile wrapper, an outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile wrapper includes an indicia indicating a position of the first top end of the beverage ingredient cartridge, and the sterile wrapper includes a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile wrapper along a tear direction transverse to a longitudinal direction of the sterile wrapper.

[0012] In another aspect, a beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit includes a liquid container, a first beverage ingredient cartridge, an adapter member, and a lid member. The liquid container can include a reservoir portion and an upper opening portion, the upper opening portion including male threads configured for threaded engagement. The first beverage ingredient cartridge can include a first cartridge housing with a closed first upper end, a first lower end having a first opening defining a first ingredient delivery passage, a first frangible seal member sealed over the ingredient delivery passage, and a first beverage ingredient contained within the first cartridge housing by the first frangible seal member. The adapter member can include a lower end, an upper opening portion, a removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, and a mounting flange. The lower end can include adapter female threads configured to engage with the male threads of the liquid container. The upper opening portion can include adapter male threads. The first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion may include a first receptacle wall portion sized to receive the first cartridge housing and a first piercing member configured to pierce the first frangible seal member when, in use, the first beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion. The mounting flange may be configured to removably connect with the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion. The mounting flange may include at least a plurality of liquid flow paths configured to allow liquid to flow from the bottom end, through the plurality of liquid flow paths and out the top opening portion. The lid member is configured to engage the top opening portion of the adapter member.

[0013] Various embodiments of the various aspects can be implemented. In some embodiments, the lid member includes a ring member and a baby bottle nipple. In some embodiments, the lid member includes a closable spout. In some embodiments, the first beverage ingredient cartridge is sealed within the sterile packaging, the sterile packaging includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first top end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging, an outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging includes an indicator indicating a position of the first top end of the beverage ingredient cartridge, and the sterile packaging includes a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile packaging along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion having a second receptacle wall portion sized to receive the second cartridge housing, a second top end having a plurality of second posts extending from the second top end, each post having a second hook portion, and a second piercing member configured to pierce the second frangible seal member when the second beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a second beverage ingredient cartridge having a second cartridge housing with a closed second top end, a second bottom end with a second opening defining a second ingredient delivery passageway, a second frangible seal member sealed over the second ingredient delivery passageway, and a second beverage ingredient contained within the second cartridge housing by the second frangible seal member. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes a retaining member disposed between the adapter member and the lid member and configured to retain the first cartridge in the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion during use.The retention member includes a perimeter, a cartridge blocking portion, and a fluid passage portion disposed between the perimeter and the cartridge blocking portion, the perimeter being sized to fit between and be secured in place by the adapter member and the lid member, the cartridge blocking portion having no opening large enough for the first beverage ingredient cartridge to pass therethrough, and the fluid passage portion having one or more openings configured to allow the mixed beverage from the liquid container to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion includes a first top end having a plurality of first posts extending therefrom, each post having a first hook portion, and the mounting flange includes at least a plurality of locking openings configured to receive each of the first hook portions.

[0014] In another aspect, a beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus includes an adapter member and a lid member. The adapter member includes a bottom end, an upper opening, a beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, and at least a first liquid flow path. The bottom end is configured to engage a liquid container. The beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion includes a first receptacle wall portion sized to receive a beverage ingredient cartridge and a first piercing member configured to pierce a frangible seal on the beverage ingredient cartridge when the beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use. The first liquid flow path is configured to allow liquid to flow from the bottom end through the first liquid flow path and out the upper opening. The lid member is configured to engage the upper opening of the adapter member.

[0015] Various embodiments of the various aspects can be implemented. In some embodiments, the lid member includes a ring member and a baby bottle nipple. In some embodiments, the lid member includes a closable spout. In some embodiments, the device further includes a beverage ingredient cartridge sealed within the sterile packaging, the sterile packaging includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first top end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging, an outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging includes an indicator indicating a position of the first top end of the beverage ingredient cartridge, and the sterile packaging includes a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile packaging along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging. In some embodiments, the device further includes a removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion having a second receptacle wall portion sized to receive the second cartridge housing, a second top end having a plurality of second posts extending therefrom, each post having a second hook portion, and a second piercing member configured to pierce the second frangible seal member when the second beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use. In some embodiments, the device further includes a second beverage ingredient cartridge having a second cartridge housing with a closed second top end, a second bottom end with a second opening defining a second ingredient delivery passageway, a second frangible seal member sealed over the second ingredient delivery passageway, and a second beverage ingredient contained within the second cartridge housing by the second frangible seal member.In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a retaining member disposed between the adapter member and the lid member and configured to retain the beverage ingredient cartridge in the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use, the retaining member comprising a periphery, a cartridge blocking portion and a fluid passage portion disposed between the periphery and the cartridge blocking portion, the periphery being sized to fit between the adapter member and the lid member and be secured in place by the adapter member and the lid member, the cartridge blocking portion not having an opening large enough for the beverage ingredient cartridge to pass therethrough, and the fluid passage portion comprising one or more openings configured to allow the mixed beverage from the liquid container to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprises a top end having a plurality of posts extending therefrom, each post having a hook portion, and the adapter member comprises at least a plurality of locking openings configured to receive a respective hook portion. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a liquid container having a reservoir portion and a mouth portion, the mouth portion having an external threaded portion configured for threaded engagement, a first cartridge housing having a closed first upper end, a first lower end having a first opening defining a first ingredient delivery passage, a first frangible seal member sealed over the ingredient delivery passage, and a first beverage ingredient contained within the first cartridge housing by the first frangible seal member. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion is removably attached to the adapter member. In some embodiments, the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion has a receptacle central axis offset from the adapter central axis. In some embodiments, the device further comprises a mounting flange supporting the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the first liquid flow passage being formed within the mounting flange and being generally half-moon shaped. In some embodiments, in use, a portion of an outer surface of a beverage ingredient cartridge positioned within the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion is exposed to fluid flowing through the first liquid flow path.

[0016] In another aspect, a beverage ingredient cartridge assembly includes a beverage ingredient cartridge and a sterile packaging material. The beverage ingredient cartridge includes a cartridge housing having a closed top end, a bottom end having an opening defining an ingredient delivery passage, and a frangible seal member sealed over the ingredient delivery passage, and includes a beverage ingredient contained within the cartridge housing by the frangible seal member. The sterile packaging material encloses the beverage ingredient cartridge. The sterile packaging material includes a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the top end of the beverage ingredient cartridge being positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material, and the sterile packaging material includes a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing the sterile packaging material along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging material.

[0017] Various embodiments of the various aspects can be implemented. In some embodiments, an exterior surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material includes an indicia that indicates the location of the top end of the beverage ingredient cartridge.

[0018] In another aspect, a method of mixing a beverage includes attaching an adapter member to the liquid container, the adapter member including a lower end configured to engage the liquid container, and attaching a removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle to the liquid container, the first receptacle wall including a first receptacle wall sized to receive a first beverage ingredient cartridge.

[0019] Various embodiments of the various aspects can be implemented. In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting a first beverage ingredient cartridge into a removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle, piercing a sealed end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge, delivering the first beverage ingredient from the first beverage ingredient cartridge into a liquid container, and mixing the first beverage ingredient with a predetermined amount of liquid in the liquid container. In some embodiments, the method further includes removing the first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle from the adapter member and attaching a second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle to the adapter member, the second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle including a second receptacle wall sized to receive a second beverage ingredient cartridge larger than the first beverage ingredient cartridge. In some embodiments, the method further includes inserting a second beverage ingredient cartridge into the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle, piercing a sealed end of the second beverage ingredient cartridge, delivering the second beverage ingredient from the second beverage ingredient cartridge into a liquid container, and mixing the second beverage ingredient with another amount of liquid in the liquid container.

[0020] In another aspect, a method of mixing a beverage includes gripping a first portion of a first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging and a first end of a first beverage ingredient cartridge enclosed within the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging, gripping a second portion of the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging, and during the gripping step, tearing the second portion of the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging from the first portion of the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging to expose the second end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge, inserting the first beverage ingredient cartridge into a first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle connected to a liquid container, and dispensing a first ingredient of the first beverage ingredient cartridge into the liquid container.

[0021] Although certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the embodiments of the invention are described herein, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, the invention disclosed herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or selects one advantage or group of advantages taught herein, without necessarily achieving other advantages that may be taught or suggested herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of the beverage mixer within the dispensing assembly shown in an exploded view with the lid removed. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a side view of a further exploded view of the beverage mixing and drinking device, showing the beverage container, cartridge receptacle adapter, cartridge and lid in exploded view. [Figure 2B] 2B is a top view and a side view of a variation of the lid shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 2C is a top view and a side view of the lid shown in FIG. 2B. [Diagram 3] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional partially exploded view of the assembly of FIG. 1, including the top end of the container and the cartridge receptacle adapter shown in exploded condition. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the top end of the container and adapter of FIG. 3 shown connected. [Diagram 5] FIG. 3 is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 3 is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the adapter of FIG. 5. [Figure 8] 6 is a partially exploded and cross-sectional side view of the adapter of FIG. 5 and the cartridge of FIG. 2 , the cartridge being positioned immediately prior to insertion into a cartridge receptacle. [Figure 9] 9 is a side view and a cross-sectional view of the adapter and cartridge of FIG. 8 with the cartridge inserted until the bottom end of the cartridge contacts the piercing assembly. [Figure 10] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter and cartridge of FIG. 8 with the cartridge fully inserted into the cartridge receptacle. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage container, an adapter and a cartridge. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a modification of the adapter and cartridge receptacle assembly of FIG. 1. [Figure 13A] FIG. 13 is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 12. [Figure 13B] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the retainer member shown in FIG. 13A. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is an exploded side view of the adapter and cartridge of FIG. 12. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the adapter and cartridge of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the adapter and cartridge of FIG. 14 in an exploded state. [Figure 17] 17 is a side and cross-sectional view of the cartridge and adapter of FIG. 16 with the cartridge partially inserted. [Figure 18] 13 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 12 with the cartridge fully inserted into the cartridge receptacle, the retaining member positioned over the cartridge, and the top of the bottle positioned to be attached to the adapter. [Figure 19] 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 18 with the top of the baby bottle engaged with the adapter and inverted to show the position during consumption of the mixed beverage therein. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a modified example of the adapter of FIGS. 12 to 19. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a top view of the adapter of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a side cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 20. [Diagram 23] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a modification of the adapter of FIG. 20 as viewed from above. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the adapter of FIG. 23. [Diagram 25] FIG. 24 is a side view of the adapter of FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of the adapter of FIG. 23. [Figure 27] FIG. 24 is a top view of a removable cartridge receptacle configured to engage with the adapter of FIG. 23. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a bottom view of the cartridge receptacle of FIG. 27. [Figure 29] FIG. 28 is a side view of the cartridge receptacle of FIG. 27. [Diagram 30] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the cartridge receptacle of FIG. 27. [Diagram 31] FIG. 28 is a side cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 27. [Diagram 32] FIG. 28 is a top view of a modification of the receptacle of FIG. 27. [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 is a bottom view of the receptacle of FIG. 32. [Diagram 34] FIG. 33 is a side view of the receptacle of FIG. 32. [Diagram 35] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the receptacle of FIG. 32. [Diagram 36] FIG. 33 is a side cross-sectional view of the receptacle of FIG. 32. [Figure 37] 36. FIG. 37 is an exploded view showing an optional configuration of the adapter of FIG. 23 equipped with the receptacle of FIGS. 27-31 and the receptacle of FIGS. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a cartridge in a sealed frangible packaging being grasped by a user. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a schematic side view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 with the wrapper torn. [Diagram 40] FIG. 39 is a schematic side view of the cartridge of FIG. 38 with one end gripped by a user and half of the packaging material removed. [Diagram 41] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a cartridge in a modified, sealed frangible packaging being grasped by a user. [Diagram 42] FIG. 42 is a schematic side view of the cartridge of FIG. 41 with the wrapper torn. [Diagram 43]FIG. 42 is a schematic side view of the cartridge of FIG. 41 with one end grasped by a user and half of the packaging material removed. [Diagram 44] 1 is a schematic side view of a cartridge in another improved sealed frangible packaging being held by a user; FIG. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 is a schematic side view of the cartridge of FIG. 44 with the wrapper torn. [Figure 46] FIG. 45 is a schematic side view of the cartridge of FIG. 44 with one end grasped by a user and half of the wrapper removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings, in which reference numbers are reused throughout to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. The drawings are provided to illustrate embodiments of the invention described herein, but not to limit the scope thereof.

[0024] The inventions disclosed herein are described in the context of beverage ingredient mixing and dispensing assemblies that can be used to mix beverage ingredients with other liquids, such as water, and to dispense the mixed beverage through, for example, a spout, because they have particular utility in this context, however, the inventions disclosed herein can be used in other contexts as well, including, but not limited to, dispensers for other types of ingredients and liquids for attachment to other types of devices, other food and beverage related contexts, pharmaceutical mixing and / or delivery devices, and other contexts.

[0025] 1-11 show a first embodiment of a beverage mixing and dispensing assembly 100. FIGS. 12-40 show modified and further embodiments of the assembly 100. The embodiments of FIGS. 12-40 are generally identified by reference numerals 200, 300, 400, 500. Various parts, components, and features of the embodiments of FIGS. 1-40 are identified using the same units and tens digits of reference numerals used to identify the same or similar parts, components, and features of other embodiments, with the hundreds digits (e.g., 100, 200, 300, 400, 500) corresponding to the subject embodiment. Thus, for the sake of brevity, the description of the same or similar components in the various embodiments will not be repeated for each of those embodiments. Thus, the following description of any component, feature, or portion with respect to one embodiment applies to the commonly numbered component, feature, or portion of the other embodiments, unless such description is omitted or a different or supplementary description is provided for this embodiment.

[0026] Optionally, at least some of the embodiments disclosed herein can be configured for use with a primary container, such as a beverage container. In some circumstances, such a primary container can be a commercially available beverage or water bottle. It has been found that a significant portion of commercially available beverage bottles, particularly water bottles, have openings that fall within a well-defined range of sizes. This includes disposable water bottles commonly sold at convenience stores, as well as reusable and refillable water bottles with various types of lids.

[0027] With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the beverage mixing and dispensing assembly 100 includes a reusable beverage bottle 102, an adapter 110, and a lid 170.

[0028] The bottle 102 may be any type and size of water bottle, such as refillable water bottles that are commonly available in a variety of different sizes, including specialized beverage bottles, such as bottles designed for infant formula. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottle 102 includes an upper neck portion 104, a sealing flange 106, and a threaded mouth 108 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the threaded mouth may have a diameter of approximately 60 millimeters with male threads. However, this is just one example of a diameter that may be used, as other diameters may be used.

[0029] 3 and 4, the adapter 110 includes a lower portion 112 configured to mate with the threaded mouth 108 of the bottle. For example, the lower portion 112 of the adapter 110 can include a lower outer wall portion 114 having internal threads 116 configured to mate with the external threads 109 of the threaded mouth 108.

[0030] The top portion 120 of the adapter 110 may include an upper outer wall 122 having external threads 124 configured to engage corresponding threads in the lid 170 .

[0031] Additionally, the adapter 110 may include a cartridge receptacle portion 130 configured to receive a beverage ingredient cartridge, such as cartridge 160 (FIG. 2). For example, the cartridge receptacle portion 130 may include a sidewall 132 having a shape generally complementary to an exterior or overall shape of the cartridge 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the wall 132 is cylindrical, although other shapes may be used. The wall 132 may have an upper end 134 having an inner diameter sufficient to receive the cartridge 160. Optionally, the upper end 134 of the wall 132 may include a ridge 136 configured to engage a corresponding feature of the cartridge 160, thereby providing tactile feedback during insertion and / or snap-fit ​​engagement of the cartridge 160 with the receptacle portion 130. Additionally, a lower portion 133 of the wall 132 may include a cartridge penetration assembly 138.

[0032] The cartridge piercing assembly 138 can be configured to pierce a frangible seal of an ingredient cartridge, such as ingredient cartridge 160. The piercing assembly 138 can be configured in many different ways, as many different configurations are known to perform such a function. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,399,633 includes a variety of different designs for piercing ingredient cartridges, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the penetration assembly 138 includes a central penetration boss 140, which may optionally include a sharpened point 141. The sharpened point 141 may be optionally provided to enhance the piercing action of the penetration boss 140 when a cartridge (e.g., cartridge 160) is pressed against the penetration boss 140.

[0034] If desired, the penetration boss 140 can be supported in a position generally aligned or precisely aligned with a central axis 142 of the penetration assembly 138, for example, a central axis 142 of the cylindrical wall 132 (FIG. 4).

[0035] The through boss 140 may be supported by a number of posts 143. The through assembly 138 may include any number of posts 143. In the illustrated embodiment, the through boss 140 is supported by four posts 143. Other numbers of posts may also be used.

[0036] The posts 143 may be evenly or unevenly spaced in a generally circular arrangement. In the arrangement shown, the posts 143 are arranged in a conical arrangement having upper ends 144 spaced closely together about the through boss 140 and lower ends 145 spaced farther apart than the upper ends 144. Optionally, the lower ends 145 of the posts 143 may be attached directly to the lower portion 133 of the cylindrical wall 132.

[0037] In the illustrated embodiment, the penetration assembly 138 includes a lower collar portion 146 to which a lower end 145 of the post 143 is attached. The collar portion 146 may be attached such that an outer surface of the collar 146 is spaced inwardly from an inner surface of the cylindrical wall 132. In some embodiments, a spacing 147 between the outer surface of the collar 146 and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 132 is greater than a wall thickness of the cartridge 160 (described in more detail below).

[0038] In this manner, the spacing 147 can accommodate nesting of the bottom end of the ingredient cartridge 160 around the collar 146. This optional feature has optional additional benefits. For example, the collar 146 can provide further opening of the foil after the cartridge 160 is pressed downwardly onto the piercing assembly 138, thereby piercing a frangible seal on the bottom end of the cartridge 160, thereby facilitating mixing of ingredients disposed within the cartridge 160, as described in more detail below with reference to Figures 8-10.

[0039] 5 and 7, the central axis 142 of the piercing assembly 138 can be offset from the central axis 121 of the adapter 110. Thus, like the embodiment of Figures 1-11, the piercing assembly and cylindrical wall 132 can be offset from the center of the adapter 110, and thus the bottle 102, but they can still overlap.

[0040] Optionally, the piercing assembly 138 may be secured to or adjacent to the inner sidewall of the adapter 110. For example, the adapter 110 may optionally include an inner collar 111 that may be dimensioned to extend into the mouth 108 of the bottle 102. If desired, the piercing assembly 138 may be attached directly to the collar 111. Additionally, in other embodiments, the adapter 110 may include a mounting flange 148 that supports the piercing assembly 138 at a desired location. In some embodiments, the mounting flange 148 extends from the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall 132 to the inner collar 111. The flange 148 may extend completely or only partially around the entire inner collar 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting flange 148 extends approximately 180° around the cylindrical sidewall 132, but may extend less than 180° around the inner collar 111. This configuration leaves a fluid passageway 149 disposed between the inner surface of the inner collar 111 and the outer surface of the cylindrical sidewall 132. Thus, liquid, such as a mixed drink, within the bottle 102 can be delivered through the passageway 149 and out through the top portion 120 of the adapter 110 .

[0041] 2 and 8-10, ingredient cartridge 160 may include a top end 161, a side wall 162, a bottom opening 163, and a frangible wall 164. Beverage ingredients 165 may be disposed within cartridge 160. For example, beverage ingredients 165 may be in the form of powdered dry ingredients designed to be mixed with water or other liquid that may be contained within bottle 100. In some embodiments, beverage ingredients 165 may be in the form of a powder designed to produce an energy drink, hydration drink, pre-workout drink, meal replacement, infant formula, or other beverage when mixed with water or other liquid.

[0042] The side wall 162 of the cartridge 160 may be in the form of a cylindrical plastic wall member configured to, together with the top 161 and the frangible seal assembly 164, form an internal reservoir for containing a beverage ingredient 165. In some embodiments, the wall 161 and the cylindrical side wall 162 may be formed from a single molding of food grade plastic.

[0043] The seal assembly 164 may be in the form of a frangible membrane or layer sealed to the opening 163. The seal 164 may be in the form of a plastic or foil layer that is designed to be durable for shipping and handling purposes, but also designed to be pierceable by a piercing assembly, such as the piercing assembly 138 described above. These types of pierceable or frangible materials are well known in the art. In some embodiments, the frangible seal member 164 is designed to be strong enough to resist or prevent rupture during handling and shipping, as described above, but frangible enough to be pierceable by the piercing boss 140 when the seal 164 contacts the piercing boss 140 with a force that is easily achievable by a user's hand.

[0044] Additionally, in some embodiments, the cartridge 160 may include one or more ridges 166, 167. If desired, the ridges 166, 167 may be configured to provide tactile feedback such that the ridges 166, 167 pass over the ridges 136 on the inside of the sidewall 132 when the cartridge 160 is inserted into the penetration assembly 138. For example, the outer diameter of the ridges 166, 167 may be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the ridges 136. In some embodiments, the material used for the adapter 110 is formed to be harder and / or more rigid than the material or configuration used to form the cartridge 160 and the ridges 166, 167. Thus, during insertion of the cartridge 160 from the position shown in FIG. 8 to the position shown in FIG. 9, the ridges 166 may be elastically deformed inwardly by a small amount, thereby providing tactile feedback to the user during insertion.

[0045] 9, optionally ridge 166 and ridge 136 are positioned such that when cartridge 160 is inserted into piercing assembly 138, ridge 166 passes ridge 136 near the point where frangible seal 164 first contacts piercing boss 140. This can optionally provide feedback to a user to indicate that seal 164 has contacted piercing boss 140 and / or that seal 164 has been pierced. As shown in FIG. 9, a small piece of torn seal 168 is formed before piercing boss 140 enters and pierces seal 164.

[0046] 10, the cartridge 160 is fully inserted into the piercing assembly 138 such that the ridge 167 passes over the ridge 136. If desired, the ridge 167 and the ridge 136 can be positioned such that the ridge 167 passes over the ridge 136 when the cartridge 160 is fully inserted into the piercing assembly 138. As shown in FIG. 10, the lower end of the lower opening 163 of the cartridge 160 is inserted over the collar 146 of the piercing assembly 138. In this position, the collar 146 pushes outwardly, in the direction of the arrow 169, the torn portion of the seal 168 which can aid in the delivery of the beverage ingredient 165. Thus, in use, the beverage ingredient 165 is delivered into the bottle 102 and thus mixed with any liquid that may be present in the bottle 102 to form a mixed beverage. During use, a portion of the beverage ingredient 165 may be captured by a piece of the torn seal 168.

[0047] 10 , a user can attach the lid 170 to the top 120 of the adapter 110 and then shake the entire bottle 102 to entrain the beverage ingredients 165 into the liquid within the bottle 102 and help flush any remaining ingredients 165 out of the cartridge 160. After shaking the bottle 102, the user can remove the lid 170 and tilt the bottle 102 to dispense the mixed beverage from the bottle 102 in the direction of arrow 171. In such a configuration, the mixed beverage can contact a portion of the exterior surface of the cartridge 160.

[0048] In some embodiments, the lid 170 can be a solid member having internal threads (not shown) configured to threadably mate with the external threads 124 on the adapter 110. In other embodiments, the lid 170 can be in the form of a feeding nipple for a baby bottle. Additionally, the lid 170 can include other drink-through spouts, such as a chug nozzle, a hinged nozzle, a straw, or other types of drinking nozzles or ports.

[0049] 1-11, by positioning the piercing assembly 138 offset from the central axis 121 of the adapter 110, the opening 149 can have a larger cross-sectional dimension, thereby providing a larger, less interrupted flow of mixed beverage from the bottle 102. In some embodiments, the shape of the flow passage 149 is generally half-moon shaped, which more closely matches the natural cross-sectional shape of the liquid flow poured from a circular opening. On the other hand, if the piercing assembly 138 were centrally located along the axis 121 of the adapter 110, the remaining area or passage around the piercing assembly 138 would have a narrower cross-sectional dimension, thus resulting in a smaller cross-sectional dimension of the liquid flow poured from the bottle 102.

[0050] 12-19 illustrate a variation of a beverage mixing and dispensing assembly 100, generally identified by the reference numeral 200. As noted above, the various parts, components, and features of assembly 200 that are the same as or similar to assembly 100 are identified by the same reference numerals, except with the addition of "100."

[0051] 13A and 14, the adapter 210 is configured with a cartridge piercing assembly 238 positioned such that the central axis 242 of the piercing assembly 238 is aligned with the central axis 221 of the adapter 210. Thus, as shown in FIG. 15, the sidewall 232 is supported within the adapter 210 by a number of support posts 248a. This configuration provides a number of posts 248a and a number of passages 249a, the passages 249a being disposed between the posts 248a, the exterior surface of the sidewall 238, and the interior of the adapter 210. In the illustrated embodiment, the posts 248a and passages 249a are equally spaced around the piercing assembly 238; however, other arrangements may be used.

[0052] 13B, the assembly 200 may optionally include a retaining plate 272. The retaining plate 272 may be in the form of a disk member having a peripheral edge 274, a central shielding portion 275, and a number of posts 276 extending from the peripheral member 274 to the central shielding portion 275. Spaces between the posts 276 form passages 277 through the retaining member 272. The shielding portion 275 may be configured to contact the cartridge 260 to shield the cartridge 260 from movement from the cartridge receptacle 230. In some embodiments, the shielding portion 275 may be solid or perforated, provided that there is no passage or opening in the shielding portion 275 large enough to allow the cartridge 260 to pass through the shielding portion 275. Other configurations may be used.

[0053] As mentioned above, in use, the retention member 272 can be used to help retain the cartridge 260 within the piercing assembly 238. In this manner, the cartridge 260 is less likely to become dislodged from the piercing assembly 238 which could interfere with the delivery of the mixed beverage from the bottle 102 through the lid assembly 270.

[0054] In the illustrated embodiment, the lid assembly 270 is in the form of a lid for a baby bottle. As such, the lid assembly 270 includes a ring portion 280 and a flexible nipple portion 282.

[0055] 18, the ring portion 280 includes an upper flange member 281 which cooperates with a lower flange portion 283 of the flexible nipple portion 282. Thus, when assembled, the flange portion 281 opposes the flange portion 283, thus holding the flexible nipple portion 282 in place during use.

[0056] The retaining member 272 is sized to fit within the inner diameter of the ring portion 280 such that, in use, when the ring portion 280 is threaded onto the top portion 220 of the adapter 210, the retaining member 272 is captured between the flange portion 283 and the upper end of the mouth portion 220 (see FIG. 19).

[0057] Thus, in use, referring to Figures 16-19, the user can insert the cartridge 260 into the penetration assembly 238. As shown in Figure 17, after the ridge 266 passes the ridge 236, the frangible seal 264 comes into contact with the penetration boss 240, and thus a small piece of torn seal 268 is created by the penetration boss 240. The user can continue to press the cartridge 260 downwards, and as shown in Figure 18, the ridge 267 passes the ridge 236 when the cartridge 260 is fully seated within the penetration 238. In this position, the frangible seal has been torn as far as possible in this configuration by the penetration boss 240 and the post 243.

[0058] With the cartridge 260 in this position, the retaining plate 272 may be placed on top of the cartridge 260, as shown in FIG. 18. The ring 280 may then be screwed onto the top 220 of the adapter 210 (FIG. 19). Once the frangible seal 264 is pierced, the beverage ingredients 265 may fall through the pierced portion of the frangible seal 264 and into an attached bottle (not shown). Additionally, as is common when using formula in a baby bottle, a user may place a finger on top of the nipple portion 282 and shake the bottle with the adapter 220 attached to mix the beverage ingredients 265 and mix the desired baby formula. In use, the bottle (not shown) and adapter 210 are inverted to allow the mixed formula to flow through the passages 148a and 277 of the adapter 210 and out through the tip of the nipple portion 282.

[0059] In this configuration, even if the central axis 242 of the cartridge receptacle 230 and the central axis 221 of the adapter 210 are aligned (FIG. 14), the mixed beverage can flow from the bottle (not shown), around the cartridge receptacle 230 and cartridge 260, and out through the spout or nipple portion 282. Additionally, the retention plate 272 could allow the cartridge 260 to fall downward (as shown in FIG. 19) and prevent ingestion by a user, such as an infant or small child.

[0060] 20-22 show a variation of an adapter 210 , generally identified by the reference numeral 310 .

[0061] In this variation, the post 248a includes a tapered upper edge 248b that assists in breaking up and mixing the powdered ingredient 265, which in some applications may be infant formula.

[0062] 22, the adapter 310 can optionally include a mixer agitator 248c. In some embodiments, the mixer agitator 248c is in the form of a circular or conical stud that projects downwardly from the bottom surface of the post 248a. Other configurations can also be used.

[0063] In such a configuration, the tapered edge 248b and / or mixer agitator 248c can help further break up the dry beverage ingredients 265 that may form lumps during mixing.

[0064] 23-37 show another variation of the assembly 100, generally identified by the reference numeral 400 (FIG. 37).

[0065] The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly 400 of the present embodiment can include an interchangeable cartridge receptacle that can optionally be used to accommodate cartridges of different sizes, although other advantages and uses can also be achieved.

[0066] 23-26, the adapter 410 can include a mounting flange 448 extending inwardly from an inner surface of the adapter 410. The mounting flange can include a plurality of beverage passages 449, one or more piercing assembly mounting openings 448d, and a central receiving opening 448e. Further, with reference to FIG. 24, a locking recess 448f can be disposed adjacent each locking passage 448d. As described above with reference to the adapter 110, the adapter 410 can include an upper portion 420 having male threads (not shown) and a lower portion 412 having female threads (not shown).

[0067] 27-31 show the removable first receptacle portion 430. In the illustrated embodiment, the first receptacle portion 430 includes a sidewall 432 having a bottom end 433 and a penetration assembly 438. Additionally, the removable first receptacle portion 430 includes a top end having a plurality of support struts 454 extending outwardly therefrom and configured to engage locking receptacles 448d. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the support struts 454 includes a locking hook 455 with a locking rib 456. The locking hooks 455 are disposed near a distal end of the struts 454 and are sized to penetrate the locking receptacle 448d (FIG. 23). Side wall 432 of removable receptacle portion 430 can be sized to receive a first size cartridge, such as cartridge 460 (FIG. 37), which can include ridges 467 and 466 configured to interact with ridge 436.

[0068] The locking ribs 456 are configured to snap-engage with the locking recesses 448f (FIG. 24). Thus, the removable receptacle 430 may be inserted with the bottom end 433 inserted into the opening 448e (FIG. 23). The locking hooks 455 may then be aligned with the locking openings 448d and the receptacle 430 may be pushed until the posts 454 reach the top surface of the support flange 448. The receptacle 430 may then be rotated (in a clockwise direction as shown in FIGS. 23 and 27) until the locking ridges 456 engage with the locking recesses 448f. In this manner, the receptacle 430 may be held securely in place on the flange 448 for use.

[0069] 32-36 illustrate a variation of the removable cartridge receptacle 430 , generally identified by the reference numeral 530 .

[0070] Receptacle 530 can be configured to receive another cartridge, for example, cartridge 560 (FIG. 37), which is larger than cartridge 460.

[0071] For example, to receive a cartridge 560 having a larger outer diameter than cartridge 460, side wall 532 of receptacle 530 can have a larger inner diameter. In this configuration, support post 554 can include locking hook 456 that is generally shorter but is the same size and mounted in the same position as locking hook 556 for engaging locking recess 448f, as described above. Similarly, receptacle 530 can include piercing assembly 538 and ridges 536 configured to interact with ridges 566 and 567 on cartridge 560.

[0072] Optionally, beverage mixing and dispensing assembly 400 may include both lid assemblies 470 and 170, retaining plate 472, removable receptacle members 530 and 430 for use with various sized cartridges, such as cartridges 460 and 560, and adapter 410. As mentioned above, lid 170 may include various other drink-through devices, such as a chug nozzle, drink-through valve, flip-up nozzle, straw, etc. (not shown). Retaining plate 472 may optionally be used with either lid 170 or lid assembly 470.

[0073] With reference to Figures 38-40, any of the cartridges described above at 160, 260, 460, 560 can be packaged in a sterile manner using a sterilized and sealed packaging material 700. The packaging material can be made of a material that is frangible and can be torn without the need for tools, for example, using only the user's hands. For example, the packaging material 700 can be large enough to completely encase any cartridge placed therein in a sealed and sterile manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the packaging material 700 is formed of a tubular sheet material extending along a longitudinal axis 710. The cartridge 160 is inserted into the tubular material and then sealed, for example, but not limited to, at a first end 701 and a second end 703 by heat sealing.

[0074] The wrapping material 700 may also include a notch 702 or other feature for preferential tearing. Thus, a user may grasp the wrapping material 700 and the cartridge therein from one end of the wrapping material 700, for example, by pinching it between fingers 704, 706. Optionally, the wrapping material 700 may include an indicator 708 that indicates which end of the wrapping material 700 corresponds to the top 161 of the cartridge 160. Once the user's fingers 704, 706 have grasped the top 161 of the cartridge 160, the user may use the other hand to tear the wrapping material 700 starting at the notch 702.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 39, the wrapper 700 is torn and, as shown in FIG. 40, the torn piece of wrapper 700 is removed, exposing the bottom end 163 of the cartridge 160. A user can insert the bottom end 163 of the cartridge into the adapter 110 while still grasping the wrapper 700 and the remaining portion of the cartridge 160, thereby reducing the possibility of contamination of the outer surface of the cartridge 160 during use. This is particularly advantageous in the above-described design since the mixed beverage flows over and around and contacts the outer surface of the cartridge 160 during use. In this way, it allows a user to carry one or more cartridges 160 in a sterile condition and then remove the sterile packaging without having to touch the outer surface of the cartridge 160, thereby reducing the possibility of contamination. Some users may find this particularly advantageous for mixing beverages such as infant formula.

[0076] 41-43 show a variation of the packaging material 700, generally identified by reference numeral 800. In this embodiment, a notch 802 is formed on the first end 801. Thus, in use, a user can hold the cartridge 160 using the user's fingers 704, 706 in one hand, then grab a portion of the first end 801 with the user's other fingers 705 and tear the packaging material 800 longitudinally, as shown in FIG. 42. The user can then continue to pull the packaging material around the sealed end of the cartridge 160, so that the sealed end of the cartridge 160 can be inserted into a receptacle, such as the receptacle 130 (FIG. 3), while the user is gripping the cartridge 160 with a portion of the packaging material 800, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the cartridge 160.

[0077] Figures 44-46 show yet another variation of the packaging 700, generally identified by reference numeral 900. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis 910 of the tubular material forming the packaging 900 extends vertically (as seen in Figure 44) and across the longitudinal axis of the cartridge 160. An indicator 908 indicates to the user on which side of the packaging 900 the upper end of the cartridge 160 is positioned.

[0078] In this embodiment, the cartridge may be placed inside a tubular material forming the packaging 900, and the first and second ends 901, 903 may be heat sealed to accommodate the cartridge 160 within the packaging 900. Additionally, a notch 902 may be provided along the first end 901. This is advantageous in that there is manufacturing convenience in providing the notch 902 in one of the heat sealed ends 901, 903.

[0079] In use, a user can grasp the top end of cartridge 160 with fingers 704, 706, then grasp the portion of wrapping material 900 adjacent the sealed end of cartridge 160 with fingers 705, and then tear wrapping material 900 using notch 902 as a starting point. As shown in FIG. 45, the portion of wrapping material adjacent the sealed end of cartridge 160 can be severed from the remainder of wrapping material 900 and then completely removed in FIG. 46, thereby allowing a user to continue to grasp cartridge 160 by the remaining portion of wrapping material 900 and then insert cartridge 160 into a receptacle, such as receptacle 130 (FIG. 3).

[0080] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1. A beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit comprising: a liquid container having a reservoir portion and an upper opening portion, the upper opening portion including an external thread portion configured for threaded engagement; at least a first beverage ingredient cartridge including a first cartridge housing with a closed first upper end, a first lower end with a first opening defining a first ingredient delivery passage, a first frangible seal member sealed over the first ingredient delivery passage, and a first beverage ingredient contained within the first cartridge housing by the first frangible seal member; at least a second beverage ingredient cartridge including a second cartridge housing with a closed second upper end, a second lower end with a second opening defining a second ingredient delivery passage, a second frangible seal member sealed over the second ingredient delivery passage, and a second beverage ingredient contained within the second cartridge housing by the second frangible seal member; An adapter member, a lower end of the adapter having an internal thread adapted to engage with the external thread of the liquid container; - an upper opening with an external thread of the adapter; a removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprising: a first receptacle wall portion sized to receive the first cartridge housing; a first upper end including a plurality of first posts extending from the first upper end, each post having a first hook portion; and a first piercing member configured to pierce the first frangible seal member when the first beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use; a removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprising: a second receptacle wall portion sized to receive the second cartridge housing; a second upper end including a plurality of second posts extending from the second upper end, each post having a second hook portion; and a second piercing member configured to pierce the second frangible seal member when the second beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use; a mounting flange configured to removably connect with the removable first and second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portions, the mounting flange comprising at least a plurality of locking openings configured to receive the first and second hook portions, and at least a plurality of liquid flow paths configured to allow liquid to pass from the bottom end through a plurality of liquid flow paths and out of the top opening; an adapter member comprising: a lid member configured to engage the upper opening of the adapter member; a retaining member disposed between the adapter member and the lid member, the retaining member configured to retain the first beverage ingredient cartridge in the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion and the second beverage ingredient cartridge in the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use, the retaining member comprising a periphery, a cartridge blocking portion, and a fluid passage portion disposed between the periphery and the cartridge blocking portion, the periphery being sized to fit between the adapter member and the lid member and to be secured in place by the adapter member and the lid member, the cartridge blocking portion not having an opening large enough to allow either the first or second beverage ingredient cartridges to pass therethrough, and the fluid passage portion including one or more openings configured to allow the mixed beverage from the liquid container to pass therethrough; A beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit comprising:

2. 10. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 1, wherein the closure member includes a ring member and a baby bottle nipple.

3. 10. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 1, wherein the lid member includes a closable drinking spout.

4. 4. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 1, wherein the first beverage ingredient cartridge is sealed within a sterile packaging material, the sterile packaging material including a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the first upper end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material, the outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material includes an indicator indicating the position of the first upper end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge, and the sterile packaging material includes a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch being configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile packaging material along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging material.

5. 1. A beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit comprising: a liquid container having a reservoir portion and an upper opening portion, the upper opening portion including an external thread portion configured for threaded engagement; a first beverage ingredient cartridge including: a first cartridge housing with a closed first upper end; a first lower end with a first opening defining a first ingredient delivery passage; a first frangible seal member sealed over the first ingredient delivery passage; and a first beverage ingredient contained within the first cartridge housing by the first frangible seal member; An adapter member, a lower end of the adapter having an internal thread adapted to engage with the external thread of the liquid container; - an upper opening with an external thread of the adapter; a removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprising a first receptacle wall portion sized to receive the first cartridge housing, and a first piercing member configured to pierce the first frangible seal member when the first beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use; a mounting flange configured to removably connect with the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the mounting flange including at least a plurality of liquid flow passages configured to allow liquid to pass from the lower end through a plurality of liquid flow passages and out through the upper opening; an adapter member comprising: a lid member configured to engage the upper opening of the adapter member; A beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit comprising:

6. 6. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 5, wherein the closure member includes a ring member and a baby bottle nipple.

7. 6. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 5, wherein the lid member includes a closable drinking spout.

8. 6. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 5, wherein the first beverage ingredient cartridge is sealed within a sterile packaging material, the sterile packaging material including a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the first upper end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge is positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material, an outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material includes an indicator indicating the position of the first upper end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge, and the sterile packaging material includes a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile packaging material along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging material.

9. 6. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 5, further comprising a removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprising: a second receptacle wall portion sized to receive a second cartridge housing; a second upper end having a plurality of second posts extending from the second upper end and each post having a second hook portion; and a second piercing member configured to pierce the second frangible seal member when the second beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion during use.

10. 10. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 9, further comprising: a second beverage ingredient cartridge, the second cartridge housing having a closed second upper end, a second lower end having a second opening defining a second ingredient delivery passage, a second frangible seal member sealed over the second ingredient delivery passage, and a second beverage ingredient contained within the second cartridge housing by the second frangible seal member.

11. A beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit as described in claim 5, wherein the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion includes a first upper end having a plurality of first posts extending from the first upper end and each post having a first hook portion, and the mounting flange has at least a plurality of locking openings configured to receive each of the first hook portions.

12. 12. The beverage mixing and dispensing assembly kit of claim 5, further comprising a retaining member disposed between the adapter member and the lid member and configured to retain the first beverage ingredient cartridge in the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion during use, the retaining member comprising a periphery, a cartridge blocking portion, and a fluid passage portion disposed between the periphery and the cartridge blocking portion, the periphery being sized to fit between the adapter member and the lid member and be secured in place by the adapter member and the lid member, the cartridge blocking portion not having an opening large enough to allow the first beverage ingredient cartridge to pass therethrough, and the fluid passage portion comprising one or more openings configured to allow the mixed beverage from the liquid container to pass therethrough.

13. 1. A beverage mixing and dispensing device comprising: An adapter member, a lower end adapted to engage with a liquid container; - Upper opening and a beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprising a first receptacle wall portion sized to receive a beverage ingredient cartridge, and a first piercing member configured to pierce a frangible seal on the beverage ingredient cartridge when the beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use; at least a first liquid flow path configured to allow liquid to flow from said lower end through said first liquid flow path and out of said upper opening; an adapter member comprising: a lid member configured to engage the upper opening of the adapter member; 1. A beverage mixing and dispensing device comprising:

14. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing device of claim 13, wherein the closure member includes a ring member and a baby bottle nipple.

15. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing device of claim 13, wherein the lid member includes a closable spout.

16. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a beverage ingredient cartridge sealed within sterile packaging, the sterile packaging comprising a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, a first upper end of the beverage ingredient cartridge positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging, an outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging comprising an indicator indicating the position of the first upper end of the beverage ingredient cartridge, and the sterile packaging comprising a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile packaging along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging.

17. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprising: a second receptacle wall portion sized to receive a second cartridge housing; a second upper end having a plurality of second posts extending from the second upper end, each post having a second hook portion; and a second piercing member configured to pierce the second frangible seal member when a second beverage ingredient cartridge is inserted into the removable second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use.

18. 18. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: a second beverage ingredient cartridge having a second cartridge housing with a closed second upper end, a second lower end with a second opening defining a second ingredient delivery passage, a second frangible seal member sealed over the second ingredient delivery passage, and a second beverage ingredient contained within the second cartridge housing by the second frangible seal member.

19. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 13, wherein the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion comprises an upper end having a plurality of posts extending therefrom, each post having a hook portion, and the adapter member comprises at least a plurality of locking openings configured to receive each of the hook portions.

20. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 13, further comprising a liquid container having a reservoir portion and a mouth portion, the mouth portion having an externally threaded portion configured for threaded engagement, a first cartridge housing having a closed first upper end, a first lower end having a first opening defining a first ingredient delivery passage, a first frangible seal member sealed over the first ingredient delivery passage, and a first beverage ingredient cartridge having a first beverage ingredient contained within the first cartridge housing by the first frangible seal member.

21. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 13, wherein said beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion is removably attached to said adapter member.

22. 14. The beverage mixing and dispensing machine of claim 13, wherein the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion has a receptacle central axis that is offset from an adapter central axis.

23. 23. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a mounting flange supporting the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion, the first liquid flow path being formed within the mounting flange and being generally half-moon shaped.

24. 23. The beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus of claim 22, wherein, in use, a portion of an outer surface of the beverage ingredient cartridge positioned within the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion is exposed to fluid flowing through the first liquid flow path.

25. A beverage mixing and dispensing apparatus as described in any one of claims 13 to 24, further comprising a retaining member disposed between the adapter member and the lid member and configured to hold the beverage ingredient cartridge in the beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle portion in use, the retaining member comprising a peripheral portion, a cartridge blocking portion and a fluid passage portion disposed between the peripheral portion and the cartridge blocking portion, the peripheral portion being sized to fit between the adapter member and the lid member and to be fixed in position by the adapter member and the lid member, the cartridge blocking portion not having an opening large enough to allow the beverage ingredient cartridge to pass therethrough, and the fluid passage portion comprising one or more openings configured to allow the mixed beverage from the liquid container to pass therethrough.

26. 1. A beverage ingredient cartridge assembly comprising: a beverage ingredient cartridge comprising a cartridge housing having a closed upper end, a lower end having an opening defining an ingredient delivery passage, and a frangible seal member sealed over said ingredient delivery passage, and a beverage ingredient contained within said cartridge housing by said frangible seal member; a sterile packaging material enclosing the beverage ingredient cartridge, the sterile packaging material having a first longitudinal end and a second longitudinal end, the upper end of the beverage ingredient cartridge being positioned at the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material, the sterile packaging material having a notch disposed between the first longitudinal end and the second longitudinal end, the notch configured to facilitate tearing of the sterile packaging material along a tear direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the sterile packaging material; A beverage ingredient cartridge assembly comprising:

27. 27. The beverage ingredient cartridge assembly of claim 26, wherein an outer surface of the first longitudinal end of the sterile packaging material includes an indicia indicating the location of the upper end of the beverage ingredient cartridge.

28. 1. A method of mixing a beverage, comprising: attaching an adapter member to the liquid container, the adapter member including a lower end configured to engage the liquid container; attaching a removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle to the liquid container, the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle including a first receptacle wall sized to receive a first beverage ingredient cartridge; A method comprising:

29. 29. The method of claim 28, further comprising the steps of: inserting a first beverage ingredient cartridge into the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle; piercing a sealed end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge; delivering a first beverage ingredient from the first beverage ingredient cartridge into the liquid container; and mixing the first beverage ingredient with a predetermined amount of liquid in the liquid container.

30. 30. The method of claim 29, further comprising the steps of removing the removable first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle from the adapter member and attaching a second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle to the adapter member, the second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle having a second receptacle wall sized to receive a second beverage ingredient cartridge larger than the first beverage ingredient cartridge.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising the steps of inserting a second beverage ingredient cartridge into the second beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle, drilling a hole in the sealed end of the second beverage ingredient cartridge, dispensing a second beverage ingredient from the second beverage ingredient cartridge into the liquid container, and mixing the second beverage ingredient with another amount of liquid in the liquid container.

32. 1. A method of mixing a beverage, comprising: grasping a first portion of a first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging and a first end of a first beverage ingredient cartridge enclosed in the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging; grasping a second portion of the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging; tearing the second portion of the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging from the first portion of the first beverage ingredient cartridge packaging during the gripping step; exposing a second end of the first beverage ingredient cartridge; inserting the first beverage ingredient cartridge into a first beverage ingredient cartridge receptacle connected to a liquid container; delivering a first ingredient from the first beverage ingredient cartridge to the liquid container; A method comprising:

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