Cap-type additive supply system

Abstract

To provide a cartridge that can provide adjustable metering of additive to a base fluid when the base fluid passes through the cartridge.SOLUTION: A spout is mounted while its rotation is limited within a base element of a cartridge. Rotation of the spout can change the degree of flow of additive passing through the cartridge and flowing into a base fluid flow path. The cartridge can be used together with a portable beverage container, such as a sports bottle and off-the-shelf water bottle. A base fluid in a container used together with the cartridge can be supplied while being kept in an unmixed, pure state, and a plurality of other cartridges having different additives (i.e., flavors) can be used together with the same base fluid supply source.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - Reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority under all clauses, laws, and treaties applicable to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 083,129, filed on November 21, 2014, entitled "Measurable Additive Cartridge System", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. If an element or subject matter of this application, or a portion of the specification, claims, or drawings of the above provisional application, is not included in this application in another manner, then, by virtue of a portion or all of the provisions of the applicable rules, procedures, or laws, that element, subject matter, or portion is incorporated into this application by reference .

[0002] The present invention relates to a system for storing, dispensing, and supplying liquids for beverages and other products. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispensing and supplying system that utilizes a cartridge to add additives, such as flavor concentrates, nutritional supplements, vitamin supplements, etc., in a controlled and adjustable amount to a base liquid as the base liquid, such as water, passes through the cartridge. The present invention also relates to a cartridge and container system that allows a user to use a plurality of cartridges having different additives for a supplied base liquid, and enables the user to mix the additives with the base liquid for ingestion or other uses while keeping the base liquid in a container (i.e., a water bottle) in a pure and unmixed state.

Background Art

[0003] The prior art includes various devices for adding additives to a base liquid. Such devices ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​including premix systems as described in U.S. Patent No. 7,306,117. In this premix system, a predetermined amount of additive is distributed into the base liquid in the container. It is mixed before ingestion. Conventional systems also dispense the base liquid from the container. The apparatus includes a device for supplying additives to a base liquid. Such a supply system is patented in the United States. Patent No. 8,230,777 covers the supplement area, including solid supplements. A supply system through which the base liquid passes is disclosed, and also U.S. Patent No. 8,413 Model 844 includes a filter and an additive channel that distributes additives when water is poured from the pitcher. A water pitcher having a bat is disclosed.

[0004] [Means for solving the problem] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method in which, as the base liquid passes through the cartridge, an additive is added to the base liquid. Provides a measurable additive cartridge that offers adjustable measurement of the additive. The case can be easily fitted into portable containers such as sports bottles or ready-made water bottles. The cartridge allows the base liquid to pass through the cartridge, and the cartridge contains additives to the base liquid. Therefore, the base liquid in the container used with the cartridge is not mixed. It is possible to provide a mixture of additives and base liquids while maintaining their purity. In another aspect of the present invention, it can be used with a certain container and a certain supplied base liquid, Multiple cartridges, each containing different additives (i.e., flavors), can be used. This enables the use of a modular additive cartridge according to an aspect of the present invention, which is supplied with - Used with a container to store liquids, and consumers or users may use different fragrances or different Experiencing various additives, such as combinations of supplements, together with the same base liquid. Make it possible.

[0005] Another further aspect of the present invention is a method for filtering the base liquid flowing into the cartridge. An additive cartridge having a body-type filter is provided.

[0006] Further other aspects of the present invention include sealing for long-term storage, ensuring integrity, quality, and safety before purchase or use. / or sealed additive to clearly indicate to the user or consumer that it is unopened. We provide agent cartridges.

[0007] Further other aspects of the present invention involve visual and tactile properties of the amount of additive added to the base liquid. We provide an additive cartridge with multiple indicators.

[0008] A further other aspect of the present invention provides a combination of a cartridge and a container, wherein the container is The container includes an element that holds a cartridge on which spare additives can be measured.

[0009] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein are defined in this document. The invention has the same meaning as is generally understood by those skilled in the art in the relevant field. Other embodiments, methods, and materials similar to those described herein are used to implement the present invention. These can be used to carry out the task, but appropriate and exemplary embodiments, methods, and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, and other references mentioned herein are subject to the terms of their respective owners. All content is incorporated herein by reference. In case of any inconsistency, the definitions included in this document shall be used. The specification shall be followed. Furthermore, the materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and may not be definitively defined. It is not intended to be limited thereto. Details of one or more embodiments of the present invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings sheets and are described in detail below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims set forth. **Brief Description of the Drawings**

[0010] The above and other attendant advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Here, like reference numerals represent like elements throughout. The description and embodiments are intended as illustrative examples and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge and container system according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cartridge and container system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cartridge and container system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge and container system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge and container system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge and container system shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a top view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the cartridge shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 7 in its assembly structure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a disassembled cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 7. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the cartridge shown in Figure 7. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a top cross-sectional view of the cartridge shown in Figure 7, within the 14-14 plane in Figure 11. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0012] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, an example of a measurable additive cartridge according to one aspect of the present invention The 100 is a portable water container having a cap 20 that is sealed and engaged with the container body by a screw. It is used in combination with a container 10 such as a cylinder (water bottle). The cap 20 is integrally molded It may include a transport handle 24, which allows air to flow into the interior of the container 10. Therefore, the cap 20 is provided with one or more ventilation holes 21.

[0013] Further aspects of the present invention refer to Figure 3, which is a bottom view of the container 10 shown in Figure 1. The container used in combination with the measurable additive cartridge is one or more spare cartridges. The system may include means for securely fastening the 100S cartridge to the container.

[0014] Figures 4 and 5 show the main components of an exemplary container and cartridge system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The components are shown in more detail. The cartridge 100 in use has a cartridge base 120 Includes a screw-type cartridge holding annular part 22 to which the corresponding screw-type retaining part 121 is fixed. It is fixed to the container cap 20. As you can see, the cap of cartridge 100 To provide a secure sealing engagement to the plug, other snap-fit ​​elements, O-rings, etc. Means can be used.

[0015] Similarly, referring further to Figure 6, the spare cartridge 100S is fixed to the bottom of the container 10. It is then housed in the recess 11 formed at the bottom. Spare cartridge holding annular part 1 4 is also formed or fixed to the bottom of the container, and the base 120 of the spare cartridge 100S The screw-type retaining part 121 is provided. It has a geometric gripping tooth 16. The gripping elements are placed on the bottom of the container 10 to prevent the container from slipping on the surface. It is formed.

[0016] The filter assembly (see Figures 4 and 5 in particular) controls the inflow of the base liquid from the container. To enable this, a filter housing 42 having at least one flow path 48 and a catch On the back of part 20 is a screw-type filter retaining collar 21 (see Figure 4) and a screw-type collar for screwing them together. -44 and, including. The base liquid passes from the container through the filter assembly to cartridge 10. When flowing into container 10, a solid or annular porous material is used to filter the base liquid contained in container 10. A high-quality activated carbon filter element 46 is housed within the filter housing 42. When being placed, in order to prevent leakage while allowing air to flow into the container, silic A cone-shaped intake valve 26 is provided inside the cap.

[0017] Figures 7 to 14 show an exemplary cartridge 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The 100 is snap-fitted to the cartridge base 120, as described below. Visual and tactile multi-sensors to indicate the intensity of flavor provided by the measurable cartridges It has a tapered screw-type retaining collar 121 (collar) equipped with a number indicator 123. The cartridge includes a spout sealing cap 160. The entirety of 00 is in the condition of the cartridge's quality, safety, and untamper-free state before purchase and use. To ensure this, tamper-proof elements such as a fragile plastic film that is shrink-wrapped (Figure) (Details omitted) is provided throughout the cartridge.

[0018] Referring particularly to Figures 11 and 12, the cartridge 100 generally has a spout 140 and It comprises three components: a cartridge base 120 and a spout sealing cap 160. The spout 140 and the cartridge base 120 work together, as indicated by arrow B in Figure 11. It provides a flow of meterable additives from the cartridge into the base liquid channel. The additive flow path, referenced by arrow A in Figure 11, is defined within the cartridge (pouring The additive flow path is blocked by the nozzle leg 150). The flow of the base liquid and the flow of the additive are as follows: The additive and base liquid are mixed in the mixing channel indicated by the arrow "AB" in Figure 11.

[0019] The cartridge base 120 defines the annular additive reservoir 128, and the internal annular wall 12 2. Includes an outer annular wall 126 and a cartridge bottom wall 133. The bottom wall 133 is made of base liquid One way to allow the body to flow into the cartridge, for example, from the outlet of the filter assembly mentioned above. It has an upper inlet 130 (see also Figure 10). The base liquid check valve 135 is located at the bottom wall 133. It can be fixed in place by friction through the bottom wall 133 of the cartridge 100 at the opening 125 Includes a flexible silicone rubber "button" shaped element with fixed legs. Check valve 13 5 ensures only unidirectional flow of the base liquid into cartridge 100, and filters the assemblies. To prevent backflow into the vent and / or container 10, the dimensions of the inlet 130 are as understood. The material and dimensions of the check valve 135 are as well as the base liquid passing through the cartridge 100. The flow rate can be changed to be controlled accordingly.

[0020] Metered and controlled flow of additive from additive reservoir 128 to base liquid channel. To provide this, one or more additive metering ports 124 are provided on the cartridge, as detailed below. The metering port 124 is formed in the internal annular wall 122 of the base 120. It spreads in a matrix-like manner around a part of it. The internal annular wall 122 is where the spout 140 receives the spout. A spout 140 is to be received and fixed so that it can rotate inside the annular part 127. A portion of the girder receiving annular portion 127 is defined. As described below, the interference projection or tab 1 29 engages with the measuring adjustment stopper on the spout 140, the cartridge base 120 It is formed in this way.

[0021] The spout 140 includes an upper outlet portion 142, a return stopper portion 144, and an annular leg 150. When assembling the ridge base 120, the annular leg 150 is defined by the internal annular wall 122. It extends within the defined annular portion 127. The annular leg 150 is formed on its leg portion and around the leg portion Includes an additive measuring unit 152 having an additive flow slot 154 extending into a portion of the enclosure. When 40 is assembled to the cartridge base 120, the spout 140 is attached to the additive measuring section 15 Arrow R (Figure 13) allows or obstructs the flow through the metering port 124. (Reference) It becomes rotatable in the direction. More specifically, the weighing unit has a surface of leg 150 with weighing port 1 It can be rotated to a position where 24 is completely blocked (see Figure 11), in which case the additive is base Not supplied to the liquid flow path (this is equivalent to, for example, the "water only" setting on the cartridge) Furthermore, if the inflow of additives is desired, the spout 140 and the measuring section 152 are slots. 154 is rotated so that it is positioned adjacent to some or all of the weighing port 124, and opposite to it The corresponding amount (level) of additive flows through the metering port 124 and into the base liquid flow path. The amount of additive mixed with the base liquid is provided. It is adjusted by rotating within the base of the hub.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present invention, the collar portion (annular portion) 121 is located within the cartridge base. Visual and visual indicators corresponding to the flow setting of additives are provided at various rotational positions of the spout 140. It has a tactile indicator. An index or other indicator 158 (see Figure 13). (Illumination) is any of the multiple indicators 123 on the base collar portion 121 with respect to a predetermined rotation position. It is positioned at the spout 140 so that it aligns with one of the other. Also, the additive flow path is fully closed. In response to the placement, an indicator 159 indicating "water only" may be provided on the color 121.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, the cartridge base 120 and the spout 140 are provided with An element is provided to ensure that the spout 140 is in the correct rotational position relative to the base of the lid. Furthermore, Figure Upper cross-section of the cartridge base 120 and spout 140 in the 14-14 plane of 11 Referring to Figure 14, which is a view drawing, the interference tab or protrusion 129 acts as a stopper for the spout 140. It protrudes into the annular slot 146 formed in part 144. This slot is part of the protruding part 1 To provide a stop surface 149 (see Figure 14) that engages with 29, around the return stopper 144 It is partially provided to restrict the rotation of the spout 140 inside the cartridge base 120. The protruding tab or retaining element 145 of the chain extends to create frictional engagement with the protrusion 129. (To clarify the explanation, in Figure 14, the protruding portion 129 is in contact with the retaining element 145.) This shows the case where there is no contact, and it is understood that some overlap, deformation, and friction will occur. (and so forth). Through interaction with the interference tab 129 and the retaining element 145, the cartridge base The forward rotational position of the spout 140 within part 120 is provided. These positions are based on the user's preference. The rotational position of the spout 140 within section 120 and the corresponding position of the additive mixed into the base liquid. Multiple indicators on the collar 121 are aligned so that the level can be read. ru.

[0024] The retaining collar portion 121 with threads on the cartridge base 120 shows an increase in flavor intensity. Multiple indicators are provided (i.e., multiple vertical protrusions of increasing size) (provided). The corresponding index or pointer 158 on the spout is located at the base 120 This shows the rotational position of the spout 140 inside. According to one aspect of the present invention, the cartridge contains droplets As indicated by the shape indicator 159, the "water only" mode is set. And, corresponding to the rotational position of the leg 150 inside the cartridge base 120, the fragrance measuring port 124 This is completely blocked by the fragrance measuring unit 152. In this mode, the multiple required by the consumer Without any crude recomposition, a fragrance-free, filtered base liquid (water) is supplied from the container. The one-way valve or check valve 135 prevents water and / or fragrance concentrate from flowing back into the container. Stop.

[0025] As can be understood, the flow of the base liquid through the spout leg 150 is used by the additive in the metering port As it flows through T124, the additive is mixed into the base liquid in a controlled manner. The user rotates the spout 140 within the cartridge base to open the container. - The amount of additive added to the liquid can be adjusted. The dimensions of the measuring port 124 are: It can be selected to provide the proper flow of additives. Approximately 0.03 inches (7.6 2 x 10 -4 The measuring port, having a diameter of (meters), allows the additive liquid in the additive reservoir to be measured. This allows for the retention of the base liquid (non-leakage) and prevents it from flowing into the reservoir through the metering port. It prevents the fluid from flowing out while providing proper measurement of the additive liquid.

[0026] As you can see, the diameter of the measuring port is a parameter that is appropriate for the viscosity and flow rate of the additive liquid. It varies depending on the meter. To promote the mixing and uniform dilution of additives in the base liquid. Therefore, turbulence-generating protrusions 151 are provided in the flow path.

[0027] The check valve 135 and the inlet 130 are within the range of the container pressure (i.e., in the case of a flexible container, Adjustment of the base liquid over the range of container pressure caused by the pressure applied by the compressor. It is configured to the appropriate dimensions to provide a controlled flow. The base through which the cartridge passes. To further control the flow of liquid, user pressure on the container passes through the cartridge. To avoid affecting the flow of the base liquid or additives, or if the container is tilted... The container 10 is designed so that the fluid is discharged from the container by gravity and flows out at a uniform rate. It can be provided as a rigid (i.e., substantially incompressible and not flexible) container 10. The intake valve 26 in the cap 20 (see Figure 3) allows the base liquid to flow from inside the container. During this process, air is supplied (i.e., to prevent a vacuum). The intake valve 26 is connected to cap 2 Legs that fit frictionally and / or compressively within the opening at 0, and allow air to flow into the container. On the other hand, the valve seating surface seals one or more vent holes 21 to prevent the base liquid from leaking out of the container. It may also be a silicone "button" shaped valve equipped with the following features.

[0028] To further understand, suitable thermoplastic polymers include polyethylene terephthalate (PE). T) The aforementioned multiple elements including polycarbonate and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), etc. It is used to form elements.

[0029] Other modifications and variations in various aspects of the present invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. It is important to understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Please understand. Therefore, within the intent and scope of the concepts described herein, All modifications, variations, or equivalents of the present invention are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A cap-type additive dispensing system arranged to engage with a liquid container, A base liquid channel extending through an additive supply system attached to a cap, the base liquid channel including a plurality of base liquid inlets, Additive reservoir and, The additive channel from the additive reservoir to the base liquid channel, A rotatable component adapted to rotate in order to control the flow of the additive from the additive reservoir to the base liquid channel, It comprises an adjustment operating part configured to engage with and rotate the aforementioned rotatable part, The adjustment operation part engages with the rotatable part via a projection, A cap-type additive supply system in which the additive flows into the base liquid flow channel through the rotatable component due to the flow of the base liquid in the base liquid flow channel.

2. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a base liquid check valve disposed within the base liquid flow path.

3. The cap-mounted additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment operation unit is rotatable via its outer surface.

4. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 1, further comprising the liquid container, wherein the additive reservoir extends at least partially within the liquid container.

5. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a filter adapted to filter the base liquid entering the base liquid channel.

6. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable component includes a plurality of passages through which the additive flows.

7. The cap-type additive dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising a spout for dispensing a base liquid mixed with an additive, and configured to rotate together with the rotatable component.

8. A cap-type additive dispensing system arranged to engage with a liquid container, A base liquid channel extends through an additive supply system attached to the cap, Additive reservoir and, A filter assembly extending around at least a portion of the additive reservoir and adapted to filter the base liquid entering the base liquid channel, A cap-type additive supply system equipped with the following features.

9. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 8, further comprising a base liquid check valve located downstream of the filter assembly.

10. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 8, wherein the filter assembly includes a filtration element disposed within a filter housing.

11. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 10, wherein the base liquid is introduced into the filter assembly through the annular outer surface of the filter element.

12. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 10, wherein the filter housing includes a mounting portion, the mounting portion is positioned around at least a portion of the additive reservoir.

13. The cap-type additive supply system according to claim 8, wherein the filter assembly includes a screw-type collar.

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