Additive mixing system

Abstract

A mixing attachment includes a mixing body for coupling to a drinking tube and an inlet body coupled to the mixing body and including an outlet, an inlet for coupling to an additive receptacle for receiving additive substance therefrom, a channel within the inlet body and fluidly connecting the inlet to the mixing body via the outlet for passage of the additive substance therethrough, and at least one valve within the inlet body to at least prevent backflow of the additive substance out of the inlet. In some embodiments, a mixing system comprises the mixing attachment, the drinking tube (e.g., a straw) and the additive receptacle. The mixing system provides a self-contained, adjustable mixing mechanism that enables precise control of supplement flow during consumption, eliminating the need for pre-mixing while ensuring optimal dosing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 778,774 filed Mar. 27, 2025, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to the field of mixing devices of existing art and more specifically relates to a device for mixing supplements with beverages.RELATED ART

[0004] Powdered dietary supplements, such as vitamins, collagen peptides, pre-workout formulations, greens blends, protein powders, etc., are commonly intended to be mixed into water or other beverages prior to consumption. While the supplements themselves are widely available and convenient to store, the act of reliably mixing them into a beverage at the point of consumption presents a persistent and unresolved practical challenge.

[0005] Consumers have long struggled to achieve uniform mixing of supplement powders into beverages using conventional methods. Simple stirring with a spoon or similar utensil fails to adequately break up clumps or suspend particles throughout the liquid, resulting in uneven distribution of the supplement, undissolved material floating at the surface, and sediment accumulating at the bottom of the container. Because settling occurs rapidly, a consumer who does not drink the beverage immediately after mixing may find that a significant portion of the supplement has re-settled, resulting in inconsistent dosing throughout consumption.

[0006] Various mixing devices have been developed in an attempt to address these shortcomings. Shaker bottles, blender bottles, and countertop electric mixers can improve initial dispersion but suffer from several significant drawbacks. Such devices are bulky and impractical to carry during travel, exercise, or daily commuting. Many require access to a power source or cleaning facilities that are not always available. Further, even when these devices achieve adequate initial mixing, they do not prevent re-sedimentation, and they provide no reliable mechanism for ensuring accurate and consistent dosing of the supplement into the beverage.

[0007] Accordingly, a suitable solution is desired.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known beverage mixing art, the present disclosure provides a novel additive mixing system. The general purpose of the present disclosure, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a self-contained, adjustable mixing mechanism that enables precise control of supplement flow during consumption, eliminating the need for pre-mixing while ensuring optimal dosing.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a mixing attachment for a drinking tube is disclosed herein. The mixing attachment may include a mixing body configured for coupling to the drinking tube and an inlet body coupled to the mixing body. The inlet body may include an outlet at a first end of the inlet body, an inlet at a second end of the inlet body, opposite the outlet, the inlet configured to couple to an additive receptacle for receiving additive substance therefrom, a channel within the inlet body and fluidly connecting the inlet to the mixing body via the outlet for passage of the additive substance therethrough and at least one valve within the inlet body to at least prevent backflow of the additive substance out of the inlet. Suction at a first end of the drinking tube, when in communication with the liquid, causes suction of the liquid into the mixing body and suction of an amount of the additive substance through the inlet body and into the mixing body, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed, and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the drinking tube.

[0010] According to one or more additional embodiments, a mixing straw is also disclosed herein. The mixing straw may include a straw comprising a first straw portion and a second straw portion, and a mixing attachment, as described above. Suction at a first end of the straw, when in communication with the liquid, causes suction of the liquid into the mixing body and suction of an amount of the additive substance through the inlet body and into the mixing body, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed, and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the straw.

[0011] According to one or more additional embodiments still, a mixing system is also disclosed herein. The mixing system may comprise the mixing straw as discussed above, and an additive receptacle housing an additive substance.

[0012] According to one more additional embodiments still, a method of delivering a controlled dose of an additive substance to a user via a drinking tube is disclosed herein. The method may comprise: providing the mixing attachment as above (coupled to the drinking tube); coupling the mixing body to the drinking tube; coupling an additive receptacle to the inlet of the inlet body, the additive receptacle housing additive substance; applying suction to a first end of the drinking tube, wherein the suction causes liquid to be drawn into the mixing body and causes an amount of the additive substance to be drawn through the inlet body and into the mixing body via the venturi effect, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the drinking tube; and controlling the amount of the additive substance drawn into the mixing body by adjusting a diameter of the inlet, wherein decreasing the diameter of the inlet increases the amount of additive substance drawn into the mixing body, and wherein increasing the diameter of the inlet decreases the amount of additive substance drawn into the mixing body.

[0013] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and methods of use for the present disclosure, an additive mixing system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the additive mixing system, including a mixing attachment, a drinking tube and an additive receptacle, the mixing attachment including a charm covering at least a portion of a mixing body of the mixing attachment, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the additive mixing system, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side view of the additive mixing system with the charm removed, showing the mixing body and an inlet body of the mixing attachment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective front view of the mixing system including the charm having a square configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 4B is a perspective front view of the mixing system including the charm having a clover configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4C is a perspective front view of the mixing system including the charm having a heart configuration, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view illustrating the charm having two separable halves connected together via a first and second fastener, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a close-up view illustrating a twist-lock connection between a protrusion of the additive receptacle and the inlet body of the mixing attachment, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a cross-section view illustrating an interior of the mixing attachment, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a cross-section view illustrating an interior of the mixing attachment, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of delivering a controlled dose of an additive substance to a user via a drinking tube, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] As discussed above, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an additive mixing system. Generally, the additive mixing system may include a primary liquid reservoir (e.g., a water bottle); a secondary additive cartridge containing a supplement; a secure attachment mechanism (e.g., snap-fit, twist-lock, magnetic connection etc.) for affixing the additive cartridge to the primary reservoir; a dual check-valve system configured to allow liquid to be drawn from both the primary reservoir and the additive cartridge, ensuring proper mixing before ingestion while preventing backflow contamination; a straw or mouthpiece facilitating fluid consumption, with an attachment mechanism adaptable to various drinking straw sizes; and a press-activated supplement valve designed to engage when the supplement cartridge is inserted, allowing controlled release of the supplement. When the supplement cartridge is removed, the press valve closes, preventing unintended supplement leakage and enabling normal suction through the primary liquid reservoir.

[0028] Referring now more specifically to the drawings by numerals of reference, there are shown in FIGS. 1-8, various views of a mixing system 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring first to FIGS. 1-2, which shows front and rear perspective views of the mixing system 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, as shown here, the additive mixing system 100 may comprise a drinking tube 104, such as a straw, a mouthpiece, or the like; an additive receptacle 103; and a mixing attachment 102. It should be appreciated that the mixing attachment 102 may be provided alone for use with an existing drinking tube 104 or provided together with a straw (or other drinking tube 104) as a mixing straw 101. Further, the mixing attachment 102 may include various sizes for use with variously sized drinking tubes 104. The drinking tube 104 is configured to be placed in communication with a liquid (e.g., a beverage) in a primary liquid reservoir. For example, as shown here, the drinking tube 104 may be a straw 105 inserted into a beverage container, such as a vacuum insulated beverage container 5.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, the additive receptacle 103 may be a disposable or reusable container. For example, the additive receptacle 103 may be (but is not limited to) a pouch, such as a rectangular pouch as shown here. The additive receptacle 103 may include an additive substance therein that is pre-filled; or in other embodiments, the additive receptacle 103 may be fillable / refillable. In some examples, the additive substance may include (but is not limited to) one or more supplements, one or more flavorants, one or more sweeteners, one or more preservatives, one or more colorants, one or more vitamins, one or more minerals, one or more electrolytes, one or more amino acids, or any combination thereof, and may be provided in the form of (but not limited to) a powder, a liquid, a concentrate, a gel, or any combination of such forms.

[0031] As shown here, the mixing attachment 102 is attached to, or attachable to, the drinking tube 104. In particular, the mixing attachment 102 may include a mixing body 106 and an inlet body 107; as shown here, the mixing body 106 may be attached to, or attachable to, the drinking tube 104 and in line therewith to define a common liquid channel 112, enabling liquid suctioned through the drinking tube 104 to be suctioned through the mixing body 106 also. As shown here, the inlet body 107 may be coupled to a side of the mixing body 106 at a first end 109 thereof and extending outwardly from the mixing body 106. For example, the inlet body 107 may be threadably coupled to the mixing body 106.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mixing body 106 may be attached between two portions of the drinking tube 104. In particular, the mixing body 106 may include a top end 116 configured to receive a first portion 115 (e.g., top portion) of the drinking tube 104 and a bottom end 118 configured to receive a second portion 117 (e.g., bottom portion) of the drinking tube 104 (the bottom portion of the drinking tube 104 being the portion that is inserted into the liquid and the top portion of the drinking tube 104 being the portion that is contacted by a mouth of the user for suctioning the liquid). In some embodiments, the first portion 115 of the drinking tube 104 may be a short straw, and the second portion 117 of the drinking tube 104 may be a long straw.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4A-6, which illustrate various views of the mixing system 100, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the mixing system 100 may comprise a charm 123 removably covering at least a portion of the mixing body 106. The charm 123 may include a variety of different configurations. For example, as shown here, a square configuration (FIG. 4A), a clover configuration (FIG. 4B), or a heart configuration (FIG. 4C). It should be appreciated that the charm 123 is not limited to the shapes and sizes shown here. In some embodiments, the mixing system 100 may further comprise a plurality of charm 123's, enabling interchangeability of the charm 123. Further, in some embodiments a surface 128 of the charm 123 (e.g., a front surface or a rear surface) may be configured to receive indicia, such as, but not limited to, name indicia, sports indicia, logo indicia, designs, patterns, or the like.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 5, the charm 123 may include a first half 124 and a second half 125 separably attached together via a first fastener and a second fastener 127. In some embodiments, the first and second fasteners 127 may include magnets for magnetically attaching the first half 124 and the second half 125 together. However, it should be appreciated that the fasteners are not limited to magnets.

[0035] Referring also to FIGS. 7-8 which illustrate cross-section views of the mixing attachment 102, according to one more embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown here, the inlet body 107 may include an outlet 108 at the first end 109 of the inlet body 107, an inlet 110 at a second end 111 of the inlet body 107 (opposite the outlet 108) for attachment to an additive receptacle 103, a channel 112 within the inlet body 107 for carrying the additive substance received through the inlet 110 (from the additive receptacle 103) into the mixing body 106 via the outlet 108, and at least one valve 122 within the inlet body 107 to at least prevent backflow of the additive substance out of the inlet 110. Suction at a first end 109 of the drinking tube 104 (e.g., by a user applying suction to the first end 109 of the drinking tube 104 during normal consumption of the liquid) when in communication with the liquid causes suction of the liquid into the mixing body 106 and suction of an amount of the additive substance through the inlet body 107 and into the mixing body 106, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed, and subsequently suctioned through the first end 109 of the drinking tube 104 (into the mouth of the user).

[0036] The channel 112 of the inlet body 107 may be defined by a tube 119 disposed in the inlet body 107 between the outlet 108 and the inlet 110. In some embodiments, the tube 119 may be constructed from stainless steel. The tube 119 defines a constriction in the channel 112, which may include a diameter smaller than that of the inlet 110. When suction is applied at the top end of the drinking tube 104, the liquid is drawn upward through the mixing body 106. As the liquid flows past the outlet 108 of the inlet body 107, a pressure differential is created at the outlet 108 that draws the additive substance from the additive receptacle 103 (e.g., a venturi effect), through the inlet 110, through the constricted tube 119, and out through the outlet 108 into the mixing body 106, where it meets and mixes with the liquid. This enables the additive substance to be delivered in controlled doses as the user drinks.

[0037] The flow rate of the additive substance may be controlled by the venturi effect, allowing users to adjust the concentration of the additive substance (e.g., the amount of additive substance let into the mixing attachment 100) by modifying the size of the inlet 110. In particular, the amount of additive substance introduced into the mixing body 106 may be controlled by adjusting the diameter of the inlet 110, as modifying its diameter may adjust the rate at which the additive substance is drawn through the channel 112 in response to the pressure differential at the outlet 108. For example, decreasing the diameter of the inlet 110 may increase flow resistance and reduce the amount of additive substance drawn from the additive receptacle 103 into the channel 112. Conversely, increasing the diameter of the inlet 110 may decrease flow resistance, allowing a greater amount of additive substance to be drawn through the channel 112 and into the mixing body 106. This adjustability allows users to fine-tune the concentration of the additive substance in the resulting mixture delivered through the mixing body 106.

[0038] Various mechanisms may be used to adjust the diameter of the inlet 110. For example, a rotatable collar surrounding the inlet 110 may be turned to progressively open or close the inlet aperture. In other examples, interchangeable orifice inserts having different fixed diameters may be received within the inlet 110, allowing a user to select a desired flow resistance by swapping inserts. In further examples, a needle valve or tapered pin may be advanced into or retracted from the inlet 110. In still further examples, a sliding sleeve plug may be used to partially occlude the inlet 110. It should be appreciated that these examples are not meant to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

[0039] Because the additive substance is drawn through the inlet body 107 and into the mixing body 106 as a direct result of the user's suction, the delivery of the additive substance is self-regulating—in other words, additive substance is only introduced into the mixing body 106 when the user is actively drinking. In this way, the amount of additive substance delivered may vary depending on the user's drinking behavior. For example, if the user takes a single drink and releases suction, a discrete amount of additive substance is delivered corresponding to that single drinking action. Conversely, if the user drinks continuously, the additive substance flows continuously through the inlet body 107 and into the mixing body 106 for the duration of the drinking action, resulting in a continuous and consistent mixing of the additive substance with the liquid. In either case, the concentration of the additive substance in the resulting mixture remains consistent, as the rate of additive substance delivery scales proportionally with the rate of liquid flow through the mixing body 106 driven by the user's suction.

[0040] The at least one valve of the inlet body 107 may include a first valve 113 (e.g., a cross-slit valve, which may act as a seal and a one way valve) disposed rearward of the inlet 110 and forward of a first end 109 of the tube 119; and a second valve 114 (e.g., a check valve) which may be disposed within the inlet body 107 or the mixing body 106, and in one example is disposed at the outlet 108—the junction between the inlet body 107 and the mixing body 106, through which the additive substance passes upon exiting the inlet body 107 and entering the mixing body 106.

[0041] The first valve 113 may be a passive, pressure-activated valve (again, such as a cross-slit valve) that remains closed at rest and opens in response to sufficient suction drawn through the channel 112. This may prevent leakage of the additive substance when the mixing attachment 100 is not in use, as the slits remain sealed absent any applied suction; and may further act as a one-way valve, closing immediately when suction is released to prevent backflow of additive substance or liquid from the channel 112 back toward the inlet 110 and into the additive receptacle 103. Together, these properties ensure that additive substance is delivered through the channel 112 only in direct response to the user's suction, contributing to the precise, user-controlled dosing.

[0042] The second valve 114 (again, for example, a check valve) permits the additive substance to travel through the outlet 108 and into the mixing body 106, while preventing the additive substance, the liquid, and / or the mixed additive substance and liquid from flowing back into the inlet body 107 via the outlet 108. This is particularly significant in the context of the venturi-driven delivery mechanism, as when suction is released by the user, pressure within the mixing body 106 may briefly equalize, which without the second valve 114 could drive mixed liquid back into the inlet body 107 and ultimately into the additive receptacle 103, contaminating the additive supply.

[0043] The mixing body 106 may further include at least one valve 122, such as a check valve, disposed toward the bottom end 118 thereof. The valve 122 allows liquid to be drawn upward from the beverage receptacle into the mixing body 106, while preventing the additive substance, the liquid, and / or the mixed additive substance and liquid from flowing back through the valve 122 and into the beverage receptacle. This maintains separation between the additive substance and the liquid prior to mixing, as without this valve 122, additive substance drawn into the mixing body 106 could flow downward back into the beverage receptacle when suction is released, contaminating the liquid in the beverage container. It should be appreciated that the mixing body 106 is not limited to the one valve 122.

[0044] Together, the three valves 113, 114, and 122 ensure that the additive substance and the liquid remain separated until they meet in the mixing body 106, that mixing occurs only at the point of consumption, and that neither the additive receptacle 103 nor the beverage receptacle is contaminated by backflow at any point during or after use. The three valves 113, 114, and 122 further enables liquid to be drawn from the beverage receptacle and additive substance to be drawn from the additive receptacle 103 simultaneously in response to the user's suction, ensures proper mixing prior to ingestion, and provides a customizable dosing experience without the need for electronic controls.

[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5-6, the additive receptacle 103 includes a protrusion 120 for insertion into the inlet 110. For example, the protrusion 120 may include a nozzle. In some embodiments, the protrusion 120 and the inlet body 107 may define a twist-lock connection 121 configured to releasably lock the additive receptacle 103 to the mixing attachment 102 upon rotation of the protrusion 120 relative to the mixing attachment 102. In particular, the protrusion 120 extends outward from the additive receptacle 103 and includes a lip 130 formed on at least one of its top or bottom surface. The inlet body 107 may include an interior corresponding slot 131 formed in at least one of its top or bottom surfaces, positioned near the inlet 110 opening. This slot 131 is sized and shaped to receive the lip 130 of the protrusion 120. Further, a wall of the inlet body 107 at the inlet 110 may include an exterior corresponding slot 132.

[0046] When a user inserts the protrusion 120 into the inlet 110, the lip 130 is initially misaligned with the interior corresponding slot 131and aligned with the exterior corresponding slot 132, allowing the protrusion 120 to pass freely into the inlet body 107. The user then rotates the protrusion 120 relative to the mixing attachment 102—in the manner of a twist-lock—causing the lip 130 to travel circumferentially within the inlet body 107 until it aligns with and seats into the interior corresponding slot. Once the lip 130 is received within the interior slot, withdrawal of the protrusion 120 from the inlet 110 is resisted, thereby locking the additive receptacle 103 to the mixing attachment 102. To disengage, the user rotates the protrusion 120 in the reverse direction, bringing the lip 130 out of alignment with the slot and allowing the protrusion 120 to be withdrawn from the inlet body 107. It should be appreciated however that the coupling of the additive receptacle 103 and the inlet body 107 is not limited to the twist-lock mechanism. For example, the connection between the additive receptacle 103 and the inlet body 107 may be snap-fit with reinforced sealing edges, a magnetic connection (for seamless integration), etc.

[0047] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7-8, the inlet body 107 may include a variety of seals, gaskets, etc. for ensuring that the external contaminants do enter the mixing attachment 102, maintaining hygienic mixing conditions and preventing backflow of any liquid or additive substance therethrough. For example, a sealing ring 133 may be disposed at the inlet 110 and configured to provide a seal between the inlet 110 and the protrusion 120 of the additive receptacle 103 to prevent leaking. Further, a first star gasket 134 and a second star gasket 135 may be disposed within the inlet body 107 on opposing sides of the inlet 110, providing a fluid-tight seal between the protrusion 120 and the inlet 110 upon locking of the additive receptacle 103 to the mixing attachment 102.

[0048] In some embodiments, insertion of the protrusion 120 into the inlet 110 may open at least one of the first valve 113 and the second valve 114, allowing controlled release of the additive substance and ensuring that additive substance flow is only enabled when the additive receptacle 103 is properly inserted. Removal of the protrusion 120 from the inlet 110 may close at least one of the first valve 113 and the second valve 114, preventing unintended additive substance leakage and enabling normal suction of liquid from the beverage receptacle without additive substance delivery.

[0049] In an example, as shown in FIG. 7, opening of the second valve 114 may be achieved via a slide mechanism 136 disposed within the inlet body 107. In particular, upon insertion and locking of the protrusion 120 within the inlet 110, the protrusion 120 may engage the slide mechanism 136, causing it to translate axially within the inlet body 107. An internal piercing mechanism 137, disposed adjacent to the slide mechanism 136, may be driven by this axial translation to engage the second valve 114, opening it to permit flow of the additive substance through the outlet 108 and into the mixing body 106. A spring 138 disposed about the tube 119 (e.g., surrounding the tube 119) may bias the slide mechanism 136 and the second valve 114 to close upon removal of the protrusion 120 from the inlet 110, returning the valve 114 to its closed positions and preventing unintended leakage of the additive substance.

[0050] In another example, upon locking of the protrusion 120 within the inlet 110, the protrusion 120 may push into the first valve 113, which again may be a cross-slit valve, thereby opening the first valve 113 when the protrusion 120 is locked within the inlet 110 of the inlet body 107. Again, as above, the additive substance is then able to be drawn from the additive receptacle 103 through the inlet 110 and into mixing body 106.

[0051] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the mixing attachment may be disposed within a dispensing lid of the beverage container. This may allow the additive receptacle to be pierced upon insertion thereof and the supplement flow is started when the user drinks (e.g., activated by suction or pressure differential). In this embodiment, a one-way valve prevents premature additive substance release and leakage.

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 9 showing a flow diagram illustrating a method 200 of delivering a controlled dose of an additive substance to a user via a drinking tube, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the method 200 may comprise the steps of: step 201, providing the mixing attachment as above (coupled to the drinking tube); step 202, coupling an additive receptacle to the inlet of the inlet body, the additive receptacle housing an additive substance; step 203, applying suction to a first end of the drinking tube, wherein the suction causes liquid to be drawn into the mixing body and causes an amount of the additive substance to be drawn through the inlet body and into the mixing body via the venturi effect, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the drinking tube; and step 204, controlling the amount of the additive substance drawn into the mixing body by adjusting a diameter of the inlet, wherein decreasing the diameter of the inlet increases the amount of additive substance drawn into the mixing body, and wherein increasing the diameter of the inlet decreases the amount of additive substance drawn into the mixing body.

[0053] It should be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for delivering a controlled dose of an additive substance to a user via a drinking tube are taught herein.

[0054] The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the relevant patent offices and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

Claims

1. A mixing attachment for a drinking tube, the drinking tube to be placed in communication with a drinking liquid, the mixing attachment comprising:a mixing body configured for coupling to the drinking tube; andan inlet body coupled to the mixing body, the inlet body including:an outlet at a first end of the inlet body;an inlet at a second end of the inlet body, opposite the outlet, the inlet configured to couple to an additive receptacle for receiving additive substance therefrom;a channel within the inlet body and fluidly connecting the inlet to the mixing body via the outlet for passage of the additive substance therethrough; andat least one valve within the inlet body to at least prevent backflow of the additive substance out of the inlet; andwherein suction at a first end of the drinking tube, when in communication with the liquid, causes suction of the liquid into the mixing body and suction of an amount of the additive substance through the inlet body and into the mixing body, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed, and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the drinking tube.

2. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the mixing body is attached between two portions of the drinking tube, wherein a first portion of the drinking tube is inserted into a top end of the mixing body, and wherein a second portion of the drinking tube is inserted into a bottom end of the mixing body.

3. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a tube disposed within the inlet body between the inlet and the outlet, the tube defining a constriction in the channel, wherein a pressure differential created by the liquid flowing through the mixing body past the outlet draws the additive substance from the additive receptacle into the channel at the inlet and out through the outlet into the mixing body.

4. The mixing attachment of claim 3, wherein the tube includes a diameter smaller than a diameter of the inlet, and wherein the diameter of the inlet is adjustable, such that modifying the diameter of the inlet adjusts the flow resistance through the channel and controls the amount of additive substance drawn into the channel by the pressure differential created at the outlet.

5. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one valve of the inlet body includes a first valve disposed rearward of the inlet and forward of a first end of the tube.

6. The mixing attachment of claim 5, wherein the first valve includes a cross-slit valve.

7. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one valve of the inlet body further includes a second valve disposed about the outlet.

8. The mixing attachment of claim 7, wherein the second valve includes a check valve.

9. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the additive receptacle includes a protrusion for insertion into the inlet, wherein insertion of the protrusion opens at least one of the first valve and the second valve, and wherein removal of the protrusion from the inlet closes the at least one of the first valve and the second valve.

10. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the additive receptacle includes a protrusion for insertion into the inlet, and wherein the protrusion and the inlet body define a twist-lock connection configured to releasably lock the additive receptacle to the mixing attachment upon rotation of the protrusion relative to the mixing attachment.

11. The mixing attachment of claim 9, wherein the inlet body further includes a slide mechanism disposed within the inlet body, wherein the slide mechanism translates upon insertion and locking of the protrusion into the inlet, wherein an internal piercing mechanism disposed adjacent the slide mechanism engages the second valve upon axial translation of the slide mechanism, and wherein a spring disposed about the tube biases the slide mechanism and the second valve to close upon removal of the protrusion from the inlet.

12. The mixing attachment of claim 1, wherein the mixing body further includes at least one valve, and wherein the at least one valve of the mixing body is disposed toward a bottom end thereof.

13. The mixing attachment of claim 12, wherein the at least one valve includes a check valve.

14. A mixing straw comprising:a straw comprising a first straw portion and a second straw portion; anda mixing attachment comprising:a mixing body for connection between the first and second straw portions and in line therewith to define a common liquid channel; andan inlet body connected to a side of the mixing body at a first end thereof and extending outwardly from the mixing body, the inlet body including:an outlet at the first end of the inlet body;an inlet at a second end of the inlet body, opposite the outlet, the inlet configured to couple to an additive receptacle for receiving additive substance therefrom;a channel within the inlet body and fluidly connecting the inlet to the mixing body via the outlet for passage of the additive substance therethrough; andat least one valve within the inlet body to at least prevent backflow of the additive substance out of the inlet; andwherein suction at a first end of the straw, when in communication with the liquid, causes suction of the liquid into the mixing body and suction of an amount of the additive substance through the inlet body and into the mixing body, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed, and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the straw.

15. The mixing straw of claim 14, wherein the channel comprises a tube disposed within the inlet body between the inlet and the outlet, the tube defining a constriction in the channel, wherein a pressure differential created by the liquid flowing through the mixing body past the outlet draws the additive substance from the additive receptacle into the channel at the inlet and out through the outlet into the mixing body, wherein the tube includes a diameter smaller than a diameter of the inlet, and wherein the diameter of the inlet is adjustable, such that modifying the diameter of the inlet adjusts the flow resistance through the channel and controls the amount of additive substance drawn into the channel by the pressure differential created at the outlet.

16. The mixing straw of claim 14, wherein the at least one valve of the inlet body includes a cross-slit valve disposed rearward of the inlet and forward of a first end of the tube, and a check valve disposed about the outlet.

17. The mixing straw of claim 14, wherein the additive receptacle includes a protrusion for insertion into the inlet, wherein insertion of the protrusion opens at least one of the first valve and the second valve, and wherein removal of the protrusion from the inlet closes the at least one of the first valve and the second valve.

18. The mixing straw of claim 14, wherein the additive receptacle includes a protrusion for insertion into the inlet, and wherein the protrusion and the inlet body define a twist-lock connection configured to releasably lock the additive receptacle to the mixing attachment upon rotation of the protrusion relative to the mixing attachment.

19. The mixing straw of claim 17, wherein the inlet body further includes a slide mechanism disposed within the inlet body, wherein the slide mechanism translates upon insertion and locking of the protrusion into the inlet, wherein an internal piercing mechanism disposed adjacent the slide mechanism engages the second valve upon axial translation of the slide mechanism, and wherein a spring disposed about the tube biases the slide mechanism and the second valve to close upon removal of the protrusion from the inlet.

20. The mixing straw of claim 14, wherein the mixing body further includes a check valve disposed toward a bottom end thereof.

21. A mixing system comprising:a straw comprising a first and a second straw portion, the first straw portion including a first end of the straw and the second straw portion including a second end of the straw;an additive receptacle housing an additive substance; anda mixing attachment comprising:a mixing body for connection between the first and second straw portions and in line therewith to define a common liquid channel;an inlet body connected to a side of the mixing body at a first end thereof and extending outwardly from the mixing body, the inlet body including:an outlet at the first end of the inlet body;an inlet at a second end of the inlet body, opposite the outlet, the inlet configured to couple to an additive receptacle for receiving additive substance therefrom;a channel within the inlet body and fluidly connecting the inlet to the mixing body via the outlet for passage of the additive substance therethrough; andat least one valve within the inlet body to at least prevent backflow of the additive substance out of the inlet; andwherein suction at a first end of the straw, when in communication with the liquid, causes suction of the liquid into the mixing body and suction of an amount of the additive substance through the inlet body and into the mixing body, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed, and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the straw.

22. The mixing system of claim 21, wherein the at least one valve of the inlet body further includes a second valve disposed about the outlet, wherein the additive receptacle includes a protrusion for insertion into the inlet, wherein insertion of the protrusion opens at least one of the first valve and the second valve, and wherein removal of the protrusion from the inlet closes the at least one of the first valve and the second valve.

23. The mixing system of claim 21, wherein the additive receptacle includes a protrusion for insertion into the inlet, and wherein the protrusion and the inlet body define a twist-lock connection configured to releasably lock the additive receptacle to the mixing attachment upon rotation of the protrusion relative to the mixing attachment.

24. The mixing system of claim 22, wherein the inlet body further includes a slide mechanism disposed within the inlet body, wherein the slide mechanism translates upon insertion and locking of the protrusion into the inlet, wherein an internal piercing mechanism disposed adjacent the slide mechanism engages the second valve upon axial translation of the slide mechanism, and wherein a spring disposed about the tube biases the slide mechanism and the second valve to close upon removal of the protrusion from the inlet.

25. A method of delivering a controlled dose of an additive substance to a user via a drinking tube, the method comprising:providing a mixing attachment coupled to the drinking tube, the mixing attachment comprising a mixing body and an inlet body coupled to the mixing body, the inlet body including an outlet at a first end of the inlet body, an inlet at a second end of the inlet body, a channel within the inlet body and fluidly connecting the inlet to the mixing body, and at least one valve within the inlet body;coupling an additive receptacle to the inlet of the inlet body, the additive receptacle housing an additive substance;applying suction to a first end of the drinking tube, wherein the suction causes liquid to be drawn into the mixing body and causes an amount of the additive substance to be drawn through the inlet body and into the mixing body via the venturi effect, where the liquid and the amount of the additive substance are mixed and subsequently suctioned through the first end of the drinking tube; andcontrolling the amount of the additive substance drawn into the mixing body by adjusting a diameter of the inlet, wherein decreasing the diameter of the inlet increases the amount of additive substance drawn into the mixing body, and wherein increasing the diameter of the inlet decreases the amount of additive substance drawn into the mixing body.

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