Beverage supplement dispensing unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a beverage supplement dispensing unit (1) for a beverage container, in which the beverage supplement dispensing unit comprises: a housing (2); a chamber (14) located between first (4) and second (10) ends of the housing, in which the chamber is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein, in which the chamber comprises an inlet (16) configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber, and an outlet (18) configured in use to allow passage of the beverage supplement out of the chamber; and a closure mechanism (20) located adjacent the outlet of the chamber, in which the closure mechanism is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism is spaced apart from the outlet enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber; and a second closed in which the closure mechanism substantially seals the outlet of the chamber.

Description

[0001] BEVERAGE SUPPLEMENT DISPENSING UNIT

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage supplement dispensing unit and to a beverage container containing the same.

[0003] BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0004] It is often the case that users like to be able to add flavouring or supplements to drinking water to make the beverage more nutritious or more palatable. However, it can be cumbersome to add supplements or flavouring to a container when out and about. Furthermore, the flavouring or supplement may deteriorate if present within the drinking water for an extended period of time.

[0005] There is therefore a need for an improved container which allows for the user to introduce supplements and / or flavouring as and when required, when out and about, to drinking water.

[0006] STATEMENT OF INVENTION

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage supplement dispensing unit for a beverage container, in which the beverage supplement dispensing unit comprises: a housing comprising: a first end configured in use for engagement to a portion of a beverage container defining a cavity for receiving a beverage therein, in which the first end of the housing defines a first opening configured in use to be in fluid communication with the cavity of the beverage container; a second opposed end defining a second opening, in which the second opening is in fluid communication with the first opening by means of a conduit so as to allow passage of a beverage within the cavity of a beverage container to pass therethrough; a chamber through which the conduit and is located between the first and second ends of the housing, in which the chamber is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein, in which the chamber comprises an inlet configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber, and an outlet configured in use to allow passage of the beverage supplement out of the chamber; and a closure mechanism located adjacent the outlet of the chamber, in which the closure mechanism is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism is spaced apart from the outlet enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber; and a second closed position in which the closure mechanism substantially seals the outlet of the chamber; wherein movement of the closure mechanism from the second closed position to the first open position is initiated through activation of an actuator positioned on a side portion of the housing.

[0008] The chamber allows beverage supplement to be stored and dispensed in to liquid in the beverage container as desired. The conduit allows the beverage with the beverage supplement to be consumed from the beverage container by passing through the conduit to the user who is drinking from the beverage container with a dispensing unit.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment the actuator positioned on a side portion of the housing has at least one return means to bias return of the closure mechanism to the second closed position when the actuator is deactivated. In this way the actuator is configured to engage a return means in communication with the closure mechanism so that the return means maintains the closure mechanism in the second closed position and when the actuator is activated the return means is overcome and the outlet from the chamber is opened so that the closure mechanism is in the first open position. When the actuator is deactivated the closure mechanism returns to the second closed position. In this way the chamber containing the beverage supplement remains sealed unless the actuator is pressed (activated). The return means biases the seal closed, preventing unintended dispensing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment the return means is at least one spring to bias return of the closure mechanism to the second closed position when the actuator is deactivated. The actuator is configured to engage a spring in communication as part of the closure mechanism so that the spring maintains the closure mechanism in the second closed position and when the actuator is activated the spring is compressed and the outlet from the chamber is opened so that the closure mechanism is in the first open position. When the actuator is deactivated the closure mechanism returns to the second closed position.

[0011] In embodiments with a spring as the return means, the spring may be any appropriate spring, including mechanical springs, wave springs, leaf springs, torsion springs, and air springs.

[0012] Other return means may include a hydraulic plunger, pneumatic plunger, a resiliently deformable portion for example a cellular material such as foam or sponge, or rubber that is depressed by a plunger or button and returns to an original state when pressure is released.

[0013] The outlet of the chamber is preferably configured in use, when the closure mechanism is in the first open position, to be in fluid communication with the first opening of the housing.

[0014] The outlet of the chamber is preferably configured in use, when the closure mechanism is in the first open position, to dispense a beverage supplement from the chamber under gravity.

[0015] The chamber is preferably located at or adjacent the second opposed end of the housing.

[0016] The first end of the housing is preferably configured for releasable engagement to a portion of a beverage container, typically the upper portion of the beverage container so that the housing is arranged upon the beverage container. The first end of the housing may be, for example, configured for threaded engagement with the portion of the beverage container.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second opening on the housing has a nozzle.

[0018] The second opposed end of the housing may be configured in use for engagement to a nozzle defining an outlet of a beverage container. The second opening may be configured in use to be in fluid communication with the nozzle of the beverage container so that a beverage passes from the beverage container, through the conduit on the housing to the nozzle from which the beverage is consumed.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second end of the housing is preferably configured for releasable engagement to the nozzle. The second opposed end of the housing may be configured for threaded engagement with the nozzle of the beverage supplement dispensing unit for the beverage container.

[0020] A side portion extends between the first and second openings of the housing.

[0021] The side portion may comprise a threaded portion for cooperative threaded engagement to a threaded portion provided at one or more of the first and / or second opposed end portions.

[0022] The second opposed end of the housing preferably defines a third opening configured in use to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the chamber of the housing. This third opening is for receiving the beverage supplement.

[0023] In another embodiment, the inlet of the chamber is preferably provided by disengagement of the second opposed end portion from the side portion of the housing to access the chamber.

[0024] The closure mechanism is preferably biased towards the second closed position.

[0025] The closure mechanism preferably comprises an actuator configured to move the closure mechanism from the second closed position towards the first open position.

[0026] The closure mechanism preferably includes a seal to prevent leakage of the beverage supplement from the outlet of the chamber. Preferably the seal is a resiliently deformable part arranged over a distal part of the closure mechanism that is positioned to close the outlet from the chamber. The seal is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the outlet. In a preferred embodiment the seal is domed or round, such as ball-shaped to fit against and / or partially into the outlet opening for improved sealing. In some embodiments part of the seal may be substantially flat.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment the closure mechanism comprises a first portion that is substantially L-shaped with a first end connected to a distal end of the actuator and a second end with a seal that closes the outlet from the chamber. Preferably the L-shaped first portion is curved, or at least has an arcuate surface so that the first portion is easy to clean and has no corners where liquid or powder residue may easily build up. In these ways the second end of the first portion is positioned orthogonally to the axis of the actuator and the axis of the first end. In some embodiments that the first and second portions may be separable, for example the second portion that has the seal may be removed for cleaning.

[0028] In some embodiments the first and second portions may not be separable, for example the portions may be connected permanently at manufacture, or the first and second portions may be formed as a single part.

[0029] Preferably, movement of the first portion (which includes the seal) from the second closed position to the first open position when the actuator is pressed forms an outlet on the chamber as the seal is displaced from the chamber. Preferably, the seal is moved from the second closed position to the first open position through lateral movement of the first portion as the actuator is arranged on the side portion of the housing.

[0030] The use of a substantially L-shaped first portion allows the closure mechanism to be offset to one side of the housing. This has the advantages of enabling the conduit to be kept clear from the closure mechanism, improving hygiene, and reducing residue build-up; allowing the closure mechanism to sit to one side which create a compact internal layout and aligning the actuator naturally underthe user's thumb or finger, enabling intuitive one-handed operation.

[0031] In another embodiment the closure mechanism may comprise a first portion that is a lever movable at a pivot between the closed and open position.

[0032] The lever is preferably configured to be easy to make, easy to install, easy to clean and reliable.

[0033] The actuator may be a push button actuator.

[0034] The actuator is located on a side portion of the housing making for easy use when the beverage supplement dispensing unit and beverage container is held. For example a user's fingers and thumb of one hand may warp around the unit and the user's thumb may press the button as the unit is held. Thus enabling one handed operation.

[0035] The beverage supplement dispensing unit preferably further comprises a beverage supplement selected from one or more of: flavouring (such as for example squash), vitamins, minerals, or any combination thereof within the chamber. The beverage supplement is preferably in liquid form within the chamber. It is appreciated that the beverage supplement may be provided in another form such as a powder.

[0036] The housing is preferably tubular in shape.

[0037] The housing is preferably an open ended tubular member.

[0038] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage container comprising a beverage supplement dispensing unit as herein described.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing a beverage supplement dispensing unit as herein described comprising: obtaining a housing comprising: a first end configured in use for engagement to a portion of a beverage container defining a cavity for receiving a beverage therein, in which the first end of the housing defines a first opening configured in use to be in fluid communication with the cavity of the beverage container; a second opposed end defining a second opening, in which the second opening is in fluid communication with the first opening by means of a conduit so as to allow passage of a beverage within the cavity of a beverage container to pass therethrough; and a chamber that surrounds the conduit located between the first and second ends of the housing, in which the chamber is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein, in which the chamber comprises an inlet configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber, and an outlet configured in use to allow passage of the beverage supplement out of the chamber; positioning a closure mechanism adjacent the outlet of the chamber, such that the closure mechanism is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism is spaced apart from the outlet enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber; and a second closed position in which the closure mechanism substantially seals the outlet of the chamber; wherein movement of the closure mechanism from the second closed position to the first open position is initiated through activation of an actuator positioned on a side portion of the housing.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a beverage supplement dispensing unit as herein described in a beverage container comprising: obtaining a beverage supplement dispensing unit as herein described; engaging the first end of the housing to a portion of a beverage container defining a cavity for receiving a beverage therein; and optionally engaging the second opposed end to a nozzle defining an outlet of a beverage container.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in more detail in relation to the accompanying Figures:

[0042] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0043] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of the present invention together with a nozzle;

[0044] Figures 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic illustrations of a top view, side view and bottom view of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 1;

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a beverage container with the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 1;

[0046] Figure 4A is an exploded view of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 1;

[0047] Figure 4B show the assembled beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 4A;

[0048] Figures 5A to 5E are schematic illustrations of a portion of a closure mechanism of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 1;

[0049] Figures 6A to 6E are schematic illustrations of a portion of an actuator of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of the present invention together with a nozzle;

[0050] Figures 8A, 8B, and 8C are schematic illustrations of a top view, side view and bottom view of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 7;

[0051] Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of an exploded view of a beverage container with the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 7;

[0052] Figure 10A is an exploded view of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 7;

[0053] Figure 10B is an assembled view of the beverage supplement dispensing unit on Figure 10A;

[0054] Figures 11A to 11D are schematic illustrations of a portion of a closure mechanism of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 7;

[0055] Figures 12A to 12D are schematic illustrations of a portion of an actuator of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 7; and

[0056] Figures 13A to 13E are schematic illustrations of a further portion of an actuator of the beverage supplement dispensing unit of Figure 7.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] With reference to the Figures 1 to 6E, a preferred embodiment of the beverage supplement dispensing unit 1 comprises an open ended tubular housing 2. The housing 2 comprises a first end 4 configured in use for engagement to a portion of a beverage container 6 defining a cavity. The first end 4 of the housing 2 defines a first opening 8 configured in use to be in fluid communication with the cavity of the beverage container 6. The housing 2 further comprises a second opposed end 10 defining a second opening 12. The second opening 12 is in fluid communication with the first opening 8 by means of a conduit 9 so as to allow passage of a beverage within the cavity of a beverage container 6 to pass therethrough.

[0059] The first end 4 of the housing 2 is configured for releasable engagement to a portion of a beverage container 6. In particular, the first end of the housing 2 is configured for threaded engagement with the portion of the beverage container 6.

[0060] The housing 2 further comprises a chamber 14 located between the first 4 and second 10 ends of the housing 2. The chamber 14 is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein. The chamber 14 comprises an inlet 16 configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber 14.

[0061] The chamber 14 is located at or adjacent the second opposed end 10 of the housing 2.

[0062] The housing 2 further comprises a closure mechanism 20 located adjacent the outlet 18 of the chamber 14.

[0063] The closure mechanism 20 is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism 20 is spaced apart from the outlet 18 enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber 14; and a second closed position (shown in Figure 1) in which the closure mechanism 20 substantially seals the outlet 18 of the chamber 14.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism 20 comprises an actuator 28 with a first portion 38 connected to a second portion 40.

[0065] The first portion 38 is substantially L-shaped in profile with a first end 38A and a second end 38B.

[0066] The first end 38A of the first portion 38 is located adjacent to and is connected to a second portion 40 of an actuator 28.

[0067] The seal 39 is provided at a second end 38B of the first portion 38 and acts to close the outlet 18 from the chamber 14.

[0068] The seal 39 is moveable between: a first open position in which the seal 39 is spaced apart from the outlet 18 in the wall of the chamber 14 enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber 14; and a second closed position in which the seal 39 seals the outlet 18 in the wall of the chamber 14.

[0069] The seal 39 and first portion 38 is shown in more detail in Figures 5A to 5D.

[0070] The seal 39 is a resiliently deformable part arranged over the second end 38B of the first portion 38. The first end 38A of the first portion 38 has a plug 43 that is received in a socket 44 provided on the second portion 40. This plug 43 and socket 44 configuration enables connection of the parts 38 and 40 and allows the parts to be separated for cleaning. It is appreciated that in some embodiments the first and second portions may not be separable, for example the portions may be connected permanently at manufacture, or the first and second portions may be formed as a single part.

[0071] The actuator 28 is configured in use to move the seal 39 from the second closed position to the first open position, i.e. to move the seal 39 away from the outlet 18 in the wall of the chamber 14. In Figure 1 the seal 39 is shown in the closed position.

[0072] The pictured actuator 28 is a push button actuator. It is however to be understood that any suitable actuation mechanism could be used.

[0073] The first portion 38 has a seal 39 that is displaced when the actuator 28 is pushed and the second portion 40 of the actuator 28 moves along a channel 41. When the second portion 40 is pushed this moves the second part 40 along a channel 41, a spring 42 (see Figure 3) is compressed so that when force applied to the actuator is removed, the actuator returns along the channel 41 to the starting position.

[0074] The seal 39 is thereby biased towards the second closed position.

[0075] As shown in Figures 5A to 5D and 6A to 6D, the actuator 28 comprises a first portion 38 having a first end 38A in communication with second portion 40. The first portion 38 has a curved side profile and is a substantially L-shaped or cornered configuration, that has a second end 38B that is positioned substantially orthogonally to the first portion 38A.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, a second end 38B of the first portion 38 of the actuator 28 is connected to a seal 39 which is in communication with the outlet 18 in the wall of the chamber 14. The second portion 40 is a push button which is mounted with the spring 42, on the first portion 38.

[0077] The outlet 18 in Figures 1 to 6 is provided at a near central region of the housing 2 so that when the supplement is dispensed it falls into a mid-region of the container which may assist with mixing. When in the second closed position the seal 39 is engaged with the outlet 18 on the chamber 14 and is configured in use, to laterally move from the second closed position to the first open position forming a temporary open outlet 18 and to be in fluid communication with the first opening 8 of the housing 2. The outlet 18 is configured in use, when the closure mechanism 20 is in the first open position, to dispense a beverage supplement from the chamber 14 under gravity. Advantageously, the design of the actuator 28 with the substantially L-shaped or cornered first portion 38 connected to a seal 39 provides a closure mechanism 20 with a simple, streamlined means to open and close the outlet 18 on the chamber 14 to dispense a beverage supplement from the chamber 14 under gravity.

[0078] The second opposed end 10 of the housing 2 is configured in use for engagement to a nozzle 30 defining an outlet 32 of a beverage container 6. The second opening 12 is configured in use to be in fluid communication with the nozzle 30 of the beverage container 6.

[0079] The nozzle 30 has O-rings 31 to assist with forming a seal when connected to the housing 2.

[0080] The second end 10 is configured for releasable engagement to the nozzle 30. In particular, the second opposed end 10 of the housing 2 is configured for threaded engagement with the nozzle 30 of the beverage container.

[0081] It can be seen from Figure 1 and Figures 2A-2C that the second opposed end 10 when the nozzle 30 is removed defines a third opening 34 configured in use to be in fluid communication with the inlet 16 of the chamber 14 of the housing 2 which receives a beverage supplement (not shown).

[0082] As shown in Figures 1 and 2A to 2C, the housing 2 further comprises a side portion 36 extending between the first 4 and second 10 opposed ends thereof. Each of the first 4 and second 10 end have screw threads 27, 27' for releasable engagement to the nozzle 30 and the container 6. Screw thread 27 connects to the container 6. Screw thread 27' connects to the nozzle 30. Screw thread 27 is an internal thread. Screw thread 27' is an external thread. The inlet 16 of the chamber 14 is provided by disengagement of the second opposed end portion 10 from the side portion 36 of the housing 4. The cavity of the chamber 14 may receive any suitable beverage supplement, such as for example one or more of: flavouring (such as for example squash), vitamins, minerals, or any combination thereof within the chamber 14 that is dispensed to the beverage container 6.

[0083] In use, the user fills the cavity of the beverage container 6 with fluid, such as water. The beverage supplement dispensing unit 1 is installed by threadingly engaging the first end 4 of the housing to a portion of a beverage container 6. The second opposed end 10 is threadingly engaged to the nozzle 30. When required, the user activates the actuator 28 by pushing the push button. Activation of the actuator 28, by pushing the second portion 40 in a direction inwardly causes the first portion 38 of the actuator 28 to laterally move from a first position to a second position. As the first portion 38 moves into the second position, the seal 39 laterally moves from the second closed position to the first open position. In the second closed position, the seal 39 forms a liquid tight seal against the outlet 18 on the chamber 14 so as to prevent beverage supplement passing out of the chamber 14. In the first open position, a temporary open outlet 18 is formed between the chamber 14 and seal 39 thereby enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber 14 and into the cavity of the beverage container 6. The seal 39 is biased towards the second closed position and so when force is removed from the actuator 28, the spring 42 biases the actuator 28 to return to a non-depressed position and causes the seal 39 to return to the second closed position closing the temporary outlet and thereby sealing the chamber 14.

[0084] With reference to the Figures 7 to 13E, a second embodiment of the beverage supplement dispensing unit 1 comprises an open ended tubular housing 2. Like parts have like references. The housing 2 comprises a first end 4 configured in use for engagement to a portion of a beverage container 6 defining a cavity (not shown). The first end 4 of the housing 2 defines a first opening 8 configured in use to be in fluid communication with the cavity of the beverage container 6. The housing 2 further comprises a second opposed end 10 defining a second opening 12. The second opening 12 is in fluid communication with the first opening 8 by means of the conduit 9 so as to allow passage of a beverage within the cavity of a beverage container 6 to pass therethrough.

[0085] The first end 4 of the housing 2 is configured for releasable engagement to a portion of a beverage container 6. In particular, the first end 4 of the housing 2 is configured for threaded engagement with the portion of the beverage container 6. As shown in Figure 10A, 1OB, the housing 2 further comprises a chamber 14 located between the first 4 and second 10 ends of the housing 2. The chamber 14 is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein.

[0086] In Figure 10B the beverage dispensing unit 1 is shown as an exploded view in which the first end 4 and the second end 10 are separable parts from the housing 2. The side portion of the housing 2 is adapted to receive the first second ends 4, 10 to form the unit 1 shown in Figure 10A. It is appreciated that these parts (10, 2, 4) may be joined at manufacture and may not be separable after manufacture. In some embodiments the parts (10, 2, 4) may be separable, for example the side portion of the housing may comprises a threaded portion for cooperative threaded engagement to one or more of the first and / or second opposed end portions.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7, the chamber 14 comprises an inlet 16 configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber 14. The chamber 14 further comprises an outlet 18 configured in use to allow passage of the beverage supplement out of the chamber 14.

[0088] The chamber 14 is located at or adjacent the second opposed end 10 of the housing 2.

[0089] The housing 2 further comprises a closure mechanism 20 located adjacent the outlet 18 of the chamber 14.

[0090] The closure mechanism 20 is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism 20 is spaced apart from the outlet 18 enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber 14; and a second closed position in which the closure mechanism 20 substantially seals the outlet 18 of the chamber 14.

[0091] In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism 20 comprises a lever 22 with a first end 24 located at or adjacent the outlet 18 of the chamber 14; and an opposed second end 26 located adjacent an actuator 28. The lever 22 is shown in more detail in Figures 11A to

[0092] 11D. A torsion spring 26A is arranged on the second end to provide a return means for the lever

[0093] 22.

[0094] The actuator 28 is configured in use to move the closure mechanism 20 from the second closed position to the first open position, i.e. to move the first end 24 of the lever 22 away from the outlet 18 of the chamber 14.

[0095] The actuator 28 is a push button actuator. It is however to be understood that any suitable actuation mechanism could be used.

[0096] The closure mechanism 20 is biased towards the second closed position.

[0097] As shown in Figures 9, 12A to 12D and 13A to 13D, the actuator 28 comprises a first portion 38 having a first end in communication with second portion 40. A second opposed end of the first portion 38 of the actuator 28 is mounted in communication with the second end 26 of lever 22. The second portion 40 is a push button which is mounted, with the spring 42, on the first portion 38.

[0098] The outlet 18 of the chamber 14 is configured in use, when the closure mechanism 20 is in the first open position to be in fluid communication with the first opening 8 of the housing 2. The outlet 18 of the chamber 14 is configured in use, when the closure mechanism 20 is in the first open position, to dispense a beverage supplement from the chamber 14 under gravity.

[0099] The second opposed end 10 of the housing 2 is configured in use for engagement to a nozzle 30 defining an outlet 32 of a beverage container 6. The second opening 12 is configured in use to be in fluid communication with the nozzle 30 of the beverage container 6 with the beverage dispensing unit 1.

[0100] The second end 10 is configured for releasable engagement to the nozzle 30. In particular, the second opposed end 10 of the housing 2 is configured for threaded engagement with the nozzle 30 of the beverage container.

[0101] It can be seen from Figure 7 and Figures 8A-8C that the second opposed end 10 defines a third opening 34 configured in use to be in fluid communication with the inlet 16 of the chamber As shown in Figures 7 and 8A to 8C, the housing 2 further comprises a side portion 36 extending between the first 4 and second 10 opposed ends thereof. Each of the first 4 and second 10 ends have screw threads 27, 27' for releasable engagement to the nozzle 30 and the container 6. Screw thread 27 connects to the container 6. Screw thread 27' connects to the nozzle 30.

[0102] The opening of the inlet 16 of the chamber 14 is provided by disengagement of the nozzle 30 from the second opposed end portion 10 that extends from the side portion 36 of the housing 2 . The nozzle 30 is unscrewed from the threaded connection 27'.

[0103] The cavity of the beverage container 6 may receive any suitable beverage supplement, such as for example one or more of: flavouring (such as for example squash), vitamins, minerals, or any combination thereof within the chamber 14.

[0104] In use, the user fills the cavity of the beverage container 6 with fluid, such as water. The beverage supplement dispensing unit 1 is installed by threadingly engaging the first end 4 of the housing 2 to a portion of a beverage container 6. The second opposed end 10 is threadingly engaged to the nozzle 30. When required, the user activates the actuator 28 by pushing the push button. Activation of the actuator 28, by pushing the second portion 40 in a direction inwardly causes the first portion 38 of the actuator 28 to displace part of the lever 22 such that the closure mechanism 20 is moved from a second closed position in which the first end 24 of the lever 22 of the closure mechanism 20 substantially seals the outlet of the chamber to a first open position in which the first end 24 of the lever 22 of the closure mechanism 20 is spaced apart from the outlet 18 thereby enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber 14 and into the cavity of the beverage container. The lever 22 is biased towards the second closed position and so when force is removed from the actuator 28, the spring 42 biases the actuator 28 to return to a non-depressed position and causes the closure mechanism to return to the second closed position thereby sealing the outlet 18 from the chamber 14.

[0105] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A beverage supplement dispensing unit for a beverage container, in which the beverage supplement dispensing unit comprises: a housing comprising: a first end configured in use for engagement to a portion of a beverage container defining a cavity for receiving a beverage therein, in which the first end of the housing defines a first opening configured in use to be in fluid communication with the cavity of the beverage container; a second opposed end defining a second opening, in which the second opening is in fluid communication with the first opening by means of a conduit so as to allow passage of a beverage within the cavity of a beverage container to pass therethrough; a chamber through which the conduit and is located between the first and second ends of the housing, in which the chamber is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein, in which the chamber comprises an inlet configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber, and an outlet configured in use to allow passage of the beverage supplement out of the chamber; and a closure mechanism located adjacent the outlet of the chamber, in which the closure mechanism is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism is spaced apart from the outlet enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber; and a second closed position in which the closure mechanism substantially seals the outlet of the chamber; wherein movement of the closure mechanism from the second closed position to the first open position is initiated through activation of an actuator positioned on a side portion of the housing.

2. A beverage supplement dispensing until as claimed in claim 1 wherein the actuator has at least one return means to bias return of the closure mechanism to the second closed position when the actuator is deactivated.

3. A beverage supplement dispensing until as claimed in claim 2 wherein the return means has at least one spring to bias return of the closure mechanism to the second closed position when the actuator is deactivated.

4. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, in which the outlet of the chamber is configured in use, when the closure mechanism is in the first open position, to be in fluid communication with the first opening of the housing.

5. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the outlet of the chamber is configured in use, when the closure mechanism is in the first open position, to dispense a beverage supplement from the chamber under gravity.

6. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the chamber is located at or adjacent the second opposed end of the housing.

7. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first end of the housing is configured for releasable engagement to a portion of a beverage container.

8. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 7, in which the first end of the housing is configured for threaded engagement with the portion of the beverage container.

9. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second opening has a nozzle which defines an outlet of the conduit.

10. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 9, in which the second end is configured for releasable engagement to the nozzle.

11. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 10, in which the second opposed end of the housing is configured for threaded engagement with the nozzle.

12. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second opposed end defines a third opening configured in use to be in fluid communication with the inlet of the chamber of the housing.

13. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the housing further comprises a side portion extending between the first and second opposed ends thereof, and in which one or more of the first and / or second ends are configured for releasable engagement to the side portion.

14. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 13, in which the side portion comprises a threaded portion for cooperative threaded engagement to one or more of the first and / or second opposed end portions.

15. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in either of claims 13 and 14, in which the inlet of the chamber is opened by disengagement of the nozzle from the housing.

16. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the closure mechanism is biased towards the second closed position.

17. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the actuator is a push button actuator.

18. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuator has a first portion with a first end in communication with a second portion.

19. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 18 wherein the first portion is substantially L-shaped and a first end extends in the same axis as the second portion and the second end is positioned substantially orthogonally to the first end and the second portion of the actuator.

20. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 19 wherein the closure mechanism comprises a seal connected at a second end of the first portion.

21. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 20 wherein movement of the seal from the second closed position to the first open position opens an outlet.

22. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claim 21 wherein the seal is moved from the second closed position to the first open position through lateral movement of the first portion.

23. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in claims 18 to 22 wherein the first end of the first portion has a plug received to a socket provided on the second portion.

24. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any of claims 1 to 18 wherein the closure mechanism includes a lever movable between the closed and open position.

25. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in a claim 24 wherein the lever is movable by the actuator.

26. A beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim, including a beverage supplement selected from one or more of: flavouring (such as for example squash), vitamins, minerals, or any combination thereof within the chamber.

27. A beverage supplement dispensing unit according to claim 26 wherein the beverage supplement is in liquid form within the chamber.

28. A beverage container comprising a beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any preceding claim.

29. A method of manufacturing a beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 comprising: obtaining a housing comprising: a first end configured in use for engagement to a portion of a beverage container defining a cavity for receiving a beverage therein, in which the first end of the housing defines a first opening configured in use to be in fluid communication with the cavity of the beverage container; a second opposed end defining a second opening, in which the second opening is in fluid communication with the first opening so as to allow passage of a beverage within the cavity of a beverage container to pass therethrough; and a chamber located between the first and second ends of the housing, in which the chamber is configured in use to store a beverage supplement therein, in which the chamber comprises an inlet configured in use to receive a beverage supplement therethrough into the chamber, and an outlet configured in use to allow passage of the beverage supplement out of the chamber; positioning a closure mechanism adjacent the outlet of the chamber, such that the closure mechanism is moveable between: a first open position in which the closure mechanism is spaced apart from the outlet enabling the beverage supplement to pass out of the chamber; and a second closed position in which the closure mechanism substantially seals the outlet of the chamber; wherein movement of the closure mechanism from the second closed position to the first open position is initiated through activation of an actuator positioned on a side portion of the housing.

0. A method of installing a beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27 in a beverage container comprising: obtaining a beverage supplement dispensing unit as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27; engaging the first end of the housing to a portion of a beverage container defining a cavity for receiving a beverage therein; and optionally engaging the second opposed end to a nozzle defining an outlet of a beverage container.

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