FLAVOR INFUSING STRAW

Abstract

A flavor infusing system which allows for a flavor concentrate to be dispensed into a fluid upon demand for fluid through a straw. Specifically, the systems and methods allow for a flavor concentrate to be mixed into fluid within a straw as the fluid is drawn through the straw via sucking on the straw at a variable ratios. The system may comprise a stand-alone straw useable with any source of base fluid, or may be incorporated into a cover or similar component of a water bottle, flask, or mug to provide for an integrated unit.

Claims

1. A flavor infusing system, the system comprising: a reservoir of fluid; a nozzle interconnected with a supply straw to form an enclosed flow channel where suction on said nozzle causes fluid from a base of said reservoir to flow upward via said flow channel through said supply straw and out said nozzle; and a flavor chamber connected to said supply straw by a sourcing connector; wherein said sourcing connector supplies a variable level of a flavor from said flavor container into said flow channel based on the position of both an adjustable flow meter and a speed of fluid flow through said flow channel.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said flavor is in the form of a liquid concentrate.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said reservoir comprises an insulated vessel.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said supply straw and said nozzle share a common axis.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said supply straw and said nozzle are offset from each other.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said sourcing connector includes a plurality of variable flow channels.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein each variable flow channel in said plurality of variable flow channels comprises a horizontal slit.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said plurality of variable flow channels are arranged horizontally above each other.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said flavor chamber comprises a removable capsule.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein said removable capsule is a part of a removable cartridge which also includes said sourcing connector.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein said flavor chamber is formed as part of a cover for said reservoir.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein said cover is screwably attached to said reservoir.

13. A flavor infusing system, the system comprising: a nozzle interconnected with a supply straw to form an enclosed flow channel where suction on said nozzle causes fluid from a base of said reservoir to flow upward via said flow channel through said supply straw and out said nozzle; and a flavor chamber connected to said supply straw by a sourcing connector; wherein said sourcing connector supplies a variable level of a flavor from said flavor container into said flow channel based on the position of both an adjustable flow meter and a speed of fluid flow through said flow channel.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said flavor is in the form of a liquid concentrate.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein said supply straw and said nozzle share a common axis.

18. The system of claim 13, wherein said supply straw and said nozzle are offset from each other.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein said sourcing connector includes a plurality of variable flow channels.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein each variable flow channel in said plurality of variable flow channels comprises a horizontal slit.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said plurality of variable flow channels are arranged horizontally above each other.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein said flavor chamber comprises a removable capsule.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0046] FIG. 1 provides an underside perspective view of a first embodiment of a flavor infusing straw.

[0047] FIG. 2 provides a cut-through drawing of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0048] FIG. 3 provides a more detailed and closer view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows a top down view of the interior of the flavor chamber with a disposable flavor reservoir pouch attached to the sourcing connector. The center channel of the flavor chamber and the interface portion of the nozzle are also cut-through so the bottom opening of the nozzle channel is visible as is the closed check valve below it.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a nozzle and flavor chamber sub-assembly.

[0051] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a nozzle.

[0052] FIG. 7 shows a general cut through of an embodiment of the nozzle, cover and fluid chamber when the nozzle is in its lowest position.

[0053] FIG. 8 shows a detail view of the sourcing connector and side hole of the interface when the ports are in the position of FIG. 7 to best illustrate that the small channels are all blocked in this position.

[0054] FIG. 9 shows a detail view of the flange interacting with the ribs to illustrate how a user can perceive the position of the nozzle and the flavor level selected when the nozzle is at the lowest position as shown in FIG. 7.

[0055] FIG. 10 shows a detail view of the sourcing connector and side hole of the interface as shown in FIG. 7, but at a middle or intermediate position to best illustrate that the small channels are partially blocked in this position.

[0056] FIG. 11 shows a detail view of the flange interacting with the ribs to illustrate how a user can perceive the position of the nozzle and the flavor level selected at the intermediate position of FIG. 10.

[0057] FIG. 12 shows a general cut-through of an embodiment of the nozzle, cover and fluid chamber when the nozzle is in its highest position.

[0058] FIG. 13 shows a detail view of the sourcing connector and side hole of the interface when the parts are in the position of FIG. 12 to best illustrate that the small channels are all clear of the interface structure in this position and align with the side hole so none are blocked.

[0059] FIG. 14 shows a detail view of the flange interacting with the ribs to illustrate how a user can perceive the position of the nozzle and the flavor level selected with the nozzle in the highest position of FIG. 12.

[0060] FIG. 15 shows an external perspective view of another embodiment of a flavor infusing straw in place on a drinking water vessel with the nozzle in a closed and/or lowest flavor mix position.

[0061] FIG. 16 shows the straw and vessel of FIG. 15 but with the straw with the nozzle in the highest mix position.

[0062] FIG. 17 shows a still further embodiment with a flavor infusing straw of fairly similar design to that of FIG. 15, but positioned in a non-central position in the drinking vessel.

[0063] FIG. 18 shows a bottom perspective view of a still further embodiment of a flavor infusing straw.

[0064] FIG. 19 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 18.

[0065] FIG. 20 shows a detail view of an alternative mix selection element showing the nozzle and the flavor level selected.

[0066] FIG. 21 shows a cut through of the embodiment of FIG. 17 showing the alternative positioning of the straw and flavor chamber.

[0067] FIG. 22 shows an alternative flavor pouch and enclosure which is in the form of a more rigid capsule.

[0068] FIG. 23, shows another embodiment of a mix selection element. FIG. 23 walks through five different positions a, b, c, d, and e which are not selected by a linear pull on the nozzle, but by a combination pull and twisting motion.

[0069] FIG. 24 shows an external perspective view of still another embodiment of a flavor infusing straw in place on a drinking water vessel. This embodiment uses a dial to select the flavor mix position instead of positions of the nozzle.

[0070] FIG. 25 shows the embodiment of FIG. 24 with the removable cartridge including the flavor capsule and flavor mix selection mechanism separated from the lid to illustrate how it can be installed and removed.

[0071] FIG. 26 shows detail of the selection positions of the flavor mix selection system of FIG. 24.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

[0072] The following detailed description and disclosure illustrates by way of example and not by way of limitation. This description will clearly enable one skilled in the art to make and use the disclosed systems and methods, and describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives and uses of the disclosed systems and methods. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosures, it is intended that all matters contained in the description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

[0073] For purposes of explanation, this disclosure may refer to directional relationships such as indicating that something moves down or up or may use general dimensional terminology such as bottom, top, length, width, etc. These terms are always used relative to each other and are not intended to provide for any absolute direction or meaning. Thus, a top and bottom are used to refer to parts that are opposite each other, but do not imply that the bottom is necessarily closer to the earth at any time than the top. Typically, orientation of the object in the FIG. will correspond to the orientation of the FIG. as these terms are used. Thus, moving one part of a depicted object upward relative to the other will result in it moving further from the bottom and toward the top of the object. It will also be the case that such upward movement is toward the top of the FIG. sheet itself. Similarly, the length or height of an object will typically mean its dimension from top to bottom while the width will be a dimension perpendicular thereto.

[0074] FIG. 1. Provides an underside perspective view of an embodiment of a flavor infusing system (100) with FIGS. 2 and 3 providing initial cut-throughs of the system. FIGS. 15-26 provide for alternative embodiments of the system (100). The system (100) generally comprises a supply straw (101) which will be placed into a reservoir or other body of a base fluid inside a drinking vessel (801) such as that shown in FIGS. 15-18. The base fluid will typically be water, but that is by no means required. However, for ease of discussion the remainder of this disclosure will presume that the base fluid inside the drinking vessel (801) and pulled through the distal end (111) of the supply straw (101) is water. The straw (101) interconnects with a flavor chamber (103) and nozzle (107) each of which include structures with a central channel which are akin to, and may actually be, straws. This interconnection creates a generally contiguous flow channel (207) from the distal end (111) of the supply straw (101) which will be positioned at or toward the base of the drinking vessel (801) upward to the drinking orifice (117) through which fluid enters the user's mouth.

[0075] An additive (called a flavor throughout this disclosure), which is typically in the form of a highly concentrated liquid, is added to the flow channel (207) from the flavor chamber (103) when fluid flows in the flow channel from the distal end (111) of the supply straw to the drinking orifice (117) in an amount which is controlled by two independent variables. Specifically, the amount is dependent on the speed of the flow in the flow channel (207) (e.g. how hard the user is sucking on the nozzle (107)) and on a selected concentration as set by the user. Via the two variables, the user will obtain a similar ratio of flavor to water regardless of the speed of demand for the water and that ratio may be user selected from a plurality of different choices. While the term flavor is used herein to refer to the additive added to the water, it need not be of any particular type and need not actually impart taste to or flavor the water e.g. it may provide no readily discernable flavor but provide a different additive such as vitamins or minerals. Further, while it will typically be presumed to be in the form of a concentrate, this is more specifically relevant when it is intended to actually flavor the base fluid.

[0076] In the embodiment of FIG. 1-3, the supply straw (101) is attached to the base (113) of a flavor chamber (103) via a connector (123). This allows water inside the straw (101) to flow into the flavor chamber (103) and through the sourcing connector (301) where it will be mixed with the flavor as discussed in greater detail below. The flavor chamber (103) is attached to a nozzle (107) via an interface (709), which serves as the point of initial intermixing and to feed the water and flavor combination to a typically centralized drinking orifice (117) through which the user can drink.

[0077] The operation of the embodiments of FIGS. 15-21 is generally similar, but, as can be best seen in FIGS. 18, 19, and 21, the arrangement of the components is different. Specifically, in this embodiment the flavor pouch (133) is enclosed within (or comprises) a capsule-like enclosure (933) (as best seen in FIGS. 18, 19, and 22) having a more rigid exterior structure than the pouch (133). This enclosure (933) is connected below the flavor chamber (103) as opposed to being within it by snap tabs (901) and corresponding snap ports (903). Further, the flavor chamber (103) has a different flow pipe system internally (See FIG. 21) compared to the first embodiment.

[0078] The embodiment of FIGS. 24-26 also is generally similar, but arrangement of components is again slightly different. Like the embodiments of FIGS. 15-21. The flavor pouch is again included in the capsule-like enclosure (833). In the embodiment of FIGS. 24-16, however, the enclosure (833) is removable from the cover (805) in combination with the flavor mix control (840) (together referred to as the cartridge (820)). The flavor mix control (840) incorporates similar function in selecting the amount of flavor to be added as is carried out by the movement of the nozzle (107) in other depicted embodiments (e.g. as shown in FIG. 21) but is separate from the nozzle (807) here and utilizes a dial for selection.

[0079] Regardless of embodiment, water will typically be pulled through the supply straw (101) from the vessel (801) into which the supply straw (101) is placed by the user placing the nozzle (107) in their mouth and sucking to create a partial vacuum (decrease pressure) in the flow channel (207). As the distal end (111) of the supply straw (101) is in the reservoir of water in the vessel (801), water from the reservoir will be pulled through the supply straw (101) into the flavor chamber (103), where it will be infused with the flavor via the sourcing connector (301) providing a fluid flow through the variable flow channels (303) in the interface region (709). The combination of water and flavor will be pulled into the user's mouth through the nozzle (107) and out the drinking orifice (117).

[0080] Surface and fluidic effects of the water and flavor combination passing through the nozzle (107) structure will typically serve to create vortices, shear, and other fluidic motion that will serve to mix the flavor and water into a more uniform solution. While the system (100) as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is depicted as being circularly symmetrical about a central axis which runs through the flow channel (207) this is by no means required as is shown in, for example, the embodiments of FIG. 17 and FIGS. 24-26.

[0081] Regardless of the specific flavor chamber (103) and pouch (133) structures used, the straw (101), pouch (133), and flavor chamber (103) structures will by typical be situated in a manner to allow for the system (100) to interface with many typical drinking vessels which are commonly cylindrical, but do not need to be.

[0082] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3 there is provided a cover (105). The embodiments of FIGS. 15-17 include cover (905) and the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26 also includes a cover (805). The covers (105), (805), and (905) are all primarily designed to allow the drinking system (100) to be securely mounted to an existing vessel (801) whether it be a water bottle, mug, cup, jar, or other vessel that will act as the water reservoir and hold the water, they are just designed to interface with different arrangements of the various components of the system (100). The cover (105) in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is designed to include two inner surfaces (115) and (315) of different diameter each of which includes screw threads (125) and (325). In the depicted embodiment, the smaller diameter surface (315) and threads (325) is designed to interface with corresponding threads (725) on the fluid chamber (103). This allows for the cover (105) to be repeatedly replaceable and it can be swapped out for a different cover (105) where the larger diameter inner surface (115) and threads (125) are sized and shaped to be placed onto the corresponding external screw threads of a preselected water vessel.

[0083] While the cover (105) as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is exemplary, this type of attachment is not required and in alternative embodiments the cover (105) may be designed differently and to attach differently. FIGS. 15-17 show examples of some such alternative embodiments. In these, the cover (905) includes threads (125) that are arranged externally and designed to interface with internal threads of the vessel (108) as best shown in FIG. 21. There is then an internal core (911) which includes external threads (925) which are designed to interface with a mating series of threads (955) positioned on an inner ring (957) of the cover (905). Thus, the cover (905) alone is in the loose shape of a donut or toroid with the core (911) occupying and closing the center hole when the two pieces are assembled.

[0084] In the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26, the cover (950) is also in a loose shape of a toroid or donut with the hole (842) off-centered. However, in the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26, the hole (842) does not mount the nozzle (807). Instead, the hole (842) is used to support the cartridge (820) so as to present the flavor mix control (840) to the user. As can be best seen in FIG. 25, the cartridge (820) can be positioned through the hole (842) so as to place the capsule (833) within the vessel (801) while the dial (852) and selector (854) are positioned generally at the top of the cover (805). Typically, the cartridge (820) will be held in place by an internal twist-lock (848) mechanism. Thus, the cartridge (820) is placed in the hole (842) at the position marked remove and the dial (852) can be used to easily rotate the cartridge (820) to lock it in place. Reversing the steps allows the cartridge (820) to be separated from the cover (805).

[0085] While this disclosure contemplates multiple designs of the cover (105), (805), and (905) explicitly, other alternative designs may also be provided and some non-limiting examples of alternative structures include that the cover (105) that may include a pressure fit system where the diameter of either the internal surface (125) or external surface (135) correspond closely to the internal or external diameter of the vessel acting as the water reservoir, or may include an O-ring or similar structure to provide a close friction fit between the interior or exterior surface of the cover (105) and the water reservoir vessel. Further, the core (911) and/or cartridge (820) may be designed to interface with a variety of different covers beyond those contemplated herein. Further, in additional alternative embodiments, elements of the cover (150), (805), and/or (905) may be included in a straw which is intended to be used in a vessel (801) without utilizing a cover at all, or may be used to replace an existing straw such as through a straw hole in a vessel with an existing cover (for example, a typical disposable to-go cup with lid).

[0086] It should be recognized that in various embodiments, the different covers (105) may be designed to fit and engage securely with specifically designed vessels or may be designed to attach to existing vessels which may acts as reservoirs for the source water. As a simple examples, the cover (105) may include screw threads (125) that are sized and shaped to attach to the corresponding thread of an existing standard size mason jar. Alternatively, it may be sized and shaped to attach to standard squeeze water bottles in place of their common nozzle structure caps. In a still further embodiment, it may be designed to attach to standard sized disposable cups such as those commonly used for beverages at restaurants and convenience stores to sell fountain drinks or coffee. In a still further embodiment, it may be sized to fit on a variety of companies reusable mugs and containers such as those sold under the names Corksicle, BruMate, Yeti, Frost Buddy, Stanley or others. In order to fit and interface with different vessels, the cover (905) or (105) may come in a variety of different shapes and configurations which have differently sized and/or arranged threads (125) but which include commonly sized and shaped threads (325) and (955) to interface with the components of the system.

[0087] FIGS. 2 and 3 provide for cut-through images of the system (100) of FIG. 1 along a plane including the system's (100) primary axis. In FIG. 2, the interaction with the top (151) of the straw (101) and the connector (123) is shown in greater detail with a top (151) of the straw (105) being positioned below a check valve (211) and inside the lower sleeve (153) which serves to hold the straw (101) via a friction fit. The straw channel (201) in the interior of the straw (101) interconnects to the transition channel (155) in the interior of the lower sleeve (153) and then passes into the nozzle channel (171), which is internal to the nozzle (107) and passes through nozzle (107) from the interface (709) and terminating at the drinking orifice (117) at the top of the nozzle (107). The combination of the straw channel (201), the transition channel (155) and the nozzle channel (171) are jointly referred to as the flow channel (207) herein.

[0088] The valve (211) is generally a one-way check valve and in the depicted embodiment comprises a duckbill valve. However, in alternative embodiments, alternative check valve designs could be used as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The flow through the valve (211) is bottom up in the orientation of FIG. 2. Thus, should a user suck on the nozzle (107), lowering of pressure inside the flow channel (207) will typically cause the valve (211) to open and water to flow from the reservoir through the straw channel (201) through the valve (211), into the transition channel (155) and ultimately into the nozzle channel (171). Should the pressure cease, the valve (211) will typically inhibit water within the nozzle channel (171) and transition channel (155) from flowing back in to the straw channel (201) and into the water reservoir in the vessel. It should be recognized that in the embodiments of FIGS. 15-17, a duckbill valve (211) is not positioned in the straw (101) as such positioning is unnecessary with the alternative arrangement shown in that embodiment.

[0089] The flow channel (207) continues from the valve (211) and passes through the flavor chamber (103) and interacts with the sourcing connector (301) while it is within the lower portion of the nozzle channel (171). In the depicted embodiment and as shown further in FIG. 4, within the internal volume of the flavor chamber (103) there is included a disposable flavor pouch (133). In alternative embodiments, the flavor pouch (133) may be eliminated and flavor may be placed into the internal volume of the flavor chamber (103) directly. The flavor pouch (133) in the depicted embodiment of FIG. 4 is designed to be both flexible and removeable being intended to be attached to the sourcing connector via a fitment (137), such as, but not limited to, a press fit connection. The arrangement of FIGS. 20-21 may operate similarly but the various components are positioned differently and the flavor pouch (133) may be placed within an enclosure (933) or replaced by flavor in a more rigid enclosure (933).

[0090] The connection via the fitment (137) of the pouch (133) to the sourcing connector (301) interconnects the interior of the flavor pouch (133) to the flow channel (207) via the sourcing connector (301) as discussed in increased detail below. The sourcing connector (301) acts to meter fluid flow from the flavor reservoir (133) and into the flow channel (207). Specifically, fluid flow from the interior of the pouch (133) is intended to occur when fluid is passing through the flow channel (207) from the main reservoir of the drinking vessel and is typically inhibited when it is not.

[0091] To put this another way, the sourcing connector (301) in both the depicted embodiments as well as others will typically allow for fluid flow from the flavor pouch (133) into the flow channel (207) via the variable flow channels (303) when the user sucks on the nozzle (107) and creates a partial vacuum in the flow channel (207) specifically in the interface region (709). The amount of flavor that flows from the pouch (133) will typically be of a generally fixed proportion to the amount of water drawn from the vessel's reservoir via the straw (101) so that flavor and water are mixed at a generally consistent rate regardless of the level of flow through the flow channel (207). Thus, the flavor profile of the resultant combination will be same regardless of the speed that the user drinks it.

[0092] In the depicted embodiment of the FIGS, in order to provide for fluid flow from the fluid chamber (103), and specifically the flavor pouch (133), the sourcing connector (301) provides for a series of small generally parallel channels called the variable flow channels (303) herein. These variable flow channels (303) are arranged into a particular pattern and shown cut through in FIGS. 2 and 3. They are also visible in FIG. 21 in the alternative embodiment. The channels (303) will typically have some form of vertical distribution as shown best in FIGS. 3 and 21 and may also be arranged to provide for a horizontal arrangement as well. The horizontal arrangement can, for instance, be used in the embodiment of FIGS. 24-26.

[0093] Depending on embodiment, the channels (303) may be in a ladder, grate, or gird type pattern and all such structures are referred to herein as the variable flow channels (303). This term is merely used for convenience and is not intended to indicate the shape, size, or distribution of the channels, only to show that a pattern (whether regular or irregular and of any distribution) of smaller channels is present in what operates as a single channel to create a variable flow as discussed later. In an alternative embodiment, the variable flow channels (303) may even comprise a single channel. Functionally, the variable flow channels (303) serve to provide a channel which typically will flow less than or similar amounts fluid than the flow channel (207) and whose functional discharge area can be altered by movement of the nozzle (107), as depicted, or through other user interaction with the structures of the system (100).

[0094] The variable flow channels (303) will typically be arranged to fluidly connect the sourcing connector (301) and, thus, fluid from the pouch (133) into the interface region (709). As can be best seen in FIG. 4, the interface region in the first embodiment is within a central channel support (303). The central channel support (303) in the depicted embodiment is in the form of an elongated parallelepiped having a generally squircle (a square with rounded corners) shape. The interface (709) of the nozzle (107) is within the interior walls thereof. As discussed below in greater detail, flow from the variable flow channels (303) is generally allowed or inhibited into the flow channel (207) based on the position of the central channel support (303).

[0095] In order to control how the flavor is provided, the individual channels in the variable flow channels (303) will typically have a fairly small diameter such that surface tension within the flavor (which is often thicker than water) will typically inhibit the flavor from passing through the variable flow channels (303) without there being a loss of pressure in the flow channel (207) from a user sucking on the nozzle (107). In effect, if the system is at fluid equilibrium (no sucking on the nozzle (107) by the user) the flavor concentrate in the flavor pouch (133) will typically not readily flow through the variable flow channels (303). This inhibits mixing of the flavor with the water except when demanded by the user. Gravity and other forces that will typically be experienced by the flavor and water can also be used in addition to or instead of surface tension to achieve the same or similar effect.

[0096] It should be recognized, however, that the water in the flow channel (207) adjacent the variable flow channels (303) (depending on the position of the central channel support (303)) may also want to flow into the flavor pouch (133). To inhibit this, the channels in the variable flow channels (303) may be specifically angled relative to the flow channel (207). In the depicted embodiment of FIGS. 1-14, they are shown as generally perpendicular to the flow channel (207) but this is by no means required. In alternative embodiments, they may be angled upwards or downwards or even have no discernable length. Typically, these will inhibit flow based on the relative viscosities of the two materials (flavor and water) being of a known difference.

[0097] In addition to the angle of the variable flow channels (303) relative to the flow channel (207), the channels in the variable flow channels (303) may also be selected to have a cross sectional diameter or shape, or a particular path design based on the expected viscosities and flows of the two different materials (water and flavor). Further, the distance of the variable flow channels (303) from the check valve (211) or expected water fill level in the vessel (801) may also be specifically selected to avoid non-demand mixing. For example, the variable flow channels (303) may be sufficiently spaced above the valve (211) that any water in the flow channel (207) which has mixed with flavor will be kept checked above the check valve (211) and cannot pass back through it, even when the sucking of the user ceases.

[0098] Further, the variable flow channels (303) may be positioned so that the fluid level expected to remain in the flow channel (207) above the check valve (211) is at a level below the variable flow channels (303) when the vessel (801) is upright as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 15-26. This can also inhibit mixing by removing the water from being in contact with the variable flow channels (303) when the vessel (801) is in its standard filled (e.g. upright) storage position. The alternative may also be true in different embodiments where the water level in the flow channel (207) above the check valve (211) is maintained at a level resulting in the variable flow channels (303) being submerged.

[0099] In a still further embodiment, where the variable flow channels (303) are located in the sourcing connector (301) relative to the drinking vessel (801) may also be selected to avoid unintended mixing. For example, if the flavor is viscous and typically unable to move through the variable flow channels (303) even under the force of gravity, the sourcing connector (301) may be positioned so that the variable flow channels (303) is toward a side of the vessel (801) that includes a side handle. In this way, if the vessel (801) is carried by the handle without other support, gravity would typically work to try and pull the flavor from the flavor pouch (133) through the variable flow channels (303) instead of pulling water from the flow channel (207) through the variable flow channels (303). It may also physically separate the water from the variable flow channels (303) when the vessel (801) is carried by the handle.

[0100] As discussed above, the sourcing connector (301) is typically designed to provide a relatively consistent mixing ratio of flavor from the flavor pouch (133) to the flow channel (207) as the fluid is pulled through the flow channel (207) by the pressure differential from sucking. While the ratio is typically consistent between different flow rates, the ratio may also be adjustable across all flow rates. FIGS. 5 through 14 provide for illustrations of an embodiment of how to alter the ratio using a flow meter adjusted via an adjustment of the nozzle (107) with FIG. 20 providing for an alternative appearance of a similar system. FIG. 22 shows an alternative system where the flow meter is controlled with slightly more complex motion. FIG. 26 alternatively shows how a selection mechanism (such as a tension slider) (854) can be used to provide a more horizonal motion across the top of the cover (805) to act as the flow meter.

[0101] FIG. 5 shows a side view of a subassembly of the system (100), with the cover (105) removed and showing the nozzle (107) in place in the flavor chamber (103). The mating ring (735) on the top surface (307) of the flavor chamber (103) can be clearly seen here with the threads (725) on its exterior surface (715).

[0102] FIG. 6 shows increased detail of the nozzle (107). The nozzle (107) comprises an upper cylinder (701) which terminates in an enlarged head (703). At the base of the upper cylinder (701) is a series of ribs (705) which will be discussed in increased detail later. The upper cylinder (701) sits above a series of concentric retaining rings (707). At the base of the lowest retaining ring (707) is the central channel support (303). The central channel support (303) includes a side opening (719) leading to the interface region (709) and a lower orifice (217). The nozzle channel (171) passes generally from the lower orifice (217) to the drinking orifice (117) and may be accessed via the side opening (719) into the interface (709). The nozzle (107) as depicted in FIG. 6 will typically be a single monolithic piece without parts that are intended to move relative to each other.

[0103] As can be best seen in FIGS. 2, 7, and 12, the cover's (105) second interior wall (315) includes the threads (325) mounted thereon below a circular flange (501). These threads (325) mate with the threads (725) screwably connecting the cover (105) to the flavor chamber (103). When so connected, the flange (501), which is generally circular and extends from the top of the second interior wall (315), is directed towards the center axis of the cover (105) and the nozzle (107). The flange ends in a center hole (507) through which a portion of the nozzle (107) extends as shown in, for example, FIG. 3.

[0104] As can be best seen in FIGS. 9, 11, and 14, the flange (501) is designed to interface with the ribs (705) with the terminal end (511) of the flange (501) being able to be positioned in any of the valleys (711) between the ridges (713) in the ribs (705) generally without significant deformation. The flange (501) will typically be made of a flexible material such as, but not limited to, plastic or silicone, so that the flange (501) can be deformed sufficiently as to allow the ridges (713) to pass through the center hole (507) deforming the flange (501) as they contact it. The flange (501) then returns to its standard shape from this deformation as the terminal end (511) is positioned within the next valley (711). Thus, the nozzle (107) can be moved up and down relative to the cover (105) with the flange (501) effectively making the movement stepped where a position of equilibrium is obtained when the flange (501) is in a valley (711) with a transition occurring when the flange (501) passes over a ridge (713).

[0105] The retaining rings (707) are generally sized and shaped so as to provide for a lowermost position (as shown in FIG. 7) where the nozzle (107) is constrained against the top of the sourcing connector (311) and/or a portion of the flavor chamber (103) and an uppermost position (shown in FIG. 12) where the nozzle (107) is constrained from further movement by the inner surface of the top of the flavor chamber (103). In this way, the nozzle (107) can move through a series of generally stepped movements from the lowermost position as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9, through at least one and typically a plurality of midpoint positions of which an exemplary one is shown in FIG. 10, and 11, to the uppermost position shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14.

[0106] As the nozzle (107) is moved through the various positions, the ribs (705) not only interact with the flange (501), but the side hole (719) will interact with the variable flow channels (303) in the sourcing connector (311). Specifically, the position of the side hole (719) will indicate how many of the small channels in the variable flow channels (303) have fluid connectivity with the flow channel (207) (specifically the nozzle channel (171) portion). In the lowest position, as shown in FIG. 8, the side hole (719) is positioned below the variable flow channels (303) so that none of the channels in the variable flow channels (303) are in fluid communication with the flow channel (207). This is effectively a closed position. In this arrangement, nothing can typically flow from the flavor pouch (133) into the flow channel (207).

[0107] In the middle position of FIG. 10 the variable flow channels (303) is partially aligned with the side hole (719) so that, some, but not all, of the channels in the variable flow channels (303) are arranged to provide fluid communication from the pouch (133) to the side hole (719). In the depicted embodiment, three of the five channels in the variable flow channels (303) are unblocked and have fluid communication while two do not. In this case, flow between the pouch (133) and flow channel (207) is partially allowed through the sourcing connector (311). Finally, in FIG. 13, at the uppermost position, all the channels in the variable channel 9303) are aligned with the side hole (719) and are unblocked allowing for maximum fluid flow from the flavor pouch (133) into the flow channel (207).

[0108] In operation, the system (100) works as follows. The user loads a fluid pouch (133) (or flavor in another form) into the fluid chamber (103) connecting the pouch (133) and variable flow channels (303) via the fitment (137) onto the source connector (301). The fluid chamber (103) is then closed (to the extent necessary or desirable). The system is then placed onto a vessel with the straw (101) in the reservoir of water. Typically the cover (105) will be used to screw onto a mating screw of the vessel (801) interconnecting the system (100) to the vessel (801) and acting as its lid.

[0109] The user will then have a collection of flavor and a water reservoir in a single object which is effectively the vessel (801) covered by the cover (105) and including the straw (101). The fluid chamber (103) will typically reside toward the top of the vessel (801) and may be above or submerged in the water depending on the embodiment. The user will typically have the nozzle (107) in the closed position of FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 when transporting or not using the system (100) for drinking. In this case, the water is typically retained in the vessel (801) and not allowed to pass into the flow channel (207) at or above the straw (101) by action of the check valve (211). Also, since the variable flow channels (303) is completely blocked, unintended intermixing of flavor and water at this position is highly unlikely.

[0110] Should the user wish to drink unflavored water they can do so by sucking on the nozzle (107) in this position. The water can flow through the check valve (211) and the nozzle (107) via the flow channel (207). However, no flavor will be added from the flavor pouch (133) as the variable flow channels (303) is completely blocked by the solid structure of the central channel support (303). It should be recognized that in an alternative embodiment, while at the lower closed position, not only could the variable flow channels (303) be blocked, but the nozzle (107) could also serve to block the flow channel (207) to actually seal the straw (101). In such an embodiment, there may be a first middle position which corresponds to opening the flow channel (207), while still having the variable flow channels (303) be blocked.

[0111] Should a user wish to drink flavored water, the user will typically select a concentration level of the flavor. They will then pull the nozzle (107) upward watching the flange (501) pass over the ridges (713). The number of ridges (713) visibly above the flange (501) is indicative of the amount of flavor which is to be added with an increased number indicating increased flavor addition. In the present embodiment, it should be recognized that each ridge (713) visible corresponds to the opening of another channel, part of a channel, or horizontal row of channels, in the variable flow channels (303) but that is by no means required.

[0112] Once the user has positioned the nozzle (107) or selector (854) where they want it based on their flavor preference (e.g. at the position of FIGS. 10 and 11 if they would like a first amount of flavor or at the position of FIGS. 12, 13, and 14 if they would like the most amount) the user will suck on the nozzle (107) to obtain the water and flavor combination. Should the user wish to retain this particular flavor level for later use, it should be recognized that there is no need to lower the nozzle (107) back to the position of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 after they have completed their drink. Instead, as the main fluid flow is constrained by the check valve (211), the nozzle may be left in the use position and the system may be transported and retained in that way. However, should the user more strongly want to inhibit unintended mixing or spillage, the nozzle (107) would typically be returned to the position of FIGS. 7, 8, and 9.

[0113] In the embodiment of FIG. 20, a similar type of mix indicator is provided as is discussed above. However, this embodiment does not utilize the flange (501) as an interface with the ribs (705) as an indicator of position. While the embodiment of FIG. 20 may use a similar system to provide for movement of the nozzle (107), the structure which provides for the specific positioning is hidden from the view of the user. In FIG. 20, instead, a enlarged bottom portion (977) of the nozzle (107) is provided where the bottom edge (971) shows an indication of positioning and mix level relative to the valleys (711) and ridges (713) of the ribs (705). The ribs (705) also include a numerical legend (975) to further indicate the positioning and the mix level and to what level each rib (705) corresponds.

[0114] FIG. 22 provides for a still further embodiment of an indicator of mix level. The embodiment of FIG. 22 generally indicates the level in a similar fashion to the embodiment of FIG. 20 where the nozzle (107) includes an enlarged bottom portion (977) and the bottom edge (971), which in this embodiment comprises an elongated outward extending disk, raises up against the ribs (705) with the number of ribs (705) that are visible being an indicator of mix level. FIG. 22, also includes a numerical legend (975), but the numbers in it are not arranged linearly in a vertical fashion as in the embodiment of FIG. 20. Instead, the numbers are arranged in a staggered pattern. The numbers are also viewed via a viewport (979) which is in the enlarged bottom portion.

[0115] In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the nozzle (107) will typically not extend just linearly away from the cover (105). Instead, as the nozzle (107) is extended from the cover (105), it also rotates. This rotation will typically be forced such as by having a trapped pin in a track or via a similar mechanism. The rotation is also, in this depicted embodiment, not in a fixed direction (although it may be in alternative embodiment) and switches in a back and forth staggered type pattern. Thus, starting from the lowest position of (a) which is considered to be the center merely for reference, the nozzle (107) extends upward one position and twists to the left (as viewed) moving to the second position of (b). The nozzle (107) moves form this second position by extending and rotating back right, generally so as to be centered again, to go to the third position of (c). The nozzle (107) then rotates left again as it extends from the third position to the fourth position of FIG. (d). Finally, the nozzle (107) rotates right, but in this embodiment rotates through the center position to end up to the right of the starting position, as it extends from the fourth position to the fifth position of (e).

[0116] In the arrangement of FIGS. 24-26, the user may select the concentration through rotation of the selector (854) placing the pin (856) adjacent a desired mix level with (862) being the highest concentration and decreasing through (864) to (866) until at (868) no flavor is provided. It should also be recognized that while the FIGS. provide for a few alternative displays and arrangements for both setting and showing the mixing level, these are by no means the only mechanisms and any type of user controlled mechanism may be used in an alternative embodiments along with any type of display or even with no display.

[0117] The foregoing detailed description is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications can be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Although specific spatial dimensions may be stated herein, such specific quantities are presented as examples only.

[0118] While the invention has been disclosed in conjunction with a description of certain embodiments, including those that are currently believed to be useful embodiments, the detailed description is intended to be illustrative and should not be understood to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodiments other than those described in detail herein are encompassed by the present invention. Modifications and variations of the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0119] It will further be understood that any of the ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any single component of the present disclosure can be used interchangeably with any ranges, values, properties, or characteristics given for any of the other components of the disclosure, where compatible, to form an embodiment having defined values for each of the components, as given herein throughout. Further, ranges provided for a genus or a category can also be applied to species within the genus or members of the category unless otherwise noted.

[0120] The qualifier generally, and similar qualifiers as used in the present case, would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to accommodate recognizable attempts to conform a device to the qualified term, which may nevertheless fall short of doing so. This is because terms such as spherical are purely geometric constructs and no real-world component or relationship is truly spherical in the geometric sense. Variations from geometric and mathematical descriptions are unavoidable due to, among other things, manufacturing tolerances resulting in shape variations, defects and imperfections, non-uniform thermal expansion, and natural wear. Moreover, there exists for every object a level of magnification at which geometric and mathematical descriptors fail due to the nature of matter. One of ordinary skill would thus understand the term generally and relationships contemplated herein regardless of the inclusion of such qualifiers to include a range of variations from the literal geometric meaning of the term in view of these and other considerations.