U.S. patent application number 10/273350 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-08 for drink flavouring straw.
Invention is credited to Baron, Peter.
Application Number | 20030087005 10/273350 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46281378 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030087005 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baron, Peter |
May 8, 2003 |
Drink flavouring straw
Abstract
The present invention relates to a receptacle which comprises a
generally elongate tubular body, a plurality of pellets of a
predetermined size and shape containing a predetermined measure of
active ingredient and filtration means disposed at or adjacent each
end of the tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within
the body. The receptacle is sized to allow a carrier liquid to be
drawn through it. The passage of the carrier liquid through the
receptacle causes the pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby
releasing the active ingredient into the beverage upon
consumption.
Inventors: |
Baron, Peter; (Woollahra,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ROTHWELL, FIGG, ERNST & MANBECK, P.C.
1425 K STREET, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20005
US
|
Family ID: |
46281378 |
Appl. No.: |
10/273350 |
Filed: |
October 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10273350 |
Oct 18, 2002 |
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09284264 |
Jun 7, 1999 |
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6482451 |
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09284264 |
Jun 7, 1999 |
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PCT/AU97/00680 |
Oct 10, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/85 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 21/183 20130101;
A23C 9/156 20130101; A23L 2/56 20130101; B65D 81/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/85 |
International
Class: |
A23L 001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 10, 1996 |
AU |
PO2907 |
Jun 4, 1997 |
AU |
PO7164 |
May 31, 2002 |
AU |
PS2706 |
Claims
1. A receptacle including: a generally elongate tubular body; a
plurality of pellets of a predetermined size and shape containing a
predetermined measure of active ingredient; and filtration means
disposed at or adjacent each end of the tubular body to retain the
pellets substantially within the body, the receptacle being sized
to allow a carrier liquid to be drawn therethrough, such that
passage of the carrier liquid through the receptacle causes the
pellets to progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active
ingredient into the beverage upon consumption.
2. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the carrier liquid
is an un-flavoured beverage.
3. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the active
ingredient includes a flavouring agent.
4. The receptacle according to claim 1, being adapted for use as a
drinking straw.
5. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the pellets are
generally spherical.
6. The receptacle according to claim 5, wherein the pellets have an
average diameter of 25% and around 75% of the internal diameter of
the tubular body.
7. The receptacle according to claim 5, wherein the pellets have an
average diameter of between 2 mm and around 3 mm.
8. The receptacle according to claim 6, wherein the pellets have an
average diameter of between 2 mm and around 3 mm.
9. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the filtration
means include an end cap retained at each end of the body.
10. The receptacle according to claim 9, wherein each of said end
caps includes a sieve portion.
11. The receptacle according to claim 9, wherein each of said end
caps includes a generally cylindrical mounting portion.
12. The receptacle according to claim 10, wherein each of said end
caps includes a generally cylindrical mounting portion.
13. The receptacle according to claim 10, wherein the sieve portion
includes perforations in the form of elongate slots.
14. The receptacle according to claim 13, wherein the elongate
slots are configured to be sufficiently small to retain the
flavouring granules within the body.
15. The receptacle according to claim 13, wherein the elongate
slots are configured to be sufficiently large to allow relatively
unimpeded passage of liquid through the body.
16. The receptacle according to claim 13, wherein the slots are
around 1 mm in width.
17. The receptacle according to claim 13, wherein the sieve portion
is generally in the form of an inwardly extending conical
formation, so as to increase available surface area for
incorporation of the slots, and thereby increase effective
cross-sectional flow area.
18. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the internal
diameter of the body is around 8 mm.
19. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the pellets are
formed predominantly as nonpareil pellets, each having a plurality
of generally concentric layers.
20. The receptacle according to claim 19, wherein the composition
of at least one of the layers is different to the composition of
other layers.
21. The receptacle according to claim 19, wherein the dissolution
characteristics of the pellets are predetermined such that the
general shape of the pellets are substantially retained as they
dissolve and reduce in size.
22. The receptacle according to claim 19, wherein the inner layers
of at least some of said pellets contain flavouring of a greater
concentration than that in the outer layers.
23. The receptacle according to claim 22, wherein the relative
increase in concentration is determined so as substantially to
offset a reduction in surface area of the pellets as they
dissolves, thereby imparting a relatively uniform concentration of
flavouring.
24. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the pellet
provides an inner flavour band and an outer flavour band, wherein
the inner band is of a different flavour to the outer band.
25. The receptacle according to claim 24, wherein one or more mid
bands of flavours are added between the inner and outer bands.
26. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein a consumer can
control the intensity of flavouring delivered to a beverage by
varying the rate at which the carrier liquid is drawn through the
body, and hence the varying the liquid dwell time within the
body.
27. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the active
ingredient includes any one or more ingredients selected from the
group comprising: sweeteners, flavouring agents, colouring agents,
viscosity modifiers, vitamin supplements, minerals,
pharmaceuticals, herbal extracts, nutritional supplements and
energy enhancing additives.
28. The receptacle according to claim 1, including a hygienically
sealed outer wrapper adapted for removal by a consumer immediately
prior to use.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of patent
application Ser. No. 09/284,264 filed Jun. 7, 1999 (incorporated
herein by reference), which is a is a national stage filing under
35 U.S.C. .sctn.371 of PCT/AU97/00680 filed Oct. 10, 1997 claiming
priority to Australian provisional patent application numbers
P07164 filed Jun. 4, 1997 and P02907 filed Oct. 10, 1996. The
present application also claims priority to Australian provisional
patent application number PS2706 filed May 23, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the addition of
dissolvable agents to fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The invention has been developed primarily for use in
relation to the flavouring of pre-packaged or bottled beverages
such as milk for consumption at the point of sale, and will be
described with reference to this application. It will be
appreciated, however, that the invention is not limited to this
particular use and may be also used to provide flavouring to other
beverages, or for the oral administration of dissolvable
nutritional, pharmaceutical, health and energy enhancing
agents.
[0004] A problem with prepackaged beverages, and in particular with
milk products sold in TETRA-PACK cartons, is that of hygiene. When
the carton is opened, the lip is necessarily contacted by the hands
of the user, which may not have been recently cleaned. Moreover,
the carton will normally have been handled many times previously
during packing, transportation and stacking on shelves. If the
consumer then drinks directly from the lip, a hygiene problem is
immediately apparent.
[0005] In an attempt to address this problem, straws are often
used. However, this is not always successful. Retailers
periodically run out of stock and are unable to supply the straws.
In any case, the straws themselves are often handled or stored in
unhygienic conditions. A further problem is that because the
retailer is not normally able to charge an additional price for
straws, their supply effectively reduces the profit margin.
Consequently, there is no incentive for the retailer to supply a
straw with each carton, and the consumer is often not mindful or
sufficiently motivated to ask.
[0006] In order to address the particular hygiene problem
associated with the handling of straws, the technique of providing
individually pre-wrapped straws is known. However, these are more
expensive and consequentially, there is even less incentive for
retailers to stock and diligently provide them to customers.
Accordingly, they have not found widespread acceptance. Many of the
factors outlined above apply not only to milk, but to many other
beverages such as mineral waters, cordials, carbonated beverages,
juices, colas and the like.
[0007] A further problem relates to stock and inventory control.
Most ranges of milk, carbonated mineral waters, cordials, and other
beverages are produced in a variety of different flavours.
Consequently, a considerable amount of valuable refrigeration space
is required in retail outlets in order to provide adequate stocks
of the full range of flavours for each beverage product line.
[0008] In order to address many of these problems, it has been
proposed to entrap a suitable flavouring agent within a drinking
straw so that as the beverage is consumed, flavouring is
progressively added. In the past, several combinations of
flavouring agent and entrapment means have been tried. For
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,713 discloses a number of
alternatives. One such alternative is a flavour straw incorporating
a flavour imparting liner within the straw. However, this
configuration has been found difficult in practice to manufacture.
It has also been found not to provide sufficient mixing between the
plain beverage and the flavouring agent, and consequently does not
adequately flavour the drink.
[0009] Another proposed alternative is to fill the body of a straw
with granular material held between a pair of sponge filters.
However, in this case, the granular material restricts fluid flow
and the sponge filters are prone to clogging. Such difficulties are
enhanced with decreasing size of the granules because the void
space between the granules is reduces and the filter necessarily
must be finer.
[0010] These alternatives highlight two generally conflicting
objectives which must be overcome or reconciled. On the one hand
adequate mixing of flavouring into the beverage is required in a
consistent and controlled manner. And on the other hand, the
suction required to draw the beverage through the straw must not be
excessive.
[0011] Other variations such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,681 display a
medication delivery straw in which the particles containing the
active ingredient are placed into the straw and carried into the
mouth of the user as the carrier liquid is consumed. A filter at
the bottom prevents the particles from passing out of the straw and
into the liquid under gravity whilst allowing fluid to be sucked
into the straw. However, the filter is unidirectional and is not
required to retain the particles within the straw. Consequently,
there is no control over the concentration or rate of delivery of
the medicament.
[0012] All of these and other similar alternatives display inherent
shortcomings, which have hitherto prevented their widespread
adoption or commercial success.
[0013] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or
substantially ameliorate one or more of these disadvantages of the
prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0014] Accordingly, in a first aspect, the invention provides a
receptacle including:
[0015] a generally elongate tubular body;
[0016] a plurality of pellets of predetermined approximate size and
shape containing a predetermined measure of an active ingredient;
and
[0017] filtration means disposed at or adjacent each end of the
tubular body to retain the pellets substantially within the
body,
[0018] the receptacle being sized to allow a carrier liquid to be
drawn therethrough by oral suction, such that passage of said
carrier liquid through said receptacle causes the pellets to
progressively dissolve, thereby releasing the active ingredient
into the liquid upon consumption.
[0019] The term "dissolved" and the like as used herein is intended
to be construed sufficiently broadly to encompass the situation
where small particulate solids are carried in suspension.
[0020] Preferably, the carrier liquid is an un-flavoured beverage,
the active ingredient is a complementary pelletised flavouring
agent, and the receptacle is adapted for use as a drinking straw
for the beverage.
[0021] Preferably, the pellets are generally spherical and
preferably, they have a diameter of between 25% and around 75% of
the internal diameter of the straw. More preferably, the diameter
of the pellets is around 2 mm to 3 mm.
[0022] Preferably, the pellets are formed as "nonpareil" pellets,
which is a term known and used in the art of food and confectionary
manufacturing to indicate a structure formed by building up
successive layers of material. As used herein, the term is intended
to embrace a similar meaning in terms of respective layers formed
from flavouring, nutritional, pharmaceutical, health and energy
supplements in the context of the invention.
[0023] Since the pellet is formed layer by layer, the composition
of each layer may be varied as required. Advantageously, this
enables the dissolution characteristics of the pellet to be
controlled so that as it dissolves and its size gradually reduces,
the shape of the pellet is retained.
[0024] Preferably the innermost layers of the pellet contain
flavouring of a greater concentration than that in the outermost
layers. Advantageously, this increase in concentration offsets the
reduction in surface area of the pellet as it dissolves thereby
imparting a relatively uniform concentration of flavouring as
consumed by the user.
[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the pellet provides an
inner flavour band and an outer flavour band, wherein the inner
band is of a different flavour to the outer band. In this way, the
user consuming a beverage through the straw will experience a
different flavour at the outset to that experienced at the end of
the beverage. In a particularly preferred embodiment one or more
mid bands of flavours are added between the inner and outer
bands.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment, the filtration means include an
end cap retained at each end of the straw. Preferably, each end cap
has a sieve portion and a cylindrical mounting portion. Preferably,
the sieve portion includes perforations in the form of elongate
slots. The elongate slots are preferably configured to be
sufficiently small to retain the flavouring pellets or granules
within the straw, and sufficiently large to allow relatively
unimpeded passage of liquid through the straw. Preferably, the
slots are around 1 mm in width and the internal diameter of the
straw is preferably around 8 mm.
[0027] The sieve portion of each end cap preferably takes the form
of an inwardly extending conical formation, to provide an increased
surface area for the perforations, and hence a greater
cross-sectional flow area for the liquid to pass through into the
straw.
[0028] In this way, the invention achieves significant advantages
over the prior art in that it balances the need for adequate mixing
and infusion of the flavouring agent or other active ingredient
with acceptably low levels of oral suction. Generally, the prior
art provides a flavour straw utilising a fine particle or powder
that is prone to clogging and requires a high level of suction.
Moreover, the fine powder will require a similarly fine filter at
the ends of the straw to prevent the powder being drawn out of the
straw and ingested un-dissolved and prematurely. This would result
in the beverage having excessive flavour concentration initially,
and insufficient concentration subsequently. Such a fine filter
further restricts the flow of fluid through the straw and is more
likely to become clogged with particles. In addition, the irregular
shape of the particles enhances agglomeration further reducing flow
and retarding mixing.
[0029] By contrast, the present invention advantageously provides a
progressive and substantially uniform infusion of flavour through
the entire beverage. This is achieved by carefully selecting the
size, shape, surface area and construction of flavour pellet in a
manner which is complementary to and synergistic with the size and
structure of the straw and the filtration means.
[0030] Advantageously, this arrangement allows the consumer to
control the intensity of flavouring delivered to a beverage by
varying the rate at which a liquid is drawn through the straw, and
hence the "dwell time" (time for the fluid to pass through the
straw) within the straw.
[0031] In one embodiment, the receptacle includes an hygienically
sealed outer wrapper adapted for removal by the consumer
immediately prior to use.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective cutaway view of a drinking straw
according to the invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an end cap according to the
invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing one of the
nonpareil flavour balls.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a side view of an alternative form of end cap
according to a second embodiment of the invention.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a plan views of an alternative form of end cap
according to a second embodiment of the invention.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0038] Referring to the drawings, the invention provides a
flavouring receptacle 1 adapted to contain a predetermined measure
of relatively concentrated flavouring agent 10 for use with a
relatively unflavoured plain beverage. Typically, the plain
beverage is milk, prepacked in a TETRA-PACK type carton. It should
be appreciated, however, that other active ingredients and carrier
liquids may alternatively be used.
[0039] As best seen in FIG. 1, the flavouring receptacle 1 takes
the form of an elongate tubular body 4. The tube is initially
packaged within a surrounding hygienically sealed disposable
wrapper (not shown). The interior volume of the tube is adapted to
contain a predetermined measure of the flavouring concentrate,
appropriate for the volume of beverage with which the flavouring
receptacle is intended to be sold. The overall shape and
proportions of the tube enable its use as a straw. In cases where
larger volumes of flavouring are required, the tube may be formed
in a longer dimension so that use as a straw is still feasible.
[0040] In use, it is envisaged that the consumer would purchase a
carton of unflavoured beverage such as milk together with a desired
flavouring contained with the tubular receptacle or "flavour
straw".
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the flavouring agent takes the
form of a plurality of solid, generally spherical pellets 10. The
pellets are retained within the straw by filtration means in the
form of end caps 11, each including a sieve portion 12 and a
cylindrical mounting portion 13. The sieves incorporate
perforations, which are sufficiently small to contain the
flavouring granules, and sufficiently large to allow relatively
unimpeded passage of liquid through the straw. The perforations are
in the form of elongate slots 14. As seen in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5,
these elongate slots are circumferentially spaced so as to define
the sieve portion of the end cap. The difference in shape of the
elongate slots and generally spherical pellets advantageously
prevents the pellets from clogging the slots as they dissolve.
Rather, when the pellets dissolve to a predetermined suitably small
diameter, they are able to pass through the slots and out of the
straw and safely be ingested by the consumer. This prevents
blocking of the sieve as would occur with a foam and finer gauge
filters. Accordingly, fluid flow is maintained at all times, while
premature consumption of coarse flavouring particles is
avoided.
[0042] As best seen in FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, the sieve portions of the
end caps 11 are generally conical in shape to provide a larger
surface area relative to flat end caps of comparable diameter. The
larger surface area allows a larger number and/or size of slots, so
as to increase the effective cross sectional flow area for the
liquid to pass through, which helps to reduce the required oral
suction pressure. The end caps may also include additional
filtration elements, layers or materials as required. The
cylindrical mounting portion 13 of each end cap includes a
plurality of circumferentially spaced, longitudinal ridges 15 to
engage the inner-bore of the straw, so as to ensure contact at more
than one point between the straw bore and the end cap, and thereby
facilitate the bonding of the end cap within the straw.
[0043] The straw itself is a cylindrical extrusion, ideally of food
grade polypropylene, cut into predetermined lengths. The end-caps
are also formed from the same food grade polypropylene so that the
caps and straw may be welded together, either by ultra-sonic,
thermal or other methods of plastic welding. In this way, the end
caps and straw become a homogenous unit and the likelihood of an
end cap disengaging from the straw and being ingested by the user
is eliminated. The plastic is also transparent to enable the user
to visually monitor the inside of the straw. It will be
appreciated, however, that waxed paper or any other suitable
material may be used to form the straw and that the end-caps may be
retained in place by other means such as interference fit, a
suitable adhesive, heat shrinkage, or suitable combinations of
these and other methods.
[0044] The concentration of flavouring in the fluid exiting the
straw is dependant on: the size, shape and number of pellets used
in the straw, the "dwell time" within the straw, the concentration
of the flavouring used to make the pellet and the dissolution rate
of each pellet.
[0045] The spherical shape not only provides a predicable and
steady rate of dissolution, it also enhances the flow
characteristics of the pellets in bulk form in order to facilitate
filling of the straw during production. Furthermore, the spherical
shape is resistant to crushing and fragmentation thereby reducing
the amount of powder in the straw, which may prematurely dissolve
and/or be ingested by the user.
[0046] The pellets are sized so as to be complementary with respect
to the diameter of the straw. Generally, the pellets have a
diameter between 25% and 75% of the diameter of the straw and
preferably no smaller than one-third the straw diameter. Typically,
the tube has a bore of around 8 mm and the diameter of the pellets
is between 2-3 mm. Typically, the end-caps are placed 170 mm apart
and around 4 grams of pellets are captively retained within the
straw. The slots in the end caps are typically 1 mm in width. It
has been found through painstaking development and testing that
with this combination, the pellets have appropriate combined
surface area to ensure adequate flavour infusion, and are retained
until substantially dissolved. In an alternative embodiment,
however, the pellets may be non-spherical, for example in tablet or
capsule form.
[0047] The size of the pellets not only alters surface area but
also affects the dwell time of the fluid within the straw. Large
pellets will provide looser packing giving larger spaces between
the pellets and a more direct route for fluid passing through the
straw. Accordingly, larger pellets result in a reduced dwell time
and increased flow rate for a given suction. However, if the
pellets are made too large with respect to the diameter of the
straw, they can block the passage substantially or completely, or
provide in adequate surface area.
[0048] Two other important factors effecting the exit concentration
of fluid are the concentration of the flavouring agent within the
pellets and the dissolution rate of the pellet itself. A highly
concentrated pellet will impart a higher concentration of flavour
to the carrier liquid. Similarly, a pellet, which dissolves more
readily, will also provide a higher exit concentration of
flavouring, all other variables being equal. In this respect, the
straw is intended to be a disposable, one use item. The dissolution
rate of the pellets is selected to match a particular volume of
milk or other beverage, such that once that volume of milk has
passed through the straw, the pellets have dissolved completely or
to such an extent that they are small enough to pass through the
slots and exit the straw. At this stage, the transparent wall of
the straw will allow the user to identify that the straw is devoid
of flavouring pellets and ready to be discarded. The spherical
pellets of the invention are ideally in the form of nonpareil
balls, which enables close control of the above variables in
comparison to other shapes and methods of manufacture.
[0049] Nonpareil balls are formed by building up a plurality of
layers on a "seed". Typically, this seed will be a sugar crystal.
However, any other suitable nuclei may be used. Nonpareil pellet
formation allows the size of the pellet to be controlled and
ensures that shape is generally spherical. Furthermore, the
composition of the pellet can be adjusted layer by layer. Layers of
flavouring, sweetener or sugar, colouring and starch can be
alternated in any order, as required.
[0050] This enables flavour concentration, sweetness and
dissolution rate to be varied throughout the cross section of the
ball. For instance, by providing a ball with a high concentration
of flavouring in the centre, uniform milk flavouring can be
achieved as the ball reduces in size and its surface area is
diminished.
[0051] Flavours may also be mixed or changed so that one flavour is
added to the beverage initially, and is subsequently replaced by
another flavour as the pellets dissolve. The change in flavour may
be accompanied by a change in colouring of the pellets and the user
may identify this change through the transparent or translucent
side wall of the straw. Artificial sweetener may also be used to
sweeten the beverage or carrier liquid as it passes through the
straw.
[0052] Although the invention has been developed primarily for use
in relation to flavoured milk, it is obviously applicable to other
forms of flavoured drinks such as soy milk, mineral and carbonated
waters, sodas, soft drinks, milkshakes, cordials, juices, alcoholic
beverages, and the like. It may also be applied to hot beverages
such as tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc.
[0053] In addition, while the invention has been described
primarily with reference to adding flavouring to a beverage, it
will be appreciated that sweeteners, vitamin supplements,
nutritional, herbal, pharmaceutical, health and energy additives
may equally be applied. In such cases, the transparent sidewalls of
the straw are particularly advantageous for assessing that the
correct dosage of the agent has been administered. This may be
indicated by an empty straw or, as an encouragement to children
reluctant to ingest the agent, a visible colour and/or flavour
change in the pellets.
[0054] Advantageously, the invention provides the user with a
degree of control over the intensity of the flavouring, according
to the rate at which the beverage is sucked through, and hence the
dwell time of the liquid within, the straw. It has also been found
that by only partially filling the straw with flavouring granules,
the resultant free space provides for enhanced agitation of the
granules and hence improved mixing. This in turn results in a more
uniform distribution of flavouring within the beverage as the
agitated granules perform a stirring function.
[0055] Additionally, because the primary forms of the invention
contemplate the supply of a flavour straw together with a
prepackaged beverage to the consumer, many of the hygiene problems
previously associated with this form of packaging are avoided.
Furthermore, by permitting the sale of a relatively inexpensive
unflavoured beverage together with an effective flavouring agent
integrated with a straw, it is envisaged that retailers will be
able to achieve substantially enhanced profit margins over the
current form of sale of both flavoured and unflavoured beverages,
and particularly milk. Further, the consumer can be provided with a
greater variety of flavour selection, optionally involving the
combination of a number of different flavours, and the possibility
of applying the flavouring at any desired concentration. Also,
because the flavouring component of the beverage will normally have
a longer shelf life, particularly in the case of milk, if any
unused product needs to be discarded, wastage of the flavouring
component at least can be avoided. Also, because the retailer can
stock a relatively large number of plain beverages in the valuable
fridge space, with the flavouring receptacles stored elsewhere,
stock and inventory control is greatly simplified. The invention is
also particularly advantageous in the administration of soluble
oral pharmaceuticals and other medical treatments to young children
and the elderly, who often have difficulty swallowing such
medicaments in conventional tablet or capsule form. In all these
respects, the invention represents a commercially significant
improvement over the prior art.
[0056] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the
art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.
* * * * *