U.S. patent application number 14/386645 was filed with the patent office on 2015-02-19 for method and system for providing drinks, drinks container and drinks device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Barcadi & Company Limited. The applicant listed for this patent is BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED. Invention is credited to Carys Eleri Lloyd, Craig Harvey Nelson, Michel Francois Marie Robin, John Antony Stephenson, David Richard Stonehouse, Lawrence Lee Williams.
Application Number | 20150050392 14/386645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46052327 |
Filed Date | 2015-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150050392 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stonehouse; David Richard ;
et al. |
February 19, 2015 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING DRINKS, DRINKS CONTAINER AND DRINKS
DEVICE
Abstract
Method and system of using a drinks device to provide a variety
of different types of drink requiring respective mixes of
components and water. Drinks containers are arranged to each house
separately the required components of a respective drink. Each
drinks container is provided with a respective delivery outlet for
dispensing a mix of the respective housed components. The drinks
device is used to act upon respective drinks containers so as to
mix the separately housed components and dispense the mixed
components from the respective delivery outlet in conjunction with
water from a water dispenser of the drinks device.
Inventors: |
Stonehouse; David Richard;
(Cambridge, GB) ; Nelson; Craig Harvey; (Baldock,
GB) ; Stephenson; John Antony; (Cambridge, GB)
; Lloyd; Carys Eleri; (Cambridge, GB) ; Robin;
Michel Francois Marie; (Geneva, CH) ; Williams;
Lawrence Lee; (St. Jean de Gronville, FR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BACARDI & COMPANY LIMITED |
Vaduz |
|
LI |
|
|
Assignee: |
Barcadi & Company
Limited
Vaduz
LI
|
Family ID: |
46052327 |
Appl. No.: |
14/386645 |
Filed: |
March 20, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
March 20, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2013/055844 |
371 Date: |
September 19, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 85/8046 20130101;
A47J 31/407 20130101; B65D 85/8043 20130101; B65D 81/32
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/115 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/804 20060101
B65D085/804 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 21, 2012 |
GB |
1204999.5 |
Claims
1-23. (canceled)
24. A drinks container comprising: walls, including an outer wall,
defining a plurality of compartments configured to house respective
components of as drink; communication paths including openable
seals for communicating said respective components for mixing, the
outer wall has a delivery outlet for dispensing the mixed
respective components and is configured to be openable to define
the delivery outlet; and a cooling path supplying the mixed
respective components to the delivery outlet for cooling the mixed
respective components flowing in the cooling path before dispensing
by the delivery outlet.
25. A drinks container according to claim 24 wherein the cooling
path is located immediately adjacent to an inner surface of a
cooling portion of the outer wall such that cooling the outer wall
at the cooling portion cools the cooling path.
26. A drinks container according to claim 25 wherein the cooling
path extends along a circuitous route substantially filling the
entire area of the inner surface of the cooling portion of the
outer wall.
27. A drinks container according to claim 26 wherein the cooling
path extends as a spiral or labyrinth to carry the mixed components
to the delivery outlet.
28. A drinks container according to claim 24 wherein the outer wall
includes a base portion movable inwardly of the container from a
storage position to an active position and configured to open the
openable seals with movement to the active position.
29. A drinks container according to claim 28 wherein the outer
walls define a recess for receiving the base portion, the recess
being configured to guide the base portion between the storage
position and the active position.
30. A drinks container according to claim 28 wherein an inwardly
facing side of the base portion includes respective piercers for
the respective compartments, the piercers being configured to
pierce and open the openable seals with movement of the base
portion to the active position.
31. A drinks container according to claim 30 wherein the base
portion defines a mixing chamber internal of the base portion and
for mixing said respective components and wherein the piercers are
peripheral wall sections defining the respective communication
paths being located between respective compartments and the mixing
chamber with openable seals for communicating said respective
components to the mixing chamber for mixing prior to dispensing
from the mixing chamber.
32. A drinks container according to claim 31 wherein the cooling
path extends between the mixing chamber and the delivery
outlet.
33. A drinks container according to claim 24 wherein the delivery
outlet is provided in the base portion and the cooling path is
provided internally of the base portion.
34. A drinks container according to claim 24 wherein the outer wail
includes a mixer inlet far receiving mixer liquid, the drinks
container further including a mixer passage connecting the mixer
inlet to the delivery outlet so that the mixed respective
components and the mixer liquid may be dispensed together from the
delivery outlet.
35. A drinks container according to claim 34 wherein at least part
of the cooling path connects the mixer passage to the delivery
cadet such that mixer liquid is cooled by the cooling path.
36. A drinks container according to claim 35 including a mixing
feature for mixing mixer liquid from the mixer passage with the
mixed respective components from the mixing chamber.
37. A drinks device for providing a variety of different types of
drink into a user receptacle requiring respective mixes of
components, the drinks device including: a holder configured to
receive a drinks container wherein the drinks container includes:
walls, including an outer wall, defining a plurality of
compartments configured to house respective components of a drink;
communication paths including openable seals for communicating said
respective components for mixing, the outer wall has a delivery
outlet for dispensing the mixed respective components and is
configured to be openable to define the delivery outlet; a cooling
path supplying the mixed respective components to the delivery
outlet for cooling the mixed respective components flowing in the
cooling path before dispensing by the delivery outlet; a dispensing
mechanism configured to open the seals of a drinks container in the
holder and to drive the respective components housed in the
compartments of the drinks container out of the delivery outlet to
a user receptacle; and a mixer liquid dispenser for dispensing a
mixer liquid in conjunction with the mixed respective components
from the delivery outlet of the drinks container into the user
receptacle.
38. A drinks container according to claim 37 wherein the cooling
path is located immediately adjacent to an inner surface of a
cooling portion of the outer wall such that cooling the outer wall
at the cooling portion cools the cooling path.
39. A drinks device according to claim 38 wherein the holder is
operably associated with a cooling surface for receiving the
cooling portion of the outer wall of a drinks container received by
the holder, the cooling surface being configured to cool the
cooling portion and the cooling path of the drinks container
received by the holder.
40. A drinks device according to claim 39 wherein the cooling
surface has a shape configured to match the cooling portions of
outer walls of drinks containers to be received by the holder such
that substantially all of a cooling portion of an outer wall of a
drinks container received by the holder contacts the cooling
surface.
41. A drinks container according to claim 37 wherein the outer wall
includes a base portion movable inwardly of the container from a
storage position to an active position and configured to open the
openable seals with movement to the active position.
42. A drinks container according to claim 41 wherein an inwardly
facing side of the base portion includes respective piercers for
the respective compartments, the piercers being configured to
pierce and open the openable seals with movement of the base
portion to the active position.
43. A drinks device according to claim 42 wherein the dispensing
mechanism physically moves at least a portion of the drinks
container received by the holder to cause the seals of the drinks
container to rapture.
44. A drinks device according to claim 41 configured to receive a
drinks container wherein the dispensing mechanism includes a plate
for pushing the base port on inwardly of the drinks container from
the storage position to the active position.
45. A drinks device according to claim 44 wherein the plate is a
cooling plate and includes the cooling surface.
46. A drinks container according to claim 34 wherein the outer wall
includes a base portion movable inwardly of the container from a
storage position to an active position and configured to open the
openable seals with movement to the active position.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for
providing drinks and, in particular, for providing a variety of
different types of drink requiring respective mixes of components.
The present invention also relates to a corresponding drinks
container and drinks device.
[0002] A variety of different machines am known for providing
drinks to a user. In particular, machines are known for mixing
components of a drink and dispensing the mixture to a user.
Machines are known for mixing a drinks concentrate with carbonated
water for providing a carbonated drink. Also, machines, for example
for producing a coffee drink, are known for receiving a capsule of
a drinks component (for instance coffee), rupturing that capsule
and mixing it with water before then dispensing it to the user.
Also, systems are known where user receptacles, such as cups, are
provided containing components of a drink and water is added to the
receptacle to provide the drink to the user.
[0003] The present application recognises for the first time
problems with these previous arrangements. In particular, earlier
arrangements for dispensing a mixed drink require cleaning at
intervals, particularly between dispensing different types of
drink, because of contamination of the mixed drink in passageways
within the machine.
[0004] The present application also recognises the benefits of
providing an arrangement which has greater flexibility with regard
to the types of drink to be made and the quality of the drinks. In
this respect, the present application recognises that some drinks
benefit from storing different respective components of the final
drink separately until they are mixed. This is particularly true
for the alcoholic and acidic components of a cocktail. Mixing
components of a drink immediately prior to dispensing them to a
user is advantageous in that it can provide a mixed drink of higher
quality. This may be particularly true when used for mixing drinks,
such as cocktails.
[0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a
drinks container comprising walls, including an outer wall,
defining a plurality of compartments configured to house respective
components of a drink. The walls may be rigid. It may also comprise
communication paths including openable seals for communicating said
respective components for mixing. The outer wall may have a
delivery outlet for dispensing the mixed respective components. It
may be configured to be openable to define the delivery outlet.
[0006] According to the present invention, the drinks device
preferably comprises a holder configured to receive a drinks
container and a dispensing mechanist configured to open the seals
of a drinks container in the holder and to drive the respective
components housed in the compartments of the drinks container out
of the delivery outlet to a user receptacle. The drinks device may
open the outer wall to form the delivery outlet. A dispenser may be
provided for dispensing liquid mixer, such as water, in conjunction
with the mixed respective components from the delivery outlet of
the drinks container into the user receptacle.
[0007] In this way, it becomes possible to deliver a high quality
mixed drink, such as a cocktail, without contaminating parts of the
drinks device with drinks components of different drink types. Any
required water for mixing with the components in the drinks
container is provided separately by the drinks device. The
invention allows an in-home drinks making system, particularly for
cocktails, which delivers drinks of "hand-made" quality at home
with minimum operations. It is possible to provide premium product
quality, simple consumer operation and plug-and-play functionality.
All necessary components of a variety of different types of drink
may be stored in a respective drinks containers. Drinks containers
are preferably configured for single-use and/or are non-refillable.
They may thus be disposable. It is easy for a user merely to
provide a drinks container to a drinks device to produce the
required drink. No significant cleaning of the drinks device is
necessary.
[0008] The drinks device may include a dispensing mechanism for
physically collapsing or moving at least a portion of the drinks
container received by the holder so as to cause the seals of the
drinks container to rupture. For example, in one preferred
embodiment, the top and bottom of the drinks container may be
pushed together to cause a foil to be pierced by a base portion of
container.
[0009] In this way, a drinks container is merely loaded into the
drinks device and the drinks device as able to open the respective
compartments of the drinks container so as to start mixing of the
required drink.
[0010] Preferably, the outer walls include a base portion movable
inwardly of the container from a storage position to an active
position and configured to open the openable seals with movement to
the active position.
[0011] In this way, it is only necessary to move an outer wall of
the container formed from the base portion so as to open the
respective compartments.
[0012] The drinks device may be provided with a plate for pushing
the base portion inwardly of the drinks container from the storage
position to the active position.
[0013] Preferably, the outer walls define a recess for receiving
the base portion, the recess being configured to guide the base
portion between the storage position and the active position.
[0014] In particular, outer wails forming sidewalls of the drinks
container preferably extend so as to form a substantially parallel
peripheral wall into which the base portion may be fitted. The base
portion may then be pushed and slid parallel with the peripheral
wall so as to move to the active position in which the seals are
opened.
[0015] The openable seals of the respective compartments are
preferably provided internally of the drinks container facing the
movable base portion. Preferably, an inwardly facing side of the
base portion includes respective piercers for the respective
compartments. The piercers are preferably configured to pierce and
open the openable seals when the base portion is moved from the
storage position to the active position.
[0016] In this way, the openable seals are kept internal of the
drinks container and are not exposed to the general environment,
thereby maintaining high standards of hygiene. Opening of multiple
compartments can be achieved easily merely by pushing the base
portion inwardly of the container.
[0017] The dispensing mechanism may pressurise the compartments by
introducing pressurised air or gas. Alternatively, the compartments
of the drinks container may be compressed and physically collapsed
so that they are pressurised.
[0018] It is possible to house a respective source of gas within
each drinks container as an additional component for the mix of a
drink. It is also possible to transfer the gas from the drinks
container to the drinks device for mixing with the water to be
dispensed from the water dispenser of the drinks device.
[0019] The walls of the drinks container may further define an
additional compartment for storing a source of gas as an additional
component.
[0020] In this way, it is possible to provide not only still mixed
drinks, but also carbonated mixed drinks. If the type of drink to
be produced from a particular drinks container is intended to be
carbonated, that drinks container can store the source of gas for
carbonation.
[0021] There is no need for a user to consider keeping the drinks
device stocked with a source of gas. Carbonation is provided
automatically for drinks requiring such carbonation.
[0022] The drinks device may include a water chamber. The water
chamber is preferably in fluid communication with the water
dispenser.
[0023] In this way, water is provided within the drinks device for
mixing with components of a drink as required. The drinks device
may be configured to store in the water chamber, the amount of
water required for the particular drink being mixed. Also, the
water chamber could cool the water to a temperature desired for the
drink to be mixed.
[0024] The water chamber may be configured to house carbonated
water under pressure. Alternatively, there may be a separate
carbonation chamber where the water is carbonated and stored
briefly before being added to the drink.
[0025] In this way, the drinks device is able to mix carbonated
drinks as required. Preferably, gas is received from the drinks
container.
[0026] The additional compartment of the drinks container may store
a compressed gas. Alternatively, the additional compartment of the
drinks container may store a component (in the sense of a chemical
compound or such like) activatable to release gas.
[0027] Either arrangement has the advantage of providing the source
of carbonation within the drinks container itself. However, there
may be advantages to providing an activatable component, such as a
dry reagent, in that the drinks container need only be configured
to store the activatable component, rather than house gas under
pressure.
[0028] The outer wall of the drinks container may further define a
gas outlet. Preferably, the gas outlet is configured to communicate
the additional compartment with a water chamber of the drinks
device for supplying carbonated water to mix with the mixed
respective components.
[0029] The drinks device may include a gas supply path configured
to connect to the gas outlet of a drinks container received by the
holder. The gas supply path may additionally be configured to
supply the gas from the additional compartment of the drinks
container to the water chamber so as to form carbonated water.
Whether or not the water chamber is used, the water may be
carbonated by having the gas in intimate contact with the liquid
with a high surface area to liquid volume ratio, this may be a
number of means including, injection of gas through a small
orifice, introduction of gas through a highly porous media (e.g.
frit) or entrainment of small bubbles in a extended flow path.
[0030] In this way, it is possible to produce within the drinks
device a source of carbonated water for mixing with the mixed
components of the drinks container.
[0031] Where the additional compartment of the drinks container
contains an activatable component for producing the gas, the drinks
device may be provided with a water supply configured selectively
to supply water to the additional compartment of the drinks
container when received by the holder. The water may be used to
activate the solid component stored in the additional compartment
so as to release the gas.
[0032] In this way, it is possible automatically to produce the gas
and receive it within the drinks device for mixing with water.
[0033] It would be possible to have a drinks device configured
specifically for drinks containers housing either compressed gas or
activatable components. However, it is also possible to provide a
drinks device capable of receiving drinks containers of both
types.
[0034] The drinks container may include a cooling path carrying
mixed components to the delivery outlet. The cooling path is used
for cooling the mixed respective components before dispensing by
the delivery outlet.
[0035] In this way, it is possible to cool the components of a
drink as required for the drink.
[0036] The cooling path may be located immediately adjacent to an
inner surface of a cooling portion of the outer wall. By cooling
the outer wall at the cooling portion, the cooling path and its
contents may thus be cooled.
[0037] The drinks device may include a cooling surface for
receiving the cooling portion of the outer wall of a drinks
container when it is received by the holder. The cooling surface
may be configured to cool the cooling portion and, hence, the
cooling path of the drinks container received by the holder.
[0038] In this way, the cooling device is able to cool the contents
of the drinks container to a temperature as required for the
respective type of drink for that drinks container.
[0039] The cooling surface may have a shape configured to match the
cooling portions of outer walls of drinks containers to be received
by the holder. In this way substantially all of a cooling portion
of an outer wall of a drinks container received by the holder may
contact the cooling surface. As a result, a better thermal
connection may be made between the cooling portion of a drinks
container and the cooling surface of the drinks device and a
desired temperature within the cooling path may more assuredly be
achieved.
[0040] In order to achieve most efficient cooling of mixed
components passing along the cooling path, the cooling path should
have a relatively long extent such that, as the mixed components
flow along the cooling path, they remain in contact with the
cooling path for an extended period of time, namely over the
extended length of cooling path. In this respect, preferably the
cooling path extends along a circuitous route so as to
substantially fill the entire area of the timer surface of the
cooling portion of the outer wall. In this way, the effect of
cooling the cooling portion of the outer wall is transferred most
efficiently to cooling the cooling path to minimise waiting time
for the consumer.
[0041] Preferred examples of the cooling path include a spiral or a
labyrinth extending to the delivery outlet.
[0042] As an alternative, the cooling surface of the drinks device
may be provided on a feature of the drinks device for insertion
into the drinks container. The cooling surface may thus cool the
cooling portion of the drinks container internally of the drinks
container. The drinks container may be provided with an opening
allowing insertion of that feature. Preferably, in the same way as
described above, the cooling surface and cooling portion are
optimised for cooling of the cooling path in the drinks
container.
[0043] The drinks container may include a mixing chamber for mixing
the respective components. Communication paths may be provided
between respective compartments and the mixing chamber. The
openable seals of the drinks container may be openable, for
instance under pressure or by piercing, to connect the compartments
to the mixing chamber.
[0044] The communication paths, once opened, preferably allow
respective ones of the components to be driven to a compartment of
at least one other of the components so as to mix the
components.
[0045] The mixing chamber may be included in a base portion movable
inwardly of the container from a storage position to an active
position and configured to open the openable seals with movement to
the active position. The mixing chamber is thus provided internally
of the base portion and is provided for mixing the respective
components. Piercers may be configured as peripheral wall sections
defining the respective communication paths. In this way, the
communication paths are located between respective compartments and
the mixing chamber with openable seals for communicating the
respective components to the mixing chamber for mixing prior to
dispensing from the mixing chamber.
[0046] In this way, the base portion may be pushed to its active
position so as to open the seals and connect the compartments with
the mixing chamber housed within the base portion.
[0047] The delivery outlet may be provided in the base portion.
Also, a cooling path may be provided internally of the base
portion.
[0048] Preferably, the cooling path extends between the mixing
chamber and the delivery outlet.
[0049] In this way, the mixed components can easily be guided from
their respective compartments to the delivery outlet using only the
base portion which contains the required guiding flow channels.
Cooling of the mixed components can be achieved by applying cooling
to the base portion as the mixed components flow to the delivery
outlet.
[0050] Preferably, the drinks device includes a plate for pushing
the base portion inwardly of the drinks container from the storage
position to the active position. That plate may be the cooling
plate and may include the cooling surface.
[0051] With such an arrangement, it may be possible to use a drinks
container at ambient temperature and, without having to wait to
cool down the entire drinks container, the mixed components can be
cooled very rapidly as they flow to the delivery outlet.
[0052] The drinks device may be configured to mix the components by
driving them between the respective compartments. By pressurizing
all but one of the compartments, the compartments may be driven
into that one compartment to mix. Alternatively, components may be
driven successively from compartment to compartment. Indeed, they
may be driven back and forth. Preferably, the least viscous
components are first driven into the compartment of the most
viscous component.
[0053] The mixing actuator of the drinks device can be achieved by
selectively applying pressure to different compartments. Where the
drinks device has a single source of pressure, a selective valve
arrangement may be provided so as to apply pressure selectively to
individual compartments thereby driving fluid from one compartment
to another. Alternatively, individual pressurising components, for
example individual bellows, may be provided for pressurising
individual respective compartments so as to drive components
between the compartments.
[0054] Cooling of the components may be achieved by cooling them
within the compartments. This may be carried out by cooling from
outside the housing or, as mentioned above, by inserting a feature
into the housing. Cooling of components with the compartments may
be optimised as a result of driving the components back and forth
as discussed above, in other words shuttling the fluid during the
cooling process.
[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the drinks device operates to
rupture the seals of the compartments but maintains the delivery
outlet closed. By pressurizing compartments selectively, their
components can be driven from compartment to compartment via the
communication paths. Once mixed, the delivery outlet is opened,
such that pressurizing the compartments dispenses the mixture.
[0056] A mixing chamber may additionally be provided as a static
mixer with the mixture being driven through the mixing chamber on
its way to the delivery outlet.
[0057] The drinks container may house a filter for use in filtering
water to be used by the drinks device. The filter may be housed
within a filter passageway in the drinks container. The outer wall
of the drinks container may define a water inlet and a water outlet
and the filter passageway may connect the water inlet to the water
outlet such that water passing between the water inlet and the
water outlet is filtered by the filter.
[0058] So as to make use of the filter in a drinks container, the
drinks device may include a water supply having a water supply
outlet configured to connect with the water inlet of a drinks
container received by the holder. In this way, the drinks device
can supply water to the water inlet of the drinks container. The
drinks device may also include a water chamber inlet configured to
connect with the water outlet of the drinks container received by
the holder. In this way, the drinks device receives filtered water
from the water outlet of the drinks container.
[0059] The outer wall of the drinks container may include a mixer
inlet for receiving mixer liquid, such as water. In this respect,
the drinks container may further include a mixer passage (e.g.
based on a static mixer) connecting the mixer inlet to the delivery
outlet so that the mixed respective components and the mixer liquid
may be dispensed together from the delivery outlet. With this
arrangement, a mixing feature may be provided in the drinks
container for mixing the mixer liquid with the mixed respective
components. In this way, separate laminar flows of mixer liquid and
mixed respective components can be avoided at the point of
dispensing from the delivery outlet.
[0060] At least part of the cooling path may connect the mixer
passage to the delivery outlet.
[0061] In this way, the cooling path, for instance provided in a
movable base portion, can be used to cool not only the mixed
components from the storage compartments, but also the mixer liquid
provided from outside.
[0062] According to the present invention, there is provided a
method of using a drinks device to provide a variety of different
types of drink requiring respective mixes of components and a mixer
liquid, such as water, juice or soft drink. The method includes
arranging drinks containers each to house separately the required
components of a respective drink and providing each drinks
container with a respective delivery outlet for dispensing a mix of
the respective housed components. It also includes using the drinks
device to act upon respective drinks containers so as to mix the
separately housed components and dispense the mixed components from
the respective delivery outlet in conjunction with the mixer
liquid.
[0063] The mixed components may be dispensed from the respective
delivery outlet in conjunction with mixer liquid dispensed from a
dispenser of the drinks device. The mixer liquid may be dispensed
separately, but, for instance, alongside the delivery outlet or may
be fed into a portion of the drinks container to be dispensed out
of the delivery outlet with the mixed components.
[0064] A respective source of gas may be housed within each drinks
container as an additional component for the mix of a drink. The
gas may be transferred from the drinks container to the drinks
device for mixing with the mixed liquid to be dispensed from the
dispenser of the drinks device.
[0065] Preferably, mixing of the gas with the mixed liquid results
in the gas being dissolved in the mixed liquid, for example in a
process of carbonation.
[0066] The mixer liquid may be a juice, soft drink or other mixer,
but is preferably water.
[0067] According to the present invention, there is also provided a
corresponding drink system including a drinks device and at least
one drinks container.
[0068] The invention will be more clearly understood from the
following description, given by way of example only, with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0069] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a drinks device with a
drinks container;
[0070] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically functional parts of a
drinks device embodying the present invention;
[0071] FIGS. 3(a) and (b) illustrates schematically component parts
of drinks devices and drinks containers embodying the present
invention;
[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a drinks container;
[0073] FIGS. 5(a) and (b) illustrate schematically connections to
the drinks container;
[0074] FIGS. 6(a) and (b) illustrate exploded views of an example
of the drinks container;
[0075] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative
arrangement of the drinks container;
[0076] FIG. 8 illustrates compartments of the drinks container;
[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative arrangement of the
compartments of the drinks container;
[0078] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross section through the drinks
container;
[0079] FIGS. 11(a), (b) and (c) illustrate a base part for use
within the drinks container;
[0080] FIG. 12 illustrates schematically component parts of a
drinks device and drinks container embodying the present
invention;
[0081] FIGS. 13(a) and (b) illustrate exploded views of a preferred
drinks container embodying the present invention;
[0082] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-section through the drinks
container of FIGS. 13(a) and (b); and
[0083] FIG. 15 illustrates a base of a drinks container similar to
that shown in FIGS. 13(a) and (b) with its base film removed.
[0084] The present invention is able to provide a variety of
different types of drink requiring respective mixes of components
by providing different components of a drink in respective
compartments of a container, the container being configured to mix
the components prior to dispensing from a delivery outlet in the
container itself. In this way, a drinks device is able to receive
different drinks containers so as to provide the variety of
different types of drink and, by using the delivery outlets of the
drinks containers, the drinks device can avoid contamination with
any of the components of any of the drinks and, hence, not require
cleaning between the dispensing of different drinks.
[0085] In FIG. 1, there is illustrated, by way of example, a drinks
device embodying the present invention.
[0086] The drinks device 2 may be provided as a countertop
apparatus, for example for use in kitchens. The illustrated drinks
device 2 might for example be approximately 250 to 300 mm wide, 300
to 400 mm deep and 250 to 300 mm high. It is configured to dispense
a drink into a user receptacle 4 such as a glass as illustrated in
FIG. 1. In the illustrated embodiment, drinks device 2 includes a
shelf 6 acting as a support and, optionally, a drip tray. A user
may stand the drinks receptacle 4 on the shelf 6 directly
underneath the dispensing of a mixed drink. Preferably, the shelf 6
may be selectively located at an adjustable height position so as
to accommodate different user receptacles of different sizes.
[0087] As illustrated, the drinks device 2 includes a holder 8 for
receiving a drinks container 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the
holder 8 is open at an upper side so as to receive the drinks
container 10. It might, preferably, be hinged at a lower portion to
form a door 8a so that the holder can be closed, for example by
pushing the door 8a of the holder inwardly of the drinks device 2
so as to lie flush with the housing of the drinks device 2.
However, any other arrangement of holder could be provided which
receives a drinks container for connection to the drinks device in
the manner to be described below.
[0088] As will be discussed in greater detail below, the drinks
container 10 may be provided in the form of a pod to be received by
the holder and used with the drinks machine 2.
[0089] It is expected that most drinks that are to be produced from
respective drinks containers 10 will require the addition of water,
in some cases carbonated. In this respect, the drinks device 2
could be connected to a supply of water. Alternatively, as
illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 1, an openable cover 12
provides access to a water tank, Which can be filled by the user.
In the illustrated embodiment, a tank of approximately 600 ml will
be appropriate. The water tank could be detachable to assist with
filling.
[0090] FIGS. 2 and 3(a) and 3(b) illustrate schematically component
parts of a drinks device 2 embodying the present invention and a
drinks container embodying the present invention and including a
number of optional/preferable features.
[0091] As explained above, a drinks container 10 such as a pod is
received in a holder 8. This may be provided with a closable door
8a. In addition, it is possible to incorporate a motor and drive in
the drinks device 2, for example for moving the pod 10 and/or parts
or the holder 8, such as the door 8a.
[0092] As will be discussed in further detail below, the drinks
container 10 includes a plurality of compartments 16 for housing
different components of a drink to be mixed.
[0093] In the illustrated embodiment, the drinks device 2 includes
an air or pneumatic pump 18 which operates a mechanism for
pressurizing the compartments 16 to expel their contents into a
mixing chamber 20 of the drinks container 10 and then outwardly of
a delivery outlet 22 of the drinks container 10 into the receptacle
4. FIGS. 3(a) and (b) illustrates air non-return valves 18a through
which the air pump 18 supplies pressurized air, for example at 2
bar or lower, to the compartments 16 to push the housed components
of the required drink into the mixing chamber 20.
[0094] Alternative arrangements are possible, for instance where
the drinks device 2 acts to physically collapse, for instance
crush, the compartments 16 of the drinks container 10, for example
as a concertina so as to expel the components housed in the
compartments 16. Any appropriate means could be provided, including
the use of the pneumatic/air pump 18 for actuating the mechanical
compression.
[0095] It is noted that many drinks will require carbonated water.
In this respect, the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3(a) and
3(b) includes a water chamber 24. For still drinks, the water
Chamber 24 may merely contain still water for mixing with the mixed
drink components dispensed from the delivery outlet 22 of the
drinks container 20. A level sensor 24b and/or temperature sensor
24c could be provided to ensure the correct amount and correct
temperature of water respectively.
[0096] The illustrated water chamber 24 is able to provide
carbonated water. Still water is provided to the water chamber 24,
either from an external water supply or from a water tank 26 as
discussed above. Where necessary, a water pump 28 may pump the
water from the water tank 26 to the water chamber 24. In addition,
a gas supply path 30 connects the water chamber 24 to the drinks
container 10. A one-way supply valve 30a may be provided in the gas
supply path 30.
[0097] As illustrated, the drinks container 10 includes an
additional compartment 32 for containing the source of gas, for
example carbon dioxide. An outer wall 34 of the drinks container 10
is provided with a gas outlet 36 and the gas supply path 30 is
arranged to connect with the gas outlet 36. In this way, a drinks
container 10 intended for use in producing a carbonated drink
itself provides the source of carbonation for use by the drinks
device 2. Embodiments such as illustrated in FIG. 3(a) are possible
where the additional compartment stores the gas itself in a
compressed state and means are provided in the drinks device 2 for
releasing the gas from the additional compartment 32 through the
gas supply path 30 and into the water chamber 24. However, in the
illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3(b), the additional compartment 32
houses a component, such as a dry reagent, which is activatable to
release carbon dioxide for carbonation. The component may be
activatable by introducing water into the additional compartment
32. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a water supply 38 is
provided for selectively supplying water to the additional
compartment 32. Appropriate means for connecting and sealing
between the additional compartment 32 and the water supply 38 may
be provided and a water non-return valve 38a is illustrated in FIG.
3(b). Where the drinks device 2 receives a drinks container 10
having an additional compartment 32 containing to component for
releasing gas, the drinks device 2 can thus supply an appropriate
amount of water to the additional compartment 32 of the drinks
container 10 so as to release gas for carbonating the water held in
the water chamber 24 of the drinks device 2.
[0098] It may be desirable to filter the water supplied to the
drinks device 2 either from the water tank 26 or the external
supply. Where the drinks device 2 is used repeatedly and requires
appropriate replacement of a water filter, it becomes an
undesirable requirement on the user to remember to replace the
water filter. Even though the system of the present invention
proposes a supply of water from the drinks device 2 separate from
the drinks container 10, the illustrated embodiments provide for
replacement of the water filter with each new use of a new drinks
container 10.
[0099] As illustrated in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), the outer wall 34 of
the drinks container 10 includes a water inlet 40 and a water
outlet 42. A passageway 44 is provided within the drinks container
10 connecting the water inlet 40 with the water outlet 42. The
passageway 44 houses a filter 46 for filtering water passing
between the water inlet 40 and the water outlet 42.
[0100] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 3(a) and (b), the water
chamber 24 is provided with water (either from the water tank 26 or
an external supply) via the passageway 44 in the drinks container
10. The illustrated embodiment of the drinks device 2 includes a
water supply outlet 48 for connection with the water inlet 40 of
the drinks container 10 and for providing water from the water tank
26 (or external supply) to the passageway 44. Similarly, the drinks
device 2 includes a water chamber inlet 50 configured to connect
with the water outlet 42 of the drinks container 10 so as to
receive filtered water from the passageway 44 in the drinks
container 10.
[0101] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 3(a) and (b), water
from the water chamber 24 is dispensed from the drinks device 2 in
conjunction with the mixed components from the drinks container 10.
In this respect, the water dispenser may be provided separately
from, for instance along side, the delivery outlet 22 of the drinks
container 10. In this way, the water dispenser 52 of the drinks
device 2 has no contact with the components stored in the
compartment 16 of the drinks container 10 such that there will be
no contamination from one drinks container to the next and no
requirement for cleaning. However, as illustrated in FIG. 3, it
would also be possible for water to be supplied from the water
chamber 24 into the drinks container 10 at a point downstream of
the mixing chamber 20 so that the water mixes with the mixed
components from the drinks container 10 before being dispensed from
the delivery outlet 22. In this example also, there is still no
contamination of parts of the drinks device 2. An appropriate inlet
may be provided in the outer wall 34 of drinks containers 10.
[0102] The drinks device 2 may include a controller or CPU 56 for
use in controlling various portions of the drinks device 2. The
drinks device 2 is preferably powered from a power supply 58 and
may include switches and/or indicators 60.
[0103] The system as described above may be operated as
follows.
[0104] A drinks container 10, for instance taking the form of a
pod, is loaded into the drinks device 2 by being received in the
holder 8. A variety of different types of drinks container 10 may
be provided. Preferably, all drinks containers 10 have the same
outer form, but may have different internal configurations
according to the required components for mixing and whether or not
carbonation is required. In this respect, where particular inlets
or outlets are not required for the particular mix of drink, those
inlets/outlets may be permanently filled or blocked in the
particular drinks container 10. Different sizes or numbers of
compartments 16 can be provided in drinks containers 10 for
different respective types of drink. Alternatively, different
compartments can be left empty or partly filled according to the
requirements of a particular drinks type.
[0105] As illustrated schematically in FIG. 2, a pod temperature
sensor 62 and pod type reader 64 may be provided for determining
automatically the type of pod (drinks container 10) received by the
holder 8 and its temperature. In this respect, the drinks container
10 may include some coding, for instance visual coding such as bar
codes, RFID tag, solid state information etc. indicating the type
of the drinks container. The pod type reader 64 identifies the type
of the drinks container 10 so that the controller 56 may control
the drinks device 2 appropriately. For example, where it is
identified that the drinks container 10 contains components for
mixing a still drink, it is not necessary for the controller 56 to
introduce water into the additional compartment 32 of the drinks
container 10 for releasing carbon dioxide. On the other hand, if
the drinks container 10 is identified as a type of drinks container
10 containing a dry reagent in an additional compartment 32, the
controller 56 will operate to introduce water into the additional
compartment 32.
[0106] An appropriate amount of water is introduced into the water
chamber 24 of the drinks device 2, for instance via the filter 46
of the drinks container 10 for embodiments making use of filters in
drinks containers 10. In the embodiment illustrated schematically
in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), a valve 24a may be used to introduce the
water into the water chamber 24. An appropriate amount of water may
be determined by a level sensor 24b. In this respect, information
provided with the drinks container 10 and read by the pod sensor 62
and pod type reader 64, may indicate the required amount of water
to be introduced into the water chamber 24.
[0107] Where carbonated water is required, the controller 56 also
operates the drink device 2 so as to introduce, via the gas supply
path 30, carbonating gas from the additional compartment 32 of the
drinks container 10, whether this is from compressed gas or a dry
reagent.
[0108] In some embodiments, particularly where the water is to be
supplied from the water chamber 24 directly to a separate water
dispenser 52, the water chamber 24 is preferably cooled to a
desirable temperature, for example around 0.degree. C.
[0109] With still or carbonated water in the water chamber 24, the
controller operates the drinks device 2 to drive the respective
components of the compartment 16 of the drinks container 10 into
the mixing chamber 20 to be dispensed from the delivery outlet 22.
At the same time, the contents of the water chamber 24 is supplied
to the water dispenser 52 so as to be dispensed in conjunction with
the mixed components from the drinks container 10. In the
illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 3(a) and (b), the same valve 24a
can be used to open the water chamber 24 to a dispensing passageway
to the water dispenser 52.
[0110] A mixed drink is thus dispensed with freshly mixed
components, including the additional component of carbonation if
required, derived from the drinks container 10 and without any
contamination of the drinks device 2.
[0111] The embodiments as illustrated by FIGS. 2 and 3(a) and 3(b)
include an additional feature for cooling at least the components
provided by the compartments 16 of the drinks container 10. The
drinks container 10 includes a cooling path 66, which connects the
mixing chamber 20 to the delivery outlet 22. The cooling path 66 is
provided near the outer wall 34 of the drinks container 10.
Preferably, a portion of the outer wall 34 has an inner surface and
the cooling path 66 is located immediately adjacent that inner
surface. It then becomes possible to cool the cooling path 66 and
its contents by cooling the cooling portion of the outer wall
34.
[0112] FIG. 2 illustrates schematically a cooling plate 68 for
providing a cooling surface for receiving the cooling portion of
the outer wall 34 of a drinks container 10. A cooling unit 70
(which could be provided additionally for cooling the contents of
the water chamber 24) cools the cooling plate 68. A temperature
sensor 72 can be provided so as to allow control by the controller
56. Indeed, where it is desirable to have the mixed drink of a
particular drinks container 10 at a particular temperature, it
would be possible for this to be read from the drinks container 10
by means of the pod type reader 64 and to control the temperature
accordingly.
[0113] As discussed above, the supply of water from the water
chamber 24 can be provided from a water dispenser 52 separately
from the delivery outlet 22. With such an arrangement, it may be
preferable for the water chamber 24 to be cooled to an appropriate
temperature and an additional temperature sensor 24c may be
provided for this function. Where the supply of water from the
water chamber 24 is introduced to the mixed components before
dispensing through the delivery outlet, this could occur downstream
of the cooling path 66. Alternatively, the water could be
introduced at a position between the mixing chamber 20 and the
cooling path 66. In this case, cooling of the water from the water
chamber 24 can be achieved in the cooling path 66 instead of or in
addition to any cooling of the water chamber 24 itself.
[0114] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a container 10 embodying
the present invention.
[0115] FIGS. 5(a) and (b) illustrate schematically all of the
connections which might be made to the container 10.
[0116] The connections may be made in any desirable manner. In
preferred embodiments, the top face illustrated in FIG. 5(a) and
the bottom face illustrated in FIG. 5(b) are sealed, for instance
with a metallic film. Connecting components of the drinks device 2
can be provided to pierce the seal of the film, for instance with a
needle or needle like component.
[0117] In the top surface illustrated in FIG. 5(a), a connection A
enables carbon dioxide to be provided from the container 10 to the
drinks device 2. An appropriate number of connections B may be
provided, to pump air into the compartment 16 of the container to
expel the contents. On the bottom face illustrated in FIG. 5(b), an
outlet C (rather than as connection as such) forms the delivery
outlet 22. The delivery outlet may be a single or multiple aperture
outlet. Multiple apertures may be configured to form a spray
pattern or sonic other visual effect.
[0118] Where the source of carbon dioxide is an activatable
component, a connection D may be provided at the top face for
providing water to the activatable component.
[0119] Where the container 10 provides a water filter 46, a water
inlet E and a water outlet F may be provided either in top and
bottom surfaces as illustrated or in bottom and top surfaces
respectively.
[0120] For arrangements where water is mixed with the drinks
mixture internally of the container and not provided by a separate
dispenser, an inlet G may be provided for the water (carbonated
where necessary). As illustrated, this is provided in the bottom
face.
[0121] FIGS. 6(a) and (b) illustrate exploded views of the
component parts of a container from above and below respectively.
FIG. 7 illustrates an equivalent view to that of FIG. 6(b), but
with the cooling path formed as a spiral, rather than a snake-like
path.
[0122] The container includes a body 100 which defines compartments
16a, 16b and 16c having dividing walls and open at the top. This is
also illustrated in FIG. 8 and the variation of FIG. 9. The body
100 also defines the additional compartment 32 configured to store
either compressed gas or an activatable component. A label card 101
may be provided.
[0123] A through hole is provided in the bottom of the body 100 for
each of the compartments 16a, 16b and 16c so as to form respective
outlets 17a, 17b and 17c. in the variation illustrated in FIG. 9,
outlet 17b is illustrated as an enlarged aperture. This may be
desirable so as to cope with a mixing component of a different
viscosity. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the compartments
16a, 16b and 16c are expected respectively to contain 6 ml acid
(plus 10% headspace) up to 30 mls syrup (plus 10% headspace) and 50
ml alcohol (plus 10% headspace). In such an embodiment, an
additional compartment 32 of 15 mls might be provided for CO.sub.2
reagents.
[0124] As illustrated in FIG. 6(a) the top of the body 100 may be
sealed with a lid 102, thereby sealing the compartment 16a, 16b and
16c and also the additional compartment 32. The lid 102 may be a
part that is ultrasonically welded onto the body, for example with
features preformed for mating with walls of the body. It may have
appropriate areas thinned for piercing and connecting with the
drinks device or may have a film, for instance a metal film, sealed
across its surface or selected portions of its surface.
[0125] In the illustrated embodiments, a compartments seal. 104 is
provided for sealing the underside of the outlets 17a, 17b and 17c
of the compartments 16a, 16b and 16c.
[0126] In the embodiments discussed with reference to FIGS. 2 and
3(a) and 3(b), opening of the compartments, for instance by
rupturing the seal 104, can be achieved by introducing internal air
pressure within the compartments or physically compressing the
compartments themselves. Alternatively, the following is possible.
The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6(a) and (b) includes a base 106
with features for piercing the seal 104. The base 106 is fitted
below the compartment 16a, 16b and. 16c and, in the illustrated
embodiment, is located within a recess formed by walls of the body
100. This is illustrated particularly in the cross section of FIG.
10.
[0127] The base 106 is illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 11(a)
and (b). It includes film piercers facing the underside of the seal
104. As illustrated, the film piercers 108a, 108b, 108c are
peripheral wall sections corresponding to the shapes and sizes of
the outlets 17a, 170 and 17c of the compartments 16a, 160 and 16c.
The example of the base 106 of FIG. 11(a) is intended for use with
the alternative body of FIG. 9 having a larger film piercer 108b
corresponding to outlet 17b.
[0128] A base film 110 is provided at the bottom of the container,
for example sealing with the outer peripheral wall of the body 100
so as to seal the container 10. The base film may, like the lid
102, be formed from a component which is ultrasonically welded to
the body 100 with thinned components and/or film sealed pans as
necessary. The puncturable film could be thermally welded/heat
sealed to the base of the body.
[0129] Preferably, by pushing upwards against the base film 110, it
is possible to push the base 106 upwards relative to the body 100
such that the film piercers 108a, 108b, 108c are pushed upwards
through (and piercing) the seal 104 so as to open the outlets 17a,
17b and 17c such that the contents of the compartments 16a, 16b and
16c can flow out through the piercers 108a, 108b, 108c.
[0130] As illustrated most clearly in FIG. 11(b) and the
alternative design of FIG. 11(c), the underside of the base 106 is
shaped so as to form a mixer 20 and a cooling path 66. Drinks
components flowing from the piercers 108a, 108b, 108c flow into the
mixer 20 for mixing and then into the cooling path 66. It is also
possible to omit the mixer. For example, the contents of the
compartments can be pre-mixed by being passed between compartments.
The seal 104 can be ruptured, for example using the piercers 108a,
108b, 108c discussed above, so as to connect the compartments 16a,
16b, 16c to each other via the outlets 17a, 17b, 17c. By keeping
the delivery outlet closed, for example not breaking the seal of
base 106. The compartments 16a, 16b, 16c can be individually
pressurized so as to drive their contents from compartment to
compartment and mix the components.
[0131] In the embodiments of FIG. 11(b) and (c), the cooling path
follows a path which successively extends from side to side.
However, as noted above, a spiral path, such as illustrated in FIG.
7, is also possible. Preferably, the path follows a planar surface
and substantially fills that surface. In the illustrated
embodiment, the cooling path 66 substantially fills an area of the
base film 110 allowing it to be cooled through the base film 110 by
a drinks device.
[0132] In the illustrated embodiment, water, such as carbonated
water, is introduced into the container 10 downstream of the
cooling path 66. However, it would also be possible to introduce
the water (possibly carbonated) into the mixing chamber 20 or at
least between the mixing chamber 20 and the cooling path 66.
[0133] In the illustrated embodiments, the body 100 also defines a
passageway 44 extending from top to bottom.
[0134] The passageway 44 does not connect to other internal parts
of the container, but is able to house the water inter 46.
[0135] In the illustrated embodiment, the base 106 includes an
upwardly extending first tubular part 112 which is slidable within
the passageway 44. The water outlet 42 is thus provided at the
lower end or the base 106 and the tubular member 112 helps guide
the base 106 for movement when the film piercers 108 pierce the
film 104.
[0136] At the top of the container, a second tubular member 114 may
extend downwardly from the lid 102 and, preferably, inside the
first tubular member 112 so that the first and second tubular
members can move telescopically. Preferably, the water filter 46
seals either with the walls of the first tubular member 112 or the
walls of the second tubular member 114, but, in any event, does not
impede relative movement of the first and second tubular
members.
[0137] The present invention has particular application for drinks
containers containing the component parts of alcoholic cocktails.
In this respect, it is important for the final quality of a mixed
cocktail that high-quality fresh products are mixed only a short
time before serving. There can be particular negative issues
regarding quality if acidic components and alcoholic component are
mixed in advance. The features of the drinks container discussed
herein allow products to be stored separately and kept fresh until
the time of serving. In particular, the container may be
constructed from hard, rigid, solid plastics materials with sealed
separate compartments for different components which are kept
separately until mixing immediately before serving.
[0138] The following embodiments include particularly preferred
features.
[0139] FIG. 12 illustrates schematically a system having a drinks
device and drinks container and follows on from the description of
FIG. 3(a).
[0140] As compared with the example of FIG. 3(a), the water filter
46 is omitted. However, it should be understood that the
arrangement of FIG. 12 could be modified to include a water filter
internally of the drinks container between the water chamber 24 and
the cooling path 66.
[0141] As illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 12, water (which
may be carbonated if the drinks container includes a CO.sub.2
cartridge 32) is fed to the drinks container, for instance at an
upper surface, and flows via a passageway 144 within the drinks
container to the cooling path 66 where it mixes with the mixed
components of the drink before leaving the drinks container at the
delivery outlet 22. Embodiments are possible where the passageway
144 joins the cooling path 66 at the start, the end or sonic
intermediate position.
[0142] In the system illustrated in FIG. 12 and in the following, a
description will be given of a drinks container having only two
compartments, for instance one for containing alcoholic and syrup
ingredients and the other for containing acidic ingredients. Of
course, arrangements are possible with additional compartments.
[0143] Exploded views of component parts of a preferred drinks
device are illustrated respectively from above and below in FIGS.
13(a) and (b).
[0144] The container comprises a body 200 with a lid 202 at its to
and a base 206 at its bottom, which together define the outer walls
for the container. The lid 202 is sealed to the body 200 so as to
define two respective compartments 216a and 216b for storing
separate components of a drink to be mixed. They also define a
compartment 232, which may be open at its lower side.
[0145] As illustrated in the cross-section of FIG. 14, the
compartment 232 is configured to house a CO.sub.2 cartridge 232a.
The CO.sub.2 cartridge 232a may contact an inner face of the base
206. A tamper-evident door 232b may be provided in the lid 202
immediately adjacent an outlet portion of the CO.sub.2 cartridge
232. For activation of the drinks container, the base 206 is pushed
and moved upwardly into the body 200. The inner face of the base
206 will thus pushed upon the cartridge 232a and push its outlet up
through the door 232 in the lid 202. In this way, a drinks device
into which the drinks container is loaded may be provided with
access to the CO.sub.2 outlet of the CO.sub.2 cartridge 232.
[0146] As discussed above, each of the compartments 216a, 216b has
a respective outlet, with only outlet 217b evident in the drawings.
On the underside of the compartments, on a surface facing the base
206, a frangible film is provided so as to seal the outlets of the
compartments 216a and 216b.
[0147] On a face of the base 206 facing inwardly of the container,
film piercers 208a and 208b are provided opposite the film 204 and
the outlets behind it. The film 204 thus forms openable seals for
each of the outlets. By pushing the base upwardly and inwardly of
the container, the film piercers 208a and 208b pierce the film 204
and open the outlets. As illustrated, the film piercers 208a, 208b
are peripheral wall sections which correspond to the shapes and
sizes of the outlets of the compartments. They define communication
paths therethrough into a mixing chamber 220 formed in the base
206. Only communication path 209b is visible in FIG. 15.
[0148] FIG. 15 illustrates the container front its underside with
the base film 210 removed from the base 206. With the base film 210
in place on the base 206, the base defines the mixing chamber 220
internally. As the base 220 is moved inwardly of the container so
as to open the outlets of the respective compartments, the mixing
chamber 220 moves with it. The respective components of the drink
housed in the respective compartments flow from those compartments
into the mixing chamber 220 so as to be mixed.
[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 15, a lower or outer face of the base
206 to be sealed with the base film 210 includes a channel section
of elongate and labyrinth path. This channel, with the base film
210 sealing on the base 206 forms a cooling path from the mixing
chamber 220 to the delivery outlet 222.
[0150] The cooling path 266 travels over a relatively long path
over substantially all of the remaining area of the base 206. By
applying cooling, for instance from a cooling plate, to the base
film 210 of the base 206, the mixed components can be cooled as
they travel from the mixing chamber 220 to the delivery outlet
222.
[0151] The Figures also illustrate a passageway 244 formed in the
body 200 from an upper side to a lower side. In particular, the
passageway 244 extends to and through lower surface facing the
inner surface of the base 206. The opening 244a facing the base 206
may be sealed with the film 204. Also, as illustrated, a film
piercer 212 similar to the film piercers 208a and 208b may be
formed on the base 206 facing the opening 244a. Thus, when the base
206 is pushed and moved inwardly to an active position in which the
outlets of the compartments 216a and 216b are opened, the
passageway 244 may be also opened through its opening 244a.
[0152] At the top of the passageway 244, the lid 202 is formed to
seal with that passageway and is configured to provide a frangible
opening to the drinks container. In particular, the frangible
opening 202a can be pierced by a drinks device and mixing liquid,
such as water, provided to it.
[0153] The film piercer 212 is formed as a peripheral wall section
and defines a communication path to a mixer passage 212a fanned in
the base 206. This connects with the cooling path 266 so that the
mixing liquid such as water, mixes with the components from the
respective compartments 216a 216b. As illustrated, the point at
which the mixing passage connects with the cool* path is
intermediate the mixing chamber and the delivery outlet, but
towards the delivery outlet. Other arrangements are possible with
the mixing passage 212a joining the cooling path 266 at other
positions or even immediately adjacent the delivery outlet 222 or
immediately adjacent the mixing chamber 220.
[0154] In the illustrated embodiment, a space 266a is provided at
the position where the mixing passage 212a joins the cooling path
266. This space may be provided with a static mixer 266b so as to
assist with mixing of the mixer liquid with the components from the
compartments 216a and 216b.
[0155] It will be noted that FIG. 13(b) illustrates a slightly
different form of flow path in the base 206.
[0156] Finally, reference is made to the underside of lid 202
illustrated in FIG. 13(b) where thin areas 202b are provided so as
to facilitate the drinks device connecting pressurised gas, such as
air, to the compartments 216a and 216b so as to drive the
respective components to the mixing chamber 220 in a controlled
manner.
* * * * *