Adjustable additive cartridge systems

摘要

An adjustable additive cartridge that provides adjustable metering of additive to a base fluid as the base fluid is flowing through the cartridge. A spout is mounted for limited rotation within a base element of the cartridge. Rotation of the spout results in varying degrees of flow of additive into a base fluid flow path through the cartridge. The cartridge may be used with a portable beverage container, such as a sports bottle or off-the-shelf water bottle. The supply of base fluid in a container used with the cartridge may be kept in an unmixed, pure state, and other cartridges, each having different additives (i.e., flavors) may be used interchangeably with the same base fluid supply. The cartridge allows a consumer/user to experience different additives, such as different flavors or supplement compositions, for a given supply of base liquid in a single container. A check valve on the cartridge prevents backflow of the base fluid. An integrated filter for filtering base fluid flowing into the cartridge may be provided. The additive cartridge may be sealed to provide for extended storage and to provide a user/consumer with evidence of integrity, quality and/or tampering prior to purchase and/or use. Visual and tactile indicators of the amount of additive being added to a base fluid may be provided. A container may retain a spare additive adjustable cartridge on the container.

主权项

1. An adjustable additive cartridge for containing a supply of additive and for permitting a user to adjust the amount of additive to be mixed with a base fluid as the base fluid flows from a base fluid container comprising:
a cartridge base including a retaining collar for engaging a mouth of the base fluid container and thereby retaining the cartridge base thereon, the cartridge base having a base fluid flow path defined therein for permitting flow of a base fluid from the base fluid container through the cartridge base; an additive reservoir on the cartridge base for containing a supply of additive, the cartridge base further defining an additive flow path for permitting flow of additive from the additive reservoir to the base fluid flow path; a spout cooperating with the cartridge base and including a spout fluid flow path defined therein, the spout fluid flow path permitting flow of additive and base fluid mixture from the cartridge base fluid flow path to a dispensing end of the spout; and an additive metering section disposed in the additive flow path for varying the flow of additive flowing in the additive flow path to the base fluid flow path; an additive metering adjuster for permitting a user to adjust the additive metering section, the additive metering adjuster being mounted for rotatable movement relative to the cartridge base, wherein rotation of the additive metering adjuster by the user causes the additive metering section to vary the flow of additive in the additive and base fluid mixture.