Abstract:
A method of applying a solid to a container includes placing a portion of the container between two surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface to define a variable space between the surfaces; and applying the solid to a selected portion of the container. In some embodiments, the solid includes a flavor enhancer, and the selected portion is proximate a rim edge of the container.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for applying solids, for example, granulated solids. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Granulated solids have been applied to the rim portion of glassware as a flavor enhancer for beverages. For example, a margarita or a beer may be served in a salt-rimmed glass, a daiquiri may be served in a sugar-rimmed glass, a bloody Caesar may be served in a celery salt and pepper-rimmed glass, and non-alcoholic beverages, such as mulled cider, may be served in a cinnamon spice-rimmed glass. These beverages can be prepared by wetting the rim portion of a glass, for example, by dipping the rim portion into shallow dish of water, and then dipping the rim portion into a reservoir containing the selected granulated solids. The glass can then be filled with the desired contents. 
     SUMMARY 
     The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for applying solids. 
     In one aspect, the invention features apparatuses and methods that can be used to apply a solid (e.g., granulated solids) to a selected portion of a beverage container (e.g., a rim portion of a glass). For example, a user can wet the rim portion of a glass, apply a solid to the rim portion, and pour a beverage into the glass. The user can also pour a beverage in a glass, wet the rim portion of the glass, and lastly apply the solid to the rim portion. In other words, the apparatuses and methods allow the solid to be applied to the container regardless of whether the container is empty or not. The user can apply the solid to the container after the beverage is poured into the container (e.g., if the user has forgotten to apply the solid). In some implementations, the addition of the beverage causes the solid to fall off the rim portion, so applying the solid last can prevent the solid from falling. The user can reapply the solid to the container when at least some of the beverage is in the glass (e.g., if the previously-applied solid has been consumed or otherwise removed, or if the intended consumer prefers more solids than what was applied). The apparatuses and methods can obviate the need for another container to apply or to reapply the solids. 
     The apparatuses and methods can be used with containers having different forms, diameters and/or wall thicknesses. For example, the apparatuses and methods can be used with a beer glass, a champagne flute, a coffee cup, a margarita glass, a martini glass, and a wine glass. There is no need for a solid-containing reservoir into which the container is dipped to have a diameter larger than a diameter of the container. 
     The apparatuses and methods can apply the solid in a relatively clean manner. For example, solids that do not adhere directly to the container are well-contained (e.g., are not dispersed across local surfaces and/or fall into the container). After application of the solids, the beverage can be served with low loss of the solids, e.g., due to the solids being disturbed and detaching from the container. 
     The apparatuses and methods can include dispensing mechanisms that can be packaged as handheld versions or countertop automated versions. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a method of applying a solid to a container, including placing a portion of the container between two surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface to define a variable space between the surfaces; and applying the solid to a selected portion of the container. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method further includes wetting the selected portion of the container. The method further includes agitating the solid prior to applying the solid. Agitating the solid can includes rotating a wheel, turning a handle, pushing a spring. The method further includes moving at least one of the surfaces to increase the space between the surfaces after applying the solid. The container contains a liquid. The solid includes a flavor enhancer, and the selected portion is proximate a rim portion of the container. The method further includes providing an apparatus having the two surfaces and holding the solid; and moving at least the apparatus or the container relative to each other to apply the solid. 
     In another aspect, the invention features a method of applying flavor enhancing solids to a beverage container, the method including wetting a selected portion proximate a rim portion of the container; placing a wall portion of the container between two surfaces capable of defining a space variable in size between the surfaces; and applying the flavor enhancing solids the selected portion. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method further includes agitating the solids prior to applying the solids. The container contains a liquid prior to placing the wall portion of the container between the two surfaces. The method further includes providing an apparatus having the two surfaces and holding the flavor enhancing solids; and moving at least the apparatus or the container relative to each other to apply the solids. 
     In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus, including a first chamber capable of holding a solid particle; a passageway in fluid communication with the first chamber; a first surface and a second surface capable of defining a space variable in size between the surfaces, the space being configured to receive a wall portion of a beverage container; and a second chamber in fluid communication with the passageway, the second chamber being between the passageway and the space along a fluid path. The chamber(s) need not be completely enclosed. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus further includes a rotatable wheel having the first surface, and an agitator in the first chamber and connected to the wheel. The apparatus further includes a spring-biased member having the second surface. The apparatus further includes a flow controller capable of controlling flow through the passageway. The apparatus further includes flavor enhancing particles in the first chamber. The apparatus further includes a member having threads in the first chamber. The member is spring actuated. The member is rotatable. 
     In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus for applying flavor enhancing solids to a beverage container, the apparatus including a first chamber holding the solids; a passageway in fluid communication with the first chamber; a flow controller capable of controlling flow through the passageway; a first surface and a second surface capable of defining a space variable in size between the surfaces, the space being configured to receive a wall portion of a beverage container; and a second chamber in fluid communication with the passageway, the second chamber being between the passageway and the space along a fluid path. The chamber(s) need not be completely enclosed. 
     Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus further includes a rotatable wheel having the first surface, and an agitator in the first chamber and connected to the wheel. The apparatus further includes a spring-biased member having the second surface. The apparatus further includes a member having threads in the first chamber. The member is spring actuated. The member is rotatable. 
     As used herein, “proximate a rim edge of a container” means sufficiently near a rim edge of the container that a consumer placing his mouth on a selected rim portion of the container can consume the solid applied to the selected rim portion. In some embodiments, “proximate a rim edge of a container” means within about one centimeter (e.g., less than or equal to about 5 mm) from a rim edge of the container. 
     Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent from the description of the embodiments thereof and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of flow control plate; and  FIG. 2B  is a plan view of the control plate shown in  FIG. 2A . 
         FIG. 3  is a partial, perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 8  is a detailed, cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an applicator of solids. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  shows an applicator  20  capable of applying solid particles  22  to one or more selected portions of a container  24  containing a liquid  26 . For example, solid particles  22  can include a flavor enhancer (such as salt), container  24  can be a piece of glassware having a rim edge  28 , and liquid  26  can be beverage (such as a margarita). As a result, applicator  20  is capable of applying the flavor enhancer to the glassware to provide, for example, a salt-rimmed margarita. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , applicator  20  includes a housing  30 , a filling cap  34  removably attached to the housing, and a dispensing mechanism  36  for applying the particles to container  24 . Housing  30  has a chamber  32  in which particles  22  are stored, and the chamber has a sloped (e.g., conical) surface  37  to help direct the particles toward dispensing mechanism  36 . As shown, dispensing mechanism  36  includes an agitator  38  (as shown, a blade) located in chamber  32 , a shaft  40  connected the agitator, and a rotatable wheel  42  (arrow R) connected to the shaft. Dispensing mechanism  36  further includes a passageway  44  that is in fluid communication with chamber  32  and leads to a flow controller  46  and a tension guide  48 . Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , flow controller  46  is a circular plate  48  having openings  50 ′,  50 ″,  50 ′″ of different sizes that enable applicator  20  to accommodate solids with different particle sizes. Flow controller  46  is rotatably mounted in applicator  20  so that openings  50 ′,  50 ″,  50 ′″ can be selectively aligned with passageway  44 , thereby controlling the flow rate of particles  22  exiting the passageway from chamber  32 . Referring back to  FIG. 1 , tension guide  48  is movably mounted to applicator  20  (as shown, laterally slidable (arrow G)) and is spring-biased toward wheel  42 . Tension guide  48  has a top surface  51  that partially defines a volume  52  into which particles  22  enter after exiting opening  50 ′,  50 ″ or  50 ′″. In other words, volume  52  is in fluid communication with chamber  32  via an opening of flow controller  46  and passageway  44 . As shown, tension guide  48  has a tab  54  to move the tension guide away from wheel  42 . In other embodiments, tension guide  48  includes other features (such as an indentation ( FIG. 3 ) or a textured surface) to help move the tension guide. 
     During use, a wall portion  56  of container  24  is placed between wheel  42  and tension guide  48 , and the container and/or applicator  20  is moved relative to the other to apply particles  22  to a rim portion  29  proximate to rim edge  28 . Container  24  can contain a liquid or be empty. More specifically, selected area(s) of rim edge  28  and/or area(s) of rim portion  29  (e.g., the outer surface of wall portion  56  proximate to the rim edge) are first wetted so that particles  22  can be applied to the wetted area(s). For example, the selected area(s) can be wetted by dipping rim edge  28  and rim portion  29  into a shallow dish of water or syrup, or if container  24  contains a liquid, by passing a slice of lime, a slice of lemon, a piece of ice, a wet sponge, or a wet swab on the rim edge and/or the rim portion. Next, to increase the space or gap, if any, between tension guide  48  and wheel  42 , the tension guide is moved against its spring bias and away from the wheel. This ability of tension guide  48  to move relative to wheel  42  allows applicator  20  to accommodate and to apply particles  22  to containers  24  having different wall thicknesses. Next, wall portion  56  is placed in the increased space between the tension guide and the wheel, and the tension guide is released and allowed to move under its spring bias toward the wheel to contact an exterior surface of the wall portion. As a result, wall portion  56  is held between and in contact with tension guide  48  and wheel  42 . 
     To apply particles  22  to the wetted area(s), container  24  and/or applicator  20  is moved relative to the other. For example, container  24  can be held stationary, and applicator  20  (e.g., a handheld design) can be moved to track rim edge  28 . As applicator  20  moves, an interior surface of wall portion  56  engages and rotates wheel  42 , thereby causing agitator  38  to rotate and to move particles  22  in chamber  32 . The movement of particles  22 , along with gravity, causes the particles to flow from chamber  32 , through passageway  44 , through a selectively aligned opening of flow controller  46 , through volume  52 , and to container  24  where the particles are applied to a wetted area(s). To enhance the performance of applicator  20 , wheel  42  can include (e.g., is formed of) a frictional material, such as rubber, so that wall portion  56  can easily rotate the wheel and agitator  38 , and/or tension guide  48  can include (e.g., is formed of) a lubricious material, such as PTFE, so that the wall portion easily glide against the area of the tension guide that the wall portion contacts. In some embodiments, applicator  20  is held stationary, and container  24  is moved, e.g., in a circular path that tracks the shape of rim edge  28 . Particles  22  are delivered from chamber  32  and applied to container  24  according to the same operation described above. 
     After particles  22  are applied to container  24 , tension guide  48  is moved away from wheel  42  to increase the space between the tension guide and the wheel, and container  24  is disengaged from applicator  20 . Stopping the rotation of wheel  42  and agitator  38  can reduce or stop the flow of particles  22  from chamber  32 . Furthermore, flow controller  46  can be adjusted so that none of openings  50 ′,  50 ″,  50 ′″ aligns with passageway  44 . Moreover, in some embodiments, when applicator  20  is not in use and tension guide  48  is allowed to move toward wheel  42 , the tension guide contacts the wheel (i.e., there is no gap between the tension guide and the wheel), thereby preventing particles  22  (if any) from exiting volume  52 . 
     While a number of embodiments have been described, the invention is not so limited. 
     For example, referring to  FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, an applicator includes friction-reducing devices (such as a set of ball bearings or a set of roller bearings) between housing  30  and a block  60  (see also  FIG. 3 ), which interfaces with container  24 . The friction-reducing devices allow housing  30  to move separately from other components of the applicator, and the applicator to move easily on the container. In some embodiments, a shell (e.g., an ergonomically-designed shell shown in  FIG. 9 ) can be attached to housing  30 , and the friction-reducing devices can be placed between the housing and the shell. 
     As another example, other embodiments of a tension guide can be implemented in the embodiments of applicators described herein. For example, referring to  FIG. 3 , a tension guide  48 ′ can be pivotally mounted to an applicator. As shown, tension guide  48 ′ is pivotally mounted with a pin  62  and includes an extended portion  64  that is used to move the tension guide away from wheel  42 . 
     Still other embodiments of moving particles  22  can be implemented. For example,  FIG. 4  shows an applicator  100  in which wheel  42  and agitator  38  engage each other through gears. As shown, wheel  42  is connected to shaft  102  that is connected to a first gear  104 . Agitator  38  is connected to a shaft  106  that can rotate (arrow S) and is held in position by a support  108  in housing  30 . Shaft  106  of agitator  30  is connected to a second gear  110  that is configured to engage with first gear  104  connected to shaft  102 . During use, wheel  42  rotates, thereby causing shaft  102  and first gear  104  to rotate. Rotation of first gear  104  causes second gear  110  to rotate, thereby rotating agitator  38 . Applicator  100  operates similarly to how applicator  20  operates. 
     In other embodiments, agitator  38  of applicator  100  is replaced by a screw feed, such as an elongated rod having external threads. As shown in  FIG. 5 , applicator  200  includes wheel  42  that is connected to a shaft  202  that is connected to a first gear  204 . Applicator  200  further includes a screw feed  203  connected to a shaft  206  that can rotate (arrow S) and is held in position by a support  208  in housing  30 . Shaft  206  is connected to a second gear  210  that is configured to engage with first gear  204  connected to shaft  202 . Rotation of first gear  204  causes second gear  210  to rotate, thereby rotating screw feed  202 . 
       FIG. 6  shows an applicator  300  having a screw feed mechanism  302 . As shown, mechanism  302  includes a screw feed  304  (such as a rod having external threads) supported by removable cap  34  and connected to an off-axis handle  306 . As shown, applicator  300  further includes a rotatable wheel  308  connected to housing  30 , and tension guide  48 , but in some embodiments, the tension guide is omitted. In operation, a user places a wall portion of container  24  between wheel  308  and tension guide  48 , turns handle  306 , and moves applicator  30  to track rim edge  28 . Rotation of handle  306  causes screw feed  304  to rotate and to agitate particles  22 . This agitation, along with gravity and sloped inner wall of housing  30 , causes particles  22  to travel to screw feed  204  (e.g., the threads of the rod), where the particles travel further downward and are guided and applied to selected portions of container  24 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an applicator  400  having a spring-loaded mechanism. As shown, applicator  400  includes an elongated rod  402  having outwardly extending fins  404  (e.g., including a compressible material such as a polymer) at a first end portion, and connected to a spring  406  and an actuator  408  (e.g., a button) and a second end portion. In operation, a user moves applicator  400  to track rim edge  28  and continuously depresses actuator  408  and spring  406  to allow particles  22  to be applied to selected portions of container  24 . In some embodiments, actuator  408  and spring  406  can be intermittently depressed during operation to agitate particles  22 , thereby aiding application of the particles. In some embodiments, referring to  FIG. 8 , the degree to which fins  404 ′ extend outwardly from rod  402  can vary along the length of the rod (e.g., in a gradient), and the passageway of applicator  400 ′ through which particles  22  travel can have a conversely varying width or diameter. As a result, when applicator  400 ′ is not being used, a fin can engage with the passageway (e.g., like a valve engaging with a valve seat), thereby preventing particles  22  from exiting applicator  400 ′. During operation, when rod  402  is pushed toward the exit passageway, the fin previously engaged with the passageway becomes disengaged from the passageway, and particles  22  can exit applicator  400 ′. 
     An applicator can have a variety of external shapes and is not limited to, for example, a cylindrical design.  FIG. 9  shows an applicator  500  having a first portion  502  and a relatively narrower second portion  504  that allows the applicator to be grasped more firmly and comfortably. In addition to enhancing the function of an applicator, varying the external shapes can allow a designer to customize the outward appearance of the applicator to appeal to different consumers. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 9 , a reservoir of an applicator includes a transparent window  506  and indicia  508  that allow the amount of solids in the reservoir to be ascertained, e.g., for re-filling. 
     In other embodiments, an applicator is intended to be disposable, vis-à-vis reusable. The applicator may be pre-filled with a flavor enhancer prior to being provided to a user. The applicator may not include a filling cap. 
     Other agitators, such as a propeller, a paddle, and a hook, can be used. 
     In some embodiments, a flow controller includes a tactile indicator (e.g., one or more notches on the perimeter of the controller) and/or a visual indicator (e.g., numerical markings) to indicate through which opening solid particles will flow during use. 
     One or more components of an applicator can include (e.g., is formed of) a material that reduces and/or prevents microbial growth. For example, the wheel and the tension guide, both of which contact a container during use, can include an antimicrobial material. 
     Still other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.