Patent Publication Number: US-2022212151-A1

Title: Assembly for Selectively Aerating a Beverage

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     This disclosure relates generally to an assembly for selectively aerating and enhancing (e.g., filtering or purifying) a beverage such as wine. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Oenophiles generally agree that different wines require different preparative approaches to attain the peak possible experience. Some wines can be enhanced using entrained air through an aerator, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub. No. US 2012/0156338 A1 and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,841,584 B2 and 9,719,061 B2, which are hereby incorporated by reference. Aerators are used to soften tannins and improve taste but are not capable of eliminating undesirable wine additives, such as preservative sulfites. However, not all wines are enhanced by aerating the wine because, for example, too much exposure to oxygen can adversely alter the flavor of the wine. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     In accordance with a first aspect of the disclosure, an assembly for selectively aerating a beverage is disclosed. The assembly includes a body, a diverter movable between first, second, and third positions, and an aerator in fluid communication with the diverter, the aerator including a central outlet and aeration outlets. When the diverter is in the first position, the diverter is positioned such that the beverage flows through the body and the central outlet while bypassing the aeration outlets. When the diverter is in the second position, the diverter is positioned such that the beverage flows through the aeration outlets while bypassing the central outlet. When the diverter is in the third position, the diverter is positioned such that the beverage flows through the body, a first portion of the beverage flows through the central outlet while bypassing the aeration outlets, and a second portion of the beverage flows through the aeration outlets while bypassing the central outlet. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a plan view of an example of an assembly for selectively aerating a beverage, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a bottom perspective view of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded view of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of a first portion of a body of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a plan view of a second portion of the body of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom view of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a plan view of a diverter member of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of the diverter member of  FIG. 11  and an aerator member of the assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the diverter member of  FIG. 11 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a top view of the diverter member of  FIG. 11  and the aerator member of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 15  is a front perspective view of the diverter member and the aerator member; 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of the aerator member; and 
         FIG. 17  is a bottom view of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed to an assembly for selectively aerating a beverage such as wine. More particularly, the disclosed assembly provides an aeration gradient that allows a user to fully aerate the beverage (when, for example, the beverage would be enhanced by such aeration), partially aerate the beverage, or bypass aeration of the beverage altogether (when, for example, the beverage would not be enhanced by such aeration). Thus, the degree to which the assembly aerates the beverage (if it does so at all) is fully customizable by the user. The disclosed assembly also includes a filter that enhances the beverage by removing impurities (e.g., sulfites) from the beverage. The disclosed assembly can be placed and operated within a container (e.g., a carafe, a glass) or can be operated independently of such a container. 
       FIGS. 1-17  illustrate an example of an assembly  100  constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the assembly  100  generally includes a body portion  104  defining a reservoir  106  adapted to receive a beverage (e.g., wine), a diverter member  108 , an aerator member  112 , and, optionally, a cap  116  removably coupleable to the body portion  104  for selectively enclosing the body portion  104 . The diverter member  108  is removably coupled to both the body portion  104  and the aerator member  112  such that the diverter member  108  is movable to control the degree of aeration provided by the aerator member  112 . More particularly, the diverter member  108  is movable, relative to the body portion  104  and the aerator member  112 , between a first position, a second position, and a number of third positions intermediate the first position and the second position to control the degree of aeration provided by the aerator member  112 . When the diverter member  108  is in the first position, the diverter member  108  is aligned with the body portion  104  such that the aerator member  112  does not aerate any of the beverage as the beverage flows through the assembly  100 . Conversely, when the diverter member  108  is in the second position, the diverter member  108  is aligned with the body portion  104  such that the aerator member  112  aerates all of the beverage as the beverage flows through the assembly  100  (i.e., the aerator member  112  fully aerates the beverage). Meanwhile, when the diverter member  108  is in one of the third positions, the diverter member  108  is aligned with the body portion  104  such that the aerator member  112  aerates only a portion of the beverage as the beverage flows through the assembly (i.e., the aerator member  112  partially aerates the beverage). The exact amount of aeration provided by the aerator member  112  when the diverter member  108  is in one of the intermediate, third positions will depend on the exact positioning of the diverter member  108  relative to the first position and the second position. Generally speaking, the closer the diverter member  108  is to the second position (i.e., the closer the third position is to the second position), the greater the degree of aeration provided by the aerator member  112 . 
     Reference will now be made to  FIGS. 4-10  to discuss further details about the body portion  104 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the body portion  104  in this example generally includes a first or upper portion  124 , a second or lower portion  128  removably coupled to the first portion  124 , and, optionally, a filter  132  disposed between the first portion  124  and the second portion  128 . Because in this example the second portion  128  is removably coupled to the first portion  124 , the filter  132  can be removed and replaced with a new filter as needed. However, in other examples, the second portion  128  can be fixedly coupled to (e.g., integrally formed with) the first portion  124 , in which case the filter  132  can be fixedly disposed in the body portion  104  (or can be located elsewhere). 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 4-6 , the upper portion  124  in this example has a generally cylindrical shape defined by an upper base  136 , an outer wall  140 , and an inner wall  144 . The outer wall  140  extends outward (upward in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) from the base  136  such that the outer wall  140  is arranged to engage the second portion  128  when the first and second portions  124 ,  128  are coupled together. The inner wall  144  also extends outward (upward in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) from the base  136 , but at a position radially inward of the outer wall  140 . The inner wall  144  forms both a body inlet  148  arranged to receive the beverage and, along with the base  136 , defines the reservoir  106  for receiving the beverage. 
     The upper portion  124  also generally includes a plurality of body apertures  152  formed through the base  136 . In this example, the plurality of body apertures  152  includes apertures of different diameters arranged in a spiral pattern, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . However, in other examples, the apertures can have equal diameters and/or be arranged in a different pattern (or in no pattern at all). Further, the upper portion  124  also includes a sealing element  154  (which is only visible in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ). In this example, the sealing element  154  takes the form of a sealing ring that is coupled to and carried on an underside of the base  136 , such that the sealing element  154  surrounds the plurality of body apertures  152 . In other examples, however, the sealing element  154  can be located in a different position. In any event, the sealing element  154  is positioned to prevent the beverage from flowing radially outward, towards the outer wall  140 , after the beverage flows through the plurality of body apertures  152 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7-10 , the lower portion  128  in this example has a generally cylindrical shape defined by a lower base  156 , an outer wall  160 , and an inner wall  164 . The outer wall  160  extends outward (upward in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) from the base  156 . The inner wall  164  likewise extends outward (upward in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 4 ) from the base  156 , but at a position radially inward of the outer wall  160 . The inner wall  164  is therefore arranged to engage the outer wall  140  of the upper portion  124  when the first and second portions  124 ,  128  are coupled together. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 , the lower portion  128  also includes one or more body outlets  168  and a plurality of flow surfaces  172 . In this example, the lower portion  128  includes three body outlets  168  formed in and extending through the base  156  and a neck  176  coupled to the base  156 , with each outlet  168  having a triangular shape. The three body outlets  168  are preferably symmetrically arranged about a central axis  174  of the assembly  100 . In other examples, however, the lower portion  128  can include more or less body outlets  168  and/or each outlet  168  can have a different shape (e.g., a circular shape). Meanwhile, the plurality of flow surfaces  172  protrude outward (upward in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 9 ) from the base  156  and extend radially outward from the body outlets  168  and toward the inner wall  164 . In this example, the plurality of flow surfaces  172  are a plurality of fins disposed symmetrically around the outlets  168  (and the central axis  174 ). In other examples, however, the plurality of flow surfaces  172  can be a plurality of columns, a plurality of dots, a plurality of cubes, a plurality of pyramids, one or more other suitably shaped objects, and/or combinations thereof. In any event, the plurality of flow surfaces  172  are arranged to interact with the beverage that enters through the body inlet  140  and flows through the plurality of body apertures  152 . At the same time, the plurality of flow surfaces  172  direct the beverage towards and into the one or more body outlets  168 , which in turn permit the beverage poured into the body portion  104  to access the other components of the assembly  100 . 
     The lower portion  128  further includes a rim  178  and a first track  180  formed in the rim  178 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the rim  178  extends outward (downward in the orientation illustrated in  FIG. 7 ) from a bottom surface of the outer wall  160 . In this example, the rim  178  partially surrounds the base  156 . As also best illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the first track  180  is defined between a first end  182 A of the rim  178  and a second end  1828  of the rim  178 . As will be discussed in greater detail below, the first track  180  is thus arranged to receive a portion of the diverter member  108  as the diverter member  108  moves between the different positions discussed herein. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , when the upper portion  124  is slidably disposed in the lower portion  128 , thereby coupling the upper portion  124  to the lower portion  128 , an interior void volume  184  is formed between the upper portion  124  and the lower portion  128 . More particularly, the interior void volume  184  is formed between the upper base  136 , the sealing element  154 , and the plurality of flow surfaces  172 . The interior void volume  184  is thus sized and shaped to receive and retain the filter  132  therein. In turn, the filter  132 , which in this example takes the form of a disposable pod, is in fluid communication with the plurality of body apertures  152 , the body outlets  168 , and the plurality of flow surfaces  172 . As such, the filter  132  is configured to remove impurities from the beverage after the beverage flows through the inlet  140  and through the plurality of body apertures  152 . Moreover, and beneficially, the filter  132  is retained in the interior void volume  184  in a substantially flat orientation. Retaining the filter  132  in a substantially flat orientation allows the beverage to interact with the greatest amount of filter media in the filter  132  as the beverage passes through the filter  132 . 
     Reference will now be made to  FIGS. 11-14  to discuss further details about the diverter member  108 . As discussed above, the diverter member  108  is movable (and, more particularly, rotatable) relative to the body portion  104  and the aerator member  112  between several different positions and, depending on the position of the diverter member  108 , directs the beverage passing through the assembly  100  to different portions of the diverter member  108  and different portions of the aerator member  112 . Thus, as also briefly discussed above, the diverter member  108  can be positioned so as to fully aerate the beverage passing through the diverter member  108  and the aerator member  112 , can be positioned so as to partially aerate the beverage passing through the diverter member  108  and the aerator member  112 , or can be positioned so as to have the beverage pass through the diverter member  108  and the aerator member  112  without being aerated. 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 11-14 , the diverter member  108  in this example includes a diverter base  200 , a cylindrical wall  204  that extends outwardly (upwardly in the orientation shown in  FIG. 11 ) from the diverter base  200 , a spout  208  that extends outwardly (downwardly in the orientation shown in  FIG. 11 ) from the diverter base  200 , and a positioning member  212  that allows the user of the assembly  100  to change the position of the diverter member  108 . The diverter member  108  also includes a lip  216  that extends outwardly from the cylindrical wall  204 . In this example, the lip  216  extends perpendicularly from the cylindrical wall  204 , such that the lip  216  forms a ledge that extends radially outward from the cylindrical wall  204 . In other examples, however, the lip  216  can extend outwardly from the cylindrical wall  204  at a non-perpendicular angle. In any event, the ledge is arranged to be disposed immediately proximate, if not in engagement with, the rim  178  of the body portion  104  when the diverter member  108  is coupled to the body portion  104 . In turn, the positioning member  212 , which in this example takes the form of a tab carried by the ledge, is movably disposed within the first track  180 . 
     The spout  208  is generally configured to direct the beverage to the appropriate portion(s) of the aerator member  112  based on the position of the diverter member  108 . As best illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , the spout  208  generally has a first portion that extends outwardly from the diverter base  200  in a first direction (upward in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ) and a second portion that extends outwardly from the diverter base  200  in a second direction (downward in the orientation shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In this example, the first portion of the spout  208  is defined by three partially cylindrical walls  220  that are circumferentially arranged and evenly spaced from another about the central axis  174 . In other examples, however, the first portion of the spout  208  can be defined differently (e.g., can be defined by a single wall  220 ). Meanwhile, in this example, the second portion of the spout  208  is defined by a single cylindrical wall  224  that has a uniform diameter and is longer than each of the three walls  220 . The diameter of the cylindrical wall  224  can be the same as or different than the diameter of the cylindrical walls  220 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIGS. 12-14 , the diverter member  108  also includes one or more primary apertures  228 , one or more secondary apertures  232 , and a diverter disk  236  coupled to the spout  208 . The one or more primary apertures  228  are in selective fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104  (i.e., the apertures  228  are or are not in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  depending upon the position of the diverter member  108 ). The one or more primary apertures  228  are generally defined by the diverter base  200  and the first portion of the spout  208 . In this example, the diverter member  108  includes three primary apertures  228  that correspond to the three body outlets  168  of the body portion  104 . Thus, like the three body outlets  168 , the three primary apertures  228  are symmetrically arranged about the central axis  174 , and each primary aperture  228  has a triangular shape identical to the triangular shape of the body outlets  168 . In other examples, however, the diverter member  108  can include more or less primary apertures  228  and/or the primary apertures  228  can have a different shape, size, or be defined differently. 
     The one or more secondary apertures  232  are also in selective fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104  (i.e., the apertures  232  are or are not in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  depending upon the position of the diverter member  108 ). The one or more secondary apertures  232  are generally formed through the diverter base  200  at a position proximate the cylindrical wall  204  and radially outward of the one or more primary apertures  228 . In this example, the diverter member  108  includes twenty-six secondary apertures  232  circumferentially arranged in the diverter base  200  about the central axis  174 , such that the secondary apertures  232  surround the primary apertures  228  within the diverter member  108 . It will be appreciated that each of the secondary apertures  232  has a circular shape and has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the primary apertures  228 . In other examples, however, the diverter member  108  can include more or fewer secondary apertures  232  and/or the secondary apertures  232  can have different shapes, sizes, or be defined differently. 
     Meanwhile, the diverter disk  236  cooperates with the spout  208  to direct the beverage to the appropriate portion(s) of the aerator member  112  based on the position of the diverter member  108 . To this end, the diverter disk  236  has a shape and size that generally corresponds to the shape and size of the first portion of the spout  208  and the primary apertures  228 . Thus, in this example, the diverter disk  236  also includes three disk apertures  240  each having a triangular shape identical to the triangular shape of the body outlets  168  and the primary apertures  228 . As best illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the diverter disk  236  is thus configured to be disposed in, and retained by, the first portion of the spout  208 . More particularly, the diverter disk  236  is disposed between and retained by the cylindrical walls  220  of the spout  208 . When the diverter disk  236  is so disposed, the disk apertures  240  are circumferentially arranged about the central axis  174 . The disk apertures  240  are fully, partially, or not aligned with the primary apertures  228 , depending upon the position of the diverter member  108 . The diverter disk  236  also includes a recess  244  that is arranged to receive and engage a detent  248  carried on the neck  176 , thereby securing the diverter disk  236  to the body portion  104 . This engagement also helps to couple the body portion  104  and the diverter member  108  together while at the same time allowing the diverter member  108  to be rotatable between the various positons discussed above. 
     Reference will now be made to  FIGS. 15-17  to discuss further details about the aerator member  112 . The aerator member  112  in this example has a generally parabolic cross-sectional shape defined by a first end  300 , a second end  304  opposite the first end  300 , an inner surface  308 , an outer surface  312 , a central outlet  316  disposed at the second end  304 , and one or more aerator outlets  320  also disposed at the second end  304 . 
     In this example, the first end  300  is removably coupled to the body portion  104  (particularly the rim  178  of the body portion  104 ) using one or more snap fit features that engage snap fit features provided on the rim  178 . When the snap fit features of the first end  300  engage the snap fit features on the rim  178 , the first end  300  is non-rotatably secured to the body portion  104 . However, at the same time, the aerator member  112  (or the body portion  104 ) can be rotated to disengage the one or more snap fit features of the first end  300  from the one or more snap fit features of the rim  178  in order to decouple the aerator member  112  from the body portion  104  (and vice-versa). In other examples, however, the first end  300  can be removably coupled to the body portion  104  in a different manner (e.g., using a different mechanical fastening arrangement). 
     In this example, both the inner surface  308  and the outer surface  312  are substantially smooth. In other examples, however, the inner surface  308  can include one or more flow features (e.g., a plurality of ribs) disposed thereon to facilitate aeration. As best illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the central outlet  316  has a circular shape and is co-axial with the central axis  174  when the aerator member  112  is coupled to the body portion  104 . Meanwhile, the one or more aerator outlets  320  are generally disposed radially outward of the central outlet  316 . In this example, the aerator member  112  includes eight aerator outlets  320  circumferentially arranged about the central outlet  316 , such that the aerator outlets  320  surround the central outlet  316  (and, in turn, the central axis  174 ). As also best illustrated in  FIG. 17 , each of the aerator outlets  320  has a circular shape and has a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the central outlet  316 . In other examples, however, the aerator member  112  can include more or less aerator outlets  320 , the aerator outlets  320  can have a different shape or size, or the aerator outlets  320  can be arranged in a different manner. 
     It will be appreciated that the central outlet  316  is in fluid communication with the primary apertures  228  and, as such, is in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104  when the primary apertures  228  are in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . When this happens, the central outlet  316  provides a fluid pathway for the beverage to pass from the diverter member  108  (particularly the spout  208 ) and out of the aerator member  112  (and the assembly  100  more generally) without being aerated. On the other hand, it will be appreciated that the one or more aerator outlets  320  are in fluid communication with the secondary apertures  232  and, as such, are in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104  when the secondary apertures  232  are in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . When this happens, the aerator outlets  320  provide a fluid pathway for the beverage to pass from the diverter member  108  (via the secondary apertures  232 ), along the inner surface  308 , and out of the aerator member  112  (and the assembly  100  more generally). However, the aerator outlets  320  cause the beverage to pass therethrough as droplets or narrow streams, such that the beverage is aerated. 
     The aerator member  112  in this example also includes an aerator lip  324 , a second track  328 , and a projection  330 . The aerator lip  324  extends inwardly from the inner surface  308  at a position immediately proximate the first end  300 . In this example, the aerator lip  324  extends perpendicularly from the inner surface  308 , such that the aerator lip  324  forms a ledge that extends radially inward from the inner surface  308 . In other examples, however, the aerator lip  324  can extend inwardly from the inner surface  308  at a non-perpendicular angle. In any event, the ledge formed by the lip  324  is arranged to receive the ledge formed by the lip  216  of the diverter member  108  in order to help couple the diverter member  108  and the aerator member  112  together. Meanwhile, the second track  328  is disposed at the first end  300 . In turn, the second track  328  is, like the first track  180 , arranged to receive a portion of the diverter member  108  as the diverter member  108  moves between the different positions discussed herein. Finally, the projection  330  extends axially outward (upward in the orientation shown in  FIG. 15 ) from the second end  304 , but at a position within the aeration member  300 . In this example, the projection  330  is disposed between the central outlet  316  and the aerator outlets  320 , such that the projection  330  isolates the central outlet  316  from the aerator outlets  320 . Additionally, the projection  330  is arranged to receive the second portion of the spout  208  when the diverter member  108  and the aerator member  112  are coupled together. 
     As briefly discussed above, the diverter member  108  is movable relative to the body portion  104  and the aerator member  112  between different positions, depending on whether or not the user would like to aerate the beverage passing through the assembly and, if the user would like to aerate the beverage, the degree of aeration that the user would like to be provided by the aerator member  112 . In particular, the diverter member  108  is movable between the first position, the second position, and various third positions intermediate the first position and the second position by moving the positioning member  212  within the first track  180  and the second track  328 . 
     When the positioning member  212  is disposed within the first track  180  and the second track  328  such that the positioning member  212  is seated against the first end  182 A of the rim  178  of the body portion  104 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the diverter member  116  is in the first position. When the diverter member  116  is so positioned, the one or more primary apertures  228  of the diverter member  116  are aligned with the body outlets  168  and the disk apertures  240 , such that the one or more primary apertures  228  are in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . In turn, because the central outlet  316  is in fluid communication with the primary apertures  228 , the central outlet  316  is in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . Accordingly, when the diverter member  116  is in the first position, the beverage poured into the body inlet  148  will pass through the body inlet  148 , through the body apertures  152 , through the filter  132 , along the plurality of flow surfaces  172 , through the body outlets  168  (and out of the body portion  104 ), through the disk apertures  240 , through the primary apertures  228 , through the spout  208  (and out of the diverter member  108 ), through the projection  330 , and through and out of the central outlet  316 . In any event, so configured, the beverage passes through the assembly  100  without being aerated when the diverter member  108  is in the first position. 
     While not illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that when the positioning member  212  is disposed within the first track  180  and the second track  328  such that the positioning member  212  is seated against the second end  1828  of the rim  178  of the body portion  104 , the diverter member  116  is in the second position. The movement of the diverter member  116  from the first position to the second position rotates the one or more primary apertures  228  out of alignment with the body outlets  168  and the disk apertures  240 . This severs the fluid communication between the one or more primary apertures  228  and the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104  but simultaneously places the body outlets  168  and the disk apertures  240  in fluid communication with the secondary apertures  232 , thereby placing the secondary apertures  232  in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . In turn, because the one or more aerator outlets  320  are in fluid communication with the secondary apertures  232 , the one or more aerator outlets  320  are in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . Accordingly, when the diverter member  108  is in the second position, the beverage poured into the body inlet  148  will pass through the body inlet  148 , through the body apertures  152 , through the filter  132 , along the plurality of flow surfaces  172 , through the body outlets  168  (and out of the body portion  104 ), through the disk apertures  240 , through the secondary apertures  232 , along the inner surface  308  of the aerator member  112 , and through and out of the aerator outlets  320 . In any event, so configured, the beverage passes through the assembly  100  without being aerated when the diverter member  108  is in the first position. In any event, so configured, when the diverter member  108  is in the second position, the beverage is aerated as it passes through the assembly  100 . 
     Further, while also not illustrated herein, it will be appreciated that when the positioning member  212  is disposed within the first track  180  and the second track  328  such that the positioning member  212  is somewhere between the first and second ends  182 A,  1828  of the rim  178  of the body portion  104 , the diverter member  116  is in one of the intermediate third positions. The movement of the diverter member  116  from the first position or the second position to the third position rotates the one or more primary apertures  228  into partial alignment with the body outlets  168  and the disk apertures  240 , with the degree of alignment dependent upon how close the third position is to the first position. In any event, this partial alignment simultaneously places the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104  in fluid communication with both the one or more primary apertures  228  and the one or more secondary apertures  232 . In turn, the central outlet  316  and the one or more aerator outlets  320  are simultaneously in fluid communication with the reservoir  106  of the body portion  104 . Accordingly, when the diverter member  116  is in the third position, the beverage poured into the body inlet  148  will pass through the body inlet  148 , through the body apertures  152 , through the filter  132 , along the plurality of flow surfaces  172 , through the body outlets  168  (and out of the body portion  104 ), and through the disk apertures  240 . At this point, a first portion of the beverage will pass through the primary apertures  228 , through the spout  208  (and out of the diverter member  108 ), through the projection  330 , and through and out of the central outlet  316 , such that the first portion of the beverage passes through the assembly  100  without being aerated. At the same time, a second portion of the beverage will pass through the secondary apertures  232 , along the inner surface  308  of the aerator member  112 , and through and out of the aerator outlets  320 , such that the second portion of the beverage is aerated while passing through the assembly  100 . 
     It will be appreciated that the ratio of the first portion of the beverage to the second portion of the beverage will of course depend on the exact positioning of the positioning member  212  relative to the first position. Generally speaking, the closer the positioning member  212  is to the first position, the greater the first portion of the beverage, that ratio, and the amount of the beverage that is not aerated will be. In other words, the closer the third position of the diverter member  108  is to the first position, the greater the amount of the beverage that will pass through the assembly  100  without being aerated.