Patent Description:
The present invention relates to a cap for a beverage-ingredient cartridge as defined in claim <NUM>, a beverage-ingredient cartridge as defined in claim <NUM>, a system for making a beverage as defined in claim <NUM> and a method for dispensing beverage ingredients from a beverage-ingredient cartridge as defined in claim <NUM>. Some embodiments are directed to a beverage-ingredient cartridge that includes a container having a closed lower end and an open upper end, wherein the container is configured to store a first beverage ingredient, and a cap secured within the open upper end of the container, wherein the cap seals the open upper end of the container. The cap of the beverage-ingredient cartridge includes a storage compartment having a base and a sidewall extending from the base in a direction away from a closed lower end of the container, wherein the storage compartment is configured to store a second beverage ingredient; a column extending from the base in a direction away from a closed lower end of the container, wherein the column is spaced from the sidewall; a line of weakness defining a separable region of the base, wherein the column extends from the separable region of the base; and a plastic film secured to a rim at an upper end of the sidewall and to the column, wherein the plastic film seals the storage compartment. Upon application of a force to the column, the separable region separates from the base and the plastic film tears such that the storage compartment and the container are open to an environment outside of the beverage-ingredient cartridge.

Some embodiments are directed to system for making a beverage that includes a beverage-ingredient cartridge as described herein, and further including a liquid beverage ingredient disposed within the container and a dry beverage ingredient disposed within the storage compartment of the cap. The system for making a beverage further includes a beverage vessel having a cartridge opener and containing a liquid, wherein when the beverage-ingredient cartridge is inverted and is engaged with the cartridge opener of the beverage vessel, the cartridge opener pushes the column into the container and thereby breaks the plastic film and separates the separable region from the base of the cap so as to release the liquid and dry beverage ingredients from the beverage-ingredient cartridge into the liquid under the force of gravity.

Some embodiments are directed to cap for a beverage-ingredient cartridge that includes a storage compartment comprising a base and a sidewall extending from a perimeter of the base, wherein the storage compartment is configured to store a beverage ingredient; a column extending from the base of the storage compartment and spaced apart from the sidewall; a line of weakness defining a separable region of the base, wherein the column extends from the separable region of the base; and a plastic film secured to a rim at an upper end of the sidewall and to an upper end of the column, wherein the plastic film seals the storage compartment. Upon application of a force to the column, the plastic film is configured to tear and the separable region is configured to separate from the base.

Some embodiments described herein are directed to a method for dispensing beverage ingredients from a beverage-ingredient cartridge that includes applying a force to a beverage-ingredient cartridge, wherein the beverage-ingredient cartridge includes a container for storing a first beverage ingredient, and a cap secured to an upper end of the container by a snap-fit. The cap of the beverage-ingredient cartridge includes a storage compartment having a base and a sidewall extending from the base, a line of weakness on the base defining a separable region of the base, a column extending from the separable region of the base, and a plastic film secured to a rim at an upper end of the sidewall and to the column that encloses the storage compartment. The method further includes disengaging the column from the base of the cap by application of the force such that the plastic film tears and the separable region is separated from the base of the cap, and dispensing the first and second beverage ingredients from the beverage-ingredient cartridge.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, an outer surface of the container may be substantially continuous with an outer surface of the cap.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the container, the cap, and the plastic film may each include recyclable plastic materials.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the cap may be secured to the container via snap-fit. In some embodiments, the container may include a neck at the open upper end, and the sidewall of the cap may be in facing engagement with the neck of the container within the open upper end of the container.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the cap may further include an oxygen scavenger having an annular configuration, and the oxygen scavenger may be arranged on an underside of the base of the storage compartment such that the oxygen scavenger surrounds the separable region.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the column may have a transverse cross sectional area having a linear section having a first side opposite a second side, a first curved piece on the first side and a second curved piece on the second side, and the line of weakness may at least partially follow a shape of the column.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, when the separable region separates from base, the plastic film may remain connected to the column and may separate from the rim. In some embodiments, the cap may further include fins extending inwardly from the sidewall that define flow paths when the plastic film separates from the rim.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the separable region may be one of a plurality of separable regions, and wherein each of the plurality of separable regions includes a column.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the force required to break the line of weakness may be about <NUM> to about <NUM> N (<NUM> to about <NUM> pound-force).

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the line of weakness may define a separable region having a circular shape, and the column may be centrally positioned on the separable region.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the line of weakness may include a groove formed on a lower surface of the base of the storage compartment.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, the beverage-ingredient cartridge may be inverted prior to applying the force to the column of the cap, such that dispensing the first and second beverage ingredients occurs under the force of gravity.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, applying a force to the column of the cap may be performed by a cartridge opener applied along a longitudinal axis of the beverage-ingredient cartridge.

In any of the various embodiments discussed herein, when the column is disengaged from the base of the cap, the plastic film may separate from the rim and remain attached to the column.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles thereof and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the same.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments, including structures, systems, and methods, may be practiced without these specific details. The description and representation herein are the common means used by those experienced or skilled in the art to most effectively convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuitry have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

As used herein, the terms "upper" and "lower," and "top" and "bottom," and the like are intended to assist in understanding of embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings with respect to the orientation of the beverage cartridge as shown, and are not intended to be limiting to the scope of the invention or to limit the invention scope to the embodiments depicted in the Figures. The directional terms are used for convenience of description and it is understood that a cap for a beverage-ingredient cartridge, and a beverage-ingredient cartridge including the cap may be positioned in any of various orientations.

Beverage-ingredient cartridges may contain one or more beverage ingredients for addition to water or another base liquid to create a beverage. A consumer can quickly- and easily make a beverage by mixing the contents of the beverage-ingredient cartridge with water, which may be readily available to the user. Beverage-ingredient cartridges provide consumers with a convenient method for adding beverage ingredients to water or other base liquids rather than purchasing a pre-mixed beverage. Beverage-ingredient cartridges also provide a user with the experience of preparing and mixing their own beverage which some consumers may prefer to simply purchasing a pre-packaged beverage.

Some existing beverage-ingredient cartridges include an aluminum foil seal that covers an opening of the cartridge. The aluminum foil seal can be punctured in order to release the beverage ingredients from the cartridge. However, the aluminum foil seal can be difficult to puncture optimally. Difficulty puncturing the aluminum foil and dispensing the beverage ingredients from the cartridge may be frustrating and inconvenient for the consumer and may negatively impact the consumer's experience. If a consumer cannot readily open the beverage-ingredient cartridge and dispense the beverage ingredients, the consumer may be less likely to purchase and use additional beverage-ingredient cartridges in the future.

Further, in many cases, in order to recycle a beverage-ingredient cartridge having an aluminum foil seal the aluminum foil may need to be separated from the plastic recyclable components of the cartridge. Consumers may find it time-consuming and inconvenient to separate the components of the cartridge in order to recycle the separated components.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage-ingredient cartridge for storing beverage ingredients that includes a cap configured to allow the beverage ingredients to be released from the cartridge upon application of a force to the cap. Further, some embodiments as described herein relate to a beverage-ingredient cartridge that is composed of recyclable plastic materials such that the beverage-ingredient cartridge is readily recyclable without separating and sorting the components of the cartridge, which promotes recycling, thereby raising recycling rates.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, that includes a container <NUM> for storing a first beverage ingredient, and a cap <NUM> for sealing container <NUM> and for storing a second beverage ingredient. The term "beverage ingredient" as used herein refers to any edible substance usable to create a beverage (i.e., as a part thereof), whether in liquid or solid ("dry") form, such as sweeteners, colorants, vitamins, minerals, nutrients, adjuncts, or flavorings, including coffee, tea, fruit juice, or concentrates, among others beverage enhancements and combinations thereof. A liquid beverage ingredient may have any viscosity, and may have a low viscosity such that beverage ingredient is water-like or may have a high viscosity such that beverage ingredient is syrup-like. For example, liquid beverage ingredient may be a concentrate, such as a juice, tea or coffee concentrate, an extract, or a honey or syrup, among others. Solid beverage ingredients may be in powdered or granule form, and may be configured to dissolve when mixed with a liquid, such as water. For example, the solid beverage ingredient may be sugar, cane sugar, demerara sugar, or raw sugar, or other natural or artificial sweeteners (e.g., stevia), or may be spices, such as cinnamon, or other flavorings.

In some embodiments, container <NUM> may store a beverage ingredient and cap <NUM> may be empty, cap <NUM> may store a beverage ingredient and container <NUM> may be empty, or both container <NUM> and cap <NUM> may store a beverage ingredient. In embodiments in which container <NUM> and cap <NUM> both store beverage ingredients, the beverage ingredients may be the same or may be different. For example, a first beverage ingredient may be in liquid form in one of container <NUM> or cap <NUM>, while a second beverage ingredient may be in a solid (e.g., powdered or granule) form in the other of container <NUM> or cap <NUM>. Further, cartridge <NUM> may be used to store beverage ingredients for producing a specific type of beverage when mixed with a base liquid, such as water or carbonated water. For example, cartridge <NUM> may store a tea or coffee extract in container <NUM> and a sweetener in a cap <NUM> of cartridge <NUM>, so that when the contents of cartridge <NUM> are mixed with water, a sweetened and flavored tea or coffee beverage is produced.

Some embodiments described herein relate to a cap <NUM> for a beverage-ingredient cartridge, as shown, for example, in <FIG>. Cap <NUM> may include a storage compartment <NUM> and a skirt <NUM> extending from storage compartment <NUM>. Storage compartment <NUM> defines an interior volume <NUM> for storing a beverage ingredient, such as a dry beverage ingredient, as shown in <FIG>. Storage compartment <NUM> includes a base <NUM> having a sidewall <NUM> extending from base <NUM>, such as from a perimeter <NUM> of base <NUM>. Sidewall <NUM> may extend upwardly from base <NUM> around an entire perimeter <NUM> of base <NUM> in a direction away from a closed lower end <NUM> of container <NUM> (when cap <NUM> is secured to container <NUM>). Sidewall <NUM> may extend perpendicularly from base <NUM>, or at a slight angle θ<NUM> relative to a longitudinal axis of cap <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. such that sidewall <NUM> widens toward an upper end <NUM> and is formed as a section of a cone. Sidewall <NUM> may have a constant height about perimeter <NUM> of base <NUM>. Base <NUM> may have a circular shape in a top-down view (see <FIG>), such that storage compartment <NUM> may have a cylindrical or cup-like shape. However, in some embodiments, base <NUM> may have any of various shapes, such as an oval, square, rectangular, circular, or triangular shape, among others. Storage compartment <NUM> is open at upper end <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> so that the beverage ingredient may escape from storage compartment <NUM> through open upper end <NUM>.

Cap <NUM> further includes a plastic film <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Plastic film <NUM> may be secured to upper end <NUM> of column <NUM> and also to a rim <NUM> at an upper end <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> so as to seal an interior volume <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM>. Plastic film <NUM> may be shaped similarly to base <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM>. For example, plastic film <NUM> may have a circular shape so as to seal a storage compartment <NUM> having a circular base <NUM>. In embodiments in which base <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> has a different shape, such as an oval shape, plastic film <NUM> can be formed with a corresponding shape so as to seal storage compartment <NUM>.

Plastic film <NUM> is configured to break or tear when a force is applied to column <NUM> of cap <NUM> that causes column <NUM> and separable region <NUM> to separate from base <NUM> of cap <NUM>. Plastic film <NUM> is secured to both sidewall <NUM> (i.e., a rim <NUM> at upper end <NUM> of sidewall <NUM>) and to column <NUM> (i.e., at an upper end <NUM> of column <NUM>), the motion of column <NUM> relative to rim <NUM> applies a force to film <NUM> causing film <NUM> to break, such as by ripping or tearing, separating from rim <NUM> of sidewall <NUM>, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, plastic film <NUM> may remain attached to column <NUM> and may separate from rim <NUM> so that when column <NUM> is forced into an interior volume of a container <NUM>, plastic film <NUM> is pulled by column <NUM> through opening in base <NUM> and into container <NUM>, as explained in more detail with reference to <FIG>. As a result of plastic film <NUM> tearing or breaking in any manner described herein, storage compartment <NUM> and container <NUM> are open to the environment outside of cartridge <NUM>, and a beverage ingredient stored within interior volume <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> may escape cap <NUM> via an open upper end <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> no longer covered by plastic film <NUM>.

Plastic film <NUM> may be composed of any of various types of plastics, such as recyclable plastic materials. In some embodiments, plastic film <NUM> can be composed of polyethylene terephthalate or a polyolefin, among other materials and combinations thereof. In this way, a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> that includes cap <NUM> and plastic film <NUM> may be easily recycled in a single-stream recycling system without separating or sorting the parts of cartridge <NUM>, and without the need to dispose of non-recyclable materials (e.g., metal or paper). In some embodiments, plastic film <NUM> may be a multilayer film. In such embodiments, plastic film <NUM> may include, for example, one or more of a seal layer for sealing with the cap <NUM>, a barrier layer for preventing passage of material through plastic film <NUM>, and a print label containing printed information, branding, logos, or the like.

Base <NUM> of cap <NUM> includes a line of weakness <NUM> that defines a separable region <NUM> of base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Line of weakness <NUM> may be a region of base <NUM> having a reduced thickness such that separable region <NUM> is configured to break apart from base <NUM> at line of weakness <NUM> upon application of a sufficient amount of force to separable region <NUM>. In some embodiments, line of weakness <NUM> may be configured to break upon application of about <NUM> to about <NUM> N (about <NUM> to about <NUM> pounds of force). The amount of force is selected so that line of weakness <NUM> is unlikely to break during shipping or transportation, or if cartridge <NUM> having cap <NUM> is dropped or is otherwise subjected to an impact, while also requiring limited force to be applied by a consumer for dispensing beverage ingredients.

It is understood that line of weakness <NUM> may be, but need not be linear, and may be curvilinear, curved, or arcuate, and may form any of various shapes. In some embodiments, line of weakness <NUM> may be formed by a groove <NUM> in a lower surface <NUM> of base <NUM> that results in a reduced thickness of base <NUM> at groove <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Line of weakness <NUM> may alternatively include scoring or a series of perforations so as to facilitate separation of separable region <NUM> from base <NUM>. However, it is understood that base <NUM> is solid and that material may not pass through any portion of base <NUM> or line of weakness <NUM> until separable region <NUM> is separated from base <NUM>. When separable region <NUM> is separated from base <NUM> upon application of a force to separable region <NUM>, an opening is formed in base <NUM> that corresponds to the shape of separable region <NUM> defined by line of weakness <NUM>.

Line of weakness <NUM> surrounds a column <NUM>, and line of weakness <NUM> may follow the shape of column <NUM>. Thus, line of weakness <NUM> may be arranged about at least a portion of a perimeter of column <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, line of weakness <NUM> includes a pair of semi-circular regions connected by a linear region, so that separable region <NUM> defined thereby is shaped similarly to a dumbbell (e.g., having two D-shapes facing in opposing directions, connected at the middles of their straight portions). When column <NUM> and separable region <NUM> are separated from base <NUM> of cap <NUM> and enter an interior volume <NUM> of a container <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> to which cap <NUM> is secured, the transverse cross sectional shape of column <NUM> helps to prevent column <NUM> from escaping from interior volume <NUM> of container <NUM> due to the low probability of the column <NUM> aligning with and passing through the dumbbell shaped opening once separated from base <NUM>. In some embodiments, line of weakness <NUM> may have a shape that is circular, triangular, wedge-shaped, square, semi-circular, or may be a C-shape, an H-shape, a T-shape, an S-shape, or Z-shape, among others.

Column <NUM> extends from separable region <NUM> of base <NUM>. When a force is applied to an upper end <NUM> of column <NUM>, column <NUM> is configured to transfer the force to separable region <NUM>, which causes separable region <NUM>, and column <NUM> attached thereto, to separate from base <NUM> of cap <NUM> at line of weakness <NUM>. Column <NUM> may extend upwardly from base <NUM> along or parallel to a longitudinal axis Z of cap <NUM>, and in a direction away from the closed lower end <NUM> of container <NUM> when cap <NUM> is secured to container <NUM>. In some embodiments, column <NUM> has a maximum height h<NUM> that is the same as the height of sidewall <NUM> (see <FIG>), or column <NUM> may have a height that is less than the height of sidewall <NUM>. Upper end <NUM> of column <NUM> also provides a surface for sealing plastic film <NUM> to column <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, column <NUM> is spaced from sidewall <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> and may be positioned centrally on base <NUM>. Column <NUM> may have a transverse cross sectional area that is constant along a height of column <NUM>, such that a shape of column <NUM> at an upper end is the same as the shape of column <NUM> at base <NUM>. This helps to ensure efficient transmission of force from column <NUM> to separable region <NUM> of base <NUM>. In <FIG>, column <NUM> is shown as having a transverse cross sectional area that includes a linear region <NUM> having a first side <NUM> opposite a second side <NUM>, a first curved piece <NUM> on first side <NUM> and a second curved piece <NUM> on second side <NUM>. First curved piece <NUM> may be shaped as an arc of a circle, and second curved piece <NUM> may be shaped as an arc of the same circle. However, column <NUM> may have various other shapes and geometries as discussed herein. As column <NUM> is arranged within storage compartment <NUM>, column <NUM> defines storage volume of storage compartment <NUM>. In some embodiments, storage compartment <NUM> may have a volume of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>, or <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>. In some embodiments, storage compartment <NUM> may be configured to store a solid beverage ingredient, e.g., a powdered beverage ingredient, having a mass of about <NUM> to <NUM> grams, <NUM> to <NUM> grams, or <NUM> to <NUM> grams.

In some embodiments, the cap may include multiple separable regions formed in its base, as shown for example in <FIG>. Separable regions may be arranged on the base symmetrically along one or more axes, such as an X-axis or a Y-axis, or separable regions may have radial symmetry. For example, a cap <NUM> as shown in the top-down view of <FIG> is constructed in the same manner as cap <NUM> of <FIG>, and cap <NUM> includes a storage compartment <NUM> having a base <NUM> and sidewall <NUM>, and a skirt <NUM> extending from the sidewall <NUM>. However, cap <NUM> differs from cap <NUM> in that cap <NUM> lines of weakness <NUM> defining separable regions <NUM> on base <NUM> that together form a square shape (or rounded square shape). Each individual separable region <NUM> can have a wedge or triangular shape. In other embodiments, cap <NUM> as shown in the top-down view of <FIG> is constructed in a similar manner and includes a storage compartment <NUM> having a base <NUM>, a sidewall <NUM>, and a skirt <NUM> extending from sidewall <NUM>. However, cap <NUM> includes one or more lines of weakness <NUM> that define separable regions <NUM> that together form a generally circular shape with each separable region <NUM> forming a section or quadrant of the circle, such as a semi-circular region.

In embodiments of cap having one or multiple separable regions, a column may extend from each separable region of base. Each column can be a wall or plate that extends perpendicularly from separable region, and the wall can be linear or arcuate in a transverse cross section (or when viewed in a top-down manner). In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, each column <NUM> has a transverse cross sectional area that is generally rectangular. In another embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, each column <NUM> may have a transverse cross sectional area that forms a section or an arc of a circle, or a C-shape. In some embodiments, columns may be positioned symmetrically on the base relative to an X axis, Y axis, or may be radially symmetric. In this way, a force applied to cap to dispense the stored beverage ingredients is evenly distributed to each of the columns, which may help to ensure that each separable region separates from base, and that the separable regions separate from base simultaneously.

In some embodiments, a side edge <NUM> of each column <NUM> is slanted or is angled relative to a longitudinal axis Z of cap <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The slanted side edge <NUM> may help to prevent or limit collisions of columns <NUM> when separable regions <NUM> are separated from base <NUM>. Collisions of columns <NUM> may inhibit evacuation of beverage ingredients from a cartridge <NUM> including cap <NUM> if columns <NUM> are unable to fully separate from base <NUM> of cap <NUM>. Further, slanted side edge <NUM> of column <NUM> may facilitate engagement of a cartridge opener <NUM> with column <NUM> and proper alignment of cartridge opener <NUM> relative to column <NUM> so that a force is applied evenly to each column <NUM>.

In some embodiments, cap <NUM> may include fins <NUM> extending from sidewall <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. When a force is applied to column <NUM> to separate separable region from base <NUM>, plastic film <NUM> may break away or separate from rim <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> but remain attached to column <NUM>. As column <NUM> passes through opening in base <NUM> and into interior volume of a container to which cap <NUM> is attached, plastic film <NUM> is drawn by column <NUM> toward opening on base <NUM> of cap <NUM>. As plastic film <NUM> separates from rim <NUM>, fins <NUM> may define flow paths through which beverage ingredients may escape beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM>. Fins <NUM> may serve to provide space between plastic film <NUM> and sidewall <NUM> so that beverage ingredients may flow freely along sidewall <NUM> to escape cap <NUM>. In embodiments having multiple fins <NUM>, each fin <NUM> may have the same shape and dimensions. Fin <NUM> may extend along sidewall <NUM> from base <NUM> toward upper end <NUM> of sidewall <NUM>, and in some embodiments fin <NUM> may extend from base <NUM> to upper end <NUM> of sidewall <NUM>. Fin <NUM> may extend radially inward from sidewall <NUM>.

In some embodiments, skirt <NUM> of cap <NUM> extends outwardly from upper end <NUM> of sidewall <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM>, such that skirt <NUM> has an annular configuration. Skirt <NUM> has an upper end <NUM> and a lower end <NUM>, wherein upper end <NUM> is connected to upper end <NUM> or rim <NUM> of sidewall <NUM>. Skirt <NUM> may have a dome-shape or a hemispherical-shape. Skirt <NUM> is configured to engage a container <NUM> of a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> so as to provide cartridge <NUM> with a smooth and substantially continuous outer surface defined by an outer surface <NUM> of skirt <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM> of container <NUM> (see <FIG>). Skirt <NUM> may further facilitate connection and securement of cap <NUM> to container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, cap <NUM> is formed as a single piece and has a unitary construction. Thus, base <NUM>, sidewall <NUM>, skirt <NUM>, and fins <NUM> (if any), may be integrally formed. Cap <NUM> may be formed from any of various materials, such as recyclable plastic materials, including for example a polyolefin, such as polyethylene or polypropylene. Cap <NUM> may be formed by injection molding, compression molding, or transfer molding, among other manufacturing methods, such as additive manufacturing (i.e., three-dimensional (3D) printing) methods, including by selective laser sintering or fused film fabrication methods.

In some embodiments, cap <NUM> further includes an oxygen scavenger <NUM> configured to decrease the level of oxygen within a cartridge <NUM> so as to extend the shelf-life of a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM><NUM> having cap <NUM>, as shown in the bottom view of cap <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. Oxygen scavenger <NUM> may be planar and may have an annular shape, and may be formed as a disk with a central aperture (see <FIG>). Oxygen scavenger <NUM> having an annular shape may be formed separately from cap <NUM> and may be arranged on base <NUM> of cap <NUM>. Oxygen scavenger <NUM> may be arranged on lower surface <NUM> of base <NUM>. Oxygen scavenger <NUM> may be positioned so as to surround separable region <NUM> such that oxygen scavenger <NUM> does not overlap with line of weakness <NUM> or separable region <NUM> in order to avoid interfering with separation of separable region <NUM> from base <NUM> during dispensing of beverage ingredients from a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM>.

Beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> may be formed by securing a cap <NUM> as described herein to a container <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. As discussed, container <NUM> is configured to store a first beverage ingredient, such as a liquid beverage ingredient, and cap <NUM> is configured to store a second beverage ingredient, such as a dry beverage ingredient. Beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> is configured such that first and second beverage ingredients may be dispensed in rapid succession and essentially simultaneously.

Beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> may have any of various shapes, and for example, cartridge <NUM> may have a generally spherical or spheroid configuration, as shown in <FIG>. Beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> may have a transverse cross sectional area that is generally circular. Cartridge <NUM> may further have a flattened lower end <NUM> and a flattened upper end so that cartridge <NUM> does not roll when placed on a surface, which may help to facilitate stacking and storing cartridges <NUM>, such as during shipping. Lower end <NUM> may also form a dome that extends toward an interior of cartridge <NUM>. In some embodiments, beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> may be shaped as a cube, a triangular prism, a hemisphere, an egg-shape, or a rectangular prism, among others.

Container <NUM> of beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> has a body <NUM> defining an interior volume <NUM>, and a lower end <NUM> opposite an upper end <NUM> that defines an opening <NUM> at upper end <NUM>. Body <NUM> may widen from lower end <NUM> towards a shoulder region <NUM>, such that a diameter of body <NUM> increases from lower end <NUM> toward shoulder region <NUM>. Shoulder region <NUM> is inwardly turned such that first container <NUM> tapers at shoulder region <NUM> towards upper end <NUM>. A neck <NUM> may extend upwardly from shoulder region <NUM> in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of cartridge <NUM>. In some embodiments, container <NUM> may further include a lip <NUM> that extends outwardly from neck <NUM> in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis of container <NUM>.

Cap <NUM> can be secured to container <NUM> so as to cover and seal opening <NUM> at upper end <NUM> of container <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may be secured to container <NUM> via a snap-fit connection, or by interference fit or press fit. However, in some embodiments, cap <NUM> may be secured to container <NUM> more permanently, such as via, adhesives, bonding, or welding, among other fastening methods, such that cap <NUM> is not readily removed from container <NUM>.

Cap <NUM> may be secured to container <NUM> such that storage compartment <NUM> is positioned within opening <NUM> of container <NUM> with sidewall <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> in facing engagement with an interior surface of neck <NUM> of container <NUM> and base <NUM> extends transversely through longitudinal axis Z of cartridge <NUM>. In this way, cap <NUM> covers and seals opening <NUM> of container <NUM> so as to seal a beverage ingredient within container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, cap <NUM> may include a tamper-evident element <NUM>, as best shown in <FIG>. Tamper-evident element <NUM> may be incorporated into skirt <NUM> to indicate whether a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> having cap <NUM> has been tampered with, such as whether a person has attempted to remove cap <NUM> from container <NUM> of beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> after initial assembly of cartridge <NUM>. Tamper-evident element <NUM> may be positioned at a lower end <NUM> of skirt <NUM> at a location at which skirt <NUM> contacts container <NUM>. Tamper-evident element <NUM> may be in the form of one or more tabs <NUM> connected to skirt <NUM> that are configured to bend or break upon application of force to skirt tabs <NUM>. Thus, in the event that cap <NUM> is attempted to be removed from container <NUM>, such as by prying cap <NUM> from container <NUM> with a tool, one or more tabs <NUM> will bend or break before cap <NUM> can be disengaged from container <NUM>, thereby providing a visual indication of the tampering of cartridge <NUM>.

In some embodiments, cap <NUM> may further include a protrusion <NUM> that extends from an interior surface of skirt <NUM> in a direction from upper end <NUM> toward lower end <NUM> of skirt, as shown in <FIG>. Protrusion <NUM> may be arranged generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of cap <NUM> and may extend circumferentially around skirt <NUM>. Protrusion <NUM> abuts lip <NUM> of container <NUM> so as to seat cap <NUM> with respect to container <NUM>. When cap <NUM> is secured to container <NUM> such that storage compartment <NUM> enters opening of container <NUM>, protrusion <NUM> contacts lip <NUM> so as to prevent further insertion of storage compartment <NUM> into container <NUM>.

In some embodiments, beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> is formed from recyclable plastic materials so that cartridge <NUM> may be recycled intact. In some embodiments, container <NUM> is formed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), or high density polyethylene (HDPE), among others. Container <NUM> may be formed from a material that is transparent or translucent, or that is at least partially transparent or translucent. Cap <NUM> may be formed of a material having a lower rigidity, and increased flexibility, relative to a material of container <NUM>, such that cap <NUM> may flex or deform slightly as cap <NUM> is secured to container <NUM> in order to provide a tight or close fit with container <NUM>. Thus, in one embodiment, for example, container <NUM> may be composed of PET, and cap <NUM> may be formed of a polyolefin. In some embodiments, cap <NUM> and container <NUM> may be formed from the same material.

In order to fill the beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM>, container <NUM> may be filled with a first beverage ingredient, such as a liquid beverage ingredient, via the opening <NUM> at upper end <NUM> of container <NUM>. The filling process may be via a hot-filling or aseptic-filling process. Once filled, a cap <NUM> may be secured to container <NUM> within opening <NUM> of container <NUM> so as to seal container <NUM>. Cap <NUM> may be secured to container <NUM>, such as by a snap-fit. Cap <NUM> includes a storage compartment <NUM> that is open at an upper end, such that a second beverage ingredient may be filled into the storage compartment <NUM> via the open upper end with cartridge <NUM> in an upright orientation. Once storage compartment <NUM> is filled, a plastic film <NUM> may be secured to upper end of cap <NUM> so as to seal storage compartment <NUM> and second beverage ingredient. Plastic film <NUM> may be secured to a rim <NUM> at an upper end of sidewall <NUM> of cap <NUM> and to an upper end <NUM> of column <NUM> of cap <NUM>, such as by bonding, ultrasonic welding, among other fastening methods. The ability to sequentially fill container <NUM> and storage compartment <NUM> with cartridge <NUM> in an upright orientation simplifies filling cartridge <NUM>, and facilitates automated methods of filling cartridge <NUM> (e.g., by not necessitating pre-filling of cap <NUM> before its application to container <NUM>, and by not necessitating inversion of any component for filling).

Cartridge <NUM> may be configured for use with a beverage vessel <NUM> for preparing a beverage, as shown for example in <FIG>. Beverage vessel <NUM> may include a body defining an interior volume <NUM> for storing a quantity of liquid <NUM>, such as water or carbonated water, among others. Beverage vessel <NUM> includes an upper end <NUM> defining an opening <NUM> and may also include a cartridge opener <NUM> located within beverage vessel <NUM> at upper end <NUM>. Beverage vessel <NUM> may be configured to removably receive a beverage-ingredient cartridge <NUM> in opening <NUM> for dispensing beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> stored within cartridge <NUM> into beverage vessel <NUM> to mix with the liquid <NUM> within beverage vessel <NUM>.

Cartridge opener <NUM> is configured to apply a force to cartridge <NUM> so as to cause dispensing of beverage ingredients from cartridge <NUM>. Cartridge opener <NUM> may have any of various forms, such as a rod having a pointed end for focusing a force on a small area, or the rod may be rounded or blunt. Cartridge opener <NUM> may also be formed as a pyramidal or triangular shape. While a cartridge opener <NUM> of a beverage vessel <NUM> may be used to apply a force to cartridge <NUM>, the force may be applied by any of various means, and any of various tools or implements may be used to apply a force to cartridge <NUM>.

In order to dispense the beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> stored within cartridge <NUM>, a force may be applied on cartridge <NUM>. The force may be applied along a longitudinal axis Z of cartridge <NUM> e.g., (as shown by the arrow in <FIG>). In some embodiments as shown, for example, in <FIG>, cartridge <NUM> may be inverted and partially inserted into upper opening <NUM> of beverage vessel <NUM>. As cartridge <NUM> is inserted into upper opening <NUM>, cartridge opener <NUM> contacts column <NUM> of cap <NUM> and applies a force on column <NUM>. Once a sufficient force is applied (e.g., a force of <NUM> to <NUM> N (<NUM> to <NUM> pound-force), <NUM> to <NUM> N (<NUM> to <NUM> pound-force), or <NUM> to <NUM> N (<NUM> to <NUM> pound force)), separable region <NUM> breaks apart from the rest of base <NUM> at line of weakness <NUM>, forming an opening <NUM> in base <NUM> of storage compartment <NUM> through which first beverage ingredient <NUM> may escape container. Column <NUM> and separable region <NUM> are directed into an interior volume of container <NUM>, and film <NUM> tears (e.g., portions of film <NUM> separate from each other, or edges of film <NUM> separate from rim <NUM> of sidewall <NUM>) due to the motion of cartridge opener <NUM> and column <NUM> relative to rim <NUM>. A portion of film <NUM> may remain secured to rim <NUM> while the remainder of film <NUM> remains attached to column <NUM>, or film <NUM> may separate entirely from rim <NUM> and may remain attached to column <NUM> so that film <NUM> is drawn by column <NUM> in to container <NUM> and does not escape cartridge <NUM>. With film <NUM> torn, beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> can readily escape cartridge <NUM> through upper end of cap <NUM>. In operation, separation of separable region <NUM> from base <NUM> and tearing of film <NUM> may occur in rapid succession and essentially simultaneously. Because cartridge <NUM> is inverted for use with beverage vessel <NUM>, beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> are evacuated from cartridge <NUM> by the force of gravity. As beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> escape cartridge <NUM>, beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> mix with liquid <NUM> contained within beverage vessel <NUM> so as to produce a beverage. Cartridge <NUM> can then be removed from upper opening <NUM> of beverage vessel <NUM> so that a consumer may drink from the beverage vessel <NUM>. After use, the empty cartridge <NUM> can be recycled intact.

In some embodiments, a force may be applied to cartridge <NUM> while cartridge <NUM> is in an upright orientation. Thus, a lower end <NUM> of cartridge <NUM> may be positioned on a support surface, such that when separable region separates from base, and plastic film tears, beverage ingredients <NUM>, <NUM> will remain within cartridge <NUM> and can mix with one another within cartridge <NUM>. A consumer may then manually pour the contents of cartridge <NUM> into a beverage vessel, such as vessel <NUM>, containing water or other base liquid <NUM> to produce a beverage.

Claim 1:
A cap (<NUM>) for a beverage-ingredient cartridge (<NUM>), comprising
a storage compartment (<NUM>) comprising a base (<NUM>) and a sidewall (<NUM>) extending from a perimeter of the base (<NUM>), wherein the storage compartment (<NUM>) is configured to store a beverage ingredient;
a column (<NUM>) extending from the base (<NUM>) of the storage compartment (<NUM>) and spaced apart from the sidewall (<NUM>);
a line of weakness (<NUM>) defining a separable region (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>), wherein the column (<NUM>) extends from the separable region (<NUM>) of the base (<NUM>); and
a plastic film (<NUM>) secured to a rim at an upper end of the sidewall (<NUM>) and to an upper end of the column (<NUM>), wherein the plastic film (<NUM>) seals the storage compartment (<NUM>);
wherein, upon application of a force to the column (<NUM>), the plastic film (<NUM>) is configured to tear and the separable region (<NUM>) is configured to separate from the base (<NUM>).