Patent Description:
Domestic carbonator devices are well known in the art and are based around the provision of an aerator stage comprising: a removable aerator bottle defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be carbonated; an aerator bottle interface operative to engage the removable aerator bottle and seal the chamber thereof; a gas inlet line operative to fluidly connect a gas cylinder containing pressurised CO<NUM> gas to the aerator bottle interface, the gas inlet line typically terminating in a gas inlet nozzle supported by the aerator bottle interface and configured to extend into the chamber of the aerator bottle when the aerator bottle engages the aerator bottle interface; and a gas supply mechanism (including either a manually actuated mechanical valve or an electrically controlled solenoid valve) for controlling supply of pressurised CO<NUM> gas from the gas cylinder to the aerator bottle via the gas inlet line.

In use, a liquid (typically water) is added to the chamber of the removable aerator bottle and the removable aerator bottle is connected in a sealed manner to the aerator bottle interface. Once the removable aerator bottle is sealed in position, the gas supply mechanism is activated (either manually or electronically depending upon the type of device) to transfer CO<NUM> from the gas cylinder to the liquid in the chamber of the sealed removable aerator bottle, thereby carbonating the liquid. Depending upon the desired level of carbonation, the gas supply mechanism may be activated one or more times to transfer the desired quantity of CO<NUM> to the liquid. Once carbonated to the desired level, the removable aerator bottle is removed from the device by a user and the carbonated liquid may be consumed. If the carbonated liquid is intended to be flavoured, a flavouring (typically in the form of a flavouring syrup) may be added to the carbonated liquid in the removable aerator bottle after the removable aerator bottle has been removed from the device.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, and a method according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

The present applicant has identified a desire for an improved aerator device that offers greater flexibility than prior art domestic carbonator devices whilst providing enhanced functionality with minimal additional complexity.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for the preparation of aerated (e.g. carbonated) drinks according to claim <NUM>.

In this way a domestic (e.g. portable) device is provided that allows preparation (e.g. one drink at a time) of aerated drinks and provides the user with the option of serving the aerated drink from the removable aerator bottle (as per a conventional domestic carbonator) or via the aerated liquid dispenser outlet. For the purposes of the present specification, the term "aerated" and its equivalents are used herein to refer generally to the addition of any gas to a liquid. The term "carbonated" and its equivalents are used herein to refer to the addition of CO<NUM> gas to a liquid.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to transfer aerated liquid from the removable aerator bottle to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet using gas pressure in the sealed chamber (e.g. gas pressure developed in the head of the chamber during the aeration process).

In one embodiment, the liquid flow controller comprises a valve (e.g. solenoid valve).

In one embodiment, the liquid flow controller further comprises a flow regulator operative to maintain a substantially constant flow rate (e.g. substantially constant volumetric flow rate) of aerated liquid from the liquid dispenser outlet as aerated liquid is discharged from the removable aerator bottle to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet.

In one embodiment, the liquid outlet line comprises a dip tube having an opening for receiving aerated liquid positioned at a lower (lowermost) part of the chamber when the removable aerator bottle is engaged by the aerator bottle interface. In one embodiment, the dip tube is supported by the aerator bottle interface.

According to the invention, the apparatus further comprises a flavouring liquid dispenser (e.g. flavouring syrup dispenser) comprising a flavouring liquid dispenser outlet.

In on embodiment, the flavouring liquid dispenser outlet is positioned adjacent the aerated liquid dispenser outlet (e.g. to allow both flavouring liquid and aerated liquid to be dispensed simultaneously into a receptacle, e.g. a drinking glass).

In one embodiment, the flavouring liquid dispenser outlet and aerated liquid dispenser outlet are configured (e.g. positioned) to perform in-air mixing of the flavouring liquid and aerated liquid. In one embodiment, the flavouring liquid dispenser outlet and aerated liquid dispenser outlet are configured to perform in-air mixing outside of the apparatus (e.g. inside of a receptacle placed beneath the adjacent flavouring liquid dispenser outlet and aerated liquid dispenser outlets).

According to the invention, the flavour dispenser mechanism is activated by gas pressure from the removable aerator bottle (e.g. gas pressure developed in the head of the chamber during the aeration process). In this way, a flavouring liquid dispenser may be provided that is operated using gas pressure that would be discarded in a conventional domestic carbonator device.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a gas outlet line for supplying gas from the aerator stage to the flavouring liquid dispenser.

In one embodiment, the gas outlet line is operative to supply gas from the removable aerator bottle (e.g. headspace of the removable aerator bottle) to the flavouring liquid dispenser. In one embodiment, the gas outlet line includes a gas outlet provided in the aerator bottle interface.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a gas outlet valve for controlling discharge of gas from the aerator stage (e.g. from the removable aerator bottle) to the flavour dispenser mechanism via the gas outlet line.

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an exhaust valve operable to release gas pressure in the chamber.

In one embodiment, the exhaust valve is fluidly coupled to the gas outlet line (e.g. at a point between the gas outlet in the aerator bottle interface and the gas outlet valve).

In one embodiment, the flavouring liquid dispenser is configured to dispense flavouring liquid from a flavour capsule (e.g. single-use/single-serving flavour capsule) received in the flavouring liquid dispenser.

In one embodiment, the flavour dispenser mechanism is operative to perform one or more of the following functions: open (e.g. rupture) a flavour capsule received in the flavouring liquid dispenser; drive the flavouring liquid out from the opened flavour capsule towards the flavouring dispenser outlet.

In one embodiment, the flavour dispenser mechanism comprises a capsule opening mechanism (e.g. piston) operative to apply a dispensing force to a flavour capsule received in the flavouring liquid dispenser (e.g. to urge the flavour capsule against an opening (e.g. rupturing) member and/or to drive the flavouring liquid out from the opened flavour capsule (e.g. by collapsing the flavour capsule).

In one embodiment, the capsule opening mechanism is driven by (e.g. directly by) gas pressure from the aerator stage (e.g. from the removable aerator bottle).

In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a controller (e.g. electronic controller) for operating one or more of the gas supply mechanism; the liquid flow controller mechanism; the gas outlet valve; the exhaust valve.

In the case of apparatus comprising a controller operative to control operation of the gas supply mechanism, the flavour capsule may comprise a machine-readable identifier (e.g. barcode). In one embodiment, the apparatus is operative to read the machine-readable identifier (e.g. using a sensor) and electronic controller is operative to select a degree of aeration required based on the machine-readable identifier.

In one embodiment, the gas supply mechanism comprises a gas supply valve operative to selectively permit gas to flow from the gas supply.

In one embodiment, the gas supply mechanism comprises a pivotable valve actuation member configured to operate the gas supply valve. In one embodiment, the pivotable valve actuation member is driven by a solenoid (e.g. electronically controlled solenoid).

In one embodiment, the aerator bottle interface comprises a gas inlet nozzle forming part of the gas inlet line, the gas inlet nozzle being configured to extend inside the chamber of the removable aerator bottle when the removable aerator bottle is engaged by the aerator bottle interface.

In one embodiment, the volume of the removable aerator bottle is no greater than substantially <NUM> litres (e.g. no greater than substantially <NUM> litres, (e.g. no greater than substantially <NUM> litre, no greater than substantially <NUM> litres).

In one embodiment, the removable aerator bottle comprises a base and an open top.

In one embodiment, the aerator bottle interface is configured to seal the open top of the removable aerator bottle.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of preparing an aerated liquid according to claim <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the step of transferring aerated liquid from the chamber of the removable aerator bottle to the receptacle is achieved substantially using gas pressure developed in a head of the chamber during the aeration step to discharge aerated liquid from the chamber of the removable aerator bottle.

According to the invention, the method comprises dispensing a flavouring liquid from a flavouring liquid dispenser into the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the flavouring liquid dispenser has a flavouring liquid dispenser outlet positioned adjacent the aerated liquid dispenser outlet.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises substantially simultaneously dispensing flavouring liquid and aerated liquid into the receptacle (e.g. to achieve in-air mixing of the flavouring liquid and aerated liquid).

In one embodiment, the step of dispensing a flavouring liquid from the flavouring liquid dispenser comprises inserting a flavour capsule into the flavouring liquid dispenser and the pressurised gas supplied to the flavouring liquid dispenser drives a capsule opening mechanism to apply a dispensing force to the flavour capsule received in the flavouring liquid dispenser (e.g. to urge the flavour capsule against an opening (e.g. rupturing) member and/or to drive the flavouring liquid out from the opened flavour capsule (e.g. by collapsing the flavour capsule).

In one embodiment, the aerating device is a device as defined in accordance with any embodiment of the first aspect of the invention.

A flavour capsule for an aerator device, wherein the capsule as such, or any of its embodiments as such, are not part of the present invention, is disclosed, comprising: a sealed collapsible container (e.g. flexible bag or concertina-type container) containing a flavouring fluid (e.g. (e.g. dry or liquid flavouring fluid); a cap mounted on a leading end of the collapsible container, the cap defining an outlet (e.g. central outlet) for dispensing the flavouring fluid; and at least one piercing element; wherein, in use, relative movement between the collapsible container and the cap (e.g. between a leading end of the collapsible container and the cap) causes the at least one piercing element to rupture the collapsible container, whereby the flavouring fluid is permitted to flow from the collapsible bag to the outlet.

In one embodiment, the flavouring fluid is a flavouring liquid (e.g. flavouring syrup or flavouring gel).

In one embodiment, the at least one piercing element is provided on the cap.

In one embodiment, the at least one piercing element extends circumferentially around the outlet.

In one embodiment the at least one piercing element comprises a plurality of (e.g. circumferentially spaced around the outlet) elements.

In another embodiment, the at least one piercing element comprises a substantially annular cutting edge (e.g. enclosing the outlet).

In one embodiment, the collapsible container is configured to be urged against the at least one piercing element (e.g. by a piston of a flavouring dispenser).

In one embodiment, the leading end of the collapsible container comprises a burstable membrane portion facing the at least one piercing element.

In one embodiment, the leading end of the collapsible container is received by the cap.

In one embodiment, the leading end of the collapsible container is slidably received in the cap (e.g. with the leading end being trapped inside the cap but slidable between first and second trapped positions relative to the cap).

In one embodiment, the collapsible container comprises a flexible pouch part defining a chamber for receiving a flavouring fluid.

In one embodiment, the flexible pouch part defines an opening to the chamber at the leading end of the flexible pouch part.

In one embodiment, the opening is sealed by a burstable membrane portion.

A capsule (e.g. capsule for an aerator device), wherein the capsule as such, or any of its embodiments as such, are not part of the present invention, is disclosed, comprising: a (e.g. substantially rigid-walled) container defining a chamber containing a fluid to be dispensed (e.g. dry or liquid fluid); and a plunger sealing the chamber of the container, the plunger being movable relative to the container between a first position and a second position; wherein the container and the plunger have interengageable parts comprising a frangible seal portion and a puncturing element (e.g. internal puncturing element), the frangible seal portion being configured to form, when punctured by the puncturing element, at least one aperture in the container for dispensing the fluid from the chamber; wherein, in use, relative movement of the plunger relative to the container from the first position to the second position causes the puncturing element to puncture the frangible seal portion to form the at least one aperture.

In one embodiment, the interengageable parts are configured to from the at least one aperture with a predetermined aperture profile. In this way, a flavour capsule may be provided that is operative to from a controlled flow path for dispensing the fluid (e.g. at a predetermined rate).

In one embodiment, the fluid to be dispensed is a dry fluid (e.g. powder).

In another embodiment, the fluid to be dispensed is a liquid (e.g. syrup or gel).

In one embodiment, the dispensing capsule is a flavour dispensing capsule and the fluid is a flavouring fluid (e.g. flavouring powder or flavouring liquid (e.g. flavouring syrup or flavouring gel)).

In one embodiment, movement of the plunger relative to the container from the first position to the second position occurs in an advancement direction and the plunger is further movable in the advancement direction between the second position and a third position relative to the container, wherein movement of the plunger relative to the container from the second position to the third position reduces the volume of the chamber bounded by the container and the plunger, and urges the fluid to flow out of the chamber and through the at least one aperture.

In one embodiment, in the first position an air space is provided in the chamber above the fluid, the air space being configured to allow relative movement from the first position to the second position substantially without compression of the fluid.

In one embodiment, as the plunger moves from the second position to the third position, the volume of the chamber bounded by the container and the plunger is reduced to substantially zero.

In one embodiment, the plunger is slidably mounted within the chamber (e.g. with a trailing end of the plunger being trapped inside the chamber but slidable between the first and second/third positions).

In one embodiment, the container comprises a proximal (e.g. upper) end and a distal (e.g. lower) end.

In one embodiment, the chamber defines an opening at the proximal end for receiving the plunger.

In one embodiment, the chamber comprises a peripheral chamber wall extending between the frangible seal portion and the opening (e.g. between the base of the container and the opening).

In one embodiment, the plunger comprises a head portion comprising a peripheral sealing surface configured to seal against an inner surface (e.g. inner peripheral surface) of the peripheral chamber wall.

In one embodiment, the peripheral sealing surface of the head portion is configured to seal against the inner surface of the peripheral chamber wall by virtue of deformation of the peripheral chamber wall.

In one embodiment, the inner surface of the peripheral chamber wall is tapered (e.g. has a cross-sectional area that decreases with increased distance from the opening).

In one embodiment, the peripheral sealing surface of the head portion comprises one or more sealing elements (e.g. resilient sealing rings) operative to seal against the inner surface of the peripheral chamber wall.

In one embodiment, the puncturing element comprises an elongate shaft (e.g. central shaft). In the first position, the elongate shaft may substantially extend through a full height of the fluid to a point adjacent the frangible seal portion.

In one embodiment, the puncturing element is provided on the plunger and the frangible seal portion is provided on the container. However, in another embodiment the puncturing element may be provided on the container and the frangible seal portion is provided on the plunger.

In the case that the frangible seal portion is provided on the container, in one embodiment the frangible seal portion is provided on a base of the container (e.g. a central location on the base of the container).

In one embodiment, the base of the container has an inner face with a sloped profile operative to direct the fluid towards the frangible seal portion.

In one embodiment, the plunger has a trailing inner face with a corresponding sloped profile to the inner face of the base of the container, whereby in the third position the trailing inner face of the plunger substantially engages the inner face of the base of the container.

In the case that the puncturing element is provided on the plunger, in one embodiment the puncturing element extends from the head portion of the plunger towards the frangible seal portion.

In one embodiment, the puncturing element comprises: a leading aperture forming part (e.g. aperture forming tip or spike); and a trailing aperture engaging part (e.g. aperture engaging shaft).

In one embodiment, the trailing aperture engaging part of the puncturing element and the frangible seal portion comprise first and second cross-sectional forms configured such that, when the trailing aperture engaging part is engaged in the aperture formed by the leading aperture forming part rupturing the frangible seal portion, the first and second cross-sectional forms combine to create at least one flow gap around the trailing aperture engaging part.

In one embodiment, the first and second cross-sectional forms combine to create a predetermined configuration of n flow gaps around the trailing aperture engaging part that together form an outlet for the fluid to flow through.

In one embodiment, the n flow gaps are circumferentially spaced (e.g. substantially equally circumferentially spaced) relative to a central axis of the frangible seal portion.

In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional form is a substantially circular form.

In one embodiment, in the second cross-sectional form is an n-sided polygonal form. However, any combination of first and second cross-sectional forms (e.g. combination of differently-shaped first and second cross-sectional forms) that results in the formation of n (e.g. predictably-sized) flow gaps may be suitable to achieve the desired technical effect.

In one embodiment, the first cross-sectional form (e.g. substantially circular from) has a cross-sectional area A<NUM> and the second cross-sectional form (e.g. n-sided polygonal from) has a cross-sectional area A<NUM>. In one embodiment, A<NUM> > A<NUM>.

In one embodiment, the trailing aperture engaging part of the puncturing element comprises the first cross-sectional form and the frangible seal portion comprises the second cross-sectional form. However, in another embodiment the frangible seal portion may comprise the first cross-sectional form and the trailing aperture engaging part of the puncturing element may comprise the second cross-sectional form. In another embodiment, each of the trailing aperture engaging part of the puncturing element and the frangible seal portion define parts of the first and second cross-sectional forms (e.g. half of one form and half of the other).

In one embodiment, the frangible seal portion defines a displaceable flap profile comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced lines of weakness extending radially from a central axis (e.g. central outlet axis) and dividing the frangible seal portion into a plurality of displaceable flap portions.

In one embodiment, the displaceable flap profile comprises a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially extending displaceable flaps each extending from the central axis to a respective end region (e.g. with each neighbouring pair of flaps being separated by a line of weakness extending from the central axis and terminating at an end region).

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of displaceable flaps are formed by a bendable thin wall section (e.g. bendable thin wall section of plastics material).

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of lines of weakness are formed by a rupturable thin wall section (e.g. rupturable thin wall section of plastics material).

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of displaceable flaps has reinforced edges extending along the lines of weakness (e.g. to encourage the flaps to maintain their shape as the lines of weakness are broken by the puncturing action of the puncturing element).

In one embodiment, each displaceable flap has a reinforced hinge edge (e.g. formed by a reinforced region of material adjacent a notional hinge edge of the displaceable flap).

In one embodiment, the plurality of lines of weakness are substantially equally circumferentially spaced relative to the central axis.

In one embodiment, the plurality of lines of weakness of substantially equal radial length relative to the central axis.

In one embodiment, the plurality of displaceable flaps are substantially triangular flaps.

In the case that the frangible seal portion comprises the second cross-sectional form, in one embodiment the displaceable flap profile is an n-sided polygonal displaceable flap profile.

In one embodiment, the n-sided polygonal displaceable flap profile comprises a plurality of n lines of weakness extending from the central axis and together define a plurality of n displaceable flaps (e.g. n substantially triangular displaceable flaps).

In one embodiment, n ≥ <NUM> (e.g. n ≥ <NUM>, e.g. n ≥ <NUM>, e.g. n ≥ <NUM>).

In one embodiment, the first and second cross-sectional forms are configured such that when the n displaceable flaps are forced into an open position as the trailing aperture engaging part of the puncturing element fully engages the aperture formed by the leading aperture forming part, a plurality of n flow gaps are formed around the trailing aperture engaging part (one flow gap at each apex of the n-sided polygonal outer form).

In one embodiment, the capsule further comprises an outlet nozzle (e.g. substantially cylindrical outlet nozzle) provided downstream of the frangible seal portion (e.g. on an underside of the base of the container in the case that the frangible seal portion is provided on the container base) and operative to receive fluid from the at least one aperture.

In one embodiment, in the third position, a leading part of the puncturing element (e.g. leading part of the trailing aperture engaging part) extends substantially along a full length of the outlet nozzle to create a central fluid guide element.

In one embodiment, in the third position, the leading part of the puncturing element (e.g. tip of the puncturing element or a leading part of the trailing aperture engaging part) protrudes beyond an outlet opening of the outlet nozzle.

In one embodiment, the puncturing element is configured to direct fluid along an outer surface thereof and towards the tip of the puncturing element.

In one embodiment, the puncturing element is configured to direct multiple parallel fluid flows towards the tip and to recombine the fluid flows into one stream of fluid as the fluid leaves the tip.

In another embodiment, the puncturing element is configured to dispense multiple jets of fluid flow from the tip (e.g. by maintaining multiple parallel flows in parallel).

In one embodiment, the puncturing element is configured to be urged against the frangible seal portion by a force applied to an outer (upper or lower) surface of the plunger and/or an outer (upper or lower) surface of the container (e.g. by a (e.g. CO<NUM> driven) piston of a flavouring dispenser).

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

<FIG> and <FIG> show a portable domestic aerator device <NUM> for preparing aerated drinks, comprising a housing <NUM> and an aerator stage <NUM> comprising: a removable <NUM> aerator bottle <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM> for receiving a liquid (typically water) to be aerated; an aerator bottle interface <NUM> operative to engage the removable aerator bottle <NUM> and seal chamber <NUM>; a replaceable gas cylinder <NUM> containing pressurised CO<NUM> gas; a gas inlet line <NUM> operative to fluidly connect gas cylinder <NUM> to aerator bottle interface <NUM>; and a gas supply mechanism <NUM> for controlling supply of gas from gas cylinder <NUM> to the aerator bottle interface <NUM> via gas inlet line <NUM>.

Removable aerator bottle <NUM> comprises a base <NUM> and a tapered open top <NUM>. Aerator bottle interface <NUM> is pivotable to enable attachment and removal of the removable aerator bottle <NUM> along an axis inclined to vertical and is configured to seal the open top <NUM> of the removable aerator bottle <NUM> when the aerator bottle <NUM> is fully engaged. Aerator bottle interface <NUM> comprises a gas inlet tube <NUM> forming part of the gas inlet line <NUM>, the gas inlet tube <NUM> being configured to extend inside the chamber <NUM> of the removable aerator bottle <NUM> when the removable aerator bottle <NUM> is engaged by the aerator bottle interface <NUM> and having a gas inlet nozzle 62A for ejecting pressurised gas into liquid contained in chamber <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, gas supply mechanism <NUM> comprises a valve <NUM> operative to selectively permit gas to flow from gas cylinder <NUM> and a pivotable valve actuation member <NUM> driven by a solenoid <NUM>.

In addition to aerator stage <NUM>, aerator device <NUM> further includes an electronic controller <NUM> and two optionally activatable stages: an aerated liquid dispenser stage <NUM>; and a flavour dispenser stage <NUM>.

Aerated liquid dispenser stage <NUM> comprises an aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> for dispensing aerated liquid into a drinking vessel <NUM>; a liquid outlet line <NUM> operative to fluidly connect aerator bottle interface <NUM> to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> to allow aerated liquid to flow from chamber <NUM> of removable aerator bottle <NUM> to aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM>; and a liquid flow controller <NUM> for controlling discharge of aerated liquid from removable aerator bottle <NUM> to aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> via liquid outlet line <NUM>. Liquid flow controller <NUM> comprises a liquid flow solenoid valve <NUM> and a flow regulator <NUM>.

Liquid outlet line <NUM> comprises a dip tube <NUM> supported by aerator bottle interface <NUM> having an opening 122A for receiving aerated liquid positioned at a lowermost part of chamber <NUM> when removable aerator bottle <NUM> is engaged by aerator bottle interface <NUM>.

Flavour dispenser stage <NUM> comprises: a flavouring liquid dispenser <NUM> comprising a flavouring liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> and a flavour dispenser mechanism <NUM>; a gas outlet line <NUM> operative to supply gas from the headspace of the removable aerator bottle <NUM> to flavouring liquid dispenser <NUM>, the gas outlet line <NUM> including a gas outlet <NUM> provided in the aerator bottle interface <NUM>; a gas outlet solenoid valve <NUM> for controlling discharge of gas from the removable aerator bottle <NUM> to the flavour dispenser mechanism <NUM> via the gas outlet line <NUM>; and a pressure control stage <NUM> fluidly coupled to gas outlet line <NUM> between gas outlet <NUM> and gas outlet solenoid valve <NUM>.

Flavouring liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> is positioned adjacent aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> to allow both flavouring liquid and aerated liquid to be dispensed simultaneously into drinking vessel <NUM>, with flavouring liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> and aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> being positioned to perform in-air mixing of the flavouring liquid and aerated liquid within drinking vessel <NUM>. In this way, the need to clean flavouring liquid from the apparatus after dispensing the flavouring liquid is minimised.

Flavour dispenser mechanism <NUM> comprises a flavour capsule receptacle <NUM> for receiving a single-use flavour capsule <NUM> and a pressure-driven piston <NUM>. Piston <NUM> is activated via gas outlet line <NUM> by gas pressure from gas pressure developed in the head of chamber <NUM> of the removable aeration bottle <NUM> during the aeration process and acts as a syrup pump.

As illustrated in <FIG>, flavour capsule <NUM> comprises: a sealed collapsible container <NUM> containing a flavouring syrup <NUM>; and a cap <NUM> defining a container receiving portion <NUM> for slidably receiving a leading end <NUM> of the collapsible container <NUM>, and a base portion <NUM> defining a central outlet <NUM> for dispensing the flavouring syrup <NUM> and at least one piercing element <NUM> extending from the base portion <NUM> and extending circumferentially around the central outlet <NUM>.

Collapsible container <NUM> comprises a flexible pouch part <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM> for receiving flavouring syrup <NUM> and a burstable membrane portion <NUM> sealing an opening to the chamber, the burstable membrane portion <NUM> being located at the leading end <NUM> of the collapsible container.

The at least one piercing element <NUM> may comprises a plurality of elements circumferentially spaced around central outlet <NUM> or a substantially annular cutting edge substantially enclosing central outlet <NUM>.

Pressure control stage <NUM> comprises an exhaust solenoid valve <NUM> operable to release gas pressure in the chamber <NUM> to atmosphere, a pressure switch <NUM> and safety features in the form of a graphite bursting disc <NUM> and a mechanical pressure-release valve <NUM>.

Electronic controller <NUM> is responsive to a user input to control operation of each of gas supply mechanism solenoid <NUM>; liquid flow solenoid valve <NUM>; gas outlet valve solenoid <NUM>; and exhaust solenoid valve <NUM>. Pressure switch <NUM> is used to monitor pressure in chamber <NUM> and instruct the system to shut off gas supply mechanism solenoid <NUM> when an appropriate carbonisation pressure is reached in the chamber.

In use, aerated liquid may be dispensed from aerator device <NUM> in two distinct ways: the user may either detach the removable aerator bottle <NUM> from aerator bottle interface <NUM> and dispense the aerated liquid from the removable aerator bottle <NUM> (e.g. if no flavouring is to be added or if flavouring from a bottle of flavouring liquid is desired) or they may maintain the sealed connection of the removable aerator bottle <NUM> to the aerator bottle interface <NUM> and activate controller to dispense the aerated liquid from the aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> either with or without flavouring.

If dispensing from the aerated liquid dispenser outlet is selected, electronic controller <NUM> opens liquid flow solenoid valve <NUM> to allow transfer of aerated liquid from removable aerator bottle <NUM> to aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> via liquid outlet line <NUM> using gas pressure developed in the head of the sealed chamber <NUM> during the aeration process. Flow regular <NUM> maintains a substantially constant volumetric flow of aerated liquid from liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> as aerated liquid is discharged from removable aerator bottle <NUM> to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet <NUM>. The discharge of aerated liquid from chamber <NUM> will continue until there is insufficient head pressure to continue. With a headspace pressure typically in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> bar there should be more than sufficient pressure in the headspace to substantially empty removable aerator bottle <NUM>.

If flavouring is selected, electronic controller <NUM> additionally opens gas outlet solenoid valve in parallel to liquid flow solenoid valve <NUM> to allow transfer of pressurised gas from the headspace of chamber <NUM> of removable aerator bottle <NUM> to flavour dispenser mechanism <NUM> via gas outlet line <NUM>. The pressurised gas causes drives piston <NUM> of flavour dispenser mechanism <NUM> to towards the installed flavour capsule <NUM> urging leading end <NUM> of collapsible container <NUM> towards base portion <NUM> of cap <NUM> and thereby causing the at least one piercing element <NUM> to rupture the burstable membrane portion <NUM> of collapsible container <NUM> to allow the flavouring syrup <NUM> to flow from the collapsible bag <NUM> to central outlet <NUM> (<FIG>). Once the burstable membrane portion <NUM> is ruptured, gas pressure continues to drive piston <NUM> forward to substantially collapse collapsible container <NUM> and thereby drive substantially all of the flavouring syrup <NUM> from the flavour capsule <NUM> and out of flavouring liquid dispenser outlet <NUM> (<FIG>). In this way a metered dose (precise measurement of syrup to aerated liquid) may be added with flavour dispenser mechanism <NUM> being operated using gas pressure that would be discarded in a conventional domestic carbonator device.

<FIG> illustrate an alternative embodiment of a flavour capsule <NUM> for use in aerator device <NUM>.

Flavour capsule <NUM> comprises a two-part construction including a substantially rigid container <NUM> defining a chamber <NUM> containing a flavouring syrup <NUM>; and a plunger <NUM> slidably mounted within and sealing the chamber <NUM> of the container. Container <NUM> comprises a proximal end 410A at which an opening <NUM> to chamber <NUM> is located and a distal end 410B forming a base <NUM> with a cylindrical outlet nozzle <NUM>. An air space <NUM> is provided in the chamber above the flavouring syrup <NUM> to permit movement of plunger from the first position to the second position substantially without requiring any compression of the flavouring syrup.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, container <NUM> and plunger <NUM> have interengageable parts comprising a central frangible seal portion <NUM> provided on the base <NUM> of container <NUM> immediately above outlet nozzle <NUM> and a central puncturing element <NUM> provided on plunger <NUM>. The frangible seal portion <NUM> is configured to form, when ruptured by the puncturing element <NUM>, a central aperture <NUM> for dispensing the flavouring syrup.

As shown in <FIG>, chamber <NUM> comprises a tapered peripheral chamber wall <NUM> extending between the base <NUM> of container <NUM> and opening <NUM>, peripheral chamber wall <NUM> having cross-sectional area that decreases with increased distance from opening <NUM>.

Plunger <NUM> comprises a head portion <NUM> comprising an upper surface <NUM> configured to be engaged by piston <NUM> and a peripheral sealing surface <NUM> configured to seal against an inner peripheral surface 424A of peripheral chamber wall <NUM>, the peripheral sealing surface <NUM> comprising at least one sealing ring <NUM>. In view of the taper, the head portion <NUM> is configured to seal against the inner peripheral surface 424A of the peripheral chamber wall <NUM> by virtue of deformation of the peripheral chamber wall <NUM>.

As illustrated, the base <NUM> of container <NUM> has an inner face 412A with a sloped profile operative to direct flavouring syrup <NUM> towards the frangible seal portion <NUM> and the head portion <NUM> of plunger <NUM> has a trailing inner face 442A with a corresponding sloped profile whereby in the third position the trailing inner face 442A of the head portion <NUM> substantially engages the inner face 442A of the base <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

Puncturing element <NUM> comprises: a trailing aperture engaging shaft <NUM> extending from head portion <NUM> of plunger <NUM>, through flavouring syrup <NUM> and towards the frangible seal portion <NUM>; and a leading aperture forming spike <NUM>.

As illustrated, leading aperture forming spike <NUM> has a circular cross-section of gradually increasing diameter.

In accordance with a feature of the present invention, trailing aperture engaging shaft <NUM> has a first cross-sectional form of cross-sectional area A<NUM> and frangible seal portion <NUM> comprises a second cross-sectional form of cross-sectional area A<NUM> (wherein A<NUM> < A<NUM>) configured to combine with the first cross-sectional form of the trailing aperture engaging shaft <NUM> in order to create a predetermined flow gap configuration.

In the illustrated example, the first cross-sectional form is a constant diameter circular cross-sectional form and the second cross-sectional form is an n-sided (in this example, hexagonal) outer polygonal form. In this way, the first and second cross-sectional forms combine to create a predetermined configuration of n substantially equally circumferentially spaced flow gaps <NUM> around the trailing aperture engaging shaft <NUM> when it is fully engaged in the formed aperture <NUM>, one flow gap at each apex of the n-sided polygon. This controls the flow of the fluid out of the chamber <NUM>. An alternative design could incorporate a polygonal cross-section shaft engaging circular hole or variations of both. In an alternative design, the frangible surface may not be a polygon but could be any shape that combines with the shape of the trailing aperture engaging shaft to form a suitable flow gap (e.g. plurality of flow gaps).

With reference to <FIG>, frangible seal portion <NUM> defines a displaceable flap profile <NUM> comprising a plurality of n substantially equal length and equally circumferentially spaced lines of weakness <NUM> each formed by a rupturable thin wall section of plastics material and extending radially from the central axis "A" to an end region 453A. The n lines of weakness <NUM> divide the frangible seal portion <NUM> into a plurality of n circumferentially spaced radially extending displaceable triangular flap portions <NUM> each formed by a bendable thin wall section of plastics material and separated by the lines of weakness <NUM>. In an alternative design, the displaceable flap profile may be an additional component or a two-shot moulding incorporating two different materials.

Each of the plurality of n displaceable triangular flaps <NUM> has reinforced edges 454A extending along the lines of weakness <NUM> to encourage the flaps to maintain their shape as the lines of weakness are broken by the puncturing action of the puncturing element <NUM> and a reinforced hinge edge 454B formed by a reinforced region of material <NUM> adjacent each hinge edge.

When ruptured by the leading aperture forming spike <NUM> (<FIG>), displaceable triangular flap portions <NUM> will fold outwards creating triangular petals and six small flow gaps <NUM>.

In use, during an initial puncturing step plunger <NUM> is movable relative to the container <NUM> (e.g. by drive piston <NUM> actuated by CO<NUM> pressure driving against upper surface <NUM>) from a first position (<FIG>) to a second position (<FIG>), wherein movement of the plunger <NUM> relative to the container <NUM> from the first position to the second position causes puncturing element <NUM> to puncture the frangible seal portion <NUM> to form an aperture <NUM> for dispensing flavouring syrup <NUM> from chamber <NUM>.

Once the frangible seal portion <NUM> is punctured, plunger <NUM> is further movable relative to the container <NUM> during a discharging step to a third position (<FIG>), wherein movement of the plunger <NUM> relative to the container <NUM> from the second position to the third position urges the flavouring syrup <NUM> to flow out of the chamber <NUM> and through the aperture <NUM>.

In the third position, puncturing element <NUM> extends substantially along a full length of the outlet nozzle <NUM> to create a central flavouring flow guide element. As illustrated, the leading part of the puncturing element (e.g. spike <NUM> of the puncturing element and a leading part of the trailing aperture engaging part <NUM>) protrudes beyond an outlet opening 414A of the outlet nozzle <NUM>.

Both parts <NUM> and <NUM> of flavour capsule <NUM> (and relevant parts of the aerator device <NUM>) may designed to be made from a range of thermoplastic polymers as well as bio-materials, bio-degradable and compostable materials.

The flavouring syrup flow down the side of puncturing element <NUM> and returns to one stream of fluid as it leaves the tip.

In an alternative design, the spike may not return the individual jet to one stream such that multiple jets of fluid are generated.

Once the frangible seal portion <NUM> is ruptured, gas pressure continues to drive piston <NUM> forward to drive substantially all of the flavouring syrup <NUM> from the flavour capsule <NUM> and out of outlet nozzle <NUM>.

In one embodiment, flavour capsules <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise a barcode and the electronic controller is operative to select a degree of aeration required based on the barcode (e.g. using a barcode reader module) to provide an even more enhanced dosage of flavouring.

Claim 1:
Apparatus (<NUM>) for the preparation of aerated drinks, comprising:
an aerator stage (<NUM>) comprising:
a removable aerator bottle (<NUM>) defining a chamber (<NUM>) for receiving a liquid to be aerated;
an aerator bottle interface (<NUM>) operative to engage the removable aerator bottle (<NUM>) and seal the chamber (<NUM>) thereof;
a gas inlet line (<NUM>) operative to fluidly connect a gas source (<NUM>) to the aerator bottle interface (<NUM>); and
a gas supply mechanism (<NUM>) for controlling supply of gas from the gas source (<NUM>) to the aerator bottle interface (<NUM>) via the gas inlet line (<NUM>);
an aerated liquid dispenser outlet (<NUM>);
a liquid outlet line (<NUM>) operative to fluidly connect the aerator bottle interface (<NUM>) to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet (<NUM>) to allow aerated liquid to flow from the chamber (<NUM>) of the removable aerator bottle (<NUM>) to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet (<NUM>); and
a liquid flow controller (<NUM>) for controlling discharge of aerated liquid from the removable aerator bottle (<NUM>) to the aerated liquid dispenser outlet (<NUM>) via the liquid outlet line (<NUM>);
characterised in that:
the apparatus (<NUM>) further comprises a flavouring liquid dispenser (<NUM>) comprising a flavouring liquid dispenser outlet (<NUM>); and
in that the flavouring liquid dispenser (<NUM>) comprises a flavour dispenser mechanism (<NUM>) that is activated by gas pressure from the removable aerator bottle (<NUM>).