Patent ID: 12202662

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For humans, mammals and other living things, the olfactory system detects airborne substances, e.g., volatile chemicals, and provides the living organism with a sense of smell. Olfaction, like taste, is a form of chemoreception. Accordingly, there is a commonality between the perception of smell and the perception of taste. In certain instances, the sense of smell may supplement and/or otherwise enhance the sense of taste, and, for example, maladies affecting the sense of smell adversely affect the sense of taste.

Taste plays an important role in one's motivation for consuming food or drink. As such, food science has spent decades formulating new processed foods and drinks having agents that enhance the perception of taste of food and drink articles. However, more and more studies are showing adverse health effects for some processed foods, which can be due to additives that were used to enhance perception of taste.

Scent-based technologies, such as scented materials and articles, can be used to augment the characteristics of the material or article to affect a person's sense of smell, and thereby sense of taste. For example, a scented material or article may include a chemical agent, such as a fragrance or aroma compound, that stimulates a chemoreceptor of the olfactory system of the subject or otherwise stimulates sense of smell and/or taste of a subject. One example of scent-based technologies includes scented articles that attach or are included as part of a drinking bottle system, in which the scented article provides a pleasing odorant to a user that stimulates a corresponding chemoreceptor of the user's olfactory system to enhance the user's sense of smell and/or taste of a drinkable fluid in the bottle. For example, the scented article can be a lime-scented ring that attaches to the bottle around the bottle opening so that, as the user drinks the beverage within the bottle, such as water, the user experiences a lime-taste to the water from the lime scent that emanates from the scented article while drinking.

Some examples of the scented articles for augmenting a user's perception of taste through smell are described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,969B2 entitled “SCENTED ATTACHMENT FOR CONTAINERS”, which is incorporated as part of the disclosure in this patent document.

Yet, there are a variety of beverage containers that have different container structures than a typical bottle and that serves different purposes for the user. For example, squeeze bottles can squirt the beverage out from a narrow opening, such as a nipple type spout, that is coverable by a lid. Moreover, there are many variants of tops or caps for squeeze bottles, e.g., which can have different mechanisms for covering or sealing and exposing the opening of the squeeze bottle. Also, for example, some beverage containers include a straw for a user to suck out the beverage from the container portion. Just like with squeeze bottles, there are a plethora of ways to associate or incorporate a straw or straw-like mechanism into the drinking container.

For each type of drinking container design may bring a unique set of challenges to effectively and consistently provide a scented article with the particular drinking container that effectively and reliably delivers the scent during consumption of the beverage to augment the user's drinking experience by a virtual sense of taste perception due to the delivered scent. Some problems are shared by both the structural constraints of the drinking container design and that of the scented article's size, scent concentration, and position configurations with respect to the drinking container. Many conventional scented articles for affecting use of a beverage or other products have failed to effectively augment the user's experience with that product for such reasons.

Disclosed are techniques, devices and systems for controlling scent delivery and/or preserving a scent from a scented article incorporated in a beverage container. In some aspects, the disclosed techniques, devices and systems provide improvements for applying such scented articles to a wide range of different beverage containers in ways that preserve the scented articles' ability to deliver and preserve a consistent scent experience across multiple uses.

Example embodiments of scent delivery systems and methods in accordance with the present technology are described below.

FIGS.1A-1Dshow example embodiments of a scented system that can be applied to a cap having a nipple-type spout that is attachable to a beverage container. As shown inFIG.1A, a beverage container101includes a container body102that contains a beverage and cap103that covers an opening at the mouth of the body102to dispense the beverage. Instead of merely presenting an open spout for the consumer to drink from, the cap103includes a “nipple-type” spout104at an upper region of the cap103and attaches to the body102at a lower region of the cap103, e.g., such as by a threading interfacing between a portion of the lower region of the cap103and an upper region125of the body102to allow the lower region of the cap103to screw down onto a threaded region at the mouth of body102. For example, a consumer engaging in activities or sports may prefer a nipple-type spout where the consumer wishes to take periodic sips of beverage but wishes to seal the container when not in use to prevent spillage. Moreover, the nipple-type arrangement allows the consumer to open the spout with their lips or teeth, obviating the need to have a free hand to remove the cap. This again is consistent with consumption of beverages while a consumer is active, since the consumer's hand may be otherwise engaged in the activity. In some embodiments, the beverage container101can include an outer cap (not shown) that covers the cap103, e.g., to protect the spout104from contaminants or unwanted contact by other objects.

FIG.1Bshows an enlarged, semi-cross-sectional or partially cut-away view of the cap103that includes the nipple-type spout104. Spout104includes a fixed base105and a movable component or assembly106(also referred to as “movable portion”106), in which the fixed base105does not move relative to the lower region of the cap103, and the movable portion106moves relative to the fixed base105. The fixed base105includes a cylinder150and a plug151. In the example shown in theFIG.1B, movable portion106is mounted on cylinder150so that it can move bidirectionally relative to fixed base105, e.g., by sliding up and down; yet, in some embodiments, the movement of movable portion106can be accomplished by having movable portion106twist along a threaded, screw-like path.

FIG.1Bshows movable portion106in its uppermost, or “open” position, exposing channel107to allow liquid to flow around plug151through an opening of the movable portion of the spout104. When movable portion106is lowered to its lowest, or “closed” position, the flow channel107is blocked by plug151and liquid cannot flow. For example, in the “closed” position, the upper surface of the plug151can substantially align with the upper, outer surface of the movable portion106, e.g., preventing spillage or leakage of the beverage out of the spout104of the cap103.

In the present examples of the bottle container101, a scented article108may be incorporated into the cap103to enhance the experience of drinking the beverage. In the particular example shown inFIG.1B, the base of movable portion106is flared outward to create a first encasement structure that includes an inner wall109and an outer wall110that forms at least a portion of a first channel. The first channel between inner wall109and outer wall110can be modified to fit and hold the upper portion of scented article108such that a portion of scented article108is exposed when the movable portion106is in the open position. In the example ofFIG.1B, the scented article108protrudes below the inner wall109and the outer wall110. When movable portion106is in the open position, as shown inFIG.1B, the protruding portion of scented article108is exposed to the air but shielded from making contact with the consumer's lips, e.g., by outer wall110. Because liquid flows through flow channel107, the scented article108is physically separated from fluid flow in any of the configurations of the movable portion106, such as in the open position, the closed position or any position therebetween. Notably, in this configuration, when a consumer is drinking from spout104, the consumer's nostrils will be located in close and measurable proximity to scented article108.

The cap103includes a second encasement structure coupled to the fixed base105and that includes an inner wall111and an outer wall112, such that the inner wall111and the outer wall112are arranged directly below and correspond to inner wall109and outer wall110, respectively. The inner wall111and the outer wall112also form a portion of a second channel, labeled113inFIG.1B. Together, corresponding inner wall111and corresponding outer wall112form channel113into which the protruding portion of scented article108can fit. Corresponding inner wall111and corresponding outer wall112are located such that, when movable portion106is lowered completely, they will meet inner wall109and outer wall110, respectively, and form a contact seal. In this way, when movable portion106is lowered to its “closed” position, scented article108becomes encased within the seal created by the four walls. In this manner, the first encasement structure and the second encasement structure provide a scent chamber or compartment wherein, when the cap is in closed position, the contact seal created by the cap encloses the scented article within the compartment and locks in and traps the scent within, allowing controlled release of the scent to the outer environment.

The contact seal serves multiple purposes. In certain embodiments, the contact seal is air and water tight to preserve the scented article inside. In this way, when the bottle is first constructed, shipped, and deployed, e.g., in a retail environment, there will be no loss of scent, nor will the scents of adjacent bottles mix in the air in a store aisle. The contact seal can also function on reuse to preserve the scented article and extend its use.

There are various ways to accomplish this type of contact seal. In the initial construction, it may be desirable to have the walls be connected, either by an adhesive or a thin layer of material that can break away upon the bottle's first opening. Alternatively, and for reversible sealing of the scented article during multiple uses, the seal can be accomplished by ensuring the materials used to construct the walls have the proper balance of give (elasticity) and rigidity to accomplish the seal when mechanically compressed against each other, by incorporation of an additional lip of material on each of the walls at the connection point to provide additional surface area to enhance the seal, and/or incorporation of an O-ring or other flexible structure between the walls to enhance the seal. There are many example embodiments of component assemblies, described throughout this patent disclosure, that produce the seal of the scented article in a space that traps the scent within, while allowing the seal to be controllably unsealed to expose at least a portion of the scented article to release and/or emanate the scent. While the component assemblies to produce a reversible seal may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the component assemblies can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombinations.

In some embodiments, for example, the inner wall109and the outer wall110can be relatively longer than the inner wall111and the outer wall112; whereas in some embodiments, the inner wall109and the outer wall110can be relatively shorter than the inner wall111and the outer wall112. For example, in some embodiments, the inner wall111and outer wall112can be configured as a flat surface, rather than protrude upward, and the inner wall109and the outer wall110may be configured to be just as long or longer than the height of the scented article108. In such examples, the scented article108may sit on the flat surface and the longer inner wall109and outer wall110would cover scented article108when movable portion106is closed, while exposing the underside of the scented article108when the movable portion106is pulled open.

WhileFIG.1Bdepicts scented article108as a ring, and the walls surrounding it completely circular, one of ordinary skill would understand that it need not be so. So long as the walls are constructed to seal around the entirety of scented article108when closed, scented article108can be shaped in other configurations to fit within the upper channel portion and lower channel portion113. An example illustrating such configurations is discussed with respect toFIG.1C.

FIG.1Cpresents an alternative embodiment of the arrangement inFIG.1B, in which a scented article152is arranged in the cap103around a part of the movable portion106. In this example, the cap103includes an inner wall114and an outer wall115that are built up from the top surface of fixed base105. Scented article152is disposed between inner wall114and outer wall115, so that a portion of scented article152protrudes upward above them. When movable portion106is in its “open” position, the protruding portion of scented article152is exposed to the air.

In the example ofFIG.1C, the bottom edge of movable portion106contains inner wall116and outer wall117that are arranged directly above and correspond to inner wall114and outer wall115. Together, the inner wall116and outer wall117form a channel118into which the protruding portion of scented article152can fit. The corresponding inner wall116and outer wall117are located such that, when movable portion106is lowered completely, they will meet inner wall114and outer wall115, respectively, and form a contact seal. In this way, when movable portion106is lowered to its “closed” position, scented article152becomes encased within the seal created by the four walls.

While scented article152is located beneath movable portion106in the embodiment inFIG.1C, it is important to note that scented article152remains protected from the consumer's lips by the shape of corresponding outer wall117. Moreover, liquid traveling through flow channel107is still physically separated from scented article152.

As with the embodiment inFIG.1B, the embodiment depicted inFIG.1Cneed not use a ring-shaped scented article or ring shape spout, but rather any shape, including a portion of a curved structure that fits in the channel formed between the walls114,115,116and117, which can be used so long as the walls are constructed to seal around the entirety of scented article152when movable portion106is closed.

Beverage containers utilizing nipple-type spouts are sometimes sold pre-filled at retail intended for single use, while others are sold intended for multiple-time re-use with washing in between. In some of the embodiments described herein, the scented article may be attached to the beverage container during its initial assembly and filling with a beverage in a way that it is nonremovable by the end user; or in some embodiments, the scented article may be attached in a removable, fashion so that it can be replaced when the end user desires to do so. While nonremovable attachment can be accomplished with chemical adhesives,FIG.1Dalso shows several manners by which the scented article can be removably attachable (e.g., capable of being attached and detached) without the use of additional chemicals that might interfere with the scented article.

In schematic D-1 ofFIG.1D, scented article153is structured to be virtually the same width as the channel between the walls surrounding it, but scented article153contains cavities on its interior and exterior surfaces. Triangular projections119from the walls match the shape of these cavities and physically contact the sides of scented article153once it is pressed downward into place during assembly. This form of rigid attachment should prevent scented article153from moving. In some examples, the triangular projections119are discontinuously disposed along the walls of the channel and configured to align within corresponding discontinuous cavities of the scented article153or within uniform cavities of the scented article153that can span along at least a portion of the interior and exterior surfaces of the scented article153. While the example schematic D1-1 shows the triangular projections119protruding from the walls of the channel to align within the cavities of the scented article153, it is understood that the triangular projections119may be contained on the walls of the scented article153and the cavities may be disposed on the walls of the channel.

Schematic D-2 ofFIG.1Dshows a slight variation of this arrangement, wherein the projections120extending from the walls are rounded instead of triangular, and, such that the projections120generally match the cavities on the sides of scented article154. With such projections, the scented article154(and scented article153, for example) can be structured to have a width slightly narrower than the channel between the walls surrounding it. Physical contact between the projections120and scented article154need not be maintained so long as projections120extend sufficiently into the sides of scented article154to keep it from dislodging.

In schematic D-3 ofFIG.1D, the walls are constructed with a lip121that projects out into the channel in which scented article155is mounted. Lip121restrains the scented article155due to projections122extending from the exterior surface of the scented article155out toward the walls. The projections122of the scented article155have a width dimension from end-to-end that is larger than the width of the opening into the channel due to the projection of the lip121. For example, the projections122can be rounded like projections120or triangular like projections119, or have other shapes based on other material properties of the scented article that allow it to be pushed into the channel such that the projections122pass the lip121of the walls.

Schematic D-4 ofFIG.1Dis a variation of this arrangement where, in addition to lip121, a lower lip123is used to bookend projection122. Similarly, in some embodiments, a third lip (not shown) can be disposed below the lower lip123, such that a scented article having two projections, e.g., projection122and a lower projection projecting from scented article155to be below lower lip123(not shown), may align in the spacing between (i) the lip121and lower lip123and (ii) the lower lip123and the third lip, respectively. This configuration can, among other things, allow the scented article to be manufactured with less material so that it need not abut the bottom of the channel but yet still be secured within the channel to allow for controllable reversible attachment.

FIGS.2A-2Ipresent other arrangements for how a scented system can be applied to a kind of nipple-type spout on drinking containers used during active pursuits such as sports.

As shown inFIG.2A, beverage container201includes a container body202and cap203. Like inFIGS.1A-1D, instead of merely presenting an opening or spout for the consumer to drink from requiring the user to attach and remove the cap, the cap203of the beverage container201is fitted with a “nipple-type” spout204at an upper region of the cap203and attaches to the body202at a lower region of the cap203. The cap203can attach to the body202at the lower region of the cap203by a threading that interfaces between a portion of the lower region of the cap203and an upper region of the body202to allow the lower region of the cap203to screw down onto a threaded region at the mouth of body202. In some embodiments, the beverage container201can include an outer cap (not shown) that covers the cap203, e.g., to protect the nipple-type spout204from contaminants or unwanted contact by other objects. In contrast to the narrower, cylindrical spout presented inFIGS.1A-C, for example, the top surface of spout204of the beverage container201includes an ovular-shaped projection250, more closely matching the general shape of an open mouth than a circle. In addition, a middle region of the spout204descends from that oval to a broader, flatter disk-shaped base251of the spout204.

FIG.2Bshows an example embodiment of the cap203. The diagram ofFIG.2B, showing a partial cutaway view or semi-cross-sectional enlargement of cap203, illustrates the shape of the interior of the spout204. Spout204includes a fixed base205and a movable component or assembly206(also referred to as “movable portion”206), in which the fixed base205does not move relative to the lower region of the cap203, and the movable portion206moves relative to the fixed base205. InFIG.2B, the movable portion206is intended to move in a twisting, rather than a sliding fashion. To accomplish this, fixed base205includes a hollowed barrel259with an opening at the bottom and having threaded region207and a non-threaded region252on the outer surface of the barrel. Movable portion206contains an inner cylinder253that is just slightly wider in its inner diameter than the outer diameter of hollowed barrel259. Inner cylinder253has an inner surface254that is threaded to match threaded region207and an outer surface255that can be smooth. When movable portion206is mounted onto fixed base205during assembly, inner surface254and threaded region207are engaged so that movable portion206can be raised and lowered by way of a twisting motion. As movable portion206is raised and lowered, respectively, one or more fluid flow-channels208that lead to the hollow interior region of the barrel259and are opened and closed based on non-contact and contact, respectively, with the surface of the inner cylinder structure of the movable portion206, thereby allowing or preventing access to liquid stored inside the base of the bottle. Moreover, disk-shaped base251includes a vertical flange256that meets the top surface of fixed base205when movable portion is closed. In this manner, for example, a scented article209can be incorporated in the cap203such that a surface of the scented article209is exposed and sealed when the cap is opened and closed, respectively, as described below.

In the example shown inFIG.2B, the movable portion206is in its uppermost or “open” position lifted above the barrel259, which opens (e.g., unseals and exposes) the flow-channel208to allow liquid to flow through and out of the cap203. When movable portion206is lowered to its lowest or “closed” position, the flow-channel208is blocked and liquid cannot flow. In the space between the inner cylinder253and an outer wall (e.g., vertical flange256) of the movable portion206, a first encasement structure is coupled to the movable portion to attach the scented article209. In the example ofFIG.2B, the first encasement structure is configured along the inner surface of vertical flange256and includes an inner wall210and an outer wall211, such that the upper portion of the scented article209is held between the inner wall210and the outer wall211, in which a portion of scented article209protrudes below them. When movable portion206is in the open position, as shown inFIG.2B, the protruding portion of scented article209is exposed to the air but shielded from the consumer's lips, e.g., by the vertical flange256. Because liquid flows through flow-channel208, it is physically separated from scented article209. Nevertheless, when a consumer is drinking from spout204, the consumer's nostrils will be located in close proximity to scented article209, e.g., thereby being able to inhale the desired scent from the scented article209with proximally targeted precision.

The fixed base205includes a second encasement structure that includes a corresponding inner wall212and corresponding outer wall213, which can be built into the fixed base205directly below inner wall210and outer wall211. Together, corresponding inner wall212and corresponding outer wall213form a receiving channel224into which the protruding portion of scented article209can fit. Corresponding inner wall212and corresponding outer wall213are located such that, when movable portion206is lowered completely, they will meet inner wall210and outer wall211, respectively, and form a contact seal. In this way, when movable portion106is lowered to its “closed” position, scented article209becomes encased within the seal created by the four walls. In this manner, the first encasement structure and the second encasement structure provide a scent chamber or compartment wherein, when the cap203is in closed position, the contact seal created by the walls210,211,212and213of the cap encloses the scented article within the compartment and locks in and traps the scent within, allowing controlled release of the scent to the outer environment.

In some implementations, to transition between the “closed” position and the “open” position, the twisting of the movable portion206raises the movable portion (and thereby the walls210,211with scented article209) to a height above the fixed base205greater than the height of the corresponding walls212and213, creating an opening into the interior of the movable portion206that allows the scent to dispense out of the cap203. In some embodiments, for example, the pair of corresponding walls211and213can be configured to have a substantially the same width and the pair of corresponding walls210and212can be configured to have a substantially the same width, respectively. Yet, in some embodiments, for example, the wall211can be configured to have a width greater than the width of the corresponding wall213so that, when the movable portion206in in the “open” position, there is a slight gap between the outer surface of the corresponding wall213and the interior surface of the vertical flange256to allow the scent to be delivered out of the cap203, e.g., in proximity to the user's nose while consuming the fluidic beverage dispensed from the top opening of the cap203into the user's mouth.

In some embodiments, the corresponding inner wall212and corresponding outer wall213are structured to include a wider gap between them than the gap between the inner wall210and the outer wall211, in which the receiving channel224is wider than the than the width of the scented article209. In this manner, for example, an empty space or chamber exists proximate the scented article209when the contact seal is formed. For example, in implementations, the scented article209will emanate the scent to a concentration trapped within the empty chamber; and when the movable portion206is raised, i.e., in the open position, the trapped scent can burst out of the chamber to be inhaled by the user as a first sip of the beverage is consumed. This example embodiment is shown in the inset boxes226A and226B ofFIG.2B, corresponding to the open position and closed position, respectively, in which the receiving channel224C includes the empty space or chamber when the contact seal is formed to trap the emanated scent within.

WhileFIG.2Bdepicts scented article209and the associated wall structures at the outer perimeter of movable portion206, they could be located in any position relative to screw-like track207, including juxtaposed to it, as shown inFIGS.2D-2G, for example. Scented article209may be attached to the walls of the first encasement in any of the manners described herein, including but not limited to those inFIG.1D. Moreover, whileFIG.2Bdepicts scented article209as a ring, and the walls surrounding span the entire circumference of the movable portion206, other embodiments of the cap203include a scented article and surrounding walls that span a portion of the circumference of the movable portion206. In such embodiments, the walls are constructed to seal around the entirety of scented article209when closed, and the scented article209can be configured of any shape.

FIG.2Cpresents an example embodiment of the cap203similar to the arrangement inFIG.2B. In this embodiment, the first encasement structure includes an inner wall214and outer wall215, which are built up from the top surface of fixed base205and form a portion of a channel that a scented article257is disposed within, so that a portion of scented article257protrudes upward above them. When movable portion206is in its “open” position, the protruding portion of scented article257is exposed to the air.

In the embodiment ofFIG.2C, the second encasement structure is coupled to the inside edge of vertical flange256, which contains a corresponding inner wall216and corresponding outer wall217(e.g., corresponding to the inner wall216and the inner wall215, respectively). Together, corresponding inner wall216and corresponding outer wall217form a receiving channel218into which the protruding portion of scented article257can fit. Corresponding inner wall216and corresponding outer wall217are located such that, when movable portion206is lowered completely, they will meet inner wall214and outer wall215, respectively, and form a contact seal. In this way, when movable portion206is lowered to its “closed” position, scented article209becomes encased within the seal created by the four walls. In some implementations of the cap203inFIG.2C, to transition between the “closed” position and the “open” position, the twisting of the movable portion206raises the movable portion (and thereby the corresponding walls216,217) to a height above the fixed base205greater than the height of the walls214and215, creating an opening into the interior of the movable portion206that allows the scent to dispense out of the cap203. In some embodiments, for example, the pair of corresponding walls215and217can be configured to have a substantially the same width and the pair of corresponding walls214and216can be configured to have a substantially the same width, respectively. Yet, in some embodiments, for example, the upper corresponding wall217can be configured to have a width greater than the width of the lower outer wall215so that, when the movable portion206in in the “open” position, there is a slight gap between the outer surface of the outer wall215and the interior surface of the vertical flange256to allow the scent to be delivered out of the cap203, e.g., in proximity to the user's nose while consuming the fluidic beverage dispensed from the top opening of the cap203into the user's mouth.

While scented article257is located on fixed base205in the embodiment inFIG.2C, it is important to note that scented article257remains protected from the consumer's lips by the shape of movable portion206. Moreover, liquid traveling through channel208is still physically separated from scented article257.

As with the embodiment inFIG.2B, scented article257and the associated wall structures inFIG.2Ccould be located in any position relative to screw-like track207, including directly juxtaposed to it. Scented article257may be attached in any of the manners described herein, including but not limited to those inFIG.1D. Moreover, the embodiment depicted inFIG.2Cneed not use a ring-shaped scented article, but rather any portion of a region of the cap203, e.g., in the interior of the movable portion206, can be used so long as the walls are constructed to seal around the entirety of scented article257when movable portion206is closed.

InFIG.2D, a scented article258is attached in a position juxtaposed against the exterior surface255of inner cylinder253. Instead of using specially-created walls disposed in the space between movable portion206and fixed base205, those two structures themselves are used to create the sealed channel. Specifically, when movable portion206is in its “open” position, as shown inFIG.2D, air is able to pass under vertical flange256at its bottommost lip219. However, when movable portion206is screwed down into its “closed” position, bottommost lip219forms a contact seal with fixed base205. Such an arrangement allows scented article258to fill the space beneath movable portion206with scent between uses, providing a high concentration burst of scent to the consumer the next time the bottle is opened.

In the example shown inFIG.2D, scented article258is shown as a complete ring, necessitating its attachment before the installation of movable portion206. However, scented article258can be constructed in a variety of shapes. Some of these, including any that are physically attached to fixed base205in the manners described elsewhere herein, including but not limited to those inFIG.1D, may similarly require installation before movable portion206. However, if scented article258were formed in the shape of a partial, or C-shaped ring, it could be clipped around exterior surface255after the installation of movable portion206. In some implementations, for example, the example C-shaped ring can also be compressed when inserted such that it makes a complete ring. In addition, for example, the scented article258could be mounted inside movable portion206before movable portion206is attached to fixed base205.

In other examples, the scented article258can fill most of the space under movable portion206.

FIGS.2E-2Gshow example embodiments of the cap203, similar toFIG.2D, in which the scented article258is sealed within the interior of the movable portion206by an interfacing structure260that form a seal with the interior surface of the vertical flange256. In the examples shown inFIGS.2E-2G, the scented article258is configured on a ledge259L expanding out from the inner cylinder253within the interior of the movable portion206. In some implementations, the scented article258is configured around the inner cylinder253without a ledge. A ledge, e.g., the ledge259L, can be configured to protrude slightly outward from the surface to which the scented article258abuts. For example, the ledge can protrude outward at a distance that is less than 100% of the width of the scented article258, e.g., such as a range of 10% to 99% of the width, providing sufficient surface area for the scented article258to rest upon while also allowing for the scented article258to be separately assembled thereon. Yet, in some examples, the ledge259L can be configured to protrude outward at the same distance or greater than the width of the scented article258.

The interfacing structure260can include a protrusion structure of various geometries, such as the example interfacing structure260A inFIG.2E, the example interfacing structure260B inFIG.2F, and the example interfacing structure260C inFIG.2G. The insets, labeled261as shown inFIG.2E, show an example of the interfacing structure260A that is disposed on the fixed base205to align with an outer wall with the interior wall of the vertical flange256; such that when the cap203is in the closed position, the two surfaces are in contact and form the seal, and when the cap208is in the open position, the vertical flange256is raised above the height of the interfacing structure260A.

The insets, labeled261as shown inFIG.2F, show an example of an interfacing structure260B formed of a pliant material and structured to have an angled outer wall that is disposed on the fixed base205partially underneath the interior wall of the vertical flange256; such that when the cap203is in the closed position, the vertical flange256contacts and compresses a small portion of the angled outer wall that is underneath the vertical flange256to form the seal, and when the cap203is in the open position, the vertical flange256is raised above the height of the contact location of the angled outer wall of the interfacing structure260B.

The insets, labeled261as shown inFIG.2G, show an example of an interfacing structure260C structured to have an angled or curved outer wall that is disposed on the fixed base205partially underneath the interior wall of the vertical flange256, which has an indentation that substantially matches the geometry of the angled or curved outer wall of the interfacing structure260C; such that when the cap203is in the closed position, the vertical flange256contacts the angled or curved outer wall of the interfacing structure260C that is underneath the vertical flange256to form the seal, and when the cap203is in the open position, the vertical flange256is raised above the height of the interfacing structure260C.

FIGS.2H and2Ishow example embodiments of the cap203, similar toFIG.2DandFIGS.2E-2G, in which the scented article258is configured to attach to the interior wall of the vertical flange256or on the surface of the fixed base205.

FIG.2Hshows an example of a ledge261L expanding out from the interior wall of the vertical flange256to maintain the scented article258within the interior of the movable portion206. For example, the ledge261L can be configured to protrude slightly outward from the surface to which the scented article258abuts, e.g., such as protrude outward to 10% to 99% of the width of the scented article258to sufficiently support the scented article258when set upon it while also allowing for the scented article258to be separately assembled thereon. Yet, in some examples, the ledge261L can be configured to protrude outward at the same distance or greater than the width of the scented article258. In some implementations, the scented article258is configured around the vertical flange256without a ledge, e.g., based on adhesion or interfacing structures like those shown inFIG.1D.

In some implementations, for example, the positioning and manner of attaching the scented article258to the cap203can optimize the desired amount of surface area the scented article258has exposed in the scent chamber or compartment, and thereby to the outer environment when the cap203is in the open position. In some examples, scented article258can be larger when it is configured around the interior wall of the vertical flange256, e.g., as compared to when the scented article is configured around the inner cylinder253or locations between the interior wall of the vertical flange256and the inner cylinder253. In some implementations, for example, the scented article258can span the space from vertical flange256to inner cylinder253.

FIG.2Ishows an example of the scented article, labeled263, that is configured on the surface of the fixed base205. WhileFIGS.2E-2Idepict the scented article258and263as a ring or object that spans around the movable portion206at various radial distances from the center of the movable portion206, other embodiments of the scented article can span a portion of the movable portion206.

FIGS.3A,3A-1, and3B-3Dshow example embodiments of a scented system applied to a beverage container utilizing a different kind of spout, namely a sealable straw-type spout. Such spouts are often preferred by parents as a drinking system for their children given that it is both rugged and prevents spillage.

FIG.3Ashows beverage container301. In particular, container301includes a container body302and cap303, where cap303is fitted with a straw-type spout304and screws down over a threaded portion350of container body302. As shown, straw-type spout304can assume two positions, an elevated, “open” position where a beverage can flow through the spout, and a lowered, “closed” position where the interior of the container is sealed. The beverage container301is also equipped with cover310, which is incorporated to fold down over the tip of straw-type spout304when it is in the closed position. The straw-type spout304is operable to open from the closed position by actuation of button318.FIG.3A-1shows another elevated view of the beverage container301depicting a hollow region or well305.

FIG.3Bshows one example positioning for the scented system in beverage container301. Specifically,FIG.3Bshows a view down into cap303from directly above beverage container301. As shown, cap303contains a hollow well305into which straw-type spout304folds when it is maneuvered into the “closed” position. The cap303includes a first encasement structure including a wall306that can be disposed on the floor of the well305in order to support scented article307. The wall306forms an empty space or channel, within which the scented article307can be attached. As in other embodiments described herein, a scented article307protrudes above the top of wall306, such that when straw-type spout304is in the elevated, “open” position, scented article307is exposed to the air. The cap303includes a second encasement including a corresponding wall308that is constructed along on the side of straw-type spout304to create an internal channel309. Corresponding wall308is shaped to match wall306, while internal channel309is shaped and sized to receive the protruding portion of scented article307. Corresponding wall308is positioned such that when straw-type spout304is maneuvered to the closed position, corresponding wall308is lowered down over the top of scented article307. Corresponding wall308touches wall306in this closed position, creating a contact seal that encloses scented article307inside it. In this manner, the first encasement structure and the second encasement structure provide a scent chamber or compartment wherein, when the straw-type spout304of the cap303is in the closed position, the contact seal created by the walls306and308encloses the scented article within the compartment and locks in and traps the scent within, allowing controlled release of the scent to the outer environment.

AlthoughFIG.3Bshows scented article as an elongated shape running parallel to straw-type spout304, one of skill the art would appreciate that, so long as both wall306and corresponding wall308are oriented to align, scented article307can be mounted parallel to, perpendicular to, or in any other orientation with respect to straw-type spout304. Depending on the orientation of scented article307relative to straw-like spout304, different shapes and sizes of scented article307may be appropriate. Scented article307can be attached to the bottle using any of the manners described elsewhere herein.

FIG.3Cshows an alternative embodiment of the system just described, in which the positions of wall306and corresponding wall308are reversed. In this embodiment, the first encasement structure with the scented article307is mounted on the straw-type spout304. While the action of opening and closing the contact-sealed channel formed by wall306and corresponding wall308is identical to what was just described, in this embodiment, an optional shield321can be incorporated along straw-type spout304to avoid lip contact with the protruding portion of scented article307. In some example, the shield321can include a perforated material to allow the scent from the scented article307to emanate through while protecting the scented article307from direct contact with the user's lip.

FIG.3Dshows still another alternative embodiment of a scented system applied to beverage container301.FIG.3Dshows an elevated view from an angle down upon cap303. In some instances, e.g., where straw-type spout304is spring-loaded, or where additional leak protection is desired, cover310can be incorporated to fold down over the tip of straw-type spout304when it is in the closed position. Cover310provides an additional site on which scented article307may be disposed. Specifically, wall311can be built on cover310to hold scented article307. In such an embodiment, corresponding wall312can be constructed below wall312so as to receive the protruding portion of scented article307when straw-type spout304is maneuvered to the closed position. In some embodiments, the wall311and the corresponding wall312can be reversed such that scented article307is mounted on straw-type spout304and the internal channel309of the second encasement structure is on the cover310. When either arrangement is moved to the closed position, the walls surrounding the scented article307and the corresponding walls receiving the protruding portion of the scented article form a contact seal to seal the scented article307inside. Once again, inFIG.3D, a shield may be desirable between scented article307and the opening of straw-type spout304, so that someone sipping from the spout does not make lip contact with scented article307.

In each of these embodiments inFIGS.3A,3A-1, and3B through3D, scented article307can be attached to the side of the straw-type spout in one of the manners described herein, e.g., including but not limited to using the mechanisms shown inFIG.1D. To allow for washing and drying of the straw-type spout between uses without damaging scented article307, scented article307can be attached in a removable fashion. Moreover, the scented article can be constructed in any shape, so long as the surrounding walls expose a portion of the scented article to allow for dispersion of scent into the air and the corresponding walls will seal around it. For example, the scented article307can be configured as a ring that fits within the walls311,312,308, or306and is therefore sealable by the corresponding wall, respectively.

FIGS.4A-4Cshow example embodiments of a scented system that can be applied to a beverage container utilizing a sealable flip-cap spout. Such flip-cap spouts are often utilized on so-called travel containers that people use to transport beverages while commuting and so forth. In these scenarios, spillage is also a concern, but a more specialized sports-type cap is not required. Moreover, such flip-cap type spouts and their containers are typically reusable, meaning they will be subject to the stresses of washing and drying repeatedly.

FIG.4Ashows beverage container401. In particular, container401includes a container body402and cap403. The cap403is fitted with a flip-cap spout404and is attachable to the body402via a threaded portion450between the cap403and the body402. Specifically, flip-cap spout404includes an opening405in a fixed base406connected to the body402through which beverage can flow, and a movable component or assembly407(also referred to as “movable portion”407). Movable portion407can move between a range of positions, such as an elevated position where the movable portion407is in an “open” position as shown so that a beverage can flow through the opening405, and a lowered or “closed” position where the opening405is covered and liquid is trapped inside body402. While not required, movable portion407may include a latch mechanism408to help lock it in the closed position.

Similar to other embodiments described herein, a scent-sealing compartment or chamber may be constructed on the cap403to hold a scented article beneath the movable portion407. As shown inFIG.4B, a first encasement structure includes a wall409that is created on the bottom surface of movable portion407, which forms a channel that can support a scented article410. Scented article410and wall409may be of any size or shape, so long as they match one another and a portion of the scented article410protrudes above wall409to expose scented article410to the air, e.g., on multiple sides. The greater the surface area of scented article410exposed to the air, the greater the dispersion of scent. In this way, when movable portion407is in the open position, as shown inFIG.4B, the protruding portion of scented article410is in contact with the air and will be in proximity of the user's nose when the user sips from opening405, while still being physically isolated from the beverage being sipped from opening405and the user's lips. In some embodiments, for example, an optional wall411can be included to help ensure separation between scented article410and the user's lip.

As shown inFIG.4B, the cap403includes a second encasement structure including a corresponding wall412that is disposed on fixed base406. In the example, the corresponding wall412matches the shape of wall409and contains a cavity or receiving channel413capable of receiving the protruding portion of scented article410. In this way, when movable portion407is lowered into the closed position, corresponding wall412contacts wall409, creating a contact seal in the manner described elsewhere herein and trapping scented article410inside. In this manner, the first encasement structure and the second encasement structure provide a scent chamber or compartment wherein, when the movable portion407of the cap403is in the closed position, the contact seal created by the walls409and412encloses the scented article410within the compartment and locks in and traps the scent within, allowing controlled release of the scent to the outer environment.

In some embodiments, the corresponding wall412may be flat, or even recessed into the fixed base with the receiving channel413, and the wall409is structured to have a height such that wall409still encloses scented article410when movable portion407is in the closed position.

Like the other embodiments described herein, for example, the placement of the scented article in this embodiment may be reversed such that first encasement structure with the scented article410is mounted inside wall409located on the fixed base406, while the second encasement structure including the corresponding wall412is constructed on the bottom surface of movable portion407. This type of arrangement is show inFIG.4C. In such an arrangement, wall411may be included on fixed base406in order to help ensure separation between scented article410and the user's lips when positioned at opening405.

Scented article410can be attached to the flip-cap spout in one of the manners described herein, e.g., including but not limited to using the mechanisms shown inFIG.1D. To allow for washing and drying of the flip-cap spout between uses without damaging scented article410, for example, the scented article410can be attached in a removable fashion. Moreover, scented article410can be constructed in any shape, so long as the surrounding walls expose a portion of the scented article to allow for dispersion of scent into the air and the corresponding walls will seal around it. For example, the scented article410can be configured as a ring that fits within the walls409or412and is therefore sealable by the corresponding wall, respectively.

FIG.5shows an example of a scented system that can be applied to a beverage container containing a screw-down lid. Such screw-down lids may be preferable on thermoses and other, similarly insulated containers designed to maintain the temperature of chilled or heated beverages. To prevent heat transfer, the lids in these containers can be constructed of rigid, non-conductive material, and have a threaded sealing mechanism. Because these containers may be designed for repeated use, frequent washing may be necessitated. Unlike the other embodiments described previously, users consume the beverage from these types of containers by placing their lips directly against the opening; there is no spout structure utilized, and as such, there is no obvious place to incorporate a scented system.

As shown inFIG.5, a beverage container501includes a container body502and a cap504. Cap504is tethered to the container body502by way of strap505and can attach to the container body502by snapping or screwing down onto a threaded neck503, for example. Cap504also includes a sealable compartment or chamber506in its bottom surface. Sealable chamber506includes an encasement structure to provide a channel or space for a scented article507and a moveable component508to move between an open and closed position with respect to an outer wall510surrounding the channel where the scented article507is encased. In some embodiments, the movable component508includes a door. In such examples, door508can be constructed to open and close in a number of ways, including manually or by being spring-loaded to open when cap504is removed from container body502. Regardless of the closure mechanism, movable component508may be exposed to the beverage inside body502when the cap is closed, such that the movable component (e.g., door)508makes a waterproof seal with the outer wall of the encasement structure when covering the sealable chamber506. In this manner, the encasement structure and the movable component provide the chamber wherein, when the movable component508of the cap504is in the closed position, the contact seal created by the wall510and the movable component508encloses the scented article507within the chamber and locks in and traps the scent within, allowing controlled release of the scent to the outer environment.

While the sealable chamber506and the scented article507can be made in any shape relative to cap504, scented article507can be attached in one of the manners described herein, e.g., including but not limited to using the mechanisms shown inFIG.1D. To allow for washing and drying of beverage container501between uses without damaging scented article507, for example, the scented article507can be attached in a removable fashion. For example, the scented article410can be configured as a ring that fits within the sealable chamber506.

FIGS.6A,6B-1,6B-2,6C, and6Dshow an example of a scented system that can be applied to a beverage container utilizing a straw lid. Such containers are often used in replacement of disposable plastic cups and straws in order to reduce the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment. They feature thicker, more rugged walls in both the cup and the straw, and both must be capable of being washed in order to allow for reuse.

FIG.6Ashows beverage container601, which includes a container body602and a lid603. Lid603accommodates a straw604through a hole605and screws onto a threaded region650on the container body602. While previous systems such as container601have attempted to utilizing scented articles by applying them at the lid, that leaves the scented article far from the user's nose. Thus, the embodiments disclosed here deploy the scented article much closer to the user's olfactory sensors by placing it on the straw. For example, the scented article can be configured within an optimal distal range from the opening of the straw604, e.g., between 2 inches to 0.5 inches away from the opening, so that the scented article is proximate the user's nose when the beverage is being consumed through the straw604. This presents a challenge in terms of mounting and sealing the scented article.

FIG.6B-1shows one example embodiment designed to overcome this obstacle. Straw604includes a scented article606attached to it and a cover607to provide a movable encasement that forms a sealable chamber to trap the scent emanated by the scented article for controllable release. In some embodiments, scented article606can be a cylinder or ring, whose internal diameter is just slightly larger than the outer diameter of straw604. Cover607can be configured as a cylindrical piece of just slightly larger internal diameter than scented article606. When drinking from straw604, cover607may be slid up or down straw604into an “open” position in order to expose scented article606to the air. When straw604is not in use, cover607may be slid back down into a “closed” position over scented article606to protect it. In some embodiments, a lip of straw material can be added to straw604, e.g., below scented article606, such that when cover607is “closed,” it contacts the lip of straw material to seal in the scented article606.

Scented article606is shown as a complete cylinder with a ring-shaped cross-section, which can be slid over one end of straw604and attached to straw604by the use of adhesives or through one of the other attachment mechanisms described herein, e.g., inFIG.1D. In some implementations, for example, the scented article606can alternatively be constructed as a partial cylinder with C-shaped cross-section that can snap directly over the side straw604. Scented article606should be positioned on straw604close enough to one end that scented article606will be in proximity of the user's nose while the user is sipping from straw604.

While cover607can protect scented article and remain in place strictly through friction against scented article606, cover607may also utilize a locking mechanism to hold in place.FIG.6B-2shows a cross section of straw604, cover607, and the scented article606. Straw604can be constructed with one or more grooves,651, while cover607can be constructed with a corresponding tongue652to match each groove. When cover607is slid into the closed position over scented article606, tongue652will pop into groove651, creating a contact seal around scented article606.

FIG.6Cshows an alternative embodiment by which a scented article can be disposed on straw604. InFIG.6C, a close-up of straw604reveals that it can be constructed from two, separate pieces, inner straw608and outer straw609. AsFIG.6Cdepicts, the inner diameter of outer straw609is just slightly greater than that the outer diameter of inner straw608. In this way, they fit together snugly, but with the capability of moving relative to one another when force is applied along an axis perpendicular to those diameters. In the example embodiment, an upper portion of inner straw608includes a scented article610. In some examples, scented article610is likely to be configured as a cylinder or ring shape sized so that it will surround inner straw608without collapsing it while still fitting within the inner diameter of outer straw609. Outer straw609may be positioned in an “open” position that exposes scented article610to the air, or a “closed” position in which scented article610is protected underneath outer straw609. In some embodiments, a lip of straw material can be added to straw608, e.g., below scented article610, such that when outer straw609is “closed,” it contacts the lip of straw material to seal in the scented article610.

As in the embodiments shown inFIGS.6B-1and6B-2, the scented article inFIG.6Cmay be a complete cylinder with a ring-shaped cross-section, or a partial ring with a C-shaped cross-section that can be attached to inner straw608in the same manners as described in reference to those figures. In various embodiments of the straw604shown inFIG.6C, the scented article610can be located on inner straw608in a position where it will be in proximity to the user's nose when sipping from the straw.

FIG.6Dshows a diagram of the example embodiment of the straw604fromFIG.6Cin more detail regarding the sealing mechanism, e.g., showing inner straw608, outer straw609, and scented article610in a cross-sectional view. In this example, inner straw608is constructed with a lower groove611and an upper groove612. Outer straw609is constructed with a tongue ridge613protruding into its internal diameter. Tongue ridge613is capable of fitting within both lower groove611and upper groove612. When outer straw609is in the “closed” position, tongue ridge613will be positioned in lower groove611and scented article610will be covered. To expose scented article610, force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the diameter of the straws and toward upper groove612. Tongue ridge613will be displaced from lower groove611and slide up inner straw608until reaching upper groove612. Tongue ridge613will drop into upper groove612, locking outer straw609in place and exposing scented article610. Applying force in the opposite direction will reverse the process and seal scented article610between inner straw608and outer straw609. Significantly, because of the contact seal between inner straw608and outer straw609, beverage will never contact scented article610. Nor will the user's lips, which will be disposed at a far end of the straw, even though scented article is located within close proximity to user's nose.

FIGS.7A-1,7A-2, and7B-7Dshow example embodiments of a scented system that can be applied to a beverage container utilizing a pop-top lid. Such pop-top lids are commonly deployed on aluminum beverage cans. These cans are typically meant to be disposed of or recycled following consumption of the beverage inside. Therefore, such beverage systems typically do not need to stand up to the rigors of being washed between uses. Nevertheless, such systems present a challenge for combination with a scent system given the limited real estate available on the can.

FIG.7A-1shows such a beverage container701. Pop-top lid702includes a raiseable tab703connected to the container by way of a flexible portion704that is connected to the top surface705of the container701. Lifting raiseable tab703applies a downward force against tear-away cover706, pushing it into container701and thereby creating an opening through which the beverage can be consumed.

In some embodiments, raiseable tab703contains a finger ring707to assist the user in grabbing and pulling on it. Finger ring707can be created by bending some of the aluminum back under tab703. Given this example construction,FIG.7A-2depicts how a scented article709can be placed within the finger ring707, held in place by this bent-under aluminum. In this example embodiment, before the container701is opened, the scented article709is sealed against top surface705by the downward pressure of tab703. When tab703is raised to open container701, scented article709is exposed to the air. In this manner, the bottom surface of tab703can provide a movable encasement of the scented article709that is sealed to trap the scent when pressed against the top surface705, such as during the manufacturing process of the beverage container701or bottling process of the beverage into beverage container701. Notably, while the scented article709cannot be resealed in this embodiment, e.g., because container701will likely be discarded or recycled as soon as the beverage inside is consumed, the user should not experience any significant diminishment in scent performance.

FIG.7Bshows another embodiment of how a scent system can be deployed on such a container like the container701with a pop-top lid. Specifically,FIG.7Bshows a view of the underside of tab703. Instead of utilizing a finger ring, the end of tab703opposite of flexible portion704in this embodiment is a flat, solid region708. In this solid region708, a scented article759is affixed to the underside of tab703. The sides of scented article759are surrounded by an encasement that includes a wall710to form a channel in which the scented article759is contained. After manufacturing of the pop-top lid with the container, the encasement including the wall710and scented article759begin affixed to the top surface705of container701and to the underside of tab703. In this way, scented article759is completely encased before container701is opened. When tab703is raised to open container701, wall710breaks away from top surface705, exposing the scented article759to the air. Positioned in this way, the scented article759is in close proximity to the user's nose when a drink is taken from the container701. Alternatively, scented article759and the encasement including the wall710may be affixed to top surface705, instead of tab703; in such a case, all of the other aspects of the embodiment can be maintained and function identically. As with the previous embodiment, the embodiment inFIG.7Bwould not be resealable, but instead could be disposed/recycled as soon as the beverage inside container701was consumed. Notably, for example, the walls in this embodiment can be constructed of the same aluminum as container705, or separately constructed from plastic or foil that is applied during assembly.

FIG.7Cshows a variation of the previous embodiment in which the scented system would be resealable. Specifically,FIG.7Cshows a rotated view of the top surface705of container701with tab703raised. Scented article709is located inside a wall711such that portion of scented article protrudes from wall711. Below wall711, arranged to match its shape but have an inner diameter just larger than the outer diameter of wall711is corresponding wall712. Corresponding wall712contains a channel713of a shape and depth that it can receive the protruding portion of scented article709. When originally assembled, scented article709is sealed inside wall711and corresponding wall712, which are fused but perforated to separate when tab703is raised. After container701is opened by raising tab703, tab703can be pressed back down so that the inner circumference of corresponding wall712engages with the outer circumference of wall711and the friction between them is sufficient to hold channel713closed.

While corresponding wall712has been depicted as being raised off the top surface705, one of ordinary skill would appreciate that corresponding wall712could just as easily be constructed as a depressed area on top surface705. Similarly, one of ordinary skill in the art will also appreciate that the relative positions of scented article709, wall711, and corresponding wall712could be reversed such that scented article709and wall711are disposed on top surface705rather than on the bottom surface of tab703, and they engage corresponding wall712which is mounted on the bottom surface of tab703. As with the previous embodiment, the walls in this embodiment can be constructed of the same aluminum as container701, or separately constructed from plastic or foil that is applied during assembly.

FIG.7Dshows a final embodiment for applying a scented system to such a beverage can. Sleeve714is designed to be slightly larger in width and thickness than tab703. Open at least one end, sleeve711can slide over tab703once tab703is raised away from top surface705to open container701. Sleeve714contains scented article715mounted on its surface so that, once sleeve714is mounted on tab703, scented article715will be in close proximity to the nose of a user consuming the beverage from container701. In this embodiment, or any of the other embodiments discussed inFIGS.7A-1,7A-2, and7C, the top of the container701can be covered in a plastic wrap or foil to add to the seal and assist in preservation of the scented articles during assembly, transit, and in the retail environment prior to being opened.

The example embodiments described above include features that address and balance a number of design tradeoffs and challenges presented when engineering and constructing containers for beverage consumption to augment a user's drinking experience by delivering a scent from the container or container's appendage using a scented article. For example, the scented article should be able to deliver scent reliably to the consumer of the beverage repeatedly across multiple uses, even as the container is exposed to various environmental stressors such as heat, cold, and/or washing. The scented article may be presented in close proximity to the consumer's nose while the consumer is drinking the beverage, but it is optimal that neither the beverage nor the consumer's lips should physically touch the scented article. The scented article should be maintained a consistent distance from the user's nose no matter how the container is used so that the intensity of the scented article can be calibrated to be strong enough to stimulate a sense of taste but not so strong that it will antagonize the user and those in a proximate environment of the user. The scented article should be sealable to preserve the scent during product manufacturing, shipping and storage to prevent cross-contamination of scents from the same or differing scented articles in proximity to the product. The scented article should be large enough to hold a sufficient amount of scent such that it can stimulate a sense of taste, while small enough to minimize construction materials and integrate and attach to the beverage container in the precise location to optimally deliver and preserve the scent. The location of the scented article should expose enough surface area that scent is released with sufficient intensity to stimulate a sense of taste. Moreover, different types of containers serve varying functions, and those functions must still be satisfied despite the additional delivery of the scent from the scented article to the consumer. The above example embodiments of the scented articles and beverage containers are engineered to overcome at least some if not all of these challenges to provide the associated benefits to the user to create an enjoyable drinking experience through controlled delivery of a scent for augmenting the user's taste perception.

Scented Materials for Scented Articles in Beverage Containers

As discussed above, the ability to control scent delivery and preserve the scent for repeated scent deliveries by the particular bottle container may also be impacted by the materials engineered to form the scented article. For the example scented articles to be attachable to and/or incorporated in a drinking container, the scented article typically requires a small size relative to the container structures (e.g., bottle and/or cap of the drinking container), and therefore limited surface area, while also possessing a durable, solid structure to prevent unintentional detachments from the container (e.g., which could cause choking), unwanted leaching of chemicals into a beverage, or unintended uses (e.g., user eating the scented article) and, all the while, must still provide a strong-enough scent for the user to smell while consuming the beverage, but not too-strong of a pungent scent to adversely affect the user's beverage experience. For the scented article to achieve such functionality with a small size and sufficient structure, the fragrance composition that creates the scent in the scented article should be loaded at and must maintain a sufficient concentration range in the base material to produce a robust, stable scented product suitable for applications like scented beverage container systems.

Example embodiments of scented materials to produce the scented articles can include a fragrance material (e.g., such as a fragrant or scented compound in the form of an oil, emulsion or other liquid or liquid like phase) incorporated into a base material (e.g., a plastic). In some examples, the fragrant compounds are engineered to be compatible with certain polymer base materials, such as polyolefin, in which the fragrant compounds are integrated into the base material at particularly high loads, such as in % wt ranges of 10% or greater, e.g., 10-30% fragrant compound. The fragrant material can include an odorless flavor carrier compound and a scent flavor compound, which can be formed as a scented oil. In some embodiments, the odorless flavor carrier compound includes medium chain triglyceride (MCT) and Triacetin (1,2,3-triacetoxypropane). In such embodiments, for example, the flavor or fragrance material, such as fragrance oil, includes MCT, Triacetin, and the scent-flavor compound, in which the MCT includes a % wt in a range of 50-80% wt, the Triacetin includes a % wt in a range of 15-25% wt, and the scent-flavor compound includes a % wt in a range of 1-30% wt. In some examples, the fragrance oil includes MCT at a 50-70% wt range (e.g., 60% wt), triacetin at a 15-25% wt range (e.g., 20% wt), and the scent-flavor compound at 15-25% wt range (e.g., 20% wt).

In various embodiments of scented articles in accordance with the present technology, for example, the scented article can include the scented material (e.g., fragrance material incorporated into a base material) that has an exterior surface that includes cavities (e.g., pores, troughs, etc.) that recede inward with respect to the exterior surface of the scented article and/or protrusions (e.g., bumps, ridges, etc.) that protrude outward with respect to the surface of the exterior surface. In various embodiments, for example, the scented article can include a uniform exterior surface of the scented material. In various embodiments, for example, the cavities, protrusions, and/or uniform surface can be organized along the surface of the scented article in a variety of arrangements, e.g., including an array of periodic or aperiodic positioning, or randomly. For example, the scented article can include certain regions of the exterior surface to have cavities, the protrusions and/or the uniform surface; and/or the exterior surface can have a mixture of the cavities, the protrusions, and/or the uniform surface. In implementations, for example, the cavities and/or protrusions provide additional surface area to the scented article that can increase the concentration of the scent exposed to the outer environment (e.g., air), and thereby enhance the delivery of the scent to the user. In some embodiments, for example, the cavities and/or protrusions can be used to create letters, shapes, or symbols as a form of advertising or product differentiation.

In some embodiments, the scented articles can contain the scent by various methods and materials, including incorporating the scent into the material of the article, e.g., during a fabrication process to produce the article, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,801,969B2, entitled “SCENTED ATTACHMENT FOR CONTAINERS”, the entire content of which is incorporated by reference in this patent document. For example, the scented article (e.g., scented ring) can be fabricated using a plastic material, e.g., polyethylene, polyurethane or other example materials described herein, that is loaded with the odorous compound or aggregate that produces the scent to a desired concentration, e.g., which can be selected based on multiple variables including the type of scent (e.g., degree of pungency of a particular scent).

EXAMPLES

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example A1), a scent delivery system includes a cap removably attachable to a drinking container at an opening of the drinking container, the cap including a mechanism to move between an open position that allows fluid within the drinking container to flow outward and a closed position that prevents the fluid to flow outward; and a scented article that couples to the cap and operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the fluid when the cap is in the open position, wherein, when in the cap is in closed position, a seal is created by the cap to enclose the scented article and lock in the scent.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example A2), a cap for providing a scent delivery system to a beverage container includes a fixed base including a hole through which the beverage can pour; a movable portion mounted on the fixed base so that the movable portion moves between a closed position that seals the hole and an open position that unseals the hole; an attachment assembly including a first inner wall and a first outer wall capable to dispose a scented article between them so that a portion of the scented article is exposed to air when the movable portion is in the open position; and a receiving assembly including a second inner wall and a second outer wall, wherein, when in the movable portion is in closed position, the first inner wall is in contact with the second inner wall, and the first outer wall is in contact with the second outer wall to create a contact seal around the scented article.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example A3), a scent delivery system includes a lid removably attachable to a drinking container at an opening of the drinking container, the lid including a mechanism to move between an open position that allows fluid within the drinking container to flow outward and a closed position that prevents the fluid to flow outward; and a scented article that couples to the lid and operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the fluid when the mechanism is in the open position, wherein, when in the mechanism is in closed position, a seal is created to enclose the scented article and lock in the scent.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example A4), a scent delivery system includes a straw removably attachable to a drinking container at an opening of the drinking container, the lid including a mechanism to couple a scented article to the straw and move between an open position that allows a scent to emanate therefrom and a closed position that creates a seal to lock in the scent, wherein the scent is capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the fluid when the mechanism is in the open position.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example B1), a scent delivery system for a beverage includes a cap attachable to a beverage container proximate an opening of the beverage container to cover the opening, the cap operable to move, reversibly, between a closed position that prevents a liquid contained within the beverage container to flow outward from the beverage container and an open position that allows the liquid within the beverage container to flow outward while the cap is attached to the beverage container; and a scented article that couples to the cap and operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the liquid when the cap is in the open position, wherein the cap comprises: a fixed base including a hole through which the liquid can flow out from, a movable component coupled to the fixed base such that the movable component is able to move with respect to the fixed base between a first position to block the hole and put the cap in the closed position and a second position to unblock the hole and put the cap in the open position, and a scent chamber comprising a first encasement and a second encasement, wherein the first encasement includes a first inner wall and a first outer wall that form a first channel between them, wherein the second encasement includes a second inner wall and a second outer wall that form a second channel between them, wherein the first encasement is configured to attach the scented article to one or both of the first inner wall and the first outer wall such that the scented article is disposed in the first channel so that a portion of the scented article is exposed to air when the movable component is in the second position, and wherein the second encasement is positioned to align with the first encasement such that, when the movable component is in first position, (i) the first inner wall is in contact with the second inner wall and (ii) the first outer wall is in contact with the second outer wall to create a contact seal around the scented article, wherein, when the cap is in closed position, the contact seal created by the cap encloses the scented article and locks in the scent.

Example B2 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement of the scent chamber is coupled to the movable component, and the second encasement of the scent chamber is coupled to the fixed base.

Example B3 includes the scent delivery system of example B2 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement is coupled to a peripheral wall of the movable component.

Example B4 includes the scent delivery system of example B2 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first inner wall and the first outer wall of the first encasement have a height with respect to a trough of the first channel that is less than a height of the scented article such that the scented article protrudes out of the first channel.

Example B5 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the second encasement of the scent chamber is coupled to the movable component, and the first encasement of the scent chamber is coupled to the fixed base.

Example B6 includes the scent delivery system of example B5 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement is disposed on a surface of the fixed base.

Example B7 includes the scent delivery system of example B5 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first inner wall and the first outer wall of the first encasement have a height with respect to a trough of the first channel that is less than a height of the scented article such that the scented article protrudes out of the first channel.

Example B8 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the movable component includes a shaft and an outer wall that spans outward and downward such that the movable component forms an enclosable space with the fixed base, such that the enclosable space is enclosed when the movable component is in the first position, and wherein the scent chamber is contained within at least a portion of the enclosable space between the movable component and the fixed base.

Example B9 includes the scent delivery system of example B8 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement is coupled to a peripheral wall of the movable component.

Example B10 includes the scent delivery system of example B8 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement is coupled to an interior wall of the movable component.

Example B11 includes the scent delivery system of example B8 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement is disposed on a surface of the fixed base.

Example B12 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement of the scent chamber includes a curved geometry spanning around the movable component of the cap.

Example B13 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement of the scent chamber includes a curved geometry partially spanning around a portion of the movable component of the cap.

Example B14 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein at least one of the first inner wall, the second inner wall, the first outer wall, or the second outer wall includes a material to mechanically compress against an interfacing surface of a corresponding wall to create the contact seal when the cap is in the closed position.

Example B15 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein at least one of the first inner wall, the second inner wall, the first outer wall, or the second outer wall includes an additional lip of material on a contacting surface to contact against an interfacing surface of a corresponding wall to create the contact seal when the cap is in the closed position.

Example B16 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the first encasement or the second encasement includes an O-ring to contact against an interfacing surface of a corresponding wall to create the contact seal when the cap is in the closed position.

Example B17 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the fixed base includes a cylinder and a plug.

Example B18 includes the scent delivery system of example B17 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the movable component is moveably coupled to the cylinder and operable to move bidirectionally by sliding up and down with respect to the cylinder.

Example B19 includes the scent delivery system of example B17 or any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the movable component is moveably coupled to the cylinder and operable to rotate with respect to the cylinder along a threading or projection on the cylinder.

Example B20 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the scented article includes a ring.

Example B21 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the scented article includes at least a portion of a ring.

Example B22 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the scented article includes one or more cavities along at least one side surface of the scented article, and wherein the first channel includes one or more projections along at least one corresponding side surface of the first channel, such that the one or more projections of the first channel align with and fit within the one or more cavities of the scented article when the scented article is attached to the first channel.

Example B23 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the scented article includes one or more projections along at least one side surface of the scented article, and wherein the first channel includes one or more cavities along at least one corresponding side surface of the first channel, such that the one or more projections of the scented article align with and fit within the one or more cavities of the first channel when the scented article is attached to the first channel.

Example B24 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the scented article includes one or more projections along a side surface of the scented article directed at the first inner wall or the first outer wall, and wherein one or both of the first inner wall and the first outer wall includes a lip that projects out into the first channel at a location closer to an aperture of the first channel than the one or more projections of the scented article to retain the scented article within the first channel.

Example B25 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the scent delivery system is operable to repeatedly trap the scent generated by the scented article in the scent chamber and release the scent to an outer environment from the cap over a plurality of instances where a user moves the cap between the closed position and the open position.

Example B26 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the beverage container includes a sports bottle and the cap includes a nipple-type spout.

Example B27 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B1-B27, wherein the cap includes a sealable flip-cap spout or a sealable straw-type spout.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example B28), a scent delivery system for a beverage includes a cap attachable to a beverage container proximate an opening of the beverage container to cover the opening, the cap operable to move, reversibly, between a closed position that prevents a liquid contained within the beverage container to flow outward from the beverage container and an open position that allows the liquid within the beverage container to flow outward while the cap is attached to the beverage container; and a scented article that couples to the cap and operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the liquid when the cap is in the open position, wherein the cap comprises: a fixed base including a hole through which the liquid can flow out from, a movable component coupled to the fixed base such that the movable component is able to move with respect to the fixed base between a first position to block the hole and put the cap in the closed position and a second position to unblock the hole and put the cap in the open position, the movable component including a shaft and an outer wall that spans outward and downward such that the movable component forms an enclosable space with the fixed base, such that the enclosable space is enclosed when the movable component is in the first position, and a scent chamber contained within at least a portion of the enclosable space between the movable component and the fixed base, wherein the scented article is attached to the movable component or to the fixed based, such that a portion of the scented article is exposed to air from an outside environment with respect to the cap when the movable component is in the second position, wherein, when the movable component is in first position, the outer wall of the movable component is in contact with the fixed base to create a contact seal to enclose the scented article within the scent chamber and lock in the scent.

Example B29 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein at least one of the outer wall or the fixed base includes a material to mechanically compress against a corresponding surface when the movable component is in the first position to create the contact seal when the cap is in the closed position.

Example B30 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein at least one of the outer wall or the fixed base includes an additional lip of material on a contacting surface to contact against a corresponding surface when the movable component is in the first position to create the contact seal when the cap is in the closed position.

Example B31 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein at least one of the outer wall or the fixed base includes an O-ring to contact against a corresponding surface to create the contact seal when the movable component is in the first position when the cap is in the closed position.

Example B32 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein the fixed base includes an interior cylinder, and wherein the shaft of the movable component is moveably coupled to the interior cylinder and operable to rotate with respect to the interior cylinder along a threading or projection on the interior cylinder.

Example B33 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein the scented article includes a ring.

Example B34 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein the scented article includes at least a portion of a ring.

Example B35 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B28-B35, wherein the beverage container includes a sports bottle and the cap includes a nipple-type spout, or wherein the beverage container includes a sealable flip-cap spout.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example B36), a scent delivery system for a beverage includes a straw removably attachable to a drinking container proximate a hole of the drinking container, the straw operable to allow a liquid contained within the drinking container to flow through the straw and out of an opening of the straw when suction is applied to the opening; and a scented article coupled to an exterior surface of the straw and operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the liquid when the cap is in the open position, the straw including a cover disposed on an outside region of the straw and able to move between a first position that fully covers the scented article and a second position that at least partially exposes the scented article to allow the scent to emanate therefrom.

Example B37 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B36-B42, comprising a locking assembly that includes one or more cavities disposed on the external surface of the straw proximate the scented article, and one or more protrusions disposed on an interior surface of the cover proximate an end of the cover configured to cover the scented article, wherein the one or more protrusions are structured to fit within the one or more cavities, wherein, when the cover is in first position, the one or more protrusions on the cover are disposed within the one or more cavities on the straw to create a contact seal to enclose the scented article underneath the cover and lock in the scent.

Example B38 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B36-B42, comprising a locking assembly that includes one or more protrusions disposed on the external surface of the straw proximate the scented article, and one or more cavities disposed on an interior surface of the cover proximate an end of the cover configured to cover the scented article, wherein the one or more protrusions are structured to fit within the one or more cavities, wherein, when the cover is in first position, the one or more protrusions on the straw are disposed within the one or more cavities on the cover to create a contact seal to enclose the scented article underneath the cover and lock in the scent.

Example B39 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B36-B42, wherein the straw includes an inner straw, and the cover includes an outer straw having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the inner straw.

Example B40 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B36-B42, wherein the scented article includes a ring that wraps around the circumference of the straw.

Example B41 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B36-B42, wherein the scented article includes at least a portion of a ring.

Example B42 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B36-B42, wherein the scented article is positioned from the opening of the straw between 0.5 inches to 2 inches away from the opening.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example B43), a scent delivery system for a beverage includes a pop-top lid attached to a top surface of a beverage container proximate an opening of the beverage container that is initially covered by a cover, the pop-top lid operable to move with respect to the top surface of the beverage container, wherein the pop-top lid is in an initial position when the cover covers the opening, and wherein the pop-top lid is movable to a second position to cause the opening to be at least partially uncovered by the cover; a scented article operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the liquid; and a scent chamber including an encasement to which the scented article is attached, the encasement coupled to the pop-top lid or the top surface of the beverage container, wherein a portion of the scented article is exposed to air from an outside environment with respect to the scent chamber when the pop-top lid has been moved from the initial position to the second position, and wherein the encasement creates an initial contact seal to enclose the scented article within the scent chamber and lock in the scent when the pop-top lid is in the initial position.

Example B44 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B43-46, wherein the encasement includes a sleeve.

Example B45 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B43-46, wherein the pop-top lid includes a finger ring, and the encasement includes a portion of the finger ring proximate an aperture in the finger ring that is bent over a portion of the scented article to allow a remaining portion exposed, such that the finger ring is pressed against the top surface of the beverage container when the pop-top lid is in the initial position to trap the scent.

Example B46 includes the scent delivery system of any of the preceding or subsequent examples B43-46, wherein the scented article is surrounded by the encasement, and the encasement includes a wall to form a channel in which the scented article is contained within.

In some embodiments in accordance with the present technology (example B47), a scent delivery system for a beverage includes a cap attachable to a beverage container proximate an opening of the beverage container to cover the opening into the beverage container, the cap operable to move, reversibly, between a closed position that prevents a liquid contained within the beverage container to flow outward from the beverage container and an open position that allows the liquid within the beverage container to flow outward while the cap is attached to the beverage container; and a scented article that couples to the cap and operable to generate a scent capable of stimulating an olfactory sensation of a user including during consumption of the liquid when the cap is in the open position, wherein the cap comprises: a base, a movable component coupled to the base such that the movable component is able to move with respect to the base between a first position and a second position, and a scent chamber including an encasement to which the scented article is attached, the encasement coupled to the movable component or the base, wherein a portion of the scented article is exposed to air from an outside environment with respect to the cap when the movable component is in the second position, and wherein the encasement creates a contact seal to enclose the scented article within the scent chamber and lock in the scent when the movable component is in the first position.

Example B44 includes the scent delivery system of example B47, which includes one or more features described in any of examples B1-B46.

It is intended that the specification, together with the drawings, be considered exemplary only, where exemplary means an example. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, the use of “or” is intended to include “and/or”, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

While this patent document contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this patent document in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

Only a few implementations and examples are described and other implementations, enhancements and variations can be made based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.