Patent ID: 8740020

Claim:
A beverage dispensing system comprising: a container; an attachment mechanism coupled to the container, the attachment mechanism comprising an engagement assembly, a piercing portion, a valve, and an elevator cooperatively engaged with the valve; and a cartridge adapted to engage the attachment mechanism at the engagement assembly, the cartridge comprising a chamber, an opening, and a cover located over the opening, the cover being cuttable and foldable during engagement of the cartridge and the attachment mechanism, the cartridge further comprising a cap attached to the top of the chamber, wherein the cap includes a foil retainer wherein when the cartridge engages the engagement assembly, the piercing portion pushes against the foil retainer, thereby piercing the cover with the foil retainer; wherein, when the cartridge is engaged with the attachment mechanism, the engagement assembly holds the cartridge within the attachment mechanism, the piercing portion pierces through the cover, and the valve extends into the container; and further wherein the valve is hinged at one end such that, when the cartridge is engaged with the attachment mechanism, the elevator pushes the valve and swings the valve to an open position, leaving the cartridge cover cut and folded open.