NL2035003B1

NL2035003B1 - Regulator for providing an additive to a beverage

Info

Publication number: NL2035003B1
Application number: NL2035003A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Adrian Felipe Wadman Alexis
Original assignee: Vestal Holdings B V
Priority date: 2023-06-05
Filing date: 2023-06-05
Publication date: 2024-12-12

Abstract

A regulator is provided for providing at least one additive to a beverage. The regulator comprises a regulator inlet for receiving the beverage, a regulator outlet for providing the beverage With the additive and an additive chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the additive chamber being arranged to receive the additive. In the regulator, a ﬁrst ﬂow path is provided through the regulator, from the regulator inlet to the regulator outlet, Which ﬂow path is arranged to enable a ﬂow of a liquid and the ﬂow path ranging from the regulator inlet to the chamber inlet and from the chamber outlet to the regulator outlet. By enabling a ﬂow of the beverage along the additive that may be provided in the additive chamber, additive is added to the beverage. The adding may take place by means of a solid piece of additive being soluble in the beverage

Description

P134954NL00

Title: Regulator for providing an additive to a beverage

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various aspects and examples thereof relate to the field of providing a liquid for consumption with an additive.

The various aspects and examples thereof relate to the field of drinking containers comprising an arrangement for filtering a quid

BACKGROUND

Adding additives to a liquid for consumption, like water, is generally executed by adding one or more substances directly in the liquid in a bottle with the additive being provided in a tablet shape.

Various types of containers are known with arrangements for filtering water. Generally, a user has to apply a considerable suction force with his or her mouth to force water through a filter.

SUMMARY

It is preferred to provide a device for adding additives while the liquid is being consumed and, optionally, to provide more flexibility in dosing.

A first aspect provides a regulator for providing at least one additive to a beverage. The regulator comprises a regulator inlet for receiving the beverage, a regulator outlet for providing the beverage with the additive and an additive chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the additive chamber being arranged to receive the additive. In the regulator, a first flow path is provided through the regulator, from the regulator inlet to the regulator outlet, which flow path is arranged to enable a flow of a liquid and the flow path ranging from the regulator inlet to the chamber inlet and from the chamber outlet to the regulator outlet.

By enabling a flow of the beverage along the additive that may be provided in the additive chamber, additive may be added to the beverage.

The adding may take place by means of a solid piece of additive being soluble in the beverage, by small particles of the additive being taken along in the beverage - forming a suspension -, other, or a combination of two or more thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the additive may comprise Liquid components. The additive chamber may be provided as a chamber separately from the regulator or it may be formed by the regulator itself, in which case inlets and outlets of both are the same parts.

An implementation of the regulator further comprises a second flow path, from the regulator inlet to the regulator outlet, not passing through the additive chamber. In case the additive dissolves in the beverage too fast or is otherwise taken up to fast, this implementation allows only a small portion of additive to be taken up by a small portion of beverage, which small portion of beverage is subsequently mixed with an amount of beverage without the additive. This allows for dilution of the additive, preferably until a desired amount of additive in the total flow of beverage is provided.

In another implementation of the regulator, a ratio of a first flow through capacity of the first flow path and a second flow through capacity of the second flow path is adjustable. This allows for adjustment of a total amount of additive in the beverage provided by the regulator outlet. This may be required or desired, based on taste of a user, based on a speed at which the additive 1s taken up by the beverage, other parameters, or a combination of two or more thereof.

In a further implementation of the regulator, the additive chamber comprises at least one chamber hole as a part of the first flow path, wherein an open area of the hole is adjustable. This allows for an efficient implementation of this concept.

Again another implementation further comprises at least one blocking element arranged to block at least part the chamber hole. This provides a convenient to implement implementation.

In yet a further implementation, the additive chamber comprises a first shell part and a second shell part and the first shell part comprises the chamber hole, the second element comprises the blocking element. In this implementation, the first shell element and the second shell element are movable relative to one another such that movement of the first shell element and the second shell element relative to one another result in the blocking element blocking more or less of the opening of the chamber hole.

This implementation provides a relatively simple configuration that is relatively convenient to adjust.

Again a further implementation comprises multiple chamber holes divides of a first group of at least one chamber hole and a second group of at least one chamber hole, wherein the chamber hole of the first group has a first size and the chamber hole of the second group has a second size, the first size being different from the second size. With multiple chamber holes, a more even flow may be provided through the additive chamber. And with different sizes, more options for adjusting an amount of additive in the beverage may be provided and/or more options for a flow speed of the beverage may be provided.

In yet a further implementation, the chamber inlet is provided by the holes. This is a relatively simple and cost effective implementation.

In another implementation, the chamber inlet is provided at a side of the chamber. This may allows for providing holes around the chamber, for example at equiangular positions, which may allow for an improved and more uniform of beverage around the additive in the chamber.

In yet another implementation, the outlet is provided at the top of the chamber. This may allow for improved mixing and uniformity of the beverage and the additive.

In a further implementation, a chamber outlet axis of the chamber outlet is substantially parallel with a regulator outlet axis of the regulator outlet. This may provide an unobstructed flow of beverage, which may provide more convenient dispensing of the beverage, for example to an individual drinking the beverage.

In another implementation, the second flow path is provided outside a chamber space of the chamber. This may allow for two separate flows, without providing specific or separate ducts.

In again another implementation, the second flow path is provided outside the additive chamber. This may allow for two separate flows, without providing specific or separate ducts.

In yet a further implementation, the second flow path is provided along an outer wall of the additive chamber. In this implementation, no full separate duct for the second flow may have to be provided, as part of the duct is provided by the outer wall of the additive chamber.

In a further implementation, the regulator comprises a regulator chamber, the additive chamber is provided inside regulator chamber; and the second flow path is provided between the additive chamber and an inner wall of the regulator chamber. In this implementation, a duct for the second flow path may be provided by an inner wall of the regulator chamber and an outer wall of the additive chamber. If accordingly implemented, no separate dedicated duct may be required for the second flow.

Again a further implementation further comprises a flexible spout as part of the regulator outlet. A flexible spout and in particular a spout comprising or even consisting of a resilient material like an elastomer, is convenient for drinking a beverage. Furthermore, such spout may be conveniently closed by means of pinching.

In another implementation, the additive chamber is arranged to receive an additive of a first type. This allows the additive of the first type to be taken up by the first flow in the first flow path.

In yet another implementation, the additive chamber is arranged to receive the additive of the first type in a solid form. This option is convenient to use.

In a further implementation, the additive chamber is arranged to 5 receive an additive of a second type. This allows two different additives to be used in combination, thus extending options for variation in use of multiple additives.

In again a further implementation, the additive chamber is arranged to receive the additive of the second type in solid form. This option is convenient to use.

In again another implementation, the additive chamber is arranged to receive the additive of the second type stacked on the additive of the first type. This allows for efficient use of space in the additive chamber.

Furthermore, it is preferred to provide a drinking container with an arrangement for filtering that is more convenient to use.

A second aspect provides a drinking container for holding a liquid.

The container comprises a circumferential outer wall having a proximal wall end and a distal wall end providing a bottom, a flexible circumferential membrane substantially impenetrable to the liquid, the membrane having a proximal membrane end and a distal membrane end, the membrane defining a first volume between the wall and the membrane and a second volume within the membrane, a filter passage between the first volume and the second volume; and a filter holder arranged to connect a filter to at least one of the container and the membrane, such that with a filter mounted to the filter holder, such that the filter, in use, is provided at the filter passage such that liquid passing through the filter passage, from the first volume to the second volume, flows through the filter.

While Liquid flows from the first volume to the second volume via the filter passage, the liquid is filtered by means of the filter - when placed as specified. The filter is preferably replaceable and the container may firstly be provided without the filter.

The container can be nearly fully filled, either with the membrane already in or with the membrane placed in the container at a later moment.

The second volume will be small or decrease, as the membrane is flexible.

When a particular force is provided within at least one of the first volume and the second volume, to create a pressure difference between the first volume and the second volume such that the pressure in the second volume is lower, liquid will flow from the first volume to the second volume and will thus be filtered while passing through the filter. By virtue of the flexible nature of the membrane, the first volume will decrease in size and the second volume will increase in size - while the total volume of the container as defined by the outer circumferential wall will remain the same. An important advantage is that in this way, optimal use is made of the total volume of the container.

In an implementation of the container, the proximal end of the membrane coincides with the proximal end of the outer wall. It is noted that such situation is desirable in use; for filling the container, any liquid to be filtered is to be provided in the second volume. And therefore, during filling, the membrane is either to be removed from the container or to be otherwise removed from the proximal end of the outer wall to provide access to the first volume. With the membrane and the proximal end of the outer wall coinciding, unfiltered liquid can only exit the first volume via the filter passage. This largely reduces or may even prevent contamination of filtered liquid with unfiltered liquid.

In a further implementation, the distal end of the membrane coincides with the distal end of the outer wall. This may further reduce contamination.

Another implementation further comprises a skeleton structure within the membrane, the skeleton structure comprising at least one protrusion protruding from a centre of the second volume towards the membrane. Such skeleton structure may provide shape to the membrane, in at least one of axial and radial direction. If in radial direction, the membrane may be set to extend from the proximal end of the container towards a distal end of the container, within circumferential outer wall.

In again another implementation, the skeleton structure comprises at least three protrusions protruding from the centre of the second volume towards the membrane, the protrusions being substantially equiangular distributed over an axis of the second volume. With at least three protrusions, preferably provided equiangularly along the axis of the second volume, a volume may be defined. Implementations may be envisaged in which two protrusion provided at an angle of more - or less - than 180° define a volume having a triangular cross-section, which is equivalent.

In yet a further implementation, the protrusions range along at least 50% of the length of the membrane. This allows for a large and long definition of the second volume, providing sufficient space for filtered liquid.

In yet another implementation, the membrane is a resilient membrane. An advantage thereof is that the membrane may move back to an initial position. For example, if the membrane defining a second volume larger than zero is inserted in a container filled with unfiltered liquid, the

Liquid will exert pressure on the membrane and the second volume will become smaller. By virtue of the resilient nature of the membrane, the membrane will go back to an initial shape, thus increasing the second volume. By virtue of the increasing, firstly pressure will drop and Liquid will flow from the first volume to the second volume, via the filter.

Again a further implementation, further comprising a cap, the cap comprises an outlet for the second volume. This allows for convenient removal of filtered liquid from the second volume and filling of the first volume.

In another implementation, the membrane is connected to the cap. This allows for convenient removal and insertion of the membrane.

In yet a further implementation, the skeleton is connected to the cap. This allows for convenient removal from and insertion of the membrane and skeleton structure in the container provided by the outer circumferential wall.

Again a further implementation further comprises a substantially rigid inner circumferential wall between the outer circumferential wall and the membrane, the inner wall having a proximal end and a distal end and the inner wall dividing the first volume in a first sub-volume between the outer wall and the inner wall and a second sub-volume between the inner wall and the membrane. This implementation provided a cartridge within the membrane provided therein and allows for quick insertion of the membrane in the container, with liquid provided in the container.

In yet a further implementation, the inner wall comprises at least one passage for the liquid, allowing liquid to flow between the first sub- volume and the second sub-volume. This implementation allows the membrane to change shape, allowing for changes in sizes of the first volume and the second volume, while still providing advantages of a conveniently insertable cartridge with the membrane.

In another implementation, the inner wall 1s connected to the cap at the proximal end of the inner wall. This provides an option for quick and convenient insertion of the cartridge with the inner wall and the membrane.

In again a further implementation, the outer wall is provided with a bottom wall at the distal end of the circumferential wall. This forms a container.

In yet another implementation, the proximal end of the circumferential wall is open and the edge of the opening is provided with a sealing liner. This allows for proper sealing between the first volume and the second volume.

In again another implementation, an inner wall diameter of the outside of the inner wall at the proximal end of the inner wall is substantially the same as an opening diameter of the opening of the outer wall at the proximal end of the outer wall, such that when the inner wall is provided within the outer wall, the first volume is sealed between the outer wall and the inner wall at the opening of the outer wall at the proximal end of the outer wall. This further improves sealing the first volume from the second volume, thus reducing any risk of contamination.

In another implementation, the filter holder further comprising a filter mount for mounting the filter to the filter passage, the filter mount being connected to the distal end of the membrane such that when a filter is mounted by means of the filter mount, liquid that passes through the filter passage flows through the filter. This allows for conveniently connecting and replacing of a filter, such that the container can be used for a long time, with from time to time, a fresh filter.

In a further implementation, the filter mount is connected to the inner wall. With a rigid inner wall, a firm connection may be made between the filter and the inner wall, to seal off any openings between the first volume and the second volume, such that liquid can only flow from the first volume to the second volume via the filter, when mounted as specified.

In again a further implementation, the filter mount is releasably connected to the inner wall. This allows for replacement of the filter.

In yet another implementation, the filter mount comprises an opening for receiving liquid from the first volume and passing the liquid through the filter, when the filter is held by the filter mount. For proper filtering, the liquid is to reach a filter as mounted, for example comprised by a filter cartridge that is mounted between the first volume and the second volume.

In again another implementation, the filter passage is provided at the distal end of the membrane. This allows for a compact design of the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects and examples thereof will now be discussed in conjunction with drawings. In the drawings:

Figure 1: shows a cross-section of a water bottle;

Figure 2: shows an isometric view of the cross-section;

Figure 3: shows a container with a collar insert;

Figure 4 A: shows a skeleton structure;

Figure 4 B: shows the skeleton structure in a cartridge;

Figure 4 C: shows the cartridge with a cap and filter cartridge;

Figure 4 D: shows the cartridge with a filter holder;

Figure 5 A: shows the cartridge above the container;

Figure 5 B: shows a cross-section of the cartridge in the situation depicted by Figure 5 A;

Figure 5 C: shows the cartridge halfway in the container;

Figure 5 D: shows a cross-section of the cartridge in the situation depicted by Figure 5 C;

Figure 6 A: shows a first exploded view of the cap;

Figure 6 B: shows a second exploded view of the cap; and

Figure 6 C: shows a cross-section of the cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figure 1 shows a water bottle 100 as an example of a drinking container. The water bottle 100 comprises a container 102 having a circumferential wall 104 and a bottom 106. On top of the container 102, a cap 300 is provided having a cap body 302 in which a drinking spout 312 is provided for providing a liquid to a user of the water bottle 100. In the description below, the side of the container 102 closest to the drinking spout 312 is identified as proximal and the side of the container 102 furthest away from the drinking spout 312 is identified as distal.

Within the container 102, a cartridge 200 is provided. The cartridge 200 is arranged to hold filtered water and provide the filtered water to the drinking spout 312. The cartridge 200 comprises a cartridge wall 202 that is in this example rigid. Within the cartridge 200, a flexible and preferably resilient membrane 210 is provided. In this example, the membrane 210 is provided as a conduit from a distal side of the cartridge 200 to a proximal side of the cartridge.

At the distal side of the membrane 210, a filter cartridge 250 is provided such that any liquid provided in a first volume between the membrane 210 and the circumferential wall of the container 102 can only enter a second volume within the membrane 210 while passing through the filter cartridge 250. In this example, the filter cartridge 250 is removable attached to the cartridge 200 by means of a filter holder 240 as a filter mount. The filter holder 240 is in this example screwed onto the bottom of the cartridge wall 202.

In this example, the filter holder 240 is open at the bottom and the filter cartridge 250 is closed at the bottom in order to keep the first volume and second volume separated, apart from a filter passage 206 where the filter cartridge 250 1s provided. In this way, liquid is enabled to flow from the first volume, via the circular slot between the bottom of the filter cartridge 250 and the filter holder, through the filter in the filter cartridge 250, to the second volume.

Figure 1 shows a skeleton structure 220 provided within the second volume. The skeleton structure comprises a drinking conduit 226 at the centre axis of the skeleton structure 220, which in this example coincides with the axis of the water bottle 100. The drinking conduit 226 comprises at a distal end a conduit opening 228 for receiving water or another liquid from the second volume. Via the drinking conduit 226, the water received may be guided to the drinking spout 312. The skeleton structure 220 further comprises skeleton protrusions that will be discussed 1m conjunction with subsequent drawings.

In this example, the cartridge wall 202 is substantially rigid. At a proximal end of the cartridge wall 202 and at a distal end of the cartridge wall 202, cartridge openings 204 are provided to enable liquid to flow, within the first volume, between a first sub-volume between the cartridge wall 202 and the wall of the container 102 on one hand and a second sub- volume between the cartridge wall and the membrane 210. The cartridge wall 202 is in this example connected to the cap body 302 by means of a threaded connection.

Figure 2 shows the cartridge 200 in further detail. In particular,

Figure 2 shows a skeleton protrusion 222 comprised by the skeleton structure 220. In this example, the skeleton protrusion 222 is a solid plate- shaped structure that protrudes from the drinking conduit 226, from the left of the drinking conduit 226 as shown by Figure 2. In other implementations of the skeleton structure 220, the skeleton protrusions 222 are provided as open structures. Such open structures may protrude to the same extent as shown in the example of Figure 2, but may be open between an extremity of the skeleton protrusion 222 and the axis of the skeleton structure 220.

Figure 2 also shows the cartridge openings 204 in the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge wall 202 in further detail. In this example, multiple cartridge openings 204 are provided at the proximal end and distal end of the cartridge wall 202. The openings are preferably provided equidistantly and/or equiangularly along the circumference of the cartridge wall 202 to provide a passage between the first sub-volume and the second sub-volume.

Figure 2 shows the cartridge 200 without the filter holder 240 (Figure 1), showing the threads for connecting the filter holder 240 to the cartridge wall 202 in further detail. These threads for connecting the filter holder 240 are provided at the distal end of the cartridge wall 202.

Figure 3 shows the container 102 with a collar insert 110. In the collar insert 110, a valve 112 is provided. The valve 112 is arranged to let air pass through from a space outside the inner volume of the container 102 to the first volume in the container 102. The collar insert 110 has an inner diameter that is substantially the same as an outer diameter of the cartridge 200 at the proximal edge of the cartridge. Preferably the cartridge 200 is prismatic, i.e. the cartridge 200 has the same diameter has the same outer diameter from proximal to distal end, along the cartridge wall 202.

Figure 4 A shows the skeleton structure 220 in further detail. In this example, the skeleton structure 200 is provided with four skeleton protrusions 222 that are provided at equiangular locations, relative to the axis of the skeleton structure 220. At the proximal end of the skeleton structure 220, a connecting head 232 is provided for connecting the skeleton structure 220 to the cap body 302. Whereas Figure 4 A discloses four skeleton protrusions 222, implementations may be envisaged with one, two, three, five, six or more skeleton protrusions. Such protrusions may have the plate shape as shown by Figure 4 A or a different shape. Such shape may be straight, curved, other, or a combination thereof.

Figure 4 B shows the connecting head 232 in further detail. In this example, the connecting head 232 comprises at the top two concentric rings. At the outside of the inner ring, threads are provided for connecting the skeleton structure 220 to the cap body 302. As shown by Figure 4 B, the skeleton structure is shown as partially inserted in the cartridge wall 202, without the membrane 210.

Figure 4C shows the filter cartridge 250 separate from the cartridge 200, with the cap 300 mounted to the cartridge 200 . At the top of the filter cartridge 250, a resilient seal 256 may be provide to ensure that any liquid flowing through the passage between the first volume and the second volume flows through the filter cartridge 250 and not past the filter cartridge 250. Additionally or alternatively, a further seal may be provided at the distal end of the cartridge wall.

In this example, the filter cartridge 250 comprises a closed bottom 252. Filter material is provided between the proximal end of the filter cartridge 250 and the bottom 252. In this way, liquid may only flow from the first volume to the second volume through the filter cartridge.

Figure 4 D shows the cartridge 200 with the cap 300 mounted to the cartridge 200. Furthermore, the filter holder 240 is mounted to the cartridge wall 202. In this example, the distal end of the filter holder 240 is open, exposing the bottom 232 of the filter cartridge 250. Liquid to pass through the filter comprised by the filter cartridge 250 is allowed to pass between the filter holder 240 and the filter bottom 232.

Figure 5 A shows the filter cartridge 200 provided outside the container 102. Figure 5 B shows a cross-section of the cartridge 200 when the cartridge 200 is not inserted in the container 102. In this position, the membrane 210 is kept in the shape depicted by Figure 5 B by means of the skeleton protrusions 222. Preferably, the membrane 210 is in the position as depicted by Figure 5 not under tension or lightly under tension.

Figure 5 C shows the cartridge 200 inserted halfway in the container 102. The container 102 is filled with a liquid. Figure 5 D shows a cross-section of the cartridge 200 while the cartridge 200 is in the position as shown by Figure 5 C and pushed further in the cartridge. With the container 102 being filled with liquid and the cartridge being pushed in the container 102, liquid flows from the first sub-volume to the second sub- volume via the cartridge openings 204. This is particularly the case if the cartridge 200 is prismatic, as discussed above.

If the cartridge wall 202 is prismatic, liquid cannot flow over the proximal edge of the container 102, as there is no room at the top, between the cartridge wall 202 and the inner opening of the collar 110. Instead, liquid flows from the first sub-volume to the second sub-volume via the openings 204, by virtue of pressure exerted on the liquid by the cartridge 200 being pressed in the container 102.

Subsequently, by virtue of the pressure being exerted on the liquid, the liquid presses on the membrane 210, which causes deformation of the membrane 210 as depicted by Figure 5 D. Furthermore, by virtue of the pressure exerted on the liquid, liquid is pressed through the filter of the filter cartridge.

Once the cartridge 200 1s positioned in the container, the membrane 210 is firstly under tension, in the position as depicted by Figure 5 D. And by virtue of the tension in the membrane 210, pressure is exerted on the liquid. Due to the pressure exerted on the liquid in the second sub- volume, liquid flows from the second sub-volume to the first sub-volume and, via the filter cartridge 205, to the second volume. In this way, a stable equilibrium 1s reached, in which the membrane 210 settles in the position as depicted by Figure 5 B. In this equilibrium, filters liquid is provided in the second volume.

When a user drinks from the spout, water flows from the second volume to the spout 312, via the conduit opening 228 and the drinking conduit 226. With liquid being removed from the second volume, the membrane 210 deforms and takes a shape as depicted by Figure 5 D or a shape between the shape depicted by Figure 5 D and the shape depicted by

Figure 5 B. subsequently, the membrane 210 will take the shape as depicted by Figure 5 B, while liquid flows from the second sub-volume to the first sub-volume and subsequently to the second volume, via the filter cartridge provided at the liquid passage. For the avoidance of doubt, by virtue of the flexible nature of the membrane 210, the sizes of the second sub-volume and of the second volume may vary.

Whereas the examples discussed above comprise a skeleton structure, implementations of the first aspect may also be provided in which the membrane is able to adapt to changes of pressure of liquids in the volume and differences in pressures between the various volumes. This may be for example the case in an implementation in which the membrane has a rigidity that allows it to preserve a shape to provide the second volume, without the skeleton structure. Furthermore, an implementation may be envisaged in which the skeleton structure does not have a centre structure, like the drinking conduit 226. In such implementation, a skeleton structure may be provided with two, three, four or more members of the skeleton structure that provide structure and shape to the membrane to perform at least part of the functionality discussed above.

Figure 6 A provides an exploded view of the bottle cap 300. The bottle cap 300 comprises the cap base 302 and the drinking spout 312. The drinking spout 312 is in this example provided as part of a cap shell 310, integrally formed with a cap shell body 314. At the bottom of the cap shell body 314, a cap shell ring is provided, with cap protrusions 316 provided thereon. The cap shell ring is in this example integrally formed with the cap shell body. In other implementations, the different parts of the cap shell 310 may be formed separately and joined together by means of an adhesive like glue, welding, snap-fit connections, other, or a combination thereof. The cap shell 310 is in this example snap-fit fixed in the cap base 302 by means of the cap protrusions that snap into cap recesses 322 (Figure 6 B).

At the bottom of the cap base 302, a conduit connector 308 is provided for connection with the liquid conduit 226 or another liquid conduit. In this example, the conduit connector 308 is integrally formed with the cap base 302 and the only opening at the bottom the cap base 302. In another implementation, an additional bottom cap shell may be provided,

connected to the cap base 302 at the bottom and comprises the conduit connector 308. With the cap shell 310 provided at the top of the cap base 302 and the cap base being closed at the bottom except for the opening in the conduit connector 308, a cap chamber is thus created in the cap 300 as an implementation of a regulator chamber.

In the cap chamber, a first regulator shell 330 and a second regulator shell 350 are provided. The first regulator shell 330 and the second regulator shell 350 form an additive chamber. The first shell regulator 330 comprises in this example at the sides a multitude of first sized holes 334 and a multitude of second sized holes 336. The first sized holes 334 are in this example larger than the second sized holes 336. In other implementations, there may be more or less holes and the holes may be of equal sizes or many, more than two, different sizes. The first sized holes 334 and the second sized holes 336 provide in this example an inlet for the additive chamber.

At the top of the first regulator shell, a chamber outlet 332 is provided as an outlet of the additive chamber. The chamber outlet 332 is in this example provided concentrically with the drinking spout 312 and the conduit connector 308. Other examples may be envisaged with the first sized holes 334, the second sized holes 336 and the chamber outlet 332 provided at different locations on the additive chamber. The additive chamber is provided in the cap base 302, with the shell feet 356 (Figure 6 B) provided in the shell seat 324 (Figure 6 B).

On the second regulator shell 350, shell shields 354 are provided as blocking elements. The first regulator shell 330 comprises in total eight inlet holes, of two sizes, as discussed above. The first sized holes 334 and the second sized holes 336 are intermittently provided at the side of the first regulator shell 330. The second regulator shell 350 comprises in this example four shell shields 354 provided equiangularly. By changing the angular position of the first regulator shell 330 relative to the second regulator shell 330 - or vice versa -, the shell shields block at least part or more of the first sized holes 334 or the second sized holes 336 - or no hole at all.

The amount of opening of the inlet holes and hence, of the total inlet, may be enabled in a continuous way or in a staggered way. In the latter case, notches and recesses arranged to engage with one another may be provided on one or both of the first regulator to lock positions of the first regulator shell 330 and the second regulator shell 350 relative to one another. The locking may alternatively or additionally done by means of press-fitting, snap fitting, otherwise or a combination of two or more thereof.

Within the additive chamber, a first additive 292 and a second additive 294 may be provided. In another example, one additive or more than two additives may be provided. In this example, the first additive 292 comprises a substance for adding flavour to any liquid that passes and the second additive 294 comprises a substance for adding minerals, like salts comprising for example one or more of sodium, potassium and magnesium, to any liquid that passes.

At the side of the cap 300, in this example in the cap body 302, an air inlet 306 1s provided. The air inlet 306 enables air to be taken in, in the second volume. The air may subsequently be led to the first volume, via the valve 112 (Figure 3).

In the example discussed above in conjunction with Figure 6 A and Figure 6 B, a regulator chamber is provided comprising an additive chamber provided therein. Figure 6 C shows the cap 300 assembled, showing the regulator chamber and the additive chamber. Figure 6 C shows two flows of liquid. A first flow, depicted by the dotted dashed line, flows outside the regulator chamber. A second flow, depicted by the long line dashed line, flows through the additive chamber. A ratio between the first flow and the second flow is in this example determined by the size of the openings of the inlet holes, so by a total cumulative area of the openings comprised by the inlet of the additive chamber.

More in detail as to this example, the ratio between the first

Liquid flow without additive and the second liquid flow with one or more additives is determined by the angulator positions of the first regulator shell 330 and the second regulator shell 350 relative to one another. It is noted that the cap 300 as an example of the second aspect and discussed in detail in conjunction with Figure 6 A, Figure 6 B and Figure 6 C may be used with the container 102 without the cartridge 200, as may the container 102 by used without the dedicated cap 300 with the additive regulation system as discussed in conjunction with Figure 6 A, Figure 6 B and Figure 6 C.

In summary, the various aspects and implementations thereof relate to the following examples: 1. Regulator for providing at least one additive to a beverage, the regulator comprising: a regulator inlet for receiving the beverage; a regulator outlet for providing the beverage with the additive; an additive chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the additive chamber being arranged to receive the additive; and a first flow path through the regulator, from the regulator inlet to the regulator outlet, the flow path being arranged to enable a flow of a liquid and the flow path ranging from the regulator inlet to the chamber inlet and from the chamber outlet to the regulator outlet. 2. The regulator according to example 1, further comprising a second flow path, from the regulator inlet to the regulator outlet, not passing through the additive chamber. 3. The regulator according to example 2, wherein a ratio of a first flow through capacity of the first flow path and a second flow through capacity of the second flow path is adjustable.

4. The regulator according to example 3, wherein the additive chamber comprises at least one chamber hole as a part of the first flow path, wherein an open area of the hole is adjustable.

5. The regulator according to example 4, further comprising at least one blocking element arranged to block at least part the chamber hole.

6. The regulator according to example 5, the additive chamber comprising a first shell part and a second shell part, wherein:

the first shell part comprises the chamber hole the second element comprises the blocking element; and the first shell element and the second shell element are movable relative to one another such that movement of the first shell element and the second shell element relative to one another result in the blocking element blocking more or less of the opening of the chamber hole.

7. The regulator according to any one of the examples 4 to 6, comprising multiple chamber holes divides of a first group of at least one chamber hole and a second group of at least one chamber hole, wherein the chamber hole of the first group has a first size and the chamber hole of the second group has a second size, the first size being different from the second size.

8. The regulator according to any one of the examples 4 to 7, wherein the chamber inlet is provided by the holes.

9. The regulator according to any one of the preceding examples, wherein the chamber inlet is provided at a side of the chamber.

10. The regulator according to any one of the preceding examples 4 to 8, and the outlet is provided at the top of the chamber.

11. The regulator according to example 10, wherein a chamber outlet axis of the chamber outlet is substantially parallel with a regulator outlet axis of the regulator outlet.

12. The regulator according to any of the example 2 to 11 to the extent dependent on example 2, wherein the second flow path is provided outside a chamber space of the chamber.

13. The regulator according to any of the preceding examples,

wherein the second flow path is provided outside the additive chamber.

14. The regulator according to example 14, wherein the second flow path is provided along an outer wall of the additive chamber.

15. The regulator according to example 13 or example 14, wherein:

the regulator comprises a regulator chamber;

the additive chamber is provided inside regulator chamber; and the second flow path is provided between the additive chamber and an inner wall of the regulator chamber.

16. The regulator according to any of the preceding examples,

further comprising a flexible spout as part of the regulator outlet.

17. The regulator according to any of the preceding examples, wherein the additive chamber is arranged to receive an additive of a first type.

18. The regulator according to example 17, wherein the additive chamber is arranged to receive the additive of the first type in a solid form.

19. the regulator according to any one of example 17 and example 18, wherein the additive chamber is arranged to receive an additive of a second type.

20. The regulator according to example 19, wherein the additive chamber is arranged to receive the additive of the second type in solid form.

21. The regulator according to example 20, wherein the additive chamber is arranged to receive the additive of the second type stacked on the additive of the first type.

22. Drinking container for holding a liquid, the container comprising:

a circumferential outer wall having a proximal wall end and a distal wall end;

a flexible circumferential membrane substantially impenetrable to the liquid, the membrane having a proximal membrane end and a distal membrane end, the membrane defining a first volume between the wall and the membrane and a second volume within the membrane;

a filter passage between the first volume and the second volume;

and a filter holder arranged to have a filter connected thereto such that with a filter mounted to the filter holder, such that the filter, in use, is provided at the filter passage such that liquid passing through the filter passage flows through the filter.

23. The drinking container according to example 22, wherein the proximal end of the membrane coincides with the proximal end of the outer wall.

24. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 23, wherein the distal end of the membrane coincides with the distal end of the outer wall.

25. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 24, further comprising a skeleton structure within the membrane, the skeleton structure comprising at least one protrusion protruding from a centre of the second volume towards the membrane

26. The drinking container according to example 25, wherein the skeleton structure comprises at least three protrusions protruding from the centre of the second volume towards the membrane, the protrusions being substantially equiangular distributed over an axis of the second volume.

27. The drinking container according to example 25 or example 26, wherein the protrusions range along at least 50% of the length of the membrane.

28. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 27, wherein the membrane is a resilient membrane.

29. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 28, further comprising a cap, the cap comprising an outlet for the second volume.

30. The drinking container of example 29, wherein the membrane 1s connected to the cap.

31. The drinking container according to any of example 29 or example 30, to the extent dependent on any of example 25 to example 27, wherein the skeleton is connected to the cap.

32. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 31, further comprising a substantially rigid inner circumferential wall between the outer circumferential wall and the membrane, the inner wall having a proximal end and a distal end and the inner wall dividing the first volume in a first sub-volume between the outer wall and the inner wall and a second sub-volume between the inner wall and the membrane.

33. The drinking container according to example 32, the inner wall comprising at least one passage for the liquid, allowing liquid to flow between the first sub-volume and the second sub-volume.

34. The drinking container according to example 32 or example 33 to the extent dependent on example 29, wherein the inner wall is connected to the cap at the proximal end of the inner wall.

35. the drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 34, wherein the outer wall is provided with a bottom wall at the distal end of the circumferential wall.

36. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 35, wherein the proximal end of the circumferential wall is open and the edge of the opening is provided with a sealing liner.

37. The drinking container according to example 36 to the extent dependent on example 32, wherein an inner wall diameter of the outside of the inner wall at the proximal end of the inner wall is substantially the same as an opening diameter of the opening of the outer wall at the proximal end of the outer wall, such that when the inner wall is provided within the outer wall, the first volume is sealed between the outer wall and the inner wall at the opening of the outer wall at the proximal end of the outer wall.

38. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 37, the filter holder further comprising a filter mount for mounting the filter to the filter passage, the filter mount being connected to the distal end of the membrane such that when a filter is mounted by means of the filter mount, liquid that passes through the filter passage flows through the filter.

39. The drinking container according to example 38 to the extend dependent on example 32, wherein the filter mount is connected to the inner wall.

40. The drinking container according to example 39, wherein the filter mount is releasably connected to the inner wall.

41. The drinking container according to example 40, wherein the filter mount comprises an opening for receiving liquid from the first volume and passing the liquid through the filter, when the filter is held by the filter mount.

42. The drinking container according to any of the preceding examples 22 to 41, wherein the filter passage is provided at the distal end of the membrane.

Claims

Conclusions

1. A controller for dispensing at least one additive to a beverage, the controller comprising: a control inlet for receiving the beverage; a control outlet for dispensing the beverage with the additive therein; an additive chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet, the additive chamber being adapted to receive the additive; and a first flow path through the controller from the controller inlet to the controller outlet, the flow path being adapted to allow a flow of a fluid and the flow path extending from the controller inlet to the chamber inlet and from the chamber outlet to the controller outlet.

2. The regulator of claim 1 further comprising a second flow path, from the regulator inlet to the regulator outlet, that does not pass through the additive chamber.

3. A controller according to claim 2, wherein a ratio of a first flow capacity of the first flow path and a second flow capacity of the second flow path is adjustable.

4. The controller of claim 3, wherein the additive chamber includes at least one chamber hole as part of the first flow path, an open area of the hole being adjustable.

IS.

5. The regulator of claim 4 further comprising at least one blocking element configured to block at least a portion of the chamber hole.

6. A controller according to claim 5, wherein the additive chamber comprises a first shell member and a second shell member, wherein: the first shell member comprises the chamber hole the second member comprises the blocking member; and the first shell member and the second shell member are movable relative to each other such that movement of the first shell member and the second shell member relative to each other causes the blocking member to block the opening of the chamber hole to a lesser or greater extent.

7. A regulator according to any one of claims 4 to 6, comprising a plurality of chamber holes, the plurality of chamber holes comprising a first group of at least one chamber hole and a second group of at least one chamber hole, the chamber hole of the first group having a first size and the chamber hole of the second group having a second size, the first size being different from the second size.

8. A regulator as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the chamber inlet is provided through the holes.

9. A regulator according to any preceding claim, wherein the chamber inlet is provided on a side of the chamber.

10. A regulator according to any one of claims 4 to 8, and the outlet is provided at the top of the chamber.

11. The regulator of claim 10, wherein a chamber outlet axis of the chamber outlet is substantially parallel to a regulator outlet axis of the regulator outlet.

12. A controller according to any one of claims 2 to 11 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the second flow path is provided outside a chamber space of the chamber.

13. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the second flow path is provided outside the additive chamber.

14. A controller according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein the second flow path is provided along an outer wall of the additive chamber.

15. The controller of claim 14, wherein: the controller comprises a control chamber; the additive chamber is located in the control chamber; and the second flow path is provided between the additive chamber and an inner wall of the control chamber.

16. A regulator according to any preceding claim, further comprising a flexible spout as part of the outlet of the regulator.

17. A controller according to any preceding claim, wherein the additive chamber is adapted to receive an additive of a first type.

18. A controller according to claim 17, wherein the additive chamber is adapted to receive the additive of the first type in solid form.

19. A controller according to any one of claims 17 and 18, wherein the additive chamber is adapted to receive an additive of a second type.

20. A controller according to claim 19, wherein the additive chamber is adapted to receive the additive of the second type in solid form.

21. The controller of claim 20, wherein the additive chamber is configured to receive the additive of the second type stacked on the additive of the first type.

22. A drinking container for containing a liquid, the container comprising: a peripheral outer wall having a proximal wall end and a distal wall end; a flexible peripheral membrane substantially impermeable to the liquid, the membrane having a proximal membrane end and a distal membrane end, the membrane defining a first volume between the wall and the membrane and a second volume within the membrane; a filter passage between the first volume and the second volume; and a filter holder adapted to receive a filter thereto so that with a filter mounted on the filter holder, the filter, in use, is mounted to the filter passage such that liquid flowing through the filter passage flows substantially only through the filter.

23. Drinking container according to claim 22, wherein the proximal end of the membrane coincides with the proximal end of the outer wall.

24. Drinking container according to any of the preceding claims 22 to 23, wherein the distal end of the membrane coincides with the distal end of the outer wall.

25. A drinking container according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 24, further comprising a skeletal structure within the membrane, the skeletal structure comprising at least one protrusion extending from a center of the second volume toward the membrane.

26. A drinking container according to claim 25, wherein the skeletal structure comprises at least three projections extending from the centre of the second volume towards the membrane, the projections being substantially equiangularly distributed about an axis of the second volume.

27. A drinking container according to claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the projections extend along at least 50% of the length of the membrane.

28. Drinking container according to any of the preceding claims 22 to 27, wherein the membrane is a resilient membrane.

29. A drinking container according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 28, further comprising a cap, the cap comprising an outlet for the second volume.

30. A drinking container according to claim 29, wherein the membrane is connected to the cap.

31. A drinking container according to any one of claims 29 or 30, insofar as it depends on any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein] the skeleton is connected to the cap.

32. A drinking container according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 31, further comprising a substantially rigid inner circumferential wall between the outer circumferential wall and the membrane, the inner wall having a proximal end and a distal end and the inner wall dividing the first volume into a first partial volume between the outer wall and the inner wall and a second partial volume between the inner wall and the membrane.

33. Drinking container according to claim 32, wherein the inner wall comprises at least one passage for the liquid, through which liquid can flow between the first part volume and the second part volume.

34. A drinking container according to claim 32 or claim 33 as dependent on claim 29, wherein the inner wall is connected to the cap at the proximal end of the inner wall.

35. Drinking container according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 34, wherein the outer wall at the distal end of the circumferential wall is provided with a bottom wall.

36. A drinking container according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 35, wherein the proximal end of the peripheral wall is open and the edge of the opening is provided with a sealing lining.

37. A drinking container according to claim 36 when dependent on claim 32, wherein an inner wall diameter of the outer side of the inner wall at the proximal end of the inner wall is substantially equal to an opening diameter of the opening of the outer wall at the proximal end of the outer wall, such that when the inner wall is disposed within the outer wall, the first volume is sealed between the outer wall and the inner wall at the opening of the outer wall at the proximal end of the outer wall.

38. A drinking container according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 37, wherein the filter holder further comprises a filter mount for mounting the filter to the filter passage, the filter mount being connected to the distal end of the membrane such that when a filter is mounted by means of the filter mount, fluid flowing through the filter passage flows through the filter.

39. Drinking container according to claim 38 as dependent on claim 32, wherein the filter holder is connected to the inner wall.

40. Drinking container according to claim 39, wherein the filter holder is detachably connected to the inner wall.

41. A drinking container according to claim 40, wherein the filter holder comprises an opening for receiving liquid from the first volume and passing the liquid through the filter when the filter is held by the filter holder.

42. Drinking container according to any of the preceding claims 22 to 41, wherein the filter passage is provided at the distal end of the membrane.