Patent Grant
8047155
The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for applying solids, for example, granulated solids.
Granulated solids have been applied to the rim portion of glassware as a flavor enhancer for beverages. For example, a margarita or a beer may be served in a salt-rimmed glass, a daiquiri may be served in a sugar-rimmed glass, a bloody Caesar may be served in a celery salt and pepper-rimmed glass, and non-alcoholic beverages, such as mulled cider, may be served in a cinnamon spice-rimmed glass. These beverages can be prepared by wetting the rim portion of a glass, for example, by dipping the rim portion into shallow dish of water, and then dipping the rim portion into a reservoir containing the selected granulated solids. The glass can then be filled with the desired contents.
The invention relates to apparatuses and methods for applying solids.
In one aspect, the invention features apparatuses and methods that can be used to apply a solid (e.g., granulated solids) to a selected portion of a beverage container (e.g., a rim portion of a glass). For example, a user can wet the rim portion of a glass, apply a solid to the rim portion, and pour a beverage into the glass. The user can also pour a beverage in a glass, wet the rim portion of the glass, and lastly apply the solid to the rim portion. In other words, the apparatuses and methods allow the solid to be applied to the container regardless of whether the container is empty or not. The user can apply the solid to the container after the beverage is poured into the container (e.g., if the user has forgotten to apply the solid). In some implementations, the addition of the beverage causes the solid to fall off the rim portion, so applying the solid last can prevent the solid from falling. The user can reapply the solid to the container when at least some of the beverage is in the glass (e.g., if the previously-applied solid has been consumed or otherwise removed, or if the intended consumer prefers more solids than what was applied). The apparatuses and methods can obviate the need for another container to apply or to reapply the solids.
The apparatuses and methods can be used with containers having different forms, diameters and/or wall thicknesses. For example, the apparatuses and methods can be used with a beer glass, a champagne flute, a coffee cup, a margarita glass, a martini glass, and a wine glass. There is no need for a solid-containing reservoir into which the container is dipped to have a diameter larger than a diameter of the container.
The apparatuses and methods can apply the solid in a relatively clean manner. For example, solids that do not adhere directly to the container are well-contained (e.g., are not dispersed across local surfaces and/or fall into the container). After application of the solids, the beverage can be served with low loss of the solids, e.g., due to the solids being disturbed and detaching from the container.
The apparatuses and methods can include dispensing mechanisms that can be packaged as handheld versions or countertop automated versions.
In another aspect, the invention features a method of applying a solid to a container, including placing a portion of the container between two surfaces, at least one of the surfaces being movable relative to the other surface to define a variable space between the surfaces; and applying the solid to a selected portion of the container.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method further includes wetting the selected portion of the container. The method further includes agitating the solid prior to applying the solid. Agitating the solid can includes rotating a wheel, turning a handle, pushing a spring. The method further includes moving at least one of the surfaces to increase the space between the surfaces after applying the solid. The container contains a liquid. The solid includes a flavor enhancer, and the selected portion is proximate a rim portion of the container. The method further includes providing an apparatus having the two surfaces and holding the solid; and moving at least the apparatus or the container relative to each other to apply the solid.
In another aspect, the invention features a method of applying flavor enhancing solids to a beverage container, the method including wetting a selected portion proximate a rim portion of the container; placing a wall portion of the container between two surfaces capable of defining a space variable in size between the surfaces; and applying the flavor enhancing solids the selected portion.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The method further includes agitating the solids prior to applying the solids. The container contains a liquid prior to placing the wall portion of the container between the two surfaces. The method further includes providing an apparatus having the two surfaces and holding the flavor enhancing solids; and moving at least the apparatus or the container relative to each other to apply the solids.
In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus, including a first chamber capable of holding a solid particle; a passageway in fluid communication with the first chamber; a first surface and a second surface capable of defining a space variable in size between the surfaces, the space being configured to receive a wall portion of a beverage container; and a second chamber in fluid communication with the passageway, the second chamber being between the passageway and the space along a fluid path. The chamber(s) need not be completely enclosed.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus further includes a rotatable wheel having the first surface, and an agitator in the first chamber and connected to the wheel. The apparatus further includes a spring-biased member having the second surface. The apparatus further includes a flow controller capable of controlling flow through the passageway. The apparatus further includes flavor enhancing particles in the first chamber. The apparatus further includes a member having threads in the first chamber. The member is spring actuated. The member is rotatable.
In another aspect, the invention features an apparatus for applying flavor enhancing solids to a beverage container, the apparatus including a first chamber holding the solids; a passageway in fluid communication with the first chamber; a flow controller capable of controlling flow through the passageway; a first surface and a second surface capable of defining a space variable in size between the surfaces, the space being configured to receive a wall portion of a beverage container; and a second chamber in fluid communication with the passageway, the second chamber being between the passageway and the space along a fluid path. The chamber(s) need not be completely enclosed.
Embodiments may include one or more of the following features. The apparatus further includes a rotatable wheel having the first surface, and an agitator in the first chamber and connected to the wheel. The apparatus further includes a spring-biased member having the second surface. The apparatus further includes a member having threads in the first chamber. The member is spring actuated. The member is rotatable.
As used herein, “proximate a rim edge of a container” means sufficiently near a rim edge of the container that a consumer placing his mouth on a selected rim portion of the container can consume the solid applied to the selected rim portion. In some embodiments, “proximate a rim edge of a container” means within about one centimeter (e.g., less than or equal to about 5 mm) from a rim edge of the container.
Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent from the description of the embodiments thereof and from the claims.
Still referring to
During use, a wall portion 56 of container 24 is placed between wheel 42 and tension guide 48, and the container and/or applicator 20 is moved relative to the other to apply particles 22 to a rim portion 29 proximate to rim edge 28. Container 24 can contain a liquid or be empty. More specifically, selected area(s) of rim edge 28 and/or area(s) of rim portion 29 (e.g., the outer surface of wall portion 56 proximate to the rim edge) are first wetted so that particles 22 can be applied to the wetted area(s). For example, the selected area(s) can be wetted by dipping rim edge 28 and rim portion 29 into a shallow dish of water or syrup, or if container 24 contains a liquid, by passing a slice of lime, a slice of lemon, a piece of ice, a wet sponge, or a wet swab on the rim edge and/or the rim portion. Next, to increase the space or gap, if any, between tension guide 48 and wheel 42, the tension guide is moved against its spring bias and away from the wheel. This ability of tension guide 48 to move relative to wheel 42 allows applicator 20 to accommodate and to apply particles 22 to containers 24 having different wall thicknesses. Next, wall portion 56 is placed in the increased space between the tension guide and the wheel, and the tension guide is released and allowed to move under its spring bias toward the wheel to contact an exterior surface of the wall portion. As a result, wall portion 56 is held between and in contact with tension guide 48 and wheel 42.
To apply particles 22 to the wetted area(s), container 24 and/or applicator 20 is moved relative to the other. For example, container 24 can be held stationary, and applicator 20 (e.g., a handheld design) can be moved to track rim edge 28. As applicator 20 moves, an interior surface of wall portion 56 engages and rotates wheel 42, thereby causing agitator 38 to rotate and to move particles 22 in chamber 32. The movement of particles 22, along with gravity, causes the particles to flow from chamber 32, through passageway 44, through a selectively aligned opening of flow controller 46, through volume 52, and to container 24 where the particles are applied to a wetted area(s). To enhance the performance of applicator 20, wheel 42 can include (e.g., is formed of) a frictional material, such as rubber, so that wall portion 56 can easily rotate the wheel and agitator 38, and/or tension guide 48 can include (e.g., is formed of) a lubricious material, such as PTFE, so that the wall portion easily glide against the area of the tension guide that the wall portion contacts. In some embodiments, applicator 20 is held stationary, and container 24 is moved, e.g., in a circular path that tracks the shape of rim edge 28. Particles 22 are delivered from chamber 32 and applied to container 24 according to the same operation described above.
After particles 22 are applied to container 24, tension guide 48 is moved away from wheel 42 to increase the space between the tension guide and the wheel, and container 24 is disengaged from applicator 20. Stopping the rotation of wheel 42 and agitator 38 can reduce or stop the flow of particles 22 from chamber 32. Furthermore, flow controller 46 can be adjusted so that none of openings 50′, 50″, 50′″ aligns with passageway 44. Moreover, in some embodiments, when applicator 20 is not in use and tension guide 48 is allowed to move toward wheel 42, the tension guide contacts the wheel (i.e., there is no gap between the tension guide and the wheel), thereby preventing particles 22 (if any) from exiting volume 52.
While a number of embodiments have been described, the invention is not so limited.
For example, referring to
As another example, other embodiments of a tension guide can be implemented in the embodiments of applicators described herein. For example, referring to
Still other embodiments of moving particles 22 can be implemented. For example,
In other embodiments, agitator 38 of applicator 100 is replaced by a screw feed, such as an elongated rod having external threads. As shown in
An applicator can have a variety of external shapes and is not limited to, for example, a cylindrical design.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In other embodiments, an applicator is intended to be disposable, vis-à-vis reusable. The applicator may be pre-filled with a flavor enhancer prior to being provided to a user. The applicator may not include a filling cap.
Other agitators, such as a propeller, a paddle, and a hook, can be used.
In some embodiments, a flow controller includes a tactile indicator (e.g., one or more notches on the perimeter of the controller) and/or a visual indicator (e.g., numerical markings) to indicate through which opening solid particles will flow during use.
One or more components of an applicator can include (e.g., is formed of) a material that reduces and/or prevents microbial growth. For example, the wheel and the tension guide, both of which contact a container during use, can include an antimicrobial material.
Still other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3129853 | Hoskins | Apr 1964 | A |
| 3211334 | McShea | Oct 1965 | A |
| 3249266 | Cole et al. | May 1966 | A |
| D397913 | Milliani | Sep 1998 | S |
| 7328670 | Puentes-Barr | Feb 2008 | B2 |
