Patent Application
20220079185
The present disclosure relates generally to a device for dispensing and consuming a fluid substance and, more particularly, to a device for forming a frozen confection that allows for simultaneous consumption of the frozen confection and a user-controlled quantity of fluid.
People desire cool refreshments, especially during the hot summer months. Frozen confections, such as ice pops and Popsicles®, are well-known and popular summertime refreshments for people of all ages. A great variety of frozen confection products, having different colors, flavors, textures, fat content, and caloric content, are widely available. In addition to frozen confections, frozen cocktails are well-known and popular summertime refreshments enjoyed by adults. Frozen cocktails are popular in part because they are cold and also because they are alcoholic.
Freezing alcoholic beverages is problematic due to the low freezing point of ethyl alcohol (the alcohol in alcoholic beverages), which is approximately −173° F. under ambient conditions. The freezing point of alcoholic beverages is between the freezing points of water (32° F.) and alcohol (−173° F.), and depends on the beverage's alcohol content. Therefore, it is difficult to freeze alcoholic beverages and confections having higher alcohol content. As such, completely frozen confections such as ice pops and Popsicles® generally do not contain alcohol.
Because of the low freezing point of alcohol, popular frozen cocktails such as margaritas, piña coladas, and daiquiris are far from completely frozen when served. Instead, “frozen” cocktails are served as a slush with ice crystals suspended in the liquid. If the frozen cocktail is not quickly consumed, the ice crystals melt causing the cocktail to have a less desirable texture and temperature.
In addition to frozen cocktails, it is known to mix alcohol with gelatin to produce food products commonly referred to as Jello® shots and pudding shots. For instance, one type of product mixes vodka, or other alcoholic beverage, with a prepared gelatin before the gelatin solidifies or hardens. The gelatin is then chilled and hardens with the alcoholic beverage contained therein. Although these alcoholic gelatin products provide an alternative to frozen cocktails, they too are not completely frozen and therefore not as refreshing as completely frozen refreshments.
Frozen confections may also be desirable for delivering other types of fluids, such as cannabis oil, medications or prescription drugs, etc.
In view of the foregoing, there remains a need in the art for a device that allows for simultaneous consumption of a frozen confection and a fluid. The present disclosure addresses this particular need, as discussed in detail below.
The present disclosure relates to a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that, when assembled, creates a Popsicle®-like frozen confection having a container holding an alcoholic liquid. In some embodiments, the user employs a plunger to expel or drive the alcoholic liquid (or other consumable fluid or flowable substance that has a lower freezing point than that of the frozen confection) upward through one or more lumens or passageways in the frozen confection. Thus, the device allows for an alcoholic liquid and a frozen substance to be ingested simultaneously while being contained separately within a single vessel. The device further allows the user to control the amount of alcohol ingested, and thus the flavor of the product. Using the plunger, the user may shoot alcohol from the device, drizzle the alcohol over the frozen confection, or refrain from ingesting any alcohol at all.
In one embodiment, the device is a four-piece assembly. The first member is a handle with a plunger disposed at one end of the handle. The second member is a flange and a container extending from the flange and receiving at a first end of the container the plunger, the container defining an inner volume to receive and store a fluid substance (which preferably remains dispensable or flowable at temperatures below the freezing point of water). The end of the container generally opposite the end receiving the plunger has an orifice. The third member interacts with the second member at the flange. Finally, the fourth member interacts with the orifice of the container on one end. The fourth member can also interact with the third member. The second, third, and fourth members define a mold cavity for receiving a freezable substance (e.g., a water-based substance that freezes at or around the freezing point of water).
In another embodiment, the device permits molding a freezable substance so that the frozen substance has one or more lumens or pathways through which a fluid or flowable substance (preferably with a lower freezing point than that of the frozen substance) may pass or reside. This device comprises a hollow tubular or cup-like mold. In a preferred embodiment, the mold has an end open to receive a freezable substance and a closed opposing end. Disposed within the mold are one or more shafts, plugs, projections, or mandrels that extend inward from an inner surface of the mold to define the pathways in the frozen substance for example, from the closed end of the mold toward the open end of the mold. The mold and the projections in some forms are unitary and in other forms are separable. Additionally, the mold can comprise a unitary body or can be formed of two or more pieces.
The present disclosure also relates to a method of forming a food item having a fluid portion and a molded portion comprised of a frozen substance. The fluid portion has a lower freezing point than that of the frozen substance. The method comprises providing a device having a mold cavity and a container. The mold cavity is filled with a freezable substance and sealed. The container is filled with the fluid portion and sealed. In this method, the mold cavity may have an elongated cylindrical shape. Further, the device may include a plunger that inserts into the container. Further, the container may be concentrically disposed within the mold cavity with the device is fully assembled.
In another embodiment, the device comprises one or more optical emitters and a power source. The optical emitters can be attached to the device and may display an array of colors or lighting sequences. The optical emitters can be connected to a wireless communication chip, allowing the emitters to be in electronic communication with an external system. The external system can send signals to the wireless communication chip, which can allow for the optical emitters to display a color or lightning sequence specified by the external system. The power source can power the optical emitters While the optical emitters are operating.
In another embodiment, the device comprises a chamber, housing, and one or more optical emitters. The chamber can be configured to store a portion of a fluid substance. The housing can be coupled to the chamber. Disposed inside the housing can be one or more optical emitters.
In another embodiment, the device can be a part of a system, with the system comprising a consumable product and an external system. The consumable product can consist of an edible substance, one or more optical emitters, and a communications chip that is electrically connected to the emitters. The external system can be configured to send signals to the communications chip.
In another embodiment, the device comprises a squeezable member. The squeezable member can comprise a squeezable chamber that can store a liquid. The squeezable chamber can be in fluid communication with other aspects of the device that form the lumens or pathways. This fluid communication permits a fluid stored in the squeezable chamber to flow through the lumens or pathways upon a user squeezing the squeezable member.
In another embodiment, the device comprises a squeezable chamber, a flange, and a cover. The squeezable chamber is configured to store a portion of the fluid substance. The flange is connected to the squeezable chamber and defines a cavity or passageway for fluid to flow between the squeezable chamber and flange. The cover is removably connected to the flange, defines a mold cavity for a freezable substance, and has a shaft extending through the cover.
In another embodiment, the device comprises a squeezable chamber, a flange, and a frozen confection. The squeezable chamber is configured to store a portion of the fluid substance. The flange is connected to the squeezable chamber and defines a cavity or passageway for fluid to flow between the squeezable chamber and flange. The frozen is connected to the flange on an opposite side from the squeezable chamber.
The present disclosure also relates to dispensing a stored fluid over a frozen confection. A user can squeeze a handle of a device to direct fluid through a lumen and onto a frozen substance. The handle can partially define a squeezable chamber, with the chamber storing the fluid to be dispensed on the frozen substance.
In one embodiment, a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance is disclosed. The device can include a squeezable chamber configured to store at least a portion of the fluid substance. The device can include a flange connected at a first end portion to the squeezable chamber. The flange can define a passageway in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable chamber such that, when the squeezable chamber is squeezed by a user, the fluid substance is driven from the squeezable chamber and through at least a portion of the passageway defined by the flange. The device can include a cover removably coupled with a second end portion of the flange, the cover having an open end and a closed end and at least partially defining a mold cavity for molding the freezable substance, the cover having a shaft extending from the closed end. A length of the shaft can be at least half a length of the cover.
In one embodiment, a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance is disclosed. The device can include a squeezable chamber configured to store at least a portion of the fluid substance. The device can include a flange connected at a first end portion to the squeezable chamber. The flange can define a passageway in fluid communication with an interior of the squeezable chamber such that, when the squeezable chamber is squeezed by a user, the fluid substance is driven from the squeezable chamber and through at least a portion of the passageway defined by the flange. The device can include a frozen confection supported by a second end portion of the flange.
In one embodiment, a method for dispensing a stored fluid over a frozen confection is disclosed. The method can include squeezing a handle that at least partially defines a squeezable chamber that stores the fluid from at least one lateral side of the handle. The method can include directing the fluid through a lumen of the frozen confection.
In one embodiment, a device for molding a frozen substance and dispensing a stored fluid is disclosed. The device can include a first member defining at least in part a squeezable variable-volume chamber configured to receive and store a fluid. The device can include a second member including a flange and an orifice permitting fluid flow across the second member. The squeezable variable-volume chamber can be in communication with the orifice and is disposed on a side of the second member. The device can include a third member including a mold having an open first end that interacts with the second member and a closed second end on an opposite side of the mold from the first end, a first length of the mold being defined between the open first end and the closed second end. The third member can include a shaft extending from the second end of the mold toward the first end of the mold, the shaft interacting with the orifice of the second member, the shaft having a second length that is at least half the first length. The first end of the third member can interact with the flange of the second member to collectively define a mold cavity for holding the frozen substance with the shaft extending through the mold cavity to the orifice, wherein when the third member is removed from the second member, a lumen is formed from the orifice to an exterior of the frozen substance to permit passage of the fluid within the squeezable variable-volume chamber through the orifice, through the lumen, and to an exterior of the frozen substance. When the first member is squeezed, the fluid in the squeezable variable-volume chamber can pass through the orifice, through the lumen, and to the exterior of the frozen substance.
In one embodiment, a device is disclosed. The device can include a chamber configured to store at least a portion of a fluid substance. The device can include a housing coupled to the chamber. The device can include one or more optical emitters disposed in the housing.
In some embodiments, a communications chip can be disposed in the housing and can be electrically connected to the one or more optical emitters.
In one embodiment, a system is disclosed. The system can include a consumable product comprising an edible substance, one or more optical emitters, and a communications chip electrically connected to the one or more optical emitters. The system can include an external system, the external system configured to send signals to the communications chip.
In one embodiment, a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a fluid substance is disclosed. The device can include a handle assembly comprising a base unit. The device can include a variable-volume chamber configured to hold at least a portion of the fluid substance, the variable-volume chamber removably coupled with the handle assembly. The device can include a cover removably coupled with the base unit, the cover having an open end and a closed end and at least partially defining a mold cavity for molding the freezable substance.
In another embodiment, a pod configured to removably couple with a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a fluid substance is disclosed. The pod can include a pod housing having one or more walls that define a fluid-sealed variable-volume chamber. A fluid substance can be stored in the variable-volume chamber. A fluid access portion can be provided on the housing, the fluid access portion configured to provide fluid communication between the fluid substance in the variable-volume chamber and the device.
In another embodiment, a method of consuming a frozen substance is disclosed. The method can include removably connecting a variable-volume chamber to a handle assembly, the variable-volume chamber storing at least a portion of a fluid substance. The method can include removing a cover from the handle assembly to expose the frozen substance. The method can include expelling the fluid substance from the variable-volume chamber to mix with at least a portion of the frozen substance.
In another embodiment, device for dispensing a stored fluid substance is disclosed. The device can include a handle assembly and a variable-volume chamber configured to store at least a portion of the fluid substance, the variable-volume chamber removably connected to the handle assembly. The device can include a cap removably coupled with the handle assembly, the cap configured to engage an access portion of the variable-volume chamber to provide fluid communication to the variable-volume chamber.
The present disclosure relates to a device for molding a freezable substance and dispensing a stored fluid substance. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a device that, when assembled, creates a Popsicle®-like frozen confection having a container holding an alcoholic liquid. In some embodiments, the user employs a plunger to drive the alcoholic liquid upward through a lumen in the frozen confection so that the user may simultaneously consume the frozen confection and ingest the alcoholic beverage. Thus, the device allows for an alcoholic liquid and a frozen substance to be ingested simultaneously while being contained separately within a single vessel. The device further allows the user to control the amount of alcohol ingested, and thus the flavor of the product. Using the plunger, the user may shoot alcohol from the device, drizzle the alcohol over the frozen confection, or refrain from ingesting any alcohol at all.
The drawings are for purposes of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and not for purposes of limiting the same. Turning now to the drawings, as shown in
More specifically, as shown in
In some embodiments, the device 10 may be comprised of four members. As shown in
As described in detail below, the second and third members 30, 40 are disposed in the assembled configuration to collectively form the mold cavity 16 within which the freezable confection 12 may be poured, stored, and frozen. Further, the first, second, and third members 20, 30, 40 are disposed in the assembled configuration to collectively form the internal cavity 18 within which the fluid 14 may be poured, stored, and chilled. When the user desires to consume the frozen confection 12 and the fluid 14, the third member 10 is twisted and removed from the second member 30 to expose the frozen confection 12 and to access to the fluid 14, yielding the consumable product 11 shown in
With reference now to
As shown in
In an alternative embodiment, as depicted in
The plunger member 24 is configured to be removably inserted within the container 34 of the second member 30, as shown in
The plunger cap 24 may be formed of any material commonly used in syringes (i.e., rubber). The plunger material must have properties that allow the plunger to slide easily along the inner wall of the container 34, and that provide a sufficiently secure engagement so as to contain the fluid within the container 34.
A hollowed-out portion of the inner wall of the container 34, sized to receive and capture the plunger 24, forms a ring extending radially outward from the inner wall of the container. If the user attempts to pull the first member 20 out of the second member 30 when the device 10 is fully assembled, the hollowed-out portion captures the plunger 24 because the plunger expands upon entering the hollowed-out portion. Thus, the hollowed-out portion prevents the plunger 24 from being easily or inadvertently removed from the container 34, thereby resulting in fewer spillages of the fluid 14. In alternative embodiments, a ring extends radially inward from the inner wall of the container, also preventing the plunger 24 from being easily or inadvertently removed from the container 34.
As shown in
As shown in
In preferred embodiments, the mold cavity 16 defines a volume of 75 ml. In other embodiments, the mold cavity 16 defines a volume of at least 300 ml. In other embodiments, the mold cavity 16 may define a volume ranging from 25 ml to 75 ml. In other embodiments, the mold cavity 16 may define a volume ranging from 75 ml to 125 ml. In other embodiments, the mold cavity 16 may define a volume ranging from 125 ml to 175 ml. In other embodiments, the mold cavity 16 may define a volume ranging from 175 ml to 300 ml.
In preferred embodiments, the outer surface of the container 34 may define an irregular, or roughened surface for mitigating inadvertent sliding of the confection 12 along the container 34. Alternatively, as shown in
The second member 30, as shown in
In some embodiments, a cylindrical ring 35 extends radially outward from the flange 36 to define a radial edge. The cylindrical ring 38 circumnavigates the container 34. The cylindrical ring 38 is configured to engage with the third member 40, as described in detail below. The container is concentrically disposed relative to the third member when the third member is connected to the second member.
The flange 36 may include an outer edge 37 circumnavigating the cylindrical ring 38 and extending from the cylindrical ring adjacent the radial edge. The outer edge 37 and the cylinder ring 38 collectively define a drip guard useful for catching the frozen confection 12 as it melts. Alternatively, the flange 36 may include an outer edge 35 circumnavigating the cylindrical ring 38 that flares radially outward. This embodiment is advantageous if the user desires to drink the melted remains of the frozen confection 12 from the drip guard.
Some embodiments of the flange 36 may be configured to allow a user to easily and securely hold the second member 30 stationary white driving the first member upward through the container 34 so as to displace the fluid from the container through the lumen and into a person's mouth. In preferred embodiments, as shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The third member 40 defines a third member length from the open end 46 to the opposing enclosed end 44. The container 34 defines a container length from its end receiving the plug to the orifice 32. wherein the container length is less than the third member length. The container 34 may extend to various lengths. For example, the container length may extend between 10% and 25% of the third member length. Alternatively, the container length may extend between 25% and 50% of the third member length.
As shown in
In preferred embodiments, the solid shaft 42 extends partially into the internal cavity 18. Such an embodiment is advantageous in the event that the frozen substance inadvertently enters the plug receiver 33 or the internal cavity 18, where the extension of the solid shaft 42 into the internal cavity 18 prevents a blockage of the lumen 15 when the device 10 is frozen.
In alternative embodiments as depicted by
With reference to
The second and third members 30, 40 interact with each other when the device is assembled. The second and third members 30, 40 may include structural features to facilitate engagement between the second member 30 and the third member 40. In the embodiment depicted in
Although the foregoing describes a cylindrical ring 38 to facilitate engagement between the second and third members 30, 40, it is contemplated that other engagement techniques may also be employed. For instance, the flange 36 may define a groove into which the open end 46 of the third member 40 may be inserted to engage the second member 30 to the third member 40.
In some embodiments, the second member 30 is formed from a unitary body, as shown in
The first, second, and third members 20, 30, 40, are preferably formed of a material that can withstand the freezing temperatures that are necessary to freeze the freezable confection. Furthermore, the first, second, and third members are preferably formed of a material that can withstand any expansion or contraction of the confection as it is frozen or heated. Along these lines, it may be preferable to not completely fill the mold cavity 16 with the freezable confection to allow for expansion of the confection during the freezing process.
In some embodiments, LED lights may be incorporated into either the first member 20 or the second member 30. LED lights are advantageous because they allow the user to light up the device 10 when using the device in a dark setting, such as the outdoors at night or indoors in a dimly lit nightclub or restaurant.
Assembly of the device 10 entails the following steps. First, the freezable confection 12 is disposed within the mold cavity 16 through the open end 46 of the third member 40. It is contemplated that the freezable confection 12 may include fruit juices, alcoholic mixers, flavored water, or other freezable confections known in the art. Furthermore, although the majority of the alcoholic beverage is disposed within the container 34, a small amount of the alcoholic beverage may also be mixed with the freezable confection 12, so long as the alcohol does not prevent the confection 12 from freezing (i.e., a small amount of an alcoholic beverage may not prevent the confection 12 from freezing).
Second, the second member 30 is secured to the third member 40, such that the freezable liquid is contained in the mold cavity 16 in a spill-proof manner. Third, the fluid 14 is disposed within the container 34. The fluid 14 may be vodka, rum, tequila, or other alcoholic beverages, as well as non-alcoholic beverages. The fluid 14 also may be any fluid edible product that is not a beverage, such as syrup, sauce, spherical sugar candies, and the like. Fourth, the plunger 24 of the first member 20 is inserted into the container 34, such that the fluid 14 is contained in the internal cavity 18 in a spill-proof manner. The device 10 is then placed within a freezer to freeze the confection 12 and chill the fluid 14.
To consume the confection 12 and the fluid 14, the device 10 is removed from the freezer and the third member 40 is twisted and removed from engagement with the second member 30 to expose the frozen confection 12, as shown in
The first, second, and third members 20, 30, 40, are preferably formed of a material that is sufficiently durable to allow for washing and reuse (e.g. food-grade polypropylene or other suitable food-grade plastic). Thus, the device 10 may be sold for single use or for multiple uses.
One or more optical emitters 52 can be disposed in a proximal or bottom portion 56 of a housing, such as the enclosure 51. One or more communications chips, such as one or more wireless communications chips 57, can be in electrical communication with the one or more optical emitters 52. The one or more wireless communications chips 57 can comprise circuitry configured to convey wireless signals between the one or more optical emitters 52 and an external system (not pictured). For example, the communications chip 57 can comprise circuitry configured to receive a first electrical signal from the external system and, in response, to send a second electrical signal comprising lighting instructions or signals to the one or more optical emitters 52. Additionally, the communications chip 57 can be configured to transmit a third signal to the external system. The third signal can communicate to the external system a state (such as power level, display state, etc.) or location of the device 10. In. some embodiments, the communications chip 57 itself may directly send the second electrical signal to the one or more optical emitters 52. In some embodiments, the communications chip 57 can indirectly send the second electrical signal to the one or more optical emitters 52 by way of additional intervening processing chips or circuitry (whether active or passive). In some embodiments, the wireless communications chips 57 can comprise a Bluetooth chip and/or a WiFi communications chip. In some embodiments, both a Bluetooth chip and a WiFi chip can be provided. Furthermore, a power source, such as a battery 58, can be provided in the enclosure 51. The battery 58 can be configured to provide electrical power to the one or more optical emitters 52 and the one or more wireless communications chips 58. Although one emitter 52 is illustrated in
In various embodiments, the enclosure 51 can comprise a wall 53 (which can be part of the handle 22 and can be disposed about or coupled with a plunger as described above). In various embodiments, the wall 53 can be opaque to visible light and can be colored in any suitable manner, e.g., red, green, blue, etc. The chamber 54 can comprise a translucent wall coupled to a distal portion of the wall 53. A translucent member, such as the container 34, can be coupled to a distal portion of the chamber 54 and may be configured to store the fluid that is to be driven over the frozen substance.
When the user finishes consuming the consumable product, the remaining portion of the device 10 can comprise the enclosure 51 (e.g., opaque and colored), the translucent chamber 54, and the translucent member or container 34. The user may also retain the cover 40, which may be transparent or translucent as shown in the drawings. After consuming the product (or in some cases while consuming the product, or before consuming the product), the user (or an external user or system) can activate the optical emitters) 52 which can comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) in various embodiments. The emitted light can pass along an optical pathway 55, which may involve passing through the housing or enclosure 51, the translucent chamber 54, and the translucent member or container 34. In various embodiments, for example if the cover 40 is replaced over the enclosure 51 and chamber 54, the optical pathway 55 may further pass through the inside of the cover 40 and to the outside environs. In various embodiments (e.g., using white light LEDs), the light can reflect off the colored walls of the enclosure 51 and can form a colored illumination pattern along the enclosure 51. The colored pattern can pass through the translucent chamber 54 (which may be empty of fluid in some embodiments), and can pass through the translucent member or container 34. The light can emerge from the translucent member 34 in a manner similar to that of a flashlight, e.g., the colored light can be directed in any suitable direction or orientation by the user.
In various embodiments, the external system (such as a mobile device, a central server, or any other suitable computing device) can be configured to send signals indicative of when to activate the one or more optical emitters 52. The transmitted signals can be used to selectively turn on and/or off the optical emitters 52. In various embodiments, the external system can be synced with music, such that some musical notes or instruments (e.g., drums, piano, etc.) trigger the illumination of the optical emitters 52. The timing of the illumination of the optical emitters 52 can match or generally mirror the beat of the music. in some arrangements. In still other embodiments, an external system user can selectively activate the optical emitters 52 from a central computing device, and the instructions can be transferred to the optical emitters 52 (by way of the communications chips 57) to selectively turn off and/or on the emitters 52. Still other ways of remotely activating the emitters 52 over a wireless communications network (e.g., a WiFi or Bluetooth network) may be suitable. In various embodiments, additional processing circuitry and/or memory devices may be provided in the consumable product to facilitate the activation and/or deactivation of the optical emitters 52 in real-time, and/or to otherwise control the operation of the emitters 52 and the other components of the device 10.
In some embodiments, the optical emitters 52 (e.g., LEDs) can comprise a plurality of colors. The external system can be configured to activate optical emitters 52 based at least in part on one or more acoustic frequencies of the sound(s) being generated or transmitted by the external system. For example, in some embodiments, the external system can be configured to turn on a first optical emitter 52 (e.g., a red LED) when music having one or more acoustic frequencies in a first range of frequencies (or a particular first target frequency) is generated. Similarly, the external system can be configured to turn on a second optical emitter 52 (e.g., a green LED) when music having one or more acoustic frequencies in a second range of frequencies (or a particular second target frequency) is generated. The external system can be configured to turn on a third optical emitter 52 (e.g., a blue LED) when music having one or more acoustic frequencies in a third range of frequencies (or a particular third target frequency) is generated. The external system can be configured to activate the optical emitter 52 by sending a lighting instruction or signal to the communications chip. Any suitable combination of acoustic frequency(ies) and optical emitter color(s) may be synchronized by the system. Further, any particular optical emitter 52 may be turned on or activated at a plurality of different acoustic frequencies (or ranges of frequencies). In addition, for a particular acoustic frequency (or range of frequencies), a plurality of optical emitters 52 (having different or the same colors) may be activated or turned on. Still, other combinations are possible.
In some embodiments, the external system can be configured to activate optical emitters 52 based on actions that occur at an event. For example, when a team at a sporting event scores (such as, a goal, touchdown, homerun, etc.), the external system can send lighting instructions or signals to the communications chip 57 in response to the action. The external system can send instructions in many types of events other than sporting events, such as concerts. The lighting instructions can be based on many types of actions, (such as scoring, an intermission, start of an event, end of the event, a major occurrence during the event, etc.).
In some embodiments, the apparatus disclosed herein can comprise different color emitter(s) 52 corresponding to a particular type of consumable product. For example, in some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise optical emitter(s) 52 configured to emit different colors for different flavors for a particular product (e.g., different colors for cherry, grape, etc.). In some embodiments, the apparatus can comprise optical emitter(s) 52 configured to emit different colors for different sizes of the consumable product (e.g., different colors for large sizes, small sizes, etc.). The apparatus can employ different colors for various other properties of the consumable product.
In some embodiments, the system can activate and/or deactivate (e.g., turn on and/or off) the optical emitter(s) 52 based at least in part on a determined location of a particular consumable product. For example, in some embodiments, the external system can determine a general location of the consumable product within a particular venue (such as a sports stadium, concert venue, etc.) based at least in part on a location of sale of the product. In other embodiments, the external system can determine the location of the consumable product based on a position sensor or module within the device that provides the real-time location of the consumable product. In various embodiments, the external system can activate and/or deactivate the optical emitter(s) 52 at different times based on a desired location of the consumable products. In various embodiments, the system can activate and/or deactivate the optical emitter(s) 52 based on a decision to illuminate the optical emitter(s) .52 of various consumable products located at one or more desired locations. In some embodiments, the external system can be configured to activate the optical emitters 52 based on a signal received from communications chip 57. For example, the communications chip 57 can send a signal to the external system indicating the position of the device 10. In turn, the external system can send the communications chip 57 location-based lighting instructions for the optical emitters 52. The external system can simultaneously send several communications chips 57 different location-based lighting instructions. Other combinations of location-based optical emitter(s) 52 activation may be suitable.
In the embodiment of
The device 10 shown and described in connection with
In addition, the optical emitter(s) 52 disclosed herein can be utilized in conjunction with other types of consumable products that comprise a device for holding a freezable confection 12. For example,
Further, as with
Thus, to drive the fluid 14 through the lumen 15, the user may squeeze the handle 22 by applying a radially inward force S against the handle 22. In some embodiments, the radially inward force S compresses the handle 22 which in turn reduces the volume of the squeezable chamber 61 to drive the liquid 14 out of the chamber 61. In some embodiments, the handle 22 may comprise a flexible or elastic material that defines the reservoir or chamber 61 for the fluid 14. In some embodiments, the squeezable chamber 61 is defined by one or more lateral wall(s) that collapse when the squeezable chamber 61 is squeezed. The applied force S can drive the fluid out of the handle 22 or squeezable chamber 61 and through the lumen 15, and over the freezable confection 12 as explained above. Beneficially, the embodiment shown in
In some embodiments, at least one of the base unit 114, plunger 103 and top cover 101 can be configured to be reusable. In some forms, the reusable component(s) can be washed or otherwise sterilized. In at least one form, the base unit 114, plunger 103 and top cover 101 are reusable. As explained above, the plunger 103 can be pushed upwardly to compress the variable volume chamber or pod 105 to eject the stored fluid therefrom.
The base unit 114 of the handle assembly 102 can comprise an upper chamber 106 and a lower chamber 104. The lower chamber 104 can be sized and shaped to receive and support the variable volume pod 105 of stored fluid (for example, stored alcohol, prescription drug or medication, or other type of liquid). As used herein, “drug” refers generally to one or more drugs that may be administered alone, in combination and/or compounded with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients (e.g. binders, disintegrants, fillers, diluents, lubricants, drug release control polymers or other agents, etc.), auxiliary agents or compounds as may be housed within the variable-volume chamber as described herein. The term “drug” is a broad term that may be used interchangeably with “therapeutic agent” and “pharmaceutical” or “pharmacological agent” and includes not only so-called small molecule drugs, but also macromolecular drugs, and biologics, including but not limited to proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies and the like, regardless of whether such drug is natural, synthetic, or recombinant. Drug may refer to the drug alone or in combination with the excipients described above. “Drug” may also refer to an active drug itself or a prodrug or salt of an active drug.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the top cover 101 (e.g., the portion or cap above the base unit 114) can comprise a module that attaches to or interacts with the base unit 114 of the handle assembly 102. For example, the cover 101 can be removably connected to the handle assembly 102, threadably attached to the base unit 114. In other embodiments, the cover 101 can be removably attached to the handle assembly 102 by a snapfit or other tool-less connection. In such embodiments, the module can define a volume in which a non-alcohol based popsicle flavoring (e.g., strawberry margarita juice, etc.) can be stored and frozen. The outer covering or cap 101 can be removed after the module is attached to the base unit 114. A shaft 107 can extend downwardly from the cover 101 and can serve as a cork that can be removed from the frozen popsicle with the outer cover 101 or can be removed in a separate step. After removing the shaft 107 or cork, a lumen can be provided in the frozen substance as explained above in connection with
The pod 105 can be collapsible within the base unit 114 when an upward longitudinal pushing force P is applied to the plunger 103 by the user. The force can be either axial (that is, generally in line with the direction of plunger 103 movement along a longitudinal direction or axis of the device 100 as shown by the arrows in
The pod 105 can comprise a fluid-sealed housing that contains or holds a liquid or flowable material that can be pushed or forced up through the lumen in the frozen substance. In some embodiments, the liquid can comprise alcohol (e.g., flavored alcoholic mix, or straight liquor), an oil (e.g., CBD oil or other cannabis oil), medicine (e.g., liquid Tylenol®), or any other suitable liquid. In some embodiments, the plunger 103 can be detached and removed from the base unit 114. In other embodiments, the plunger 103 can be integrally formed with the base unit 114 of the handle assembly 102. In some embodiments, the pod 105 can be loaded into the base unit 114 by the consumer or by the retailer (e.g., bartender). In other embodiments, the pod 105 can be preloaded or assembled into the base unit 114. In various embodiments, for example, the pod 105 can be inserted into the lower chamber 104 through an upper access opening 115 of the handle assembly 102. The access opening 115 can be exposed by removing the base unit 114 from a support structure (not shown in
In some embodiments, the pod 105 can be punctured by the shaft 107 or cork to provide fluid communication with the fluid stored in the pod 105, for example, a fluidic exit for the stored fluid. In some forms, the shaft 107 or cork punctures the pod 105 When loaded into the base unit 114. For example, in such embodiments, the shaft 107 can have a length sufficiently long so as to extend through the upper chamber 106 and into an upper portion of the lower chamber 104 such that, when the cover 101 is attached to the handle assembly 102, the distal end of the shaft 107 punctures a seal of the pod 105. In other embodiments, the shaft 107 or cork punctures the pod 105 as the plunger 103 is pushed upward into the base unit 114. In such embodiments, the shaft 107 may terminate in the upper chamber 106, but may be sufficiently long such that an upward pushing force causes the pod 105 to engage with, and be punctured by, the distal end of the shaft 107. The shaft 107 can accordingly comprise a sharp distal end or point that can pierce the upper wall of the pod 105 in sonic embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more other structures associated with the base unit 114 (e.g., a sharp distal end of the shaft 107) create one or more openings in the pod 105 that can communicate with the lumen through the frozen substance. Such structure or structures can be in the alternative or be in addition to the shaft 107 or cork. As explained herein, in some embodiments, the shaft 107 can pierce an access portion of the pod 105 (e.g., a flexible or piercable upper watt of the pod 105) so as to provide fluid communication between the fluid stored in the pod 105 and the lumen through the frozen substance. in some embodiments, the access portion of the pod 105 can comprise a valve or other fluid connection which engages with the cover 101. For example, in some embodiments, the shaft 107 may engage with a one-way valve disposed in the upper wall of the pod 105. Still other examples of access portions and fluid connections may be suitable.
As explained herein, the device 100 of
Turning to
Throughout all the embodiments disclosed herein, the fluid (e.g., stored fluid 14) can comprise any suitable fluid, e.g., liquid, or a flowable material, e.g., a powder. In various embodiments, the liquid can comprise alcohol, cannabis oil or wax, medicine or therapeutic agents (e.g., prescription drugs), syrup, or any other suitable liquid bases. In other embodiments, the fluid can comprise cannabis kief. Additionally, in some embodiments, the freezable substance (e.g., freezable confection 12) can be infused with or comprise one or more additives, such as, by way of example only, cannabis crystals, powder, kief, wax, or like forms thereof. For purposes of summarizing the disclosed embodiments and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed implementations may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught or suggested herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure. These and other embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the claims not being limited to any particular embodiment(s) disclosed. Although this certain embodiments and examples have been disclosed herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the disclosed implementations extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations have been shown and described in detail, other modifications will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope. it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed implementations. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/751,474, filed Oct. 26, 2018, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety and for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62751474 | Oct 2018 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2019/058197 | Oct 2019 | US |
| Child | 17240046 | US |
