WO2005120977A1

WO2005120977A1 - Device for storing a substance and for releasing same into a vessel

Info

Publication number: WO2005120977A1
Application number: PCT/GB2005/002188
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tobias Cock
Original assignee: Tobias Cock
Priority date: 2004-06-08
Filing date: 2005-06-01
Publication date: 2005-12-22

Abstract

The present application relates to a device for storing a substance and for releasing same into a bottle or similar. The device comprises an outer body (20; 120; 220) and a container (40; 140; 240) having a first end and a second end and an internal cavity (40a; 140a; 240a) for holding the substance. The container is slidingly received in the outer body and comprises one or more ports (42; 142; 241) in the region of the container second end. The container is displaceable within the outer body, from a first position where the ports are closed by a portion of the outer body, to a second position where the ports (42; 142; 241) are open, whereby a substance in the cavity may be evacuated via the ports. The application also relates to a method of dispensing a substance from a container (40; 140; 240) into a liquid provided in a vessel.

Description

DEVICE FOR STORING A SUBSTANCE AND FOR RELEASING SAME INTO A VESSEL

The present application relates to a device for storing a substance and for releasing same into a vessel, such as a bottle or similar. The application also relates to a method of dispensing a substance from a container into a vessel. Over the past few years there has been a growing market within a certain segment of the beverage industry. This segment is often classified as energy drinks but recently there has emerged a new concept in this segment, that is to inject oxygen into water, soda etc. There are two options available to date, by injecting oxygen directly into the liquid contained in a bottle, or by adding super oxygenated water into the bottle just before it is consumed by the customer. It is the last method that is the main background for this innovation that is to simplify the process of injecting a substance into a bottle containing a potable liquid. In this system, the additive is contained in a small container and released into the bottle by means of certain actions or devices. The substance holding the additive may also be used for other purposes and can be in the form of powder or syrup. US 6,152,296 discloses one such device and describes an additive holder for a bottle including a tubular member having an open top formed with a flange and an open bottom formed with a toothed neck, the tubular member being fitted in the externally threaded mouth with the flange resting on an upper edge of the mouth. The tubular member has an inner side formed with a circular protrusion. A container has an upwardly extending handle and fitted inside the tubular member and kept in place by the circular protrusion, with the handle extending upwardly out of the tubular member. A locking cap provided with internal threads is engageable with the externally threaded mouth and has an axial through hole receiving the handle of the container, and a cover engageable with a top of the locking cap, whereby an additive such as sugar, cream milk, or similar in the container will drop down and mix with a drink in the bottle. WO 03/086893 Al discloses a cap device for bottles, which is capable of containing an additive separate from a bottle material, and quickly mixing the additive with the bottled material to prepare a mixture m the bottle. This is achieved by a rotating action of the cap device relative to the bottle. The cap device has a cap body tightened to the mouth of a bottle and an additive containing part assembled with the cap body to define a cavity therein to contain the additive in the cavity. The cap device also has a valve which is installed in the neck of the bottle to open or close a lower end of the cavity of the additive containing part in accordance with the rotating action of the capped body relative to the mouth of the bottle. Viewed from a first aspect, the present application relates to a device for releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable from a first position to a second position for releasing the substance into the vessel; wherein the device comprises a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, said fluid pathway bypassing the container. The provision of a fluid pathway helps to reduce or avoid a change in pressure when the container is displaced relative to the vessel. This is particularly desirable if the container is displaced into the vessel when it is moved from the first position to the second position since this would otherwise result in an increase in the pressure in the vessel which may cause liquid to be expelled from the vessel . The provision of a fluid pathway which bypasses the container also reduces the likelihood of the user consuming the substance directly from the container, which may occur if liquid exits the vessel through the container. The container preferably comprises at least one port for releasing the substance into the vessel. The at least one port is preferably opened when the container is displaced to said second position. The device may be provided with a seal in place of, or in addition to, the at least one port. The seal may be comprise a foil cap or a plastic cap. The seal is preferably pierced or opened when the container is displaced to said second position. A projection may be provided on the container for piercing or opening said seal . The fluid pathway may remain open irrespective of the position of the container. In such an arrangement, a separate valve member may be provided to close the fluid pathway. Preferably, however, the fluid pathway is opened and closed by the container. The fluid pathway is preferably closed when the container is in said first position. Conversely, the fluid pathway is opened when the container is displaced to said second position. A closure member is preferably provided for closing said fluid pathway. The closure member advantageously allows the fluid pathway to be opened and closed independently of the position of the container. The closure member preferably forms a nozzle. Most preferably, the closure member forms a sports cap. The device preferably further comprises a locking mechanism for locking the container in said second position. Viewed from a further aspect, the present application relates to a device for storing and releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable between a first position and a second position and having at least one port which is closed when the container is in said first position and open when the container is in said second position; wherein displacement of the container to said second position opens a fluid pathway for allowirig fluid to exit the vessel, said fluid pathway bypassing the container. The opening of the fluid pathway when the container is displaced to its second position helps to reduce or avoids an increase in pressure caused by the displacement of the container into the vessel. The likelihood of liquid being expelled from the vessel due to increased pressure is thereby reduced. Moreover, the provision of a fluid pathway which bypasses the container reduces the likelihood of the user consuming the substance directly from the container, which may occur if fluid exits the vessel through the container. The device may advantageously be selectively operated by a user. For example, a user may displace the container to the second position to mix substance contained in the container with a liquid in the vessel prior to drinking the liquid. The substance may be a liquid or a solid, for example in powder or granular form. The or each port is preferably formed by an opening in a sidewall of the container. The container is preferably located in a housing. A portion of the container preferably projects out of the housing when the container is in said second position. The or each port is preferably provided in the portion of the container which projects beyond the housing such that they are opened when the container is displaced to its second position. At least one aperture is preferably formed in the housing for creating the fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel. The sidewall of the container proximal to the at least one aperture when the container is in its first position is preferably continuous so as to close the fluid pathway. When the container is displaced to said second position, the at least one aperture is at least partially opened so as to create the fluid pathway. The or each aperture is preferably an elongate slot. If the device is to be mounted on a bottle, the elongate slot(s) preferably extend out of the neck of the bottle to allow improved flow of liquid from the bottle through the at least one elongate slot. The or each elongate slot thereby forms a flow channel through which liquid may exit the bottle on which the device is installed. The device preferably comprises a locking element for locking the container in said second position. The locking element may be at least one projection provided on the housing or the container. The one or more projections may be cooperable with a mating projection or recess provided in the other of said housing or container. The device is preferably provided with a valve operable to close said fluid pathway. The valve is preferably operable independently of the position of the container, i.e. the valve may open and close the fluid pathway if the container is in its first or second positions. The valve preferably comprises a moveable closure element. The closure element is preferably moveable in a first direction to displace said container to said second position. The displacement of the closure element in the first direction preferably also closes the fluid pathway. This is particularly desirable when the device is located on a bottle as it helps to prevent spillage of liquid from the bottle when the device is first operated. The closure element is preferably moveable in a second direction to open said fluid pathway. The closure element preferably forms a nozzle for allowing liquid to be drunk from the vessel. Nozzles of this type are sometimes referred to as "sports caps". The closure element may be rotatable between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, however, the closure element is moveable axially between its open and closed positions. The container may be rotatable between its first and second position. Preferably, however, the container is moveable axially between said first and second positions. Preferably, the closure element and the container are both moveable axially. Most preferably, the closure element and the container are moveable along the same axis. Viewed from a further aspect, the present application relates to a device for storing and releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable between a first position and a second position and having at least one port which is closed when the container is in said first position and is open when the container is in said second position, displacement of the container to said second position opening a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, the device further comprising a closure element for closing said fluid pathway, the closure element being moveable axially between an open position and a closed position. The container may be rotatable between its first and second positions. Preferably, however, the container is moveable axially. Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present application relates to a device for storing and releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable axially between a first position and a second position and having at least one port which is closed when the container is in said first position and is open when the container is in said second position, displacement of the container to said second position opening a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, the device further comprising a moveable closure element for closing said fluid pathway. The closure element may be rotatable between an open position and a closed position. Preferably, however, the closure element is moveable axially between an open position and a closed position. The closure elements and the containers of the devices described herein are preferably moveable along the same axis. The closure element is preferably moveable in a first direction to displace said container to said second position. The displacement of the closure element in the first direction preferably also closes the fluid pathway. This is particularly desirable when the device is located on a bottle as it helps to prevent spillage of liquid from the bottle when the device is first operated. The closure element is preferably moveable in a second direction to open said fluid pathway. The closure element preferably forms a nozzle for allowing liquid to be drunk from the vessel. The device preferably also comprises a locking element for locking the container in said second position. The device is preferably also provided with a protective cap. The protective cap preferably extends over the closure element (if provided) to keep it clean. The device preferably forms a cap for a vessel. The vessel may, for example, be a sachet-type flexible container, or a plastic or glass bottle. The device may be employed for a range of applications where it may be desirable to mix two or more substances, For example, the device may be used to mix medicaments prior to their use. Alternatively, the device may be employed for alchoholic beverages, soft drinks, sports drinks and other beverages. The present application also relates to a device as described herein in combination with a bottle or other vessel. The device may be integrally formed with the bottle or vessel. Preferably, however, the device is formed separately from the, bottle or vessel and then located in position. The device may, for example, be provided with a screw thread for mounting on a drinks bottle. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a device comprising a body assembly, a container assembly having a first end and a second end and internal cavity for holding said substance, the container assembly being slidingly received within the body assembly and comprising one or more ports in the region of the container second end. The invention is related to an improved device for storing a substance and for releasing the substance into a vessel, such as a bottle or similar. The device comprises a body assembly (screw cap and cylinder) , a container assembly (nozzle and container) having a first end and a second end and an internal cavity for holding the substance, the container assembly being slidingly received in the body assembly and comprising one or more ports in the region of the container second end. The invented device is characterized in that the container assembly is displaceable within the body assembly, from a first position where the ports are closed by a portion of the cylinder, to a second position where a region of the container is extended out of said portion of the cylinder and thereby opening the ports, whereby a substance in the cavity may be evacuated via the ports. Viewed from a further aspect, the present application relates to a device comprising an outer body, a container having a first end and a second end and internal cavity for holding said substance, the container being slidingly received in the outer body and comprising one or more ports in the region of the containers second end. Viewed from a still further aspect, the present application relates to a device for storing a substance and for releasing same into a vessel such as a bottle or similar, said device comprising - a body assembly comprised by screw cap and body cylinder - a container assembly comprised by container nozzle and container having a first end and a second end and an internal cavity for holding said substance, the container assembly being slidingly received in the body assembly and comprising one or more ports in the region of the container second end, characterized in that the container assembly is displaceable within the body assembly, from a first position where the ports are closed by a portion of the cylinder, to a second position where the ports are open, whereby a substance in the cavity may be evacuated via the ports . A user may thereby selectively operate the device to displace the container to its second position and thereby allow the substance to be released. The second position preferably provides a position where a region of the container is extended out of said portion of the outer body and thereby opening the or each port to allow a substance contained in the cavity to be evacuated via the ports. The displacement of the container between the first position and the second position is preferably controlled by at least a first detent on the container. The detent is preferably received in a recessed region on the outer body, the extent of said recessed region defining the container stroke between the first position and the second position. The container preferably comprises a lower detent adapted for engagement with a corresponding lower detent on the outer body, whereby the container may be locked in the second position. The first end of the container preferably comprises one or more orifices and an extended element. The or each orifice being selectively closed by a closure element. The closure element slidingly received in a portion of the container and cooperating with said extended element. The closure element is preferably movable between a first position where the orifices are closed, and a second position where the orifices are open. The movement may be controlled by at least one closure element detent being received in a recessed region on the container. The closure element stroke is preferably limited in the direction of the closure element second position by an abutment face. The outer body and the container preferably comprise respective through holes. The through holes may be aligned when the container is in the second position. When the through holes are aligned a channel is formed between the cavity and an area outside the outer body. The area outside the outer body is preferably located within a vessel, such as a bottle, onto which the device is mounted. The device is preferably provided with a protective cap releasably attached to the outer body. The device preferably further comprises a fluid pathway to allow fluid to exit the vessel. The fluid pathway preferably bypasses the container. The invention is related to an improved device for storing a substance and for releasing the substance into a vessel, such as a bottle or similar. The device comprises an outer body, a container having a first end and a second end and an internal cavity for holding the substance, the container being slidingly received in the outer body and comprising one or more ports in the region of the container second end. The invented device is characterized in that the container is displaceable within the outer body, from a first position where the ports are closed by a portion of the outer body, to a second position where a region of the container is extended out of said portion of the outer body and thereby opening the ports, whereby a substance and the cavity may be evacuated via the ports. The present application further relates to a method of operating a device as described herein, the method comprising displacing the container from a first position to a second position to dispense the substance into the vessel. Viewed from a still further aspect, the present application relates to a method of dispensing a substance from a container into a liquid provided in a vessel, the method comprising moving the container from a first position to a second position to dispense the substance and to open a fluid pathway to allow liquid to exit the vessel; wherein the fluid pathway bypasses the container, Viewed from a yet further aspect, the present application relates to a method of dispensing a substance from a container into a liquid provided in a vessel, a fluid pathway being provided for allowing liquid to exit the vessel bypassing the container; wherein the method comprises moving the container from a first position to a second position to dispense the substance. Preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like parts have been given like reference numbers, in which: Figure 1A is a perspective drawing of the device according to the invention; Figure IB is a top view of the device according to the invention; Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D are side views of the device according to the invention, shown in various positions; Figure 3A is a side view of the outer body; Figure 3B is a cross-sectional view of the outer body; Figure 3C is a perspective view of the outer body; Figure 4A is a side view of the container; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the container; Figures 4C and 4D are perspective views of the container; Figure 5A is a side view of the closure element (mouth piece) ; Figure 5B is a perspective view of the closure element; Figure 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the closure element; Figure 6A is a side view of the protective cap; Figure 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the protective cap; Figure 6C is a perspective view of the protective cap; Figures 7A, 7B and 7C are cross-sectional side views of the device according to the invention, shown in various positions; Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view of the device according to the invention; Figure 9 is a front view of the device mounted on a vessel such as a bottle; Figures 10A, 10B and 10C are side views of a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention, shown in various positions; Figures 11A, 11B and 11C are cross-sectional side views of an alternate device acicording to the invention, shown in various positions; Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the outer body; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the container; Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of the closure element; Figure 14B is a cross-sectional view of the blocking ring; Figure 15A is a side view of the screw cap according to a third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15B is a side view of the cylinder; Figure 15C is a side view of the nozzle; Figure 15D is a side view of the container; Figure 15E is a side view of the protective cap; Figure 15F is a side view of the closure element; Figure 16A is a side view of the container assembly; Figure 16B is a cross-sectional view of the container assembly; Figure 16C is a perspective view of the container; Figure 16D is a perspective view of the nozzle; Figure 16E is a top view of the nozzle; Figure 17A is a side view of the body assembly; Figure 17B is a cross-sectional view of the body assembly; Figure 17C is a perspective view of the screw cap; Figure 17D is a perspective view of the cylinder; Figure 18A is a side view of the closure element; Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view of the closure element; Figures 18C is a perspective view of the closure element; Figure 19A is a side view of the protective cap; Figure 19B is a cross-sectional view of the protective cap; Figure 19C is a top view of the protective cap; Figure 20A is a front view of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, shown in a closed position; Figure 20B is a cross-sectional view of the device, shown in a closed position; Figure 21A is a front view of the device according to the third embodiment of the invention, shown in an activated position; Figure 21B is a cross-sectional view of the device, shown in an activated position; Figure 22A is a front view of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, shown in an open position; Figure 22B is a cross-sectional view of the device, shown in an open position; Figure 23 is an exploded perspective view of the device according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 24A is a front view of the device mounted on a vessel such as a bottle; Figure 24B is a cross-sectional view of the device mounted on a vessel such as a bottle; Figure 24C is a perspective view of the device mounted on a vessel such as a bottle; Figures 25A, 25B and 25C show the device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention with the container in a raised position; Figures 26A, 26B and 265C show the device according to the fourth embodiment with the container in a lowered position; Figures 27A, 27B and 27C show the container according to the fourth embodiment; Figures 28A, 28B, 28C and 28D show the nozzle according to the fourth embodiment ; Figures 29A, 29B and 29C show the nozzle and container according to the fourth embodiment; Figures 30A, 30B and 30C show the cylinder according to the fourth embodiment; and Figures 31A, 31B and 31C show an alternative arrangement of the nozzle and container according to the present invention. The device according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises an outer body 20 and a container 40 which is slideable within the outer body 20. Referring to figure 1, the outer body 20 is shown with a closure element 60 (a mouth piece) protected by a protective cap 10. Figure 1A shows the device in a configuration in which it is initially assembled to e.g. the neck of a vessel, such as a bottle or similar containing a potable liquid. The outer body 20 comprises a vessel interface 22, i.e. an enlarged portion which may contain a suitable fastening device to a bottle neck, such as a thread or similar. Figure 1A also shows the portion 28 of the outer body which extends down into the bottle when the device is assembled to the bottle. The protective cap 10 is known in the art and is releasably attached to the outer body via a serrated edge, which is a commonly used "weak link". The closure element, or mouth piece 60, is also known in the art and opens and closes fluid flow in a known fashion via the flanged element 46. Figure 2A shows essentially the same configuration as shown in figure 1A. In this fashion the device is assembled on to a bottle (not shown) via the extended portion 22. As mentioned, the device may be adapted to conventional bottles via a thread. When assembled onto a bottle, the extended portion 28 of the outer body is inside the bottle. In figure 2B the protective cap 10 has been removed by twisting or bending thus releasing it from the outer body

20 at the weak link 11. The serrated edges 12, 21 (see also fig. 6A) prevent the protective cap from sliding around the body when a user is trying to twist it off. In figure 2C the container 40 has been pushed down by means of an action towards the closure element 60, abutting on to the top of the container 40. Figure 2C thus shows the container 40 in a position where ports 42 have been revealed and thus provides an opening from the internal container cavity 40a and the surroundings. In this position, the container contents (i.e. the additive) are free to evacuate the container and be mixed with the contents of the bottle (not shown) . In figure 2D the mouth piece 60 has been pulled back out, thus providing an opening at the upper end of the container. In this configuration, a user may have access to the fluid in the bottle, and drink the fluid into which the additive has been mixed. Turning to figure 3A, the outer body serrated edge 21 is shown, as well as a barbed flange 26 on the upper part of the outer body. This flange 26 assists in locking the protective cap in its position. Describing the invention now in more detail, figure 3B shows a cross-sectional side view of the outer body 20. It shows the through bore 24 in which the container 40 is slideably received, as well as a recessed region 25, holes 27, and groove 23, which will be described in more detail later. Figure 4B is a cross-sectional side view of the container 40. It shows the container cavity 40a, the above mentioned ports 42 and holes 47 which also will be described later. Also shown in figure 4B is a recessed region 45. At the top of the container 40 one or more orifices 48 are shown thus providing an opening for drinking. An extended element 46 will be able to close the container at that end in cooperation with the mouth piece 60, as is known in the art. When the mouth piece is in its lower position, the edge on the orifice 48 is locked into a groove 63 that is provided on the inside surface of the mouth piece (cf. figure 5), to provide better sealing of the container. Figure 4C also shows these orifices 48 and the extended element 46. Figures 5A and 5B show the closure element 60, also known as a mouth piece. The opening 62 provides an opening for drinking and cooperates with the above mentioned extended element 46 in a first position in order to close the orifices 48. Figures 6a - c show the protective cap 10, including the serrated edge 12 and rupture element ("weak link") 11. Turning now to figure 7, these cross-sectional side views explain the function of the invented device. In figure 7A, the device is shown in a closed position. The ports 42 are closed by a portion of the outer body 40, any substance contained in the cavity 40a will thus not be able to escape. The orifices 48 are also closed by means of the closure element 60. In figure 7a and 7b it looks like mouth piece is resting against a neck portion of the container, but there is preferably some space between the mouth piece and the container in order to allow for a lower degree of tolerance in production. In normal use, the outer body is fitted to the mouth of a bottle via the vessel interface 22. Any threads, etc. are not shown, due to the clarity of illustration. When a user wants to release the substance in the container into the bottle, he removes the protective cap 10 and pushes the container down into the position as indicated in figure 7B. Here the container has been pushed down to a position where the ports 42 are exposed, thus enabling the substance to be evacuated from the container. As mentioned previously, this sliding action of the container is accomplished by applying a downward force on the closure element 60, which is transferred to the container 40. The container 40 may be pushed down until the first detent 43 reaches the lower end of the recessed region 25 in the outer body. As shown in figure 7B the detents 43 rest against the lower face of the recessed region 25. As an additional safety feature, the container is provided with a lower detent 49 which engages a portion of the outer element and prevents the container from being pulled back into the outer body. The container 40 and outer body 20 are thus locked in a more or less fixed relationship. In order to drink the contents of the bottle, a user will pull the closure element upwards in a known fashion. Figure 7C illustrate this configuration where the device provides an opening into the bottle. The orifices 48 are open and fluid may flow out of the bottle through the ports 42, into the container cavity 40a and out of the orifices 48 via the mouth piece opening 62. The travel or stroke of the closure element 60 is limited by detents 68 abutting against an abutment face 45a at the upper end of the outer recessed region 45 on the container. When the device is in the open configuration as shown in figure 7C, the closure element 60 (or mouth piece) may be moved up and down in order to close or open the bottle, as is well known in the art. The device also comprises a pressure release arrangement, which is useful when the device is mounted on bottles containing carbonated liquids. This is accomplished by the two through holes 27 and 47 in the outer body and container, respectably. By means of these two holes, the pressure difference within the bottle and the device may be equalised and limiting the possibility of liquid being forced out of the cap when opened. As shown in figure 7B, when the two holes are aligned, there is a channel established between the cavity 40a and the outside of the outer body 20, however inside the bottle (not shown) when the outer body is fitted to the bottle neck. At the level of the through hole 27, there is a groove 23 in the outer body (see figure 3B) , thus making it possible to establish fluid communication with the cavity 40a even if the holes 27, 47 are not properly aligned. Reiterating some key features of the invented device, it should be noted that when the container 40 is manually pushed down, it will be forced into a locked position by means of the detents, thus allowing the substance to escape the container through the ports 42. The detents make it impossible to re-position the container after it has been opened, without structurally damaging the container and/or outer body. This is desirable in order to prevent any re-use of the cap, as well as for hygienic reasons. The cap is designed to simplify the process of adding a substance (e.g. a liquid) into a closed bottle by only allowing the container to work unidirectional . The device is also designed to limit the amount of dangerous parts, such as small and sharp objects, so that it may be safely used by small children. The threads (not shown) on the cap may be designed such that the whole assembly may be screwed on to any standardized bottle via the outer body interface 22. As an additional feature, the threads may be designed for irreversible assembly. The invention may thus be used with any bottle. For example, the substance may be a liquid containing oxygen. Then, a user may thus: 1 Screw the device onto a desired soft-drink bottle to which he wants to add the substance (e.g. oxygen) and ensure that the outer body 20 is securely locked to the bottle; 2 Remove the protective cap 10; 3 Push the mouth-piece 60 down until a click is heard; this action forces the container 40 down to its locked position allowing the release of the substance; 4 To open the cap, pull the mouth-piece up; 5 To close the cap, simply push the mouth-piece down. The substance to be released into the vessel may be a fluid, a liquid or a powder comprising solid particles, or a combination of the aforementioned. There is no mechanism provided in the figures above that prevents the container from rotating inside the body, this means that the ports could be blocked by the outer body even when the container is pulled up. This problem can be solved by producing the container and the body out of see through plastic that will assist the user in deciding whether the ports are aligned or not. If desired it would be possible to restrict the rotation of the container by providing a guide between the container and the body. For the alternate embodiment it would also be possible to include a protective cap similar to the one described in Figure 6. Referring now to figures 10A to 14D, a second embodiment is described in the following. This embodiment is similar to the one described above, where many of the basic principles are existing. The device comprises an outer body having one or more ports at its lower end and a container having a first end and a second end and an internal cavity for holding the substance, the container being slidingly received in the outer body and comprising one or more ports in the region of the container second end. The invented device is characterized in that the container is displaceable within the outer body, from a first position where the ports are closed by a portion of the outer body, to a second position where the ports in the body and the container are aligned, whereby allowing a substance of liquid, powder or syrup to evacuate through the ports and into a vessel, such as a bottle or similar. The device according to the invention comprises an outer body 120 and a container 140 which is slideable within the outer body 120. Referring to figure 10, the device is shown in an assembled state in various positions. In figure 10A the container and the closure element is in a lower position preventing the contents in the container escaping through the ports or through the orifice . In figure 10B the container has been pulled up in a position where the ports in the container and the body are aligned, allowing the contents in the container to evacuate through the ports. In figure 10C both the container and the closure element are pulled up, allowing the liquid inside said vessel or similar to flow through the ports into the container cavity and out of the mouthpiece. Figures 11A, 11B and 11C show a cross-sectional view of essentially the same configurations as shown in figure 10. Figure 11A shows the blocking ring 130 that is forced into position under assembly and prevents the container 140 from escaping the body 120. It is not possible for the user to reposition the blocking ring due to the tight fit between the ring and the body. The ports 142 are closed by inner surface of the body and the ports 122 are closed by the outer surface of the container 140. The closure element 160 is in its lower position where the orifice 148 is locked into a groove 163 that is provided on the inside surface of the mouth piece to provide better sealing of the container. The outer recessed region 145 of the container 140 defines the maximum allowable travel or stroke of closure element 160. Figure 11B shows the container 140 in its upper position where the ports 142 and 122 are aligned. In this position the container is locked relative to the body by the means of the groove 123 and the detent 149 located at the containers bottom surface. This prevents the user repositioning the container after it has been pulled up. Figure 11C shows both the container 140 and the closure element 160 in its upper position, the closure element detent 168 and the abutment face 145a prevents the closure element travelling any further up. Turning now to figure 12, this cross-sectional view of the body shows the groove 123 and the ports 122. The thru bore 124 is matching the outer diameter of the container and enables the container 140 to slide upwards. The vessel interface provides the sealing between the body and a said vessel, bottle or similar, by the means of standardised threads (not shown) . The figure 13 shows the container in a cross-sectional view, that identifies the cavity bottom 141, the detents 149 which provides the locking mechanism between the container and the body. The outer recessed region 145 and the abutment face 145a together with the orifice 148 and the extended element 146 provides the closure element with the necessary elements of sealing and maximum travel or stroke . In figure 14 both the closure element 160 and the blocking ring are shown in a cross-sectional view. Referring to figure 14A, the groove 163 provide the additional sealing of the container, where the opening 162 allows a flow of liquid to pass through when a user wants to consume the liquid contained in the vessel or bottle. The enlarged portion 164 assists the user when opening the closure element by providing the necessary grip for opening the closure element. Figure 14B shows the blocking ring 130 that is used for limiting the travel of the container inside the body. When assembled the outer surface 132 and the inside surface of the upper part of the body provides a tight fit enabling a permanent position of the blocking ring. The abutment face 131 defines the upward stroke or travel of the container. The device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 15 to 24. The device comprises a body assembly 270 and a container assembly 280 which is slideable within the body assembly 270. Referring to figure 1, the screw cap 210 will be mounted to the first end of the cylinder 220 by means of a snap fit and will then represent the body assembly 270. The nozzle 230 is a part of the container assembly and will be mounted to the first end of the container 240 by the similar snap fit used for the body assembly 270 and will represent the container assembly 280. Figure 15E shows the protective cap that is another part of the invented device and will be mounted to the screw cap to protect the closure element 260. Figure 15F shows the closure element 260 which is the last part that goes into the assembly of the invented device. The closure element 260 will be mounted to the nozzle and will facilitate the sealing between orifice 232 and the enlarged portion 231 when the device is in a closed position (figure

20) or activated position (figure 21) . Figure 16A shows a front view of the container assembly 280 where the nozzle 230 has been mounted to the container 240 by means of a snap fit. Referring to figure 16B, this snap fit is achieved by the barbed flange 237 that engages an edge 244 at the first end of the container. The parting surface 236 will in this assembly seal off the container's first end leaving the ports 241 as the only escape route for the substance in the container 240. The upper sealing face 242 and the lower sealing face 243 will ensure that the substance in the container 240 will not evacuate before the device is activated (figure 21) by pushing the container assembly to a second position where a region of the container is extended out of a portion of the cylinder 220. In the centre of the cavity bottom there is a small filling hole 247 that will allow the container to be filled with a substance, this hole will be sealed off by a plug (not shown) when the filling is completed. The nozzle 230 has four inlet ports 235 that are equally distributed around the base of the nozzle and the sealing face 234 will ensure that the only flow route will be through those ports. When the device is activated these ports will be levelled with the flow channels 221 (figure

21) and allow the fluid inside a bottle to enter the nozzle. In order for the fluid to evacuate through the orifice of the nozzle 230 the user will have to remove the sealing between the enlarged portion 231 and the sealing face 239. This is achieved by pulling the closure element 260 up along the outer recessed region 233. Figure 16E is a top view of the nozzle and illustrates how the enlarged portion 231 is connected to the orifice internal face by means of the three supporting bridges 238. Turning now to Figure 17A, the cylinder 220 is mounted together with the screw cap 210 and illustrates the body assembly. The flange 211, barbed flange 212 and the serrated edge 213 assists and locks the protective cap 250 in position (figure 20). When the protective cap 250 is mounted to the screw cap 210, the barbed flange 212 prevents the protective band 255 (figure 19) from being removed from the screw cap, the serrated edge 213 prevents the protective cap 250 from rotating around the screw cap 210 and the flange 211 will support the weak link from being destroyed before the protective cap is twisted of by the consumer. The gripping area 214 assists the consumer when unscrewing the assembly form a bottle or similar by creating a rough surface. When unscrewing the device from a bottle or similar, the tamper-evident band 217 will remain around the neck of the bottle. This is achieved by the barbed flange 18a (figure 17B) that engages a portion of the bottle neck forcing the weak link 215 to yield. When the device is mounted on a bottle or similar for the first time, the catch retainer 216 supports the weak link 215 from being destroyed in the mounting process. The fit between the bottle neck and outer surface of the cylinder 220 can be very tight and therefore obstruct the fluid inside a bottle to enter the ports 235 (Figure 16A) when the device is activated. The flow channels 221 will solve this problem by allowing free flow even if there is no space between the bottle neck and cylinders outer surface. There are eight fluid channels distributed equally around the cylinder 220. Figure 17B shows a cross-sectional view of the body assembly, the snap fit between the cylinder and the screw cap is created by barbed flange 222 at the first end of the cylinder 220 which will engage the edge 219 located inside the screw cap 210. The edge 219a prevents the consumer from pulling the container assembly throughout the screw cap 210. When the device is activated (figure 21) the barbed flange 223 prevents the container assembly from being pulled back to closed position (figure 20) by engaging the top surface of the sealing face 234 (figure 16B) and the edge 224 will prevent the container assembly from being pushed further down by engaging the bottom surface of the sealing face 234. At the second end of the cylinder 220 there is an upper groove 225 and a lower groove 226 that will give a provisional fit between the upper sealing face 242 and lower sealing face 243 respectively. By pushing the closure element 260 down, a certain amount of force is applied to the container assembly and the upper sealing face 242 will be pushed down to the lower groove 226 allowing the substance to escape from the container due to gravitational forces (figure 21) . Figure 18B shows a cross-sectional view of the closure element where the opening 261 will allow fluid to exit when the closure element has been pulled up along the nozzle 230. The travel or stroke of the closure element 260 is limited by detents 263 abutting against the abutment face 239a of the upper end of the outer recessed region 233 (figure 15C) . When the closure element 260 is mounted onto the nozzle 230, it can be moved up and down in order to close or open the bottle, as is well known in the art. The enlarged portion 264 will assist the user when pulling the closure element up by providing a better grip. Figure 19B shows a cross-sectional view of the protective cap 250. The detent 252 interacts with the flange 211 (figure 15A) to support the location of the protective cap 250. The weak link 253 is one of eight weak links that are distributed equally around the base of the protective cap 250. They are designed to yield when a user twists the protective cap 250 in any direction relative to the body assembly. The edge 254 together with the barbed flange 211 locks the band 255 in vertical direction while the serrated edge 251 together with the serrated edge 213

(figure 15A) locks the band in horizontal direction. The band 255 will therefore remain on the screw cap 210 after the top part of the protective cap 250 has been removed. Figure 20A shows a front view of the device according to the invention, shown in a closed position. Figure 6B represents a cross-sectional view of figure 6A where the ports 241 are closed by a portion of the cylinder 240. The closure element 260 is in its lower position, where the sealing element 262 has engaged a portion of the orifice 232 to provide additional sealing. Turning now to figure ^■ 21A, in this configuration the protective cap 250 has been twisted off leaving the band 255 around the screw cap 210. The closure element 260 has been pushed down forcing the container assembly to its open position where the ports are no longer closed by the cylinder 220, allowing the substance inside the container 240 to be mixed with the content of a bottle or similar (not shown) . Figure 21B represents a cross-sectional view of figure 21A and shows that the displacement of the container assembly has aligned the ports 235 with the flow channels 221 allowing a substance in a bottle or similar (not shown) to enter the internal cavity of the nozzle 230. It also illustrates that the container assembly will not be able to move further down or up because the sealing face 234 abuts against the edge 224 and the barbed flange 223. This means that if the device is activated as in figure 21A it will be impossible to re-position the container to the closed position shown in figure 20A, without structurally damaging the container assembly 280 or the body assembly 270. This is desirable in order to prevent any re-use of the cap, as well as for hygienic reasons. In figure 22A the closure element 260 has been pulled up and the substance in a bottle or similar is able to enter the ports 235 and then exit the internal cavity of the nozzle 230 and through the opening 261 of the closure element 260. Figure 22B represents a cross-sectional view of figure 8A and shows the device in an open position. By pushing down the closure element 260 the user can reposition the device to the activated position shown in figure 21A, thus sealing off the device. Figure 23 shows an exploded assembly view of the device according to the invention and the assembly order shown is the only sequence that can be used for assembling the product. When the container 240, cylinder 220, nozzle 230 and screw cap 210 are assembled together, it is not possible to take this subassembly apart without destroying some of the parts due to the snap fits that are used. At least in preferred embodiments, this device is designed to simplify the process of adding a substance (e.g. a liquid) into a closed bottle by only allowing the container to work unidirectional. At least in preferred embodiments, this device is also designed to limit the amount of dangerous parts, such as small and sharp objects, so that it may safely be used by small children. The threads on the screw cap 210 can be designed such that the whole assembly can be mounted to any standardized 5 bottle. For example, the substance may be a "liquid" containing oxygen. A user may actuate the device using the same steps as outlined above for the first embodiment of the present invention,o The substance to be released into the vessel may be a fluid, a liquid or a powder comprising solid particles, or a combination of the aforementioned. A fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 25 to 30. The device according to the fourths embodiment corresponds generally to the third embodiment and like reference numerals have been used for like components . The device according to the fourth embodiment is shown in Figure 25 with the container 240 in its raised positiono inside the cylinder 220. Conversely, Figure 26 shows the container 240 in its lowered position. The main differences between the third and fourth embodiments of the present invention will now be described. The nozzle 230 and the container 240 according to the5 fourth embodiment have been modified to simplify their production. As shown in Figure 27, the container 240 is provided with an end plate 281 for sealing the upper end thereof. The end plate 281 is integrally formed with the container 240. The end plate 281 could alternatively beo formed separately from the container 240 and then fixed in place . As shown in Figure 28, the nozzle 230 is provided with a plurality of castellations 283 for engaging the end plate 281 when the nozzle 230 is displaced downwardly. The castellations 283 ensure that a fluid pathway is maintained between the top of the container 240 and the nozzle 230 when the device is activated. The provision of the castellations 283 advantageously avoids the need to form undercuts when the nozzle 230 is moulded. A circular projection 284 is provided on the end plate 281 of the container 240 for cooperating with the castellations 283 of the nozzle 230. The nozzle 230 and the container 240 are shown together in Figure 29. The container 240 is open at its lower end and is not provided with ports 241 in its sidewall. To prevent the release of substance from the container 240, a seal 285 is provided over the bottom of the cylinder 220 after the container 240 has been filled. The container 240 is provided with a projection 287 for piercing or displacing the seal 285 when the device is activated. A cross-piece 288 for maintaining the seal 285 open is preferably provided on the container 240. The seal 285 preferably remains attached to the container 240 after the device has been activated to reduce the likelihood of the seal 285 being swallowed by someone drinking from the vessel. Alternatively, the seal 285 may be sized to ensure that it does not fit through any of the fluid passageways formed in the nozzle 230. When the device is activated the flange 223 prevents the container assembly from being pulled back to a closed position by engaging the top surface of the sealing face 234 and the edge 224 will prevent the container assembly from being pushed further down by engaging the bottom surface of the sealing face 234. The seal 285 may be a foil cap or a plastic cap. Alternatively, the seal 285 may be a plastic moulding which is fixed in place by sonic welding or another mechanical process. The seal 285 could alternatively be an insert which snap-fits in position in the cylinder 220. During production, the container 240 is located inside the cylinder 220. The flow channels 221 are closed by the container 240 and the substance to be dispensed is introduced into the container 240. The seal 285 is then provided over the end of the cylinder 220 to prevent the substance escaping. The nozzle 230 is then screwed onto a vessel ready for use. To activate the nozzle 230, a user presses down on the closure element 260. The closure element 260 is displaced downwardly along with the nozzle 230. The castellations 283 contact the top of the container 240 and cause it to be displaced in a downwards direction. The projection 287 pierces the seal 285 and allows the contents of the container 240 to be dispensed into the vessel. The seal 285 remains partially attached to the cylinder 220 even with the container 240 in its lowermost position, as shown in Figure 26. The user then lifts the closure element 260 to open the fluid pathway through the device. The liquid may then flow through the device, via the flow channels 221, and be consumed by the user. It will be appreciated that the nozzle 230 and the container 240 for the first, second and third embodiments of the present invention may incorporate some or all of the features of the corresponding components of the fourth embodiment. As shown in Figure 31, the nozzle 230 can be formed separately from the end plate 281 for sealing the upper end of the container 240. Moreover, an end-piece 290 may be provided to close the lower end of the container 240. The end-piece 290 preferably clips into place. Although the invention is described above in the context of supplying an additive to a potable liquid, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention as defined in the claims also may find other applications within the realm of supplying a substance in a container into a vessel.

List of Components

Claims

C l a i m s :

1. A device for releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable from a first position to a second position for releasing the substance into the vessel; wherein the device comprises a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, said fluid pathway bypassing the container.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container comprises at least one port for releasing the substance into the vessel.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said at least one port is opened when the container is displaced to said second position.

4. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2 or 3 further comprising a seal for sealing the container.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the seal is pierced or opened when the container is displaced to said second position.

6. A device as claimed in claim 5, wherein a projection is provided on the container for piercing or opening said seal .

7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid pathway is closed when the container is in said first position.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid pathway is opened when the container is displaced to said second position.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a closure member for closing said fluid pathway.

10. A device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the closure member forms a nozzle.

11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the closure member forms a sports cap.

12. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a locking mechanism for locking the container in said second position.

13. A device for storing and releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable between a first position and a second position and having at least one port which is closed when the container is in said first position and open when the container is in said second position; wherein displacement of the container to said second position opens a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, said fluid pathway bypassing the container.

14. A device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the or each port is formed by an opening in a sidewall of the container.

15. A device as claimed in claim 13 or 14, wherein the container is located in a housing.

16. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein a portion of the container projects out of said housing when the container is in said second position.

17. A device as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein at least one aperture is formed in the housing for creating said fluid pathway when the container is displaced to said second position.

18. A device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the or each aperture is an elongate slot.

19. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18 further comprising a locking element for locking the container in said second position.

20. A device as claimed in any one claims 13 to 19 further comprising a valve operable to close said fluid pathway independently of the position of the container.

21. A device as claimed in claim 20, wherein the valve comprises a moveable closure element.

22. A device as claimed in claim 21, wherein the closure element is moveable in a first direction to displace said container to said second position.

23. A device as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the closure element is moveable in a second direction to open said fluid pathway.

24. A device as claimed in any one of claims 21, 22 or 23, wherein the closure element forms a nozzle for allowing liquid to be drunk from the vessel.

25. A device as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the closure element is moveable axially between an open position and a closed position.

26. A device as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 25, wherein the container is moveable axially between said first and second positions.

27. A device as claimed in claim 25 and claim 26, wherein the closure element and the container are moveable along the same axis.

28. A device for storing and releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable between a first position and a second position and having at least one port which is closed when the container is in said first position and is open when the container is in said second position, displacement of the container to said second position opening a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, the device further comprising a closure element for closing said fluid pathway, the closure element being moveable axially between an open position and a closed position.

29. A device as claimed in claim 28, wherein the container is moveable axially.

30. A device for storing and releasing a substance into a vessel, the device comprising a container for containing the substance, the container being moveable axially between a first position and a second position and having at least one port which is closed when the container is in said first position and is open when the container is in said second position, displacement of the container to said second position opening a fluid pathway for allowing fluid to exit the vessel, the device further comprising a moveable closure element for closing said fluid pathway.

31. A device as claimed in claim 30, wherein the closure element is moveable axially between an open position and a closed position.

32. A device as claimed in claim 29 or claim 31, wherein the closure element and the container are moveable along the same axis.

33. A device as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the closure element is moveable in a first direction to displace said container to said second position.

34. A device_^ as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the closure element is moveable in a second direction to open said fluid pathway.

35. A device as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the closure element forms a nozzle for allowing liquid to be drunk from the vessel.

36. A device as claimed in any one of claims 28 to 35 further comprising a locking element for locking the container in said second position.

37. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising a protective cap.

38. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device forms a cap for a bottle

39. A device as claimed in any preceding claim in combination with a bottle.

40. A device for storing a substance and for releasing same into a vessel such as a bottle or similar, said device comprising

- an outer body (20; 120);

- a container (40; 140) having a first end and a second end and an internal cavity (40a; 140a) for holding said substance, the container (40; 140) being slidingly received in the outer body (20; 120) and comprising one or more ports (42; 142) in the region of the container second end, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a t the container (40; 140) is displaceable within the outer body (20; 120), from a first position where the ports (42; 142) are closed by a portion of the outer body (20; 120) , to a second position where the ports (42; 142) are open, whereby a substance in the cavity (40a; 140a) may be evacuated via the ports (42; 142).

41. The device of claim 40, wherein the second position comprises a position where a region of the container (40) is extended out of said portion of the outer body and thereby opening the ports (42), whereby a substance in the cavity (40a) may be evacuated via the ports (42) .

42. The device of claim 40, wherein the displacement of the container (40) between the first position and the second position is controlled by at least a first detent (43) on the container (40), said detent being received in a recessed region (25) on the outer body (20), the extent of said recessed region (25) defining the container stroke between the first position and the second position.

43. The device of claim 42, wherein the container (40) comprises a lower detent (49) adapted for engagement with a corresponding lower detent (29) on the outer body (20) , whereby the container may be locked in the second position.

44. The device of claim 40, wherein the container (40) first end comprises one or more orifices (48) and an extended element (46), the orifices (48) being selectively closed by a closure element (60) slidingly received to a portion of the container (40) and cooperating with said extended element (46).

45. The device of claim 44, wherein the closure element (60) is movable between a first position where the orifices (48) are closed, and a second position where the orifices are open, said movement being controlled by at least one closure element detent (68) being received in a recessed region (45) on the container (40), said closure element stroke being limited in the direction of the closure element second position by an abutment face (45a) .

46. The device of claim 40, wherein the outer body (20) and the container (40) comprise respective through holes (27, 47), which may be aligned when the container (40) is in the second position, the aligned through holes thus forming a channel between the cavity (40a) and an area outside the outer body (20) .

47. The device of claim 46, wherein said area outside the outer body (20) is within a vessel onto which the device is mounted.

48. The device of claim 40, also comprising a protective cap (10) releasably attached (11, 21) to the outer body (20) .

49. The device as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 48 further comprising a fluid pathway, said fluid pathway bypassing the container.

50. A method of operating a device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising displacing the container from a first position to a second position to dispense the substance into the vessel.

51. A method of dispensing a substance from a container into a liquid provided in a vessel, the method comprising moving the container from a first position to a second position to dispense the substance and to open a fluid pathway to allow liquid to exit the vessel; wherein the fluid pathway bypasses the container.

52. A method of dispensing a substance from a container into a liquid provided in a vessel, a fluid pathway being provided for allowing liquid to exit the vessel bypassing the container; wherein the method comprises moving the container from a first position to a second position to dispense the substance.