WO2007100322A1

WO2007100322A1 - Apparatus and method for making frozen drinks from a dry mix contained in a bag

Info

Publication number: WO2007100322A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/007204
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralph E. Mcmorris
Original assignee: Mcmorris Ralph E
Priority date: 2006-03-03
Filing date: 2006-03-03
Publication date: 2007-09-07

Abstract

A container for facilitating the preparation and mixing of a frozen drink including a flexible bag (12), a spout (14) affixed to the surface of the bag (12) and communicating with an interior of the bag (12), a cap (16) removably affixed to the spout (14) and a dry drink mix (18) contained within the bag (12) in a premeasured amount. A first level marker (26) is formed on the bag (12) so as to be indicative of a level of alcohol to be introduced into the bag (12). The bag (12) is formed of a flexible polymeric material.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING FROZEN DRINKS FROM A DRY MIX CONTAINED IN A BAG

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to dispensers and containers of a beverage prepared from a granulated or dry powder material. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mixing water and alcohol with the granulated or dry powder mix material so as to form a frozen drink in a proper condition for dispensing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There are presently available a large variety of beverage mixes in granular or dry mix form. These include instant coffee and tea, regular or decaffeinated, skim milk with vitamins A and D, soft drink mixes, soup, milkshakes, ice cream and yogurt. These mixes are used not only in the home, but also in offices, dormitories and the like. Retail establishments rely on the granular or dry mix for the creation of beverages, ice cream and frozen yogurt. Some of these granulated mixes are used so frequently that a dispenser is dedicated to their use. The need for hot or cold water to compete the beverage requires a technique for the accurate mixing of a measured amount of water with a measured amount of dry mix so as to make the most desirable flavor and consistency of the dispensed beverage.

[0003] Margaritas are a very popular alcoholic beverage at present. Margaritas are conventionally created by the mixing of a margarita mix with water and tequila. The margarita mix is conventionally a variety of flavors which create the desired margarita flavor. The margarita can be mixed with the alcohol so as to create a desired margarita drink having a desired alcohol content. [0004] Frozen margaritas are the most popular form of margarita drink. Frozen margaritas are conventionally created by placing the ice into the blender, along with water, so that a "slush" is formed. The margarita mix and alcohol is mixed into the slush so as to create the margarita drink having a desired consistency. In other circumstances, frozen margaritas are created by mixing all of the components in a margarita machine so that the frozen margarita is dispensed directly from a spigot. The margarita machine will swirl the ice, margarita mix and alcohol together in a refrigerated condition so as to create the desired "slush" consistency. These margarita machines are very expensive for individual use. Usually, only bars and restaurants will have such margarita machines. If the consumer desires to have a "frozen" margarita at home, then the margarita is usually prepared through the use of the blender, as described herein before. Often, during the home preparation of margaritas, an inadequate mixing of the components can occur. As a result, the "frozen" margarita will taste poorly. [0005] During the preparation of such frozen drinks, in order to create the proper flavor and consistency of the dispensed beverage, the alcohol must be mixed with water in a proper amount. If too much water is added to the dry mix, then the dispensed drink will be too thin for desired consumption. Additionally, if too little water is mixed with the dry mix, then the dispensed product can also have a very thick, pasty consistency. As a result, there is a need to avoid the inaccurate mixing of the drink components.

[0006] Other drinks are also best consumed when in such a "frozen" condition. For example, pina coladas and daiquiris are often and, preferably, served in a slushy frozen condition. The same problems that affect frozen margaritas will also affect the preparation of these frozen drinks. [0007] In the past, there has been a device which facilitates the ability to make frozen margaritas in the home environment. This prior art technique utilizes a large plastic vat having a removable lid thereover. The margarita mix is contained within the interior of the vat. The consumer can then add the requisite amount of water and alcohol into the vat and then close the top of the vat. The contents of the vat are then stirred. The vat can then be placed into the freezer of a home refrigerator. After a certain amount of time, the frozen margarita will result in the interior of the vat. The frozen margarita can then be dispensed into the vat by scooping the margarita into a larger container, such as a pitcher, or by scooping the contents directly into glasses for consumption. [0008] Unfortunately, these vat-contained margaritas are very inconvenient. First, the retail establishments selling the vats of margarita mix require an undue amount of shelf space for the storage of vats that contain mostly air. Since the vats have a somewhat inverted frusto-conical configuration, they often take up a great deal of unnecessary space. Once the vats are purchased and taken to the home, the vats will take up a great deal of unnecessary space within the kitchen cabinets and/or refrigerator. Since the vats are formed of an opaque plastic material, the user must fill the vat with the instructed amount of water and alcohol, and then mechanically stir the mixture, in order to achieve the desired consistency of the margarita. The dispensing of the frozen margarita from the vat can often be messy since the vat does not contain a convenient dispensing spout. Ultimately, the entire amount of the frozen margarita should be consumed at the time of dispensing or otherwise the contents of the vat will go to waste. Although these vats dispense a proper frozen margarita in the home environment, they create problems of convenience.

[0009] In the past, various patents have issued related to beverage dispensers which dispense flavored beverages from a mixture of concentrate (either liquid or solid) and water. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,056,686 to Jarrett discloses a beverage dispensing system for providing a number of different flavored drinks mixed from concentrate and water. The system has a number of containers for storing different flavors of concentrate and a piping system which includes a coupling adapted to receive pressurized water. Each container is in fluid communication with a specific fluid driven proportion pump that is also in fluid communication with the pumping system. Separate fluid supply lines extend from each pump to a dispensing head. Valves in the dispensing head control the discharge of fluid dispensed therefrom so that when a selected beverage is desired, the appropriate concentrate and water are discharged simultaneously to ensure that the beverage contains the appropriate mixture of concentrate and fluid.

[0010] U.S. Patent No. 5,341,957 to Sizemore discloses a cup-type vending system which includes a vending machine having a currency output device and automatically outputs a beverage into a cup in response to an operator's payment and selection of a beverage. The vending machine includes a plurality of beverage containers of beverage syrup such as "bag-in-box" packages, stored in an auxiliary cabinet. A dispensing system functions to draw syrup from the disposable containers and selectively dispense a predefined or selected amount of syrup into an awaiting cup. The system also includes pumping stages wherein one stage draws a selected amount of syrup from a package through a feed conduit and discharges the selected amount through a nozzle into the cup. [0011] U.S. Patent No. 3,934,759 to Giannella et.al. discloses a milkshake machine having a multiple mixing, blending and dispensing head for mixing and dispensing a variety of flavored milkshakes from one reservoir of unflavored comestible. Each head incorporates apremix chamber, wherein an unflavored, neutral comestible is inj ected under pressure, and is mixed under turbulence with a selected flavoring syrup which is also injected under pressure. A flexible shaft beater mixes the partially mixed comestible with the flavoring syrup and a triple port dispensing nozzle directs the mixed flavor milkshake into a container for serving.

[0012] U.S. Patent No. 5,323,691 to Reese et. al. discloses a frozen drink mixer for preparing blended beverages, particularly frozen drinks, in which an ice dispenser, liquid mix dispenser and blender are combined into a single unit. The apparatus automatically delivers an appropriate amount of ice and liquid into the blender unit and turns on the blender at an appropriate time to prepare the frozen drink of desired size.

[0013] As can be easily understood, each of these prior art systems provide a very complicated technique for dispensing, in an accurate manner, a mixture of concentrate and water. [0014] It is an object of the present invention to provide a container which facilitates the mixing of a dry drink mix with water and alcohol.

[0015] It is an object of the present invention to provide a container which facilitates the mixing of a dry drink mix with water.

[0016] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a container and method of using such container which facilitates the accurate addition of water and alcohol to the drink mix so as to ensure a consistency of the frozen drink.

[0017] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a container and a method of using such container which minimizes the costs of storage and transport.

[0018] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a container which allows a dry mix-based drink to be properly mixed and dispensed in the home environment.

[0019] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a container and method of using such a container which minimizes the storage space required for the container and the contained dry drink mix.

[0020] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a container and method of using the container that facilitates freezing of the mixture in a household freezer.

[0021] It is still a further object of the present invention which provides a container and method of using such a container which dispenses frozen drinks on an individual basis without the need for removing the unused drink mix from the container.

[0022] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a container for frozen drinks that can easily and conveniently be transported in ice chests, backpacks and similar devices.

[0023] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a reading of the attached specification.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The present invention is a container for facilitating the preparation and mixing of a frozen drink which comprises a flexible bag, a spout affixed to a surface of the bag and communicating with the interior of the bag, a cap removably affixed to the spout, and a dry drink mix contained within the bag in a premeasured amount.

[0025] In the present invention, the dry drink mix can be any granulated or powder material which facilitates the making of the frozen drink. The dry mix is introduced into the flexible bag prior to or at the time of packaging. [0026] The bag is formed of a flexible polymeric material which is sealed around the periphery of the bag. The bag is suitably water-tight and has sufficient structural integrity to withstand the weight of the mixed drink therein. A level marker can be formed on the bag or applied to the bag so as to provide an indication of the proper water level and alcohol level to be introduced into the bag. [0027] The spout has an opening which is large enough to allow a water spigot to be introduced into the interior of the bag. The spout can be positioned at the center of the top of the bag. The spout includes a suitable connection at the top to which a cap can be affixed. The cap can be threadedly affixed to the spout or snap-fitted onto the spout. The spout can also be of a self-closing construction. The bag can be gusseted so that it stands in an upright manner. [0028] The present invention is also a method of making a frozen drink which includes the steps of: (1) forming a bag having a spout extending outwardly therefrom which communicates with an interior of the bag; (2) adding a drink mix in a measured amount to the interior of the bag; (3) introducing water and alcohol into the interior of the bag to a desired level; (4) mixing the water and alcohol with the drink mix on the interior of the bag; (5) placing the liquid mixed drink into a freezer so as to freeze the contents into a slush; (6) opening the closure of the spout; and (7) dispensing the contents of the bag.

[0029] The step of introducing water into the interior of the bag can include either pouring water up to a level marker formed on the bag or up to the opening of the spout. The step of mixing the water and alcohol with the drink mix can include the step of kneading the bag so that the contents are intimately mixed together. After intimately mixing the contents together, the bag can be stored for a desired period of time so as to allow the product to properly set. Alternatively, the bag can be shaken so that the contents are properly mixed together. The products are refrigerated and/or partially frozen prior to dispensing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [0030] FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention with the bag in an upright orientation.

[0031] FIGURE 2 is a partially cross-sectional view of the container of the present invention as having a dry mix contained therein and with the bag illustrated as laying on a side thereof. [0032] FIGURE 3 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the components as layered within the bag. [0033] FIGURE 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring to FIGURE I₃ there is shown at 10 the container of the present invention for facilitating the mixing of a frozen drink. The container 10 comprises a bag 12, a spout 14 affixed to the bag 12 and communicating with an interior of the bag, a cap 16 affixed to the spout 14 at an end of the spout 14 opposite the bag 12, and a suitable drink mix material 18 contained within the bag in a premeasured amount.

[0035] As can be seen in FIGURE 1, the bag 12 is formed of a flexible polymeric material. In particular, the bag 12 is formed of two sheets 20 and 22 of polymeric material which are sealed together along the periphery 24. As such, the bag 12 is a water-tight bag having suitable structural integrity so as to allow for the containing of the frozen drink therein. A first level marker 26 can be applied across a surface of the bag 12 above the mix 18. A second level marker 27 can also be applied across the surface of the bag above the first level marker 26. The first level marker 26 can correspond to an amount of a first alcohol (e.g. tequila) to be added to the dry drink mix 18. The second level marker 27 can correspond to another desired amount of alcohol (e.g. triple sec) to be added to the mixture. A third level marker 29 can be positioned above the first level marker 26 and the second level marker 27. The third level marker 29 can correspond to the level of water to be added to the mixture. Alternatively, the third level marker 29 can be omitted if water is to be added up to the level of the bottom of spout 14. Alternatively, one of the level markers 26 and 27 can be omitted.

[0036] The spout 14 communicates with the interior of the bag 12. The spout 14 will have an opening which is large enough to allow a water spigot to be introduced thereinto. The spout 14 is also large enough to facilitate the pouring of the liquor into the container 10 and also for dispensing the slushy drink subsequent to freezing. As can be seen in FIGURE 1, the spout 14 is positioned in the center of the top edge of 28 of the bag 12. The spout 14 will have a suitable threaded or snap- fitted connection at its upper end so that the cap 16 can be affixed thereto. Alternatively, the spout 14 can have a rotatable self-closing mechanism.

[0037] As can be seen in FIGURE 1, a cap 16 is fitted onto the spout 14. The cap 16 is threaded to the exterior surface of the spout 14. The cap 16 will have a detachable locking mechanism 31 formed thereon. The detachable locking mechanism 31 is of a type which assures that the cap has been locked onto spout 14 at the factory and that the cap has not been tampered with. When it is desired to access the interior of the bag 12, the cap 16 is rotated so that the locking ring 31 will detach from the cap 16. As a result, the cap can be easily rotated off the threaded area of the spout 14. The locking ring 31 will remain in a loose condition around the exterior of the spout 14. The cap 16 also serves to seal and preserve the contents of the bag 12 therein. The cap 16 can also have suitable seals on the interior thereof so to have a liquid-tight connection with the spout 14. [0038] As can be seen in FIGURE 2, the bag 12 has a first sheet 20 of polymeric material sealed to a second sheet 22 along the periphery 24. The mix 18 is positioned in the interior 30 of the bag in a premeasured amount. The spout 14 has an end 32 which opens to the interior 30 of the bag 12. The cap 16 is secured around the threaded connection at the end of the spout 14 opposite to the bag 12. In FIGURE 2, the container 10 is in a suitable condition for transport from the manufacturer's location to the retail establishment. Air can be evacuated from the interior of the container 10. [0039] In FIGURE 2, it can be seen that the bottom 34 of the bag 12 has a fan-like configuration. When in its expanded configuration, the bottom 34 will allow the bag 12 to be supported upright upon a flat underlying surface. The fan configuration of the bottom 34 will also allow the bag to be folded in a generally flat planar configuration when the dry drink mix 18 resides along the surface of the second sheet 22, as illustrated in FIGURE 2. As a result, the bag 12 can be suitably configured so as to minimize the amount of space desired or expanded so as to accommodate the introduction of alcohol and water therein and to allow the bag to be supported in a desired configuration in an upright position upon an underlying surface.

[0040] FIGURE 3 shows the manner of use of the container 10 of the present invention. In FIGURE 3, it can be seen that the container 10 includes bag 12 having a sealed periphery 24. The spout 14 is closed by cap 16 at an upper end thereof. Threads 40 are formed on the spout 14 so as to threadedly secure with the cap 16. As can be seen in FIGURE 3, the locking ring 31, which is shown on cap 16 in FIGURE 1, has been removed. In other words, FIGURE 3 shows the configuration of the present invention after access has been gained to the interior 30 of the container 10.

[0041] In normal use, when the container 10 is purchased, the user can simply open the cap 16 and start pouring the liquor (e.g. tequila) into the interior 30 of the bag 12. When the level of the liquor reaches the marker line 26 or the proper amount of liquor has been introduced to the dry drink mix 18, warm water can then be added through the spout 14 until the liquid contents rise to the level marker of line 29 or to the bottom of the spout 14. The cap 16 can then be placed onto the spout 14 so as to establish a liquid-tight seal. The user can then either shake the bag 12 or shake the dry drink mix contents 18 with the water and alcohol so as to ensure an intimate mixing of the dry drink mix with the water and alcohol in the interior 30 of the bag 12. The mixing of the contents can also be carried out by kneading the contents together by applying pressure to the exterior surfaces of the bag 12. No mechanical stirring is required. The cap 16 assures a liquid-tight and air-tight sealing of the mix within the interior 30 of the bag 12.

[0042] After the contents of the bag 12 have been intimately mixed together, the bag can be simply placed into the household freezer. Since the household freezer has a temperature which is sufficient to freeze water, the margarita mix on the inside of the bag will not become completely frozen. The alcohol content of the frozen drink mix will prevent the contents from being completely frozen. After a certain amount of time, the contents of the bag 12 will have a slushy consistency. This slushy consistency will be suitable for dispensing regardless of the amount of time that the bag 12 and its contents remain in the freezer. It is possible, however, that the bag 12 and its contents will require some warming at ambient temperatures.

[0043] In order to dispense the frozen drink mix, it is only necessary to open the cap 16 so as to open the spout 14. The bag can then be turned so as to directly dispense the frozen margarita into a suitable container, such as a pitcher or a glass. If only a single glass of frozen drink is desired, the cap 16 can then be placed back onto the spout 14 and the bag 12 returned to the freezer section of the refrigerator. After the contents of the container 10 have been consumed, the container 10 can simply be disposed of by throwing away the container 10.

[0044] FIGURE 4 shows the end view of the container 10 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the cap 16 has locking ring 31 extending therearound. A suitable knurled surface 42 is formed around the periphery of cap 16 so as to facilitate the ability of the user to properly grasp the cap 16 and for allowing the user to properly rotate the cap 16 so as to separate the frangible surfaces of the cap 16 from the locking ring 31. The upper edges of the polymeric sheets 20 and 22 are suitably sealed along edge 44 at the top 28 of the bag 12. Tapering portions 46 and 48 extend outwardly along the upper edge 28 so as to accommodate the circular spout opening formed at the top 28 of bag 12.

[0045] As can be seen, the container 10 of the present invention occupies a minimal amount of space for the preparation of the frozen drinks. Initially, it is only necessary to place the desired amount of frozen drink mix into the bag 12. The bag 12 can then be evacuated of air so that the bag occupies a very small volume. The bag can be suitably packaged in a cardboard container or otherwise displayed. In contrast to vat-type frozen margarita mix containers, the present invention occupies a space which is not much greater than the dry drink mix 18. As a result, the container 10 will take up a minimal amount of space on the shelves of the retail establishment. The container 10 can be transported by the consumer while occupying a very small space in the grocery bag. Once the container 10 is in the home environment, the container 10, and its associated contents, can be stored in an unrefrigerated condition on the cupboard shelves, or in the refrigerator, as desired. Because of the small package used for the container 10, a minimal amount of household space is occupied by the container 10.

[0046] Once it is desired to prepare frozen drinks, water and alcohol can easily be added through the spout 14 of the bag 12 without the need for additional appliances, such as a funnel. There is no need to use mechanical devices to stir the contents of the bag 12 since the bag 12 is sufficiently flexible and strong to withstand the forces required for the shaking and/or kneading of the contents together. After the water and alcohol are added to the dry drink mix 18 within the container 10, only a minimal amount of air will remain within the interior of the bag 12. As a result, the container 10 will continue to occupy only a minimal amount of space in the freezer section of the household refrigerator. The contents of the container 10 can be dispensed easily, as required. The contents can be dispensed entirely into a pitcher or other container. Alternatively, the contents can simply be dispensed on a glass-by-glass basis. The cap 16 can be returned to the spout 14 after each dispensing of the contents. After use, the container 10 will only occupy a minimal amount of space in the garbage bag.

[0047] The present invention ensure a proper mixing by providing a proper amount of dry drink mix within the interior 30 of the bag 12. The user only needs to add water and alcohol to the respective levels of markers 26 and 29 so as to ensure a proper consistency of the frozen drink. If more than one alcohol needs to be added to the dry drink mix 18 within the interior of bag 12, then the user can add the alcohol so as to elevate the level of alcohol to the area of marker 27. In FIGURE 1, it can be seen that tequila is to be added to the level of the tequila marker line 26 and triple sec is to be added up to the level of the triple sec line 27. Water can be added up the bottom of the spout 14 or to a water marker line 29 positioned above the marker lines 26 and 27. [0048] The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention is illustrative and explanatory thereof. Various changes in the details of the illustrated construction or in the steps of the described method may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the true spirit of the invention. The present invention should only be limited by the following claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS I claim:

1. A container for facilitating the preparation and mixing of a frozen drink comprising: a flexible bag having an interior volume; a spout affixed to the bag so as to communicate with said interior volume of said bag; a cap removably affixed to said spout; and a dry drink mix contained in said interior volume of said bag in a premeasured amount.

2. The container of Claim 1 , said dry drink mix being a granulated material.

3. The container of Claim 1 , said bag being of a flexible polymer material.

4. The container of Claim 3, said bag comprising: a first polymeric sheet; and a second polymeric sheet sealed around at least a portion of a periphery of said first polymeric sheet, said dry drink mix received between said first and second polymeric sheets.

5. The container of Claim 4, said bag further comprising: a fan element affixed to the bottom of said first and second polymeric sheets and sealed thereto, said fan element being sufficiently expandable so as to space a bottom of said first polymeric sheet from said second polymeric sheet.

6. The container of Claim 4, said spout being affixed between said first polymeric sheet and said second polymeric sheet, said first and second polymeric sheets being in liquid-tight sealing relationship with said spout.

7. The container of Claim 1, further comprising: a level marker formed on a surface of said bag so as to be indicative of a level of a first alcohol to be introduced upon said dry drink mix within said bag.

8. The container of Claim 7, further comprising: another level marker formed on a surface of said bag so as to be indicative of a level of a second alcohol to be introduced upon said first alcohol and upon said dry drink mix within said bag.

9. The container of Claim 7, further comprising: another level marker formed on a surface of said bag so as to indicative on a level of water to be introduced upon the first alcohol and the dry drink mix within said interior volume of said flexible bag.

10. The container of Claim 1, said spout being positioned centrally along an upper edge of said bag.

11. The container of Claim 1 , said spout having a threaded outer surface, said cap having a threaded interior surface, said cap being threadedly secured to said spout.

12. The container of Claim 11 , said cap having a locking ring frangibly connected thereto, said locking ring detaching from said cap when said cap is removed from said spout.

13. A frozen drink container comprising: a flexible bag having an interior volume; a spout affixed to said bag so as to communicate with said interior volume of said bag; a cap removably affixed to said spout; a dry drink mix contained within said bag in a premeasured amount; an alcohol contained within said flexible bag in a desired amount; and water contained within said flexible bag in a desired amount up to a level just below said spout.

14. The container of Claim 13, further comprising: a first level marker formed on a surface of said bag so as to be indicative of a level of said alcohol within said bag.

15. The container of Claim 14, further comprising: a second level marker formed on a surface of said bag above said first level marker so as to be indicative of a level of said water within said bag.

16. A method of making a frozen drink comprising: forming a bag having a spout extending outwardly therefrom so as to communicate with an interior of said bag; adding a drink mix in a measured amount to said interior of said bag; introducing water and alcohol into the interior of said bag to a desired level; mixing said water and said alcohol with said drink mix in said interior of said bag; placing the liquid mixed drink into a freezer so as to freeze the liquid drink mix into a slush; opening a closure of the spout; and dispensing the slushed mixed drink from the bag.

17. The method of Claim 16, said step of mixing comprising: kneading an exterior of the bag so as to mix the water with the alcohol and the drink mix within the bag.

18. The method of Claim 16, said step of introducing water into the interior of the bag comprising: pouring water through said spout into said interior of said bag up to a level marker formed on said bag.

19. The method of Claim 16, further comprising: storing the liquid mixed drink for a desired period of time so that the liquid mixed drink properly sets.

20. The method of Claim 16, said step of mixing comprising: shaking the bag so that the water and the alcohol and the drink mix are mixed intimately together.