Beverage mix dispensing closure

Abstract

A beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container includes a top element adapted and constructed to hold a predetermined quantity of flavoring material. A center element is connected to the top element. A valve mechanism is provided to be actuated to selectively dispense flavoring into the container. A base element is connected to the center element and to an opening of the container. The valve mechanism is actuated by rotation of the center element with respect to the base element.

1 . A beverage cap for dispensing flavoring material into a liquid container, the cap comprising the following:
 a top element adapted and constructed to hold a predetermined quantity of flavoring material;   a center element connected to the top element   a valve mechanism adapted and constructed to be actuated to selectively dispense flavoring into the container; and   a base element connected to the center element and to an opening of the container;   whereby the valve mechanism is actuated by rotation of the center element with respect to the base element.   
   
   
       2 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the center element is non-rotatably secured to the top element. 
   
   
       3 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein center element is snap-fit to the top element. 
   
   
       4 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the valve mechanism comprises a shutter valve including the following:
 a plurality of horizontally-oriented radial vanes formed in the center element;   a plurality of horizontally-oriented radial vanes formed in the base element at a location adjacent to the radial vanes of the base element;   whereby the rotation of the center element with respect to the base element varies the alignment of the vanes formed in the center element with respect to the radial vanes of the base element to actuate the valve mechanism.   
   
   
       5 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 4 , wherein the shutter valve of the valve mechanism further comprises a center pin. 
   
   
       6 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 5 , wherein the center pin is located at an axis of rotation of the center element. 
   
   
       7 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the shutter valve of the valve mechanism further comprises a center pin. 
   
   
       8 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pawl and indent arrangement. 
   
   
       9 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the base element further comprises a sealing lip adapted and constructed to contact the opening of the container. 
   
   
       10 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the base element further comprises a screw-threaded container interface. 
   
   
       11 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the valve mechanism further comprise an indicator mechanism adapted and constructed to provide a visible indication of the open or closed condition of the valve mechanism. 
   
   
       12 . A beverage cap in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein the top element, the center element, the base element, and the valve mechanism are fabricated from a plastic material.