WO2024246506A1

WO2024246506A1 - A liquid dispensing device

Info

Publication number: WO2024246506A1
Application number: PCT/GB2024/051359
Authority: WO
Inventors: Samantha Brook-Chrispin
Original assignee: Brook Chrispin Samantha
Priority date: 2023-05-28
Filing date: 2024-05-28
Publication date: 2024-12-05

Abstract

A liquid dispensing device having an outlet (48) through which liquid can pass, with the liquid dispensing device further comprising a first inlet (42), that has a first end and a second end and having a cross-sectional area, and a second inlet (44), that has a first end and a second end and having a second cross-sectional area. A mixing section (46) is arranged between the inlets and the outlet of the device. Both the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with the outlet via the mixing section, and the minimum cross-sectional area of the first inlet is less than the minimum cross-sectional area of the second inlet.

Description

A Liquid Dispensing Device

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a liquid dispensing device, particularly to a drinking straw or pourer for dispensing liquid from a receptacle, which may have multiple inlets leading to an outlet.

Background to the Invention

When out and about, consumers wanting option are often left with a single option, which is to purchase a beverage in a single-use plastic bottle. In recent times, there has been in increase in water refill stations, often government funded, and outlets that offer refills for consumers with a reusable bottle. Despite the growing popularity of refilling bottles, many consumers would like more than simply plain water, and, in some situations, users are desirous of a functional beverage.

Where flavoured beverages are desired, concentrate or syrup, often called squash or cordial, can be added to water. A limitation to this is that such concentrates are usually provided to consumers in large volumes of at least 500ml, which is too much for a single serve and the user must then either waste the unused product or carry it around. When using these concentrates, consumers have little choice than to estimate the levels of additives they are adding to their water/liquid, because measuring ‘on-the-go’ can be difficult, which can often compromise the quality of the finished product recommended by suppliers.

An alternative to concentrates is pre-mixed, off the shelf beverages, which are predominantly available to consumers in a single use plastic bottle. An example of such pre-mixed drinks is vitamin waters; however, a problem with functional additives is that once they are mixed with water they start to degrade in quality. By the time the bottles reach the shelves, the vitamin waters provide negligible nutritional benefits. Similarly, many vitamin waters are over-fortified to ensure there is some vitamins left when the product is on the shelf, and this can lead to an overdose on certain vitamins. Either way the level of vitamin the consumer receives uncertain because it is dependent on the time from manufacture to consumption.

Drop-in products are another option for providing additives to water, wherein liquid concentrate or tablets are dropped into the water in a reusable bottle. Often a residue and flavour remain in the bottle after consumption of the beverage, which can taint or contaminate the bottle. This produces more waste as the bottle needs to be replaced or thoroughly washed before use. Additionally, a tablet can take a while to properly dissolve and/or the drop-in needs to be mixed thoroughly by consumers in the bottle before consumption. With drop-in products, dosing is dependent upon the bottle size and users are prone to overfilling or underfilling the bottle with water, thereby resulting in the consistency and quality of the end product being variable.

Recently, some beverage bottles have begun to use aromatic flavourings, whereby a scent is used to give the illusion of the water having a flavour. In this situation, consumers are paying for a smell, there are no functional, flavour or nutritional benefits to the water being consumed. The system uses aromatic cartridges that can be expensive, and some consumers are sceptical of chemicals being inhaled by children. Additionally, the user must use a specific bottle to which the cartridge can be connected. As mentioned above, liquids are often contained in portable receptacles, such as jars, kegs and bottles and, oftentimes, particularly with water, the liquid in the larger receptacles is to be mixed with another liquid to create a usable, particularly for beverages and cleaning products. Whilst this is frequently the case with cleaning products, it is particularly relevant to drinks, where water is mixed with other products to create beverages. The liquid mixed with the water might be flavouring and/or functional additives, such as dietary supplements, nootropics, nutraceutical, all of which can be used to create beverages.

When mixing liquids to create beverages, a concentrated liquid is normally added to the water, such as in some of the examples listed above; however, the dosages is important in creating the product. Where the user pours the water into a drinking receptacle and then adds concentrate from another receptacle, the ratio of concentrate to water can vary greatly. This is a particular concern where the concentrate contains vitamins, whereby a user can readily overdose. Other methods, such as adding tablets to the water are used; however, these can leave residue in the drinking receptacle, which requires a thorough washing or the receptacle is thrown away, particularly where the receptacle is a plastics material bottle.

Pre-mixed drinks are available; however, these are normally sold in single-use cans or bottles, which are then thrown away, rather than being reused.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a liquid dispensing device having an outlet through which liquid can pass, the liquid dispensing device straw further comprising: a first inlet having a first end and a second end and having a cross-sectional area; a second inlet having a first end and a second end and having a second cross-sectional area; and a mixing section arranged between the inlets and the outlet of the device; wherein both the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with the outlet via the mixing section; and wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of the first inlet is less than the minimum cross-sectional area of the second inlet.

Thus, the present invention comprises a dispensing device that has two inlets and a single outlet. Both of the inlets are connected to a mixing section so that liquids passing through the two inlets are mixed prior to reaching the outlet. This allows both liquids to be brought together before being dispensed. One of the inlets has a smaller cross-sectional area that the other. This smaller cross-sectional area may be continuous along the length of the inlet, or it might be for a part of the length of the inlet. It will be appreciated that the smaller cross-sectional area might be created by having a smaller diameter or width than the other inlet. By providing the inlets with different cross-sectional areas, the ratio of the liquids passing through the two can be managed, which can result in a more predictable mixing ratio. The liquid flows through the two inlets and into the mixing chamber at different rates. In one arrangement, the cross-sectional area is taken at the junction between the second end of the inlet and the mixing section.

In one arrangement, the cross-sectional area of the first inlet can be adjusted, and, optionally, the cross-sectional area of the second inlet can be adjusted. Where the cross- sectional area of the inlet(s) is variable, a user can adjust the ratio of liquids entering the mixing section, thereby adjusting the device according to the liquids and the required mixing ratio.

In a preferred arrangement, the second end of the first inlet is arranged at a position between the second end of the second inlet and the mixing section. Thus, the first inlet connects to the device, or mixing section, at a position upstream of the second inlet. One advantage of this arrangement is that a non-return valve can be arranged between the second end of the first inlet and the second end of the second inlet. Such a construction allows the prevention of the liquid from the first inlet passing into the second inlet. Allowing the liquid from the first inlet into the second inlet may contaminate the liquid being provided from the second inlet. Preventing the liquids mixing early can be beneficial, particularly where the liquid in the first inlet can degrade over time when mixed or when the liquid from the second inlet is intended to be used for more than one dispensed product. The non-retum valve could be positioned elsewhere along the flow path of the inlets and mixing chamber.

Advantageously, the second inlet is provided with at least one aperture adjacent to its first end and positioned in the outer surface of the second inlet. Having one or more secondary apertures adjacent to first end of the second inlet allows liquid to pass into the second inlet when the main aperture second inlet is blocked, either by ice or by being positioned on the base of a receptacle. It is particularly advantageous that the apertures are arranged radially in the wall of the first end of the second inlet. It will be appreciated that additionally, or alternatively, the first inlet may be provided with radial apertures.

Preferably, the first end of the first inlet is connected to a cartridge holder. Connecting the first end of the first inlet to a cartridge holder, which may be integral or removable, allows cartridges or liquid to be connected to the first inlet. Thus, cartridges of concentrate can be fitted into, or onto, the cartridge holder, which allows for liquid concentrate to be readily connected to the first inlet. Additionally, this allows for quick changing of the first inlet liquid.

In one arrangement, a third inlet can be provided to the liquid dispensing device, the third inlet having a first end and a second end and having a cross-sectional area. The third inlet allows for another liquid to be introduced into the mixing chamber. It might be that both the first inlet and the third inlet are connected to the mixing chamber at the same time, or it may be possible to close one of the inlets to prevent liquid entering via that inlet. The closure arrangement might be in the form of a rotatable section, a ball valve or another closure mechanism.

It may be that the second end of the third inlet is arranged at a position between the second end of the second inlet and the mixing section. Again, this allows for a non-return valve to prevent ingress of a liquid from the third inlet into the second inlet. In one arrangement, the device is a drinking straw, wherein a user can suck at the outlet to draw liquid through the first inlet and the second inlet, into the mixing section and through the outlet. Where the device is a straw, a user sucking on the straw creates a negative pressure that draws liquid into the mixing section and out through the outlet, into a user’s mouth. Thus, the invention may take the form of a drinking straw that enables the dosing of a base liquid with additives. The straw may form part of a bottle arrangement or it may be independent of a receptacle, such that it can be retro-fitted to receptacles, particularly drinking bottle, or used with existing receptacles. In such an arrangement, as the liquid and additive are sucked through the drinking straw, they are combined and mixed just prior to consumption using a venturi style system. The device can be provided with additive pods, cartridges or capsules that allow for a transportable and convenient way of personalising a plain base liquid, such as water, without the need for pre-mixing.

The drinking straw may comprise two tubular sections, or straws, of different diameters and, using a venturi style system to draw fluid from each. The additives can be added to the water at the point of consumption, thereby keeping it separate from the main compartment of a receptacle, which reduces the risk of contamination or the risk of impregnation of flavour/function in the receptacle. Thus, the present invention can encourage the reusing of receptacles, such as bottles.

In an alternative arrangement, the device is a pourer that is adapted for use with a liquid receptacle. The motion of pouring the liquid from the second inlet through the mixing section and out of the outlet can draw in liquid from the first inlet due to the Venturi effect. To that end, it will be appreciated that the mixing section may be shaped to more readily allow the Venturi effect to draw liquid through the first inlet.

The device may further comprise at least part of a connection mechanism to connect the device to a receptacle. Thus, the straw or the pourer may connect to a receptacle. This allows the device to be held onto the receptacle, or for the inlet to be held in the receptacle.

It will be appreciated wherein the device further comprises a connection mechanism, it may be necessary to prove an air passageway to allow a flow of air through the device, or through the connection mechanism, to reduce the risk of a vacuum building up into the receptacle.

The invention extends to a drinking arrangement comprising: a liquid dispensing device as set out herein; and a receptacle containing a liquid for consumption; wherein the first end of the first inlet is connected to a liquid-containing cartridge and the second inlet is placed within the liquid in the receptacle; and wherein, when liquid is moved into the mixing chamber from the receptacle, liquid from the cartridge is also drawn into the mixing section, where the liquids mix before being dispensed via the outlet.

Thus, the invention may extend to a drinking arrangement that employs the device of the present invention with at least one receptacle connected to the second inlet. This allows the device to be put into operation, with the liquid from the receptacle passing into the second inlet and into the mixing section, with a liquid also entering the mixing section from the first inlet. It will be appreciated that where a third inlet is provided this also leads to the mixing section, when in use.

The cartridge may comprise a substantially rigid outer shell. In such an arrangement, the cartridge may further comprise a flexible bladder within the outer shell. The use of the outer shell protects the liquid therein from being damaged or leaking. If the liquid is contained within a substantially rigid outer shell, an air inlet, preferably comprising a oneway valve, may be required to allow the liquid contained therein to pass into the first inlet.

The first inlet may pass through the cartridge holder, where present, and pierce the cartridge, particularly, where the cartridge is a flexible bladder or where a weakened portion of the cartridge is provided.

It is preferable that the cartridge is biodegradable. Additionally, it will be appreciated that the cartridge should be readily attachable to, and removeable from, the first inlet to allow quick and easy replacement of the cartridge. An advantage of the present invention is that consumers are able to refill their bottle with water and add the additives they require conveniently, easily and on-the-go. As a result, the present invention can enable a convenient way of adding flavour and functional additives to water, which can encourage the refilling and re-using of bottles, whilst allowing the personalisation of these refills to suit the needs of the user.

The dispensing device of the present invention may be retrofitted onto a user’s own receptacle, thereby allowing other receptacles to be used with the invention, rather than restricting a user to a particular vessel.

The present invention can assist with more accurate dosing of additives, thereby reducing the guesswork required by a user. The use of pods, cartridges and/or capsules may assist with mixing the products in a predetermined manner. This reduces the risk of the additive being consumed in a manner that differs from the manufacturer’s design and intention, thereby resulting in a more consistent quality product. The pods, cartridges and capsules may be manufactured from recycled materials and they may, themselves, be recyclable.

The use of the present invention allows as user to refill their reusable bottles and, at the same time, add the functional additives or flavour of their choosing. This significantly reduces the need for consumers to opt for single-use plastic bottles, because the beverage can be customised to the user’s liking. Additionally, the present invention allows for additives, such as vitamins, to be kept separate from base liquid until the point of consumption, which reduce the risk of decomposition of the additives and assists with more accurate dosing of the additive product. This latter feature helps to reduce waste, because manufacturers can supply a lower amount of functional product, with the knowledge that the product will be missed at the point of consumption, rather than being storge on shelves for an extended period.

Compared with products that are dropped into a base liquid, as with other additives, the present invention allows the additives to be combined with the base liquid as it leaves the bottle ensures, thereby reducing the risk of contamination of the reusable bottle itself. Additionally, the customer receives the beverage without having to wait for products to be dissolved or pre-mixed. The present invention can provide a more accurate dosage of additive, thereby reducing waste and increasing the quality of the end beverage, regardless of the bottle size or amount of liquid in the receptacle.

As the present invention can be used in combination with existing receptacles, there are further benefits in respect of the invention not being limited to a single receptacle size and/or shape.

It will also be appreciated that consumers are familiar with pod-type and cartridge-type dispensing systems, for example, coffee machines, so user’s will be able to readily understand and use the present invention.

The present invention may be particular useful for consumers “on the go”, for example, in the workplace, on the road or commuters who have limited access to products that aren’t single use plastic bottled beverages.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment/Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a diagram showing a cartridge holder and cartridge for use with the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a diagram of a third embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5 is a diagram of a straw that might be used with the device of Figures 3 and 4;

Figure 6 shows a lid that may be used in the present invention;

Figure 7 is a diagram showing part of a straw in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 shows caps that might be used on a drinking straw in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 9 shows various types of pod or cartridge for use with the present invention.

Detailed Description of Exemplary Embodiments Figure 1 show a cartridge holder 10 comprising a base portion 12 and a lid portion 14. The base portion 12 and the lid portion 14 are substantially rigid. The lid portion 14 is removeable from the base portion 12 by way of a push-fit or threated connection. The lid portion 14 has an aperture 16 therein, the aperture 16 being provided with an elastomeric circumference. A cartridge 18 fits inside the base portion 12, with the cartridge 18 having a weakened portion in its top surface.

Figure 2 shows a drinking bottle 30 having a main receptacle section 32 and a top portion 34. A cartridge holder 10 is connected to the base of the main receptacle section 32, with the lid portion 14 of the cartridge holder 10 being connected, integrally or releasably, to the base of the main receptacle section 32. A lid section 34 is provided at the top of the main receptacle section 32, which can be removed to allow water or other liquids into the main receptacle section 32.

Contained within the lid section is a liquid dispensing device in the form of a straw 40. The straw 40 has a first inlet 42 that extends radially from a second inlet 44. The first inlet 42 has a narrower internal diameter than the second inlet 44. The space above the junction between the first inlet 42 and the second inlet 44 constitutes a mixing section 46, with an outlet 48 of the straw 40 being at the end, where a user would suck.

The first inlet 42 extends through the main receptacle 32 of the bottle 30 and passes through the base of the bottle 30, into the cartridge holder 10. The base of the bottle can be provided with a seal to prevent the liquid in the main receptacle 32 leaking from the base, which may be in the form of an elastomeric seal, or the first inlet 42 may be fixed into the base of the bottle 30. The first inlet 42 passes through the aperture 16 of the lid portion 14 and the first inlet 42 enters the cartridge 18 held within the cartridge holder 10. This may be through puncturing the cartridge 18 or by passing through a pre-determined inlet section.

As a user sucks upon the outlet 48 of the straw 40, liquid is drawn from the main receptacle 32 via the second inlet 44 and liquid is also drawing from the cartridge 18 via the first inlet 42. As the diameter of the first inlet 42 is less than that of the second inlet 44, the liquid is drawn at a lower volume rate. The liquid from the first inlet 42 and the second inlet 44 combine in the mixing section 46 and pass through the outlet 48. A nonreturn valve may be fitted to prevent the liquid from the cartridge 18 passing into the main receptacle 32.

Figures 3 and 4 show a straw arrangement similar to that of Figure 2; however, cartridge holder 10 is arranged around the straw 40, rather than at the bottom of a receptacle. Cartridge holder is arranged around a quarter or a third of the way from the outlet 48 to the base of the second inlet 44. As such, the first inlet 42 is shortened. The aperture 16 in the cartridge holder 10 may be arranged in the base section 12, with the first inlet passing through the aperture 18. In this arrangement and the cartridge 18 may be placed down upon the first inlet 42 to pierce it. It will be appreciated that the act of fixing the lid portion 14 of the cartridge holder 10 may assist with the first inlet entering into the cartridge 18.

In Figure 3, the cartridge holder 10 is further provided with a threaded section so that it can attach to a water bottle 50. In Figure 4, the arrangement is simply placed into a drinking glass 60.

Figure 5 shows a straw 48 more suited for the embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4. The first inlet 44 is shorter than the second inlet 44, so as to fit the additive cartridge holder 10 that is close to the outlet 48.

Figure 6 shows a top view of the lid 34, in which an aperture 34a is shown that can receive the straw 40 and support it in place.

Figure 7 shows part of a straw 40. The straw 40 has an inlet 44 in which is arranged a plurality of radially extending apertures 70. The radially extending apertures 70 can allow for the flow of fluid therethrough should the end of the straw become blocked.

Figure 8 shows a type of cap 80 that may be used to cover at least one outlet of a drinking straw used in the present invention. Figure 9 shows pods and capsules 90 having various shapes that might be used in the present invention. The additive-containing pod has a lid that can be pierced by the straw or that allows access for the straw to the liquid. This lid may be a valve, membrane or foil film, and, preferably, the pod can be reusable, recyclable, disposable, multi-use, biodegradable.

The mixing section may be provided with one or more baffles to create turbulence to help with mixing the liquids.

The present invention can be used with various different receptacles and moved therebetween. Alternatively, or additionally, a user can change the flavour or nutritional content of a beverage by swapping the cartridge. Furthermore, where a non-return valve is employed, the receptacle is not contaminated and so it can be used with different additives. Thus, the present invention reduces waste by allowing a user to use the same vessel, for example, the same plastics material water bottle, for different drinks.

Whilst described above for drinks, it will be appreciated that cleaning products or other liquids that comprise a concentrate that it diluted in a base liquid can be used. For example, a dispenser with a trigger can have a first inlet connected to concentrate and a second inlet connected to water or a different base liquid and with each activation of the trigger, both liquids are drawn into a mixing chamber from where they are dispensed.

Additives added into the main liquid can include flavouring or functional additives, such as dietary supplements, nootropics, nutraceutical. Similarly, other additives may be used, depending upon the required dispensed product. The main liquid can be a consumable, such as water, milk, cream, plant-based milks, syrups or other liquids. Beverages may comprise a non-alcoholic base liquid to which alcohol can be added, for example, a base liquid of a mixer and an additive of a spirit.

Pharmaceutical products can be added to the base liquid, in which the base liquid can be chosen appropriately. Other medical applications of the present invention are envisaged. The cartridge may be in the form of a capsule. Capsules, such as those used in coffee machines may be used, for example, having an outer shell and containing a substance therein, which will, preferably be a liquid. It will be appreciated that if the capsule contains powder or granular material, then a source of liquid will be required to pass through the capsule to carry the substance into the mixing section.

The connection between the cartridge holder and the water bottle may be through a bayonet fitting, a push-fit arrangement or another connection mechanism. Similarly, the lid of the cartridge holder may be connected to the base by these, or other, connection mechanisms.

The base liquid may be water or milk and the additive pod may be a flavouring, or a concentrate to promote better sleep or add vitamins such as calcium. In another embodiment, the base liquid could be tea or coffee and the additive could be a nootropic to promote focus or brain function. Alternatively, the base liquid could be a fruit juice and the additives product could be energy compound, such as caffeine.

It is envisaged that the present invention may be used with an alcoholic beverages. For example, the base liquid could be tonic or another ‘mixer’ the additive could be a spirit, such as gin or vodka. This can provide a mixture closer to the manufacturer’s recommended ration of spirit to mixer.

As referenced above, additives, which may be provided in pods or cartridges can include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:

Nootropics, also known as smart drugs, that may enhance cognitive function, memory, creativity, and motivation;

Nutraceuticals;

Beauticeuticals, skinceuticals and cosmiceuticals, which are intended to improve skin, hair and nail condition;

Formula and additives for children, such as infant formulas and additives for infants and young children, for example, substitutes for human milk.

Gym aids and supplements, such as protein supplements, isotonic supplements and additives that may aid training, including additives to improve stamina and endurance;

Functional additives, such as fortified drinks that may include minerals, vitamins, amino acids, dietary fibres and probiotics. Gender based supplements, such as those containing hormones; and Alcohol.

Where a drinking straw is employed, the straw may comprise a telescopic section. This allows the straw to be extended to the length of the receptacle in which it is being used. The straw may comprise metal or plastics material and, whilst it could be made from paper or bamboo, to increase longevity, metal or plastics material are preferred. The straw can be manufactured from 3D printing, injection moulding, rolling or extruding.

In one arrangement, the present invention may operate via gravity, rather than suction. In such an arrangement, the dual inlet straw, or conduit, allows for the base liquid to pour through one inlet and out of the outlet, and the additive is drawn through the other inlet and to the outlet, with the liquids mixing in the passage adjacent the outlet. This can allow for a more accurate mixing of the liquids, closer to the manufacturer’s desired mixing ratios. Thus, the mixed liquids can, for example, be poured into a glass.

The device may comprises more than one additive capsule or pod, with respective conduits, or straws, leading to each. In such an embodiment, the inlets that lead from the additive may be closed to select a single source of additive or opened to allow both additives to flow.

The pod, cartridge or capsule may be self- sealing, which is to say that they close when a conduit is removed therefrom.. Such a design can enable consumers to change the additives before the pod is empty by removing the pod holder and its additive pod part way through consumption. This can then be stored until required again, thereby allowing for the swapping in of pods, as required.

Personalised plans can be created according to a consumer’s needs.

It is envisaged that medicaments may be dispensed using the present invention, for example, providing liquid medicines for those can are unable or not keen to swallow tablets, such as children and the elderly. A click-clack, twist and turn system, or similar arrangement can be employed that can enable consumers to put a number of additive pods into the pod holder and to select the desired additive. Consumers can click the pod holder out of the base of the bottle and twist to enable the straw to enter one of the other additive pods. This can provide consumers a range of flavours and functions with the simple twist of the pod holder.

The device may be provided with a carry case to make it more readily transportable.

A straw stabilising arrangement may be employed, which may take the form of a stretch lid or base to allow the straw to remain static in the receptacle.

Features of one or more embodiment described herein may be incorporated into another embodiment also described herein.

Claims

1. A liquid dispensing device having an outlet liquid can be dispensed, the liquid dispensing device further comprising: a first inlet having a first end and a second end and having a cross-sectional area; a second inlet having a first end and a second end and having a second cross-sectional area; and a mixing section arranged between the inlets and the outlet of the device; wherein both the first inlet and the second inlet are in fluid communication with the outlet via the mixing section; and wherein the minimum cross-sectional area of the first inlet is less than the minimum cross-sectional area of the second inlet.

2. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the cross-sectional area of the first inlet can be adjusted.

3. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the second end of the first inlet is arranged at a position between the second end of the second inlet and the mixing section.

4. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein a non-retum valve is arranged between the second end of the first inlet and the second end of the second inlet.

5. A liquid dispensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second inlet is provided with at least one aperture adjacent to its first end and positioned in the outer surface of the second inlet.

6 A liquid dispensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first end of the first inlet is connected to a cartridge holder.

7. A liquid dispensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein a third inlet is provided to the liquid dispensing device, the third inlet having a first end and a second end and having a cross-sectional area.

8. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein the second end of the third inlet is arranged at a position between the second end of the second inlet and the mixing section.

9. A liquid dispensing device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is a drinking straw, wherein a user can suck at the outlet to draw liquid through the first inlet and the second inlet, into the mixing section and through the outlet.

10. A liquid dispensing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device is a pourer that is adapted for use with a liquid receptacle.

11. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 10, wherein the device further comprises at least part of a connection mechanism to connect the device to a receptacle.

12. A liquid dispensing device according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the device further comprises an air passageway to allow a flow of air through the device.

13. A di spensing arrangement compri sing : a liquid dispensing device according to any preceding claim; and a receptacle containing a liquid for consumption; wherein the first end of the first inlet is connected to a liquid-containing cartridge and the second inlet is placed within the liquid in the receptacle; and wherein, when liquid is moved into the mixing chamber from the receptacle, liquid from the cartridge is also drawn into the mixing section, where the liquids mix before being dispensed via the outlet.

14. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the cartridge comprises a substantially rigid outer shell.

15. A dispensing arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the cartridge further comprises a flexible bladder.