TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a liquid container and methods of use thereof for mixing a beverage. In particular, the present invention concerns a liquid container for use with a pod sealed capsule having beverage ingredients therein and adapted to be introduced into the liquid container for the mixing of the beverage.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Shaker bottles are popular amongst bodybuilders and gym enthusiasts as they enable a mixed beverage to be readily prepared and consumed pre- or post-workout while still at the gym or on the go. They are also popular amongst people looking for a healthy beverage alternative to soft drinks or juices but having more flavour than water.

[0003] Typically, a shaker bottle includes a bottle and a lid connectable to the bottle. The lid usually has a spout for dispensing or consuming the mixed beverage and a closure for selectively closing the spout.

[0004] In use, it is customary to prepare the bottle beforehand with a desired amount of a dry or liquid additive media carefully measured out and dispensed in the bottle so that all that is required to prepare the mixed beverage is to add a desired liquid and agitate the shaker bottle.

[0005] However, a problem in general with conventional shaker bottles and the above practice is that it typically only allows a single mixed beverage to be prepared and consumed, unless the user has access to his or her source of dry or liquid additive media.

[0006] Further, the measuring and dispensing of a desired quantity or volume of dry or liquid additive media into the bottle before each use is generally inconvenient and messy detracting from the usability of the shaker bottle as well as being potentially unsafe. For example, and in relation to the latter, it is all too common and easy to add too little or too much dry or liquid additive media, which may affect the consistency, taste and any associated health benefits of the mixed beverage subsequently prepared.

[0007] To counter the above problems, shaker bottles have been developed for use with pod- or cartridge-based additive delivery systems.

[0008] For example, US patent publication no. 2017/0129665 A1 discloses a shaker bottle with a lid adapted to receive a pod capsule therein and dispense a desired pre-measured amount of dry or liquid additive media into a liquid contained in the shaker bottle.

[0009] However, the present inventor has found that the disclosed shaker bottle includes a number of limitations that detract from its use, including an overly complicated design and a reliance on pod capsules only being loaded immediately prior to use, meaning the pod capsules have to be separately carried.

[0010] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0011 ] Embodiments of the present invention provide a liquid container, a lid, a kit and methods of use thereof for use with a pod sealed capsule for mixing a beverage, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid container for use with a pod sealed capsule for mixing of a beverage, said container including: a container body having a base, a rim portion and at least one sidewall extending therebetween and defining a volume for containing a liquid fluid; and a lid connectable to the container body, said lid including: a lid lower body having a collar connectable to the rim portion of the container body, an outlet extending upwardly therefrom for a user to sip or pour the beverage from the container body and a pod piercing structure inwardly located relative to the collar for piercing the pod sealed capsule; and a lid upper body connectable to the lid lower body and moveable between a closed position in which the container is sealed and an open position in which the outlet is externally accessible, said lid upper body having a pod sealed capsule receptacle for receiving the pod sealed capsule therein and an actuating mechanism for pressing the pod sealed capsule against the pod piercing structure of the lid lower body when the lid upper body is in the closed position such that the pod sealed capsule is pierced and contents of the capsule are released into the liquid fluid in the container body for mixing of the beverage therein.

[0013] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a liquid container for use with a pod sealed capsule for mixing of a beverage, said container including: a container body having a base, a rim portion and at least one sidewall extending therebetween and defining a volume for containing a liquid fluid; and a lid connectable to the container body, said lid including: a lid lower body having a collar connectable to the rim portion of the container body, an outlet in fluid communication with the container body for the beverage to egress from the container body and a pod piercing structure inwardly located relative to the collar for piercing the pod sealed capsule; and a lid upper body connectable to the lid lower body and moveable between a closed position and an open position, said lid upper body having a spout in fluid communication with the outlet for a user to sip or pour the beverage therefrom, a pod sealed capsule receptacle for receiving the pod sealed capsule therein and an actuating mechanism for pressing the pod sealed capsule against the pod piercing structure of the lid lower body when the lid upper body is in the closed position such that the pod sealed capsule is pierced and contents of the capsule are released into the liquid fluid in the container body for mixing of the beverage therein.

[0014] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a lid for use with a liquid container and a pod sealed capsule for mixing of a beverage, said lid connectable to a container body of the liquid container for containing a liquid fluid therein, said lid including: a lid lower body having a collar connectable to a rim portion of the container body, an outlet in fluid communication with the container body for the beverage to egress from the container body and a pod piercing structure inwardly located relative to the collar for piercing the pod sealed capsule; and a lid upper body connectable to the lid lower body and moveable between a closed position and an open position, said lid upper body having a spout in fluid communication with the outlet for a user to sip or pour the beverage therefrom, a pod sealed capsule receptacle for receiving the pod sealed capsule therein and an actuating mechanism for pressing the pod sealed capsule against the pod piercing structure of the lid lower body when the lid upper body is in the closed position such that the pod sealed capsule is pierced and contents of the capsule are released into the container body for mixing of the beverage therein.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for use with pod sealed capsules for mixing of a beverage, said kit including a lid connectable to a container body of a liquid container and including: a lid lower body having a collar connectable to a rim portion of the container body, an outlet in fluid communication with the container body for the beverage to egress from the container body and a pod piercing structure inwardly located relative to the collar for piercing the pod sealed capsule; and a lid upper body connectable to the lid lower body and moveable between a closed position and an open position, said lid upper body having a spout in fluid communication with the outlet for a user to sip or pour the beverage therefrom, a pod sealed capsule receptacle for receiving the pod sealed capsule therein and an actuating mechanism for pressing the pod sealed capsule against the pod piercing structure of the lid lower body when the lid upper body is in the closed position such that the pod sealed capsule is pierced and contents of the capsule are released into the liquid fluid in the container body for mixing of the beverage therein.

[0016] Advantageously, the present invention provides a liquid container and lid for use with a container body that enables a mixed beverage to be simply and readily prepared from a pod sealed capsule. The receptacle of the lid is able to store a pod sealed capsule until a user is ready to discharge a contents of the capsule into the associated container body with the push of a button. Further, embodiments of the container provide a storage receptacle for storing spare pod sealed capsules so that advantageously multiple beverages can be prepared and consumed while a user is out and about.

[0017] As indicated above, the liquid container and lid of the present invention are for use with pod sealed capsules containing a desired pre-measured amount of dry or liquid additive media.

[0018] Generally, the pod sealed capsules may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and formed from any suitable material or materials capable of containing the dry or liquid additive media in an air-tight environment and be pierced to release the media into the liquid fluid of an associated container body.

[0019] Typically, each pod sealed capsule may include a capsule base defined by a closed end, an opposed, flanged open end and outwardly diverging sides extending from the closed end to the flanged open end. The capsule base may define an internal volume for containing the dry or liquid additive media. The capsule base may be formed from any suitable material or materials, such as, e.g., plastic or metallic material or materials, or a combination thereof.

[0020] The capsule may further include a sealing member applied atop the flanged open end of the capsule base to seal the dry or liquid additive media in an air-tight environment within the capsule.

[0021 ] The sealing member may include any suitable sealing member adapted to in use be selectively pierced by the pod piercing structure. For example, the sealing member may include a plastic or metallic film bonded around its periphery to the flanged open end of the capsule base. [0022] The dry or liquid additive media may include any consumable additive media configured to dissolve, be infused or suspended, or form an emulsion, when added to the liquid fluid in the container body and optionally agitated.

[0023] The liquid fluid may be any suitable carrier fluid, such as, e.g., milk, including dairy and non-dairy varieties, juice or water, including carbonated and still varieties. The liquid fluid may be chilled, at room temperature or heated.

[0024] Examples of the dry or liquid additive media may include, but are not limited to, syrups, liquid and powder flavour extracts, tea, tea extract, tea infusions, coffee, coffee extract, coffee infusions, liquid and powder nutritional supplements, and plant-based infusions.

[0025] The liquid container may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0026] Generally, the liquid container including the lid may be formed from durable material or materials that are easy to clean and hygienic, such as, e.g., metal, rubber, plastic or glass material or materials. Typically, the container body and the lid may be formed from a mould by an injection or blow moulding process.

[0027] As indicated above, the liquid container includes a container body. The container body includes a base, a rim portion and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The rim portion may extend from an upper portion of the at least one sidewall and may extend at least partway along an edge of the at least one sidewall, preferably entirely.

[0028] The base may be of any suitable shape.

[0029] In some embodiments, the base may be in the shape of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, pentagon, a hexagon or octagon, for example.

[0030] In other embodiments, the base may be circular or oval-shaped.

[0031 ] In preferred embodiments, the container body may include a circular shaped base with a single curved sidewall extending from the base to the rim portion.

[0032] The container body may define an internal volume for containing the liquid fluid. The container body may be sized and shaped to define any suitably sized internal volume. For example, the container body may have an internal volume of about 0.25L, about 0.5L, about 0.75L, about 1.0L, about 1.25L, about 1.5L, about 1.75L, about 2.0L, about 2.25L, about 2.5L, about 2.75L or even about 3.0L. Suitably, the container body may typically be sized and shaped to define an internal volume ranging between about 0.5L and about 1 .5L.

[0033] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the at least one sidewall of the container body may include one or more graduations for measuring a volume of a liquid fluid contained in the container body. The graduations may be provided in any suitable size, form and location on the sidewall of the container body.

[0034] The graduations may be applied by moulding, etching, scribing, engraving, painting, printing or other means, for example.

[0035] The graduations may be provided in a linear scale identifying units of measurement in litres or millilitres.

[0036] The graduations may typically extend at least partially along a height of the sidewall of the container body.

[0037] As indicated, the lid includes a lid lower body and a lid upper body connectable to the lid lower body, preferably hingedly connected to the lid lower body.

[0038] In preferred embodiment, the lid further includes a lid cover connectable to the lid upper body and moveable between a closed position in which the container is sealed and an open position in which the spout is externally accessible. Like the lid upper body, the lid cover is preferably hingedly connected to the lid upper body.

[0039] The lid lower body includes a collar connectable to the rim portion of the container body, an outlet extending upwardly from the collar for the beverage to egress from the container body and a pod piercing structure inwardly located relative to the collar for piercing a pod sealed capsule.

[0040] In some embodiments, a user may sip or pour the beverage from the outlet.

[0041 ] In other embodiments, the outlet may be in fluid communication with the spout of the upper lid lower body from which the user may sip or pour the beverage.

[0042] Like the container body, the lid lower body may be of any suitable shape but will typically be of a matching shape as the base of the container body.

[0043] The collar of the lid lower body may have a substantially circular shape sized and shaped to match the rim portion of the container body.

[0044] The collar may include a lower edge, an opposed upper edge and at least one sidewall extending therebetween, preferable a single curved sidewall. The sidewall may be of any suitable thickness. The sidewall may have an outer surface and an opposed inner surface. The at least one sidewall may define a central aperture being the outlet.

[0045] In some embodiments, the outlet may include a lip extending upwardly from the collar.

[0046] In some such embodiments, the upper edge may include, or at least partially form, the lip of the outlet, which may extend at least partway along the upper edge of the collar.

[0047] In other embodiments, the lip may extend upwardly in a stepped inward arrangement relative to the upper edge of the collar.

[0048] In preferred embodiments, the collar may include a base having an outer edge defining the upper edge, an opposed lower edge and a single curved sidewall extending down from the outer edge of the base to the lower edge.

[0049] In such embodiments, the base may further include an aperture defined therein, preferably centrally. The aperture may define the outlet.

[0050] The base may be substantially circular in shape, typically of a similar or same diameter as the rim portion.

[0051 ] In such embodiments, the lip of the outlet may include an upper edge and may extend upwardly from and at least partially along the edge of the aperture to the upper edge, preferably the outlet may extend upwardly in a direction substantially parallel to the sidewall of the collar, more preferably the lip of the outlet may extend entirely along the edge of the aperture.

[0052] The upper edge of the lip may be rounded so as to provide a comfortable drinking surface or edge.

[0053] The outlet of the lid lower body may define a fluid pathway for the egress of the beverage from the liquid container. The fluid pathway may be in fluid communication with the internal volume of the container body.

[0054] The collar of the lid lower body may be connectable to the rim portion of the container body in any suitable way, preferably releasably.

[0055] For example, in some embodiments the collar and the rim portion of the container body may be connected together by a connecting mechanism or part thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with each of the collar and the rim portion.

[0056] In some such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the collar and a second part connectable to the first part and associated with the rim portion.

[0057] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., by a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) connection, a bayonet-type connection, or a friction fit connection.

[0058] In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with the collar may include a male formation configured to be inserted into, or coupled with, a female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with the rim portion.

[0059] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive, or be coupled with, a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism.

[0060] In other embodiments, the collar of the lid lower body and the rim portion of the container body may threadingly connect together.

[0061 ] For example, in some such embodiments, the rim portion of the container body may include an external thread and the collar of the lid lower body may include an internal thread configured to threadingly engage the external thread of the rim portion and threadingly connect the lid lower body and the container body together.

[0062] The internal and external threads may have any suitable thread direction, profile, and ratio for complementing one another.

[0063] Typically, the internal thread of the of collar may be defined on the inner surface of the at least one sidewall of the collar.

[0064] The lid upper body may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to at least cover the outlet of the lid lower body when in the closed position, preferably cover the base and outlet of the lid lower body.

[0065] The lid upper body may include a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The rim may extend from an outer portion of the at least one sidewall along an outer edge of the at least one sidewall. [0066] Like the container body and the lid lower body, the lid upper body may be of any suitable shape but will typically be of a matching shape to the lid lower body.

[0067] In preferred embodiments, the lid upper body may include a substantially circular base with a single curved sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The base of the lid upper body may include an outer surface and opposed inner surface, when in the closed position.

[0068] As indicated, in some embodiments the lid upper body may have a spout for a user to sip or pour the beverage therefrom when the lid upper body is in the closed position.

[0069] The spout may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be located in any suitable located on the lid upper body.

[0070] Typically, the spout may include an aperture extending entirely through the base of the lid upper body and defining a passageway in fluid communication with the outlet of the lid lower body. The aperture may preferably be defined in the base at or near an outer edge of the base.

[0071 ] In some embodiments, the spout may further include a lip extending upwardly from an edge of the aperture to assist in the pouring of the beverage therefrom. The lip may extend at least partway around the aperture.

[0072] In some such embodiments, the lip of the spout may extend upwardly from the outer edge of the base of the lid upper body. Again, the lip may extend at least partway around the outer edge of the base.

[0073] The lid lower body and the lid upper body may be hingedly connected by at least one hinge or part thereof, preferably along a common at least one sidewall or rim or part thereof of the lid lower body and the lid upper body.

[0074] The at least one hinge may be of any suitable size, shape and form and formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the hinge may be a barrel hinge, a pivot hinge, a flag hinge or a living hinge.

[0075] The at least one hinge or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with each of the lid lower body and the lid upper body.

[0076] In some embodiments, the at least one hinge may include a first hinge part associated with the lid upper body, a second hinge part associated with the lid lower body and a pivot pin pinning the hinge parts together. [0077] As indicated, the lid upper body may be moveable relative to the lid lower body between the open and closed position, preferably pivotable relative to the lid lower body about the pivot pin axis between the open and closed positions.

[0078] In the open position, the lid upper body may pivot clear of the lid lower body so that at least the outlet may be accessible.

[0079] In some embodiments, the lid upper body may seal the liquid container when in the closed position, typically by forming a seal over the lip of the outlet the lid lower body. The seal over the lip of the outlet of the lid lower body may by formed in any suitable way.

[0080] For example, in some embodiments the inner surface of the base of the lid upper body may include one or more sealing members configured to at least partially abut against the outer edge of the lip of the outlet of the lid lower body when in the closed position.

[0081 ] The one or more sealing members may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. Generally, the one or more sealing members may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials capable of at least partially deforming for forming at least a partial seal between the inner surface of the base of the lid upper body and the outer edge of the lip of the outlet of the lid lower body. Typically, the one or more sealing members may be formed from plastic and/or rubber material or materials.

[0082] In other embodiments, lid upper body may cover the lid lower body when in the closed position, typically causing the spout to be in fluid communication with the outlet and moving the pod sealed receptacle into proximity with the pod piercing structure, preferably for piercing when the actuating mechanism is actuated.

[0083] In some embodiments, the at least one hinge hingedly connecting the lid upper body to the lid lower body may include one or more biasing mechanisms or members, typically such that movement of the lid upper body to the closed position works against a force of the biasing mechanism or member, and so that lid upper body pivots away from the lid lower body to the open position under the force of the biasing mechanisms or members.

[0084] The biasing mechanisms or members may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil or leaf springs. Of course, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that other types of biasing mechanisms or members, such as, e.g., magnets or magnetized elements and the like, may be used.

[0085] In some such embodiments, the at least one hinge may be a spring-loaded hinge configured to bias the lid upper body to the open position.

[0086] The lid lower body and the lid upper body may be retained in the closed position against the force of the of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members by a retaining mechanism or parts thereof, preferably extending along a common at least one sidewall or rim or part thereof of the lid lower body and the lid upper body opposite the at least one hinge.

[0087] The retaining mechanism may be of any suitable size, shape and form and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0088] The retaining mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with each of the lid lower body and the lid upper body.

[0089] In some embodiments, the retaining mechanism may include a first part associated with one of the lid upper body and the lid lower body and a second part releasably connectable to the first part and associated with the other of the lid upper body and the lid lower body.

[0090] In other embodiments, the retaining mechanism may include a protrusion associated with one of the lid upper body and the lid lower body and a locking tongue associated with the other of the lid upper body and the lid lower body, the tongue may be sized and shaped to engage the protrusion when in a retaining position and retain the lid upper body in the closed position and disengage the protrusion when in a release position so that the lid upper body may be free to pivot to the open position, preferably under the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members associated with the at least one hinge.

[0091 ] In yet other embodiments, the retaining mechanism may include a keeper associated with one of the lid upper body and the lid lower body and a locking tongue associated with the other of the lid upper body and the lid lower body, the tongue may be sized and shaped to engage the keeper when in a retaining position and retain the lid upper body in the closed position and disengage the keeper when in a release position so that the lid upper body may be free to pivot to the open position, preferably under the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members associated with the at least one hinge.

[0092] Like the at least one hinge, the tongue of the retaining mechanism may preferably be operatively associated with one or more biasing mechanisms or members as previously described, typically such that movement of the locking tongue to the release position works against a force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members, and so that locking tongue moves to the retaining mechanism under the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members. [0093] In some such embodiments, the retaining mechanism may further include a push button mechanism operatively associated with the locking tongue and configured to move the locking tongue to the release position against the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members associated with the locking tongue when the push button mechanism is manually depressed by a user.

[0094] In preferred such embodiments, the retaining mechanism may include a keeper extending downwardly from a rim of the lid upper body and a spring-loaded push button mechanism integrally formed with the locking tongue associated with a sidewall of the lid lower body at or near an upper edge. The locking tongue may be configured to be moveable from the retaining position in which the locking tongue may engage the keeper to the release position in which the locking tongue may disengage from the keeper when the push button mechanism is depressed, typically against a biasing force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members associated with the locking tongue.

[0095] Typically, the locking tongue and the keeper of the retaining mechanism may each include sloped, chamfered or bevelled corresponding bearing surface portions configured to allow the keeper of the retaining mechanism to slide past and be engaged by the locking tongue when the lid upper body is pivoted from the open position to the closed position.

[0096] As indicated, the lid lower body includes a pod piercing structure inwardly located relative to the collar of the lid lower body for piercing a pod sealed capsule and the lid upper body includes a pod sealed capsule receptacle for receiving the pod sealed capsule therein and an actuating mechanism for pressing the pod sealed capsule against the pod piercing structure.

[0097] The pod piercing structure may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[0098] For example, the pod piercing structure and the lid lower body may be integrally formed or may be of separate construction, typically the former.

[0099] In some embodiments, the pod piercing structure may include at least one upward facing pointed edge portion and at least one pair of support arms extending inwardly from the collar for positioning the at least one upward facing pointed edge portion beneath a pod sealed capsule received in the pod sealed capsule receptacle of the lid upper body, when in the closed position.

[00100] The pointed edge portion may be configured to pierce the sealing member applied atop the flanged open end of the capsule, when the capsule is inserted in an inverted position in the pod sealed capsule receptacle of the lid upper body and pressed against the pointed edge portion by the actuating mechanism. The pointed edge portion may have one or more cutting edges defined thereon.

[00101] In other preferred embodiments, the pod piercing structure may include an upper piercing end, an opposed lower end, a body extending therebetween and at least a pair of support arms extending between the collar of the lid lower body and the body for positioning the upper piercing end beneath a pod sealed capsule received in the pod sealed capsule receptacle of the lid upper body, when in the closed position.

[00102] The body may have any suitable profile shape.

[00103] Like the previous embodiment, the upper piercing end of the body of the piercing structure may be configured to pierce the sealing member applied atop the flanged open end of the capsule, when the capsule is inserted in an inverted position in the pod sealed capsule receptacle of the lid upper body and pressed against the pointed edge portion by the actuating mechanism.

[00104] The upper piercing end may have one or more pointed edge portions and/or one or more cutting edge portions defined thereon.

[00105] The pair of support arms may extend between the body of the piercing structure and the collar of the lid lower body in any suitable arrangement to stably support the body relative to a remainder of the lid lower body, preferably an opposed arrangement. In some such embodiments, the body may be supported by at least two pairs of opposed support arms arranged about the body, preferably in diametrically opposing pairs.

[00106] The pod sealed capsule receptacle may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials to snugly receive a pod sealed capsule in an inverted position when the lid upper body is in the closed position and allow the actuating mechanism to move a pod sealed capsule received in the receptacle towards the piercing structure.

[00107] The pod sealed capsule receptacle and the lid upper body may be integrally formed or may be of separate construction, preferably the latter.

[00108] Generally, the receptacle may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials capable of at least partially deforming and moving with a pod sealed capsule received therein when moved by the actuating mechanism. Typically, the receptacle may be formed from plastic and/or rubber material or materials. [00109] In some embodiments, the receptacle may include at least an outer edge and at least one sidewall extending from an inner surface of the base of the lid upper body to the outer edge and defining a complementary-shaped receptacle for snugly receiving a pod sealed capsule therein.

[00110] In other preferred embodiments, the receptacle may include a top wall, an outer edge and at least one sidewall extending from an edge of the top wall to the outer edge and defining a complementary-shaped receptacle for snugly receiving a pod sealed capsule therein.

[0011 1] The receptacle may be mounted to an underside of the lid upper body or inner surface of the base of the lid upper body in any suitable way.

[00112] For example, the receptacle may be directly or indirectly mounted to the lid upper body.

[00113] Typically, the receptacle may be mounted to an underside of the lid upper body by at least one mount. The at least one mount and the lid upper body may be integrally formed or may be of separate construction, preferably the former.

[00114] In preferred embodiments, the at least one mount may include a ring-like structure extending down from an underside of the lid upper body and defining a central aperture for receiving and mounting the receptacle at least partially therethrough. The ring-like structure may include a pair of opposed side edges. The opposed side edges may include an upper side edge extending proximally beneath the lid upper body and an opposed lower side edge extending distally beneath the lid upper body.

[00115] In such embodiments, the receptacle may include a flanged portion extending outwardly from the outer edge of the receptacle and configured to at least partially hook over the lower side edge of the at least one mount and a lug member extending from an outer surface of the at least one sidewall of the receptacle and configured to hook over the upper side edge of the at least one mount for mounting the receptacle to the lid upper body.

[00116] The at least one sidewall of the receptacle may include one or more ridges defined on an inner surface of the sidewall and configured to at least partially enhance a gripping of a pod sealed capsule received in the receptacle. The one or more ridges may be of any suitable size, shape and form and may extend in any suitable direction along the inner surface of the sidewall, preferably at least partially between the top wall and the outer edge.

[00117] As indicated, the lid upper body includes an actuating mechanism for moving or pressing a pod sealed capsule received in the receptacle and the pod piercing structure together and apart. Any suitable type of actuating mechanism may be used.

[00118] The actuating mechanism may be manually actuated or by using a drive, preferably the former. Movement may be linear, although non-linear movement such as rotary movement is also envisaged.

[00119] For example, the actuating mechanism may include one or more of a lever, a ram, an operable handle, a sliding arrangement, a pressing arrangement, a hinged arrangement or a pivoting arrangement for moving the pod sealed capsule and the pod piercing structure together and apart.

[00120] The actuating mechanism may include, or be operatively associated with, one or more biasing mechanisms or members so that movement together works against the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members. As previously described, the biasing mechanisms or members may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil or leaf springs.

[00121] The actuating mechanism and the receptacle may be integrally formed or may be of separate construction, preferably the former.

[00122] In some embodiments, the base of the lid upper body may include an aperture defined therein for receiving the top wall of the receptacle at least partially therethrough. An outer surface of the top wall protruding at least partially through the aperture may define a press button actuator configured to be manually depressed for moving or pressing a pod sealed capsule received in the underlying receptacle towards the pod piercing structure, preferably in an axial direction towards the pod piercing structure such that the sealing member of the capsule is pierced by the pod piercing structure.

[00123] The press button actuator may be configured to be manually depressed in a single fluid motion. The resistance and/or piercing prior to and as the piercing structure pierces the sealing member of the capsule may provide haptic feedback to a user alerting him or her that the capsule has been pierced and the press button no longer needs to be manually depressed.

[00124] In some embodiments, the lid lower body may further include a spacer locatable at least partially about the pod piercing structure and configured to define a space between a pod sealed capsule received in the receptacle and the pod piercing structure when the press button actuator is not manually depressed.

[00125] The spacer may be moveable relative to the pod piercing structure between an extended position in which the spacer defines the space between a pod sealed capsule received in the receptacle and the pod piercing structure and a retracted position in which the pod sealed capsule (and the receptacle) and the pod piercing structure are pressed together.

[00126] The extended position of the spacer may correspond to a position of the spacer when the press button actuator is not manually depressed.

[00127] Likewise, the retracted position of the spacer may correspond to a position of the spacer when the press button actuator is manually depressed.

[00128] The spacer may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials.

[00129] The spacer may be integrally formed with the pod piercing structure or may be of separate construction, preferably the latter.

[00130] Typically, the spacer may include an abutment member configured to abut against at least part of a pod sealed capsule received in the receptacle and one or more spacing members extending away from the abutment member and about the pod piercing structure.

[00131] The abutment member may include an arcuate or ring-shaped structure configured to abut against at least part of an edge portion of the flanged open end of the capsule. The abutment member may include a pair of opposed surfaces.

[00132] The opposed surfaces may include an upper abutment surface configured to abut and/or engage with the at least part of an edge portion of the flanged open end of the capsule and an opposed lower surface. The one or more spacing members may extend from the lower surface, typically in a perpendicular direction to the abutment member.

[00133] The spacer may further include one or more biasing mechanisms or members, typically such that movement of the spacer to the retracted position works against a force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members, and so that the spacer returns to the extended position when the press button actuator is not manually depressed under the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members.

[00134] As previously described, the biasing mechanisms or members may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil or leaf springs.

[00135] In preferred such embodiments, the spacer may by spring-loaded. For example, the abutment member of the spacer may be supported by a coil spring about the pod piercing structure. The coil spring may sit about the pod piercing structure and atop the at least one pair of support arms extending away from the pod piercing structure. [00136] In some such embodiments, the spacer may further include a retaining member for retaining the spacer relative to the pod piercing structure, and preferably for preventing the spacer from over extending relative to the pod piercing structure.

[00137] The retaining member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The retaining member may be integrally formed with the spacer or may be of separate construction, preferably the former.

[00138] Generally, the retaining member may include a protrusion protruding from an inner surface of the one or more spacing members. The protrusion may be configured to abut against an under side portion of the pod piercing structure, preferably to prevent over extension of the spacer relative to the pod piercing structure under the force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members.

[00139] As indicated, the lid preferably further includes a lid cover connectable to the lid upper body and moveable between a closed position in which the container is sealed and an open position in which the spout is externally accessible. Like the lid upper body, the lid cover is preferably hingedly connected to the lid upper body.

[00140] The lid cover may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to at least cover the spout of the lid upper body when in the closed position, preferably seal the spout of the lid upper body.

[00141] The lid cover may include a base, a rim and at least one sidewall extending from the base to the rim, preferably downwardly from the base to the rim.

[00142] The lid cover may be of any suitable shape but will typically be of a matching shape to the lid upper body.

[00143] In preferred embodiments, the lid cover may include a substantially circular base with a single curved sidewall extending from the base to the rim. The base of the lid cover may include an outer surface and opposed inner surface, when in the closed position.

[00144] The lid cover and the lid upper body may be hingedly connected by at least one hinge or part thereof, preferably along a common at least one sidewall or rim or part thereof of the lid cover and the lid upper body.

[00145] The at least one hinge may be of any suitable size, shape and form as previously described. [00146] As indicated, the lid cover may be moveable relative to the lid upper body between the open and closed position, preferably pivotable relative to the lid upper body about the pivot pin axis between the open and closed positions.

[00147] In the open position, the lid cover may pivot clear of at least the spout of the lid upper body.

[00148] In the closed position, the lid cover may seal the liquid container, preferably by forming a seal over the spout of the lid upper body. The seal may be formed in any suitable way as previously described.

[00149] Like with the lid lower body and the lid upper body, the lid cover may be retained in the closed position by a retaining mechanism or parts thereof, preferably extending along a common at least one sidewall or rim or part thereof of the lid cover and the lid upper body opposite the at least one hinge.

[00150] The retaining mechanism may be of any suitable size, shape and form as previously described.

[00151] Typically, the retaining mechanism may include a catch extending downwardly from the rim of the lid cover and configured to catch over or engage with a corresponding portion defined on the lid upper body. The corresponding portion may include a detent, such as, e.g., a protrusion or a recess.

[00152] The base of the lid cover may include a central aperture configured to at least partially align over the press button actuator. Advantageously, the central aperture enables the press button actuator to be actuated while the lid cover is in the closed position.

[00153] In some embodiments, the liquid container may further include a storage receptacle for storing at least one capsule when not loaded in the lid.

[00154] The storage receptacle may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be associated with the container body in any suitable way.

[00155] Generally, the storage receptacle may be releasably connectable to the container body, preferably to a base end portion of the container body (i.e., an opposite end to the rim portion end).

[00156] The storage receptacle may include a base, an upper rim and at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the base to the upper rim. The upper rim may extend from an upper portion of the at least sidewall and may extend at least partway along an upper edge of the at least one sidewall, preferably entirely along.

[00157] The base, the upper rim and the at least one side wall may define an internal storage volume for containing one or more capsules.

[00158] The base may be of any suitable shape but will typically be of a matching shape as the base of the container body.

[00159] In preferred embodiments, the storage receptacle may include a substantially circular base with a single curved sidewall extending upwardly from the base to the upper rim.

[00160] Like the lid and the container body, the storage receptacle may be connectable to the base end portion of the container body in any suitable way, preferably releasably.

[00161] For example, the container body and the storage receptacle may be connectable by way of a connecting mechanism or parts thereof as previously described.

[00162] In preferred embodiments, however, the storage receptacle and the base end portion of the container body may threadingly connect together.

[00163] For example, in such embodiments, the base end portion of the container body may include an external thread and the rim portion of the storage receptacle may include an internal thread configured to threadingly engage the external thread of the base end portion of the container body and threadingly connect the storage receptacle and the container body together.

[00164] The internal and external threads may have any suitable thread direction, profile, and ration for complementing one another.

[00165] Typically, the internal thread of the of storage receptacle may be defined on an inner surface of the at least one sidewall at or near the rim portion.

[00166] In some embodiments, the liquid container further includes an infuser.

[00167] The infuser may be of any suitable size and shape for receiving an infusing agent, such as, e.g., tea, and infusing the infusing agent into a liquid fluid container in the container body.

[00168] Typically, the infuser may include a base, a connecting rim for connecting to a portion of the lid and at least one sidewall extending therebetween. The base and the at least one sidewall may preferably include a plurality of apertures defined thereon for infusing the infusing agent. Preferably, the base and the at least one sidewall may be of a mesh construction.

[00169] The connecting rim may connect to any suitable part of the lid, preferably releasably.

[00170] In preferred embodiments, the connecting rim may connect to a lower part of the pod piercing structure or the spacer associated therewith.

[00171] The connecting rim and the lower part of the pod piercing structure or the spacer may be connectable in any suitable way.

[00172] For example, the connecting rim and the lower part of the pod piercing structure or the spacer may be connectable by a connectable mechanism or parts thereof as previously described.

[00173] In some embodiments, the connecting rim and the lower part of the pod piercing structure or the spacer may threadingly connect together.

[00174] In other embodiments, the connecting rim and the lower part of the pod piercing structure or the spacer may be releasably connected by a snap-fit interference-type connection.

[00175] In some embodiments, the infuser may further include a filter operatively associated with the connecting rim for filtering the infusing agent from leaving the infuser when the liquid container is tilted or inverted.

[00176] In some embodiments, the liquid container may further include an impurity filter cartridge for absorbing impurities from the liquid fluid contained in the container body.

[00177] The filter cartridge may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may contain any suitable filtration agent known in the art, such as, e.g., activated charcoal.

[00178] Generally, the filter cartridge may connect to any suitable part of the lid, preferably releasably. Typically, the filter cartridge may releasably connect to a lower part of the pod piercing structure.

[00179] For example, in preferred embodiments, the filter cartridge may include a connecting rim as previously described in respect of the infuser and may releasably connect to the lower part of the pod piercing structure as previously described.

[00180] In some embodiments, the liquid container may further include a handle for gripping, holding or tethering the liquid container. [00181] The handle may be of any suitable size, shape and construction known in the art.

[00182] The handle may be associated with lid or the container body of the liquid container, typically the lid, preferably the lid lower body of the lid.

[00183] The handle may be integrally formed with the lid or may be of separate construction, preferably the latter.

[00184] In some embodiments, the handle may be a loop or strap extending from the lid, preferably the lid lower body.

[00185] In other embodiments, the handle may be a rigid handle member pivotally coupled to the lid, preferably the lid lower body. In such embodiments, the handle member may be pivotable relative to the lid between an extended position in which the handle member may extend outwardly from the lid and a folded position in which the handle member is folded along side the container body connected to the lid.

[00186] Advantageously, the handle member when in the extended position may be used to apply torque to the lid to threadingly engage or disengage the lid from the rim portion of the container body.

[00187] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mixing a beverage, said method including: providing a liquid container in accordance with the first aspect or second aspects; closing the lid upper body and pressing a pod sealed capsule received in the pod sealed capsule receptacle of the lid upper body against the pod piercing structure of the lid lower body so as to pierce the pod sealed capsule and release a contents of the capsule into the container body; and agitating the container body containing a liquid fluid and the contents to mix the beverage therein.

[00188] The method may include one or more characteristics or features of the liquid container, the lid and the kit as hereinbefore described.

[00189] The pressing may include manually depressing the press button actuator for pressing the pod sealed capsule towards the pod piercing structure, typically against a biasing force of the spacer.

[00190] Once the pod sealed capsule is pierced, manual actuation of the press button actuator may be ceased, and the pierced capsule is disengaged from the pod piercing structure by the spacer as it returns to the extended position under the biasing force of the one or more biasing mechanisms or members associated with the spacer.

[00191] The method may further include discharging the pierced capsule from the receptacle by depressing the press button actuator when the lid upper body is in the open position.

[00192] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[00193] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00194] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[00195] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a liquid container according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[00196] Figure 2 is a sectional side view of the liquid container as shown in Figure 1 ;

[00197] Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of a container body of the liquid container as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[00198] Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of a lid lower body of a lid of the liquid container as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[00199] Figure 5 is an upper perspective view of a lid upper body of the lid of the liquid container as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[00200] Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of a storage receptacle of the liquid container as shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[00201] Figure 7 is a top view of the lid lower body as shown in Figure 4;

[00202] Figure 8 is a sectional side view of the lid lower body as shown in Figures 4 and 7; [00203] Figure 9 is a sectional side view of the lid upper body as shown in Figure 5;

[00204] Figure 10 is an upper perspective view of a spacer forming part of the lid lower body; and

[00205] Figure 11 is an upper perspective view of a liquid container according to another embodiment of the present invention with a lid cover of the lid shown in the closed position;

[00206] Figure 12 is an upper perspective view of the liquid container as shown in Figure 1 1 with the lid cover shown in the open position and with a fitted infuser; and

[00207] Figure 13 is a side view of the liquid container as shown in Figures 1 1 and 12 with another type of infuser fitted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00208] Figures 1 to 13 show a liquid container (100) and parts thereof for use with a pod sealed capsule (900; shown only in Figure 2) having beverage ingredients in the form of dry or liquid additive media contained therein for mixing with a liquid fluid in the container (100) and forming a mixed beverage.

[00209] Referring to Figure 1 , the liquid container (100) includes a container body (110) defining an internal volume for containing a liquid fluid; a lid (200) having a lid lower body (210) threadingly connected to the container body (1 10) and a lid upper body (220) hingedly connected to the lid lower body (210); and a storage receptacle (300) for storing spare pod sealed capsules also threadingly connected to the container body (1 10).

[00210] Generally, the liquid container (100), including the lid (200), are formed from durable material or materials that are easy to clean and hygienic, such as, e.g., metal, rubber, plastic or glass material or materials. The container body (110) and the lid (200) are formed from a mould by an injection or blow moulding process.

[0021 1] As indicated, the liquid container (100) is for use with a pod sealed capsule (900; shown only in Figure 2) containing a desired pre-measured amount of dry or liquid additive media.

[00212] The dry or liquid additive media can include any consumable additive media configured to dissolve, be infused or suspended, or form an emulsion, when added to the liquid fluid in the container body (110) and optionally agitated.

[00213] Referring to Figure 2, each pod sealed capsule (900) includes a capsule base (910) defined by a closed end (912), an opposed flanged open end (914) and outwardly diverging sides (916) extending from the closed end (912) to the flanged open end (914). The capsule base (910) defines an internal volume for containing the dry or liquid additive media.

[00214] The capsule (900) further includes a sealing member applied atop the flanged open end (914) of the capsule base (910) to seal the dry or liquid additive media in an air-tight environment within the capsule (900). The sealing member is formed from metallic film bonded around its periphery to the flanged open end (914) of the capsule base (910).

[00215] The lid lower body (210) includes a pod piercing structure (230) for piercing the sealing member of a capsule (900).

[00216] The lid upper body (220), which is hingedly connected to the lid lower body (210), is pivotable between a closed position as shown in which the container (100) is sealed and an open position in which a user can sip or pour a beverage from the container (100).

[00217] The lid upper body (220) has a capsule receptacle (240) for receiving a capsule (900) therein and an actuating mechanism in the form of a press button actuator (270) for pressing the capsule (900) received in the receptacle (240) against the pod piercing structure (230) when the lid upper body (220) is in the closed position such that the capsule (900) is pierced, and contents of the capsule (900) are released into the underlying container body (110) for mixing of the beverage.

[00218] Referring to Figure 3, the container body (1 10) includes a substantially circular base end portion (112; i.e., a base), a rim portion (1 14) and a single curved sidewall (1 16) extending therebetween.

[00219] The rim portion (114) extends from an upper portion of the sidewall (116) and extends entirely along an upper edge of the sidewall (1 16).

[00220] The container body (1 10) defines an internal volume of about 500mL for containing a liquid fluid and/or the beverage.

[00221] As shown, the outer surface of the sidewall (1 16) includes graduations (1 18) for measuring a volume of the liquid fluid or beverage contained therein.

[00222] The graduations (118) are provided in a linear scale identifying units of measurement in millilitres. The graduations (118) extend at least partially along a height of the sidewall (116) of the container body (1 10). [00223] The rim portion (114) and the base end portion (1 12) each include an external thread (1 19) defined thereon for threadingly engaging with a complementary thread provided on the lid lower body (210; not shown) and the storage receptacle (300; not shown), respectively.

[00224] Referring to Figure 4, the lid lower body (210) has collar (250) connectable to the rim portion (1 14; shown in Figure 3) of the container body (1 10; not shown), an outlet (260) extending upwardly from the collar (250) in an inward stepped arrangement for a user to sip or pour a beverage from the container body (1 10; not shown) and the pod piercing structure (230) inwardly located relative to the collar (250) for piercing a capsule (900; not shown).

[00225] The collar (250) has a substantially circular shape sized and shaped to match the rim portion (114; shown in Figure 3) of the container body (1 10; not shown).

[00226] The collar (250) includes a lower edge (252), an opposed upper edge (254) and a curved sidewall (256) extending therebetween.

[00227] The outlet (260) include a lip extending upwardly from the collar (250) to an upper edge (262) and extending continuously about an inner periphery of the collar (250). The upper edge (262) is rounded so as to provide a comfortable drinking surface or edge.

[00228] The inner surface of the sidewall (256) of the collar (250) includes an internal thread (258) defined thereon for threadingly engaging with the rim portion (114; not shown) of the container body (110; not shown).

[00229] Referring to Figure 5, the lid upper body (220) includes a substantially circular base (222), a rim (224) and a curved sidewall (226) extending from the base (222) to the rim (224). The rim (224) extends from and entirely along an outer portion of the sidewall (226).

[00230] Referring briefly to Figure 2, the lid upper body (220) is hingedly connected to the lid lower body (210) by at least one spring-loaded hinge (280) along a common sidewall (256, 226).

[00231] As indicated, the lid upper body (220) is pivotable relative to the lid lower body (210) between the open and closed position. In the open position, the lid upper body (220) pivots clear of the outlet (260) of the lid lower body (210) so that a user may access the outlet (260).

[00232] In the closed position, the lid upper body (220) seals the liquid container (100) by forming a seal over the outlet (260) of the lid lower body (210).

[00233] The spring-loaded hinge (280) is configured to bias the lid upper body (220) to the open position. [00234] The lid lower body (210) and the lid upper body (220) are selectively retained in the closed position against the biasing force of the spring-loaded hinge (280) by a retaining mechanism (290) extending along a common sidewall (256, 226) of the lid lower body (210) and the lid upper body (220) opposite the hinge (280).

[00235] Referring briefly to Figure 5, the retaining mechanism (290) includes a keeper (292) extending downwardly from the rim (224) of the lid upper body (220) and, referring back to Figure 2, a spring-loaded push button mechanism (294) integrally formed with a locking tongue (296) associated with the sidewall (256) of the lid lower body (210). The locking tongue (296) is sized and shaped to engage the keeper (292) when in a retaining position and retain the lid upper body (220) in the closed position and disengage the keeper (292) when in a release position so that the lid upper body (220) is free to pivot to the open position under the biasing force of the spring-loaded hinge (280).

[00236] The locking tongue (296) is configured to be moveable from the retaining position to the release position when the push button mechanism (294) is depressed.

[00237] The locking tongue (296) further includes a sloped bearing surface portion (298) configured to allow the keeper (292) of the retaining mechanism (290) to slide past and be engaged by the locking tongue (296) when the lid upper body (220) is pivoted from the open position to the closed position.

[00238] Referring to Figure 7, the pod piercing structure (230) is centrally located relative to the collar (250) of the lid lower body (210).

[00239] The pod piercing structure (230) and the lid lower body (210) are integrally formed.

[00240] Referring to Figure 8, the pod piercing structure (230) includes an upper piercing end (232), an opposed lower end (234) and a body (236) extending therebetween and two pairs of opposed support arms (238) extending from the collar (250) to the body (236) for positioning the pod piercing structure (230).

[00241] The upper piercing end (232) is configured to pierce the sealing member applied atop the flanged open end (914; not shown) of the capsule (900; not shown). The upper piercing end (232) has one or more pointed edge portions and/or one or more cutting edge portions defined thereon.

[00242] Referring to Figure 9, the capsule receptacle (240) is sized and shaped to snugly receive a capsule (900; not shown) therein in an inverted position and allow the press button actuator (270) to move the capsule (900; not shown) towards the pod piercing structure (230; not shown), when the lid upper body (220) is in the closed position.

[00243] The receptacle (240) is of separate construction to the lid upper body (220).

[00244] The receptacle (240) is formed from resiliently deformable material, such as, e.g., a soft plastic or rubber.

[00245] The receptacle (240) includes a top wall (242), an outer edge (244) and a curved sidewall (246) extending from an edge of the top wall (242) to the outer edge (244) and defining a complementary-shaped receptacle for snugly receiving a capsule (900; not shown) therein.

[00246] The base (222) of the lid upper body (220) includes a centrally positioned aperture defined therein and the receptacle (240) is mounted to an underside of the lid upper body (220) by at least one mount (410) such that the top wall (242) of the receptacle (240) protrudes at least partially through the centrally positioned aperture.

[00247] The at least one mount (410) and the lid upper body (220) are integrally formed.

[00248] The at least one mount (410) includes a ring-like structure extending down from an underside of the lid upper body (220) and defining a central aperture for receiving and mounting the receptacle (240) at least partially therethrough. The ring-like structure may include a pair of opposed side edges (412).

[00249] The receptacle (240) includes a flanged portion (245) extending outwardly from the outer edge (244) of the receptacle (240) and configured to hook over a lower side edge (412) of the at least one mount (410) and a lug member (247) extending from an outer surface of the sidewall (246) of the receptacle (240) and configured to hook over an upper side edge (412) of the at least one mount (410) for mounting the receptacle (240) to the lid upper body (220).

[00250] As shown, the top wall (242) of the receptacle (240) protruding at least partially through the centrally positioned aperture defines the press button actuator (270) configured to be manually depressed for moving or pressing a capsule (900; not shown) received in the underlying receptacle (240) towards the pod piercing structure (230; not shown) in an axial direction.

[00251] The press button actuator (270) is configured to be manually depressed in a single fluid motion.

[00252] Referring to Figure 2, the lid lower body (210) further includes a spring-loaded spacer (420) locatable about the pod piercing structure (230) and configured to define a space between a capsule (900) received in the receptacle (240) and the pod piercing structure (230) until the press button actuator (270) is manually depressed.

[00253] The spacer (420) is moveable relative to the pod piercing structure (230) between an extended position (shown) in which the spacer (420) defines a space between the capsule (900) and the pod piercing structure (230) and a retracted position in which the capsule (900) and the pod piercing structure (230) are pressed together.

[00254] The extended position of the spacer (420) corresponds to a position of the spacer (420) when the press button actuator (270) is not manually depressed.

[00255] Likewise, the retracted position of the spacer (420) corresponds to a position of the spacer (420) when the press button actuator (270) is manually depressed.

[00256] Referring briefly to Figure 10, the spacer (420) includes a ring-shaped abutment member (422) configured to abut against an outer edge portion of the flanged open end (914; not shown) of a capsule (900; not shown) and four spacing members (424) extending away from the abutment member (422) and about the pod piercing structure (230; not shown) in use.

[00257] Referring back to Figure 2, the spacer (420) is spring-loaded such that movement of the spacer (420) to the retracted position works against a biasing force of the associated spring, and so that the spacer (420) returns to the extended position when the press button actuator (270) is not being manually depressed.

[00258] Specifically, the spacer (420) is arranged atop the pod piercing structure (230) with a spring (426) located between the spacer (420) and the support arms (238) of the pod piercing structure (230).

[00259] The spacer (420) further includes a retaining member in the form of a protrusion (428) protruding from an inner surface of the spacing member (424) for abutting against an underside portion of the pod piercing structure (230) to prevent over extension of the spacer (420) relative to the pod piercing structure (230) under the force of the spring (426).

[00260] Referring to Figure 6, as indicated the liquid container includes a storage receptacle (300) for storing spare capsules (900; not shown).

[00261] The storage receptacle (300) is configured to be threadingly connected to the base end portion (112; not shown) of the container body (1 10; not shown).

[00262] The storage receptacle (300) includes a base (302), an upper rim (304) and a curved sidewall (306) extending upwardly from the base (302) to the upper rim (304).

[00263] The base (302), the upper rim (304) and the curved sidewall (306) define an internal storage volume for containing the one or more capsules (900; not shown).

[00264] The storage receptacle (300) includes an internal thread (308) on an internal surface of the sidewall (306) at or near the rim (304) and configured to threadingly engage with the external thread (1 19; not shown) defined on the base end portion (1 12; not shown) of the container body (110; not shown).

[00265] Referring back to Figure 1 , the liquid container (100) further includes a handle (430) for gripping, holding or tethering the liquid container (100).

[00266] The handle (430) is a rigid handle member pivotally coupled to the lid lower body (210).

[00267] Figures 11 to 13 shows a liquid container (100) and parts thereof according to another embodiment. For convenience, features that are similar or correspond to features of the preceding embodiment will be referenced with the same reference numerals.

[00268] Referring to Figure 11 , the liquid container (100) includes a container body (110) defining an internal volume for containing a liquid fluid; a lid (200) having a lid lower body (210) threadingly connected to the container body (110), a lid upper body (220) hingedly connected to the lid lower body (210) and a lid cover (510) hingedly connected to the lid upper body (220); and a storage receptacle (300) for storing spare pod sealed capsules also threadingly connected to the container body (1 10).

[00269] Referring to Figure 12, in this embodiment, the lid upper body (220) has a spout (520) in fluid communication with the outlet (260; not visible) for a user to sip or pour the beverage therefrom when the lid cover (510) is in the open position as shown.

[00270] The spout (520) includes an aperture extending entirely through the base (222) of the lid upper body (220) at or near an outer edge of the base (222). The spout (520) further includes a lip (522) extending upwardly from an edge of the aperture.

[00271] As shown, the lid cover (510) is moveable between a closed position as shown in Figure 11 in which the spout (520; not visible) and the liquid container (100) are sealed, and an open position as shown in Figure 12 in which the beverage may be dispensed via the spout (520). [00272] Referring back to Figure 10, the lid cover (510) further includes a central aperture (512) configured to align over the press button actuator (270). Advantageously, the central aperture (512) enables the press button actuator (270) to be actuated when the lid cover (510) is in the closed position.

[00273] Figures 12 and 13 further show the liquid container (100) with a fitted infuser (600).

[00274] The infuser (600) is sized and shaped to contain an infusing agent, such as, e.g., tea leaves.

[00275] In a first embodiment as shown in Figure 12, the infuser (600) is of a cylindrical shape including a lower base (602), a connecting rim (604) and curved sidewall (606) extending therebetween.

[00276] The base (602) and the curved sidewall (606) include a plurality of apertures defined thereon to enable the infusing agent to diffuse into a contents of the container body (110).

[00277] In a second embodiment as shown in Figure 13, the infuser (600) has a similar shape to a pod sealed capsule. In this embodiment, the infuser (600) includes a base (602), a flanged connecting rim (604) and an outwardly diverging sidewall (606) extending from the base (602) to the connecting rim (604). Again, a plurality of apertures are defined on the base (602) and the sidewall (606).

[00278] Referring to both Figures 12 and 13, the infuser (600) is releasably connectable to a lower end (234) of the four spacing members (424; only visible in Figure 13) of the spacer (420; not visible) by either a threaded connection as shown in Figure 12, or a snap-fit interference connection as shown in Figure 13.

[00279] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[00280] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00281] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.