Nutritional product dispenser

ES 2 392 889 T3

DESCRIPTION

Dispenser of nutritional products.

Technical field

This invention relates to dispensers for dispensing nutritional products. In particular, it refers to dispensers of nutritional drinks prepared specifically for the consumer, or personalized.

Previous technique

There are many types of beverage dispensing devices in use. Their ease of use, their ability to dispense a variety of beverages from a single machine, and their low maintenance requirements make them highly attractive to anyone wishing to provide a selection of beverages in a self-service environment.

A conventional beverage dispenser can be found in US 2008/0206429. This Patent Application describes a beverage dispenser that mixes one or more additives such as flavor enhancers with a liquid base.

The controller located within the dispensing machine receives a selection of a beverage with a desired flavor from a human operator or user of the dispenser, through a user interface.

The dispenser then mixes the beverage according to set instructions that are stored in a storage device located within the machine. There is, stored in the storage medium, a set of instructions for mixing each drink available to the user.

This type of dispenser has only been designed to handle a relatively small selection of beverages, usually so that each is a different flavor for the user to choose between.

US 2007/0073557 discloses a system for producing and supplying customized nutrient and supplement mixtures, based on genetics. Document US 2006/278093 discloses a system for preparing specialized and personalized foods.

This document introduces the idea of ​​dispensing a personalized drink that is prepared based on the genetic profile of the user, using genetic analysis, and is primarily aimed at the use of liquid ingredients. Trials have shown that "wet" protein in the required concentration is not stable for use in these types of dispensers and can cause a large amount of bacteria build-up. The use of powdered ingredients is also proposed.

Description of the invention

This invention provides an apparatus for dispensing nutritional products comprising:

- a certain number of storage hoppers for powdered ingredients;

- a controllable outlet in each storage hopper, which is operable for the release of controlled amounts of the powdered ingredients;

- a controllable source of liquid supply;

- a mixer; Y

- a control system, including a user interface for capturing data from a user;

wherein the user interface (21) is configured to capture data on body weight and body fat index; the control system (9) is configured to calculate the user's lean body mass from the entered body weight and body fat index;

The control system uses the data that the user enters to determine the amount of each ingredient in powder and the amount of liquid that must be added to create a nutritional product, and sends signals to the liquid supply source and the outlets to release the determined amount of liquid and each powder ingredient into the mixer, so that they are mixed before being dispensed into a container.

The mixer may comprise a series of mixers and may comprise a mixing chamber into which liquid and powdered ingredients are released for mixing prior to being dispensed.

The controllable outlet may comprise a helix or worm or other controllable valve.

The user interface may have been configured to capture physical user data.

ES 2 392 889 T3

The control system can also be configured to capture data on the type of exercise and / or training of the user, and to determine the amount of each ingredient in powder and the amount of liquid using an algorithm or a look-up table.

The nutritional product can be a supplement for use before, after or during training.

Powdered ingredients may comprise carbohydrates and proteins, and may additionally comprise flavor enhancers, creatine, l-glutamine, antioxidants, beta-alanine and / or BCAA [branched chain amino acids].

The carbohydrate ingredients can comprise a complex carbohydrate (such as palatinose), maltodextrin and / or dextrose, and the protein ingredients can comprise micellar casein, calcium caseinate and / or hydrolyzed whey or whey protein.

Powdered ingredients can comprise protein and / or carbohydrates.

The number of storage hoppers can range from 1 to 10, typically 2 to 5. An exemplary number provided is three. Each storage hopper can comprise a single powder ingredient or more than one individual powder ingredient. Powdered ingredients can be supplied from a single hopper or supplied from more than one hopper. Each storage hopper can comprise different powdered ingredients or different proportions of the same powdered ingredients.

The control system can determine, based on data entered by the user, the proportion and / or quantity of the powdered ingredients to be dispensed. The control system can determine, based on input from the user, which hopper or hoppers are used to dispense the powdered ingredients. For example, a larger quantity of ingredients may be dispensed for a heavier person than for a light person. Furthermore, the ratio of each ingredient, for example the ratio of protein: carbohydrates or the types of protein and / or carbohydrates to be supplied, can be determined by the data entered by the user, such as the fat index. body, or training before, after or in between.

The liquid can be water.

The cold liquid supply means may be connected to a liquid supply source, such as the water distribution network or a filtered water supply source. Similarly, the hot liquid supply system may be connected to a hot water supply source. The apparatus may comprise a kettle for supplying hot water.

This invention also provides a method for dispensing nutritional products from an apparatus comprising a number of storage hoppers for powdered ingredients; a controlled outlet in each storage hopper; a liquid supply source; and a mixer; in such a way that the method comprises:

- collect data provided by the user;

- operating the one or more outlets and the liquid supply source to release the controlled amounts of powdered ingredients and liquid to the mixer;

- mix the powdered ingredients together with the liquid in the mixer; Y

- dispense the mixed ingredients;

such that the method further comprises collecting data on the body weight and body fat index of the user; calculating the user's lean body mass from the body weight and body fat index data;

use the data collected from the user to determine the amount of each powdered ingredient and the amount of liquid to be released into the mixer to create a nutritional product, and control the liquid supply source and outlets with in order to release the determined amount of liquid and each powder ingredient into the mixer.

A single outlet can be opened to release powdered ingredients from a single hopper to the mixer.

The method may further comprise the steps of mixing the powdered ingredients with cold liquid in the mixer, followed by supplying hot liquid to the mixer. The hot liquid is typically dispensed after all of the powder has been dispensed from the one or more hoppers. This has the advantage that any residual powder or residual partially dissolved powder remaining in the mixer or in any interconnecting tubes and not being dissolved by the hot liquid, can be removed by the hot liquid. This reduces or eliminates the propensity of the appliance to get stuck with any partially dissolved dust, which can

ES 2 392 889 T3 affect the operation of the device and / or cause a possible health risk due to the proliferation of bacteria. On the other hand, the beverage is delivered to the user at room temperature, potentially facilitating its easy consumption or rapid absorption in the stomach. Typically, the volume of cold liquid added is around 80% to 90% of the final volume of the beverage. This can, however, range from 60% to 95%. The temperature of the cold liquid to be added can range from 70 to 100 degrees centigrade. A typical range is between 85 and 90 degrees Celsius. The use of a hot and cold liquid supply source is particularly advantageous for dispensing a food beverage in which the powdered ingredients comprise protein.

The dispensing of the hot and cold liquid can be carried out by a liquid control system.

The method comprises collecting physical data from the user. This includes collecting body weight and body fat index data from the user, and further comprises calculating the user's lean body mass from the collected body weight and body fat index data.

The method may also comprise the collection of data on the type of exercise and / or training.

The method may comprise determining the amount of each ingredient in powder and the amount of liquid using an algorithm or a look-up table.

The method may comprise determining the amount of each ingredient in powder and the amount of liquid to form a supplement to use before, after or during training.

The step of determining the amount of powdered ingredients may comprise determining the amounts of carbohydrates and proteins and may additionally comprise determining amounts of flavor enhancers, creatine, l-glutamine, antioxidants, beta-alanine, and / or BCAAs.

The step of determining the amount of carbohydrates may comprise determining the amount of complex carbohydrates (such as palatinose), maltodextrin and / or dextrose, and the step of determining the amount of proteins may comprise determining the amount of micellar casein, caseinate calcium and / or hydrolyzed whey protein.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the description that follows.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows the interior of the apparatus;

Figure 2 shows the exterior of the apparatus;

Figure 3 shows the interior of a storage hopper; Y

Figures 4a and 4b show example screens of the user interface.

Mode (s) of carrying out the invention

Figure 1 shows the interior of apparatus 1 which, in this Figure, is shown as a dispensing machine.

In this embodiment, four storage hoppers 3 are shown, although the number of storage hoppers may be more or less, depending on the number of ingredients desired.

The storage hoppers 3 are connected by means of a funnel 7 or other means of connection to a mixer comprising a mixing receptacle 5, and a liquid supply source 11, such as a water supply source, is also connected to the mixing bowl.

The liquid supply source 11 is controllable such that known amounts of the liquid can be released into the mixing receptacle 5.

A control system 9 is connected to each of the storage hoppers 3 and to the liquid supply source 11, and can send electronic signals in order to determine how much of each ingredient or how much liquid is released into the mixing receptacle. .

The control system 9 may also be connected to the mixing receptacle 5 in order to send signals indicating when to start and stop mixing the ingredients with each other, and also when to dispense the product.

The mixing receptacle 5 is connected to a dispensing nozzle 17 that can dispense the product into a container 15 that can be, for example, a cup or a bottle.

Figure 2 shows the exterior of apparatus 1 as seen by a user of the machine.

ES 2 392 889 T3

A user interface 21 has been provided on the front of the apparatus 1, with which the user can interact. This user interface may comprise one or a combination of the following elements: a display or a touch screen, hardware buttons, a keyboard, a number box, or a voice control system, but is not limited by them.

An opening 27 in the front of the apparatus 1 allows the user to reach inside and grasp the container 15 into which the product has been dispensed.

In addition, a set of instructions 25 for the use of the apparatus may have been provided, fixed to the front, as well as means 23 for accepting payment by the user, for example, a device for accepting coins and / or bills according to It is shown in Figure 2, but it can also be a system for the admission of card payments or other means of payment.

Figure 3 shows the interior of one of the storage hoppers 3. Most of the hopper 3 is occupied as storage space for the powdered ingredient 31.

An outlet section 35 is provided within hopper 3. Outlet section 35 comprises a propeller or screw 33 which, when rotated as shown by arrow A, will force the powdered ingredient into the opening and in the direction into the mixing receptacle, as shown by arrow B, and then it will fall through the connecting means 7 into the mixing receptacle, as shown by arrow C.

Figure 4A shows an example of a screen that can be shown to the user when the user is using the user interface 21. The user interface 21 comprises a screen 41 and a number of buttons 43.

As shown in Figure 4A, the screen can be used to ask questions to the user, who enters an answer using the buttons 43 as these are signaled by the options 47 presented on the screen in correspondence with each of the hardware buttons 43.

Alternatively, screen 41 may be a touch screen and may provide the user with the ability to interact with "soft buttons" present directly on the screen itself. This can be seen in Figure 4b, in which the user is being asked to enter their weight using the buttons 45 present on the screen.

During normal use, a user will first start by proceeding with the instructions provided on the screen. These will typically consist of answering questions in order to provide the control system with the data it needs.

The data required is physical data about the user and thus some of the most likely questions to be asked are the sex of the user, the weight of the user, the body fat index of the user and the type and duration of exercise or training you just did or are about to do.

This data is then supplied to the control system, which carries out whatever calculations are needed. The user's lean body mass (LBM) is calculated from weight and body fat index.

Using the user's input as well as the results of any calculations that have been performed, the control system can then determine the correct amounts of each of the ingredients in order to create a nutritional product that is completely customized for needs. user nutrition. The control system can use an algorithm to determine the amounts of the ingredients or, alternatively, it can make use of a look-up table; An excerpt taken from an example of such a look-up table can be found in Table 1.

This provides the user with a completely customized product that has been individually created according not only to their preferences, as much of the prior art shows, but also according to their nutritional needs.

Table 1 shows an exemplary list of the proportion of powdered ingredients that can be dispensed to provide a nutritional beverage.

ES 2 392 889 T3

Table 1

<td rowspan="2">LBM</td><td colspan="2">RESISTANCE</td><td colspan="2">4C: 1P) grams</td>

<td>Protein</td><td>Dex</td><td>MaltD</td><td>CompC</td>

<td> 110</td><td> 13,75</td><td> 13,75</td><td> 13,75</td><td> 27,50</td>

<td> 111</td><td> 13,88</td><td> 13,88</td><td> 13,88</td><td> 27,75</td>

<td> 112</td><td> 14,00</td><td> 14,00</td><td> 14,00</td><td> 28,00</td>

<td> 113</td><td> 14,13</td><td> 14,13</td><td> 14,13</td><td> 28,25</td>

<td> 114</td><td> 14,25</td><td> 14,25</td><td> 14,25</td><td> 28,50</td>

<td> 115</td><td> 14,38</td><td> 14,38</td><td> 14,38</td><td> 28,75</td>

<td> 116</td><td> 14,50</td><td> 14,50</td><td> 14,50</td><td> 29,00</td>

<td> 117</td><td> 14,63</td><td> 14,63</td><td> 14,63</td><td> 29,25</td>

<td> 118</td><td> 14,75</td><td> 14,75</td><td> 14,75</td><td> 29,50</td>

<td> 119</td><td> 14,88</td><td> 14,88</td><td> 14,88</td><td> 29,75</td>

<td> 120</td><td> 15,00</td><td> 15,00</td><td> 15,00</td><td> 30,00</td>

<td> 121</td><td> 15,13</td><td> 15,13</td><td> 15,13</td><td> 30,25</td>

<td> 122</td><td> 15,25</td><td> 15,25</td><td> 15,25</td><td> 30,50</td>

<td> 123</td><td> 15,38</td><td> 15,38</td><td> 15,38</td><td> 30,75</td>

<td> 124</td><td> 15,50</td><td> 15,50</td><td> 15,50</td><td> 31,00</td>

The data in Table 1 is taken from a look-up table provided by way of example for users undergoing resistance training. The ingredients shown in Table 1 are mixed in a 4: 1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. Additional ingredients such as flavor enhancers and additional enhancers such as creatine can be added, depending on the preferences of the user.

Table 2

<td rowspan="2">LBM</td><td colspan="3">VOLUME (2C: 1P) grams</td>

<td>Protein</td><td>Dex</td><td>MaltD</td>

<td> 110</td><td> 27,50</td><td> 27,50</td><td> 27,50</td>

<td> 111</td><td> 27.75</td><td> 27,75</td><td> 27,75</td>

<td> 112</td><td> 28,00</td><td> 28,00</td><td> 28,00</td>

<td> 113</td><td> 28,25</td><td> 28,25</td><td> 28,25</td>

<td> 114</td><td> 28,50</td><td> 28,50</td><td> 28,50</td>

<td> 115</td><td> 28,75</td><td> 28,75</td><td> 28,75</td>

<td> 116</td><td> 29,00</td><td> 29,00</td><td> 29,00</td>

<td> 117</td><td> 29,25</td><td> 29,25</td><td> 29,25</td>

<td> 118</td><td> 29,50</td><td> 29,50</td><td> 29,50</td>

<td> 119</td><td> 29,75</td><td> 29,75</td><td> 29,75</td>

<td> 120</td><td> 30,00</td><td> 30,00</td><td> 30,00</td>

<td> 121</td><td> 30,25</td><td> 30,25</td><td> 30,25</td>

<td> 122</td><td> 30,50</td><td> 30,50</td><td> 30,50</td>

<td> 123</td><td> 30,75</td><td> 30,75</td><td> 30,75</td>

<td> 124</td><td> 31,00</td><td> 31,00</td><td> 31,00</td>

ES 2 392 889 T3

The data in Table 2 is taken from a look-up table provided by way of example for users undergoing resistance-volume training. The ingredients shown in Table 2 are mixed in a 2: 1 ratio of carbohydrates to protein. The complex carbohydrates included in the resistance training mix are not present in the volume training mix. Again, additional ingredients such as flavor enhancers and added enhancers such as creatine can also be added, depending on the preferences of the user.

Once the required amounts of all ingredients are known, the control system sends a signal to each of the outlets contained in the storage hoppers, releasing the set amounts of powdered ingredients into the mixer.

As the ingredients are released into the mixer, water is added and the ingredients and liquid are thoroughly mixed. This ensures that each product that is dispensed to users has been thoroughly mixed.

The prior art method of dispensing powders and liquid separately into a cup may leave some ingredients in the form of residues in the cup and thus not provide the user with the correct proportion of ingredients that the individual needs.

After the mixing procedure is complete, the product can be dispensed to the user through a nozzle into a container such as a cup or bottle.

The apparatus will then undergo a self-cleaning cycle once the product has been dispensed and taken by the user.

It is understood that other changes can be made as long as they remain within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the accompanying claims.