U.S. patent application number 10/098404 was filed with the patent office on 2002-07-11 for methods and apparatus for making personal quantities of beverage.
Invention is credited to Denny, Sean P..
Application Number | 20020090426 10/098404 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26833981 |
Filed Date | 2002-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020090426 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Denny, Sean P. |
July 11, 2002 |
Methods and apparatus for making personal quantities of
beverage
Abstract
The present invention comprises various methods and apparatus
for making or brewing personal quantities of beverages using
bottled water, either in a conventional or specially formed bottle.
One embodiment includes a cap assembly having an outer attachment
portion and a plunger portion fitting within the attachment
portion. The two portions define a chamber therein containing a
drink mix, one or more tea bags, etc. A seal is provided to prevent
mixing of the drink mix and water within the bottle until desired.
When the plunger is pushed downwardly, it drives the drink mix
through the seal, bursting the seal and deploying the drink mix or
tea bags into the water within the bottle. In another embodiment,
the bottle and drink mix are packaged together, with; the bottle
including a pocket formed in the side thereof and the; drink mix
secured in the pocket by a label extending thereacross. Yet another
embodiment includes a conventional bottle, with the, label having a
pocket formed therein. The label may have fan fold, or accordion
fold sides, for forming an open pocket after opening for insertion
of a spent tea bag or the like therein for disposal. The labels
preferably include weakening lines and a pull tab for| opening the
pocket to access the drink mix or tea bags for insertion into the
bottle. Still another embodiment comprises tea bags or drink mix
packets which are specially shaped and configured for ease of
insertion into the relatively narrow neck of a bottle of water.
Inventors: |
Denny, Sean P.;
(Springfield, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Richard C. Litman
P.O. Box 15035
Crystal City Station
Arlington
VA
22215-0035
US
|
Family ID: |
26833981 |
Appl. No.: |
10/098404 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10098404 |
Mar 18, 2002 |
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09571857 |
May 16, 2000 |
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6372270 |
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60136086 |
May 26, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
426/120 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20130101;
B65D 51/2814 20130101; A47J 31/50 20130101; Y10S 215/08 20130101;
A47J 31/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/120 |
International
Class: |
A23B 004/00 |
Claims
I claim:
1. A drink mix apparatus, comprising a water bottle with a personal
size quantity of water therein; said water bottle having a narrow
neck; said neck including means for positively and removably
securing a cap thereto; a cap assembly; said cap assembly having an
outer portion including means for positively and removably securing
to said neck of said bottle; said outer portion of said cap
assembly further having a lower end with burstable seal means
extending thereacross; said cap assembly further having a plunger
portion closely fitting within said outer portion, and defining a
beverage mix containment chamber therein sealed from said water
within said bottle by said seal means; and a quantity of dry drink
mix disposed within said beverage mix containment chamber, whereby;
said dry drink mix is distributed into said water of said, bottle
when said plunger portion of said cap is forced downwardly, thereby
rupturing said seal means and opening said beverage mix containment
chamber to said water within said bottle.
2. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 1, including upper
sealing means disposed across said outer portion and across said
plunger portion of said cap assembly.
3. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means
for positively and removably securing said outer portion of said
cap assembly to said neck of said bottle comprises mating threaded
areas disposed within said outer portion of said cap assembly and
about said neck of said bottle.
4. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dry
drink mix comprises at least one tea bag.
5. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said at
least one tea bag includes means for securing said at least one tea
bag to said cap assembly for retrieval of said at least one tea bag
from said bottle after deployment therein.
6. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said dry
drink mix comprises a quantity of powdered drink mix.
7. A drink mix apparatus, comprising a water bottle with a personal
size quantity of water therein; said water bottle having a narrow
neck and at least one side; said neck including means for
positively and removably securing a cap thereto; a cap including
means for positively and removably securing to said neck of said
bottle; said bottle including a beverage mix containment pocket
formed in said at least one side thereof, and separate from said
water of said bottle; a quantity of beverage mix disposed within
said pocket of said bottle, for deploying within said water within
said bottle; and a label extending across at least said pocket of
said bottle and removably sealing said quantity of beverage mix
within said pocket of said bottle.
8. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said label
includes an edge having a pull tab extending therefrom and
weakening lines for facilitating removal of at least a portion
thereof from across said pocket of said bottle.
9. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said means
for positively and removably securing said cap to said neck of said
bottle comprises mating threaded areas disposed within said cap and
about said neck of said bottle.
10. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said dry
drink mix comprises at least one tea bag.
11. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said at
least one tea bag includes means for securing said at least one tea
bag to said bottle for retrieval of said at least one tea bag from
said bottle after deployment therein.
12. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said at
least one tea bag has a narrow and streamlined configuration for
facilitating insertion into said water of said bottle through said
narrow neck of said bottle.
13. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said dry
drink mix comprises a quantity of powdered drink mix.
14. A drink mix apparatus, comprising a water bottle with a
personal size quantity of water therein; said water bottle having a
narrow neck; said neck including means for positively and removably
securing a cap thereto; a cap including means for positively and
removably securing to said neck of said bottle; a label extending
about at least a portion of said bottle; said label including a
beverage mix containment pocket formed therein; and a quantity of
beverage mix disposed within said pocket, for deploying within said
water within said bottle.
15. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said
label includes an edge having a pull tab extending therefrom and
weakening lines for facilitating the opening of said pocket of said
label.
16. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said
means for positively and removably securing said cap to said neck
of said bottle comprises mating threaded areas disposed within said
cap and about said neck of said bottle.
17. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said dry
drink mix comprises at least one tea bag.
18. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said at
least one tea bag includes means for securing said at least one tea
bag to said bottle for retrieval of said at least one tea bag from
said bottle after deployment therein.
19. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 17, wherein said at
least one tea bag has a narrow and streamlined configuration for
facilitating insertion into said water of said bottle through said
narrow neck of said bottle.
20. The drink mix apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said dry
drink mix comprises a quantity of powdered drink mix.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates generally to devices and
methods for brewing tea or mixing other beverages, and more
specifically to various embodiments of containers, caps, and dry
drink mix or substance containers, for brewing sun tea and/or for
making or mixing other beverages from dry powders or the like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] The art of brewing tea has been well known for generations.
More recently, it has become popular to brew "sun tea," by placing
the tea in a container of water, and leaving the container
(preferably clear glass) in the sun where the water is warmed due
to the infrared radiation produced by the glass from the solar
radiation received. In addition, many manufacturers have developed
powdered beverage mixes (Kool-Ade, tm, powdered coffees and teas,
lemonade and other fruit flavored mixes, etc.) which are adapted
for mixing with water to make a beverage.
[0005] Various means have been developed for making such beverages,
depending upon whether the product must be brewed (i. e., heated
and steeped for some period of time), or merely mixed and
dissolved. In the case of powdered instant drink mixes, the means
used is generally conventional, comprising a container and a mixing
spoon, whisk, or the like. The brewing of tea is generally somewhat
more involved, due to the need to heat the water and to steep the
tea in the heated water for some period of time. Generally, the
lower the water temperature, the longer the period of time the tea
must steep in the water. However, some hold that the longer
steeping process in lower water temperatures is advantageous, in
that the tea flavor is not altered to the extent that occurs when
it is steeped in nearly boiling water. In any event, various
devices have been developed for holding complete or shredded tea
leaves for steeping in a container of water, as indicated in the
discussion of the related art further below.
[0006] In addition, some persons have developed liquid containers
including externally accessible compartments for holding various
articles (mixes, etc.) which might be associated with the liquid
contained within the container. However, these compartmented
containers of the prior art each contain some deficiency in
comparison to the containers of the present invention, which are
specially adapted for separately holding a tea bag or other dry
substance for making a beverage, from the liquid contained within
the container.
[0007] Another aspect of mixing beverages, and particularly the tea
brewing process, is that many manufacturers of tea bags and the
like produce such bags in a low, flat shape in order to maximize
the surface area of the bag relative to the internal volume. While
this is beneficial in terms of diffusing the tea more rapidly
throughout the liquid, it does no good whatsoever if it is not
possible to insert the tea bag into the liquid container.
Accordingly, along with the specially adapted containers for they
mixing of beverages and brewing of tea therein, the present
invention also includes tea or other beverage mix bags which are
specially configured for passing easily through the neck of a
container having a relatively narrow neck. This aspect of the
invention, as well as others described in detail further below
provide significant differences and distinction over the related
art of record. A discussion of the related art of which the present
inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the
present invention, is provided below.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 180,132 issued on Jul. 25, 1876 to Benjamin F.
Hoard et al., titled "Bottle Attachment," describes a bottle for
containing a liquid (medicine, etc.). The bottle has a concave side
with flanges extending therefrom, along which a cooperating lid may
be slid into place. The resulting receptacle provides for the
insertion of an information or advertising brochure or other
document therein. The bottle and external container of the present
invention differ in that no separate rigid closure need be
provided; the present closure is formed by the bottle label.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 1,489,806 issued on Apr. 8, 1924 to Harry C.
Anderson, titled "Paper Container Or Receptacle," describes various
shapes of perforated paper elements for holding tea and for
submersing in a container of hot water for brewing tea. The
Anderson tea containers teach away from the "tea balls" of the
prior art, which are formed as openable rigid, hard, perforated
metal shells. However, Anderson does not anticipate the need to use
a tea bag type container for brewing tea in a larger vessel, where
the tea bag cannot be accessed by the fingers. Rather, his tea
containers each have an elongate shape with an unperforated upper
end, with the upper ends serving as handles. Such a configuration
is unworkable with the necked containers of the present
invention.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,102,465 issued on Sep. 3, 1963 to Lewis
Montesano, titled "Leak-Proof Packaging Infusion Unit," describes a
telescoping tubular device in which the outer sleeve forms a cover
for the perforated inner sleeve surrounding the tea contents
therein. The outer sleeve is extended beyond the inner perforated
sleeve, and the perforated sleeve is immersed in the water to
diffuse the tea therein. As in the devices of the Anderson U.S.
Pat. No. 1,489,806, the Montesano device does not include a string
or other means allowing it to be released in a container; rather,
the Montesano device must be held in the container during the time
the tea is steeping. This renders the Montesano device unsuitable
for use with larger containers or for longer periods of time, as in
brewing sun tea or the like.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 3,346,388 issued on Oct. 10, 1967 to Frederick
P. Andrews et al., titled "Tea Packet," describes a specially
formed tea bag having a toroidal configuration. The Andrews et al.
tea bag is unsuited for use in a container having a relatively
small neck and cap, as Andrews et al. note that their tea packet is
in the configuration of "a ring of a size compatible with a tea
cup" (column 1, lines 46-47). The Andrews et al. tea packet thus
could not be inserted into the neck of a bottle.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 3,590,989 issued on Jul. 6, 1971 to John C.
Wittwer, titled "Protective Bottle Display And Shipping Container,"
describes a double bottle type container, in which a glass
container is encased within a liquid filled plastic container for
shock absorption purposes. Wittwer discloses other articles encased
in a separate compartment within an outer bottle, but the
receptacle is in the center of the bottle, rather than being formed
in the outer wall of the bottle, as in the case of the present
invention.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 3,657,994 issued on Apr. 25, 1972 to Norman W.
Post, titled "Combination Container And Dispenser," describes a
small, double walled container which hooks over the edge of a cup.
The two walls are perforated, and may be turned relative to one
another to align the perforations for allowing a drink mix
contained therein to be diffused through the liquid in the cup The
device is too large for immersion in a bottle having a relatively
narrow neck, and cannot be sealed to a bottle top for dispersing
its contents, as in another of the present embodiments.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 3,732,999 issued on May 15, 1973 to Rodney G.
Rounkles, titled "Bottle With External Compartment," describes a
bottle having a hinged lid for closing over a compartment formed in
the side of the bottle. The device is more closely related to the
bottle of the Hoard et al. '132 U.S. patent discussed further
above, than to any of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 3,861,284 issued on Jan. 21, 1975 to Albert D.
Costello, titled "Cup Lids For Use With Teabags And The Like,"
describes various lid embodiments having a wide, flat protrusion
for holding a conventional flat tea bag therein. The tea bag is
lowered into the water in the cup and allowed to steep, then drawn
back upwardly into the protrusion by means of the conventional
string on the tea bag. The Costello assembly is not adapted for use
:in brewing tea or mixing a dry beverage powder in a bottle having
a relatively narrow neck, as provided by the various embodiments of
the present invention.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,343 issued on Nov. 25, 1980 to Harold E.
Thompson, titled "Container Assembly," describes a group of three
bottles, with the larger bottle having depressions in opposite
sides for seating two smaller bottles. No means is I disclosed for
securing the smaller bottles in the depression, other than
providing a tight fit, which is not possible with the flaccid tea
bag unit for storage in the depression of a container of the
present invention. Rather, the present container with its external
depression secures an article therein by means of a wrapper which
passes over the depression to seal it closed.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,551,336 issued on Nov. 5, 1985 to Ying-Cheng
Chen, titled "Infusion Bag," describes a tea bag or the like having
a double opposed conical configuration. The relatively wide
structure thus formed cannot be passed through the neck of a bottle
without distortion, unlike the tea or drink mix bag configurations
of various embodiments of the present invention.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,592,478 issued on Jun. 3, 1986 to Richard
Laconis, titled "Container Assembly," describes two outer
containers having mirror images to one another and defining a
cavity therein when assembled together. The cavity is used to hold
another article, and/or container for the other article, therein.
The outer containers must be separated from one another to access
the article contained within their mutual depressions, unlike the
present container invention with its depression formed externally.
The Laconis container assembly thus more closely resembles the
devices of the Wittwer '989 and Thompson '343 U.S. patents, than
the present invention.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,821,630 issued on Apr. 18, 1989 to Robert E.
Roberts, titled "Sun Tea Adapter For Plastic Cartons," describes a
cylindrical perforated insert for placing within a conventional
plastic milk jug or the like. Tea bags may be placed within the
insert, which is then lowered into the water filled jug to steep
and make sun tea. One embodiment of the present invention includes
a specially formed cap assembly for infusing water within a bottle
with tea or other beverage mix. However, the present cap assembly
is sealed until use and contains the beverage product therein.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,986,451 issued on Jan. 22, 1991 to
Christopher H. Lowe et al., titled "Dispensing Device For Soluble
Or Dispersible Material," describes two embodiments of such a
device. In one embodiment, a perforated straw-like device is filled
with a powdered material for mixing in a liquid. The straw is
stirred to dispense the material through the perforations. The
second embodiment is similar, but includes a separate sealed
compartment containing another additive. Squeezing the sealed
compartment causes a seal to rupture, allowing the additive to flow
into the perforated compartment where it disperses through the
liquid along with the material in the perforated compartment.
Neither of the above embodiments comprises a flexible tea bag or
the like, and the relatively wider stirring ends teach away from a
streamlined shape for insertion into the relatively narrow mouth of
a bottle. Moreover, the Lowe et al. devices cannot be contained
within a cap which can be removably secured to the bottle, as
provided by at least one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,757 issued on Sep. 24, 1991 to Daniel P.
Hidding et al., titled "Container System," describes a relatively
larger bottle having a recess in one side thereof for I
frictionally holding a smaller bottle therein. The assembly
provides for placement of a relatively smaller supply of medication
from the larger bottle into the smaller bottle for convenient
carriage. The Hidding et al. bottle assembly more closely resembles
the assembly of the Thompson '343 U.S. patent discussed further
above, than any embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,791 issued on Jun. 7, 1994 to Paul
Millman et al., titled "Apparatus And Method For Cold Water
Infusion of Beverage And Sweetener," describes a special lid
assembly having a central post to which a cylindrical column may be
secured. The cylindrical column provides for anchoring one or more
tea bags thereto, and includes a sweetener diffusion compartment to
one side thereof. The apparatus is assembled, and the tea and
sweetener are diffused through the water within the container or
cup. The present invention includes means for diffusing tea or
other drink material into a water container, but differs
considerably from the Millman et al. assembly, in that the present
invention includes a sealed cap assembly for removable installation
to a bottle of water or the like. The present sealed cap assembly
is not reusable, and may contain other beverage materials than tea,
unlike the Millman et al. device which is only adapted for securing
tea bags thereto.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,623,865 issued on Apr. 29, 1997 to Perry
Sidiropoulos, titled "Infuser," describes multiple embodiments of a
generally cylindrical telescoping device having a porous tube at
its lower end and an impervious outer tube for telescoping over the
porous tube. The porous tube is filled with tea or the like, with
the outer tube covering the porous tube. For using the device, the
outer tube is extended to expose the porous tube, which is inserted
into the water to diffuse the tea into the water. The Sidiropoulos
device thus more closely resembles the device of the Montesano '465
U.S. patent discussed further above, than the present
invention.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,746,113 issued on May 5, 1998 to Lily Ko,
titled "Infusion Vessel," describes a cup having a perforated tea
holding compartment therewith, either formed integrally with the
cup or as a removable compartment. The Ko device thus more closely
resembles the apparatus of the '994 U.S. patent to Post, discussed
further above, than it does the present invention.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,185 issued on Feb. 2, 1999 to Edward K.
Burkett, titled "Method And Device For Dispensing An Ingestible
Soluble Material For Further Dissolving In A Liquid," describes a
device having a porous cylindrical wall and containing a dry
soluble material therein. The outer surface of the tube is coated
with a sweetener or other soluble substance. When the device is
immersed in water, flow through the porosities diffuses the
substance within the tube through the water, with the outer coating
also dissolving. The Burkett device thus more closely resembles the
device of the '451 U.S. patent to Lowe, discussed further above and
cited as prior art by Burkett, than it does the present
invention.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. D-100,412 issued on Jul. 14, 1936 to Bernard
Carp, titled "Combination Recessed Bottle," illustrates a design
for a relatively larger bottle having a recess with a smaller
bottle set within the recess of the larger bottle. The Carp design
thus more closely resembles the combination bottle apparatus of the
Thompson '343 and Hidding et al. '757 U.S. patents, than it does
the present bottle with its inset wall and label enclosure.
[0027] British Patent Publication No. 480,596 accepted on Feb. 22,
1938 to Frederick J. E. Alexander, titled "Improvements In Tea,
Coffee Or Like Infusers," describes a rigid container having an
impervious bottom and a perforated or screened top portion. Tea,
coffee, etc. is placed within the device, which is then closed and
immersed in hot water. The device is much too large to be inserted
through the neck of a bottle and cannot serve as a removable cap
for sealing the bottle, as provided by the infusion method of the
present invention. The Alexander device is a variation upon then
"tea ball" concept, and does not closely resemble the drink mix
infusion embodiments of the present invention.
[0028] British Patent Publication No. 623,195 accepted on May 13,
1949 to Winifred M. Waller et al., titled "Improvements In And
Relating To Solvent Extraction Devices," describes a rigid
container having porous walls, for immersion into a container of
hot water. An elongate handle extends from the top of the device.
The device is relatively wide and is intended for use in a
container having a relatively wide mouth, such as a tea or coffee
cup or pot. The device is much too wide to be inserted into the
neck of a bottle, as provided by at least one embodiment of the
present invention, and does not form a disposable cap for
attachment to such a bottle or include any drink mix sealed therein
until use, as provided by the present invention. The Waller et al.
device more closely resembles the infuser of the '596 British
Patent Publication to Alexander, described immediately above, than
it does the present invention.
[0029] European Patent Publication No. 158,511 published on Oct.
16, 1985 to General Foods Limited, titled "Beverage Infuser
Device," describes a low, flat, porous, disposable container
including tea or coffee therein. A handle extends from one side of
the device for ease of manipulation. The General Foods device is
more closely related to a conventional disposable tea bag, with its
relatively wide and flat shape, than to any of the tea or beverage
mix bags of the present invention, with their relatively narrow and
streamlined shape for removable insertion through the relatively
narrow neck of a bottle.
[0030] Finally, British Patent Publication No. 2,250,425 published
on Jun. 10, 1992 to Francis C. Winnington-Ingram, titled "Tea
Infusor For Cups And Mugs," describes a rigid framework having
porous panels therein for containing tea or similar drink mix. The
device is nearly the volume of a conventional coffee mug, and is
much too large to be inserted into the neck of a bottle, as
provided by the present drink infuser device. Moreover, the
Winnington-Ingram device is not economically disposable, does not
contain a sealed quantity of tea or other drink mix and means for
breaking the seal for use, and does not positively secure to the
top of a bottle, as provided by the present infuser device.
[0031] None of the above inventions and patents, taken either
singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention
as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0032] The present invention comprises various embodiments of
methods and apparatus for making personal quantities of tea, fruit
flavored drink from a mix, or other beverages. While the present
methods and apparatus are primarily directed to the brewing of sun
tea using a personal size water bottle, it will be seen that it may
be extended to other container types and sizes and may include
other beverages as well.
[0033] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a sealed
cap assembly having an outer portion providing for positive
attachment to the liquid container, with an inner portion serving
as a piston or plunger. An internal volume is defined between the
two portions, with the volume containing a powdered drink mix, tea
bags, etc. The internal volume of the cap assembly is sealed from
the contents of the bottle until use. When mixing of the beverage
mix is desired, the plunger is pushed downwardly into the
surrounding cap structure, forcing the seal to break and dispersing
the drink mix into the bottle.
[0034] In another embodiment, a water bottle is provided with a
depression or receptacle formed in one side thereof. The receptacle
provides for containment of one or more tea bags, powdered drink
mix packages, etc. The bottle label wraps over and around the
receptacle to seal the contents therein. The label may include
weakening perforations and/or a pull tab to facilitate access to
the contents of the receptacle in the side of the bottle.
[0035] Yet another embodiment utilizes a conventional bottle, but
with a label having a pocket formed therein or between the label
and the side of the bottle. The drink mix package(s) or tea bag(s)
is/are enclosed within the pocket, or between the label and the
side of the bottle. The label may include accordion or fan fold
sides which expand when the label is opened. The opened label thus
provides a receptacle for a used tea bag or the like after mixing
or brewing the beverage. The tea bags or drink packages supplied
with the bottle may be specially configured to have a narrow and/or
streamlined shape, in order to fit easily through the relatively
narrow neck of the bottle.
[0036] Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to
provide improved methods and apparatus for making or brewing
personal quantities of a beverage.
[0037] It is another object of the invention to provide an improved
apparatus for making or brewing such beverages, comprising a cap
assembly including a quantity of beverage mix sealed therein for
dispersing the beverage mix into a bottle of water to which the cap
assembly has been secured.
[0038] It is a further object of the invention to provide an
improved apparatus including a water bottle and beverage mix
therewith, with the bottle including a pocket or the like formed in
one side thereof, and a label extending over the pocket and
securing one or more drink mix or tea packets therein.
[0039] An additional object of the invention is to provide an
improved apparatus comprising a drink bottle with drink mix
included therewith, with the drink mix being sealed to the bottle
by means of a label having a pocket therein.
[0040] Still another object of the invention is to provide an
improved means of inserting tea or drink mix packets into a bottle
having a relatively narrow neck, by forming the packets to have a
narrow and/or streamlined shape for ease of insertion.
[0041] It is an object of the invention to provide improved
elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes
described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in
accomplishing its intended purposes.
[0042] These and other objects of the present invention will become
readily apparent upon further review of the following specification
and drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the drink mix infusion cap
assembly of the present invention, secured to a bottle and showing
its use.
[0044] FIG. 2 is a detailed elevation view in section of the cap
assembly of FIG. 1 containing a plurality of tea bags, and al
showing various details of the cap assembly.
[0045] FIG. 3 is a detailed elevation view in section of the cap
assembly of FIG. 1 after use, showing the deployment of a, powdered
drink mix contained therein into the water of the bottle.
[0046] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment, showing
a bottle with a receptacle in one side thereof for containing drink
mix or tea packets and sealed by a removable label, and further
illustrating various drink mix packet shapes for insertion in the
bottle neck.
[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment,
wherein the label is formed with a pocket therein for holding one
or more drink mix packets therein against the side of the
bottle.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bottle and pocket label
of FIG. 5, after opening.
[0049] Similar reference characters denote corresponding features
consistently throughout the attached drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0050] The present invention comprises various embodiments of means
for making or brewing personal quantities of a mixed or brewed
beverage, such as tea or a drink made from a powdered mix. In each
of the embodiments, the invention includes a bottle or other
container of water, along with an appropriate quantity of tea or
other drink mix to be mixed or brewed with the water, using the
bottle as the mixing or brewing container. In a first embodiment,
the cap assembly includes storage and dispersal means for the tea
or mix contained therein. In a second embodiment, the bottle
includes a receptacle for containing the tea or mix. A third
embodiment comprises a bottle label with a pocket therein, for
securing the tea or mix to the bottle.
[0051] FIGS. 1 through 3 illustrate the first embodiment of the
present invention, wherein a specially configured cap assembly 10
is provided with a container 12 of bottled water. The water bottler
12 is conventional with the exception of its cap assembly 10, with
a relatively narrower neck portion 14 including an externally
threaded area 16 (shown in FIGS. 2 and 3) or other means (flange,
etc.) for positively but removably securing the cap assembly 10
thereto. While it will be seen that the present invention may be
applied to virtually any practicable size of container, including
wide mouth jars and the like, the present invention is preferably
applied to conventional personal size water bottles having a
capacity on the order of a quart or so, or generally less.
[0052] The cap assembly 10 comprises an outer cap portion 18 having
an internal mating attachment area (threads 20, etc.) providing
positive but removable attachment to the bottle neck 14. The outer
cap 18 has an open central chamber 22 with a concentric plunger 24
extending from the upper end 26 thereof and closely fitting within
the chamber 22. The open chamber 22 is closed by the lower end 26
of the plunger 24 at its upper end, and by a burstable seal 28
which extends across the fastener end 30 of the outer cap 18. The
wall of the outer cap 18, plunger 24, and lower seal 28 define the
beverage mix containment chamber 22 therebetween. A quantity of a
dry drink mix is sealed within the beverage mix containment chamber
22 and precluded from contact with the water within the bottle 12
by the lower seal 28. An upper seal 32 may be placed over the top
of the cap assembly 10 and plunger 24 to preclude tampering,
etc.
[0053] The beverage mix contained within the mix containment
chamber 22 may be virtually any type of powdered or concentrated
beverage or drink mix desired. In FIG. 2, two tea bags 34 are
shown. The tea bags 34 may include strings 36 extending to the
lower end 26 of the plunger 24 (or other area of the cap assembly
10), in order to withdraw the tea bags 34 from the bottle 12 after
the bags 34 have been deployed within the bottle 12. Alternatively,
the chamber 22 may include a loose powdered mix 38, as illustrated
in FIG. 3 of the drawings. The specific beverage concentrate is not
critical to the nature of the present invention; virtually any type
of concentrated beverage mix, including syrups or other
concentrated liquids, may be placed within the cap assembly 10 as
desired.
[0054] The cap assembly 10 and water bottle 12 assembly of FIGS. 1
through 3 of the drawings is used as indicated in FIG. 1, by
compressing the upper end of the plunger 24 downwardly into the
outer cap portion 18, as by pushing or hitting downwardly with the
heel of the hand H, or otherwise compressing the plunger 24
downwardly. The result is as shown in FIG. 3 of the drawings, with
the plunger 24 pushed downwardly through the chamber 22 to either
contact the lower seal 28 directly or force the drink mix 38
downwardly against the lower seal 28, thereby rupturing or bursting
the seal 28 to distribute the drink mix 38 into the interior of the
bottle 12 to mix with the water therein. When the beverage mix 38
is completely mixed (or the tea 34 has steeped or brewed to the
desired strength), the cap assembly 10 is removed for the user to
consume the beverage within the bottle 12.
[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention, wherein a beverage mix, concentrate, or the like is
provided in combination with a personal size container of bottled
water. The water bottle 40 of FIG. 4 is constructed generally along
the lines of the bottle 12 of FIGS. 1 through 3, having a
relatively narrow neck portion 42 including conventional means for
positively and removably securing a conventional cap 44 thereto.
(The cap securing means is not illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 6 of
the drawings, but may be the same means as illustrated in; FIGS. 2
and 3 and discussed further above.) The bottle 40 also includes a
side wall 46 defining the size and shape of the bottle 40. However,
the side wall 46 has a beverage mix containment pocket or
receptacle 48 formed therein, with the side wall 46 being a single,
integral sheet defining a continuous side wall 46 and wall for the
pocket 48, thus separating the contents of the water bottle 40 from
the beverage mix contained within the pocket 48.
[0056] A suitable quantity of a beverage mix or concentrate, dry
powder, etc. is placed within the beverage containment pocket 48
for storage therein until needed for mixing with the water within
the bottle 40. In the example of FIG. 4, a first tea bag 50 is
shown within the pocket 48. Again, virtually any suitable type of
beverage mix may be used, however. The label 52 surrounding the
bottle 40 includes a removable, or semi-removable, cover section 54
disposed over the pocket 48, separable from the remaining label 52
by lines of weakening or perforations 56 along each side thereof. A
pull tab 58 is provided at one edge, for pulling the cover 54
open.
[0057] When a user wishes to prepare a drink using the bottle 40
and drink mix provided therewith, he or she need only remove the
cover section 54 of the label 52 by pulling upon the pull tab 58 to
expose the drink mix stored within the pocket or receptacle 48 and
beneath the removable portion 54 of the label 52. The cap 44 is
removed from the neck 42 of the bottle 40, and the drink mix is
placed in the bottle for mixing or brewing, as appropriate.
[0058] It will be noted that the tea bag 50 stored within the
pocket 48 of the bottle 40, has an elongate, generally cylindrical
shape with a tapered end opposite its attachment to its retrieval
string 60. This provides a reasonable volume of tea within the bag
50, while still keeping the outside dimensions of the bag 50
relatively compact in order to provide for ease of insertion into
the relatively narrow neck 42 of the bottle 40. The retrieval
string 60 may be secured within the pocket 48 as desired, or the
bag 50 may be left within the bottle 40 for discarding with the
empty bottle 40 as desired. Alternate shapes of tea bags are also
shown in FIG. 4, with a generally spherical or oblate bag 62 and a
narrow, cylindrical bag 64 being shown to the left of the bottle
40. It will be understood that any of these shapes, or others, may
be provided with the bottle 40 as desired, for ease of insertion
into the bottle 40. While these shapes do not provide the desired
surface area to volume ratio to diffuse the tea more rapidly, they
do allow the bag to be inserted into the bottle 40 with ease and do
not require the bag to be compacted for insertion. Any of the tea
bags 50, 62, and/or 64 may include a retrieval string 60 as
desired.
[0059] FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings illustrate yet another
embodiment of the present invention, wherein a conventional water
bottle 70 includes a label 72 having a pocket 74 formed therein for
storing a quantity of drink mix therein. The bottle 70 is
conventional, including a narrow neck portion 76 with a cap 78 and
conventional removable securing means for the cap 78 as illustrated
in FIGS. 2 and 3. A quantity of beverage mix (tea bag 80 of any
suitable shape or configuration, e. g., bags 50, 62, or, 64 of FIG.
4, or a powdered drink mix as shown in FIG. 3) is stored within the
sealed pocket for use by a consumer as desired.
[0060] The label 72 includes certain features similar to those of
the label 52 of FIG. 4, i. e., tear lines 82 disposed along each
side of the pocket 74 and a pull tab 84 extending from one edge of
the label 72. The pocket 74 includes additional folded material 86
along each side thereof, to provide "accordion" or fan type
laterally folded edges when the pocket 74 is opened, as shown in
FIG. 6 of the drawings. When the pocket 74 is opened by pulling the
pull tab 84 to tear the lateral edges of the pocket 74 along the
tear lines 82, as shown in FIG. 5, the fan or accordion fold sides
86 allow the pocket 74 to expand, thereby providing access to the
tea bag 80 or other drink mix stored therein. The tea bag 80 may be
secured to the bottle 70 by means of a retrieval string 88 secured
about the neck 76 of the bottle 70, as shown in FIG. 6, or
otherwise secured for retrieval from the bottle 70 after use. The
expanded pocket 74 also provides an excellent storage compartment
for disposing of the tea bag 80 after use.
[0061] In summary, the present methods and apparatus for making or
brewing a personal quantity of beverage in a personal size water
bottle, provide a much needed means of providing a personal
quantity of freshly brewed "sun tea," or other beverage according
to the packet or mix provided. As has been noted at various points
above, the present invention is adaptable to virtually any type of
powdered drink mix or even a syrup concentrate, in virtually any
flavor as desired. However, it is particularly adaptable to use
with tea, as it is well known that the flavor of tea deteriorates
over a period of time due to the tannic acids of the tea and other
factors, and that pre-brewed, canned or bottled tea beverages just
do not have the fresh flavor of freshly brewed tea. Accordingly,
the present invention provides a means of achieving the freshly
brewed tea flavor in a personally manageable quantity of drink.
[0062] While the above disclosure has described a few different
embodiments of the present invention, it will be seen that the
above embodiments may be mixed and combined to form many additional
permutations and combinations of the present invention. For
example, the accordion fold pocket 74 of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be
combined with the bottle 40 with its receptacle 48 of FIG. 4, with
the pocket 74 either aligned over the receptacle 48 or offset to
one side thereof, as desired. In another alternative, the pocket 74
of the assembly of FIGS. 5 and 6 may be eliminated entirely, with
the tea bag 80 being secured to the bottle 70 merely by means of
the retrieval string 88.
[0063] Another variation of the present invention may provide for
the sealed pocket containing the tea or drink mix to be secured
adhesively to the side of the bottle in any of the above described
embodiments, thereby foregoing any requirement for a separate
label. The information normally associated with such a label may be
printed directly upon the bottle and/or cap of the assembly. The
information (either printed directly upon the bottle, or upon a
separate label attached to the bottle) may include a brand name and
logo, type of tea or flavor of the beverage concentrate provided
with the bottle, etc.
[0064] Also, the label may include some means for the user to
determine when the tea has been brewed to the proper consistency,
if desired. A sticker, or printed area, having a color indicating
the desired color of the tea when brewing is complete, may be
provided on the bottle or label, or the cap may be colored
appropriately as desired. Such a brewing consistency label may
include different shades, to allow the consumer to brew the tea to
a light, medium, or darker brew, as desired. Whichever of the above
described embodiments are used, the consumer of bottled water now
has a choice of beverages which may be mixed or brewed with such
water, to provide a freshly mixed or brewed beverage in a personal
size container, which was previously not available to the
consumer.
[0065] It is to be understood that the present invention is not
limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and
all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *