U.S. patent application number 13/569149 was filed with the patent office on 2014-02-13 for flavor infusion container.
The applicant listed for this patent is Carla Weisman, Mark Weisman. Invention is credited to Carla Weisman, Mark Weisman.
Application Number | 20140044837 13/569149 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50066339 |
Filed Date | 2014-02-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140044837 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Weisman; Carla ; et
al. |
February 13, 2014 |
Flavor Infusion Container
Abstract
A reusable water container that infuses a fruit or herb flavor
into a liquid inside the container. The container is segregated
into a top liquid chamber, and a bottom flavor infusion chamber.
The two chambers join at a watertight seal. A perforated divider
positions between the two chambers, acting to retain the fruit in
the infusion chamber when liquid is being poured out of the opening
in the top of the container. The fruit or herb in the infusion
chamber infuses a respective flavor by passing through the
perforated divider, and infusing throughout the liquid in the
entire container. A base detaches from the bottom of the infusion
chamber so that the fruit or herb can be placed inside the infusion
chamber. The base and the fruit may be frozen prior to attaching to
the infusion chamber to cool the liquid.
Inventors: |
Weisman; Carla; (Virginia
Beach, VA) ; Weisman; Mark; (Virginia Beach,
VA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Weisman; Carla
Weisman; Mark |
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach |
VA
VA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
50066339 |
Appl. No.: |
13/569149 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
426/79 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/18 20130101;
A47G 2400/04 20130101; A47G 19/2205 20130101; A47G 19/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
426/79 |
International
Class: |
B65B 29/02 20060101
B65B029/02 |
Claims
1. A flavor infusion container comprising: an infusion chamber,
said infusion chamber being configured to contain a flavor
enhancing member; a liquid chamber, said liquid chamber being
configured to contain a liquid; a divider, said divider being
disposed to segregate said infusion chamber from said liquid
chamber, said divider comprising at least one aperture, said at
least one aperture being configured to allow said flavor enhancing
member to infuse through said liquid; a base portion, said base
portion having at least one opening, said at least one opening
being configured to enable at least some liquid to at least
partially enter into or exit from said infusion chamber; and a lid,
said lid being configured to retain said liquid inside said flavor
infusion container.
2. The flavor infusion container of claim 1, wherein said infusion
chamber and said liquid chamber simultaneously contain said
liquid.
3. The flavor infusion container of claim 2, wherein said flavor
enhancing member infuses through said liquid.
4. The flavor infusion container of claim 3, in which said flavor
enhancing member comprises a fruit or herb.
5. The flavor infusion container of claim 4, in which said liquid
comprises water.
6. The flavor infusion container of claim 5, wherein said base
portion detachably separates from said infusion chamber for
positioning said flavor enhancing member inside said infusion
chamber.
7. The flavor infusion container of claim 6, in which said base
portion comprises a freezable material.
8. The flavor infusion container of claim 7, wherein said infusion
chamber and said liquid chamber join at a threaded fastener.
9. The flavor infusion container of claim 8, wherein a seal
positions between said infusion chamber and said liquid chamber,
said seal being operable to prevent leakage of said liquid.
10. The flavor infusion container of claim 9, in which said flavor
infusion chamber comprises at least one tab and at least one notch,
wherein said at least one tab and said at least one notch join to
secure said base portion with said infusion chamber.
11. The flavor infusion container of claim 10, wherein said lid is
detachable.
12. The flavor infusion container of claim 11, wherein said divider
positions in the bottom third portion of said flavor infusion
container.
13. The flavor infusion container of claim 12, wherein said divider
is operable to detach from said flavor infusion container.
14. The flavor infusion container of claim 13, wherein said flavor
infusion container is transparent.
15. The flavor infusion container of claim 14, in which said flavor
infusion container comprises a freezable insert being operable to
maintain the temperature of said liquid.
16. The flavor infusion container of claim 15, wherein said flavor
infusion container is configured to contain a hot or cold
liquid.
17. The flavor infusion container of claim 16, in which said flavor
infusion container comprises at least one handle.
18. The flavor infusion container of claim 17, in which said
infusion chamber comprises an infusion tube, said infusion tube
being disposed to position inside said flavor infusion container,
said infusion tube being configured to contain said flavor
enhancing member, said infusion tube comprising at least one
aperture, said at least one aperture being configured to allow said
flavor enhancing member to infuse through said liquid.
19. A flavor infusion container comprising: means for detaching a
base portion from an infusion chamber; means for positioning a
flavor enhancing member inside said infusion chamber; means for
joining said base portion with said infusion chamber; means for
joining a liquid chamber with said infusion chamber; means for
positioning a liquid inside said flavor infusion container; and
means for infusing said liquid with said flavor enhancing
member.
20. A flavor infusion container comprising: an infusion chamber,
said infusion chamber being configured to contain a flavor
enhancing member, said flavor enhancing member comprising a fruit
or herb; a liquid chamber, said liquid chamber being configured to
join said infusion chamber with a threaded fastener, said liquid
chamber being configured to contain a liquid, said liquid
comprising water; a divider, said divider being disposed to
segregate said infusion chamber from said liquid chamber, said
divider comprising at least one aperture, said at least one
aperture being configured to allow said flavor enhancing member to
infuse through said liquid; a base portion, said base portion
comprising a freezable material, said base portion being operable
to detach from said infusion chamber; an opening, said opening
being configured to receive said liquid; and a lid, said lid being
configured to join with said opening, said lid being further
configured to detach from said opening, said lid being further
configured to retain said liquid inside said flavor infusion
container.
Description
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0001] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING
APPENDIX
[0002] Not applicable.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
[0003] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office, patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] One or more embodiments of the invention generally relate to
drink containers. More particularly, one or more embodiments of the
invention relate to a bottle that enables the contents to be
infused with natural flavors.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The following background information may present examples of
specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation,
approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be
helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of
the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present
invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or
implied therein or inferred thereupon. Spas often serve a beverage
comprising ice, fruit/herbs, and water, sometimes referred to as
spa water. One may expect that this mixture creates a refreshing
drink with visual appeal and low calories as the addition of fruit
to water generally adds natural flavor and little in the way of
calories. Some examples of spa water recipes include, without
limitation, the addition of orange or lemon slices, strawberries,
other fruits, cucumber, mint, etc. into a water and ice mixture
where the fruit is allowed to mix and infuse the water with flavor
over time. Typically, these ingredients are mixed in a large
tabletop vessel and dispensed through a spout in to a drinking
glass or disposable cup.
[0006] The following is an example of a specific aspect in the
prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the
reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be
construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments
thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred
thereupon. A portable water container with a compartment for powder
is known to exist. This container is designed to hold powders in
multiple compartments and has a rotatable compartment to keep the
water separate from the powder compartments. By way of educational
background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be
aware of is that there are also prior art devices where
compartments are placed outside the bottle for storage of
medications or powders. These designs are made to purposely
separate the products from the water, and typically do not enable
the water to be infused with flavor. By way of educational
background, yet another aspect of the prior art generally useful to
be aware of is that there are bottles where compartments are made
for water purification. These products are typically designed to
remove taste and odors from the water rather than adding flavor to
the water.
[0007] In view of the foregoing, it is clear that these traditional
techniques are not perfect and leave room for more optimal
approaches.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to similar
elements and in which:
[0009] FIGS. 1A through 1B illustrate an exemplary flavor enhancing
container that allows for the infusion of natural flavor into the
contents of the flavor enhancing container, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic side
view of the flavor enhancing container. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic
bottom view of the flavor enhancing container, and FIG. 1C is a
diagrammatic top view of a base portion;
[0010] FIGS. 2A through 2D are diagrammatic side views of an
exemplary flavor enhancing container in various stages of use, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A
shows an opening step. FIG. 2B shows a filling step. FIG. 2C shows
a closing step, and FIG. 2D shows an infusing step;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary two piece
flavor enhancing container that allows for the infusion of natural
flavor into the contents of the flavor enhancing container, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary flavor
enhancing container that allows for the infusion of natural flavor
into the contents of the flavor enhancing container, in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary
children's bottle that allows for the infusion of natural flavor
into the contents of the bottle, in accordance with an embodiment
of the present invention.
[0014] Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are
not necessarily drawn to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
[0015] Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by
reference to the detailed figures and description set forth
herein.
[0016] Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with
reference to the Figures. However, those skilled in the art will
readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with
respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes as the
invention extends beyond these limited embodiments. For example, it
should be appreciated that those skilled in the art will, in light
of the teachings of the present invention, recognize a multiplicity
of alternate and suitable approaches, depending upon the needs of
the particular application, to implement the functionality of any
given detail described herein, beyond the particular implementation
choices in the following embodiments described and shown. That is,
there are numerous modifications and variations of the invention
that are too numerous to be listed but that all fit within the
scope of the invention. Also, singular words should be read as
plural and vice versa and masculine as feminine and vice versa,
where appropriate, and alternative embodiments do not necessarily
imply that the two are mutually exclusive.
[0017] It is to be further understood that the present invention is
not limited to the particular methodology, compounds, materials,
manufacturing techniques, uses, and applications, described herein,
as these may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology
used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular
embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the
present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the
appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include
the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Thus, for example, a reference to "an element" is a reference to
one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to
those skilled in the art. Similarly, for another example, a
reference to "a step" or "a means" is a reference to one or more
steps or means and may include sub-steps and subservient means. All
conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense
possible. Thus, the word "or" should be understood as having the
definition of a logical "or" rather than that of a logical
"exclusive or" unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise.
Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to
functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be
construed to express approximation should be so understood unless
the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0018] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.
Preferred methods, techniques, devices, and materials are
described, although any methods, techniques, devices, or materials
similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the
practice or testing of the present invention. Structures described
herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents
of such structures. The present invention will now be described in
detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
[0019] From reading the present disclosure, other variations and
modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art. Such
variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other
features which are already known in the art, and which may be used
instead of or in addition to features already described herein.
[0020] Although Claims have been formulated in this Application to
particular combinations of features, it should be understood that
the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes
any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed
herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization
thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as
presently claimed in any Claim and whether or not it mitigates any
or all of the same technical problems as does the present
invention.
[0021] Features which are described in the context of separate
embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity,
described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be
provided separately or in any suitable subcombination. The
Applicants hereby give notice that new Claims may be formulated to
such features and/or combinations of such features during the
prosecution of the present Application or of any further
Application derived therefrom.
[0022] References to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example
embodiment," "various embodiments," etc., may indicate that the
embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a
particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every
embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure,
or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase "in one
embodiment," or "in an exemplary embodiment," do not necessarily
refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
[0023] As is well known to those skilled in the art many careful
considerations and compromises typically must be made when
designing for the optimal manufacture of a commercial
implementation any system, and in particular, the embodiments of
the present invention. A commercial implementation in accordance
with the spirit and teachings of the present invention may
configured according to the needs of the particular application,
whereby any aspect(s), feature(s), function(s), result(s),
component(s), approach(es), or step(s) of the teachings related to
any described embodiment of the present invention may be suitably
omitted, included, adapted, mixed and matched, or improved and/or
optimized by those skilled in the art, using their average skills
and known techniques, to achieve the desired implementation that
addresses the needs of the particular application.
[0024] It is to be understood that any exact
measurements/dimensions or particular construction materials
indicated herein are solely provided as examples of suitable
configurations and are not intended to be limiting in any way.
Depending on the needs of the particular application, those skilled
in the art will readily recognize, in light of the following
teachings, a multiplicity of suitable alternative implementation
details.
[0025] One embodiment of the present invention relates to a
reusable flavor infusion container 100 that infuses a flavor
enhancing member 107 into a liquid inside the container. In some
embodiments, the flavor enhancing member may include, without
limitation, fruit, herbs, vegetables, spices, oils, and the like.
The flavor infusion container may be segregated into a liquid
chamber 110, and an infusion chamber 105. The two chambers may join
at a threaded fastener 310 and a watertight seal. In some
embodiments, a perforated divider 115 may position between the two
chambers, acting to retain the flavor enhancing member in the
infusion chamber when a liquid 110 is being poured out of an
opening 125 located in the top of the flavor infusion container. In
some embodiments, the fruit or herb in the infusion chamber may
infuse a respective flavor through at least one aperture 127 in the
divider, and throughout the liquid. The divider also acts to
prevent the fruit from leaving or clogging the opening in the
container. A base portion 101 detaches from the bottom of the
infusion chamber to allow the fruit to be placed inside the
infusion chamber. The base and the flavor enhancing member may be
frozen prior to attaching to the infusion chamber to cool the
liquid.
[0026] FIGS. 1A through 1B illustrate an exemplary flavor enhancing
container that allows for the infusion of natural flavor into the
contents of the flavor enhancing container, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1A is a diagrammatic side
view of the flavor enhancing container. FIG. 1B is a diagrammatic
bottom view of the bottle, and FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic top view
of a base portion 101. In the present embodiment, the flavor
enhancing container is portable and reusable and comprises
freezable base portion 101, an infusion chamber 105 that may hold
the flavor enhancing member 107, the liquid chamber 110, the
divider 115 between chambers 105 and 110, and a lid 120 with an
opening 125 for drinking. In some embodiments, the flavor enhancing
member may infuse a flavor through the liquid. The flavor may
release from the flavor enhancing member through various means,
including, without limitation, diffusion through the liquid, an
electrical discharge, temperature change, melting, and engagement
with steam. However, in other embodiments, the flavor infusion
container may not include the flavor enhancing member.
[0027] Lid 120 is removable to allow water to be added to the
flavor enhancing container. In some alternate embodiments the lid
may not comprise an opening. In these embodiments the lid may be
removed to enable a user to drink or pour from the bottle. In the
present embodiment, the flavor enhancing container may be made of
various different materials including, without limitation, glass,
metal, wood or plastic. The material from which the flavor
enhancing container is made, specifically infusion chamber 105
where flavor enhancing member 107 is placed, may be transparent to
allow for visualization of fruit 107 so its quality can be
assessed. Furthermore, this transparency may add to the aesthetics
of the bottle, as flavor enhancing member 107 may be visually
appealing. In some embodiments, the entire flavor enhancing
container or a portion of the flavor enhancing container may be
made of opaque material. In the present embodiment, freezable base
piece 101 may also be made of various different materials such as,
but not limited to, food grade stainless steel or glass or plastic
which may or may not comprise a re-freezable gel or liquid, ceramic
or stone.
[0028] Divider 115 comprises at least one aperture 127 to allow for
continuous flow of water and not solid materials between chambers
105 and 110. It should be noted that fruit typically has properties
that make it lighter than water which may cause the fruit to float
to the top of a vessel when mixed with water. Divider 115 is fixed
in place to generally keep flavor enhancing member 107 contained to
infusion chamber 105 and near freezable base 101 and typically
cooler temperatures. Fixed divider 115 may also keep flavor
enhancing member 107 from floating into lid 120 and opening 125,
which may disrupt the flow of water from the flavor enhancing
container. In some alternate embodiments the separating device may
be configured differently. For example, without limitation, one
such embodiment may comprise a mesh divider rather than a
perforated divider. Another such embodiment may comprise a line or
grid of rods as a divider. Other alternate embodiments may be
implemented with removable dividers or no dividers.
[0029] Base portion 101 is removable in the present embodiment, to
typically enable infusion chamber 105 to be easily filled with
flavor enhancing member 107, emptied and cleaned. This also allows
for a substitute base piece to be installed on the bottle should
base portion 101 acclimate to room temperature. Referring to FIGS.
1B and 1C, the bottom of the bottle comprises raised tabs 130 that
snap into notches 135 in base piece 101 to hold base portion 101 in
place on the bottle. Other embodiments may comprise tabs on the
base portion and notches on the bottle. Furthermore, it is
contemplated that some embodiments may comprise fewer or more
connection points in a variety of different configurations. Yet
other embodiments may comprise various different types of
connection means such as, but not limited to, a threaded
connection. In an alternate embodiment, the base may be permanently
attached to the bottle. In this embodiment, the bottle may comprise
an opening in the infusion chamber with means of closure such as,
but not limited to, a lid or a plug through which fruit and/or
herbs may be inserted. Furthermore, this embodiment may also
comprise a freezable insert to generally maintain the temperature
of the contents of the bottle. Other alternate embodiments may be
implemented without a freezable base piece.
[0030] FIGS. 2A through 2D are diagrammatic side views of an
exemplary flavor enhancing container 200 in various stages of use,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A
shows an opening step. FIG. 2B shows a filling step. FIG. 2C shows
a closing step, and FIG. 2D shows an infusing step. In typical use
of the present embodiment, the flavor enhancing container allows
for the transportation of spa water, a drink that is made from the
mixture of fruit and/or herbs, ice, and water. Referring to FIG.
2A, prior to use, a base portion 201 is removed from flavor
enhancing container 200 and placed in a freezer. Base portion 201
is made of or comprises a re-freezable material. Once base portion
201 is frozen, flavor enhancing container 200 is ready for assembly
and use. If desired, a user may skip this step, for example,
without limitation, if the user does not wish for the drink to be
cold. Referring to FIG. 2B, flavor enhancing container 200 is
initially turned over on a lid 205 to expose an open underside 210.
Whole or cut pieces of flavor enhancing members 215 or other flavor
additives such as, but not limited to herbs are added to an
infusion chamber 220. Then, referring to FIG. 2C, base 201 is
secured into place on the bottom of flavor enhancing container 200.
Referring to FIG. 2D, flavor enhancing container 200 is then turned
upright and lid 205 is removed. Liquid 223 is added to a water
chamber 225, and lid 205 is secured in place. The flavor enhancing
member 215 is held in infusion chamber 220 by a divider 230 and
kept cool by frozen base portion 201. Liquid 223 is able to
continuously pass through divider 230 between water chamber 225 and
infusion chamber 220, which generally enables flavor enhancing
member 215 to infuse water 225 with flavor. The flavored water 225
is then ready for consumption. The addition of flavor enhancing
member 215 to liquid 223 adds natural flavor and little in the way
of calories. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in
light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, that some embodiments of the flavor enhancing member may
be used to infuse a multiplicity of suitable types of liquids such
as, but not limited to, tea, soda water, alcoholic beverages, or
lemonade with the flavor of various different types of natural
substances including, without limitation, fruit, vegetables, herbs,
tea leaves, coffee beans, hard candy, honey comb, melon rinds, etc.
In one alternative embodiment, the flavor enhancing member may
infuse an aroma throughout the flavor enhancing container and the
liquid. The aroma may release through various means, including,
without limitation, an electrical discharge, temperature change, or
diffusion through the liquid.
[0031] In the present embodiment, flavor enhancing container 200
typically provides an effective means for making spa water
portable. Once spa water is made portable, one may expect that the
mixture may be exposed to various elements that may lead to heating
of the fruit and water and may cause an undesirable taste and
bacterial growth. Removable base portion 201 typically allows the
drink to maintain a refreshing temperature and helps to keep the
flavor enhancing member 215 cool.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary two piece
flavor enhancing container that allows for the infusion of natural
flavor into the contents of the flavor enhancing container, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the
present embodiment, the flavor enhancing container comprises an
infusion chamber 301 and a liquid chamber 305. Chambers 301 and 305
are separate pieces that comprise threads 310 that generally enable
chambers 301 and 305 to be attached to each other to create the
bottle. It is contemplated that various different connection means
may be used in some alternate embodiments such as, but not limited
to, a rubber sealed slip together connection or tabs that snap into
notches. A perforated divider 315 is located near the bottom of
liquid chamber 305. In some alternate two-piece embodiments, the
divider may be located near the top of the infusion chamber. In
these embodiments the infusion chamber may comprise a removable
bottom that may or may not be freezable or the divider may be
removable. In an alternate embodiment, the bottle may comprise
three pieces, an infusion chamber, a water chamber, and a divider
piece. In this three-piece embodiment, the chambers attach to
either side of the divider piece, and the divider piece acts as a
connection means. In the present embodiment, the bottle comprises a
removable lid 320 to provide access to the interior of the bottle
when chambers 301 and 305 are connected. In addition, a portion of
infusion chamber 301, for example, without limitation, the bottom
surface, comprises a freezable material.
[0033] In one alternative embodiment, the flavor enhancing
container may utilize steam to infuse a flavor into the liquid. The
infusion chamber may generate thermal energy sufficient to produce
steam that releases a flavor from a flavor enhancing member. In
some embodiments, the flavor enhancing member is an herb
encapsulated inside a webbed container, wherein steam infuses the
flavor and aroma from the herb. In yet another embodiment, the
flavor enhancement member utilizes a time-release function operable
to freeze, and release the flavor in stages. For example, without
limitation, the flavor enhancing member may release a lemon flavor
while fully frozen, and then slowly release a cherry flavor when
fully melted.
[0034] In typical use of the present embodiment, a user separates
chambers 301 and 305. If desired, the user may place infusion
chamber 301 in a freezer for a period of time to chill the
freezable material in chamber 301. Then, the user places flavor
enhancing members 325 into infusion chamber 301 and screws chambers
301 and 305 together. With lid 320 removed from the top of liquid
chamber 305, the user may then fill the flavor enhancing container
with water or another type of liquid. The water is able to flow
through divider 315 and into infusion chamber 301 where the flavor
of flavor enhancing member 325 is infused into the liquid. By
placing lid 320 on the flavor enhancing container, the user may
carry the full bottle from place to place, making the beverage
portable.
[0035] FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary flavor
infusion container 401 that allows for the infusion of natural
flavor into the contents of flavor confusion container 401, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The present
embodiment comprises a reusable water flavor infusion container 401
with a removable infusion tube 405 that comprises at least one
aperture 410 throughout. In some embodiments, infusion tube 405
holds fruit and runs the length of bottle 401 to generally enable
fruit and water to mix as the water level in bottle 401 drops. It
is contemplated that infusion tubes in some embodiments may
comprise a freezable material along a portion or throughout the
entire tube to maintain the fruit at a cool temperature. In the
present embodiment, tube 405 is inserted into a socket 415 in a lid
420 and rests in a cradle 425 at the bottom of flavor enhancing
container 401. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in
light of and in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, that a multiplicity of suitable means for attaching the
infusion tube may be used in other embodiments such as, but not
limited to, a track on the inside of the bottle along which the
tube slides, a threaded attachment point on the lid, permanently
attaching the tube to the lid or the bottom of the bottle, a
threaded attachment point at the bottom of the bottle, etc.
[0036] In typical use of the present embodiment, a user places cut
or whole fruit, herbs or other flavor infusing items into tube 405
and then tube 405 is placed in flavor enhancing container 401 or
attached to lid 420. Water is then added to flavor enhancing
container 401 and lid 420 is attached to the top of flavor
enhancing container 401. Apertures 410 in tube 405 generally enable
the water in flavor enhancing container 401 to mix with the fruit
in tube 405. Containing the fruit in tube 405 also generally
prevents the fruit from floating into the opening of lid 420.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic side view of an exemplary
children's bottle 501 that allows for the infusion of natural
flavor into the contents of bottle 501, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment,
bottle 501 is smaller in size than the exemplary bottles described
by way of example in the foregoing. Bottle 501 comprises an
infusion chamber 505, a water chamber 510, a divider 515, a
removable and/or freezable base piece 517, and a lid 520 with a
drinking spout 525. Also, bottle 501 comprises handles 530 that
enable a child to easily hold bottle 501. In typical use of the
present embodiment, bottle 501 is used similarly to the use
described by way of example in FIG. 2.
[0038] It is contemplated that some embodiments may be implemented
as particular elements that may be used with existing beverage
holders. For example, without limitation, one such embodiment may
comprise a floating fruit infusion chamber that may be used in an
existing water bottle, travel mug, drinking glass, etc. In this
embodiment, cut fruit is placed into the infusion chamber, which is
a plastic ball with holes that allows water in. The infusion
chamber may then be placed into the beverage holder. Floating fruit
infusion chambers in other embodiments may be various different
shapes such as, but not limited to, cylinders and may be made of
various different materials such as, but not limited to metal mesh.
In some other embodiments, a re-freezable base piece may be
attached to other water bottles currently on the market to aid in
cooling the liquid inside the bottle.
[0039] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize, in light of
and in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, that
a multiplicity of suitable additional or different features may be
included, without limitation in some alternate embodiments, such
as, but not limited to, various different types of lids, hooks or
loops for holding the bottle, sleeves for the bottle, built in
straws, means for attaching the lid to the bottle, etc.
Furthermore, some alternate embodiments may incorporate dividers
and/or removable or permanent freezable elements into beverage
holders other than bottles such as, but not limited to, drinking
glasses, travel mugs, pitchers, etc.
[0040] All the features disclosed in this specification, including
any accompanying abstract and drawings, may be replaced by
alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar
purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly
stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a
generic series of equivalent or similar features.
[0041] Having fully described at least one embodiment of the
present invention, other equivalent or alternative methods of
providing a portable flavor infusing beverage container according
to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the
art. The invention has been described above by way of illustration,
and the specific embodiments disclosed are not intended to limit
the invention to the particular forms disclosed. For example, the
particular implementation of the bottle may vary depending upon the
particular type of body style used. The bottles described in the
foregoing were directed to generally cylindrical implementations;
however, similar techniques are to provide bottles of a
multiplicity of suitable shapes such as, but not limited to, bodies
with curved sides, rectangular tubes, small-mouthed bodies,
large-mouthed bodies, etc. Non-cylindrical implementations of the
present invention are contemplated as within the scope of the
present invention. The invention is thus to cover all
modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the following claims.
[0042] Claim elements and steps herein may have been numbered
and/or lettered solely as an aid in readability and understanding.
Any such numbering and lettering in itself is not intended to and
should not be taken to indicate the ordering of elements and/or
steps in the claims.
* * * * *