WO2015053837A2

WO2015053837A2 - Beverage dispensing machine and method for dispensing beverages

Info

Publication number: WO2015053837A2
Application number: PCT/US2014/047360
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sean GRUNDY; Frank Lee; Eliza BECTON
Original assignee: Hydration Labs, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-10-11
Filing date: 2014-07-21
Publication date: 2015-04-16
Also published as: WO2015053837A3

Abstract

This disclosure provides better beverage dispensing machines and methods. These machines and methods provide significant advantages in terms of reducing the transportation costs, labor costs, and carbon footprint involved in operating beverage dispensing vending machines. In one embodiment of this disclosure is provided a beverage dispensing machine comprising at least one collapsible, reusable container; and a means for customizing a beverage.

Description

BEVERAGE DISPENSING MACHINE AND METHOD FOR DISPENSING BEVERAGES

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial Number 61/889,670 filed on October 11, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This technology relates to beverage dispensing methods and machines. In particular, this technology relates to methods of dispensing a great variety of beverages at a specific location, while minimizing the amount of mass shipped to that specific location.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The beverage vending industry grosses up to $23 billion annually. There are over 10,000 independent vending operating companies in the United States who purchase machines, install them in various locations, keep them stocked with products, and collect a 40-60% gross margin on each product purchased by consumers. Due to transportation and labor costs associated with frequent servicing of machines, they suffer from tiny profits margins of only 2.5% on average.

[0004] Approximately 40% of bottled water - and nearly 100% of soda - sold in the US is simply processed municipal tap water. It is well known that the bottled water and soda industries are environmentally wasteful by virtue of trucking full bottles of water across distribution routes. Water weighs one kilogram per liter, making it an extremely energy intensive material to transport. For beverage vending machines, transporting water accounts for over 20% of the energy that goes into beverages sold from vending machines, compared to about 10% for beverages sold in other retail environments. Every day, large trucks drive for miles just to load small quantities of bottles into vending machines. Furthermore, the machines are frequently refrigerated at all times, causing some vending machines to use over 3,000 kWh of electricity per year.

[0005] Point-of-use and point-of-sale water filtration systems have vastly improved in the past decade because of more effective applications of activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light. As a result, the consistency of water taste and quality continues to improve, while filters have to be replaced less.

[0006] There is a booming market for enhanced water: Carbonated and flavored water varieties have become extremely popular in recent years, and large beverage companies are scrambling to control a share of this market. Kraft's Mio, a liquid water enhancer, was one of the 10 best-selling items in grocery stores in 2012, and Vitaminwater remains one of Coca-Cola's fastest growing products.

[0007] Many companies are moving towards plumbed vending machines that filter and flavor water at the point of use, from start-ups (e.g. Vyykn and Bluedrop) to giants (e.g., Coca-Cola's Freestyle machine). However, competing technologies in this field lack an efficient method of bottling beverages; they instead rely on owners of locations to provide cups to consumers.

[0008] Some other recent companies have recognized the space saving benefits of using collapsible bottles instead of rigid containers. But these technologies have fallen short in terms of providing carbonated and customizable beverages. Likewise, existing plumbed beverage machines fail to provide customers with the choice between reusing an existing bottle and receiving a bottle from the machine.

[0009] Despite recent advances, the beverage vending industry needs a kiosk that captures the environmental savings of point-of-use beverage dispensing, while also providing consumers with the ability to customize their beverages and choose whether to use their own bottle or receive a bottle provided by the beverage dispensing machine.

[0010] There exists a need for reducing the transportation costs, labor costs, and carbon footprint involved in operating beverage dispensing machines.

BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] Figure 1 shows one example of a beverage dispensing machine.

[0012] Figure 2 shows one example of a beverage dispensing subsystem for use with a beverage dispensing machine.

[0013] Figure 3 shows one example of a collapsible, reusable container.

[0014] Figure 4 shows one example of a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers.

[0015] Figure 5 shows one example of an action flow diagram illustrating how to use a beverage dispensing machine.

[0016] Figure 6 exemplifies methods of arranging a collapsible, reusable container by stacking the containers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] New, better beverage dispensing machines and methods are disclosed herein. These machines and method provide significant advantages in terms of reducing the transportation costs, labor costs, and carbon footprint involved in operating beverage dispensing vending machines.

[0018] In one embodiment of this disclosure is provided a beverage dispensing machine comprising:

at least one collapsible, reusable container; and

a means for customizing a beverage.

[0019] By allowing consumers to purchase a variety of flavor additives in their water, the disclosed beverage dispensing machines and methods facilitate

environmental goals while also providing convenience and variety. By the beginning of the year 2014, over 100 universities across, large companies, and even cities in the United States had taken steps to restrict the sale of disposable water bottles. The disclosed machines and methods serve conservation (e.g., campaigns against disposable bottles) goals by allowing a beverage buyer to reuse existing bottles rather than disposable ones.

[0020] The disclosed machines and method meet customers' sustainability needs while allowing both vending operators and office managers to cut costs. The disclosed machines and methods provide a significant sustainability advantage, while also providing the customer with increased choices and convenience when ordering a beverage.

[0021] As used herein, the term "beverage" means a liquid having some form of water in its composition, including water itself. In one embodiment, the term

"beverage" means a drink or liquid specifically prepared for human consumption, including juice, soft drinks, and carbonated drinks.

[0022] As used herein, the term "beverage dispensing machine" means a mechanical device that provides an aqueous formulation suitable for ingesting. For example, the term "beverage dispensing machine" includes a machine used to dispense a product to a consumer after a certain amount of money has been put into the machine, or after a product has been selected. In one embodiment, the beverage dispensing machine is an electronic machine.

[0023] As used herein, the term "collapsible" means capable of being folded into a compact volume by maximizing the density of the mass making up structural material (e.g., plastics, metals, or cardboard) and lessening the volumes of space not making up structural material (e.g., air).

[0024] As used herein the term "reusable" means designed to be used multiple times, i.e., suitable for using in additional instances, beyond the first use.

[0025] As used herein, the term "container" means an object (such as a box or can) that can hold something. The term "reusable container" means an object (such as a box or can) that can hold something and which is also suitable for multiple uses.

[0026] As used herein, the term "means for customizing a beverage" means a system which allows a user to input preference information, which is used to determine the components of the beverage dispensed to that user. For example, within the context of this disclosure, a means for customizing a beverage could include a touchscreen display connected to a computer, capable of receiving user input about beverage components and directing the mixing of a beverage pursuant to those preferences. In one embodiment, the means for customizing a beverage includes a user interface process for a user to purchase and select from different beverage options in collapsible, reusable containers, while paying for the purchase with a smart card, a smartphone application, credit card, or cash.

[0027] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises a means for mixing a beverage.

[0028] As used herein, the term "means for mixing a beverage" means a device, apparatus, or method suitable for homogenizing liquids. For example, a means for mixing a beverage includes a rotating metal blade or propeller, powered by an electric motor, which rotates to agitate the liquids into a substantially homogeneous form. In one embodiment, the term "means for mixing a beverage" includes a flavoring mixer comprising a mixing propeller connected to an electric motor to mix and ensure a uniform flavoring consistency. In one embodiment, the "means for mixing a beverage" is set to mix when a water line adds a flavored solution to a stream of water based on a given ratio of solution:water, or when a certain amount of time has passed since the last mixing.

[0029] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises an internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible reusable container.

[0030] As used herein, the term "internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible reusable container" means an internal device or apparatus suitable for adding liquid into a collapsible reusable container and consequentially expanding the collapsible reusable container by adding liquid volume. As used within the context of "internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible reusable container", the term "internal" means inside the beverage dispensing machine.

[0031] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises an external means for filling a container.

[0032] As used herein, the term "external means for filling a container" means an external device or apparatus suitable for adding liquid into a collapsible reusable container and consequentially expanding the collapsible reusable container by adding liquid volume. As used within the context of "external means for filling and expanding a collapsible reusable container," the term "external" means outside the beverage dispensing machine, where it is accessible to the user.

[0033] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises an external means for filling a container.

[0034] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers.

[0035] As used herein, the term "cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers" means a package containing collapsible reusable containers, configured for inserting directly into a beverage dispensing machine.

[0036] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular.

[0037] As used herein, the term "stacked" means organized into a pile or series of layers, such as stacked coins, plates, or cards.

[0038] As used herein, the term "arrangement" means a thing composed of various ordered parts, i.e., the result of arranging several individual components.

[0039] As used herein, the term "head to toe" refers to a type of stacked arrangement, where the "head" end of one object is oriented toward the "toe" end of another item in the head to toe arrangement. An example of arranging collapsible bottles in a head to toe arrangement is shown in the bottom right-hand portion of Figure 3. In that illustration, the bottles are arranged in a head to toe stacked arrangement, with the cap portion of the collapsible bottles oriented to lie on top of the bottom portion of the adjacent collapsible bottles in the stacked arrangement.

[0040] As used herein, the term "circular arrangement" means a stacked arrangement with a reference point for each item configured outwardly, along the circumference of a circle. For example, collapsible bottles can be arranged in a "circular arrangement" by stacking the bottles with the caps pointed outwardly from the stack and having the collapsible portion of the container towards the interior of the stack, such that the collapsible portions of the containers overlay upon one another and the caps of the containers are staggered along the periphery of circle without touching one another. See, e.g., Figure 6. Analogous abstract examples of a "circular arrangement" would include spokes on wheel or numerals on an analog clock face.

[0041] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprising: an internal means for filling a collapsible reusable container, the internal means for filling a collapsible container comprises a single dispensing nozzle.

[0042] As used herein, the term "single dispensing nozzle" means one port for administering a beverage to a container. By contrast many existing beverage machines, such as conventional soda machines require one port for each type of beverage dispensed. Some embodiments of the machines and methods described herein dispense each flavor via a single nozzle, including a short rinse step during the last moments of dispensing the beverage.

[0043] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the beverage dispensing machine comprises an internal capping means.

[0044] As used herein, the term "internal capping means" means a mechanism for applying caps to bottles (e.g., applying caps to collapsible, reusable bottles after the beverage is dispensed into those bottles) inside of the beverage dispensing machine.

[0045] Disclosed herein is a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and

[0046] As used herein, the term "rectangular housing" means a rigid rectangular prismatic container, suitable for holding collapsible, reusable containers. In one embodiment, the rectangular housing is a cardboard box. In other embodiment, the rectangular housing is made from plastic, metal, paper, or a combination thereof.

[0047] As used herein, the term "stack of capped collapsed containers" means an organized pile or layered configuration of capped collapsed containers, where the capped collapsed containers are arranged one on top of the other.

[0048] In one embodiment of the cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, the said cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers provides an evacuated to filled mass ratio of between about 30 to about 300. In one embodiment of the cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, the said cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers provides an evacuated to filled mass ratio of between about 50 to about 200. In one embodiment, the evacuated: filled mass ratio is between about 60 to about 150. In one embodiment, the evacuated: filled mass ratio is between about 70 to about 125.

[0049] As used herein, the term "evacuated to filled mass ratio" means the quotient of (a) the mass of beverages received by consumers divided by (b) the mass of the cartridge inserted into the beverage dispensing machine to provide containers for those beverages. For example, in one embodiment, where the cartridge of reusable containers weighs about 0.23 kg and provides 24 kg of dispensed beverages in filled containers, the evacuated to filled mass ratio is 104.

[0050] In one embodiment of the disclosed cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, the said cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers is suitable for shipping through the mail without additional packaging.

[0051] As used herein, an object "suitable for shipping through the mail without additional packaging," means that the object itself meets the requirements necessary for shipping through the mail. For example, a cartridge suitable for shipping through the mail without additional packaging means that the cartridge may be placed in the mail "as is." For example a cartridge of reusable containers could be equipped with the shipping address and postage, allowing the cartridge to be shipped through the mail without additional packaging, such as paper, boxing, or padding.

[0052] As used herein, the term "mail" means any courier service, mail delivery service, or agency responsible for transferring physical items from a sender to a recipient.

[0053] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising: a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular and a water source.

[0054] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising: a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular; a water source; and a flavoring mix.

[0055] As used herein the term "water source" can mean any source of water interfaced with the beverage dispensing machine, such that the beverage dispensing machine can use the water to mix beverages. In one embodiment, the "water source" is a plumbed municipal water source. In another embodiment, the water source is a container (such as a holding tank) of water connected to the beverage dispensing machine.

[0056] As used herein, the term "flavoring mix" means an aqueous or dehydrated composition, having molecules sensed by human taste or smell receptors. One example of a flavoring mix is a powder, gel, or aqueous solution, designed to mix with water to produce a beverage. [0057] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising: a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular; a water source; a flavoring mix; and a carbonator.

[0058] As used herein, the term "carbonator" means a machine, method, or apparatus for adding carbon dioxide to an aqueous solution by dissolving carbon dioxide in water. Examples of carbonators include gaseous carbon dioxide sources and chemical compositions capable of liberating carbon dioxide by a chemical reaction, which liberates carbon dioxide.

[0059] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising: a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular; a water source; a flavoring mix; a carbonator; and a chiller.

[0060] As used herein, the term "chiller" means a machine or apparatus for cooling or refrigerating. Within the context of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the term chiller includes any known chilling technology including a variety of different chilling methods, including thermoelectric chilling or coolant heat exchange chilling.

[0061] In one embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine, the chiller serves as a temporary holding tank. In another embodiment, flavoring is added into the water in the chilling tank.

[0062] In one embodiment, the flavoring and/or chilling tank is preset with a level indicator to a certain water level, ensuring an adequate amount of water is always flavored and chilled. For example, if the water level of the flavoring and chilling tank falls below a certain set point, a flavoring tank valve opens and a dispensing pump helps to pump additional water into the flavoring and chilling tank from the chilling water holding tank. In this example, the water continues to add into the flavoring tank until the level indicator measures and matches the current water level to that of a level set point. The flavoring and chilling tank may be chilled with different chilling methods. Examples of chilling methods include thermoelectric, coolant heat exchange, and other methods suitable for cooling water.

[0063] In one embodiment, a temperature probe measures and maintains the chilling temperature to a predetermined set point.

[0064] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising: a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular; a water source, a flavoring mix, a carbonator, chiller, and a means for retrieving customer input.

[0065] As used herein, the term "means for retrieving customer input" means a user interface, configured to receive input from the user about the beverage to be dispensed by the machine. Within the context of the disclosed beverage dispensing machines, the means for retrieving customer input could be any system capable of accepting a customer's beverage preferences and transmitting them to the machine's processor. In one embodiment, the "means for retrieving customer input" is a "user interface panel," such as a touchpad, keypad, or screen on exterior of the machine. In another embodiment, the "means for retrieving customer input" is a computer connected to a wireless network capable of receiving input from the customer's mobile device. [0066] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising: a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular; a water source, a flavoring mix, a carbonator, chiller, a means for retrieving customer input, and a user interface panel.

[0067] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising:

an internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible, reusable container with an aqueous formulation; and

an external means for filling a container with an aqueous formulation.

[0068] Disclosed herein is a beverage dispensing machine comprising:

an internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible, reusable container with an aqueous formulation;

an external means for filling a container with an aqueous formulation; and a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers.

[0069] Disclosed herein is a method of vending beverages to a vending machine customer, comprising:

receiving vending machine customer preferences;

mixing a beverage according to the vending machine customer preferences; dispensing the beverage to the vending machine customer by filling a collapsible, reusable container with the beverage.

[0070] Disclosed herein is a method of vending custom beverages, comprising: inserting a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing containing a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular into a beverage dispensing machine; acquiring customer preferences;

contemporaneously mixing a beverage; and

dispensing the beverage.

[0071] As used herein, the term "contemporaneously mixing a beverage" means making the beverage to order at the time of the customer's order. In one embodiment, "contemporaneously mixing a beverage" means mixing and dispensing the beverage within about 1 minute of receiving the customer's preferences. In another

embodiment, "contemporaneously mixing a beverage" means mixing and dispensing the beverage within about 30 seconds of receiving the customer's preferences. In another embodiment, "contemporaneously mixing a beverage" means mixing and dispensing the beverage within between about 0.5 seconds and about 20 seconds of receiving the customer's preferences.

[0072] As used herein, the term "acquiring customer preferences" means compiling information about the customer's desired beverage end product. In one embodiment, acquiring customer preferences can be accomplished by using a "means for retrieving customer input."

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] The six sheets of drawings in this application provide illustrations of example of the disclosed machines and methods. These illustrations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0074] Figure 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed beverage dispensing machine as a partial schematic front isometric view of a vending machine (100) configured in accordance with an embodiment of the machine. In Figure 1, the beverage dispensing machine (100) is of the typical size and shape of a conventional vending machine, such as a soda machine, coin changing machine, or a can recycling machine.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the beverage vending machine

(100) includes a means for retrieving customer input, namely a user touchscreen interface display (101) for purchasing interactions and visual informational graphics. The exemplary embodiment also includes an external beverage refilling station (102) for users that bring containers for beverage refills, a beverage refilling dispensing spout (103), a container sensor (104) for detecting the presence of a container during a refill transaction, a bill collector (105), a credit card and smart card reader (106), an opening (107) for users to retrieve beverages dispensed in new containers, a container elevator (108, shown schematically) to bring beverages dispensed in new containers to a convenient height for user retrieval, a computing and communications facility (109), a service door (110) that opens for restocking and servicing of the machine, a service door handle (111), a beverage dispensing subsystem (112, shown

schematically), a container dispensing and filling sub-system (113, shown

schematically), and a conveyor transport belt (152) to bring the beverage from underneath the container dispensing and filling sub-system (113) towards the container elevator (108).

[0076] The beverage vending machine (100) may accept various forms of payments, including but not limited to cash, credit cards, smart card, or logging in from a smartphone application. The touchpad interface display (101) may display information in color, monochrome, or "gray-scale," and may be used to display elements of a user interface or other information. With the touch pad interface display

(101) , the user may choose a variety of beverages, in one embodiment, municipal tap water, filtered water, carbonated water, and flavored water. The user may determine whether to purchase a beverage in a new container, in which the user would retrieve a purchased beverage in new container through opening (107). In another exemplary embodiment, the user may determine to purchase a refill, in which the user would place a previously purchased container under the beverage refilling dispensing spout (103) within the beverage refilling station (102).

[0077] In another embodiment, the touchpad interface display (101) may show informational graphics that record and reveal how many plastic bottles a particular user has prevented wasting as a result of using the disclosed beverage dispensing machine. In the exemplified machine of Figure 1, the computing and communications facility (109) contains the microcontroller that commands the automation of the beverage vending machine (100), as well as communicates various data externally via wired LAN, wireless LAN, cellular, or any other communications system. This facility can be used to communicate information, in one embodiment, sales data, inventory data, machine performance and diagnostic data. As a result, vending machine operators may log into a system remotely that has all the data necessary to service multiple beverage vending machines (100).

[0078] Figure 2 illustrates a block diagram of the beverage dispensing subsystem (112). The beverage dispensing sub-system intakes water from a local water line connected to the beverage vending machine (100), filters the water, chills the water, carbonates the water, mixes the water with flavoring, and then dispenses an option of the resulting beverages into a collapsible, reusable container. In one embodiment, a water source line (114) intakes water from a locally connected municipal water supply, which is the same source as the local tap water source. This allows a continuous flow of water, pretreated by the local city municipal water treatment facility for human consumption. [0079] In another embodiment, the water source line may draw water from other sources. For example, the water source line (114) may draw water from a water tank. The vending machine operator may refill the water tank with pretreated water for human consumption. In another embodiment, the water source line (114) may draw a non-water beverage from a beverage tank. The non-water beverage could include, but is not limited to, coffee, cola or juice. The water is then treated with a filtration system (115). The filtration system may utilize different embodiments of water treatment methods, including but not limited to, carbon filtration, micro-ultra filtration, distilling, ultra-violet treatment, and reverse osmosis treatment. The filtration system pressure gauges (116) may record the intake water pressure from the water source line (114), and reveal any clogging of the filtration system (115) through a pressure differential.

[0080] All data is relayed to the computing and communications facility (109) for external data export, allowing the management of machines by operators remotely. In one embodiment, the water is temporarily stored in a chilling and water holding tank (117). In one embodiment, the tank is preset with a level indicator (118) to a certain water level set point, ensuring an adequate amount of water is always chilled. If the water level of the chilling water holding tank (117) is below a certain set point, a holding tank valve (119) opens and the holding tank feed pump (120) helps to pump additional water into the holding tank (117). The water continues to add into the holding tank until the level indicator (118) measures and matches the current water level to that of a level set point.

[0081] The chilling and water holding tank (117) may be chilled with different chilling methods, with embodiments including thermoelectric or coolant heat exchange. A temperature probe (121) measures and maintains the chilling temperature to a set point, connecting to the chilling of the water holding tank (117). All automations and data gathering in the chilling and filling of the chilling and water holding tank (117) is controlled and managed by the computing and communications facility (109).

[0082] In one embodiment, if a user chooses filtered water as a purchasing option, the filtered water valve (122) opens and the dispensing pump (123) pumps the water into the container dispensing and filling system (113). The computing and communications facility (109) has a preset water volume that controls the amount of water to be filled for each collapsible container.

[0083] In one embodiment, a carbonation and chilling tank (124) may serve as a temporary holding tank to add carbonation into the water. The carbonation and chilling tank (124) is preset with a level indicator (125) to a certain water level, ensuring an adequate amount of water is always carbonated and chilled. If the water level of the carbonation and chilling tank (124) is below a certain preset, a carbonation tank valve (126) opens and a dispensing pump (123) helps to pump additional water into the carbonation and chilling tank (124) from the chilling and water holding tank (117). The water continues to add into the carbonation tank until the level indicator (125) measures and matches the current water level to that of a level set point. The carbonation and chilling tank (124) may be chilled with different chilling methods, with embodiments including thermoelectric or coolant heat exchange.

[0084] A temperature probe (127) measures and maintains the chilling temperature to a set point. A carbonation cartridge (128) adds additional carbonation into the carbonation and chilling tank (124) until a certain predetermined set point is reached as measured by a carbonation tank pressure gauge (129). As additional water is fed into the carbonation and chilling water tank (124) by the dispensing pump (123), the carbonation cartridge (128) may add additional carbonation to maintain the desired carbonation pressure within the carbonation and chilling tank (124). All automations and data gathering in the filling, carbonating, and chilling of the carbonation and chilling tank (124) is controlled and managed by the computing and communications facility (109).

[0085] In one embodiment, if the user chooses carbonated water as a purchasing option, the carbonated water valve (130) opens and the dispensing pump (123) pumps the water into the container dispensing and filling system (113). The computing and communications facility (109) has a preset water volume that controls the amount of carbonated water to be filled for each collapsible container. In one embodiment, a flavoring and chilling tank (131) may serve as a temporary holding tank to add flavoring into the water. The flavoring and chilling tank (131) is preset with a level indicator (132) to a certain water level, ensuring an adequate amount of water is always flavored and chilled. If the water level of the flavoring and chilling tank (131) is below a certain set point, a flavoring tank valve (133) opens and a dispensing pump (123) helps to pump additional water into the flavoring and chilling tank (131) from the chilling water holding tank (117). The water continues to add into the flavoring tank until the level indicator (132) measures and matches the current water level to that of a level set point. The flavoring and chilling tank (131) may be chilled with different chilling methods, with embodiments including thermoelectric or coolant heat exchange. A temperature probe (134) measures and maintains the chilling temperature to a predetermined set point.

[0086] A flavoring cartridge (138) adds flavoring mix into the flavoring and chilling tank (131). There may be different embodiments of the flavoring mix, including but not limited to, flavored, concentrated solids and flavored, concentrated liquids. In addition, there may be different embodiments in the flavoring options, including but not limited to, lemon, orange, and watermelon. As additional water is fed into the flavoring and chilling tank (131) by the dispensing pump (123), the flavoring cartridge (138) may add additional flavoring based on the flavoring mix to water ratio. A flavoring mixer (137) is a mixing propeller connected to an electric motor to mix and ensure a uniform flavoring consistency. The flavoring mixer 137 may be set to mix when the flavoring cartridge (138) adds additional flavoring mix, or when a certain amount of time has passed since the last mixing. All automations and data gathering in the filling, flavoring, and chilling of the carbonation and chilling tank (131) are controlled and managed by the computing and communications facility (109). In one embodiment, if the user chooses flavored water as a purchasing option, the flavored water valve (136) opens and the dispensing pump (123) pumps the water into the container dispensing and filling system (113). The computing and

communications facility (109) has a preset water volume that controls the amount of flavored water to be filled for each collapsible container.

[0087] Figure 3 illustrates the collapsible, reusable container, shown in different physical arrangements. The container is constructed of flexible material, in such a way that the container may lay flat when empty, as indicated by state (139). When full, the container could expand sideways in such a way that the bottle may sit on its base, as indicated by state (140). The container is also constructed of durable material and safe for human drinking consumption, in such a way that the container is reusable for multiple reuses for beverage consumption. Since the container is constructed of flexible material, the container is much more space efficient than rigid containers for storage purposes. State (141) demonstrates the flexible nature of the container, and state (142) demonstrates how the containers could be stacked flat and empty on top of each other for storage.

[0088] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a container dispensing and filling sub-system, and a process of how the collapsible containers (139) are stored within the beverage vending machine (100). The container cartridge (143) allows easy preloading of collapsible containers (139), before loading the container cartridge (143) onto the dispensing platform (144). The container cartridge (143) is a containment casing that holds multiple collapsible containers (139), stacked in various orientations.

[0089] The dispensing platform (144) has container guidance railings (145) that guide the container cartridge (143) to be attached. The collapsible containers (139) are, as a result, centered and guided by its necks in between the container guidance railings (145). This setup allows the flexible collapsible containers (139) to be controlled with a degree of precision. By allowing the vending machine operator to preload the collapsible containers (139) into the container cartridge (143) before loading the cartridge into the beverage vending machine (100), this process prevents having to load the collapsible containers (139) one at a time into the machine, which would increase labor costs.

[0090] With a beverage dispensing machine of this disclosure, the vending machine operator can load one or multiple container cartridges (143) onto the dispensing platform (144), with each container cartridge (143) containing multiple collapsible containers (139), cutting labor costs.

[0091] In one embodiment, the collapsible containers (139) are stacked alternately on top of each other, rotated at 180 degrees with the container mouths facing away from each other, as shown in Figure 4. This stacking formation improves space efficiency and storage density to store more containers within a given spacing, in comparison to other stacking formations.

[0092] In other embodiments, the containers may be stacked in different orientations, as well as in different numbers. See, e.g., Figure 6. For example, the containers (139) may be stacked six at a time in a hexagonal shape, with the container mouths facing away from each other. In another embodiment, the containers (139) may be stacked four at a time in a "plus sign" shape, with the container mouths facing away from each other, all forming 90 degree angles. Depending on an embodiment of a stacking formation, the container dispensing and filling sub-system (113) and container cartridge (143) may be simply rearranged to physically match the stacking formation, adjusting the storage density. Figure 4 demonstrates one embodiment, in which the collapsible, reusable containers (139) are stored and stacked two at a time, with the container necks pointing away from each other. As a result, in this example, there are two separate, but identical, container dispensing points (147).

[0093] The dispensing point (147) is defined as the area where the neck of a collapsible container (139) rests in between the container guidance railings (145), while the collapsible container's (139) body rests on the dispensing platform (144), or on top of another collapsible container (139). In other embodiments where the containers are stacked in different orientations, there may be a different number of separate container dispensing points (147). In one embodiment, an adjustable dispensing grip (146) is positioned laterally across from each container dispensing point (147), and may be attached to the dispensing platform frame (148). The adjustable dispensing grip (146) may be connected to a dispensing solenoid (149) and a dispensing rotational servo (150). The dispensing solenoid (149) moves laterally in two directions, towards and away from the mouths of collapsible containers (139), dispensing points (147). The dispensing rotational servo (150) rotates from the horizontal position to the vertical position. A beverage dispensing line (151), which feeds beverage from the beverage dispensing system (112), is attached on the adjustable dispensing grip (146). Thus, as the adjustable dispensing grip (146) grabs onto the neck of a collapsible container (139), the beverage dispensing line (151) may be fed into the interior of the collapsible container (139) through the container mouth.

[0094] In one embodiment, a cap hopper (153) may store and hold a number of container caps to seal the collapsible container (139). The cap hopper (153) may tilt the cap at an angle, in such a way that as a collapsible container (139) moves under the cap hopper (153), the cap is secured temporarily on the neck and mouth of the collapsible container (139).

[0095] A capper (154) has a molded covering that matches in shape with the cap, and rotates circularly to tighten the cap, sealing the collapsible container (139). In one embodiment, when a user triggers a sales transaction for a beverage filled in a new collapsible container (139), dispensing solenoid (149) moves the adjustable dispensing grip (146) from an initial home position towards the neck of a collapsible container (139). The adjustable dispensing grip (146) then closes to secure the neck of the collapsible container (139). The dispensing rotational servo (150) rotates the adjustable dispensing grip (146), as well as the secured collapsible container (139), downwards until the collapsible container (139) is suspended slightly above the conveyor transport belt (152).

[0096] Based on the beverage chose by the user, the beverage dispensing system (112) sends a corresponding beverage through the beverage dispensing line (151) into the collapsible container (139). As the beverage of choice fills the collapsible container (139), the container expands to its full volume form. After filling the collapsible container (139), the adjustable dispensing grip (146) releases its hold on the neck of the collapsible container (139), lowering the container onto the conveyor transport belt (152). The conveyor transport belt (152) then moves the filled collapsible container (139) under the cap hopper (153).

[0097] As the collapsible container (139) moves under the cap hopper (153), the tilted cap is released by the cap hopper (153), and a cap is temporarily secured on the neck and mouth of the collapsible container (139). The conveyor transport belt (152) then moves the filled collapsible container (139) towards the capper (154), where the capper (152) secures the cap and rotates to cap and seal the container (139). As a final step, the conveyor transport belt (152) moves the filled and sealed collapsible container (139) towards the container elevator (108), where the container elevator (108) elevates the filled and sealed collapsible container (139) in front of the new beverage retrieval opening (107) for user retrieval. The dispensing solenoid (149) then returns the adjustable dispensing (146) back to an initial home position. All automation in the container dispensing and filling system (113) is controlled by the computing and communications facility (109). The computing and communications facility (109) may determine which container dispensing point (147) to activate for each sales transaction.

[0098] Figure 5 illustrates a block diagram of the user interface process, demonstrating how a user could interact with the beverage vending machine (100) to purchase a beverage in a new container, or to purchase a beverage refill in a self- brought container. The user may start the transaction by initiating the machine with an action in step (155). To engage a transaction, the user may swipe or tap a credit card or a smart card on the credit card and smart card reader (106). The user may also open an application on a smartphone to wirelessly initiate the machine by connecting the smartphone application to the computing and communications facility (109). The computing and communications facility (109) may then connect wirelessly to an external server, retrieving informational content about to the user. The content stored in the external server may include user demographics information, user payment information, and user purchase history. The computing and communications facility (109) can access the content in order to facilitate the sales transaction with the user, including to charge for the cost of sale to the user via a previously saved billing information. For both the smartcard and smartphone application embodiments, the user would have to previously provide and register user information on the external server from a website interface. When the machine is initiated, the touchpad interface display (101) visually guides the user to the next step of the transaction.

[0099] In another embodiment, the user may also initiate the machine by choosing to pay by cash on the touchpad interface display (101), where the user may pay for the transaction by cash through bill collector (105) after choosing a beverage choice in decision nodes 157 or 162.

[00100] At decision node 156, the touchpad interface display (101) asks the user to indicate whether the user would like to purchase a beverage in a new container (139) or a self-brought container. If the user chooses "yes," then the user interface process proceeds to decision node 157. If the user chooses "no," then the user interface process to decision node 162.

[00101] At decision node 157, the touchpad interface display (101) asks the user to select a beverage of choice. In one embodiment, the user may choose between three options, including filtered water, carbonated water, or flavored water.

[00102] In step 158, the machine stores the user's request in purchasing a selected "beverage choice" in a "new beverage container." [00103] In steps 159 and steps 160, the container dispensing and filling system (113) and the beverage dispensing system (112) jointly dispense a new collapsible, reusable container (139), and fill and seal the container with the indicated beverage choice.

[00104] In step 161, the machine moves the filled and sealed container with beverage to the new retrieval opening (107) for user retrieval. In step (155), the user retrieves the filled and sealed container from the retrieval opening (107). The computing and communications facility (109) charges the user using the scanned credit card information, or previously stored user billing information. The user interface process is completed for the current user, and then resets the process for the next user.

[00105] At decision node 162, the touchpad interface display (101) asks the user to select a beverage of choice. In one embodiment, the user may choose between three options, including filtered water, carbonated water, or flavored water.

[00106] In step 163, the machine stores the user's request in purchasing a selected "beverage choice" in a self-brought beverage container.

[00107] In step 164, the touchpad interface display (101) asks the user to place a self-brought container into the beverage refilling station (102). The container sensor (104) then registers the self-brought container sitting in the beverage refilling station (102).

[00108] In step 165, the machine activates the beverage dispensing system (112) to fill the self-brought container with the user's beverage choice through the beverage refilling dispensing spout (103). [00109] In step 166, the machine stops filling the self-brought container after dispensing a predetermined volume, or if a user removes the container away from the container sensor (104).

[00110] In step 167, the user may retrieve the filled self-brought container from the beverage refilling station (102). The computing and communications facility (109) then charges the user using the scanned credit card information or previously stored user billing information. The user interface process is completed for the current user, and then resets the process for the next user.

[00111] Figure 6 shows two alternative circular arrangements for stacking capped collapsed containers for use within the disclosed beverage dispensing machine. In the upper illustration, the caps of collapsed containers are pointed outwards towards four points at the exterior of the arrangement. In the lower illustration, the caps of collapsed containers are pointed outwards towards eight points at the exterior of the arrangement. Other arrangements, having different numbers of points at the exterior are also possible and considered part of this disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A beverage dispensing machine comprising:

at least one collapsible, reusable container; and

a means for customizing a beverage.

2. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 1, comprising a means for mixing a beverage.

3. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 1, comprising an internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible reusable container.

4. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 1, comprising an external means for filling a container.

5. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 3, comprising an external means for filling a container.

6. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 1, comprising a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers.

7. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 3, wherein the cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers comprises collapsible, reusable containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular.

8. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 3, wherein the internal means for filling a collapsible reusable container comprises a single dispensing nozzle.

9. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 1, comprising an internal capping means.

10. A cartridge of capped, reusable containers, comprising a rectangular housing, said rectangular housing comprising a stack of capped collapsed containers, stacked in an arrangement chosen from head to toe and circular.

11. The cartridge of reusable containers of claim 10, wherein the cartridge of reusable containers provides an evacuated to filled mass ratio of greater than 78.5.

12. A beverage dispensing machine comprising the cartridge of claim 10 and a water source.

13. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 12, comprising:

a flavoring mix.

13. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 12, comprising a carbonator.

14. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 12, comprising a chiller.

15. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 12, comprising a means for retrieving customer input.

16. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 15, comprising a user interface panel.

17. A beverage dispensing machine comprising:

an internal means for filling and expanding a collapsible, reusable container with an aqueous solution; and

an external means for filling a container with an aqueous solution.

18. The beverage dispensing machine of claim 17, comprising a cartridge of collapsible, reusable containers.

19. A method of vending beverages to a vending machine customer, comprising: receiving vending machine customer preferences;

mixing a beverage according to the vending machine customer preferences; providing the beverage to the vending machine customer by filling a collapsible, reusable container with the beverage.

20. A method of vending custom beverages, comprising:

inserting the cartridge of reusable containers of claim 10 into a beverage dispensing machine of claim 12;

acquiring customer preferences;

contemporaneously mixing a beverage; and

dispensing the beverage.

21. The cartridge of claim 10, wherein the said rectangular housing comprises a container suitable for shipping through the mail.