US20140044837A1 - Flavor Infusion Container - Google Patents

Flavor Infusion Container Download PDF

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Publication number
US20140044837A1
US20140044837A1 US13/569,149 US201213569149A US2014044837A1 US 20140044837 A1 US20140044837 A1 US 20140044837A1 US 201213569149 A US201213569149 A US 201213569149A US 2014044837 A1 US2014044837 A1 US 2014044837A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
flavor
infusion
liquid
chamber
container
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
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US13/569,149
Inventor
Carla Weisman
Mark Weisman
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US13/569,149 priority Critical patent/US20140044837A1/en
Publication of US20140044837A1 publication Critical patent/US20140044837A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00Table service
    • A47G19/22Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
    • A47G19/2205Drinking glasses or vessels
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G19/00Table service
    • A47G19/12Vessels or pots for table use
    • A47G19/16Tea infusers, e.g. infusing bags, egg-shaped infuses
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47GHOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
    • A47G2400/00Details not otherwise provided for in A47G19/00-A47G23/16
    • A47G2400/04Influencing taste or nutritional properties
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47JKITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J31/00Apparatus for making beverages
    • A47J31/18Apparatus in which ground coffee or tea-leaves are immersed in the hot liquid in the beverage container

Definitions

  • 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.
  • spa water a beverage comprising ice, fruit/herbs, and water, sometimes referred to as spa water.
  • 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.
  • these ingredients are mixed in a large tabletop vessel and dispensed through a spout in to a drinking glass or disposable cup.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • FIG. 1C is a diagrammatic top view of a base portion 101 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the flavor infusion container may not include the flavor enhancing member.
  • Lid 120 is removable to allow water to be added to the flavor enhancing container.
  • the lid may not comprise an opening.
  • the lid may be removed to enable a user to drink or pour from the bottle.
  • 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.
  • the entire flavor enhancing container or a portion of the flavor enhancing container may be made of opaque material.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • the base may be permanently attached to the bottle.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • base 201 is secured into place on the bottom of flavor enhancing container 200 .
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • the divider may be located near the top of the infusion chamber.
  • the infusion chamber may comprise a removable bottom that may or may not be freezable or the divider may be removable.
  • the bottle may comprise three pieces, an infusion chamber, a water chamber, and a divider piece.
  • the chambers attach to either side of the divider piece, and the divider piece acts as a connection means.
  • the bottle comprises a removable lid 320 to provide access to the interior of the bottle when chambers 301 and 305 are connected.
  • a portion of infusion chamber 301 for example, without limitation, the bottom surface, comprises a freezable material.
  • 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.
  • the flavor enhancing member is an herb encapsulated inside a webbed container, wherein steam infuses the flavor and aroma from the herb.
  • 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.
  • a user separates chambers 301 and 305 .
  • the user may place infusion chamber 301 in a freezer for a period of time to chill the freezable material in chamber 301 .
  • the user places flavor enhancing members 325 into infusion chamber 301 and screws chambers 301 and 305 together.
  • 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.
  • the user may carry the full bottle from place to place, making the beverage portable.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • 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.
  • 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 .
  • bottle 501 comprises handles 530 that enable a child to easily hold bottle 501 .
  • bottle 501 is used similarly to the use described by way of example in FIG. 2 .
  • one such embodiment may comprise a floating fruit infusion chamber that may be used in an existing water bottle, travel mug, drinking glass, etc.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Description

    FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
  • Not applicable.
  • REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER LISTING APPENDIX
  • Not applicable.
  • COPYRIGHT NOTICE
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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:
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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;
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Unless otherwise indicated illustrations in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS
  • Embodiments of the present invention are best understood by reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:
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.
US13/569,149 2012-08-07 2012-08-07 Flavor Infusion Container Abandoned US20140044837A1 (en)

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