WO2015008133A2

WO2015008133A2 - Pre-bottle and spout

Info

Publication number: WO2015008133A2
Application number: PCT/IB2014/001325
Authority: WO
Inventors: Satish CHAMYVELUMANI; Gokhan Kuruc
Original assignee: Atchayam Business Solutions Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2013-07-17
Filing date: 2014-07-15
Publication date: 2015-01-22
Also published as: WO2015008133A3

Abstract

The present subject matter relates to a pre-bottle (200) formed out of a coconut fruit (100). In one implementation, the pre-bottle (200) has a top portion (202) formed from a top region of the coconut fruit (100), the top portion (202) having a tapered geometrical cross sectional neck (208); a body portion (204) connected to the top portion (202) and formed from a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit (100), wherein the body portion (204) has one of a substantially cylindrical cross section and an elliptical cross section, and wherein the body portion (204) has external contours (216) selected from one of a knurl, ridge, groove, dimple, and dot pattern; and a base portion (206), connected to the body portion (204) and formed from a bottom region of the coconut fruit (100), the base portion (206) having a substantially flat bottom surface (212).

Description

PRE-BOTTLE AND SPOUT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to the field of beverage containers, and in particular, to a pre-bottle and a spout for the pre-bottle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, coconut fruits are vended by street vendors, where a single coconut fruit can be selected from a bunch or plurality of coconut fruits, then partially husked, pierced, and provided with a straw to a paying customer for consumption. The street vendor is usually skilled at utilizing farm implements or tools, such as a sickle or machete, with which the selected coconut fruit is partially husked and pierced for consumption. Upon consuming the liquid contents of the coconut fruit, the customer selectively further requests the vendor to cut open the coconut fruit for consumption of pulp contained within. In response thereto, the vendor utilizes the sickle or machete to chop the coconut fruit into two halves, so that the customer can scoop the pulp away from an inner shell of the coconut fruit. A scooping device, such as a spoon may be provided by the vendor for this purpose. Upon consumption thereof, the now consumed halves of the coconut fruit, along with the straw and spoon are discarded.

SUMMARY

[0003] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a pre-bottle and spout for the pre-bottle, and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is neither intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] In one implementation, the present subject matter relates to a pre-bottle formed out of a coconut fruit. In one implementation, the pre-bottle has a top portion formed from a top region of the coconut fruit, the top portion having a tapered geometrical cross sectional neck; a body portion connected to the top portion and formed from a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit, wherein the body portion has one of a substantially cylindrical cross section and an elliptical cross section, and wherein the body portion has external contours selected from one of a knurl, ridge, groove, dimple, and dot pattern; and a base portion, connected to the body portion and formed from a bottom region of the coconut fruit, the base portion having a substantially flat bottom surface. [0005] In another implementation, the present subject matter relates to a spout for a pre- bottle. The spout includes a first portion and a second portion removably coupled with each other, wherein the first portion has a tapered conical nozzle, and wherein a geometry of the second portion corresponds to a top portion of the pre-bottle, and wherein the second portion has an external wall profile to operably interact with an inner region of the top portion of the pre- bottle for assembly. Moreover, the spout also has a flange extending radially from a rim of the second portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION or THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a coconut fruit in an unprocessed form.

[0008] Figure 2a shows a pre-bottle in a cross sectional view and an external view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0009] Figure 2b shows a pre-bottle in a sectional view and an external view, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a process for manufacturing a pre-bottle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0011] Figures 4a and 4b show a spout for a pre-bottle, with a lid and without a lid respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0012] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show a pre-bottle fitted with a spout in various views, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Coconut fruits are found across the world in various tropical and subtropical geographical areas. Furthermore, the coconut fruit has uses in varied domestic, commercial, and industrial fields of application. Generally, coconut fruits are harvested and sold for consumption by street vendors, where based on selection by a customer, a coconut fruit is picked up by the vendor and manually processed before serving the coconut fruit to the customer. In some cases, the selected coconut fruit will need to be separated from a bunch of coconut fruits. Subsequently, the coconut fruit is manually processed in the presence of the customer to ensure freshness of the coconut fruit that is served. The manual processing generally includes hacking or chopping a top portion of the coconut fruit with a farm implement or tool, such as a sickle or machete, to partially remove a layer of husk to thereby expose a shell of the coconut. Usually, vendors are skilled users of these tools, or gain experience while being involved in this trade.

[0014] Once the shell of the coconut is exposed, the vendor proceeds to chop a hole in the shell with the sickle, through which he inserts a straw for the customer to consume the liquid therein. The liquid, commonly referred to as coconut water, has several health benefits, due to its rich content of potassium and minerals. In most cases, coconut water need not be purified before consumption, as the natural form in which it is found, is usually sterile.

[0015] Once the coconut water is consumed, the customer selectively requests the vendor to cut open the coconut fruit to access the flesh or pulp contained within the coconut fruit. The pulp, which is cellular phase endosperm, is generally attached to an inner wall of the shell. The vendor uses the sickle to chop the coconut fruit into two portions or halves, and provides a scooping device, such as a spoon, to the customer to separate the pulp for consumption. In one example, the vendor may create or fashion a rudimentary scooping device out of the husk of the coconut fruit itself by using the sickle. In said example, a portion of the husk is sliced off, which may be used to scoop the pulp. Once the pulp is consumed, the portions or halves, along with the spoon and the straw provided by the vendor earlier, are discarded.

[0016] The above disclosed method of vending coconut fruits is generally limited to a local^" population and area, such near coastal areas where coconut trees grow. The coconut fruits which are transported to further inward mainland areas are usually sold at substantially elevated costs. Moreover, the vendors themselves are generally skilled in the art of manually processing the coconut fruit, i.e., in operating the sickle to chop the husk of the coconut fruit. This is usually a laborious and effort intensive task along with a substantially high degree of risk towards the vendor. The chances of accidental damage and injury can increase with increase in physical and mental fatigue of carrying on trade in open spaces, which can get uncomfortably hot and humid during the day depending on the geographical area of sale.

[0017] Furthermore, the vending of coconut fruits through this street retailing model is substantially limited in reach and expanse as the coconut fruits are bulky and need to be transported whole. Moreover, the coconut fruits, due to their uneven shape and size, are not capable of being easily stacked or packaged in order to be efficiently stored and supplied to the street vendors.

[0018] In recent times, coconut water is being artificially packaged and sold in Tetra Paks®, ordinary cans, and plastic_, bottles. In some cases, the pulp is packaged along with the water, and sold to customers. In other cases, the coconut water is pasteurized or heat treated to ensure purity and longevity of shelf life. This retailing model provides benefits over street vending in that the artificially packaged products are easier to stack and ship to retailing establishments, such as supermarkets and general stores. However, the artificially processed and packaged coconut water is not as viable as a health beverage as compared to the freshly vended coconut water consumed immediately from the raw coconut fruit, and thus lacks appeal with the masses.

[0019] This is because, once the coconut fruit is chopped open, the constituents undergo transformation, leading to deterioration thereof. Furthermore, in order to ensure freshness of the artificially packaged coconut water, the coconut water needs to be stored immediately after opening the coconut fruit, and provided to the customer as soon as possible for optimum freshness and nutritional content.

[0020] The present subject matter relates to a pre-bottle formed from a coconut fruit and a spout for said pre-bottle. In one implementation, the pre-bottle is manufactured from an entire coconut fruit.

[0021] In one implementation, the pre-bottle has a top portion formed from a top region of the coconut fruit, the top region having a uniform geometrical cross sectional neck, and an at least partially husked area. The pre-bottle also has a body portion, which is connected to the top portion, where the body portion is formed from a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit, and where the body portion has a uniform geometrical cross section. Moreover, the pre-bottle has a base portion connected to the body portion, where the base portion is formed from a bottom region of the coconut fruit, and where the base portion has a substantially flat bottom surface. The different parts of the pre-bottle, i.e., the top portion, the body portion, and the base portion, in effect, can be provided with the uniform geometrical shape to impart easy packaging and handling capabilities to the coconut fruit. [0022] In one implementation, the top portion of the pre-bottle can be provided with a partially exposed inner shell of the coconut fruit. For example, the husk covering the top portion of the coconut fruit can be removed to the extent that the inner shell is exposed on the top portion. This provides for easier penetration during spout fitment at a later stage.

[0023] In one implementation, the body portion of the pre-bottle can be provided with external contours that provide enhanced grip and handling capabilities. For example, the body portion can be provided with ridges or grooves, which allow for a consumer to grip the pre-bottle with accuracy. The body portion can also be provided with a taper, which in turn enhances the handling capabilities of the pre-bottle as well as aesthetic value.

[0024] In one implementation, the bottom portion can be provided with a substantially flat bottom surface. This allows for the pre-bottle to be shelved or stocked in an upright position, thereby providing stability and durability to the pre-bottle. Various other combinations of geometrical shapes are possible for the bottom portion which will be discussed at a later stage in the draft.

[0025] In one implementation, the pre-bottle can include a moisture barrier coating wax, Teflon, resin, urethane or other similar coatings over the above mentioned portions. The moisture barrier coating is effective in delaying and/or preventing escape of moisture from within the pre- bottle and ingress of moisture into the pre-bottle. In this manner, the shelf life of coconut water contained within the pre-bottle can be lengthened without having to resort to the utilization of artificial preservation techniques.

[0026] In one implementation, the pre-bottle can be wrapped with lamination film. In one example, the lamination film may serve as the moisture barrier without any prior coatings. In a further example, the lamination film can be provided as a branding means, which carries information regarding various aspects of the product. In another aspect, the lamination film can increase the efficiency of the moisture barrier coating as well.

[0027] In one implementation, the present subject matter discloses a spout for a pre-bottle. The pre-bottle can be fitted with the spout to form a bottle ready for consumption. For example, the spout can be fitted in the pre-bottle at a point of sale. The top portion of the pre-bottle can be pierced or drilled to create an opening, and subsequently the spout can be fitted in said opening. Upon fitment of the spout to the pre-bottle, the resultant bottle can be given to a customer for immediate or future consumption.

[0028] In one implementation the spout has a first portion and a second portion, which is removably coupled with the first portion. The first portion can be provided with a tapered conical nozzle, which aids the flow of liquid in a guided and determined manner. Furthermore, geometry of the second portion corresponds to the geometry of the top portion of the pre-bottle. For example, to ensure accurate fitment of the spout to the pre-bottle, dimensions of the pre-bottle top portion are configured corresponding to the dimensions of the second portion of the spout. The spout also has a flange extending radially from a rim of the second portion. The flange allows for fitment of the spout in the pre-bottle, while effectively preventing complete ingress of the spout into the pre-bottle.

[0029] Furthermore, the second portion of the spout can be provided with an external wall profile to operably interact with an inner region of the top portion of the pre-bottle for assembly. The external wall profile, for example, a hose barb profile, can be provided in order for the spout to be fitted into the pre-bottle. Moreover, due to the nature of the external wall profile, the spout is securely positioned in the pre-bottle in a leak and spill proof manner. Therefore, the consumer can easily drink the coconut water contained therein.

[0030] Moreover, due to the construction of the second portion of the spout, i.e., due to contact between an external wall of the second portion and a wall of a recess of the top portion of the pre-bottle, debris from the coconut fruit is prevented from entering the coconut water therein. In this manner, the coconut water is kept fresh and particle free.

[0031] In one implementation, the spout includes a notch disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The notch allows for the first portion to be separated from the second portion. For example, the notch may be located above the flange of the pre-bottle, and can be utilized to sever the first portion away from the second portion, thereby resulting in a post-bottle with an open top portion. The consumer can then selectively gain access to the pulp contained within the pre-bottle. For this purpose, the consumer can utilize a shoveling device, such as a spoon to scoop out the pulp from the inner shell for consumption.

[0032] The fitment of the spout into the pre-bottle can be achieved through a plurality of fitment means both automated and manual. Depending on the external wall profile provided on the second portion of the spout, the fitment means can be selected. In one example, a fitment device, such as an automated machine can be utilized, whereas, in another example, a hand powered fitment device can be utilized.

[0033] The bottle, i.e., the pre-bottle fitted with the spout, greatly enhances the efficiency and comfort with which coconut water can be accessed and consumed by the public. The bottle can be easily held with the palm of the hand, and the spout allows for guided flow of the coconut water out of the pre-bottle. Moreover, once the spout is fitted to the pre-bottle, the consumer has the option of having the coconut water immediately, or in the future. The shape of the bottle also allows for easy storage, for example, in a refrigerator or shelf, thereby enhancing flexibility of the pre-bottle, allowing for the bottle to be carried and stored at ones convenience.

[0034] In one example, the pre-bottle according to the present subject matter is advantageous in that it is efficiently suited for retailing purposes and substantially increases the productivity as well as profitability of selling coconut fruit. Furthermore, the pre-bottle according to the present subject matter can be effectively packaged and stacked due to the uniform shape thereof, and can also be shipped to destinations reaching far and wide for consumption.

[0035] The health benefits of coconut water are well known and can be provided to the public through the pre-bottle according to the present subject matter in an economic, ergonomic, efficient and safe manner. The coconut water in the pre-bottle is in effect stored in its natural form, i.e., directly from nature, without the need for prior extraction or processing. The nutritional constituents are therefore preserved in the natural state, thereby imparting advantageous health benefits to the consumer thereof.

[0036] Figure 1 shows a coconut fruit 100 in an unprocessed form as known from prior art. The drawing illustrates an approximated form factor of the coconut fruit 100 as harvested from the tree. The coconut fruit 100 includes a layer of husk 102, which surrounds a shell 104. The shape of the coconut fruit 100 is substantially bulky, and renders it substantially inefficient for handling and storing purposes. Moreover, coconut fruits in general come in a variety of shapes and forms, including asymmetrical shapes and sizes, the approximated form of which is shown in figure 1 purely for illustrational purposes.

[0037] Figure 2a shows a pre-bottle 200 in a cross sectional view and an external view, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. [0038] In one implementation, the pre-bottle 200 is formed from a coconut fruit, for example, the coconut fruit 100 as shown in figure 1. The pre-bottle 200 includes a uniform geometrical body, which confers upon the pre-bottle 200, enhanced storage and handling capabilities. The pre-bottle 200 includes a top portion 202, a body portion 204 connected to the top portion 202, and a base portion 206 connected to the body portion 204. The pre-bottle 200 can be formed as an integral component having the prior disclosed portions.

[0039] In one implementation, the top portion 202 is formed from a top region of the coconut fruit 100, and has a neck 208, which is provided with a uniform geometrical cross section. The neck 208 can be provided in a plurality of forms, including a circular, elliptical, or polygonal cross section. Furthermore, in one example, as shown in figure 2a, a top portion body portion interface region 210, through which the top portion 202 is connected to the base portion 204, is provided with a chamfer. This smoothening of edges can be beneficial in increasing safety while handling the pre-bottle 200. In an example, the neck 208 of the pre-bottle 200 can tapered away from the body portion 204. In another example, the neck 208 can be formed in a conical shape, or a polygonal shape with chamfer.

[0040] In one implementation (not shown), the pre-bottle 200 can be formed in such a manner that the shell 104 is partially exposed through the top portion 202. The shell 104 partially exposed thus can be beneficial for further processing of the pre-bottle 200 as will be discussed at a later stage in the specification.

[0041] In one implementation, the body portion 204 of the pre-bottle 200 is formed from a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit, and has a substantially cylindrical shape. The shape of the body portion 204 is not intended to be limited to such a form, but can be, as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, in various other cross sectional forms, such as a straight cylindrical shape, an elliptical shape, a conical shape, a spherical shape, a polygonal shape with chamfer, and an hour glass shape. The various forms thus stated may not only vary the aesthetic appeal and form factor of the pre-bottle 200, but may also provide aided handling capabilities.

[0042] In one implementation, the base portion 206 of the pre-bottle 200 is formed from a bottom region of the coconut fruit 100, and is provided with a bottom surface 212, which in one example can be substantially flat. The base portion 206 can also be provided in a tapered polygonal shape, a spherical shape, a reverse conical shape, or an elliptical shape. The base portion 206 can be utilized to stack or store the pre-bottle 200 with stability, for example, due to the substantially flat form factor. In one example, corners 214 of the base portion 206 can be chamfered to reduce chances of injury while handling the pre-bottle 200, and to reduce damage to the pre-bottle 200 while handling.

[0043] Figure 2b shows a pre-bottle 200 in a sectional view and an external view, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0044] In said embodiment, the body portion 204 has external contours 216 that run along the periphery of the body portion 204, for example, along a lateral external region of the body portion 204. The external contours 216, for example, formed as grooves, are provided to enhance the handling capabilities of the pre-bottle 200. The external contours 216 can be formed in a plurality of forms, such as knurls, ridges, dimples, or dots. In one example, the external contours 216 aid in reduction of weight of the pre-bottle, thereby increasing handling and shipping capabilities. Apart from the external contours 216, the elements of the pre-bottle 200 shown in figure 2b are identical to the pre-bottle 200 shown in figure 2a, and are therefore not labeled again for sake of clarity.

[0045] In one implementation, the pre-bottle 200 can be tapered from the base portion 206 to the top portion 202 through the body portion 204. Moreover, in one implementation, the pre- bottle can be provided with a spout, which substantially increases the efficiency with which the constituents, such as coconut water and pulp, of the pre-bottle 200 can be accessed and consumed.

[0046] In one implementation, a method for forming a pre-bottle is disclosed. The method for forming the pre-bottle, for example, the pre-bottle 200, includes multiple steps:

[0047] In step 302, multiple coconut fruits can be sorted for processing. The coconut fruits can be sorted into respective size or volume categories for further processing. The sorting, for example, can be automated by the use of intelligent sensor technology to primarily detect a distance of the husk 102 from the shell 104 of the coconut fruit 100. The intelligent sensor technology, as a person skilled in the art would appreciate, can include but is not limited to ultrasonic, infrared, ultraviolet, or any other sensing technology based on electromagnetic waves. The coconut fruits 100 can then be sorted into volume or size categories, either manually or automatically, depending on the volume and output intended for processing said coconut fruits 100. In another example, the coconut fruits 100 can be sorted based on weight. [0048] In step 304, the coconut fruits 100 can be ground into a ground pre-bottle. For example, a CNC based grinding machine can grind each of the sorted coconut fruits 100 into a pre-determined shape. The ground pre-bottle, for example, in the form of the pre-bottle 200 as illustrated in figures 2a and 2b, are resulted after the grinding process.

[0049] The grinding process includes grinding a top region of the coconut fruit 100 to form a top portion having a tapered geometrical cross sectional neck. The grinding process further includes providing a conical shape, or a polygonal shape with chamfer to the top region of the coconut fruit 100. Furthermore, the grinding process further includes grinding a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit 100 into, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape tapering towards the top region. In another example, the grinding process includes, but is not limited to, providing a straight cylindrical shape, or a conical shape, or a spherical shape, a tapered polygonal shape, a spherical shape, a reverse conical shape, an elliptical shape, a polygonal shape with chamfer, or an hour glass shape to the lateral peripheral region. Finally, the grinding process also includes grinding the bottom region of the coconut fruit 100 into a substantially flat bottom surface.

[0050] In a step 306, the ground pre-bottle can be coated with a moisture barrier layer to form a coated pre-bottle. The moisture barrier layer, for example, can be wax, Teflon, resin, urethane, or similar coatings that hinder or retard the escape of moisture from within the ground pre-bottle and ingress of moisture into the ground pre-bottle. In this manner, the shelf life of coconut water contained within the ground pre-bottle can be lengthened without having to resort to the utilization of artificial preservation techniques.

[0051] In a step 308, the coated pre-bottle can be wrapped with lamination film to form a pre-bottle. The pre-bottle at this stage, i.e., the ground, coated, and wrapped pre-bottle, can be stacked and shipped to various locations for retail distribution. The lamination film can be printed with various information pertaining to, for example, ingredients and contents within the pre-bottle, time of manufacture of the pre-bottle, batch number of the pre-bottle, address and contact information of manufacturing or office locations, and the like. In another example, the lamination film can add moisture barrier functionality to the pre-bottle either in addition to the moisture barrier coating, or independently thereof.

[0052] Efficient distribution channels can be implemented due to the form factor of the pre- bottle, the pre-bottle can be advantageously and efficiently be stacked or stored and shipped to a plurality of destinations across the globe. The pre-bottle is further advantageous that it provides an economic, cost effective, as well as eco-friendly packaging solution, wherein waste material generated during the processing is substantially completely recyclable and biodegradable.

[0053] Figures 4a and 4b show a spout 400 for a pre-bottle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Both figures 4a and 4b are identical except for the fact that figure 4a shows the spout 400 with a lid, and figure 4b shows the spout without a lid. In one implementation, the spout 400 can be configured to be fitted into the pre-bottle 200 as disclosed earlier.

[0054] In one implementation, the spout 400 has a first portion 402 and a second portion 404 coupled to the first portion 402. In one implementation, the first portion 402 and the second portion 404 can be removably coupled to each other. The first portion 402 can be provided with a tapered conical nozzle, which provides guided flow of liquids through the spout 400. Moreover, in one implementation, geometry of the second portion 404, for example, a diameter of the spout 400, corresponds to geometry of the top portion 202 of the pre-bottle 200 for the spout 400 to be effectively and accurately fitted to the pre-bottle 200.

[0055] In an implementation, the second portion 404 has an external wall 406, which in turn has an external wall profile 408, which allows the spout to operably interact with an inner region of the top portion 202 of the pre-bottle 200 during assembly. The external wall profile 408 can be provided in a plurality of forms, which facilitates effective fitment of the spout 400 in the pre- bottle 200. For example, the external wall profile 408, as embodied in figures 4a and 4b as a hose barb profile, is constructed such that easy ingress is facilitated into the top portion 202 of the pre- bottle 200 during fitment of the spout 400 thereto, but does not allow egress therefrom. As a person skilled in the art would appreciate, the particular form of the external wall profile 408 is not limited to a hose barb profile, but can include any other known form that facilitates the above mentioned operability. Examples of various forms of the external wall profile 408 include a saw tooth profile, a straight press fit profile, a taper press fit profile, a threaded screw profile, or any combination thereof.

[0056] In one implementation, once the spout 400 is fitted into 'the pre-bottle 200, the external wall 406 of the second portion 404 comes into contact with a wall of the inner region of the pre-bottle 200 (shown in figure 5a). Due to said assembly of the spout 400 with the pre-bottle 200, debris from the pre-bottle 200 is prevented from falling into the coconut water contained therein. This means that bits of coconut pulp, shell 104, and husk 102, are prevented from falling into the coconut water, thereby retaining the purity of the coconut water in the pre-bottle 200.

[0057] In one implementation, the spout 400 further includes a flange 410 extending radially from a rim of the second portion 404. In one example, the flange 410 extends for a range of about 4 mm to about 8mm, particularly about 6 mm from the rim of the second portion 404. The flange 410 is provided such that the spout 400 is delimited from completely entering the pre- bottle 200 during fitment thereto. From another perspective, the flange 410 enhances the stability of the spout 400 upon fitment to the pre-bottle 200.

[0058] In a further implementation, the spout 400 includes a breakaway notch 412 disposed between the first portion 402 and the second portion 404. For example, as illustrated in figures 4a and 4b, the breakaway notch 412 can be located immediately above the flange 410. The breakaway notch 412 facilitates the spout 400 to be separated into two parts, namely the first portion 402 and the second portion 404. In a working example, upon consumption of the constituents of the pre-bottle 200, the first portion 402 can be broken or separated away from the second portion 404 through the functionality of the breakaway notch 412. By separating said first portion 402 from the spout 400, the consumer can have access to the pulp of the coconut fruit 100 contained within the coconut fruit 100. In said working example, the consumer can himself or herself physically separate the first portion 402 away from the second portion 404 by way of the breakaway notch 412.

[0059] Figure 4a illustrates the spout 400 with a lid 414, which shuts off or delimits access through the first portion 402. In this manner, once the spout 400 is fitted with the pre-bottle 200, the liquid, for example, coconut water, is prevented from flowing out of the pre-bottle 200. The lid 414 shown in the implementation of figure 4a is provided with a clasping mechanism which selectively engages and disengages the lid 414 from the top portion 402 of the spout 200. Therefore, the lid 414 engages with the top portion 402 in a spill and leak proof manner. The person skilled in the art would appreciate that different types of lids can be utilized for the purpose of the spout 200, and is not limited to that shown in the illustration. Other types of lids include threaded lids, straight or tapered press fit lids, and the like.

[0060] In one implementation, the spout 400 can be manufactured from a variety of materials including, but not limited to, PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (High-density polyethylene), PVC (Poly vinyl chloride), LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), and polycarbonate.

[0061] The spout 400 and functionality thereof confers dynamic usability and capabilities to the pre-bottle 200. The consumer can easily carry the pre-bottle 200 in the manner of a portable beverage container and consume the constituents of the pre-bottle, in this case primarily coconut water, at his convenience by way of the spout 400. Moreover, the spout 400 is user and environment friendly in that the spout 400 has rounded edges and the lid 414, which aids in maintaining the purity of the coconut water contained within the pre-bottle.

[0062] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c show a pre-bottle fitted with a spout in various views, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0063] In one embodiment, the pre-bottle 200 fitted with the spout 400 can be referred to collectively as a bottle 500. The bottle 500 is shown in figure 5a in cross sectional representation, and in figure 5b in side view, and in figure 5c in top perspective view. As described earlier, once the top portion 202 is opened by suitable means, the spout 400 can be fitted with the pre-bottle 200. In one example, where the external wall 406 of the second portion 404 has hose barb type external wall profile 408, the spout 400 can be pushed or press fitted into the top portion of the pre-bottle 200. Upon fitment, the external wall 406 comes into contact with an inner region 502 of the top portion 202 of the pre-bottle 200. By such fitment, as also disclosed earlier, debris or particles from the pre-bottle, such as bits of shell, husk, and/or other particulate matter from the pre-bottle 200 is prevented from falling into the coconut water therein.

[0064] Figures 5a, 5b, and 5c, illustrate the bottle 500 containing coconut water and pulp in its original and raw form (not shown), with the convenience and benefits of a beverage container that is portable, easy to grip, and use. In light of the above mentioned advantages of the pre- bottle 200 and the spout 400, the bottle 500 provides an eco-friendly, and cost effective beverage container, containing the goodness of ready to drink coconut water along with pulp in its natural form without artificial substances such as preservatives. The bottle 500 can be stored for up to about three weeks or more based on ambient temperature, humidity, and other environmental conditions, before being consumed. Upon consumption of the coconut water, the spout 400 can be disassembled into a post bottle (not shown), i.e., by separating the first portion 402 of the spout 400 from the second portion 404 thereof, for consumption of the pulp, for example, with a spoon. After consumption, the post-bottle along with the first portion 402 can be responsibly and safely disposed for recycling purposes.

[0065] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

Claims

I/we claim:

1. A pre-bottle (200) formed out of a coconut fruit (100), wherein the pre-bottle (200) has:

a top portion (202) formed from a top region of the coconut fruit (100), the top portion (202) having a tapered geometrical cross sectional neck (208);

a body portion (204) connected to the top portion (202) and formed from a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit (100), wherein the body portion (204) has one of a substantially cylindrical cross section and an elliptical cross section, and wherein the body portion (204) has external contours (216) selected from one of a knurl, ridge, groove, dimple, and dot pattern; and

a base portion (206), connected to the body portion (204) and formed from a bottom region of the coconut fruit (100), the base portion (206) having a substantially flat bottom surface (212).

2. The pre-bottle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top portion (202) further has a partially exposed shell (104) of the coconut fruit (100).

3. The pre-bottle (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the neck (208) of the top portion (202) has one of a circular, elliptical, and polygonal cross section.

4. The pre-bottle (200) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pre-bottle (200) is tapered from the base portion (206) to the top portion (202).

5. The pre-bottle (200) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a top portion body portion interface region (210), through which the top portion (202) is connected to the body portion

(204), wherein the top portion body portion interface region (210) is provided with a chamfer.

6. The pre-bottle (200) as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a spout (400), wherein the spout (400) is fitted to the pre-bottle (200) through the top portion (202) of the pre-bottle (200).

7. A method of forming a pre-bottle (200) out of a coconut fruit (100), the method comprising: grinding a top region of the coconut fruit (100) to form a top portion (202) having a tapered geometrical cross sectional neck;

grinding a lateral peripheral region of the coconut fruit (100) to form a body portion (204) having one of a substantially cylindrical cross section and an elliptical cross section; and grinding a bottom region of the coconut fruit (100) to form a base portion (206) to form a ground pre-bottle.

8. The method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising coating the ground pre-bottle with a moisture barrier layer to form a coated pre-bottle.

9. The method as claimed in claim 7 further comprising wrapping the coated pre-bottle with lamination film to form the pre-bottle (200).

10. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grinding the lateral peripheral region includes providing one of a straight cylindrical shape, a conical shape, a spherical shape, a polygonal shape with chamfer, and an hour glass shape.

11. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grinding the top region further includes:

providing one of a conical shape, and a polygonal shape with chamfer; and exposing a top of a shell (104) of the coconut fruit (100).

12. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grinding the bottom region includes:

providing a substantially flat bottom surface (212) to the bottom region; and providing one of a tapered polygonal shape, a spherical shape, a reverse conical shape, and an elliptical shape to the base portion (206).

13. A spout (400) for a pre-bottle (200), wherein the spout (400) comprises:

a first portion (402) and a second portion (404) removably coupled with each other, wherein the first portion (402) has a tapered conical nozzle, and wherein a geometry of the second portion (404) corresponds to a top portion of the pre-bottle (200), and wherein the second portion (404) has an external wall profile (408) to operably interact with an inner region (502) of a top portion (202) of the pre-bottle (200) for assembly; and

a flange (410) extending radially from a rim of the second portion (404).

14. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13 further including a breakaway notch (412) between the first portion (402) and the second portion (404).

15. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the external wall profile (408) is one of a hose barb profile, a saw tooth profile, a straight press fit profile, a taper press fit profile, and a threaded screw profile.

16. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first portion (402) has one of a symmetrical and asymmetrical nozzle with regard to a central longitudinal axis of the spout (400).

17. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spout (400) is fitted with the pre-bottle (200) to form a bottle (500) ready for consumption of contents therein.

18. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein an external wall (406) of the second portion (404) is in contact with the inner region (502) of the pre-bottle (200) after assembly therewith.

19. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the spout (400) is manufactured from one of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), HDPE (High-density polyethylene), PVC (Poly vinyl chloride), LDPE (Low-density polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PS (polystyrene), and polycarbonate.

20. The spout (400) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the flange (410) extends for a range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm from the rim of the second portion (404).