FLAVORED BEVERAGE SYSTEMS

BACKGROUND
Field

This disclosure relates to flavored beverage systems, and in particular, to systems that flavor water with freeze dried fruit.

Description

It is commonly known that hydration is essential to a healthy lifestyle and water is best source of hydration. Consumers may desire flavored water, and in particular, a healthy, naturally flavored water.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a flavored beverage kit is disclosed. The kit includes a container for holding a liquid, the container including an opening and a recessed portion formed into an outer surface of the container. The kit may include, for example, a lid adapted to selectively engage with and seal the opening of the container. The lid may include, for example, a first portion having a first end configured to selectively engage with the opening of the container, a second end transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a screen member positioned between the first end and the second end, the screen member configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough and to prevent solids from passing therethrough. The kit may also include a packet of freeze dried fruit material configured to be removably received within the recessed portion of the container.

In some embodiments, the packet includes an adhesive for attaching the packet to the recessed portion of the container. In some embodiments, the packet is configured to snap into the recessed portion of the container. In some embodiments, the recessed portion comprises a concave shape, and wherein the packet comprises a convex shape that corresponds with the concave shape of the recessed portion. In some embodiments, the recessed portion is formed in a bottom surface of the container. In some embodiments, the packet includes a bowl-shaped body portion having an opening and a removable seal covering the opening. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material is positioned within the packet between the bowl-shaped body portion and the removable seal. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the bowl-shaped body portion is configured to be received within the recessed portion. In some embodiments, the packet is square or rectangular. In some embodiments, the packet comprises a bag. In some embodiments, kit further includes one or more additional packets of freeze dried fruit. In some embodiments, the packet is disposable. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material comprises whole freeze dried fruit. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material comprises sliced pieces of freeze dried fruit.

In another aspect, a beverage system is disclosed. The system includes a container filled with a liquid, the container including an opening and a recessed portion formed into an outer surface of the container. The system includes a lid removably engaged with and sealing the opening of the container. The lid includes a first portion having a first end removably engaging the opening of the container, a second end transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a screen member positioned between the first end and the open second end, the screen member configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough and to prevent solids from passing therethrough. The system includes a packet of freeze dried fruit material removably received within the recessed portion of the container.

In some embodiments, the system further includes an adhesive attaching the packet to the recessed portion of the container. In some embodiments, the packet is configured to snap into the recessed portion of the container. In some embodiments, the packet includes indentations and the recessed portion includes protrusions received within the indentations. In some embodiments, the recessed portion comprises a concave shape, and wherein the packet comprises a convex shape that corresponds with the concave shape of the recessed portion. In some embodiments, the recessed portion is formed in a bottom surface of the container. In some embodiments, the packet includes a bowl-shaped body portion having an opening and a removable seal covering the opening. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material is positioned within the packet between the bowl-shaped body portion and the removable seal. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the bowl-shaped body portion is configured to be received within the recessed portion. In some embodiments, the packet is square or rectangular. In some embodiments, the packet comprises a bag. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material comprises whole freeze dried fruit. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material comprises sliced pieces of freeze dried fruit.

In another aspect, a beverage container includes a container defining an interior volume for receiving a liquid. The container includes an opening and a recessed portion formed into an outer surface of the container. The recessed portion is configured to receive a removable packet of freeze dried fruit material. The container includes a lid engaged with and sealing the opening of the container. The lid includes a screen member. The screen member is configured to allow the liquid to pass therethrough and to prevent freeze dried fruit material from passing therethrough.

In some embodiments, the recessed portion is configured for a snap-fit engagement with the removable packet of freeze dried fruit material. In some embodiments, the recessed portion comprises a concave dome formed into a bottom surface of the container.

In another aspect, a packet configured to couple to a beverage container includes a body portion having a concave portion and an opening, a removable seal covering and sealing the opening, and freeze dried fruit sealed within the concave portion of the body by the removable seal. An outer surface of the body portion is configured to removably engage with a corresponding recess of a beverage container.

In some embodiments, the outer surface of the body portion is configured to snap into the recess of the beverage container. In some embodiments, the body portion comprises a bag.

In another aspect, a method of making a flavored beverage includes disengaging a packet containing freeze dried fruit material from a container for a beverage; removing a lid from the container to expose an opening into the container; and depositing the freeze dried fruit material from the packet through the opening into the container.

In some embodiments, the method further includes installing a screen member over the opening, wherein the screen member is configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough and to prevent freeze dried fruit material from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, installing the screen member comprises sealing the opening by installing the lid onto the container. In some embodiments, the lid includes a first portion having a first end configured to selectively engage with the opening of the container and an open second end, wherein the screen member is positioned between the first end and the open second end, and a cap configured to selectively engage with and seal the open second end of the first portion. In some embodiments, disengaging the packet comprises removing the packet from a recess formed into an outer surface of the container. In some embodiments, removing the packet from the recess comprises unsnapping the packet from the recess. In some embodiments, the method further includes filling the container with water.

The foregoing is a summary and contains simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail. This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be limiting. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the systems, devices, and methods and/or other subject matter described in this application will become apparent in the teachings set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the systems, devices, methods, and kits described herein will become apparent from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict several embodiments in accordance with the disclosure. The drawings are not to be considered limiting. In the drawings, similar reference numbers or symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of an embodiment of a flavored beverage system that includes a container, a lid, and a packet removably received within a recess of the container.

FIG. 2 is a bottom isometric view of the flavored beverage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the flavored beverage system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the flavored beverage system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5A-5D are views of several embodiments of features for retaining the packet within the recess of the container in the system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views of another embodiment of a flavored beverage system showing a packet received in and removed from a recess of a container, respectively.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of another embodiment of a flavored beverage system showing a packet received in and removed from a recess of a container, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various features and advantages of the systems, devices, methods, and kits described herein will become more fully apparent from the following description of the several specific embodiments illustrated in the figures. These embodiments are intended to illustrate the principles of this disclosure, and this disclosure should not be limited to merely the illustrated examples. The features of the illustrated embodiments can be modified, combined, removed, and/or substituted as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon consideration of the principles disclosed herein.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate various views of a flavored beverage system 100. FIGS. 1 and 2 are top and bottom isometric views of the system 100, respectively. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the system 100. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the system 100. With reference to FIGS. 1-4, the system 100 includes a container 101, a lid 103, and a packet 105.

As will be described in greater detail below, the container 101 is configured to hold a liquid. The lid 103 is configured to removably engage with the container 101 to seal the liquid within the container 101. The packet 105 is configured to enclose a flavorant. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises freeze dried fruit material. The packet 105 is configured to removably engage with the container 101. The flavorant can be removed from the packet 105 and added to the liquid in the container 101 to flavor the liquid. For example, the lid 103 and the packet 105 can be disengaged from the container 101, the packet 105 can be opened, the flavorant enclosed in the packet 105 can be added to the liquid in the container 101, the lid 103 can be reengaged with the container 101, and the now-empty packet 105 can either be reengaged with the container 101 or discarded. In some embodiments, the liquid is water. In some embodiments, the liquid can be a consumable beverage such as soda water or carbonated water.

As illustrated, for some embodiments, the container 101 includes a wall 111 shaped to define an interior volume 113 and an opening 115. The wall 111 can include an outer surface 117 and an inner surface 119. Apart from the opening 115, the wall 111 may be contiguous. The wall 111 may be shaped to form the container 101.

The container 101 can extend between a first end 121 and a second end 123. In some embodiments, the first end 121 is a top end and the second end 123 is a bottom end. In some embodiments, the first end 121 is opposite the second end 123. As illustrated, for some embodiments, the container 101 is substantially cylindrical between the first end 121 and the second end 123, although other shapes are possible. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 101 has a generally constant diameter between the first end 121 and the second end 123. In some embodiments, the diameter of the container 101 may vary between first end 121 and the second end 123. For example, the container 101 may include a first portion with a smaller diameter and a second portion with a larger diameter. As another example, the diameter of the container 101 may increase from the first end 121 to the second end 123 such that the container 101 is narrower toward the first end 121 and wider toward the second end 123. The general shape of the container 101 can be widely varied as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. This disclosure is not intended to be limited by the shape of the container 101.

The opening 115 can be formed, for example, in the first end 121 of the container 101. The opening 115 may be circular. In some embodiments, the opening 115 is a wide-mouth opening. In some embodiments, the opening 115 has a diameter of at least, at most, or about 1 inch, 1.5 inches, 2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches, or 3.5 inches or larger. In some embodiments, the opening 115 has a diameter that is at least, at most, or about 90%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25% of a diameter of the container 101 (for example, the largest diameter of the container 101, the diameter of the first end 121 of the container 101, or the diameter of the second end 123 of the container 101). In some embodiments, the opening 115 is sufficiently large that freeze dried fruit (as described below) can be inserted into the interior volume 113 of the container 101 through the opening 115.

Proximal to the opening, the outer surface 117 of the container 101 can include an engagement portion 125 configured to removably engage the lid 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 125 comprises a threaded surface. The threaded surface may be an externally threaded surface. As illustrated, for some embodiments, the diameter of the container 101 narrows in the region of the engagement portion 125. The narrowing of the container 101 in the region of the engagement portion 125 can be configured such that, when the lid 103 is engaged with the container 101, the outer diameter of the lid 103 is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the remainder of the container 101.

The lid 103 is configured to removably engage with the container 101 to close or seal the opening 115. As illustrated, for some embodiments, the lid 103 includes a first end 131 and a second end 133. The first end 131 may be opposite the second end 133. In some embodiments, the first end 131 is a bottom end and the second end 133 is a top end. In some embodiments, the first end 131 is larger or wider than the second end 133. In some embodiments, the first end 131 is approximately the same size or width as the second end 133. For some embodiments, the first end 131 has a first diameter and the second end 133 has a second diameter. The first diameter can be larger than the second diameter. In some embodiments, a transition surface 145 extends between the first end 131 and the second end 133. The transition surface 145 can be flat. The transition surface 145 can be orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the lid 103. As illustrated, for some embodiments, the first end 131 and/or the second end 133 can comprise annular cylindrical protrusions extending in opposite directions from the transition surface 145.

The first end 131 can be an open end. The first end 131 can be configured for removable engagement with the container 101. Proximate to the first end 131, the cap 101 can include an engagement portion 135. The engagement portion 135 be configured and positioned to removably engage the engagement portion 125 of the container 101. In some embodiments, the engagement portion 135 is a threaded surface. The threaded surface may be an internally threaded surface. The engagement portion 125 can be configured to form a liquid tight seal when engaged with the engagement portion 135. In some embodiments, the lid 103 is removably engaged with the container 101 by engaging the engagement portion 135 of the lid 103 with the engagement portion 125 of the container. For example, the lid 103 can be threaded (i.e., screwed) onto the container 101. Similarly, the lid 103 can be removed from the container 101 by unthreading (i.e., unscrewing) the lid 103 from the container 101. Although threaded engagement has been described, other methods for removably engaging the lid 103 with the container 101 are possible. For example, the lid 103 and container 101 can be configured for snap or press fit engagement.

The second end 133 of the lid 103 can include a selectively openable end. That is, in some embodiments, the second end 133 can transition between open and closed configurations. In the closed configuration, the second end 133 is sealed to prevent liquid from exiting therethrough. In the open configuration, the second end 133 allows liquid to pass therethrough. In some embodiments, the second end 133 is transitioned to the open configuration to allow a user to drink or pour liquid out of the interior volume 113 of the container 101.

As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, in the illustrated embodiment, the second end 133 includes an opening 137 that is selectively closeable with a removably engageable cap 139. As illustrated, for some embodiments, the opening 137 is smaller than the opening 115 of the container 101. In some embodiments, the opening 137 is circular. In some embodiments, the opening 137 has a diameter of at least, at most, or about 0.5 inches, 1.0 inches, 1.5 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.5 inches, or 3.0 inches. In some embodiments, the opening 137 has a diameter that is at least, at most, or about 90%, 80%, 75%, 70%, 60%, 50%, 40%, 30%, or 25% of the diameter of the opening 115 of the container 101. In some embodiments, the opening 137 need not be as large as the opening 115 because the opening 115 is configured such that whole or sliced pieces of freeze dried fruit can be inserted through the opening 115, while the opening 137 is configured such that liquid can be poured through the opening 137.

Proximal to the opening 137, the second end 133 can include an engagement portion 141 configured to removably engage the cap 139. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 141 comprises a threaded surface. The threaded surface may be an externally threaded surface. The engagement portion 141 can be configured to form a liquid tight seal when engaged with the engagement portion 143. The cap 139 is configured to close and seal the opening 137. The cap 139 can include an engagement portion 143 (see FIG. 4). In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion 143 comprises a threaded surface. The threaded surface may be an internally threaded surface. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, a user can transition the second end 133 between open and closed configurations by threadingly engaging or disengaging the cap 139.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 133, including the cap 139, is configured as a twist off top or screw cap. The disclosure is not intended to be limited to only this illustrated embodiment. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that he second end 133, transitionable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, can be realized in a wide variety of ways. For example, the second end 133 can be comprise a sports cap, a push-pull cap, a flip cap, a flip-top, a swing-top, an opening closeable with a cork or stopper, a pull off top, a bottle cap, a straw lid, etc. The second end 133 can comprise any form that is transitionable between an open configuration that allows access to the liquid in the container 101 and a closed configuration that retains the liquid within the container 101.

As shown in FIG. 4, the lid 103 can include a screen member 151. The screen member 151 can be configured to retain freeze dried fruit within the container 101, while allowing liquid to pass through the screen member and out the second end 133 of the lid 103. The screen member 151 includes at least one perforated portion 153. In some embodiments, the perforated portion 153 comprises the entirety of the screen member 151. The perforated portion 153 can include a plurality of openings configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough and to prevent freeze dried fruit from passing therethrough. In some embodiments, the openings comprise round openings, square openings, slits, or other shapes. In some embodiments, the openings have a maximum width or diameter of at most about ¼ inches, 3/16 inches, ⅛ inches, 1/16 inches, 1/32 inches, 1/64 inches, or smaller In some embodiments, the screen member 151 and/or the perforated portion 153 comprise a wire or screen mesh.

The screen member 151 can be positioned between the first end 131 and the second end 133 of the lid 103. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the screen member 151 can abut or contact the inside surface of the transition surface 145 between the first end 131 and the second 135. In some embodiments the screen member 151 is integrally formed with the lid 103. In some embodiments, the screen member 151 is a separate piece that is attached, either removably or permanently, to the lid 103. In the illustrated embodiment, flanges 155 projected downwardly from the inside surface of the transition surface 145 of the lid 103. The flanges 155 include detents 157 positioned at their distal ends. The detents 157 can secure the screen member 151 in position. For example, the screen member 151 can be pushed between the flanges 155. The flanges 155 deflect outwardly to allow the screen member 151 to pass the detents 157. Once passed the detents 157, the flanges 155 return to their original, undeflected position, and the detents 157 secure the screen member 151 in position. Other methods for attaching the screen member 151 to the lid 103 are possible.

In some embodiments, the screen member 151 does not form part of or attach to the lid 103. For example, in some embodiments, the screen member 151 is configured to rest on top of or fit over the opening 115 of the container 101. The screen member 151 can be placed on top of or over the opening 115 and then held in place by the lid 103.

Whether attached to the lid 103 or not, the screen member 151 can be removed from the container 101 to allow a user to insert larger and/or solid items (for example, freeze dried fruit) into the container 101 and then reinstalled on the container to retain those items in the container 101. When the screen member 151 is installed, the perforated portion 153 permits liquid to pass therethrough.

The container 101 also includes a recessed portion 161 (see FIG. 4). As will be described below, the recessed portion 161 is configured to receive the packet 105. As illustrated, for some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 is formed by a portion of the wall 111 which is shaped to extend inwardly toward the interior volume 113 of the container 101. Thus, the recessed portion 161 is a divot, depression, or recess extending into the outer surface 117 of the wall 111 of the container 101. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 is concave relative to the outer surface 117 of the container 101. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 is dome or hemispherical shaped. The shape of the recessed portion 161 can be configured to correspond to the shape of the packet 105. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 is formed by the wall 111. The recessed portion 161 may be contiguous with the wall 111.

As illustrated, for some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 is formed into the second end 123 of the container 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 123 is the bottom end of the container 101. The recessed portion 161 may be centered on the bottom end of the container 101. In some embodiments, recessed portion 161 comprises at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% the bottom surface of the container 101. A lip 163, formed by the wall 111, may surround the recessed portion 161. The recessed portion 161 may extend inwardly toward the interior volume 113 relative to the lip 163. In some embodiments, the lip 163 may be configured to contact a support surface on which the container 101 is placed, when the container 101 is standing on the second end 123.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the packet 105 is configured to be received within the recessed portion 161. As noted previously, the packet 105 is configured to enclose a flavorant. In some embodiments, the flavorant comprises freeze dried fruit material. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit is whole (not cut or sectioned or diced or chopped or pulverized). In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit is sliced. In some embodiments, a width, thickness, or diameter of the whole or sliced freeze dried fruit is greater than, less than, or about 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, or 3.0 inches, as well as any range between the listed values. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit is cut into square or rectangular cubes (or similar shapes or chunks) having a length and/or width that is greater than, less than, or about 0.25 inches, 0.5 inches, 0.75 inches, 1 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.75 inches, 2.0 inches, 2.25 inches, 2.5 inches, 2.75 inches, or 3.0 inches, as well as any range between the listed values. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit material comprises a plurality of freeze dried fruits in various combinations. In some embodiments, the freeze dried fruit may be strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, watermelon, cantaloupe, cucumber, peach, pear, plumb, honeydew, mango, blueberry, or other fruit.

The packet 105 is configured to enclose the flavorant separate and apart from the liquid in the container. When desired, a user may remove the packet 105 from the recessed portion 161, open the packet 105, and deposit the flavorant from the packet 105 into the liquid in the container in order to flavor the liquid. As noted above, in some embodiments, the lids 103 and/or screen member 151 is removed from the container 101 to deposit the flavorant into the interior volume of the container 101 and then reinstalled to retain the flavorant therein.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the packet 105 can include a body 171 and a cover or seal 173. The body 171 can comprise a wall shaped to correspond to the shape of the recessed portion 161. In some embodiments, the body 171 comprises a convex shape. In some embodiments, the body 174 comprises a dome or hemispherical shape. In some embodiments, the body 171 comprises a cup- or bowl-like shape. Other shapes for the body 171 are possible. For example, the body 171 can be square, rectangular, triangular, cylindrical, cone-shaped, dome-shaped, or any other shape. In some embodiments, the body 171 comprises a rigid or stiff material. For example, the body 171 may be made from the same material as the container 101. In some embodiments, the body 171 comprises a flexible material (for example, a thin plastic material similar to a plastic bag or pouch). In some embodiments, the body 171 comprises a bag. One end of the body 171 includes an opening 175. The seal 173 can cover and seal the opening 175 to define an internal space between the body 171 and the seal 173. The flavorant is enclosed within the internal space. The seal 173 can be a foil, plastic, paper, foam, or similar sheet of material. The seal 173 can be adhesively bonded to the opening 175. As shown in FIG. 2, the seal 173 can include a tab 177. The tab 177 can facilitate removal of the seal 173 from the opening 175. For example, a user may grip the tab 177 to remove the seal 173 form the opening 175. In some embodiments, the tab facilitates removal of the packet 105 from the recessed portion 161. For example, a user may grip the tab 177 to remove the packet 105 from the recessed portion 161. In some embodiments, the packet 105 comprises a bag or pouch.

As illustrated, for some embodiments, when the packet 105 is received within the recessed portion 161, the exposed surface of the packet 105 may be flush with the surrounding surface of the container 101.

The system 100 may include a feature or features for removably retaining or engaging the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161. For example, the system 100 may include a feature or feature that maintains the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161 until a user disengages the packet 105 from the recessed portion 161 (for example, to add the flavorant into the interior volume 113 of the container 101). The system 100 may also include features that allow a user to engage or attach a packet 105 to the recessed portion 161 for storage of the packet 105. FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate views of several embodiments of features for retaining the packet within the recess of the container in the system.

In the embodiment of the cross-sectional view of FIG. 5A, an adhesive 181 is positioned between the recessed portion 161 of the container 101 and the body 171 of the packet 105. The adhesive 181 retains the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161. The adhesive 181 may be of a sufficient strength that, when desired, a user can separate the packet 105 from the recessed portion 161 by overcoming the attachment force of the adhesive 181. In some embodiments, the adhesive 181 is included on each packet 105, such that a user can attach any packet 105 to the recess 161.

FIG. 5B illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a recessed portion 161 and a packet 105 that are configured for a snap fit engagement. As shown, the recessed portion 161 is shaped to form protrusions 182 and the body 171 of the packet 105 is shaped to form indentations 183. The packet 105 can be inserted or pushed into the recessed portion 161 such that the indentations 183 are received within the protrusions 182. Engagement between the protrusions 182 and the indentations 183 retains the packet 105 within the recess until a user disengages the packet 105. In another embodiment, the packet 105 includes protrusions and the recessed portion 161 includes indentations.

FIG. 5C is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a feature that may be used to retain the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161. In this embodiment, adhesive strips 184 secure the packet 105. The adhesive strips 184 extend from the container 101 to the packet 105. To remove the packet 105, the adhesive strips may be torn or otherwise removed.

FIG. 5D is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a feature that may be used to retain the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161. In this embodiment, a label 185 extends partially over the packet 105 to retain the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161. As shown, a bottom edge 187 of the label 185 is positioned over the seal 173. The label 185 can include perforations 186 along which the label 185 can be torn. A portion of the label 185 may be torn away (by tearing along perforations 186 to release the packet 105 from the recessed portion 161 of the container 101.

Other features and methods for retaining the packet 105 within the recessed portion 161 are also possible.

In some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 may extend or be formed into or from other surfaces than as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4. For example, as shown in the embodiments of the system 100a, 100b of FIGS. 6A-7B, in some embodiments, the recessed portion 161 extends into a side surface 165 of the container 101. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the system 100a, with the packet 105 received into and removed from the recessed portion 161, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 161 and corresponding packet 105 are pair shaped. An outer surface of the packet 105 includes a smooth curve which matches the outside curvature of the container 101 when the packet 105 is received in the recessed portion 161. FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the system 100b, with the packet 105 received into and removed from the recessed portion 161, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the recessed portion 161 is pill shaped, having relatively straight outermost edges and curved top and bottom edges. An outer surface of the packet 105 includes a smooth curve which matches the outside curvature of the container 101 when the packet 105 is received in the recessed portion 161. Further, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the recessed portion 161 is larger than packet 105, such that when the packet 105 is received in the recessed portion 161, a portion of the recessed portion 161 (i.e., the portion above the packet 105) is still exposed.

Although only a single recessed portion 161 is illustrated, in some embodiments, the container 101 may include a plurality of recessed portions 161, each configured to receive a corresponding packet 105.

Although described above in terms of a system, the features of this disclosure can also be provided individually or in the form of a kit. In some embodiments, a kit includes one or more of the following features: a container 101, a lid 103, and one or more packets 105. The kit may also include one or more features for retaining a packet 105 within a recessed portion 161 of the container.

In some embodiments, a system or kit includes a liquid in the container 101. In some embodiments, the liquid is water.

In some embodiments, a system or kit is configured for single use. For example, after a user flavors (by adding the flavorant from the packet 105) and drinks the liquid in the container 101, the container 101 and other components can be discarded. In some embodiments, one or more components of the system or kit is configured for multiple use. For example, the container 101 can be made from a durable material configured to be refilled and reused multiple times. A user can attach additional packets 105 to the container 101 for each subsequent use.

In some embodiments, a method for using the devices, systems, and kits described herein can include one or more of the following steps: disengaging the packet 105 containing a flavorant, such as freeze dried fruit material, from the recessed portion 161 the container 101; removing the lid 103 from the container 101 to expose an opening 115 into the container; and depositing the flavorant from the packet 105 through the opening 115 into the container 101. In some embodiments, the method also includes installing the screen member 151 over the opening 115. In some embodiments, installing the screen member 151 can include reinstalling the lid 103 on the container 101. In some embodiments, the method can further include shaking or agitating the container 101 after reinstalling the lid 103.

Although various systems, devices, methods, and kits have been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the assemblies extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the embodiments and certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Use with any structure is expressly within the scope of this invention. Various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the assembly. The scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described herein.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context of separate implementations or embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single implementation or embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation or embodiment can also be implemented in multiple implementations or embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can, in some cases, be excised from the combination, and the combination may be claimed as any subcombination or variation of any subcombination.

Terms of orientation used herein, such as “top,” “bottom,” “proximal,” “distal,” “longitudinal,” “lateral,” and “end,” are used in the context of the illustrated embodiment. However, the present disclosure should not be limited to the illustrated orientation. Indeed, other orientations are possible and are within the scope of this disclosure. Terms relating to circular shapes as used herein, such as diameter or radius, should be understood not to require perfect circular structures, but rather should be applied to any suitable structure with a cross-sectional region that can be measured from side-to-side. Terms relating to shapes generally, such as “circular,” “cylindrical,” “semi-circular,” or “semi-cylindrical” or any related or similar terms, are not required to conform strictly to the mathematical definitions of circles or cylinders or other structures, but can encompass structures that are reasonably close approximations.

Conditional language, such as “can,” “could,” “might,” or “may,” unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include or do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements, and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” as used herein represent an amount close to the stated amount that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, in some embodiments, as the context may dictate, the terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially,” may refer to an amount that is within less than or equal to 10% of the stated amount. The term “generally” as used herein represents a value, amount, or characteristic that predominantly includes or tends toward a particular value, amount, or characteristic. As an example, in certain embodiments, as the context may dictate, the term “generally parallel” can refer to something that departs from exactly parallel by less than or equal to 20 degrees.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. The figures may be to scale, but such scale should not be limiting, since dimensions and proportions other than what are shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the disclosed invention. Distances, angles, etc. are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear an exact relationship to actual dimensions and layout of the devices illustrated. Components can be added, removed, and/or rearranged. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connection with various embodiments can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Additionally, it will be recognized that any methods described herein may be practiced using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of systems, devices, and methods have been disclosed. Although these have been disclosed in the context of those embodiments and examples, this disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. This disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, one another. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

FLAVORED BEVERAGE SYSTEMS

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Date Published

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CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Provisional Applications (1)