Device, System, & Method to Provide Premium Water For Use With Contents of A Beverage Cartridge

Abstract

The inventive concept discloses a portable container comprising a bottle and at least one compartment integral to, and sealed off from, the bottle. The bottle contains a first liquid (in the preferred embodiment, premium drinking water). The compartment is structured with dimensions and profile corresponding to a beverage cartridge of the type which is typically used for single-serve coffee containers, such as the K-Cup. A means for secure retention of the beverage cartridge within the compartment is provided, dependent on the contours of the beverage cartridge. The processed essences of teas, chocolates, cocoas, dairy-based beverages, and fruit concentrates are also suitable for the disclosed concept. The first liquid and the beverage cartridge are kept separate until a user removes the beverage cartridge and opens the bottle for combining the liquid and the contents of the beverage cartridge in the desired manner of preparation of a beverage.

Claims

1. A container for the storage of a liquid, having a closeable opening to access the liquid, and further having at least one compartment with an access aperture which is integral to the periphery of said container, said compartment constructed with interior dimensions, structure, and contour approximately corresponding to the exterior dimensions and contour of a beverage cartridge the type commonly used for storage of the concentrated essence of coffee, tea, or other food items.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a cylindrically-shaped, or round bottle, and a compartment constructed concentric with, and interiorly to the bottom surface of said bottle.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and further, the recessed compartment is constructed interiorly transverse to one face of said rectangular-shaped bottle.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and at least two recessed compartments constructed interiorly to one or more faces of said rectangular cross-sectioned bottle.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the compartment further comprises a means of securing the beverage cartridge within the confines of said compartment.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the exemplary dimensions, structure, and contour of said beverage cartridge comprise a cylindrically shaped wall, a conjoined bottom surface, a flange extending circumferentially from the top edge of said wall, and a covering attached to the top surface of said flange.

7. The container of claim 1, further comprising a bottle for storage of a liquid, wherein the at least one compartment is permanently attached to, and protruding outwardly from, at least one exterior surface of said bottle, the attached compartment constructed with interior dimensions, structure, and contour approximately corresponding to the exterior dimensions, structure, and contour of a beverage cartridge of the type typically used for mini-brewing of coffee or tea.

8. A container for the mutual, but separated, storage of both a quantity of drinking water and a beverage cartridge of the type having contents commonly used for brewing of coffee, tea, and other beverages, further comprising: a bottle constructed with a closeable opening for access to the drinking water; at least one internal, recessed compartment integral to, and encompassed within the outer surface of the bottle, said recessed compartment hollowed inward, having an access aperture, and constructed with interior dimensions, structure, and contour approximately corresponding to the exterior dimensions, structure, and contour of a beverage cartridge of the type having a cylindrically shaped wall, a conjoined bottom surface, a flange extending circumferential from the top edge of said wall, and a covering attached to the top surface of said flange; and a means for detachably securing said exemplary beverage cartridge within the recessed compartment.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein (a) the bottle is round, or cylindrically-shaped, (b) the recessed compartment is constructed interiorly to the bottom surface of said bottle, with at least two stair-stepped concentric rims such that the beverage cartridge, when inserted into the compartment, is inverted relative to the bottle, and (c) the lower surface of the flange abuts the outer surface of an inner rim; and the means for securing said beverage cartridge within the recessed compartment is selected from the group consisting of a sealer in the shape of a disc having adhesive material around one peripheral surface of said disc, at least one wad of silicone adhesive placed on the interior of said compartment, and retainers integral to, and protruding from, the inner surfaces of the cylindrical barrier of the compartment.

10. The container of claim 8, wherein (a) the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, (b) the recessed compartment is constructed interiorly to one face of said rectangular-shaped bottle, and (c) the means for securing said beverage cartridge within the recessed compartment is selected from the group consisting of a sealer in the shape of a disc having adhesive material around one peripheral surface of said disc, at least one wad of silicone adhesive placed on the interior of said compartment, and retainers integral to, and protruding from, the inner surfaces of the slanted barrier of the compartment.

11. The container of claim 8, wherein (a) the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, (b) at least two recessed compartments are constructed interiorly to one or more faces of said rectangular-shaped bottle, and (c) the means for securing said beverage cartridges within the recessed compartment is selected from the group consisting of a sealer in the shape of a disc having adhesive material around one peripheral surface of said disc, at least one wad of silicone adhesive placed on the interior of said compartment, a hinged, flip-top sealer, and retainers integral to, and protruding from, the inner surfaces of the slanted barrier of the compartment.

12. A beverage preparation system for readily storing, within a single container, a quantity of drinking water and at least one beverage cartridge, said beverage cartridge having the sealed processed essence of a food item, with the resultant purpose being the immediate availability of the drinking water and contents of said beverage cartridge for preparing a beverage, the system comprising: a bottle constructed of semi-rigid material and having a closeable opening for access to the drinking water; at least one internal, recessed compartment integral to, and encompassed within the outer surface of the bottle, said recessed compartment hollowed inward, having an access aperture, and constructed with dimensions, structure, and contour approximately corresponding to the exterior dimensions, structure, and contour of a beverage cartridge of the type having a cylindrically shaped wall, a conjoined bottom surface, a flange extending circumferential from the top edge of said wall, and a covering attached to the top surface of said flange; and a means for detachably securing said at least one beverage cartridge within the at least one recessed compartment.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the container further comprises a cylindrically-shaped, or round bottle, and said compartment constructed concentric with, and interiorly to the bottom surface of said bottle.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and further, the recessed compartment is constructed transverse and interiorly to one face of said rectangular-shaped bottle.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein the container former comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and at least two recessed compartments constructed transverse and interiorly to one or more faces of said rectangular cross-sectioned bottle.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein the means of detachably securing the beverage cartridge within the confines of said compartment is selected from the group consisting of a scaler in the shape of a disc having adhesive material around one peripheral surface of said disc, at least one wad of silicone adhesive placed on the interior of said compartment, a hinged, flip-top sealer, and integral retainers protruding from the inner surfaces of the slanted harrier of the compartment.

17. A method for making readily accessible in a single container, both a quantity of drinking water and at least one beverage cartridge, said cartridge having the sealed processed essence of a food item, thereby enabling a user to prepare a beverage by mixing or brewing of the contents of said cartridge, the method comprising the steps of: providing a bottle constructed with a closeable opening for accessing the drinking water; constructing, integral to said bottle, at least one internal, recessed compartment integral to, and encompassed within the outer surface of the bottle, said recessed compartment hollowed inward, having an access aperture, and constructed with dimensions, structure, and contour approximately corresponding to the exterior dimensions, structure, and contour of a beverage cartridge of the type having a cylindrically shaped wall, a conjoined bottom surface, a flange extending circumferential from the top edge of said wall, and a covering attached to the top surface of said flange; and providing a means for detachably securing said at least one exemplary beverage cartridge within the at least one recessed compartment; placing the beverage cartridge within said at least one recessed compartment; and applying the means for detachable securing the beverage compartment directly to the aperture of said at least one recessed compartment.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the container further comprises a cylindrically-shaped, or round bottle, and said compartment constructed concentric with, and interiorly to, the bottom surface of said bottle.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and further, the recessed compartment is constructed transverse, and interiorly to, one face of said rectangular-shaped bottle.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the container further comprises a bottle having a rectangular-shaped cross-section, and at least two recessed compartments constructed transverse, and interiorly to, one or more faces of said rectangular cross-sectioned bottle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is a view of a round bottle 2 used to comprise the bottle component of a container 1.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a typical beverage cartridge 20.

[0014] FIG. 3 depicts a schematic, see-through view of a bottle 2 having a beverage pod or cartridge 20 inserted within the lower section of the bottle 2.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a tilted, perspective view of the bottom of bottle 2 of FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lower part of FIG. 3, as seen from the orientation of section line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a view of a rectangular cross-section bottle 30 which comprises the bottle component of an embodiment of a rectangular container 50.

[0018] FIG. 7 shows a typical beverage cartridge 20.

[0019] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the transverse compartment 40 of the bottle 30 of FIG. 6, as seen from the perspective of section line 8-8 of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a stylized see-through view of a rectangular bottle 30 projecting a beverage cartridge 20 inserted within.

[0021] FIG. 10 depicts a multi-container 51, designed for two cartridges 20, and also shows the imminent positioning of a tabbed closure 18 for securement of the upper beverage cartridge 20.

[0022] FIG. 11 presents a cross-sectional view of a the bottom of a round bottle 2, similar to that of FIG. 4, constructed with two finger recesses 28, 29.

[0023] FIG. 12 illustrates a tilted, perspective of the bottom of an inverted round bottle 2, further having two protruding retainers, 26, 27.

TABLE-US-00001 Table of Nomenclature & Part Numbers of Invention 1. Container 2. Round bottle 3. n/a 4. Neck 5. Shoulder 6. Body 7. n/a 8. Cap 9. Heel 10. Base compartment 11. Cylindrical barrier 12. Lateral barrier 13. n/a 14. First rim 15. Second rim 16. Third rim 17. Access aperture 18. Closure 18(a) Tab 19. n/a 20. Beverage cartridge 21. Cartridge wall 22. Cartridge bottom 23. Cartridge flange 24. Cartridge seal 25. Silicone 26. First retainer 27. Second retainer 28. First finger recess 29. Second finger recess 30. Rectangular bottle 31.-32. n/a 33. Face 34.-39 n/a 40. Transverse compartment 41. Stanted barrier 42. Vertical barrier 43. Outer brim 44. Inner brim 46. Face 50. Rectangular container 51. Multi-container

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The objects, features, and advantages of the inventive concept presented in this application are more readily understood when referring to the accompanying drawing. The drawings, totaling twelve figures, show the basic components and functions of embodiments and/or methods of use. In the several figures, like reference numbers are used in each figure to correspond to the same component as may be depicted in other figures. For illustrative and explanatory purposes only, the disclosures in this inventive concept will be directed primarily toward providing the components for the brewing of coffee.

[0025] It most be noted that the disclosures and embodiments shown are, in most instances, equally applicable to the preparation of other beverages utilizing mini-pods or beverage cartridges. Experience has shown that an excellent grade of coffee or tea can be effectively ruined for consumption by the use of unsuitable water. A high quality and most enjoyable coffee or tea beverage is obtained when it possesses fine characteristic aroma, flavor, and the fullness of body of the specific blend chosen, along with good quality water. Good quality water, for the purposes of these disclosures, generally encompasses water bottled from pure mountain spring sources and will be referred to as premium water.

[0026] The discussion of the present inventive concept will be initiated with FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 3. In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a view of a round bottle 2, having a shoulder 5, circular body 6, a bottom 9, a threaded neck 4, and a detachable cap 8. FIG. 2 shows a beverage pod or cartridge 20 of the type commonly used by marketers such as Keurig, Inc., and sometimes known commercially as a K-Cup.

[0027] In viewing FIG. 2, the beverage cartridge 20 comprises a cylindrical wall 21, a circumferential flange 23, and a bottom 22. The concentrated beverage ingredients or food item or essence of the food or beverage are stored in the cartridge 20 and are protected by a seal 24 which is attached to the upper surface of the flange 23. Typically, the dimensions of a beverage cartridge 20, exemplified by the Keurig K-Cup, are 2.0 inch flange diameter, 1 13/16 inch was height and 1 inch bottom diameter. The preferred embodiments of the base compartment 10 and the transverse compartment 40, discussed in more detail in this document, generally have internal dimensions corresponding to the above measurements.

[0028] The round bottle 2 as illustrated in FIG. 4, is tilted upward to expose an access aperture 17 in the bottom 9 of the bottle 2. The bottle 2, when set upright, rests upon a circumferential first rim 14. For purposes of illustration only, the preferred embodiment of the bottles disclosed in this inventive concept is constructed with a cap 8 over a threaded opening 4. However, it is to be understood that various types of openings may be constructed onto said bottles for access to a liquid contained in the bottles, including tubes, slits, plugs, snaps or other types of access devices.

[0029] Beverage cups or cartridges of the type disclosed in this inventive concept are particularly adapted for preparing individual servings of coffee or other beverages in specialized brewing machines. The access aperture 17 of FIG. 4, also functions as the opening of an integral base compartment 10 of the round bottle 2, as more clearly defined in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the base compartment 10 is specifically constructed, dimensioned, and contoured to accommodate the beverage cartridge 20 shown in FIG. 2.

[0030] By way of illustration, and by no means constituting limitations, FIG. 3 presents a stylized, segmented see-through view of a container 1 comprising the round bottle 2 shown in FIG. 1 and beverage cartridge 20 of FIG. 2, prospectively inserted through the access aperture 17. The combination of the bottle 2 and the beverage cartridge 20 form the basic components of a container 1 which is portable. The container 1 provides immediate access to premium quality water, which is stored in the bottle 2, and the contents of the beverage cartridge 20 for use in an appropriate brewing machine, if desired.

[0031] The contents or the container unit 1 may also be used for direct cold mixing of the contents of the beverage cartridge and premium quality water, or other internally-stored liquid. For secure retention during handling and shipping, as well as the convenience of an ultimate user, there must be a means to secure the beverage cartridge 20 within the base compartment 10 of the round bottle 2.

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a sectional view of an embodiment of the construction of the base compartment 10 in the lower section of the round bottle 2 shown in FIG. 3. FIG 5 corresponds to the section line 5-5 of FIG. 4. The base compartment 10 serves to accommodate the insertion of the beverage cartridge 20 within the round bottle 2. The cross-hatched lines demonstrate that the base compartment 10 is an integral part of the bottle 2. The design of the base compartment 10 shown in FIG. 5 is not intended to restrict or limit the means or structure by which any bottle used in this inventive concept may be constructed. The base compartment 10 in FIG. 5 is designed to accept and secure the beverage cartridge 20 shown. Differing embodiments of the compartment 10 may be required to secure other varieties of beverage cartridges or pods that may be appropriate for this inventive concept.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 5, when set upright the bottom of the round bottle 2 rests on a first rim 14, which is an annular-shaped structure on the bottom of the round bottle 2. An annular-shaped second rim 15, which is connected with and interior to the first rim 14, forms an access aperture 17. In FIG. 5, the access aperture 17 is the opening of the base compartment 10 into which the beverage cartridge 20 is inserted. The access aperture 17 is shown covered by a mechanism functioning as a disc-shaped closure 18. The rims 14, 15, and 16, are essentially constructed in a stair-step manner.

[0034] The second rim 15 transitions to a concentric third rim 16. The third rim 16 transitions to a cylindrical barrier 11, which culminates by intersection with a lateral barrier 12. In summation, there is a continuous structure formed by the first rim 14, the second rim 15, the third rim 16, the cylindrical barrier 11, and the lateral barrier 12, thereby forming the compartment 10. The base compartment 10 thus separates the water contents of the round bottle 2 and simultaneously provides a custom fit for the beverage cartridge 20.

[0035] Again referring to FIG. 5, it is seen that the lower surface of the beverage cartridge flange 23 may rest upon the third rim 16 of the base compartment 10. When the beverage cartridge 20 is inserted into the base compartment 10, the beverage cartridge wall 21 is proximate the cylindrical barrier 11, and the beverage cartridge bottom 22 may come in contact with the surface of the lateral barrier 12. To what extent the above-described contacts occur will depend on the ultimate means of sealing the access aperture 17 of the base compartment 10. In FIG. 5, one possible sealing embodiment is shown to be the disc-shaped closure 18. The closure 18 further consists of an adhesive-backed material applied to a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the closure 18. In this manner closure e 18 may be attached to the circumferential surface of the second rim 15 of the base compartment 10.

[0036] FIG. 6 is a stylized rendering which depicts a bottle 30 having essentially a rectangular cross-section area. The rectangular bottle 30 of FIG. 6 features a transverse compartment 40 constructed onto one face 46 of the bottle 30. The transverse compartment 40 is dimensioned and contoured to accommodate a beverage cartridge 20 as shown in FIG. 7, thereby forming a different embodiment of a rectangular container 50. It is to be noted that the transverse compartment 40 may be constructed in the upper, mid, or lower section of the bottle 30 shown. Further, the transverse compartment 40 may be constructed proximate the neck 4, or on a corner of intersecting faces 46 of the rectangular bottle 30.

[0037] In other embodiments, either a transverse compartment 40, or a base compartment 10, may be constructed as a cartridge-conforming compartment protruding outwardly from any part of the exterior surface of a round bottle 2, rectangular bottle 30, or any other geometrical shape of a bottle for the containment of liquid. The cross-section of any bottle utilized as a component of the containers disclosed in this inventive concept may be of any continuous, or even variable geometric cross-section.

[0038] In FIG. 8, the transverse compartment 40 of FIG. 6, with the inclusion of a beverage cartridge 20, is shown by a sectional view looking from the orientation of section line 8-8 of FIG. 6. The closure 18 is, for the sake of clarity, shown by a broken line. The transverse compartment 40, an integral part of the rectangular bottle 30, is formed by a circular space angling inward from the face 46 of the rectangular bottle 30 to shape an annular outer brim 43. The smaller circumference of the outer brim 43 angles inwardly a short distance to form an annular inner brim 44. The inner brim 44 forms an aperture which then transitions inward, forming a cylindrical slanted barrier 41.

[0039] In FIG. 8 it is seen that the cylindrical slanted barrier 41, also integral part of the bottle 30, culminates by a merging intersection with a vertical barrier 42 forming the bottom of the transverse compartment 40. In summation, there is a continuous sealed structure formed by the outer brim rim 43, the inner brim 44, the cylindrical slanted barrier 41, and the vertical barrier 42, thereby forming the transverse compartment 40. The brims 46, 43, and 44, are essentially constructed in a stair-step manner.

[0040] The transverse compartment 40 thus separates the liquid contents of the rectangular bottle 30 and simultaneously provides a custom fit for the beverage cartridge 20.

[0041] Again referring to FIG. 8, it is seen that the lower surface of the beverage cartridge flange 23 may rest upon the inner brim 44 of the transverse compartment 40. When the beverage cartridge 20 is inserted into the transverse compartment 40, the beverage cartridge wall 21 is proximate the cylindrical slanted barrier 41, and the beverage cartridge bottom 22 may come in contact with the surface of the vertical barrier 42. To what extent the above-described contacts occur will depend on the selection of any one of various means of sealing the access aperture 17 of the transverse compartment 40.

[0042] In FIG. 8, one possible embodiment for sealing the access aperture 17 is shown to be a disc-shaped closure 18. The closure 18 includes an adhesive-backed material, which is utilized to attach closure 18 to the circumferential surface or the upper brim 43 of the transverse compartment 40. The closure 18 further consists of an adhesive-backed material applied to a portion of the outer, edge portion of the surface of the closure 18. In this manner closure 18 may be attached to the circumferential surface of the second rim 15 of the transverse compartment 40.

[0043] For illustrative purposes only, FIG. 9 presents a stylized, see-through view of the previously-mentioned rectangular container 50. The rectangular container 50 comprises a beverage cartridge 20 and transverse compartment 40 emanating from a face 33 of the bottle 30. The combination of the rectangular bottle 30 and the beverage cartridge 20 from the basic components of a differently-styled rectangular container 50 which also provides the immediate availability of a liquid (typically premium water) and the contents of the beverage cartridge 20 for use in an appropriate brewing machine. Another potential application for the items stored in the rectangular container 50 is the direct mixing of the contents of the beverage cartridge 20 with the liquid contents of the bottle 30.

[0044] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a multi container 51, being a rectangular bottle 30 constructed with two transverse compartments 40 for stowage of beverage cartridges 20. For secure retention during handling and shipping, as well as the convenience of an ultimate user, a means to secure the beverage cartridge 20 within the compartment 40 of the rectangular bottle 30, or of the compartments of the multi container 51 must be devised. By way of example only, FIG. 10 shows the multi-container 51, with the imminent positioning of a closures 18 having a tab 18-A, for securement of the beverage cartridges 20.

[0045] In viewing FIG. 11, there is illustrated an additional means of securement of the beverage cartridge 20, being a small wad of silicone 25 adhesive placed on the inner center of the lateral barrier 12 of a compartment. As shown in FIG. 12, the first finger recess 28 and second finger recess 29, both are constructed just below the second rim 15 of the base compartment 10. The finger recesses may be utilized by a consumer to assist in removing the beverage cartridge 20 from the grip of the first and second retainers 26, 27, and/or the silicone 25 adhesive

[0046] FIG. 12 displays an additional means of securing a beverage cartridge 20 within the base compartment 10 of a round bottle 2. A first retainer 20 and a second retainer 27 are integrally constructed lengthwise from the second rim 15 to the lateral barrier 12 of the compartment 10. The first and second retainers 26, 27 protrude into the access aperture 17 and serve to provide an abutting resistance against the walls 21 of a beverage cartridge 20 as the beverage cartridge 20 is inserted into the access aperture 17 of the compartment 10. Additional retainers may be constructed to evenly distribute the resistance against the wall 21 of the beverage cartridge 20 once it is inserted.

[0047] A beverage cartridge 20 may also be secured by the use of a plurality of longitudinal segments of silicone 25 adhesive placed lengthwise onto the cylindrical barrier 11 of the compartment 10. Other means of securing a beverage cartridge 20 to a compartment 10, 40 include, but are not limited, to hook-and-felt fasteners, hinged, circular-shaped seals, snap-and-lock circular lid, adhesive-backed seals, and linearly-arranged adhesive strips.

[0048] While preferred embodiments of the present inventive concept have been shown and disclosed herein, it will be obvious to those persons skilled in the art that such embodiments are presented by way of example only, and not as a limitation to the scope of the inventive concept. Numerous variations, chances, and substitutions may occur or be suggested to those skilled in the art without departing from the intent, scope, and totality of this inventive concept. Such variations, changes, and substitutions may involve other features which are already known per se and which may be used instead of, in combination with, or in addition to features already disclosed herein. Accordingly, it is intended that this inventive concept be inclusive of such variations, changes, and substitutions, and by no means limited by the scope of the claims presented herein.