System and Method for Preparing a Liquid

Abstract

In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a container for preparing a liquid, and a method for forming a container for preparing a liquid. For example, a container includes a bottom section operable to store a liquid. The container further includes a top section coupled to the bottom section. The top section substantially encloses the liquid in the container. The top section includes at least one opening operable to provide access to the liquid. The container further includes at least one storage unit. The storage unit is operable to store an additive. The storage unit is further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/111,174 filed Nov. 4, 2008, entitled Convenient coffee.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to liquids and more particularly to a system and method for preparing a liquid.

BACKGROUND

Coffee is one of the most inconvenient beverages to prepare. In particular, a fresh brewed cup of coffee requires eight or more steps before it is ready for consumption. Furthermore, even after the coffee has been brewed, most consumers prefer to customize their coffee to their preferences (i.e., adding sugar, cream, etc.)

SUMMARY

In particular embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a container for preparing a liquid, and a method for forming a container for preparing a liquid. For example, a container includes a bottom section operable to store a liquid. The container further includes a top section coupled to the bottom section. The top section substantially encloses the liquid in the container. The top section includes at least one opening operable to provide access to the liquid. The container further includes at least one storage unit. The storage unit is operable to store an additive. The storage unit is further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid.

A technical advantage of particular embodiments may be that the container includes the storage units. As such, any additives that may be added to the liquid are already located on the container. Thus, preparing the liquid is easier. A technical advantage of other embodiments may be that premium coffee may be stored in a microwaveable container. As such, the coffee can be prepared by heating the coffee in the microwave. A technical advantage of further embodiments may be that additives may be added to the liquid by activating a storage unit. As such, the liquid may be customized to a user's preference. A technical advantage of further embodiments may be that an aroma strip is included in the container. As such, when the liquid is heated in a microwave, the aroma strip may release an aroma that makes the liquid more enjoyable to consume.

Other technical advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following descriptions, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system for preparing a liquid;

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate diagrams of particular embodiments of storage units of a system for preparing a liquid;

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of storage units of a system for preparing a liquid;

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of storage units of a system for preparing a liquid; and

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method for forming a container for preparing a liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a system 10 for preparing a liquid 26. According to the illustrated embodiment, system 10 may include a container 14 with a storage unit 30. In one embodiment, storage unit 30 may store an additive 34, such as cream and/or sugar, thereby allowing a user to add the cream and/or sugar to a liquid 26, such as coffee, in container 14. Accordingly, a user may easily prepare the liquid 26 for consumption in accordance with the user's preferences. In a further embodiment, container 14 may allow liquid 26, such as coffee, to be heated up in a microwave. As such, system 10 may allow a user to quickly prepare coffee for consumption.

Container 14 may include any suitable apparatus for storing liquid 26. For example, container 14 may include a cup, a mug, a thermos, a storage tank, any combination thereof, or any other suitable apparatus for storing liquid 26. According to the illustrated embodiment, container 14 includes a cup. In one embodiment, container 14 may have any suitable shape. For example, container 14 may be cylindrical, square, rectangular, any combination thereof, or any other suitable shape. As a further example, container 14 may have sides that are rounded, slanted, parallel, irregularly formed, or any combination thereof. According to one embodiment, container 14 may have any suitable size. For example, container 14 may store five ounces of liquid 26, twelve ounces of liquid 26, sixteen ounces of liquid 26, one gallon of liquid 26, or any other amount of liquid 26.

In another embodiment, container 14 may consist of any suitable material. For example, container 14 may consist of paper, styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, ceramic, metal, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material for storing liquid 26. According to one embodiment, container 14 may be heated. For example, container 14 may be heated in a microwave, on a stove, or using any other suitable heating device. As such, liquid 26 may be heated. In another embodiment, container 14 may be cooled. For example, container 14 may be cooled in a refrigerator, a freezer, or using any other suitable cooling device. As such, liquid 26 may be cooled. In a further embodiment, container 14 may further include a cooling or heating device that heats or cools liquid 26 stored in container 14. In a further embodiment, container 14 may include any suitable insulation to allow liquid 26 in container 14 to remain either hot or cold. In another embodiment, container 14 may include any suitable appendages. For example, container 14 may include a handle to allow a user to grip container 14.

According to the illustrated embodiment, container 14 may include bottom section 18 and top section 22. In one embodiment, bottom section 18 may store liquid 26. In a further embodiment, top section 22 may be coupled to bottom section 18, and may enclose liquid 26 inside container 14. For example, top section 22 may include a top, a lid, a plastic film, any combination thereof, or any other suitable device for enclosing liquid 26 inside container 14. According to one embodiment, top section 22 may be permanently coupled to bottom section 18. In a further embodiment, top section 22 may be formed integral with bottom section 18. In another embodiment, top section 22 may be removeably coupled to bottom section 18.

In one embodiment, top section 22 may substantially enclose liquid 26 inside of container 14. For example, top section 22 may include one or more openings (not shown) that provide access to liquid 26 inside of container 14. As such, in one embodiment, a user may have access to liquid 26 while liquid 26 is stored in container 14. In particular, the one or more openings may allow a user to consume liquid 26, or may allow a user to add one or more elements to liquid 26 without having to remove top section 22 from bottom section 18. According to one embodiment, top section 22 may further include any suitable apparatus for closing the one or more openings in top section 22. For example, top section 22 may include a plug, a slideable shutter, a cap, a reattachable film, any combination thereof, or any other suitable device for closing the one or more openings when not in use. As such, top section 22 may fully enclose liquid 26 in container 14, preventing any of liquid 26 from leaking out of container 14.

Liquid 26 may include any suitable liquid. For example, liquid 26 may include water, soda, tea, coffee, broth, any combination thereof, or any other suitable liquid. According to the illustrated embodiment, liquid 26 includes coffee. In one embodiment, liquid 26 may include previously brewed premium coffee. According to one embodiment, liquid 26 may be cooled or heated while enclosed in container 14. For example, in order to prepare hot coffee, liquid 26 may be heated up using any suitable method. As such, a user may be able to quickly prepare liquid 26 for consumption, or for any other use.

According to the illustrated embodiment, container 14 may further include storage unit 30. Storage unit 30 may include any suitable apparatus for storing additive 34. For example, storage unit 30 may include a packet, a tube, a capsule, a container, a pocket, any combination thereof, or any other suitable apparatus for storing additive 34. In one embodiment, storage unit 30 may store any suitable amount of additive 34. For example, storage unit 30 may store one teaspoon of additive 34, two teaspoons of additive 34, one cup of additive 34, or any other suitable amount of additive 34. In one embodiment, storage unit 30 may be located in any suitable area of container 14. For example, storage unit 30 may be located on the outside of container 14, on the inside of container 14, on the side of container 14, on the bottom of container 14, throughout container 14, on top section 22, on bottom section 18, or any combination thereof. In a further embodiment, container 14 may be formed in top section 22, coupled to top section 22, formed in bottom section 18, coupled to bottom section 22, or any combination thereof. According to the illustrated embodiment, storage unit 30 may be formed in top section 22 of container 14. In a further embodiment, storage unit 30 may release additive 34 into liquid 26 upon activation. For example, storage unit 30 may be activated by a user from outside of container 14, causing storage unit 30 to release additive 34 into liquid 26 inside of container 14. Further embodiments of storage unit 30 are discussed with regard to FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3, and 4.

Additive 34 may include any suitable substance that may be added to liquid 26. For example, additive 34 may include sugar, cream, flavoring, spice, ingredients, stimulants, vitamins, any edible substance, any combination thereof, or any other substance that may be added to liquid 26. In one embodiment, additive 34 may have any suitable phase of matter. For example, additive 34 may be a liquid, a solid, a gas, or any combination thereof. According to the illustrated embodiment, additive 34 may be a dry additive. For example, additive 34 may be sugar, dry cream, dry flavoring, or any other suitable dry substance. In an embodiment where liquid 26 is coffee, additive 34 may include any additive that may be added to coffee. For example, additive 34 may include sugar, cream, flavoring, artificial sweetener, cinnamon, caffeine booster, any combination thereof, or any other suitable additive for coffee. In a further embodiment, additive 34 may include coffee mix. In such an embodiment, the coffee mix may be added to liquid 26, such as water, in order to create coffee. Thus, system 10 may allow a user to create coffee any time the user desires to make coffee.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates system 10 as only including a single additive 34 stored in a single storage unit 30, system 10 may include any number of storage units 30, and each storage unit may include one or more additives 34. For example, system 10 may include two storage units 30, six storage units 30, ten storage units 30, or any other number of storage units 30. According to one embodiment, each of the storage units 30 may store the same type of additive 34. In a further embodiment, each of the storage units 30 may store a different type of additive 34 than any of the other storage units 30. For example, in an embodiment where system 10 includes six storage units 30, a first storage unit 30 may store a first type of additive 34, such as sugar; a second storage unit 30 may store a second type of additive 34, such as cream; a third storage unit 30 may store a third type of additive 34, such as artificial sweetener; a fourth storage unit 30 may store a fourth type of additive 34, such as French vanilla flavoring; a fifth storage unit 30 may store a fifth type of additive 34, such as honey; and a sixth storage unit 30 may store a sixth type of additive 34, such as a caffeine booster.

In a further embodiment, storage units 30 may store doses of additives 34. For example, storage units 30 may each store the same type of additive 34, such as sugar. Therefore, in one embodiment, a user may select an amount of additive 34 to release into liquid 26 by activating only a certain number of storage units 30. For example, activating a first storage unit 30 may cause a first dose (such as, for example, one teaspoon) of additive 34 to be released into liquid 26, resulting in liquid 26 having a low amount of additive 34. Furthermore, activating a second storage unit 30 may cause a second dose of additive 34 to be released into liquid 26, causing liquid 26 to have a medium amount of additive 34. Additionally, activating a third storage unit 30 may cause a third dose of additive 34 to be released into liquid 26, resulting in liquid 26 having a high amount of additive 34. As such, by selecting how many storage units 30 to activate, a user may select the amount of additive 34 that is added to liquid 26. Therefore, in an embodiment where liquid 26 includes coffee, system 10 may allow a user to select an amount of doses of cream and sugar to add to the coffee. Accordingly, system 10 allows a user to prepare coffee to their particular liking.

In a further embodiment, storage units 30 may store different doses of additives 34. For example, storage unit 30a may store one dose (such as, for example, one teaspoon) of a particular type of additive 34, such as sugar; storage unit 30b may store two doses (such as, for example, two teaspoons) of sugar; and storage unit 30c may store four doses (such as, for example, four teaspoons) of sugar. In such an example, a user may select various combinations of doses of sugar to add to liquid 26.

In another embodiment, storage units 30 may include a combination of additives 34. For example, a single storage unit 30 may include a combination of two or more particular type of additives 34. In such an example, a single storage unit 30 may include a combination of cream and sugar, or a combination of cream, sugar, and French vanilla flavoring, or any other combination of additives 34.

In a further embodiment, system 10 may include an aroma strip 36 in container 15. For example, aroma strip 36 may be coupled to an inside surface of top section 22. In one embodiment, aroma strip 36 may release a particular aroma when activated. For example, aroma strip 36 may release a coffee aroma when container 14 is heated in a microwave. As such, system 10 may allow a user to create coffee with a richer coffee aroma. In other embodiments, aroma strip 36 may release any suitable aroma, and may be activated using any suitable method.

In an additional embodiment, system 10 may include one or more vents 40 (e.g., a pressure release valve) in container 14. In one embodiment, vents 40 may allow pressure to escape container 14 when container 14 is heated. According to one embodiment, vents 40 may be located in any suitable location on container 14. For example, vents 40 may be located on the top surface of top section 22, or the side surface of top section 22. In a further embodiment, vents 40 may release the aroma of liquid 26 when container 14 is heated. For example, when container 14 is heated, vent 40 may allow coffee aroma to escape container 14. In such an embodiment, vent 40 may be located on the side surface of top section 22 in order to allow the user to enjoy the aroma.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system 10 without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of system 10 may be integrated or separated according to particular needs. Moreover, the operations of system 10 may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. For example, top section 22 and bottom section 18 may be integrated into a single component.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate diagrams of particular embodiments of storage units 130 of a system 100 for preparing a liquid 126. According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 includes storage units 130a-f formed in container 114. In such an embodiment, a user may activate each storage unit 130 by applying pressure to each storage unit 130. As such, a user can select which additives 134 to add to liquid 126.

System 100 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be substantially similar to system 10 of FIG. 1. Container 114 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be substantially similar to container 14 of FIG. 1. Liquid 126 (not shown) of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be substantially similar to liquid 26 of FIG. 1. Storage units 130 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be substantially similar to storage unit 30 of FIG. 1. Additives 134 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be substantially similar to additives 34 of FIG. 1.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 further includes a top section 122. Top section 122 of FIGS. 2A and 2B may be substantially similar to top section 22 of FIG. 1.

According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 130 may be formed within container 114. In such an embodiment, additives 134 of each storage unit 130 may also be located within container 114. As such, system 100 prevents a user from having to separately obtain any additives 134 from outside of system 100. In one embodiment, storage units 130 may be formed in any area within container 114. For example, storage units 130 may be formed in top section 122, the bottom section 118 (not shown), throughout container 114, in the bottom of container 114, any combination thereof, or any other area of container 114. According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 130 may be formed in the top section 122. As such, a user may activate storage units 130 from top section 122. In one embodiment, storage units 130 may be arranged around the perimeter of top section 122. In a further embodiment, storage units 130 may be arranged in any other suitable arrangement.

According to the illustrated embodiment, container 114 may include six storage units 130a-f. Although FIG. 2A illustrates six storage units 130, system 100 may include any suitable number of storage units 130. For example, system 100 may include one storage unit 130, two storage units 130, ten storage units 130, or any other number of storage units 130. In an embodiment where container 114 includes six storage units 130, container 114 may further include six additives 134a-f (not shown). In one embodiment, each of additives 134a-f may include the same type of additive 134. In another embodiment, each of additives 134a-f may include a different type of additive 134. In a further embodiment, additives 134a-f may include doses of particular types of additives 134. According to the illustrated embodiment, additives 134a-c each include a dose of a particular type of additive 134, such as sugar, and additives 134d-f each include a dose of a different type of additive 134, such as cream. As such, a user may select the amount of doses of sugar and cream to add to liquid 126.

According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 130 may be activated (in order to release additives 134) using pressure. For example, storage units 130 may include a top portion 150 and a bottom portion 152. Top portion 150 of each storage unit 130 may be accessible from outside container 114. For example, top portion 140 may be located on the outside surface of top section 122. Furthermore, bottom portion 152 of each storage unit 130 may be located inside of container 114 so that bottom portion 152 separates additive 134 from liquid 126. For example, bottom portion 152 may be located on the inside surface of top section 122. In such an embodiment, each storage unit 130 may include a piercing device 154 that pierces the respective bottom portion 152 of storage unit 130 when pressure is applied to top portion 150 of storage unit 130 by a user. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the pierced bottom portion 152 of the storage unit 130 may release additive 134 into liquid 126.

In a further embodiment, storage units 130 release additives 134 in any other suitable manner when pressure is applied. For example, bottom portion 152 of storage units 130 may break (or may be punched out) when pressure is applied. As such, each storage unit 130 may release additive 134 from bottom portion 152 of storage unit 130 into liquid 126 when top portion 150 of storage unit 130 is activated by a user from outside of container 114 using pressure.

In another embodiment, system 100 may further include an opening 138. Opening 138 may provide access to liquid 126 inside of container 114. As such, in one embodiment, a user may have access to liquid 126 while liquid 126 is stored in container 114. In particular, opening 138 may allow a user to consume liquid 126 without having to remove top section 122 from bottom section 118.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system 100 without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of system 100 may be integrated or separated according to particular needs. For example, storage units 130a-f may be integrated into a single storage unit 130. Moreover, the operations of system 100 may be performed by more, fewer, or other components.

FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of storage units 230 of a system 200 for preparing a liquid 226. According to the illustrated embodiment, system 200 includes storage units 230a-f coupled to a top section 222 of a container 214 by a channel 242. In such an embodiment, a user may add additives 234 into a liquid 226 by removing storage units 230 from channel 242 and manually adding additives 234 to liquid 226. As such, a user can select which additives 234 to add to liquid 226 without having to obtain additives 234 from anywhere other than system 200.

System 200 of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to system 10 of FIG. 1. Container 214 of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to container 14 of FIG. 1. Top section 222 of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to top section 22 of FIG. 1. Liquid 226 (not shown) of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to liquid 26 of FIG. 1. Storage units 230 of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to storage unit 30 of FIG. 1. Additives 234 (not shown) of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to additives 34 of FIG. 1. According to the illustrated embodiment, system 100 further includes an opening 238. Opening 238 of FIG. 3 may be substantially similar to opening 138 of FIG. 2A.

Channel 242 may include any suitable device for coupling storage units 230 to any suitable area container 214. For example, channel 242 may include an elongated channel for holding storage units 230, individualized pockets for holding each storage unit 230, an enclosed container that holds storage units 230, an attachment that holds storage units 230, any combination thereof, or any other suitable device for coupling storage units 230 to any suitable area of container 214. According to the illustrated embodiment, channel 242 may be formed in top section 222. As such, storage units 230 may be coupled to top section 222. This may, in one embodiment, allow a user to individually remove storage units 230 from top section 222 of container 214, and add the additives 234 of storage units 230 to liquid 226 without the user having to obtain additives 234 from any location outside of system 200. In a further embodiment, channel 242 may be formed in any other area of container 214. For example, channel 242 may be formed throughout container 214, in the sides of container 214, in an attachment that may be coupled to container 214, in the bottom of container 214, any combination thereof, or in any other suitable area of container 214. Although FIG. 3 illustrates channel 242 and storage units 230 arranged around the perimeter of top section 222, channel 242 and storage units 230 be arranged in any other suitable arrangement.

According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 230 may be coupled to top section 222 using channel 242. In one embodiment, storage units 230 may be removed from their coupling with container 214. For example, a user may remove each storage unit 230 from channel 242 of container 214. In such embodiment, a user may remove storage units 230 in order to add additives 234 to liquid 226. For example, a user may remove storage units 230, open storage units 230, and add additives 234 to liquid 226. In one embodiment, storage units 230 may be opened (or activated) in any suitable manner. For example, a user may peel a lid off of storage unit 230, poke a hole in storage unit 230, tear open storage unit 230, or open storage unit 230 in any other suitable manner. In one embodiment, once storage unit 230 is open, a user may pour additives 234 into liquid 226 through opening 238. As such, a such a user may add additives 234 to liquid 226 without removing top section 222 from bottom section 218 (not shown) of container 214. According to one embodiment, by removing storage units 230 and adding additives 234 to liquid 226, system 200 may allow a user to select the amount of doses of additive 234 added to liquid 226.

According to the illustrated embodiment, system 200 may include six storage units 230a-f. Although FIG. 3 illustrates six storage units 230, system 200 may include any suitable number of storage units 230. For example, system 200 may include one storage unit 230, two storage units 230, ten storage units 230, or any other number of storage units 230. In an embodiment where container 214 includes six storage units 230, container 214 may further include six additives 234a-f. In one embodiment, each of additives 234a-f may include the same type of additive 234. In another embodiment, each of additives 234a-f may include a different type of additive 234. In a further embodiment, additives 234a-f may include doses of particular types of additives 234. According to the illustrated embodiment, additives 234a-c each include a dose of a particular type of additive 234, such as sugar, and additives 234d-f each include a dose of a different type of additive 234, such as cream. As such, a user may select the amount of doses of sugar and cream to add to liquid 226.

Although FIG. 3 illustrates each of storage units 230 including a single dose of additive 234, in one embodiment, each storage unit 230 may include more than one dose of additive 234. For example, a single storage unit 230 may include three doses of additive 234. In such an embodiment, storage units 230 may allow a user to select an amount of additive 234 to be added to liquid 226. In particular, storage units 230 may include partitions that separate each dose of additive 234. In such an embodiment, the user may elect to only open certain portions of each storage unit 230.

In one embodiment, system 200 may further include a covering device (not shown) that prevents storage units 230 from being removed (or uncoupled) from channel 242 until the covering device is removed. For example, the covering device may include a sticky film, tape, a shield, any combination thereof, or any other suitable covering device. According to one embodiment, the covering device may prevent storage units 230 from uncoupling from channel 242 until a user wants them to be uncoupled.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system 200 without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of system 200 may be integrated or separated according to particular needs. Moreover, the operations of system 200 may be performed by more, fewer, or other components.

FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of one embodiment of storage units 330 of a system 300 for preparing a liquid 326. In one embodiment, system 300 includes storage units 330a-b formed in container 314. In such an embodiment, a user may activate each storage unit 330 using an activation knob 346. As such, a user can select which additives 334 to add to liquid 326.

System 300 of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to system 10 of FIG. 1. Container 314 of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to container 14 of FIG. 1. Liquid 326 (not shown) of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to liquid 26 of FIG. 1. Storage units 330 of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to storage unit 30 of FIG. 1. Additives 334 (not shown) of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to additives 34 of FIG. 1. According to the illustrated embodiment, system 300 further includes a top section 322 and opening 338. Top section 322 of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to top section 22 of FIG. 1. Opening 338 of FIG. 4 may be substantially similar to opening 138 of FIG. 2A.

According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 330 may be formed within container 314. In such an embodiment, additives 334 of each storage unit 330 may also be located within container 314. As such, system 300 prevents a user from having to separately obtain any additives 334 from outside of system 300. In one embodiment, storage units 330 may be formed in any area within container 314. For example, storage units 330 may be formed in the top section 322, the bottom section 318 (not shown), throughout container 314, in the bottom of container 314, any combination thereof, or any other area of container 314. According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 330 may be formed in the top section 322. As such, a user may activate storage units 330 from top section 322 using activation knobs 346. In one embodiment, storage units 330 may be arranged around the perimeter of top section 322. In further embodiment, storage units 330 may be arranged in any other suitable arrangement.

According to the illustrated embodiment, container 314 may include two storage units 330a and 330b. Although FIG. 4 illustrates two storage units 330, system 300 may include any suitable number of storage units 330. For example, system 300 may include one storage unit 330, three storage units 330, ten storage units 330, or any other number of storage units 330. In an embodiment where container 314 includes two storage units 330, container 314 may further include two additives 334a-b. In one embodiment, each of additives 334a-b may include the same type of additive 334. In another embodiment, each of additives 334a-b may include a different type of additive 334. In a further embodiment, additives 334a-b may include doses of particular types of additives 334. In one embodiment, additives 334a-b may each include a dose of a particular type of additive 334, such as sugar or cream. As such, a user may select the amount of doses of sugar or cream to add to liquid 326.

According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 330 may be partitioned into storage sections (not shown). For example, each storage unit 330 may be partitioned so that the storage unit 330 includes two or more storage sections. In one embodiment, each storage unit 330 may include three storage sections. In such an embodiment, each storage unit 330 may include more than one dose of additives 334. For example, storage unit 330a may include a single dose of a particular type of additive 334, such as cream, in each of the three storage sections (for a total of three doses in storage 330a). As a result, a user may select the amount of doses of cream to add to liquid 326 by activating a portion of storage unit 330a. Similarly, storage unit 330b may include three doses of sugar, allowing a user to select the amount of doses of sugar to add to liquid 326 by activating a portion of storage unit 330b.

According to the illustrated embodiment, storage units 330 may be activated (in order to release additives 334) using activation knobs 346. Activation knobs 346 may include any suitable activator for releasing additives 334 stored in storage units 330. For example, activation knobs 346 may include a lever, a switch, a slideable knob, a pull tab, any combination thereof, or any other suitable activator for releasing additives 334. According to the illustrated embodiment, activation knobs 346 may release additives 334 by opening a bottom portion of storage units 330. For example, storage units 330 may have a bottom portion (not shown) located inside of container 314 in such a way that the bottom portion separates the additive 334 from liquid 326. In such an example, the bottom portion may slide open or shut. As such, activation knobs 346 may be coupled to the slideable bottom portion so that moving activation knobs may slide the bottom portion open or shut.

According to the illustrated embodiment, activation knob 346 may be slid along a channel 350, allowing a user to select an amount of additives 334 to add to liquid 326. For example, sliding activation knob 346 to slot A (not shown) on channel 350 may result in a first dose of additive 334 being released from a first storage section of storage unit 330. Furthermore, sliding activation knob 346 to slot B (not shown) on channel 350 may result in a second dose of additive 334 being released from a second storage section of storage unit 330. Additionally, sliding activation knob 346 to slot C (not shown) of channel 350 may result in a third dose of additive 334 being released from a third storage section of storage unit 330. Accordingly, activation knob 346 may allow a user to select the amount of additive 334 to be added to liquid 326 without accidentally adding more than the desired amount of doses of additive 334.

In a further embodiment, activation knobs 346 may activate storage units 330 in any other suitable manner. For example, activation knobs 346 may include pull tabs that may release additives 334 when a user pulls the pull tabs out of container 314. In an additional embodiment, system 300 may include more that two activation knobs 346. For example, system 300 may include an activation knob 346 for each storage section of each storage unit 330. In such an example, system 300 may include six activation knobs 346 when system 300 includes three storage sections in each of the two storage devices 330a-b (for a total of six storage sections).

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to system 300 without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of system 300 may be integrated or separated according to particular needs. Moreover, the operations of system 100 may be performed by more, fewer, or other components.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of a method 400 for forming a container for preparing a liquid. According to one embodiment, the container may be for preparing coffee for consumption by a user.

The method begins at step 410. At step 410, a bottom section for storing a liquid is formed. In one embodiment, the bottom section may be formed from any suitable material for storing a liquid. For example, the bottom section may be formed from paper, styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, ceramic, metal, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material for storing a liquid. In a further embodiment, the liquid may include water, soda, tea, coffee, broth, any combination thereof, or any other suitable liquid.

At step 420, a top section is formed. In one embodiment, the top section may substantially enclose the liquid stored in the container. For example, the top section may include at least one opening for providing access to the liquid. In another embodiment, the top section may be formed from any suitable material. For example, the top section may be formed from paper, styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, ceramic, metal, any combination thereof, or any other suitable material for storing a liquid. In one embodiment, the top section may be formed from the same material that the bottom section is formed from. In another embodiment, the top section may be formed from a different material.

At step 430, the top section is coupled to the bottom section. The top section may be coupled to the bottom section in any suitable manner. For example, the top section may be glued to the bottom section using any suitable adhesive, the top section may be formed integral with the bottom section, the top section may be coupled to the bottom section using any suitable apparatus, or the top section may be coupled to the bottom section using any other suitable manner. In one embodiment, the top section may be permanently coupled to the bottom section. In a further embodiment, the top section may be removeably coupled to the bottom section.

At step 440, a storage unit is formed. In one embodiment, a storage unit may store an additive. According to one embodiment, an additive may include sugar, cream, flavoring, spice, ingredients, stimulants, vitamins, any edible substance, any combination thereof, or any other substance that may be added to a liquid. In a further embodiment, a storage unit may release the additive into the liquid. For example, the storage unit may release the additive when activated using pressure, when opened by a user and poured in an opening of the container, when activated using an activation knob, or when activated using any other suitable manner.

In one embodiment, the storage unit may be formed in the container. For example, the storage unit may be formed in the top section of the container. In another example, the storage unit may be formed in any other area of the container. In a further embodiment, the storage unit may be coupled to an area of the container using a channel. For example, a channel may be formed in the top section to hold the storage unit on the top section.

In another embodiment, more than one storage unit may be formed. For example, two storage units may be formed, ten storage units may be formed, or any other number of storage units may be formed. In an embodiment where more than one storage unit is formed, each storage unit may store the same type of additive or a different type of additive. In another embodiment, each storage unit may store a dose of a particular type of additive. For example, in an embodiment where six storage units are formed, three of the storage units may each include a dose of a particular type of additive, such as sugar, and the other three storage unit may each include a dose of another type of additive, such as cream. As such, a user may select the amount of doses of sugar and cream to add to the liquid. At step 460, the method ends.

Although the present disclosure has been described in several embodiments, a myriad of changes, substitutions, and modifications may be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present disclosure encompass such changes, substitutions, and modifications as fall within the scope of the present appended claims.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a bottom section operable to store a liquid;

a top section coupled to the bottom section, the top section substantially enclosing the liquid in the container, the top section including at least one opening operable to provide access to the liquid; and

at least one storage unit, the storage unit operable to store an additive, the storage unit further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is formed in the top section, the storage unit having a portion accessible from an outside surface of the top section, the storage unit being further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid when pressure is applied to the portion of the storage unit from the outside surface of the top section.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the storage unit is formed in the top section, the storage unit having a knob that is accessible from an outside surface of the top section, the storage unit being further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid when the knob is activated from the outside surface of the top section.

4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a channel formed in the top section, the channel operable to hold the storage unit on the top section, wherein the storage unit is configured:

to be removed from the channel;

to be opened; and

to allow selective release of the additive into the container through the opening.

5. The container of claim 1, further comprising an aroma strip coupled to an inside surface of the top section, the aroma strip operable to release aroma when the container is heated.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the liquid comprises coffee.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one storage unit comprises at least two storage units;

the additive stored in the first storage unit comprises cream in a dry form; and

the additive stored in the second storage unit comprises sugar.

8. The container of claim 1, further comprising at least one air vent, and wherein the container is further operable to be heated in a microwave.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein:

the liquid comprises water;

the at least one storage unit comprises at least three storage units;

the additive stored in the first storage unit comprises cream in a dry form;

the additive stored in the second storage unit comprises sugar; and

the additive stored in the third storage unit comprises a coffee mix operable to be combined with the water in order to make coffee.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein:

the at least one storage unit comprises at least two storage units;

the first storage unit is operable to store a first dose of the additive, and

the second storage unit is operable to store a second dose of the additive.

11. A method of forming a container, comprising:

forming a bottom section operable to store a liquid;

forming a top section operable to enclose the liquid in the container, the top section including at least one opening operable to provide access to the liquid;

coupling the top section to the bottom section; and

forming at least one storage unit, the storage unit operable to store an additive, the storage unit further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein forming the storage unit comprises forming the storage unit in the top section, the storage unit having a portion accessible from an outside surface of the top section, the storage unit being further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid when pressure is applied to the portion of the storage unit from the outside surface of the container.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the storage unit comprises forming the storage unit in the top section, the storage unit having a knob that is accessible from an outside surface of the top section, the storage unit being configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid when the knob is activated from the outside surface of the container.

14. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming a channel in the top section, the channel operable to hold the storage unit on the top section, wherein the storage unit is configured:

to be removed from the channel;

to be opened; and

to allow selective release of the additive into the container through the opening.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising coupling an aroma strip to an inside surface of the top section, the aroma strip operable to release aroma when the container is heated.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the liquid comprises coffee.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the at least one storage unit comprises forming at least two storage units; and

wherein: the additive stored in the first storage unit comprises cream in a dry form; and the additive stored in the second storage unit comprises sugar.

18. The method of claim 11, further comprising forming at least one air vent in the container; and

wherein the container is further operable to be heated in a microwave.

19. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the at least one storage unit comprises forming at least three storage units; and

wherein: the liquid comprises water; the additive stored in the first storage unit comprises cream in a dry form; the additive stored in the second storage unit comprises sugar; and the additive stored in the third storage unit comprises a coffee mix operable to be combined with the water in order to make coffee.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein forming the at least one storage unit comprises forming at least two storage units; and

wherein: the first storage unit is operable to store a first dose of the additive, and the second storage unit is operable to store a second dose of the additive.

21. A container, comprising:

a bottom section operable to store a liquid, wherein the liquid comprises coffee;

a top section coupled to the bottom section, the top section substantially enclosing the liquid in the container, the top section including at least one opening operable to provide access to the liquid;

at least two storage units, wherein each storage unit is operable to store an additive, wherein the additive stored in the first storage unit comprises cream in a dry form and the additive stored in the second storage unit comprises sugar, wherein each storage unit is further configured to allow selective release of the additive into the liquid;

a channel formed in the top section, the channel operable to hold the storage units on the top section, wherein each storage unit is configured: to be removed from the channel; to be opened; and to allow selective release of the additive into the container through the opening;

an aroma strip coupled to an inside surface of the top section, the aroma strip operable to release aroma when the container is heated; and

at least one air vent, and wherein the container is further operable to be heated in a microwave.