System and Method for Dispensing a Beverage

Abstract

Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing beverages. In at least one embodiment, the system comprises: at least one cup, the cup having a first indicia for denoting a first volume and a second indicia for denoting a second volume; a dispenser, the dispenser having a first fountain and a second fountain; an instruction, the instruction providing a first drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage; wherein the first fountain dispenses the first beverage; wherein the second fountain dispenses the second beverage; and wherein a user fills the at least one cup with a first beverage to about the first indicia and a second beverage to about the second indicia.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure generally relates to a system and method for dispensing or distributing fountain beverages.

BACKGROUND

Beverage dispensers are currently used to offer a variety of beverages to consumers at restaurants, eateries, and other places of beverage sale and consumption. For example, carbonated fountain dispensers are commonly found at fast food restaurants to offer consumers a choice between carbonated cola, lemon-lime, orange, root beer, and diet cola beverages. These beverage dispensers offer consumers a limited variety of beverage products.

One such beverage dispenser is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,370, titled “Tri-Mix Sugar Based Dispensing System.” U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,370 is fully incorporated herein by reference.

The dispenser disclosed in the '370 permits a consumer to dispense a variety of beverages that may currently be available on the market, without the need for prepackaged bottles or cans. Due to space constraints within a restaurant, however, only a small handful of beverage options are generally offered. As a result, consumers are often left with dull and uninspired drink choices.

Due to these and other limitations of these beverage dispensers, there is a need for further innovation to drive increased consumer traffic to the restaurant or other place of beverage purchase. In particular, a dispenser that provides more beverage options to the consumer would drive beverage sales and increase the traffic of consumers purchasing products at the restaurant, eatery, or other place of beverage consumption. Further, any new beverage dispenser that requires a large capital investment is not desired as the fast-food restaurant may not be interested in investing in a costly high-tech dispenser, like the Coca-Cola Freestyle dispenser, disclosed in US Patent Publication Nos. 2007/0267441, 2007/0205221, 2007/0205220, all three of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Accordingly, the disclosure provides for an improved method and system for delivering increased beverage choices to consumers without requiring costly investment in a new high-tech dispenser.

SUMMARY

Disclosed is a system and method for dispensing beverages.

In one particular embodiment, the system comprises: at least one cup, the cup having a first indicia for denoting a first volume and a second indicia for denoting a second volume; a dispenser, the dispenser having a first fountain and a second fountain; an instruction, the instruction providing a first drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage; wherein the first fountain dispenses the first beverage; wherein the second fountain dispenses the second beverage; and wherein a user fills the at least one cup with a first beverage to about the first indicia and a second beverage to about the second indicia.

The system may be a carbonated beverage dispenser configured to dispense at least one carbonated beverage.

The system may also further comprise an ice dispenser.

The system may also have a cup with a third indicia, the third indicia denotes a third volume.

The system may also provide the instruction as a rotatable display.

The system may also provide the instruction as a printed instruction on the at least one cup.

In some embodiments, the instruction may be attached to the dispenser.

The system may also have cups with a third indicia that denotes a level for ice or a third beverage.

In some embodiments of this system, three level indicators may be provided, wherein the first indicia denotes 25% of the at least one cup volume, wherein the second indicia denotes 50% of the at least one cup volume, and wherein the third indicia denotes 75% of the at least one cup volume.

In some embodiments of this system, one indicia denotes 33% of the at least one cup volume, and wherein the second indicia denotes about 67% of the at least one cup volume.

In one particular embodiment, the system has eight fountains, wherein each fountain is configured to dispense a different beverage.

In yet another embodiment, the dispenser of the system mixes carbon dioxide gas, concentrated beverage syrup, and filtered water.

In another embodiment, the instruction comprises a second drink recipe for mixing at least two beverages.

In yet another embodiment, a method for providing a beverage is provided. The method comprises the steps of: selling a beverage to a consumer and providing a cup to the consumer. The cup comprises a first indicia that denotes a first volume of the cup and a second indicia that denotes a second volume of the cup. The method further comprises the steps of providing a drink instruction and providing a beverage dispenser. The drink instruction comprises at least one drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage and the beverage dispenser is configured to dispense a first beverage from a first fountain and a second beverage from a second fountain. In this particular embodiment, a user fills the cup with the first beverage to about the first indicia and fills the cup with the second beverage to about the second indicia.

In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of filling the cup with a third beverage to a third indicia, the cup comprising a third indicia that denotes a third volume of the cup.

In even yet another embodiment, the drink instruction provides at least two drink recipes.

In another embodiment, a method for promoting beverage consumption is provided. The method comprises the steps of: selling a beverage to a consumer; providing the consumer with a cup; providing the consumer with access to a beverage dispenser, wherein the beverage dispenser dispenses at least two or more different beverages; allowing the consumer to mix at least two or more beverages together in the cup; providing a website; and providing the website information to the consumer. In this embodiment, the website is configured to receive the consumer's information about the consumer's mixed beverage.

In another embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of awarding a prize to the consumer for the consumer's mixed beverage combination.

In even yet another embodiment, the method may further comprise the step of publishing the consumer's mixed beverage combination on the website for public viewing

DRAWINGS

Referring now to the Figures, exemplary embodiments are illustrated, wherein the elements are numbered alike:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cup that may be used with the system and method in one exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the beverage dispenser that may be used with the system and method in another exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a cup that may be used with the system and method in yet another exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, cup 10 may be provided in connection with the system and method for mixing at least two beverages from dispenser 20.

As further shown in FIG. 1, cup 10 may have indicia 30 that each indicate an approximate cup volume. For example, each indicia 30 may denote a cup volume of 25%, 50%, 75%, 33%, or 67%, as shown in the particular cup 10 of FIG. 1. It should also be known that other cup volumes may be used, and the volumes shown by indicia 30 of cup 10 in FIG. 1 do not limit the volumes used in this disclosure.

As also shown in FIG. 1, cup 10 may also include instructions 40. Instructions 40 may include a recipe for mixing two or more fountain beverages together, such as fruit punch and lemon-lime flavored soda. The disclosure provides the consumer with expanded choices and offering some control in the formation of his or her beverage, thus driving product sales.

Now referring to the particular embodiment of FIG. 2, a dispenser 20 is shown with eight fountains 60, drip tray 90, and ice dispenser 80. Although this particular embodiment shows eight fountains 60, the reader should understand that any number of fountains 60 may be used.

Also in FIG. 2, a rotatable drink instruction 50 is provided. In this particular embodiment, rotatable instruction 50 rotates about its vertical axis 55. By being rotatable around a vertical axis 55 in this manner, consumers can easily select one of many different beverage recipes on the rotatable instruction 50. In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 2, six different drink recipes are provided on rotatable instruction 50. Also, dispenser 20 may also include arrow indicator 70, which may denote a particular drink randomly selected by a consumer through a “Price-is-Right” like rotation of instruction 70 about axis 55.

Drink recipes include the combination of two or more beverages. In some exemplary embodiments, the drink recipe may combine 50% grape soda with 50% orange soda. Other exemplary embodiments combine 50% lemon-lime soda with 50% grape soda and 50% Dr Pepper® with 50% orange soda.

Although the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 shows rotatable instruction 50 above fountains 60 and rotatable around axis 55, the reader should understand that drink instruction 50 may not necessarily be rotatable about any axis or otherwise positioned in any particular way on or in relation to dispenser 20. The reader should appreciate that instruction may not even need to be physically connected to dispenser 20. As long as the consumer has access to various drink recipes, whether it is on cup 10 or on or near dispenser 20, the consumer will have the information needed to make the particular mixed drink beverage.

As shown in the particular embodiment of FIG. 3, cup 10 may have first indicia 100, second indicia 110, and third indicia 120, as well. In this particular embodiment, first indicia 100 may denote a line where ice should be filled to in cup 10. Second indicia 110 may denote a cup 10 volume where a first beverage is filled to, and third indicia 120 may denote a line where a second beverage is filled to.

In the particular embodiment of FIG. 3, cup 10 may also include instructions 40 that include either drink recipes for mixing two or more beverages or instructions on how to enter your drink idea for submission to an Internet web site, as further discussed.

As shown in FIG. 1, instruction 40 discloses: (1) Order a Drink; (2) Use the measurements on this cup to create a FLAVOR REMIX; and (3) Go online and SUBMIT your new mix for a chance to WIN!

As disclosed and described in the embodiment of FIG. 1, instruction 40 provides the consumer an opportunity to create his or her own unique drink through the combination of at least two or more beverages. The consumer can then enter the drink combination, with the approximate drink volumes of each beverage, on an interactive website for submission. The submission may or may not be for prize consideration.

Alternatively and in another exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, the consumer's drink recipe may later be published on the website for other consumers to consider.

The reader should understand that this method of creating a unique drink and submitting it to a website is only one embodiment and may not be part of other aspects of this disclosure.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for dispensing beverages is provided, said system comprising:

at least one cup, said cup having a first indicia for denoting a first volume and a second indicia for denoting a second volume;

a dispenser, said dispenser having a first fountain and a second fountain;

an instruction, said instruction providing a first drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage;

wherein said first fountain dispenses the first beverage;

wherein said second fountain dispenses the second beverage; and

wherein a user fills the at least one cup with a first beverage to about the first indicia and a second beverage to about the second indicia.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser is a carbonated beverage dispenser configured to dispense at least one carbonated beverage.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the system further comprises an ice dispenser.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the cup has a third indicia, said third indicia denotes a third volume.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the instruction is provided as a rotatable display.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the instruction is provided as printed instruction on the at least one cup.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the instruction is attached to the dispenser.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the third indicia denotes a level for ice.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the third indicia denotes a level for a third beverage.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first indicia denotes 25% of the at least one cup volume, wherein the second indicia denotes 50% of the at least one cup volume, and wherein the third indicia denotes 75% of the at least one cup volume.

11. The system of claim 4, wherein the first indicia denotes 33% of the at least one cup volume, and wherein the second indicia denotes about 67% of the at least one cup volume.

12. A method for providing a beverage, comprising the steps of:

providing the dispensing system of claim 1;

filling the at least one cup with a first beverage to the first indicia; and

filling the at least one cup with a second beverage to the second indicia.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of adding ice to the at least one cup.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser comprises eight fountains, wherein each fountain is configured to dispense a different beverage.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the dispenser mixes carbon dioxide gas, concentrated beverage syrup, and filtered water.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the instruction comprises a second drink recipe for mixing at least two beverages.

17. A method for providing a beverage, said method comprising the steps of:

selling a beverage to a consumer;

providing a cup, the cup comprising; a first indicia that denotes a first volume of the cup, and a second indicia that denotes a second volume of the cup;

providing a drink instruction, said drink instruction comprises at least one drink recipe for mixing a first beverage with a second beverage,

providing a beverage dispenser, said beverage dispenser configured to dispense a first beverage from a first fountain and a second beverage from a second fountain;

filling the cup with the first beverage to about the first indicia; and

filling the cup with the second beverage to about the second indicia.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of filling the cup with a third beverage to a third indicia, said cup comprising a third indicia that denotes a third volume of the cup.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of adding ice to a third indicia, said cup comprising a third indicia that denotes a third volume of the cup.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the drink instruction provides at least two drink recipes.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the beverage dispenser is a carbonated dispenser.

22. A method for promoting beverage consumption, said method comprising the steps of:

selling a beverage to a consumer;

providing the consumer with a cup;

providing the consumer with access to a beverage dispenser, wherein said beverage dispenser dispenses two or more different beverages;

allowing the consumer to mix at least two or more beverages together in the cup;

providing a website, wherein the website is configured to receive the consumer's information about the consumer's mixed beverage; and

providing the website information to the consumer.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of awarding a prize to the consumer for the consumer's mixed beverage combination.

24. The method of claim 22, further comprising the step of publishing the consumer's mixed beverage combination on the website for public viewing.