DISPOSABLE PLASTIC BOTTLE HAVING ONE OR MORE RECEPTACLES FOR STORING AND DISCHARGING ADDITIVES INTO BEVERAGES AND METHOD FOR FABRICATING THE SAME

Abstract

A disposable plastic bottle that includes a receptacle formed in a plastic casing having an outside surface and an inside surface that defines a volume for holding a beverage. The receptacle includes (a) an internal seal that protrudes inward from the inside surface of the plastic casing into the volume for holding the beverage and (b) an external surface that is substantially flush or protrudes slightly outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing and that is exposed through the plastic casing and configured to directly receive an external pressure.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a disposable plastic bottle, and more particularly, to a disposable plastic bottle, and a method for making the same, having one or more receptacles formed therein for storing and discharging when desired one or more additives into a beverage contained within the plastic bottle.

2. Description of Related Art

The field of personalized nutrition is becoming very popular. It is now possible for an individual to develop a personalized nutrition plan that includes specific ingredients and/or supplements (hereafter generically referred to as “additives”); each designed to achieve specific goal(s) and/or effects. For example, it is now possible for an individual to consult with a nutrition specialist and/or doctor, have a DNA test performed, and/or conduct their own research. Based on one or more of these inputs, a customized nutrition plan, including one or more dosage formula(s) including one or more additives, may be defined for consumption by the individual.

For example, the field of sports nutrition has become extremely popular and sophisticated in recent years. More and more athletes are resorting to a personalized nutrition plan of select dosage formula(s) of additive(s) to achieve more energy, increased speed, strength, endurance, lose fat, and either increased or decreased muscle mass, whichever is preferred or desired. In many instances, the nutrition plan of an athlete provides a competitive advantage, resulting in the athlete achieving personal bests, winning competitions, and/or competing at higher levels of competition. Many professional athletes and sport teams have concluded that personalized nutrition is often the major factor between winning and losing a competition among athletes/teams with otherwise comparable skill and training levels.

Personalized nutrition is not just for athletes. Individuals in all walks of life may use and benefit from personalized nutrition. In additional examples, individuals may rely on a personalized nutrition plan including one or more dosing formula(s) of additive(s) for such objectives as weight loss or gain, mental alertness or acuity, or to address a specific health issue, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, lower cholesterol, etc.

For the above reasons, beverage manufacturers are desirous of providing beverage products with certain additives that can be stored in beverage bottles and added to the beverages just prior to consumption. The typically approach is to provide beverage bottle caps containing compartments for storing additives and frangible seals that are broken just prior to consumption of the beverage. For example, one or more additives may be contained in one or more compartments designed into the cap of the beverage bottle. When a consumer would like to mix the additive into the beverage before consumption, the frangible seal of one or more the compartments is broken, resulting in the flavor additive(s) mixing with the beverage in the bottle. In another approach, one or more plunger type mechanism(s) may be provided in the cap. When a plunger is pushed, the additive(s) are injected into the beverage. In another known solution, one or more flavor packets is/are provided on the outside casing of a plastic bottle. When the consumer wishes to flavor the beverage, the flavor packet is pushed, causing the flavor to mix with the beverage. See for example US Publication 2008/0290059. The problem with this solution is that the flavor packet is prone to accidental rupture since the entire flavor packet protrudes outward from external surface of the bottle. In yet another known solution, flavor tubes are formed entirely inside the volume of a bottle. See for example U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,564. In a similar approach, one or more blisters for storing an additive are provided along the inside wall of a bottle. One or more foil layers are provided between the blisters and the inside surface of the bottle. See for example US Publication 2010/0000887. The problem with the latter two approaches is two-fold. First, it is difficult to fabricate and fill the flavor tubes/blisters inside the bottle. Second, it is sometimes difficult to rupture the flavor tubes/blisters because pressure has to be applied through the external casing of the plastic bottle.

A simple, reliable, inexpensive, solution for providing additives that can be stored and mixed into beverage a beverage contained in a plastic bottle just prior to consumption is therefore needed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The aforementioned problems are solved by a disposable plastic bottle that includes a receptacle formed in a plastic casing having an outside surface and an inside surface that defines a volume for holding a beverage. The receptacle includes (a) an internal seal that protrudes inward from the inside surface of the plastic casing into the volume for holding the beverage and (b) an external surface that is substantially flush or protrudes slightly outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing and that is exposed through the plastic casing and configured to directly receive an external force. With this arrangement, the receptacle defines a second volume, which stores the additive, that is mostly or substantially all contained within the volume defined by the inside surface of the plastic casing. As a result, the receptacle is less prone to accidental rupture. In addition, with the external surface of the receptacle substantially flush or protruding slightly outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing, the additive can be readily released by a consumer when desired by directly applying a force to the external surface of the receptacle.

The one or more receptacles is/are fabricated in the plastic casing during the molding process used to create the disposable bottle. In various embodiments, the one or more receptacles can be pre-fabricated, either containing or not containing the additive(s), and then provided to a bottle molding apparatus, which then molds the one or more receptacles in the casing of the bottle. Alternatively, the one or more receptacles can be molded in the casing during the molding process of the bottle. In embodiments where empty receptacle(s) are molded in the casing, the additive(s) are later inserted into the receptacle(s) and then the receptacle(s) are resealed. Regardless of the embodiment, the disposable bottles with receptacles can be manufactured easily and inexpensively, using existing bottle fabrication facilities.

In various embodiments, the additives may include, but are not limited to, flavor(s), antioxidant(s), vitamin(s), carbohydrate(s), protein(s), electrolyte(s), mineral(s), extract(s), caffeine, or other energy supplement(s), sweetener(s), or dosage formula(s) of specified ingredients. Additive(s) may be selected depending on the market segment or consumer likely to purchase a particular beverage. For example, beverages companies can be sell beverages with suitable additives(s) targeted for specific market segments, such as for weight loss, weight gain, “pick-me-up” beverages, an “evening unwind/relax” beverage, and/or other nutrition or health purposes. By providing additives contained in receptacles of plastic bottles that are reliably, easily and inexpensively fabricated, beverage providers can offer consumers with beverage products including a wide variety of additives that can be mixed into the beverages just prior to consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a plastic bottle having one or more receptacles formed therein for storing one or more additives in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of a receptacle before and after the discharge of an additive in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of a first embodiment of receptacle in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view of another embodiment of a receptacle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a list of additives that may be stored in the one or more receptacles in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is flow diagram illustrating non-exclusive steps for fabricating a plastic bottle in accordance with the principles of the invention.

The above-listed figures are illustrative and are provided as merely examples of embodiments for implementing the various principles and features of the present invention. It should be understood that the features and principles of the present invention may be implemented in a variety of other embodiments and the specific embodiments as illustrated in the Figures should in no way be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to various embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the invention may be practiced without using some of the implementation details set forth herein. It should also be understood that well known operations have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a plastic bottle 10 including a plastic casing 12 having an outside surface and an inside surface defining an internal volume 14 for holding a beverage 16 is illustrated. The casing 12 includes one or more receptacles 18A through 18N. Each of the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N is configured to store one or more additive(s) 20A through 20N respectively. The receptacle(s) 18 is/are each designed or configured to burst open when an external force, such as pressure from a finger, is applied. As a result, the additive 20 is dispensed and mixed into the beverage 16. In various embodiments, the receptacles 18A through 18N are bubble or dimple shaped.

It should be noted that the bottle illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely exemplary. In various embodiments, the bottle 10 may be any shaped and the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N may be located anywhere on the bottle 10. In addition, the bottle 10 may be any type of plastic bottle, including any type of disposable plastic bottles, such as but not limited to the broad class of plastic bottles, typically made from virgin and/or recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), that are widely used for the bottling, distribution and sale of soft drinks, juices, sports drinks, coffee and tea drinks, and other beverages, by the beverage industry.

Referring to FIG. 2A and 2B, views of a representative receptacle 18 before and after the discharge of one or more additive(s) 20 are shown.

As evident in these figures, particularly FIG. 2A, the receptacle 18 is formed in the casing 12 and includes an internal seal 22 that protrudes inward from the inside surface of the plastic casing 12 into the volume 14 holds the beverage 16 and an external surface 24 that is substantially flush or protrudes outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing 12. With this arrangement, the receptacle 18 defines a second volume, which stores the additive(s) 20, that is provided or positioned substantially entirely within the volume 14 defined by inside surface of the plastic casing 12. In addition, the external surface 24 is substantially flush, or may protrude slightly outward from the plastic casing 12. As a result, the external surface 24 of the receptacle 18 is exposed through the plastic casing 12 and is configured to directly receive an external force.

It should be noted that the particular embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A and 2B is in no way limiting. In alternative embodiments, the internal seal 22 and/or the external surface 24 may each protrude inward or outward to a greater or a lesser degree from the plastic casing 12 than illustrated. However, it is preferred, although not necessary, that at least half of the second volume storing the additive be positioned within the volume 14 defined by inside surface of the plastic casing 12.

As depicted in FIG. 2B, an external force is directly applied (e.g., by a finger) to the external surface 24 of the receptacle 18, causing the internal seal 22 to burst open. As a result, the additive 20 contained in the receptacle 18 is discharged and mixed into the beverage 16 contained in the volume 14. Since the external surface 24 of the receptacle 18 is exposed through the plastic casing 12, the external force is applied directly to the receptacle 18, as opposed through the plastic casing 12, or other materials provided between the receptacle and the inner surface of the bottle, as provided in the prior art.

In a non-exclusive embodiment, a pressure higher than ambient pressure is maintained within the receptacle 18. With the higher pressure, the additive is forcefully discharged into the beverage 16, which facilitates mixing. In various other embodiments, the pressure maintained within the receptacle 18 prior to discharge may vary and may be either higher, lower or the same as the ambient pressure.

Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a receptacle 18 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the internal seal 22 of the receptacle 18 is a thin membrane that protrudes inward toward the internal volume 14 of the bottle 10. When the external pressure is applied to the external surface 24, the thin membrane breaks open, which results in the discharge and mixing of the additive 20 into the beverage 16.

Referring to FIG. 4, another embodiment of a receptacle 18 is illustrated. In this embodiment, the internal seal 22 of the receptacle 18 includes one or more perforations 26 protruding inward toward the internal volume 14 of the bottle 10. When the external pressure is applied to the external surface 24, the one or more perforations 26 split open, discharging the additive 20.

Regardless of the embodiment, the receptacle(s) 18 are preferably designed and made so that the internal seal 22 breaks or splits open before the external surface 24 when a force is applied. As a result, the additive(s) 20 are discharged into the volume 14 of the bottle 10 containing the beverage 16. With such a design, the likelihood that additive 20 being accidently released outside of the bottle 10, is reduced.

Referring to FIG. 5, a list of possible additives 20 is illustrated. The additives 20 that may be included in the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N may include, but are not limited to, flavor(s), antioxidant(s), vitamin(s), carbohydrate(s), protein(s), electrolyte(s), mineral(s), extract(s), sweetener(s) energy additives, such as caffeine, or one or more dosage formula(s) that include specific amounts of multiple additives. It should be understood that this list is exemplary and is not exhaustive. Any type of additive 20 may be used in the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N. In various embodiments, the additive(s) 20 in the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N are provided in either a liquid or a powder form. In the case of the latter, the powder is formulated to dissolve in the beverage 16 contained within the bottle 10.

It should be understood that the number and types of additives 20 included in the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N of a particular bottle 10 may vary. For example if the beverage 16 contained in the bottle 10 is marketed as a sports beverage, then additive(s) 20 suitable for an athlete are selected, such as protein(s), carbohydrate(s), electrolyte(s), etc. Similarly, different additive(s) 20 may be selected depending on the target market for a particular beverage 16. Beverages marketed for weight loss, weight gain, energy boost or “pick-me-up”, an “evening unwind/relax”, or other nutrition or health beverage, will likely have a different one or more additive(s) 20 stored in one or more receptacles 18A through 18N. In each case, however, the additive(s) 20 is/are selected to result in the desired objective or effect.

Also a bottle 10 may include one or more receptacles 18 with different flavors. For example, the beverage 16 contained in the bottle 10 may be a non-flavored mineral water. By selecting different receptacle(s) 18, the mineral water can be flavored by the consumer to have a particular flavor (e.g., lemon or lime) or even a combination of flavors (e.g., both lemon and lime). The use of additive(s) 20 for flavor is not just limited to water beverages, but rather, can be used for any type of beverage.

In yet other embodiments, each of the one or more receptacles are labeled so that the consumer may select which additive(s) 20 to mix into the beverage 16.

Also the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N may be positioned or arranged in any manner or location on the surface area of the casing 12. It should be noted that the number and location of the receptacles 18A through 18N shown in FIG. 1 is merely for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting in any manner.

Referring to FIG. 6, a flow diagram 60 illustrating the steps for fabricating, filling and distributing a bottle 10 is shown.

In the initial step 62, the plastic bottle 10 including one or more receptacles 18A through 18N is fabricated.

Typically, the plastic bottle 10 is made from PET, because the material is both strong and light. PET is a thermoplastic polymer that can be either opaque or transparent, depending on the exact material composition. As with most plastics, PET is produced from petroleum hydrocarbons, through a reaction between ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Once the raw PET plastic itself has been made, the fabrication of a bottle 10 begins.

In a first stage of the fabrication of bottle 10, a “pre-form” is created in an injection-mold process. The PET is heated to a sufficient temperature (e.g., approximately 600 degrees F.) and then the resulting thick, gooey, liquid plastic is injected into a mold, where it typically assumes the shape of a long, thin tube, often called a “pre-form”.

Once cooled, the pre-form is then transferred into a second, bottle-shaped, mold. Inside the second mold, a thin steel rod, called a mandrel, is slid inside the pre-form, where it fills the pre-form with hot, highly pressurized, air. As a result of the heat and pressure, the pre-form is blown and stretched into the second mold, where it substantially assumes the final shape of the casing 12 of the bottle 10. After shaping, the mold is cooled relatively quickly, so that that the casing 12 of the newly formed bottle 10 is set properly. In various embodiments, several cooling methods may be used, both direct and indirect, that can effectively cool the mold and the plastic. Water can be coursed through pipes surrounding the mold, which indirectly cools the mold and plastic casing 12. Direct methods include using pressurized cooled air or carbon dioxide directly on the mold and plastic casing 12. Once the casing 12 of bottle 10 has cooled and set, it is ready to be removed from the second mold. If a continuous molding process has been used, the bottles 10 will need to be separated by trimming the plastic in between them. If a non-continuous process has been used, sometimes excess plastic can seep through the mold and will require trimming.

To ensure that the PET is appropriate for use, numerous tests are done post-fabrication of the bottle 10 to check that it is impermeable by carbon dioxide (which is important for bottles that carry carbonated beverages). Other factors, such as transparency, gloss, shatter resistance, thickness and pressure resistance, are also carefully monitored.

In accordance with various embodiments, the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N is/are integrally fabricated with the plastic of the casing 12 of the bottle 12 during, or in cooperation with, the above-described fabrication process of bottle 10, with only slight modifications, such as modifying the molds to make the pre-forms and/or the bottles to accommodate and/or shape the receptacle(s) 18.

In one embodiment, one or more pre-fabricated receptacle(s) 18A through 18N, including the additive(s) 20, are provided into the injection molding device. The thick, gooey, liquid plastic is then molded around the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N when injected into the mold. As a result, the receptacle(s) 18, including the additive(s) 20, is/are formed in the pre-form and later in the casing 12 of the bottle 10 during the second molding step. With this embodiment, the additive(s) 20 need to be selected to be able to withstand the temperature of both the injection molding process and the subsequent molding step.

In a second embodiment, the mold used to form the pre-forms can be modified to mold the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N in the pre-form itself. As a result, either empty or filled receptacle(s) 18 are integrally formed in the casing 12 of the bottle 10 during the subsequent second molding step.

In a third embodiment, the bottle 10 is fabricated in the two-step molding process described above without the one or more receptacle(s) 18. Then, in a third molding step, the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N are fabricated in the casing 12 by (i) placing the bottle 10 without the receptacles 18 into a third mold and (ii) forming the receptacles 18 in the casing 12 in the third molding step. In variations of this embodiment, one or more recesses can be cut out of the casing 12 of the bottle 10 either before or when placed in the third mold. The one or more receptacles 18, either including or not including the additive(s) 20, are then formed or otherwise molded into the recesses in the casing 12 of the bottle 10 in the third molding step.

In a fourth embodiment, the internal seal(s) 22 of the receptacle(s) 18 may be formed in the pre-form during injection molding and then in the casing 12 of the bottle 10 formed in the subsequent second molding. Then, in a third molding operation, the external surface 24 of the receptacle(s) 18 are formed adjacent the internal seal(s) 22 and integral with the casing 12 of the bottle 10. In a fifth embodiment, the inverse of the fourth embodiment may be implemented, where the external surface(s) 24 are molded into the pre-form and the bottle and then the internal seal(s) 22 are formed in the third molding operation.

In non-exclusive variations of the above embodiments, the internal seal 22 of the receptacles 18 are fabricated to include the thin membrane as described above with respect to FIG. 2 or with perforation(s) 26 as described with respect to FIG. 3. In yet further embodiments, the internal seal 22 can be fabricated in any manner that makes it more likely to open, when an external pressure is applied directly to the external surface 24 of the receptacle 18. In this way, the additive(s) 20 contained within the receptacle is much more likely to be released into the beverage 16, as opposed to accidently the outside of the casing 12 of the bottle 10, when the external force is applied.

In versions of the above embodiments where the receptacle(s) 18 are formed without the additive(s) 20, the one or more additives 20 are introduced into the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N after the bottle 10 is fabricated. In a non-exclusive embodiment, the additive(s) 20 are injected or otherwise provided into the one or more receptacles 18A through 18N. The receptacles 18A through 18N are thereafter sealed, for example, by applying a sealant and/or heat.

In step 64, the bottle 10 is filled with beverage 16 using either a hot or cold filling procedure as is commonly used in the beverage art. For example in a hot fill application, a hot beverage 16 of sufficient heat to kill bacteria and the like is introduced into and substantially fills the bottle 10. Alternatively, in cold-fill applications, a non-heated beverage 16 is introduced into and substantially fills the bottle 10, typically with a preservative to prevent or reduce spoilage. Regardless of the fill technique, the filled bottle 10 is capped (step 66) and is then readied for shipment. In step 68, the bottle 10 is distributed to a consumer, using known beverage distribution channel(s).

In various embodiments, the bottle 10 can be made of any type of plastic, such as but not limited to any type of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) plastic. The bottle 10 may also be either a clear plastic or a colored plastic and may also provide UV protection to prevent or reduce spoilage. The beverage 16 contained in the bottle may be any type of beverage, including, but not limited to water, mineral water, soft beverages and sodas, coffee or tea beverages, nutrition beverages, sports beverages, caffeine or energy beverages, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, sleep or relax enhancer beverages, or just about any other type of liquid beverage.

Although many of the components and processes are described above in the singular for convenience, it will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that multiple components and repeated processes can also be used to practice the techniques of the system and method described herein. Further, while the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in the form and details of the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, embodiments of the invention may be employed with a variety of components and should not be restricted to the ones mentioned above. It is therefore intended that the invention be interpreted to include all variations and equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A disposable plastic bottle, comprising:

a plastic casing having an outside surface and an inside surface, the inside surface defining a volume for holding a beverage; and

a receptacle, molded into the plastic casing, the receptacle molded to have: (a) an internal seal that protrudes inward from the inside surface of the plastic casing into the volume for holding the beverage; and (b) an external surface that is substantially flush or protrudes outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing, the external surface of the receptacle exposed through the plastic casing and configured to directly receive an external force,

wherein the receptacle is configured to store and discharge an additive into the beverage when the external force is applied to the external surface of the receptacle, causing the internal seal to break and split open, releasing the additive into the beverage.

2. The disposable bottle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle defines a second volume for storing the additive and substantially all of the second volume storing the additive is positioned within the volume defined by the inside surface of the plastic casing.

3. The disposable bottle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle defines a second volume for storing the additive and at least half of the second volume storing the additive is positioned within the volume defined by the inside surface of the plastic casing.

4. The disposable plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein the receptacle is bubble or dimple shaped.

5. (canceled)

6. The disposable plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein the internal seal is configured to split open along a perforation.

7. The disposable plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises one of the following: a flavor, an antioxidant, a vitamin, a carbohydrate, a protein, an electrolyte, a mineral, an extract, caffeine, a sweetener, an energy supplement, or a dosage formula including multiple additives.

8. The disposable plastic bottle of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of the receptacles, each of the plurality of receptacles configured to discharge a plurality of additives into the beverage respectively.

9. The disposable plastic bottle of claim 1, wherein the additive stored in the receptacle is either a powder or a liquid.

10. A method, comprising:

fabricating a receptacle in a plastic casing of a disposable bottle during an injection molding process, the plastic casing having an outer surface and an inside surface defining a volume for holding a beverage, the receptacle molded during the injection molding process to have:

(a) an external surface that is substantially flush or protrudes outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing, the external surface of the receptacle exposed through the plastic casing and configured to directly receive an external force; and

(b) an internal seal that protrudes inward from the inside surface of the plastic casing into the volume for holding the beverage,

the receptacle configured to store an additive and to discharge the additive into the beverage when the external force is directly applied to the external surface of the receptacle, causing the internal seal of the receptacle to split open.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

providing the receptacle into an injection mold;

molding the receptacle in a pre-form in the injection mold; and

molding the plastic casing of the disposable bottle, including the receptacle, from the pre-form.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

injection molding a pre-form to include the receptacle; and

molding the plastic casing of the disposable bottle including the receptacle from the pre-form.

13. (canceled)

14. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

injection molding a pre-form, the pre-form including the external surface of the receptacle;

molding the plastic casing of the disposable bottle from the pre-form, the plastic casing including the external surface of the receptacle; and

molding the internal seal of the receptacle after molding the plastic casing of the disposable bottle.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

injection molding a pre-form, the pre-form including the internal seal of the receptacle;

molding the plastic casing of the disposable bottle from the pre-form, the plastic casing including the internal seal of the receptacle; and

fabricating the external surface of the receptacle after molding the plastic casing of the disposable bottle.

16. The method of claim 10, further comprising:

providing the additive into the receptacle after fabricating the receptacle in the plastic casing of the disposable bottle; and

sealing the receptacle after providing the additive.

17. The method of claim 10, wherein the receptacle defines a second volume for storing the additive and substantially all of the second volume storing the additive is positioned within the volume defined by the inside surface of the plastic casing.

18. The method of claim 10, wherein the receptacle defines a second volume for storing the additive and at least half of the second volume storing the additive is positioned within the volume defined by the inside surface of the plastic casing.

19. The method of claim 10, further comprising fabricating the external receptacle surface to be substantially flush or protrude outward from the outside surface of the plastic casing of the disposable bottle.

20. The method of claim 10, further comprising fabricating the receptacle to be bubble or dimple shaped.

21. The method of claim 10, wherein the additive comprises one of the following: a flavor, an antioxidant, a vitamin, a carbohydrate, a protein, an electrolyte, a mineral, an extract, caffeine, a sweetener, an energy supplement, or a dosage formula of specified amounts of multiple additives.

22. The method of claim 10, further comprising fabricating a plurality of the receptacles formed within the plastic casing of the disposable bottle, each of the plurality of receptacles configured to discharge a plurality of additives into the beverage respectively.