Tilt-activated beverage effects

Abstract

A tilt activated beverage container tilts to release an additive into a liquid. The additive is disposed in an additive release housing coupled to an inner wall of the beverage container. The additive release housing includes a cover coupled to the base to form an additive release compartment. When the base and the cap are coupled, a channel is formed between the lip of the cap and the annular rim of the base. When the container is tilted, the additive is released into the liquid via the channel.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 374,816, filed on September 7, 2022, entitled “TILT-ACTIVATED BEVERAGE EFFECTS,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the technology that may be related to various aspects of the technology described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of various aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that these statements should be understood in this light, rather than as an admission of the prior art.

[0003] An amusement park or theme park includes various features that each provide a unique experience for visitors to the amusement park, such as rides, shows, interactive activities, dining, etc., to enhance the unique experience provided to visitors. Such features may be included in attractions and / or throughout the amusement park to provide entertainment to visitors. As amusement park features become more sophisticated and complex, the expectations of amusement park patrons and visitors for the quality and theme of entertainment have also increased. Therefore, improved and innovative amusement park features are desirable. For example, visitors can enjoy an immersive experience throughout the amusement park, as well as themed souvenirs as part of the immersive experience. Summary of the invention

[0004] Certain embodiments comparable in scope to the originally proposed subject matter are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the proposed subject matter, but rather, these embodiments are intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of the subject matter. Indeed, the subject matter may encompass a variety of forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments described below.

[0005] In an embodiment, a tilt-activated beverage container is provided. The tilt-activated beverage container includes a beverage container and an additive release shell. The additive release shell forms a compartment, and the additive release shell is arranged on or in the inner wall of the beverage container. The additive release shell includes a cover, which includes a lip forming the inner diameter of the cover, wherein the lip extends away from the top of the cover. The additive release shell also includes: a base, which includes an annular rim extending away from a support surface, the annular rim forming an outer diameter less than the inner diameter, so that the annular rim of the base fits within the lip; a post, which protrudes from the support surface and is connected to the top of the cover, wherein when the post is connected to the top of the cover, the lip extends beyond the upper edge of the annular rim and extends toward the support surface to form a channel between the inner surface of the lip and the outer surface of the annular rim; and an additive, which is arranged in the compartment of the additive release shell, wherein the liquid of the beverage container does not flow into the compartment under the first orientation of the beverage container, and flows into the compartment via the channel under the second orientation.

[0006] In an embodiment, a method for providing a tilt-activated beverage effect is provided, comprising providing a tilt-activated beverage container, the tilt-activated beverage container comprising an inner wall, the inner wall comprising an additive release shell forming a compartment. The additive release shell comprises a cover, the cover comprising a lip forming an inner diameter of the cover, wherein the lip extends away from the top of the cover. The additive release shell also includes a base, which includes an annular rim extending away from a support surface, the annular rim forming an outer diameter less than the inner diameter, so that the annular rim of the base fits within the lip; and a post protruding from the support surface and coupled to the top of the cover, wherein when the post is coupled to the top of the cover, the lip extends beyond the upper edge of the annular rim and extends toward the support surface to form a channel between the inner surface of the lip and the outer surface of the annular rim. The method also includes providing an additive disposed in the compartment, wherein the additive release compartment is fluidly coupled to the beverage container containing the liquid via the channel in a first orientation of the beverage container, and is not fluidly coupled to the beverage container containing the liquid via the channel in a second orientation.

[0007] In an embodiment, a tilt-activated beverage container system is provided. The system includes a tilt-activated beverage container including an inner wall including at least one mating feature configured to receive an additive release shell. The system also includes a plurality of additive release shells, each of which includes a cover including a lip forming an inner diameter of the cover, wherein the lip extends away from the top of the cover. Each additive release shell also includes: a base including an annular rim extending away from a support surface, the annular rim forming an outer diameter less than the inner diameter, such that the annular rim of the base fits within the lip; a post protruding from the support surface and coupled to the top of the cover, wherein when the post is coupled to the top of the cover, the lip extends beyond an upper edge of the annular rim and extends toward the support surface to form a channel between the inner surface of the lip and the outer surface of the annular rim; and an additive disposed within a compartment formed by the shell, wherein a separate shell of the plurality of shells is configured to be coupled to the inner wall via at least one mating feature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the drawings, and in which:

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a tilt-activated beverage container in a first, non-tilted configuration, and the container transitioning to a second tilted configuration to cause release of an additive in a tilt-activated beverage effect according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a tilt-activated beverage container in a non-tilted configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a tilt-activated beverage container in a tilted configuration according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 4 is a component view showing a base and a cover of an additive release housing for tilt-activated beverage effect according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an assembled additive release housing for a tilt-activated beverage effect according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an additive release shell;

[0015] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of an additive release housing;

[0016] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of a housing member including a sealed additive reservoir according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0017] Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram of a tilt-activated beverage container that can be used in conjunction with multiple shells to release multiple additives in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In order to provide a concise description of these embodiments, all features of the actual implementation may not be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. In addition, it should be recognized that such development work may be complex and time-consuming, but will still be a routine task of design, construction, and manufacturing for ordinary technicians who benefit from the present disclosure.

[0019] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive, and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be understood that references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0020] Provided herein is a technology for tilt-activated beverage effects that can be used in combination with tilt-activated beverage containers. The tilt-activated beverage container may include an additive release housing that surrounds or holds an additive that is released into a fluid (such as a liquid beverage) when the beverage container is tilted during drinking. Releasing the additive into the liquid changes the properties of the liquid (such as one or more of taste, smell, color, viscosity, concentration, or effervescence) as part of the tilt-activated beverage effect. In an embodiment, the additive release housing may be implemented as a passive device that does not involve a power source. Therefore, the change in the liquid may look magical to enhance the immersive experience.

[0021] like Figure 1, the tilted activated beverage container 12 holds liquid 14 and includes an additive release housing 16. In a first or non-tilted configuration (e.g., non-tilted orientation), the bottom 17 of the beverage container 12 may rest on a surface 18, or may remain flat or substantially flat so that the bottom 17 is substantially orthogonal to a vertical axis 19. In the non-tilted configuration, the additive 20 remains in the housing 16 and does not leave the passage in the housing 16 and mixes with the liquid 14. In a second or tilted configuration, the liquid 14 flows into the housing 16 to cause the additive to be released into the liquid 14. The tilted configuration (e.g., tilted orientation) may be tilted relative to the non-tilted configuration. For example, in the non-tilted configuration, the bottom 17 of the beverage container 12 may rest on a relatively flat or planar table. In an example, the beverage container 12 may be filled and supplied simultaneously at a bar with a non-tilted configuration. The guest may pick up the beverage container 12 to drink under the tilted configuration.

[0022] In an embodiment, the tilted configuration is relative to a fixed member in the environment, such as a floor or a table. Therefore, the non-tilted configuration can be that the bottom 17 of the beverage container 12 is at an angle of 180 degrees relative to the floor or surface 18. The tilted configuration can be within the range of a non-180 degree angle between the bottom surface 17 (or an extended line of the plane passing through the bottom surface 17) and the floor or surface 18, as shown as an example, angle 21. In an embodiment, the tilted configuration is relative to an absolute direction, such as relative to the direction of gravity, for example, along the y-axis of the xyz axis represented by reference numeral 23. For example, when the bottom 17 is not orthogonal to the direction of gravity or when the bottom 17 is within the range of a non-90 degree angle relative to the direction of gravity, the beverage container 12 may be in a tilted configuration. In an example, the axis 19 is aligned with the direction of gravity, and when the bottom surface 17 forms an angle of 80 degrees or less with the axis 19, the beverage container 12 may be considered to be tilted. In an embodiment, when the bottom surface 17 forms an angle of 0 to 80 degrees or 0 to 60 degrees with the axis 19, the beverage container 12 may be considered to be tilted. It should be understood that in embodiments, bottom surface 17 may be non-planar. Thus, when cover top 51 (see Figure 4 ) forms an angle of 80 degrees or less with the axis 19, a tilted configuration or additive release configuration can be achieved. Therefore, it should be understood that certain angles (e.g., 0 to 10 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 45 degrees) formed between the bottom surface 17 and the axis 19 can be considered as part of the non-tilted configuration or additive retention configuration of the beverage container 12 without releasing the additive 20 (even if the beverage container 12 is tilted).

[0023] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional side view of a beverage container 12 in a non-tilted configuration and resting on a surface 18. In the non-tilted configuration, the liquid 14 within the body of the beverage container 12 is isolated from the additive 20 contained in the housing 16. The housing 16 includes a lid 30 coupled to a base 32 via a post 34. The base 32 is coupled to or integrally integrated into an interior surface 33 of the beverage container 12. In the example shown, the interior surface 33 is opposite the bottom surface 17.

[0024] The housing 16 forms a compartment 36 that contains the additive 20. The housing 16 includes at least one channel 40 between the main chamber 24 of the beverage container 12 and the compartment 36. However, due to the air-liquid interface and the existing air trapped in the housing 16, the liquid 14 does not flow into the compartment 36 via the channel 40 in the non-tilted configuration. That is, the liquid 14 may only partially rise into the channel 40, but the top surface 41 of the liquid within the channel 40 does not flow into the additive release compartment.

[0025] In an embodiment, the non-tilted configuration or additive retention configuration may encompass a configuration in which the beverage container 12 lies flat or a configuration in which the beverage container is tilted to a certain degree (e.g., tilted 0 to 10 degrees, 0 to 30 degrees, 0 to 60 degrees, 0 to 180 degrees, 10 to 90 degrees) relative to the floor or table or the direction of gravity, but the tilt is not enough to overcome the surface tension of the liquid 14 in the channel 40. In an embodiment, the beverage container 12 may be in a non-additive release configuration. The additive release configuration is a configuration in which the beverage container 12 is tilted at an angle sufficient to allow liquid to penetrate into the compartment 36. The tilted configuration may refer to a configuration in which the beverage container is tilted enough to allow liquid to flow into the compartment 36 and the compartment 36 and the main chamber 24 are fluidly coupled by the liquid 14. Therefore, when the beverage container 12 is tilted, the compartment 36 and the main chamber 24 are fluidly coupled, and the air trapped in the housing 16 and between the liquid 14 and the additive 20 is released. When the beverage container 12 is not tilted, the compartment 36 can be fluidly isolated from the body by air trapped in the shell and (in an embodiment) the tension of the top surface 41. Therefore, when the beverage container 12 is not tilted, a gas gap or air gap, or a gas interface or a gas-liquid interface exists within the channel 40. When the beverage container 12 is tilted, liquid fills the compartment 36 and the channel 40.

[0026] like Figure 3As shown in , tilting the tilt-activated beverage container 12 disturbs the trapped air and allows the liquid 14 to flow through the compartment 36 to mix the additive 20 into the liquid 14 in the main chamber 24. Therefore, the tilt causes a change in the liquid properties as part of the tilt-activated beverage effect. In an embodiment, the beverage container 12 contains the liquid 14. However, the beverage container 12 can contain one or more of a gas, a liquid, or a solid. In an embodiment, the beverage container 12 contains a frozen or mixed drink. In an embodiment, the beverage container 12 contains a heated drink. The beverage container 12 can contain complex beverage products, such as liquid drinks containing gas elements (e.g., carbonic acid) and solid ingredients (e.g., fruit or candy). In an embodiment, the beverage container 12 can contain dry ice as part of the beverage effect.

[0027] The change in property may be a change in taste, smell, color, viscosity, or effervescence of the liquid 14. The additive 20 may include a colorant or food-safe coloring that, when added to the liquid 14, causes a color change. Additive 20 may include annatto extract (E160b), annatto, norbixin, astaxanthin, dehydrated beet (beet powder), beet red / betacyanin (E162), ultramarine, canthaxanthin (E161g), cryptoxanthin (E161c), red purple yellow (E161d), purple yellow (E161e), purple red yellow (E161f), caramel (E150 (ad)), β-apo-8′-carotenal (E160e), β-carotene (E160a), α-carotene, γ-carotene, β-apo-8′-carotenal ethyl ester (E160f), xanthocyanin (E161a), lutein (E161b), cochineal extract (E120); carmine (E132), carmine / Azorubin (E122), sodium copper chlorophyllin (E141), chlorophyll (E140), toasted partially defatted cooked cottonseed meal, ferrous gluconate, ferrous lactate, grape pigment extract, grape skin extract (enocianina), anthocyanin (E163), Haematococcus algae powder, synthetic iron oxide, iron oxide and iron hydroxide (E172), fruit juice, vegetable juice, dried algae powder, marigold (Aztec marigold) powder and extract, carrot oil, corn endosperm oil, paprika, paprika oleoresin, Phaffia yeast, riboflavin (E101), saffron, titanium dioxide, turmeric (E100), turmeric oleoresin, amaranth (E123), capsanthin / capsaicin (E160c), lycopene (E160d), or a combination thereof. Colors may include FD&C (Food, Drug, and Cosmetic) Blue #1, FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Green #3, FD&C Red #3, FD&C Red #40, FD&C Yellow #5, and FD&C Yellow #6, tartrazine (E102), quinoline yellow (E104), sunset yellow (E110), Ponceau (E124), erythrosine (E127), Patent Blue V (E131), titanium dioxide (E171), aluminum (E173), silver (E174), gold (E175), Pigment Red / Lithol Red BK (E180), calcium carbonate (E170), carbon black (E153), Black PN / Brilliant Black BN (E151), Green S / Acid Brilliant Green BS (E142), or an aluminum or calcium salt of FD&C color.

[0028] The additives 20 may include agents that change the viscosity or concentration of the liquid 14, such as natural and synthetic gums, for example, locust bean gum, guar gum, gellan gum, xanthan gum, ghatti gum, modified ghatti gum, tragacanth gum, carrageenan, etc.; natural and modified starches, for example, pregelatinized starches (corn, wheat, tapioca), pregelatinized high amylose content starches, pregelatinized hydrolyzed starches (maltodextrin, corn syrup solids), chemically modified starches, such as pregelatinized substituted starches (e.g., octenyl succinate), etc.; cellulose derivatives, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, etc.; polydextrose; whey or whey protein concentrate; pectin; gelatin; or combinations of these.

[0029] Additives 20 may include flavoring aromatics and / or oils, oleoresins and extracts from plants, leaves, flowers, fruits, etc., and combinations thereof. Additives 20 may be stimulants such as Jambu Oleoresin or paracress.

[0030] The additive 20 may be a liquid additive, a gaseous additive, and / or a solid additive. In an embodiment, the additive 20 is a gel, a powder, or an oil. In an embodiment, the additive 20 is a microcapsule dissolved in a liquid to provide a slower release of the components in the microcapsule. The additive 20 may be spray-dried, powdered, beaded, encapsulated, or a mixture thereof. When in particle form, the size or shape of the additive 20 may be designed to be able to pass through the channel 40 and flow into the main chamber 24. In an embodiment, the additive 20 may be a phase change material, such as dry ice or liquid nitrogen. In an embodiment, the additive 20 may be a polymerization catalyst, which, when in contact with the liquid 14, causes the liquid 14 to undergo a chemical change, such as polymerization.

[0031] Figure 4 1 is a component view of the additive release housing 16, which shows the cover 30 and the base 32 separated from each other. The cover 30 has a lip 50 extending from the top 51 of the cover. The wall 53 of the lip 50 forms the inner diameter 52 of the cover 30, and the wall height 54 defines at least a portion of the channel 40 (see FIG. Figure 2). The cover top 51 may include a mating feature 66 that receives and couples to a complementary feature 68 of a post surface 64 of the post 34 to couple the cover 30 and the base 32 to each other. For example, the mating feature 66 and the complementary feature 68 may include interlocking threads that allow for a reverse helical type coupling arrangement. In another embodiment, the coupling may be an interference fit, a magnetic fit, or a snap fit. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the post 34 extending from the base 32 and coupled to the cover 30, it should be understood that the opposite arrangement is also contemplated, in which the post 34 extends from the cover 30 to couple to the base 32 (e.g., via complementary mating features). The base 32 includes an annular rim 70 that extends away from the support surface 72 to a height 76. The thickness 73 of the annular rim and the inner diameter 71 of the annular rim 70 define an outer diameter 74 of the base 32.

[0032] Figure 5 The assembled additive release housing 16 is shown with the cap 30 and base 32 coupled to each other. The annular rim 70 fits within the lip 50 to form a channel. Thus, the outer diameter 74 is smaller than the inner diameter 52 of the lip 50 (see FIG. Figure 4 ). The outer diameter 78 of the cover 30 may cause an overhang relative to the base 32.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, when the lid 30 and the base 32 are coupled, the housing 16 is assembled. It is contemplated that the lid 30 and the base 32 may be separated from each other, such as by hand, so that the additive release housing 16 may be opened, cleaned, and refilled. In an embodiment, the coupling between the lid 30 and the base 32 may be substantially fixed so that the lid 30 and the base 32 are not separable by hand. For example, the lid 30 and the base 32 may be adhered or attached to each other. In an embodiment, the housing 16 may be attached to or fixedly attached to the beverage container 12 or may be removable from the beverage container 12. In addition, in an embodiment, the base 32 may be fixedly attached to the wall of the beverage container 12, integrally incorporated into the wall of the beverage container 12, adhered to the wall of the beverage container 12, or formed in the wall of the beverage container 12. Therefore, the lid 30 may be removable from the beverage container 12 to allow refilling of the additive 20.

[0034] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 2 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled additive release housing 16 in FIG. In the illustrated embodiment, the additive release housing 16 is empty, i.e., does not include an additive 20. It should be understood that the additive release housing 16 may be provided with an additive 20, or may be free of an additive 20. For example, an end user may fill the housing 16 with an additive 20 prior to use.

[0035] The housing 16 includes a passage 40 which is provided when the beverage container (see Figure 1) when tilted, the passage allows fluid to enter and exit the compartment 36. The passage 40 can be generally annular and is formed between the lip 50 and the annular rim 70 that are coaxially arranged relative to each other. When assembled, there is a gap 80 between the lip 50 and the annular rim 70. The gap 80 is the distance between the outer surface 82 of the annular rim 70 and the inner surface 84 of the cap top 51 (see Figure 4 ), and defines the width or diameter of the channel 40. The length 88 of the channel is based on the overlap between the lip 50 and the annular rim 70. That is, along the length 88, an axis parallel to the support surface 72 or normal to the channel 40 will intersect the annular rim 70 and the lip 50. The intersection axis 86 is shown as an example.

[0036] The dimensions of the lid 30 and base 32 may be selected so that when the beverage container is in a non-tilted configuration, the beverage container 12 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) The liquid 14 contained in the beverage container 12 only partially rises in the channel 40. In an embodiment, the outer diameter 74 of the base 32 and the inner diameter 52 of the lid 30 can be selected to form a gap 80 of at least 1 mm. In an embodiment, the gap 80 is 0.5 mm to 1 cm. In an embodiment, the gap 80 is 2 mm to 5 mm. In an embodiment, the gap 80 is 1 mm to 3 mm. In addition, the height 54 of the lip 50, the size of the column 34, and the height 76 of the annular rim 70 can be selected to define a length 88 of the channel 40. The longer channel 40 allows liquids 14 with different surface tension characteristics to be contained in the main chamber 24 of the beverage container 12 when the beverage container 12 is not tilted, without flowing into the compartment 36. In an embodiment, the length 88 of the channel 40 is at least 2 mm or at least 5 mm. In an embodiment, the length 88 is 2 mm to 2 cm. In an embodiment, the length 88 is greater than the width of the gap 80. In embodiments, the length 88 of the channel 40 is at least twice the width, at least five times the width, or at least ten times the width of the gap 80 . In embodiments, the lip 50 extends beyond the annular rim 70 by an amount corresponding to at least 5% of the height 76 of the annular rim 70 .

[0037] The illustrated example shows a straight or regular channel 40. However, in embodiments, the wall of the channel 40 may be shaped or bent to produce different liquid flow characteristics and / or irregular profiles. For example, in embodiments, the width of the channel (e.g., gap 80) may be variable along length 88. The annular rim 70 may taper or angle toward or away from the compartment 36, and / or the lid 30 may be angled or taper.

[0038] Figure 73 is a partial view of the additive release housing 16, showing the channel 40 formed between the outer surface 82 of the annular rim 70 and the inner surface 84 of the cap 30. When the axis 92 between the lower edge 94 of the lip 50 and the upper edge 96 of the annular rim 70 is tilted horizontally during drinking, the additive 20 flows out of the compartment 36 into the beverage. The tilt angle can be changed by changing the offset and relative spacing of the lip 50 and the annular rim 70.

[0039] The additive release housing 16 may be formed of a food-safe member, such as metal, plastic, polymer, etc. In an embodiment, one or more surfaces of the housing 16 may be coated or formed of a hydrophobic material, such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The use of a hydrophobic material may change the liquid channel contact angle and cause an increase in surface tension, thereby enhancing the isolation of the additive 20 when in a non-tilted configuration.

[0040] Figure 8 1 is a schematic diagram of an additive release housing 16, wherein the additive 20 is provided in a sealing area that breaks or unseals when the cover 30 and the base 32 are connected. For example, the additive 20 can be contained in the base 32 by a seal 100. The seal 100 can be a foil seal or a polymer film seal. In an embodiment, the seal 100 can be a soluble wax. In an embodiment, the seal 100 is transparent to allow the user to view the additive 20 contained in the base 32. The cover 30 is connected by pressing the column 34 into the seal 100, which penetrates the seal 100. In certain embodiments, the column 34 or other features of the housing 16 are used to decompose or otherwise disperse the additive 20 during the connection. For example, if the additive 20 is provided in the form of a capsule (e.g., a clear capsule), the column 34 can be used to pierce or crush the capsule and start the dispersion of the additive from the capsule form. After the seal 100 is broken and the additive release housing 16 is assembled, the additive 20 can be released into the liquid 14 of the beverage to produce a tilt-activated effect during use. Disposing the additive 20 in the sealed area may improve the shelf life of the additive 20. In another arrangement, the assembled housing 16 may be sealed within a package prior to use.

[0041] In another arrangement, one or more components of the additive release housing 16 may be capable of dissolving over time to release the additive 20. In an embodiment, the seal 100 may include a valve or flapper that opens when the additive release housing 16 is coupled to the beverage container 12.

[0042] Fig. 91 is a partial cross-sectional view of a beverage container system 102, which includes a tilt-activated beverage container 12 and one or more additive release shells 16. In this way, a user of the beverage container system 12 can select from different additive release shells 16 to customize the desired tilt-activated effect. In an embodiment, the tilt-activated beverage container 12 includes at least one mating feature 106 to allow at least one additive release shell 16 to be coupled (e.g., removably coupled) via a complementary feature 108 on or in the inner surface 33. For example, the mating feature 106 and / or the complementary feature 108 can be complementary protrusions and recesses, or magnetic coupling or snap coupling. The additive release shell 16 can include a suction cup that can be coupled anywhere along the inner surface 33. In an embodiment, the inner surface 33 can include a shape feature 110 (e.g., ribs, surface roughness) to increase the dispersion of the additive 20. In addition, the inner surface 33 can include a contoured or angled surface that includes the mating feature 106 to orient the additive release shell 16 at a desired angle to release the additive during normal drinking movements.

[0043] In an embodiment, the beverage container 12 may include a plurality of mating features 106 distributed at different positions along the inner surface 33 to allow mating with corresponding complementary features 108 of the additive release shell 16. In an embodiment, the end user may choose to couple one or more additive release shells 16 to the inner surface to achieve different combinations of effects, such as different flavors, aromas, and / or color combinations. In addition, even within the same selected set of additive release shells 16, the end user may choose between different relative positions of the additive release shells 16 to obtain different effects. That is, the same set of additive release shells 16 arranged in different positional patterns may cause different types of tilt-activated beverage effects. For example, some additive release shells 16 may have relatively heavy additives 20, such as oil-based additives, which will tend to sink to the bottom of the tilt-activated beverage container 12, while other additive release shells 16 may include light additives 20 that tend to rise to the top of the tilt-activated beverage container 12. Placing a separate additive release shell 16 with a heavy oil-based additive toward the top of the tilt-activated beverage container 12 may result in a visible downward sinking effect of the color-based additive 20. Placing the same additive release housing 16 at the bottom or in the bottom portion of a tilt-activated beverage container 12 may result in a color layer being created at the bottom.

[0044] In addition, the direction of tilt can affect the beverage effect. Tilting toward the additive release shell 16a can cause the liquid to move through the additive release shell 16a while not activating the additive release shell 16b on the other side. Therefore, the tilt-activated beverage container 12 may include a guide or indicator indicating the desired tilt direction to achieve different effects. For example, an indicator may be printed on the tilt-activated beverage container 12 and may indicate the mouth position corresponding to different effects associated with different additive release shells 16 and their respective different additives 20 (e.g., drink mint here! Drink lemon here!). Other conceivable indicators may include indicators for desired tilt angles. In an embodiment, the tilt-activated beverage container 12 may include an LED indicator that activates when the desired tilt angle is reached.

[0045] In one example, different additive release shells 16 (shown using reference numbers 16a, 16b, 16c, 16d, 16e) can have correspondingly different additive types, such as different colors. When the beverage container 12 is tilted during drinking, the release of different additives 20 at different times and to different degrees can generate a rainbow effect in the main chamber 24. The mating features 106 and / or complementary features 108 can be different from each other so that only certain types of additive release shells 16 can be connected at specific locations. The orientation of the additive release shell 16 can be selected so that the additive is released during tilting.

[0046] The system 102 can be reused with one or more new additive release shells 16. Thus, after use with a particular set of additive release shells 16, the end user can separate the used additive release shells 16, clean the tilt-activated beverage container 12, and couple one or more additive release shells 16 to the inner surface. In an embodiment, the system 102 can be provided as a kit, and refilling the additive release shells 16 can also be provided, so that the end user can select a different tilt-activated beverage effect in subsequent use.

[0047] Although only certain features of the present invention have been shown and described herein, many modifications and changes will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the invention.

[0048] The technology presented and claimed herein is cited and applied to specific examples of material objects and actual properties, which significantly improve the art, and thus are not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. In addition, if any claim attached at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for (performing) (function) ..." or "step for (performing) (function) ...", it is intended that such elements should be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). However, for any claim containing elements designated in any other manner, such elements are not intended to be interpreted according to 35 U.S.C. § 112(f).

Claims

1. A tilt-activated beverage container comprising: Beverage containers; An additive release housing forming a compartment, the additive release housing being arranged on or in the inner wall of the beverage container, wherein the additive release housing comprises: a cap including a lip forming an inner diameter of the cap, wherein the lip extends away from a top of the cap; A base comprising: an annular rim extending away from the bearing surface, the annular rim defining an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the cover such that the annular rim fits within the lip; and a post protruding from the support surface and configured to couple to the cap top, wherein when the post is coupled to the cap top, the lip extends beyond an upper edge of the annular rim and toward the support surface to form a channel between an inner surface of the lip and an outer surface of the annular rim; and An additive is disposed in a compartment of the additive release housing, wherein liquid from the beverage container does not flow into the compartment in a first orientation of the beverage container and flows into the compartment via the passage in a second orientation.

2. A tilt-activated beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the width of the channel formed by the gap between the inner surface of the lip and the outer surface of the annular rim is 2 to 5 mm.

3. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1, wherein the additive comprises a liquid additive or a solid additive.

4. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1, wherein the lip extends beyond the annular rim by an amount corresponding to at least 5% of the height of the annular rim.

5. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1, wherein the additive release housing is at least partially removably coupled to an inner wall of the beverage container.

6. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 5, wherein the base is fixedly coupled to an inner wall of the beverage container and the lid is removable from the base.

7. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1 wherein the base is removable from the lid to allow refilling of the additive release housing with additional additive.

8. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1, wherein the additive release housing is coupled to a bottom portion of the beverage container such that a top of the liquid is generally parallel to a plane of a top of the lid.

9. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1, wherein the liquid extends at least partially into the channel in the first orientation and the liquid fills the channel in the second orientation.

10. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 9, wherein the first orientation is a non-tilted orientation and the second orientation is a tilted orientation.

11. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1 , wherein a top surface of the post couples to a mating feature of the lid top.

12. The tilt-activated beverage container of claim 1, wherein the post is coupled to the lid top via an interference fit with a recess formed in the lid top.

13. A method of providing a tilt-activated beverage effect, comprising: A tilt-activated beverage container is provided, the tilt-activated beverage container comprising an inner wall, the inner wall comprising an additive release housing forming a compartment, wherein the additive release housing comprises: a cap including a lip forming an inner diameter of the cap, wherein the lip extends away from a top of the cap; A base comprising: an annular rim extending away from the bearing surface, the annular rim defining an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the cover such that the annular rim fits within the lip; and a post projecting from the support surface and coupled to the cap top, wherein when the post is coupled to the cap top, the lip extends beyond an upper edge of the annular rim and toward the support surface to form a channel between an inner surface of the lip and an outer surface of the annular rim; and An additive is provided disposed within the compartment, wherein the compartment is fluidly coupled to the beverage container containing a liquid without the passageway in a first orientation of the beverage container and is fluidly coupled to the beverage container containing the liquid via the passageway in a second orientation.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein providing the additive comprises disposing the additive within the cover or the base and coupling the base and the cover together via the post.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the additive is sealed within a reservoir in the lid or base, and when the base and lid are coupled together, the post breaks the seal to dispose the additive within the compartment.

16. The method of claim 13, comprising coupling the additive release housing to the inner wall via complementary mating features.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising separating the additive release housing from the inner wall and coupling a new housing comprising a different additive.

18. The method of claim 13, comprising filling the tilt-activated beverage container with a liquid.

19. A tilt-activated beverage container system comprising: a tilt-activated beverage container comprising an inner wall including at least one mating feature configured to receive an additive release housing; as well as A plurality of additive release shells, each additive release shell comprising: a cap including a lip forming an inner diameter of the cap, wherein the lip extends away from a top of the cap; A base comprising: an annular rim extending away from the bearing surface, the annular rim defining an outer diameter that is less than an inner diameter of the cover such that the annular rim fits within the lip; a post projecting from the support surface and coupled to the cap top, wherein when the post is coupled to the cap top, the lip extends beyond an upper edge of the annular rim and toward the support surface to form a channel between an inner surface of the lip and an outer surface of the annular rim; and an additive disposed within a compartment formed by the additive-releasing housing, Wherein each individual additive release housing of the plurality of additive release housings is configured to be coupled to the inner wall via the at least one mating feature.

20. The tilt-activated beverage container system of claim 19, wherein each respective one of the plurality of additive release shells has a different type of additive.

21. The tilt-activated beverage container system of claim 19, wherein the at least one mating feature comprises a plurality of mating features distributed about the inner wall.

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