Abstract:
A portable beverage system is provided for allowing consumers to combine one or more portions of beverage or other concentrates with a liquid to form a drink. The system includes an inner storage container for the portions and an outer container for mixing the portions with a liquid. The portions may contain beverage concentrates, soup flavorings and spices, or nutritional additives, such as herbs, vitamins, and minerals. Different portions may be provided with system, allowing consumers to make drinks customizable according to personal preferences. The portions may be provided in capsules, gelatin compositions, or other forms.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/080,779, filed Feb. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,990, issued Nov. 9, 2004, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates generally to a beverage system, and particularly to a beverage system that includes a beverage concentrate in combination with a container for a beverage made from the concentrate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are a wide variety of pre-made beverages available for purchase by consumers. Consumers can walk into almost any convenience store, grocery store, or gas station and select from a variety of different pre-made beverages. The available beverages often include carbonated sodas, mineral or other waters, and sport drinks. Natural juice beverages are also typically available and often have fruit juice content, such as orange juice, apple juice, and grapefruit juice. 
     More recently, so-called specialty drinks are becoming commonly available. One example of a specialty drink lists as its ingredients taurine, glucuronolactone, caffeine, B-complex vitamins, and carbohydrates. Other specialty drinks include various anti-oxidants and natural herbs. The variety of different specialty beverages offered is indicative of a desirability to provide drinks tailored specifically to the needs of individual consumers. The available types of readily consumable beverages, although numerous compared to the types of carbonated sodas available, are not numerous enough to address the need for a beverage that can be tailored and customized according to each individual&#39;s personal preferences. Thus, there is a need to provide consumers with beverages having ingredients such as flavorings, nutrients, vitamins, and herbs that are customizable according to individual consumer tastes, nutritional needs, and other preferences. 
     In addition to the pre-made beverages commonly available at convenience stores, grocery stores and markets offer a selection of powdered beverage concentrates to consumers. Powdered beverage concentrates may be combined with a liquid, typically water, to form a freshly made flavored beverage. Powdered beverage concentrates often are packaged either in large, multi-serving tubs or in individual packets or mini-tubs that correspond to a particular serving size. Packets of powdered beverage concentrates often are produced in a size that makes two quarts of flavored beverage when combined with water. Similarly, individual mini-tubs of powdered drink concentrates also typically combine with water to form two quarts of beverage. While these individual packets and mini-tubs can be more convenient for consumers to use compared to the beverage powder concentrates packaged in bulk, they still are typically intended primarily for home use. Due to the large volume of beverage, typically two quarts, that the contents of packets and mini-tubs make when combined with water, they may be impractical for use away from home. 
     Powdered beverage concentrates that combine with water to form two quarts of flavored beverage are also undesirable due to their large size because once made a consumer typically has no variety of flavor or taste. For example, a consumer may one day want to have a cherry flavored drink and then the next an orange flavored drink. Unless the consumer has several different two-quart pitchers, the two-quart size may restrict the consumer to first drinking multiple servings of one beverage flavor before washing the pitcher and making a different beverage flavor. Thus, it is desirable to provide consumers with a beverage that can be distributed in individual serving sizes so that consumers may make a large variety of customized drinks without having to have a large number of pitchers. 
     Furthermore, the two-quart size is inconvenient for consumers who want to make only a single serving of beverage at a particular time. The packets and mini-tubs typically cannot easily be resealed if a consumer only withdraws enough for a single serving. Large tubs are often resealable to allow consumers to withdraw only the amount of concentrate that they need. For example, a tablespoon or other portion of beverage concentrate may be combined with water in a glass or cup to form a single beverage serving. However, large tubs are disadvantageous because their size may render them inconvenient for a consumer to easily transport to the work place, school, etc. A consumer could attempt to put a single serving size of beverage powder in a reclosable plastic bag, but the powdered nature of beverage concentrates can make transfer and handling messy and inconvenient. Thus, there is a need for a more convenient system to provide consumers with single serving portions of a beverage concentrate. 
     While packaging powdered beverage concentrate in large tubs allows consumers to withdraw a desired portion of concentrate, such as single-serving portions, large tubs also allow consumers to withdraw imprecise amounts. Imprecise amounts of concentrate, when mixed with liquid, can result in flavor or other variations in the resulting beverage. For example, if too little of a portion of concentrate is combined with a given quantity of water, the resulting beverage may be diluted, having a watered-down flavor. Thus, it is desirable to provide consumers with single-serving portions of beverage concentrate that are packaged in relatively precise quantities. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,492, to Lucas, discloses a disposable coffee cup or container. The container has a beverage concentrate, such as instant coffee, in the bottom thereof. A thin film with a shape corresponding to the interior of the container is disposed in the container. The bottom of the film is elevated from the bottom of the container to hold the beverage concentrate therebetween and protect the beverage concentrate. To make a beverage, the film is removed from within the container, thereby exposing the beverage concentrate. Fluid can then be added to the beverage concentrate to form a beverage. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,502, also to Lucas, discloses a container and liner arrangement similar to that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,134,492 and discussed above. However, the bottom of the liner in U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,502 extends to the bottom of the container. The liner has one or more compartments or pockets formed therein for separating different beverage concentrates and holding them against the bottom of the container. Removal of the liner and addition of a liquid causes the different beverage concentrates to combine into a beverage. 
     There remains a need for a beverage system that allows for customization of the beverage by individual consumers. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the invention, a method and apparatus are provided to enable consumers to conveniently prepare fresh, consistently flavored, single serving size beverages by using a portable beverage system. The beverages are customizable with regard to flavor and nutritional content according to the personal preferences of individual consumers. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the beverage system includes an outer container, an inner container that is sized to fit inside the outer container, one or more portions of concentrate, and a lid for fitting on the top of the outer container. The portions of concentrate may be provided in capsulated form. The inner container initially may be fitted inside the outer container. The inner container is capable of storing one or more beverage concentrate capsules within its interior. The inner container, with the capsules therein, is sealed within the outer container by securing the lid to the outer container. The compact, nestable design of the inner and outer containers contributes to the portability and convenience of the beverage system because users can transport the containers in their nested state, thereby reducing the size of the beverage system. 
     To use the beverage system of a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid is removed from the outer container. Once the lid is removed from the outer container, the inner container with the beverage concentrate capsules therein can be removed from within the outer container. A consumer may then select one or more capsules from the inner container and place them in the outer container. Liquid, such as water, may be combined with the capsules in the outer container. To assist in the dissolution of the beverage concentrate into the liquid, the lid may be placed back on the outer container in a sealing manner and the outer container may be shaken. Alternatively, the lid can remain removed from the outer container and the consumer may stir the beverage concentrate and the liquid together with a spoon, straw, or other like instrument. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner container, outer container, and lid are preferably formed of a lightweight, inexpensive plastic material suitable for containing liquids for human consumption such that the containers are capable of inexpensive mass production. The plastic material is preferably microwavable to allow consumers to conveniently prepare hot beverages and also able to withstand both hot and cold temperature extremes. It is also preferable that the inner container outer container, and lid be safe for cleaning in a dishwasher to enable consumers to conveniently wash the containers and lid. It is also preferable that the plastic material used for the containers and lid be scratch resistant so that the containers do not become visually unattractive or provide locations for bacteria or dirt to adhere. The inner container and outer container may be formed using any suitable manufacturing technique, such as injection molding or vacuum molding. 
     The containers can vary in size, shape, and appearance. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner container and outer container each comprise a circular bottom wall and a sidewall that extends upward around the circumference of the bottom wall at a slightly obtuse angle. The angle of the sidewalls contributes to an overall drinking cup-like appearance of the containers. The upper circumferential edges of the sidewalls define openings or mouths of the containers. 
     The interior of the outer container is large enough to accommodate the inner container. It is preferable that the bottom wall of the inner container rest on the bottom wall of the outer container when inserted into the interior of the outer container. It is also preferable that the tapered diameter of the sidewall of the outer container be slightly larger than the tapered diameter of the inner container such that when the inner container is inside the outer container there is little space therebetween. The close sizing of the outer container with respect to the inner container is desirable to provide a relatively close fit when the two containers are nested together. The outer container may also be sized to be held in typical automobile cup holders to increase the convenience and portability of the beverage system. 
     The lid is preferably formed of the same material as the containers and is sized to fit in a sealing manner around the upper circumference of the sidewall of the outer container. The lid may have an arcuate profile to enhance its visual appeal. The lid may include openings for beverage to be dispensed through, such as a grated opening or a selectively closable nipple. The lid may engage the outer container with a snap-fit, or the lid may be provided with threads to enable it to screw on to corresponding threads provided in or on the outer container. A ring may be fitted around the outer circumference of the lid in order to assist in providing a tight fit between the lid and the upper circumference of the sidewall of the outer container. The ring may be integrally formed with the lid, or may comprise a separate piece. The ring may be formed of the same material as the lid. Alternatively, the ring may be formed of a material more elastic than the material forming the lid. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the portions of concentrate are in the form of a powder. The portions of concentrate may also be in a liquid form. The portions of beverage concentrate are preferably formed into capsules that are dissolvable in liquid or are easily broken apart to allow their contents to be emptied. The capsules may comprise cellulose or other easily dissolvable materials for containing the beverage concentrate. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the portions of beverage concentrate are in the form of gelatin compositions. Whether the portions of concentrate are provided in capsules or comprise gelatin compositions, the portions can provide consumers with easily portable, single-serve portions of beverage concentrate. The portions may provide consumers with the precise amount of concentrate required for predetermined quantities of liquid, eliminated the need for consumers to measure the amount of concentrate necessary and resulting in consistently flavored beverages. 
     It is also preferable that the portions of concentrate remain cohesive and not degrade when exposed to a range of ambient temperatures. For example, it is contemplated that during use and storage of the portions of concentrate they may be exposed to a wide range of temperatures, such as in a closed vehicle in the summer heat, or in a vehicle exposed to frigid winter temperatures. By having the portions able to withstand a wide variety of temperatures without degradation, consumers are provided with a beverage system that is enhanced in portability. 
     The portions may include beverage concentrates with a wide variety of flavors. For example, fruit flavored beverage concentrates, such as orange, banana, and strawberry may be included in the portions. Some of the portions may contain other flavors, such as coffee or cappuccino. It is also contemplated that the portions may include teas, such as rosemary or jasmine, in concentrated form. Different groups or categories of beverage concentrate flavors may be packaged as refills or with the containers and lid of the beverage system of the invention. For example, a consumer may be provided with a selection of general flavor categories, such as tea, citrus fruit juice, or other sets. Each category may include multiple flavors. For example, the citrus fruit juice set may include orange, grapefruit, lemon, and lime flavors. Providing different flavorings of the portions of concentrate allows consumers to conveniently create a wide variety of freshly made drinks when desired. 
     Nutritional additives, such as vitamins, herbs, and minerals, may also be provided in portions designed to be easily dissolvable in liquid. The nutritional additives may be combined with beverage concentrate in the portions. Alternatively, the nutritional additives may be provided in capsules or other forms independent of the beverage concentrate. For example, one capsule could contain vitamin C, and another could contain zinc. Various nutritional additives may also be provided in combination within a single portion or capsule. The combination portions can have ingredients chosen according to themes. The provision of nutritional additives in capsule or other forms allows the consumer to easily customize the nutritional content of a beverage made with the beverage system of the invention according to personal preferences. 
     In addition to portions or capsules containing beverage concentrate and/or nutritional additives, portions may be provided containing other consumable items. For example, in an embodiment of the invention the portions may include soup concentrate. The soup concentrate can contain flavoring and spices for combination with liquid to form a soup. Portions or capsules may also be provided that contain carbonation elements, such as sodium bicarbonate, in order to provide carbonation to beverages made with the beverage system of the invention. Wellness portions or capsules, containing such over the counter remedies as Tums or Altoids, may also be provided to allow consumers to customize drinks made with the beverage system. The portions may also contain colorings or dyes for producing beverages of desired colors or appearances. 
     Portions, whether in capsule or other form, may by be uniquely shaped to allow consumers to easily distinguish and select the portions with the contents they desire from a plurality of different portions. For example, capsules containing beverage concentrate may be shaped according to their flavor, such as round-shaped for orange flavor, crescent-shaped for banana flavor, or heart-shaped for strawberry flavor. The portions may also be provided in different shapes to assist consumers in distinguishing among portions with different contents. For example, orange flavor capsules may be colored orange, banana flavor capsules may be colored yellow, and strawberry flavor capsules may be colored red. If the portions are provided in capsule form, then the capsules  15 ; may be clear or transparent to increase their visual appeal. Scents can also be added to the portions to help consumers distinguish between flavors. 
     The inner container, outer container, and lid may be formed of a translucent material. In addition to providing an appealing appearance to consumers, having the containers and lid formed of a translucent material allows for a consumer to easily see inside one or both of the containers. Such visibility allows a consumer to see how many capsules or portions are contained within the inner container, even when the inner container is nested within the outer container. A translucent material also allows the consumer to visually determine whether a capsule or portion has been fully dissolved when combined with a liquid in the outer container. Forming the inner container, outer container, and lid of a translucent material thus contributes to the overall ease with which a consumer can use the beverage system of the invention. 
     To assist consumers in mixing portions of concentrate or other ingredients with a liquid, such as water, the outer container may have indicia printed or formed on its sidewall to indicate the appropriate amount of liquid to be added for given types or quantities of portions. The indicia can assist consumers in mixing portions and liquid to provide consistently flavored beverages. For example, the indicia may include a scale with marks at locations on the scale for indicating how much liquid should be added for a specific quantity of capsules. The indicia may also include one or more recipes of proposed combinations of portions or capsules. For instance, the recipe may suggest combining a juice capsule, a vitamin capsule, and carbonation capsule to form a nutritional, carbonated juice drink. Alternatively, such recipes may be printed on packaging or instructions sheets included with the beverage system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the beverage system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the beverage system of  FIG. 1  with the lid and inner container being removed from the outer container; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the beverage system of  FIG. 1  with a capsule being removed from the inner container and placed in the outer container; 
         FIG. 4  is a view of the outer container of  FIG. 3  with liquid being added to the outer container with the capsule therein; 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the outer container of  FIG. 4  with the lid being placed on the outer container having the liquid and the capsule therein; 
         FIG. 6  is a view of the outer container of  FIG. 5  with the outer container having the lid thereon being shaken; 
         FIG. 7  is a view of the outer container of  FIG. 6  with the lid thereon and the capsule dissolved in the liquid; 
         FIG. 8  is a plan view of the top of the container of  FIG. 1  with the lid thereon in a closed position; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the top of the container of  FIG. 8  with the lid being rotated to a pouring position; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial sectional view of the container of  FIG. 6  taken along line  10  thereof; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial sectional view of the container of  FIG. 7  taken along line  11 - 11  thereof; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial sectional view of the container of  FIG. 7  taken along line  12 - 12  thereof; 
         FIG. 13  is a partial sectional view of the container of  FIG. 7  taken along line  13 - 13  showing the lid being rotated from a closed position; 
         FIG. 14  is a view of the container similar to  FIG. 13  showing the lid in a pouring position; 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of a capsule in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 16  is an perspective view of the capsule of  FIG. 15  being separated. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The invention is preferably embodied in a method an apparatus that enables consumers to conveniently prepare freshly-made beverages in convenient single-serve portions that are customizable according to individual customer preferences by using a portable beverage system  10 . A preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein the beverage system  10  includes portions of concentrate contained in capsules  50 , a mixing and serving container  20 , a lid  40 , and a capsule storage container  30 , are disclosed below. 
       FIGS. 1-14  illustrate apparatus for providing consumers with a convenient, portable, and customizable beverage system  10  in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The beverage system  10  includes at least one portion or capsule  50  containing beverage concentrate, an outer container for mixing and serving a beverage  64 , an inner container  30  for storing the capsules  50 , and a lid  40  for the outer container  20 . The inner container  30  can be placed inside the outer container  20  to increase the compactness of the beverage system  10  and to store any capsules  50  held therein. The lid  40  can seal the contents of the outer container  20 , which may include either a beverage  64  or the inner container  30  and capsules  50 . 
     In an embodiment of the method of the invention, illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 , the beverage system  10  allows consumers to easily make a customizable beverage  64  according to personal preferences. The lid  40  can be removed from the outer container  20  to allow the inner container  30 , with capsules  50  therein, to be withdrawn. One or more beverage capsules  50  may then be selected from the inner container  30  and deposited within the outer container  20 . The outer container  20  is then filled with liquid  60 , such as water. Next, the lid  60  is secured to the outer container to seal the liquid  60  and the capsules  50  inside. When the lid  40  is securely on the outer container  20 , the outer container  20  can be shaken to dissolve the capsule  50  in the liquid  60  and produce a beverage  64 . After dissolution of the capsule  50  in the liquid  60 , the freshly prepared, custom beverage  64  is ready for serving. The method of making the beverage  64  is described in more detail hereinbelow. 
     An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , showing the beverage system  10  comprising an inner container  30  with capsules  50  therein and disposed within the outer container  20 , and a lid  40  sealing the inner container  30  and the capsules  50  within the outer container  20 . 
     Beverage concentrate is provided in the form of portions or capsules  50  that can be mixed with a liquid  60  to form a flavored beverage  64 . The portions or capsules  50  may also contain vitamins, herbs, or other nutrients to allow consumers to selectively add nutrients to the flavored beverage  64  to create a customizable beverage  64 . The capsules  50  may be distinguishably shaped to allow consumers to differentiate between flavors of drink concentrates or nutrient contents. For example, a whale-shaped capsule  66  may contain a first flavor of beverage concentrate, and a spherically-shaped capsule  68  may contain a second flavor of beverage concentrate. 
     In an embodiment of the invention, the beverage capsules  50  contain powdered beverage concentrate  54 . The powdered beverage concentrate  54  is dissolvable in water or other liquids  60  to form a flavored beverage  64 . In an embodiment of the invention, the beverage capsules  50  comprise an outer portion  58  for containing the powdered beverage concentrate  54 . The outer portion  58  may be dissolvable in liquid  60  to allow access to the powdered concentrate  54  contained therein. Alternatively, the outer portion  58  may have an area of weakness  52  to allow the outer portion  58  to be split open to allow access to the powdered beverage concentrate  54  contained therein, as illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . In another embodiment of the invention, the beverage portions  50  are formed of a gelatin  56  that is dissolvable in liquid  60  to form a flavored beverage  64 . 
     The outer container  20  comprises a circular bottom wall  22  with a cylindrical sidewall  24  extending upwardly therefrom. The sidewall  24  extends upwardly at a slight obtuse angle with respect to the bottom wall  22  to present an attractive container similar to a drinking glass. A lip  25  may be formed around the periphery of the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20  opposite the bottom wall  22 . Indicia  26 , such as a scale indicating the amount of liquid to be added for a given number of capsules  50 , may be printed on the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20 . Alternatively, the indicia  26  may be formed in either a depressed or raised manner on the surface of the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20 . A pour spout may also be formed in the sidewall of the outer container to facilitate the pouring of a beverage  64  from within the outer container  20 . 
     The inner container  30 , illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , comprises a circular bottom wall  32  and a cylindrical sidewall  34  extending upwardly therefrom. Similar to the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20 , the sidewall  34  of the inner container  30  extends upwardly at a slight obtuse angle with respect to the bottom wall  32 . The inner container  30  is sized to fit within the outer container  20 . It is desirable that the inner container  30  fit within the outer container  20  loosely, so that it is easily withdrawn and replaced. However, it is also desirable that the fit between the inner container  30  and the outer container  20  should not be so loose to cause excessive rattling or shaking of the inner container  30  against the interior surfaces of the outer container  20 . 
     The lid  40  is sized to fit in a sealing manner onto the peripheral edge or lip  25  of the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the lid  40  comprises an circular, dome-shaped top wall  44  with a sidewall  46  depending downwardly from its periphery, as generally shown in  FIG. 2 . When the lid  40  is placed on the outer container, the sidewall  46  extends downwardly into the outer container  20  in close relation with the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20 . 
     The sidewall  46  of the lid  40  may have one or more openings  48  for allowing the contents to be poured from the outer container  20  with the lid  40  attached. The opening  48  in the sidewall  46  of the lid  40  may be arranged to allow the contents of the outer container  20  to be dispensed through the opening  48  when aligned with the pour spout  28  of the outer container  20 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . The opening  48  in the sidewall  46  of the lid  40  may include grate openings  47  configured to let liquid  60  pass therethrough but preventing solids, such as ice  62 , from passing therethrough, as illustrated in  FIG. 14 . Indentations  45  may be formed in the top wall  44  of the lid  40  to provide surfaces for consumers to grip and rotate the lid  40  when the lid  40  is secured to the outer container  20 , such as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . When the indentations  45  are aligned with the openings  48  or  47  of the sidewall  46  of the lid  40 , the indentations  45  can serve as indicia for determining the location of the openings  48  or  47  when the lid  40  is secured to the outer container  20 . 
     In an embodiment of the lid  40 , a ring  70  is disposed around the periphery of its top wall  44 . The ring has a groove  72  formed around its inner side for engaging the lip  25  of the outer container  20  in an interlocking manner. The securing of the lid  40  to the outer container  20  via the groove  72  in the ring  70  and the lip  25  of the sidewall  24  of the outer container  20  provides a seal to close the interior of the outer container  20 . The ring  70  may be made of a plastic material similar to the material of the lid  40 , or the ring  70  may be made of a more elastic material to provide for a tight seal between the groove  72  of the ring  70  and the lip  25  of the outer container  20 . The ring  70  may completely surround the periphery of the top wall  44  of the lid  40 , or the ring  70  may form only a partial circle, as illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . If the ring  70  forms only a partial circle, it is preferable that the gap  76  in the ring  70  be aligned with the pour spout  28  of the outer container  20  to facilitate the pouring of the contents from the outer container  20 . 
     The ring  70  may be integrally formed with the lid  40 , or the ring  70  may comprise an additional part attached to the lid  40 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12 , the lid  40  may be provided with a protrusion  42  extending outwardly proximate the intersection of the top wall  44  and the sidewall  46  of the lid. The ring  70  may be provided with a groove  74  around its inner circumference corresponding to the profile of the protrusion  42  in order to assist in securing the ring  70  to the lid  40 . The ring  70  may be securely attached to the lid  40  via its groove  74  and the protrusion  42  of the lid  40 . Alternatively, the lid  40  may be adapted for rotation with respect to the ring  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . 
     The outer container  20 , inner container  30 , and lid  40  may all be made of the same material. It is preferably that the outer container  20 , inner container  30 , and lid  40  each be transparent. A transparent outer container  20  and inner container  30  allows their contents to be viewed by consumers. For example, when the inner container  30  is disposed within the outer container  20 , each container&#39;s transparency allows consumers to readily view the number of capsules  50  disposed within the inner container  30 . When the outer container  20  is used to mix a beverage capsule  50  with a liquid, the transparency of the outer container  20  and the lid  40  allows consumers to readily ascertain whether the capsule  50  and/or its contents are fully dissolved in the liquid  60 . 
     In accordance with a method of the invention, the beverage system  10  shown in  FIG. 1  and described above is used to form a beverage  64 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 . The components of the beverage system  10  discussed above, including the outer container  20 , inner container  30 , lid  40 , and beverage portions  50 , may be combined together to form a compact state that may be conveniently portable by consumers. In the initial compact state of the beverage system  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , portions  50  are stored in the inner container  30 . The inner container  30  is disposed within the outer container  20 . The lid  40  is attached to the outer container  20 , thereby securing the inner container  30  and portions  50  within the outer container  20 . The lid  40  may be attached in sealing relation with the outer container  20  to maintain the freshness of the portions  50  stored within the inner container  30 . 
     In order to make a beverage  64  using the beverage system  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the components of the beverage system  10  are separated from their compact state. The lid  40  is first removed from the outer container  20  to allow the inner container  30 , containing the beverage portions  50 , to be withdrawn from inside the outer container  20 , as shown in  FIG. 2 . Once the inner container  30  is removed from the outer container  20 , one or more beverage portions  50  can be selected by the consumer from the inner container  30 , and placed in the outer container  20 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Once the portion  50  is placed in the outer container  20 , a liquid  60 , such as water, can be combined with the portion  50  in the outer container  20 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . Indicia  26  located on the outer container  20  may be used to determine the appropriate amount of liquid  60  to add for given types or quantities of capsules  50 . Next, a consumer can securely attach the lid  40  to the outer container  20  to seal the liquid  60  and capsules  50  therein, as shown in  FIG. 5 . With the lid  40  attached to the outer container  20 , the outer container  20  can be shaken by a consumer to break apart and dissolve the portion  50  into the liquid  60 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . When the portion  50  is dissolved in the liquid  60 , the consumer is presented with a freshly made, customized beverage  64 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Various modifications to the above-discussed steps are contemplated by the invention. For example, the outer container  20  may not require shaking to dissolve the portion  50  in the liquid  60 . If the break-apart capsule  50  described above is used, the capsule  50  can be separated along its area of weakness  52  and the powdered beverage concentrate  54  dispensed directly into the liquid  60 . Alternatively, a drinking straw or other utensils (not shown) may be used to assist in dissolving the water soluble capsules  50  and powdered beverage concentrate  54  or the gelatin concentrate  50  into the liquid  60 . 
     The beverage system  10  discussed above provides consumers various ways to consume a beverage  64  made with the beverage system  10 . For example, the lid  40  can be removed from the outer container  20  and the consumer can drink the beverage  64  directly from the outer container  20 . Alternatively, the lid  40  can be rotated with respect to the outer container  20  to align either the opening  48  or the grate openings  47  with the pour spout  28  and the beverage  64  poured from the outer container  20  into a glass or other drinking container (not shown). A straw opening (not shown) may also be provided in the lid  40  to allow consumers to drink the beverage  64  directly from the outer container via a straw (not shown). 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the invention provides a method and apparatus for consumers to create a freshly prepared, customized beverage using a convenient and portable beverage system  10 . The invention is not limited to the embodiments described hereinabove or to any particular embodiments. Various modifications to the aforementioned containers  20  and  30 , beverage portions  50 , or other components will result in substantially the same invention. 
     The invention is defined more particularly by the following claims.