US20090065503A1

US20090065503A1 - Multi-chambered beverage container

Info

Publication number: US20090065503A1
Application number: US12/185,549
Authority: US
Inventors: Brian Hertzig
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-09-07
Filing date: 2008-08-04
Publication date: 2009-03-12
Also published as: WO2009032837A1

Abstract

A multi-chambered beverage container configured to store a plurality of separate liquids and facilitate the simultaneous consumption thereof. There is a container having a divider configured to separate a first chamber and a second chamber. The container includes a lid having a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough. The container includes a first straw disposed through the first aperture, wherein a top portion of the first straw is substantially acircular including a first mating side; and a second straw disposed through the second aperture, wherein a top portion of the second straw is substantially acircular including a second mating side configured to mate to the first mating side. The first and second mating sides of the first and second straws comprise an adhesive material configured to couple the mating sides of the first and second straws together.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. §120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/970,667 to Hertzig filed on Sep. 7, 2007, which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beverage containers, specifically to beverage containers containing multiple beverage compartments.
2. Description of the Related Art
A mixed drink is a type of beverage in which two or more different ingredients are mixed together to create a different drink. Mixed drink may refer to: cocktails, which are one or more distilled spirits combined with drink mixers; mixed drink shooters and drink shots, which are small servings of cocktails in special glasses; beer cocktails, which combine beer with a drink mixer or distilled spirits; wine cocktails and punches, which combine wine (still or sparkling) with drink mixers; flaming beverages, which are cocktails containing high-proof alcohol ignited prior to serving; and non-alcoholic mixed drinks, which are soft drinks that do not contain alcohol.
A common household typically does not have access to bartending tools used to prepare and serve mixed drinks. Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below, and the supported teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:
U.S. Pat. No. 4,919,295, issued to Hitzler, discloses a cylindrical can having an originally open top, and a cup-shaped insert therein. The insert is of lesser volume than the can, and has an open top. The insert is positioned with its open top essentially in the same plane with the open top of the can, and cover means is applied to the can, sealing the can and the insert. The cover means includes two separate elements, one sealing the insert and the other sealing the can relative to the space surrounding the insert. An openable closure member is incorporated in each of the elements of the closure means.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,978, issued to Castillo, discloses a device for maintaining ingredients separately within a bottle container of the type having a removable container cap has a sub-container body formed with squeezable plastic outer walls and inner divider walls forming multiple compartments having respective orifices for dispensing the ingredients contained therein. Each compartment can be separately opened (by removing a sealing element) and its ingredient can be dispensed into the container by squeezing. A can container having a fixed can top and pull tab, has a one or more sub-container vessels held in exterior well(s) recessed in the surface of the container top, and held in place by and protected by the pull tab. When the pull tab is removed and the tab opening is exposed, the sub-container vessel(s) can be removed from the exterior well(s) to dispense their separate ingredients into the container. These improved devices allow multiple ingredients to be safely stored separately from the carrier liquid and conveniently used and controllably metered to the user's tastes.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,827, issued to Armstrong et al., discloses a multi-vesselled beverage container including at least two elongated vessels or tubes which are connected in an adjacent relationship relative to each other. Each tube has an open top portion and a closed bottom portion such that each tube can hold a beverage therein. The tubes are connected such that the top portions of the tubes are disposed in generally coplanar relation relative to each other. The cross-sectional configuration of the tubes are specifically sized toward the top portions thereof to define a cumulative width between opposite sides of the tubes to facilitate simultaneous and direct pouring of the beverages from the tubes into a person's mouth whereat the beverages commingle with each other to provide a taste sensation different than that provided by either individual beverage.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,030, issued to Frazier, discloses a drinking cup having a generally cylindrical rim portion above an at least semi-cylindrical base portion. A generally semi-cylindrical rear wall is disposed between a segment of the rim portion and the base portion, while an also semi-cylindrical front wall is disposed between the remaining segment of the rim portion and a level significantly above the base portion. A rear floor joins the lower end of the rear wall and the base portion, and an upper floor joins the front wall at the defined level. A vertical generally central divider defines with the rear wall and the rear floor a long rear compartment and also defines with the front wall and the upper floor a short front compartment. A handle is shaped to permit handling by either the right or left hand and may be formed during manufacture as a separate sub-assembly which includes an insert that is received to become a continuation of the front wall below the upper floor. The relative volumes of the front and rear compartments are selected so that upon draining the front compartment the rear compartment retains a volume about half that originally poured into the drinking cup.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0151496, by Healy et al. discloses a cup is disclosed which enables a user to draw beverages from two or more receptacles within the cup through straws extending through a lid into the respective receptacles. The size of the straws may differ so that beverages of different viscosities can be drawn at the same rate from the respective receptacles. The separate receptacles may be formed by a divider in a single cup; alternatively, or separate receptacles may be molded and secured together by integrally molded components on the respective receptacles or by an additional element such as an elastic band. The lid and cup may also include complementary means to ensure that the lid can only be placed on the cup with the straws extending into the proper receptacles.
U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0219719, by Dixon, discloses a multi-compartment beverage container includes a first compartment, a second compartment, and a partition separating the first compartment from the second compartment. A first closure such as a seal, flip tab, or cap, is configured for selectively enabling access to the first compartment, and a second closure is configured for selectively enabling access to the second compartment. In one embodiment the container is a drink box with a first compartment, second compartment and partition formed from an integral blank. In another drink box embodiment, the partition is a separate structure that is bonded within the container to form the compartments. In yet another embodiment, the container is formed of a plastic.
The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages which include being cumbersome, being difficult to use, being limited in application, being limited in adaptability, being expensive, being bulky, and being inefficient. What is needed is a beverage holder that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available beverage holders. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide an efficient and convenient beverage holder containing multiple beverage compartments.
A multi-chambered beverage container is configured to store a plurality of separate liquids and facilitate the simultaneous consumption thereof, may comprise of a container having a divider configured to separate a first chamber and a second chamber. The container may also include a lid coupled to a top portion of the container and having a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough. The lid may further comprise of a covering device, wherein the covering device may include a first cover configured to cover the first aperture, and a second cover configured to cover the second aperture. Moreover, the lid may also include a first lid member, and a second lid member, wherein the first and second lid members are configured to hingedly couple to a top portion of the container.
The container may further include a first straw disposed through the first aperture, wherein a top portion of the first straw is substantially acircular, including a first mating side. In addition to the first straw, the container may further comprise of a second straw disposed through the second aperture, wherein a top portion of the second straw is substantially acircular, including a second mating side configured to mate to the first mating side. The first and second mating sides may be configured to be substantially flat surfaces. In addition the first and second mating sides may also be configured to interlock one to the other. Furthermore, the top portions of each of the first and second straws may form half-circles and may also form a complete circle when the first and second mating sided are mated.
The first and second mating sides of the first and second straws may further comprise an adhesive material configured to couple the mating sides of the first and second straws together. The adhesive material may be configured to create an air-impermeable coupling of the mating sides of the first and second straws. The adhesive material may include properties that are naturally adhesive to itself.
The multi-chambered beverage container may also include a tooth and root configuration, wherein the tooth and root configuration includes an upper portion and a lower portion resembling a tooth and a root. The root design may include a split, wherein the split separates the first chamber and the second chamber. In addition, the top portions of the upper and lower portions may also include a reinforced structure.
The multi-chambered beverage container may include a lid, wherein the lid includes a lid-lock mechanism. The lid-lock mechanism may include a first lid member and a second lid member, wherein the first and second lid members may be configured to hingedly couple to the lid-lock mechanism. In addition, the first lid member may include a first coupling member and a second coupling member configured to couple the portion of the container.
Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention, should be or are, in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.
Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features, or advantages, of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.
These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention, briefly described above, will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting in its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-chambered beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a lid of a multi-chambered beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-chambered beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a lid having a covering device of a multi-chambered beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a multi-chambered beverage container, according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a multi-chambered beverage container, according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings, and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will, nevertheless, be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.
Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, or the same, etc.
Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole, or in part, one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.
As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”
FIG. 1 is an illustration of a multi-chambered beverage container 10 configured to store a plurality of separate liquids and facilitate the simultaneous consumption thereof, according to one embodiment; the multi-chambered beverage container 10 includes a container 12 having a divider 14 configured to separate a first chamber 16 and a second chamber 18. The first chamber 16 is configured to store a liquid separate from a liquid stored in the second chamber 18. The multi-chambered beverage container 10 also includes a lid 20 coupled to a top portion of the container 22.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the multi-chambered beverage container 10 includes a first straw 28. The first straw 28 is disposed through the first aperture 24, wherein a top portion of the first straw 30 is substantially acircular. The first straw 28 includes a first mating side 32 disposed substantially about the flat member of the acircular shape of the top portion of the first straw 30. The container 10 also includes a second straw 34 disposed through the second aperture 26, wherein a top portion of the second straw 36 is substantially acircular. The second straw 34 also includes a second mating side 38 disposed substantially about the flat member of the acircular shape of the top portion of the second straw 36, wherein the second mating side 38 is configured to mate to the first mating side 32 of the first straw 28. The first and second mating sides 32, 38 are configured to be substantially flat surfaces, wherein the first and second mating sides 32, 38 are configured to interlock with one another.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, a multi-chambered beverage container 10, according to one embodiment, wherein the beverage container 10 includes a lid 20. The lid 20 includes a first aperture 24 and a second aperture 26 disposed therethrough. The lid 20 is disposed about a top portion of the container 22. In addition, FIG. 2 also illustrates the top portions of each of the first and second straws 30, 36 configured to form half-circles; furthermore the first and second straws 30, 36, form a complete circle when the first and second mating sides 32, 38 are mated. FIG. 2 further illustrates a lid 20 of the multi-chambered beverage container 10, wherein the lid 20 further includes a first lid member 50 and a second lid member 52. The first and second lid members 50, 52 are configured to hingedly couple to the top portion of the container 22. The configuration of the first and second lid members 50, 52 secures and stores the liquid within the first and second chambers 16, 18, independently and separately, from the other chamber.
FIG. 3 illustrates a multi-chambered beverage container 10, according to one embodiment, wherein the beverage container 10 includes a first straw 28 and a second straw 34. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a first mating side 32 of the first straw 28 is positioned substantially opposite of a second mating side 38 of the second straw 34. Thereby enabling a user to consume from each of the first and second chambers 16, 18 separately. In addition, the configuration in FIG. 3 enables a user to manipulate the liquid in the first chamber 16 with the first straw 28 and the second chamber 18 with the second straw 34.
FIG. 4 illustrates a multi-chambered beverage container 10, according to one embodiment, wherein the container 10 includes a lid 20. The lid 20 includes a covering device 40, wherein the covering device 40 includes a first cover 42 configured to cover the first aperture 24. In addition, the covering device 40 also includes a second cover 44 configured to cover the second aperture 26. The covering device 40 is configured to securely store the liquids contained within the container when a user is not consuming the beverage.
FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-chambered beverage container 10, according to one embodiment, wherein the container 10 includes a tooth and root configuration 60. The tooth and root configuration 60 includes an upper portion 62 and a lower portion 64. The upper portion 62 is configured in a tooth design and the lower portion 64 is configured in a root design. The root design includes a split 68, wherein the split 68 separates the first chamber 16 and the second chamber 18. The root design enables a user to stack the container 10, one on top of the other, when storing the device. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the top portions of the upper and lower portions 62, 64, includes a reinforced structure 66, wherein the reinforced structure 66 is configured to support the divider 14 and the first and the second chambers 16, 18.
FIG. 6 illustrates a multi-chambered beverage container 10, according to one embodiment, wherein the container 10 includes a lid 20. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the lid 20 includes a lid-lock mechanism 70, wherein the lid-lock mechanism 70 is configured to secure to a divider 14 of the container 10. The lid-lock mechanism 70 includes a first lid member 50 and a second lid member 52. The first and second lid members 50, 52 are configured to hingedly couple to the lid-lock mechanism 70. In addition, the first lid member 50 includes a first coupling member 72 configured to couple the first lid member 50 to a top portion of the container 22. Furthermore, the second lid member 52 includes a second coupling member 74 configured to couple the second lid member 52 to the top portion of the container 22. The first and second coupling members 72, 74 are configured to secure the contents of the first and second chambers 16, 18, respectively. This configuration enables a user to individually refill either the first or the second chamber 16, 18 independently from each other.
In operation of one embodiment of a multi-chambered beverage container, a user disposes a liquid within the first chamber of the container. The user may then dispose another liquid, preferably a different liquid, within the second chamber of the container and secures the lid about the top portion of the container. The user may then insert a first straw through the first aperture, and a second straw through the second aperture. The user may then consume each liquid separately. In order for the user to consume both liquids from both chambers, the user couples the first mating side of the first straw to the second mating side of the second straw together. Thereby, forming a complete circle when the first and second mating sides are mated.
It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Any of the functional portions, systems, members, devices, modules, attributes, components, actions, processes, and features may function, be used, and incorporate in any combination and/or function separately.
For example, although the Figures illustrate a first straw and a second straw, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the multi-chambered beverage container 10 may be configured to include a plurality of straws, a plurality of apertures, a plurality of chambers, a plurality of dividers, a plurality of covers, a plurality of lids, a plurality of mating sides, and still perform its intended function. For example the container may include three chambers and three straws, wherein the top portions of the straws is configured to be substantially one-third circular. In addition, each straw includes two mating sides wherein when the mating sides are mated, the three straws are configured to form a complete circle.
Additionally, although the figures illustrate a complete cup design, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the design may vary. One non-limiting example may be a cup design, wherein the design includes the first and second chambers being coupled only about a top portion of the beverage container. Thereby, enabling the multi-chambered beverage container to be stored in a stacked configuration, one on top of another, when not in use and still perform its intended function.
It is envisioned that, one skilled in the art would appreciate that the coupling members may vary. Non-limiting examples may be: a snap-lock coupling member, a groove-lock coupling member, a track and guide lock coupling member, and still perform its intended function.
It is also envisioned that the top portions of the first straw and the second straw may vary in design. One skilled in the art would appreciate that the design of the first and second straws may be square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, etc. and still perform its intended function.
It is expected that there could be numerous variations of the design of this invention. An example is that the container, chamber, lid, straw, mating side, covering device, member may vary in design, configuration, color, size, shape, length, width, and still perform its intended function.
Finally, it is envisioned that the components of the device may be constructed of a variety of materials, such as but not limited to plastic, polyurethane, paper, cardboard, foam, metal and/or so forth.
Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of, or to consist essentially, of one or more of the features, functions, structures, and methods described herein.

Claims

1. A multi-chambered beverage container configured to store a plurality of separate liquids and facilitate the simultaneous consumption thereof, comprising:

a) a container having a divider configured to separate a first chamber and a second chamber;

b) a lid coupled to a top portion of the container and having a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough;

c) a first straw disposed through the first aperture, wherein a top portion of the first straw is substantially acircular including a first mating side; and

d) a second straw disposed through the second aperture, wherein a top portion of the second straw is substantially acircular including a second mating side configured to mate to the first mating side.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the first and second mating sides are substantially flat surfaces.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the first and second mating sides are interlocking one to the other.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the top portions of each of the first and second straws form half-circles and form a complete circle when the first and second mating sided are mated.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a covering device, wherein the covering device includes:

a) a first cover configured to cover the first aperture; and

b) a second cover configured to cover the second aperture.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the first and second mating sides of the first and second straws further comprise an adhesive material configured to couple the mating sides of the first and second straws together.

7. The container of claim 6, wherein the adhesive material creates an air-impermeable coupling of the mating sides of the first and second straws.

8. The container of claim 6, wherein, the adhesive material includes properties that are naturally adhesive to itself.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises:

a) a first lid member; and

b) a second lid member, wherein the first and second lid members are configured to hingedly couple to a top portion of the container.

10. A multi-chambered beverage container configured to store a plurality of separate liquids and facilitate the simultaneous consumption thereof, comprising:

c) a first straw disposed through the first aperture, wherein a top portion of the first straw is substantially acircular including a first mating side;

d) a second straw disposed through the second aperture, wherein a top portion of the second straw is substantially acircular including a second mating side configured to mate to the first mating side; and

e) an adhesive material coupled to the first and second mating sides of the first and second straws, wherein the adhesive material is configured to couple the first and second mating sides of the first and second straws together.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the first and second mating sides are substantially flat surfaces.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the first and second mating sides are interlocking one to the other.

13. The container of claim 10, wherein the top portions of each of the first and second straws form half-circles and form a complete circle when the first and second mating sided are mated.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the lid further comprises a covering device, wherein the covering device includes:

a) a first cover configured to cover the first aperture; and

b) a second cover configured to cover the second aperture.

15. The container of claim 10, wherein the adhesive material creates an air-impermeable coupling of the top portions of the first and second straws.

16. The container of claim 10, wherein, the adhesive material includes properties that are naturally adhesive to itself.

17. The container of claim 10, wherein the lid further comprises:

a) a first lid member; and

18. A multi-chambered beverage container configured to store a plurality of separate liquids and facilitate the simultaneous consumption thereof, comprising:

b) a lid coupled to a top portion of the container and having a first aperture and a second aperture therethrough; wherein the lid further comprises:

b1) a first lid member; and

b2) a second lid member, wherein the first and second lid members are configured to hingedly couple to a top portion of the container;

d) a second straw disposed through the second aperture, wherein a top portion of the second straw is substantially acircular including a second mating side configured to mate to the first mating side; wherein the first and second mating sides are substantially flat surfaces; wherein the first and second mating sides are interlocking one to the other;

wherein the top portions of each of the first and second straws form half-circles and form a complete circle when the first and second mating sided are mated;

e) a covering device, wherein the covering device includes:

e1) a first cover configured to cover the first aperture; and

e2) a second cover configured to cover the second aperture; and

f) an adhesive material coupled to the first and second mating sides of the first and second straws, wherein the adhesive material is configured to couple the first and second mating sides of the first and second straws together; wherein the adhesive material creates an air-impermeable coupling of the top portions of the first and second straws;

wherein, the adhesive material includes properties that are naturally adhesive to itself.