U.S. patent application number 10/773722 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-11 for multiple-vessel container.
Invention is credited to Johnson, Kevin.
Application Number | 20050173440 10/773722 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34826826 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050173440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson, Kevin |
August 11, 2005 |
Multiple-vessel container
Abstract
A container comprising an inner vessel disposed within an outer
vessel, wherein the inner vessel embodies a three-dimensional
design that can be viewed from the exterior of the outer
vessel.
Inventors: |
Johnson, Kevin; (Atlanta,
GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MYERS & KAPLAN, INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW, L.L.C.
1899 POWERS FERRY ROAD
SUITE 310
ATLANTA
GA
30339
US
|
Family ID: |
34826826 |
Appl. No.: |
10/773722 |
Filed: |
February 6, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/553 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20130101; B65D
81/3283 20130101; B65D 81/36 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/553 |
International
Class: |
B65D 001/24 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A container, said container comprising: a first fillable member;
and a second fillable member, said second fillable member disposed
within said first fillable member, wherein said second fillable
member defines a three-dimensional design.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein each said fillable member of
said container further comprises a neck member and a vessel member,
and wherein said vessel member of said second fillable member is
carried substantially within said vessel member of said first
fillable member.
3. The container of claim 2, further comprising a fill aperture,
wherein said neck member of said first fillable member and said
neck member of said second fillable member define said fill
aperture.
4. The container of claim 1, wherein said first fillable member is
of a generally transparent nature and said design of said second
fillable member is visible from the exterior of said first fillable
member.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein said first fillable member is
formed from a solid material, said solid material selected from a
group consisting of transparent material, translucent material, or
a combination thereof.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein said second fillable member
shares at least one wall with said first fillable member.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein said design of said second
fillable member is selected from a group consisting of an animal, a
mascot, a logo, an emblem, block-letters, or a combination
thereof.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein said design of said second
fillable member is defined by a contoured surface.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein said design of said second
fillable member is defined by a substantially smooth, imprinted
surface.
10. The container of claim 3, further comprising a lid, said lid
dimensioned to removably seal said fill aperture.
11. A container, said container comprising: a first fillable
member; and a second fillable member, said second fillable member
disposed within said first fillable member, wherein said second
fillable member is visible from the exterior of said first fillable
member.
12. The container of claim 11, wherein each said fillable member of
said container further comprises a neck member and a vessel member,
and wherein said vessel member of said fillable member is carried
substantially within said vessel member of said first fillable
member.
13. The container of claim 12, further comprising a fill aperture,
wherein said neck member of said first fillable member and said
neck member of said second fillable member define said fill
aperture.
14. The container of claim 11, wherein said second fillable member
defines a three-dimensional design.
15. The container of claim 11, wherein said first fillable member
is formed from a solid material, said solid material selected from
a group consisting of transparent material, translucent material,
or a combination thereof.
16. The container of claim 11, wherein said second fillable member
shares at least one wall with said first fillable member.
17. The container of claim 14, wherein said design of said second
fillable member is selected from a group consisting of an animal, a
mascot, a logo, an emblem, block-letters, or a combination
thereof.
18. The container of claim 14, wherein said design of said second
fillable member is defined by a contoured surface.
19. The container of claim 14, wherein said design of said second
fillable member is defined by a substantially smooth, imprinted
surface.
20. The container of claim 13, further comprising a lid, said lid
dimensioned to removably seal said fill aperture.
21. A method for holding a plurality of beverages within one
container, said method comprising the steps of: (a) obtaining a
multiple-vessel container comprising a lid, a first vessel, and a
second vessel, said second vessel defining a three-dimensional
design; (b) filling said first vessel with a first beverage; (c)
filling said second vessel with a second beverage; (d) closing said
container via said lid.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein said second vessel of said
multiple-vessel container is positioned within said first vessel.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to containers, and
more specifically to a bottle with multiple vessels, wherein each
vessel is capable of storing fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A variety of beverage containers are available that display
a design, such as an animal, team mascot, amusement park emblem or
restaurant logo, wherein such beverage containers provide the user
with a memento or souvenir that can be collected and reused. In
addition to their usefulness and aesthetic value to the consumer,
novelty cups and bottles are utilized by the owners of restaurants,
sports events, amusement parks, and the like, as a form of
advertising. Consumers purchase and keep such novelty cups and
bottles for their appealing design, and are reminded of the sponsor
every time that they use the cup or bottle.
[0003] Thus, clever and novel designs can increase the desirability
of such souvenir bottles. Furthermore, beverage containers can be
produced as part of a series of designs and thereby function as
collectible items, encouraging consumers to purchase more
containers to complete the set of designs. For example, a series of
beverage containers displaying Santa Claus and reindeer designs
could be sold as a set or individually as collectible items.
[0004] With respect to the contents of such containers, an
increasing variety of beverages are becoming available to today's
consumers. For instance, new flavors and assortments of beers,
juices and soft drinks are continually being introduced into the
marketplace. Given the wide variety of beverages available, it is
increasingly unlikely that all members of a family or group will
desire the same beverage, and given the on-the-go lifestyle of most
families and couples today, the need for convenient portability is
well recognized. Thus, it has become desirable to have a drink
container that is capable of separately storing two or more
beverages. Such a container could allow a user to select between
multiple beverages in a single container. Unfortunately, however,
conventional beverage containers are only capable of containing a
single liquid.
[0005] Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for a
beverage container that not only displays an appealing design, but
can individually store multiple beverages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present
invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and meets the
recognized need for such a device by providing a container having
an appealing design that coincidentally enables the separate
storage and individual selection of more than one beverage.
[0007] According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the
present invention in its preferred form is a device for storing
multiple beverages, wherein a smaller container is retained within
a larger container. More specifically, the present invention
comprises an outer container and an inner container, wherein the
outer container and inner container are each adapted to retain
liquids therewithin. The inner container is discretely situated
within the cavity of the outer container, wherein the
dual-compartment or multiple vessel container of the present
invention features a divided aperture, thereby permitting the
contents to be individually placed in or taken out of each
compartment or vessel of the container.
[0008] In the preferred form, the inner container embodies a
three-dimensional design, wherein the outer container is formed
from a transparent or translucent material enabling the display of
the inner container. For example, without limitation, the
three-dimensional design of the inner container could define the
shape of an animal, team mascot, emblem, logo, block lettering,
and/or any other licensed character, trademark or symbol, as
desired.
[0009] Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present
invention is its ability to separately store and individually
dispense multiple liquids, thereby allowing a user to select
between a number of desired beverages within a single
container.
[0010] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the unique form of the inner container, wherein the design provides
the user with a souvenir, memento or collectible.
[0011] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
that the transparent properties of the outer container permit the
viewing of the design embodied by the inner container.
[0012] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to be reused.
[0013] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
its ability to retain either hot or cold liquids.
[0014] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the positioning of the inner container within the outer container,
wherein the outer container can thermally insulate the contents of
the inner container.
[0015] Another feature and advantage of the present invention is
the positioning of the inner container within the outer container,
wherein the contents of either the inner container or the outer
container can be frozen to cool the contents of the adjacent
container.
[0016] These and other features and advantages of the present
invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from
the following description and claims when read in light of the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] The present invention will be better understood by reading
the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Selected Alternate
Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in
which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to
like elements throughout, and in which:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention displaying a bird design;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention showing an elephant design;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention with an example of sports team mascot image, logo
and design thereon;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention with an example of sports team mascot image, logo
and design thereon;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the top of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the design shown in FIG.
4;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of the design shown in
FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the design shown in FIG.
2; and
[0026] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the design shown in
FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED AND SELECTED ALTERNATIVE
EMBODIMENTS
[0027] In describing the preferred and selected alternate
embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-9,
specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The
invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific
terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each
specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in
a similar manner to accomplish similar functions.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, the present invention in a
preferred embodiment is a container 10 for separately storing
multiple liquids, wherein container 10 generally possesses outer
container 20, inner container 50, and top 90. Container 10 is
preferably formed from flexible plastic; however, it is recognized
that container 10 could be formed from other suitable materials,
such as, for exemplary purposes only, glass, tin, or aluminum.
Preferably, container 10 is utilized to retain and dispense
beverages for human consumption; however, it is contemplated that
container 10 could be utilized to retain contents that are not
beverages, such as, for exemplary purposes only, condiments, oils,
vinegar, salt, pepper, spices, gel, shaving cream, lotion,
mouthwash, toothpaste, other personal care products, and/or any
other suitable aqueous or viscous substances.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 6, outer container 20 is preferably a
vessel capable of containing liquids, wherein outer container 20 is
preferably defined by bottom wall 22, peripheral wall 24, neck
portion 26, handle 28, rim 30, and first cavity 32, and wherein
bottom wall 22, peripheral wall 24, neck portion 26 and handle 28
are preferably integrally formed together to collectively form
outer container 20. Outer container 20 is preferably formed from
transparent or translucent material to permit the display of inner
container 50, as more fully described below. Preferably, bottom
wall 22 is substantially circular-shaped and peripheral wall 24 is
substantially cylindrical-shaped. It is recognized in an alternate
embodiment that peripheral wall 24 could also include ribs,
grooves, or humps to facilitate gripping of container 10.
[0030] Preferably, neck portion 26 and handle 28 are provided to
allow a user to hold container 10 in a manner that does not
obstruct the view of inner container 50, as more fully described
below. Moreover, handle 28 is preferably ring-shaped to allow a
user to carry container 10 via a strap or tie. It is contemplated
in an alternate embodiment that container 10 could comprise any
size, shape or number of neck portions 26 and handles 28. It is
further contemplated in another alternate embodiment that outer
container 20 could embody other suitable shapes, such as, for
exemplary purposes only, spherical, cubical or pyramidal.
[0031] Rim 30 preferably defines a generally circular-shaped
aperture, wherein contents are placed into or removed from
container 10 therethrough. Preferably, rim 30 is configured and
dimensioned to receive top 90 thereon, as more fully described
below.
[0032] Inner container 50 is preferably a vessel capable of
containing liquids, wherein inner container 50 is preferably
situated within first cavity 32 of outer container 20. Preferably,
inner container 50 is defined by neck portion 60 and design portion
70, wherein neck portion 60 and design portion 70 jointly form
second cavity 52. Preferably, handle 28 defines a portion of second
cavity 52; however it is recognized that handle 28 could be
separate from second cavity 52.
[0033] In the preferred embodiment, first cavity 32 and second
cavity 52 preferably have the capacity to retain equal volumes of
liquid. However, one skilled in the art would readily recognize
that any relationship of storage volumes could be utilized without
departing from the intended scope of the present invention.
[0034] Preferably, neck portion 60 of inner container 50 comprises
wall 62, wherein wall 62 is integrally/coincidentally formed
to/with inner wall 21 of outer container 20, thus enabling a
dual-compartment design for neck portion 60. Thus, neck portion 60
functions as a conduit to connect design portion 70 of inner
container 50 to rim 30 of outer container 20 and preferably, wall
62 of neck portion 60 divides rim 30 into two separate apertures 80
and 82, wherein aperture 80 allows contents to be placed in or
taken out of first cavity 32, and wherein aperture 82 allows
contents to be placed in or taken out of second cavity 52. Although
wall 62 of neck portion 60 is preferably integrally/coincidentally
formed to/with inner wall 21 of outer container 20, it is
contemplated in an alternate embodiment that neck portion 60 does
not contact inner wall 21, wherein neck portion 60 is connected to
outer container 20 at rim 30.
[0035] Referring now to FIG. 9, preferably, design portion 70 is
defined by front side 72, rear side 74, bottom wall 76, first
sidewall 78 and second sidewall 80, wherein design portion 70
defines three-dimensional design 82, which can be viewed from the
exterior of container 10. Without limitation, design 82 could
embody, for exemplary purposes only, an animal, team mascot,
emblem, logo, block lettering, and/or any other desirable licensed
character, trademark or symbol.
[0036] Preferably, front side 72 and rear side 74 of design portion
70 are mirror images one another, wherein front side 72 and rear
side 74 are raised and/or otherwise textured surfaces that provide
a realistic depicton and/or depth for design 82. It is contemplated
in an alternate embodiment that front side 72 and rear side 74
could also have raised and/or textured inner surfaces, and/or that
front side 72 and rear side 74 could be smooth and essentially flat
with design 82 printed on the outer surfaces of front side 72 and
rear side 74. As shown in FIG. 8, it is further contemplated in
another alternate embodiment that front side 72 could display
design 82, wherein rear side 74 could be a generally flat, blank
surface. It is also recognized that rear side 74 could represent
the rear of design 82, such as, for exemplary purposes only, the
rear of an elephant.
[0037] As best shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, bottom wall 76, first
sidewall 78 and second sidewall 80 preferably connect front side 72
to rear side 74, wherein bottom wall 76, first sidewall 78 and
second sidewall 80 are preferably smooth, non-textured surfaces. It
is contemplated in an alternate embodiment, however, that bottom
wall 76, first sidewall 78 and second sidewall 80 could define the
bottom and sides of the selected design 82, such as, for exemplary
purposes only, the bottom and sides of an elephant.
[0038] Preferably, inner container 50 is situated within outer
container 20, wherein design portion 70 of inner container 50 does
not contact inner wall 21 of outer container 20. It is contemplated
in an alternate embodiment, however, that design portion 70 could
share one or more walls with outer container 20, wherein inner
container 50 is integrally/coincidentally formed to/with inner wall
21 of outer container 20. For example, it is recognized that either
front side 72 or rear side 74 of design portion 70, or both front
side 72 and rear side 74 of design portion 70, could share a wall
with outer container 20. In this embodiment, design 82 is defined
by a textured surface, or ink disposed on peripheral wall 24 of
outer container 20.
[0039] As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, top 90 preferably is a lid
for sealing container 10, wherein top 90 is preferably capable of
dispensing liquids from first cavity 32 and second cavity 52. Top
90 generally preferably comprises peripheral lip 92 and lid 94.
Preferably, peripheral lip 92 is dimensioned and configured to
receive and removably secure rim 30 of outer container 20 therein
via frictional fit; however, it is contemplated that any
conventional attachment means known within the art could be
utilized, such as, for exemplary purposes only, threaded
engagement.
[0040] Lid 94 of top 90 generally preferably comprises divider 100,
topside 110, and apertures 120 and 122. Preferably, divider 100
effectively extends wall 62 of inner container 50 to topside 100,
thereby separating first cavity 32 of outer container 20 and second
cavity 52 of inner container 50. Preferably, apertures 120 and 122
are disposed on topside 110, wherein aperture 120 is positioned
above first cavity 32, and wherein aperture 122 is positioned above
second cavity 52. It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment
that lid 94 could possess greater than two apertures, or that lid
94 could lack apertures, wherein lid 94 must be removed in order to
access first cavity 32 and second cavity 52. Lid 94 further
preferably comprises caps 130 and 132 for sealing and opening
apertures 120 and 122, wherein caps 130 and 132 preferably engage
apertures 120 and 122 via frictional fit. It is contemplated in an
alternate embodiment that lid 94 could possess other suitable
devices for dispensing liquids contained within container 10, such
as, for exemplary purposes only, spouts, hand pumps, or straws. It
is further contemplated in another alternate embodiment that lid 94
could define other suitable shapes and/or sizes, so long as lid 94
is capable of sealing container 10 while maintaining the division
between first cavity 32 and second cavity 52.
[0041] In the preferred use of container 10, either top 90, cap 130
and/or cap 132 is removed from container 10 to permit contents to
be placed within first cavity 32 and/or second cavity 52. Top 90,
cap 130 and/or cap 132 is subsequently replaced back onto container
10 to facilitate storage and/or transportation of the contents
previously placed therewithin. To access first cavity 32 and/or
second cavity 52, either top 90, cap 130 and/or cap 132 is removed
from container 10, wherein the contents stored therewithin can be
either poured or squeezed out. In an alternative embodiment, first
cavity 32 and/or second cavity 52 could be accessed via straws
inserted into apertures 120 and 122 of top 90. In another alternate
embodiment, contents stored within first cavity 32 and/or second
cavity 52 could be dispensed via spouts and/or hand pumps disposed
within apertures 120 and 122 of top 90.
[0042] In yet another alternate embodiment, apertures 120 and 122
of top 90 could be sealed via corks.
[0043] In still another alternate embodiment, outer container 20
could lack neck portion 26 and handle 28, wherein outer container
20 is substantially cylinder-shaped.
[0044] In a further alternate embodiment, container 10 could be
formed from a resilient, squeezable material.
[0045] In yet a further alternate embodiment, outer container 20
and/or inner container 50 could possess glow-in-the-dark
properties.
[0046] In still a further alternate embodiment, container 10 could
comprise more than one inner container 50.
[0047] In yet another alternate embodiment, outer container 20
could comprise a secondary inner wall for thermal insulation of the
contents stored therein.
[0048] In still another alternate embodiment, container 10 could be
securely sealed for initial sale, wherein the seal is broken by the
purchaser for initial consumption of the contents therewithin, and
wherein container 10 is resealable for subsequent reuse.
[0049] In a further alternate embodiment, container 10 could
possess a design that is produced as part of a set or series of
designs, such as, for exemplary purposes only, all of the
universities in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
[0050] Having thus described exemplary embodiments of the present
invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the
within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other
alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but
is limited only by the following claims.
* * * * *