U.S. patent application number 11/456782 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-17 for portable beverage container and method of use.
Invention is credited to Chris Avery, Mathew Meyer.
Application Number | 20080011748 11/456782 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38948211 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080011748 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Meyer; Mathew ; et
al. |
January 17, 2008 |
Portable Beverage Container And Method Of Use
Abstract
A portable beverage container and methods of using such a
beverage container are provided herein. More specifically, the
portable beverage container can be fashioned to resemble a typical
beverage container for a particular type of beverage (i.e., wine,
wine coolers, beer, or the like) that can be transformed to
resemble a typical beverage consumption device used to consume the
same type of beverage.
Inventors: |
Meyer; Mathew; (Lafayette,
CO) ; Avery; Chris; (Louisville, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHERIDAN ROSS PC
1560 BROADWAY, SUITE 1200
DENVER
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
38948211 |
Appl. No.: |
11/456782 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/23.83 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/249 20130101;
B65D 77/0486 20130101; B65D 77/06 20130101; A47G 19/2255 20130101;
B65D 1/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/23.83 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/00 20060101
A47G019/00 |
Claims
1. A beverage container, comprising: a body having a first and a
second end; a base member; a fluid container; and wherein the base
member is operably secured to the first end of the body and the
fluid container for configuration of the container in a first
non-use position, and is removable for attachment to the second end
of the body for configuration of the container in a second use
position.
2. The container of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a
first side for sitting on a surface and a second side operable to
interface with at least one of the body and fluid container.
3. The container of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises a
centrally disposed elongated stem that secures one of the fluid
container and the body.
4. The container of claim 1, further comprising a connector having
a bottom portion for attaching with the base member and a top
portion for attaching with one of the second end of the body and a
nozzle of the fluid container.
5. The container of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises
first threads and wherein the fluid container and the second end of
the body comprise second threads for screwing into the first
threads.
6. The container of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second end
of the body and a nozzle of the fluid container are secured to the
base member through a friction fit.
7. The container of claim 1, wherein an inner radius of a nozzle of
the fluid container is substantially the same as an inner radius of
the second end of the body, and wherein the inner radius of the
nozzle of the fluid container and the second end of the body is
smaller than an outer radius of a base member connector.
8. The container of claim 1, wherein an outer radius of the nozzle
of the fluid container is substantially the same as an outer radius
of the second end of the body, and wherein the outer radius of the
nozzle of the fluid container and the second end of the body is
larger than an inner radius of a base member connector.
9. The container of claim 1, wherein the fluid container comprises
a deformable bag comprising a nozzle for pouring out a liquid
within the bag.
10. The container of claim 1, wherein the body and base member
substantially resemble a wine bottle when the first end of the body
is secured to the base member, and wherein the body and base member
substantially resemble a wine glass when the second end of the body
is secured to the base member.
11. A method of preparing a beverage for consumption from a
container comprising a body, a base member, and a fluid container,
comprising: detaching a first end of the body from the base member;
disconnecting the fluid container from the base member; connecting
a second end of the body to the base member; and pouring the
beverage from the fluid container into the body of the
container.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid container is
disconnected from the base member at substantially the same point
as the second end of the body is connected to the base member.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the disconnecting the fluid
container from the base member comprises unscrewing a nozzle of the
fluid container from the base member.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein the connecting the second end
of the body to the base member comprises screwing the second end of
the body into the base member.
15. The method of claim 11, wherein the connecting the second end
of the body to the base member comprises pressing the body into the
base member to create a friction fit between the body and the base
member.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the fluid container comprises a
deformable bag comprising a nozzle and a cap, and the method
further comprises the step of removing the cap from the nozzle
prior to pouring the beverage.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the body and base member
substantially resemble a wine bottle prior to removing the first
end of the body from the base member, and wherein the body and base
member substantially resemble a wine glass after the second end of
the body is connected to the base member.
18. A beverage container, comprising: a body having a first and a
second end; a base member detachably connected to the first end of
the body; means for containing a fluid; and means for securing the
fluid container to the base member that is further operable to
secure the second end of the body to the base member upon
disconnecting the fluid container from the base member.
19. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing is
embodied on the base member.
20. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing
comprises an elongated stem originating from the center of the base
member.
21. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing
comprises a bottom portion for attaching to the base member and a
body for attaching to one of the second end of the body and a
nozzle of the means for containing a fluid.
22. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing
comprises threads for receiving at least one of a threaded section
of the second end of the body and a threaded section of the means
for containing a fluid.
23. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for securing
comprises a hollow portion for receiving at least one of the means
for containing a fluid and the second end of the body, and wherein
the hollow portion comprises walls with a downward decreasing
radius.
24. The container of claim 18, wherein the means for containing a
fluid comprises a deformable bag comprising a nozzle for pouring
out a liquid within the bag.
25. The container of claim 18, wherein the body and base member
substantially resemble a wine bottle when the first end of the body
is connected to the base member, and the body and base member
substantially resemble a wine glass when the second end of the body
is connected to the base member.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention is directed to a portable beverage
container. More specifically, the portable beverage container
resembles a wine bottle as well as a wine glass.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The demand for portable products has increased greatly in
the recent past. As people are traveling more than ever, and
multi-tasking has become a standard aspect of everyday life,
individuals have become more reliant on a product that can offer
them quality and portability. The relatively new "single-serving"
alcoholic beverage category is steadily growing and gaining
popularity with products such as Floot sparkling wine in a can,
Australian versions of wine in a can, single serving pre-mixed
drinks, and wines in a box. Although this particular product
category has been somewhat popular in Europe and Japan for some
years now, the popularity of these products is finally beginning to
increase in its largest potential market, the United States. The
benefits of lower shipping costs, greater portability, and more
exciting graphics make this alternative packaging attractive to
producers as well as consumers. The single-serving category also
introduces a newer, emerging group of drinkers to the wine and
champagne market, namely a younger, stylish crowd.
[0003] Single serving wine bottles are essentially smaller versions
of standard 750 ml wine bottles having a metal cap. Once purchased,
the cap is removed and the contents are poured into a separate
glass for consumption. In situations where a glass is not readily
available, one could drink the wine or other beverage directly from
the bottle.
[0004] Unfortunately, targeted consumers of the single serving wine
tend to find the act of drinking the wine directly from the bottle
unfashionable. This means that most consumers are forced to carry
an additional wine glass or the like to "properly" consume the wine
from its single serving container.
[0005] There have been some attempts to address the problem of
providing a portable container that resembles a wine glass. Most
solutions provide a container that holds a certain amount of a
particular beverage. The top of the container is removable from the
container carrying the fluid and is subsequently attached to the
bottom of the container, thus resulting in a make shift consumption
glass. These particular products are little more than a carrying
container with a top that can also be used as the container's base.
Most current portable container solutions do not properly resemble
a glass that is typically used to consume the beverage of choice.
Rather, most current single serving products do not provide the
"chic" look that a consumer of the product would prefer. This
failure to create a carrying container (i.e., wine bottle) that can
be made to resemble a suitable consumption container (i.e., a wine
glass) has resulted in foregone sales of single serving
products.
[0006] One reason an appealing single serving container has not
been found is mainly due to the notion that the carrying container
should be the only vessel used to contain the beverage. Because the
carrying container is the vessel responsible for containing the
beverage, difficulties designing a container that can convert into
a consumption device have been encountered. The difficulty of
designing a single container that holds the beverage and converts
into a consumption device is the container must be designed to
prevent the beverage from leaking out during conversion.
SUMMARY
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a beverage container that can be converted from a
beverage-carrying container into a beverage-consumption container
that resembles a container used to consume the beverage of choice.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a
beverage container is provided comprising:
[0008] a body having a first and a second end;
[0009] a base member detachably connected to the first end of the
body in a first mode of operation;
[0010] a fluid container; and
[0011] an interface operable to secure the fluid container to the
base member in the first mode of operation and to secure the second
end of the body to the base member in a second mode of
operation.
[0012] In the first mode of operation the body and the base member
resembles a single serving wine bottle or the like. A single
serving wine bottle is a smaller version of a 750 ml wine bottle.
Suitable sizes of the body and base member include, but are not
limited to, 187 ml, 375 ml, and 500 ml. Of course, the body and
base member may be fashioned to represent a full 750 ml bottle that
can be transformed into a wine glass that is somewhat larger than
typical wine glasses.
[0013] As can be appreciated, the fluid container may be secured to
the base member by a detachable connection or the like.
Alternatively, the fluid container may simply rest on the base in a
manner that limits the movement of the fluid container. In a
further alternative, the fluid container may be suspended above the
base by some other suspension mechanism and the fluid container may
simply be in contact with the base even though a true mechanical
connection has not been realized. Snaps, buttons, buckles, threads,
hooks, or other types of frictional fitting mechanisms may also be
used to connect two elements until it is desired to separate the
elements.
[0014] A fluid container is used as the fluid containment device
and the body along with the base element serve a more aesthetic
purpose. Namely, the fluid container may be any type of vessel
suitable to contain and carry a fluid without allowing the fluid to
leak (e.g., a Mylar.RTM. bag or the like). In a preferred
embodiment, the fluid container is flexible such that it can fit
within containers of different shapes and sizes. Thus, a single
type of fluid container can be used to carry various beverages in
different containers.
[0015] In additional to the beverage container, a method of
preparing a beverage for consumption from the beverage container is
also provided herein. The method comprises the steps of:
[0016] removing a first end of the body from the base member;
[0017] disconnecting the fluid container from the base member;
[0018] connecting a second end of the body to the base member;
and
[0019] pouring the beverage from the fluid container into the body
of the container.
[0020] The fluid container is connected to the base member such
that during shipment the fluid container is stabilized within the
body. Excessive movement of the fluid container may result in the
rupture of the fluid container and subsequent leakage of the
beverage contained therein. Moreover, the fluid container is
connected to the base member rather than to the body, because it is
the body that is designed to have a smooth inner surface for
consumption of the beverage. However, as can be appreciated by one
of skill in the art, the fluid container may be connected to the
body rather than the base member to prevent the unnecessary shift
of the fluid container during shipment.
[0021] Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the
present invention will become more readily apparent from the
following description, particularly when taken together with the
accompanying drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container and bag
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a beverage bag and base in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a beverage container in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a beverage container
receiving a fluid from a beverage bag in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 4-4 of
the base member in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken across line 4-4 of
the base member in accordance with another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the base member having a
first configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the base member having a
second configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the base member having a
third configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the base having a fourth
configuration in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 11 is a perspective view depicting the connection
between the base member and a beverage bag in accordance with
embodiments of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a beverage container in
accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0034] FIG. 13 is a flow chart depicting a method of using a
beverage container in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed
toward a portable beverage container and methods of using such a
container. Although the described container is designed for use
with wine, champagne, wine coolers, and the like, it can be
appreciated that the container may be fashioned for use with other
types of beverages including, alone or in combination, water, milk,
juice, soda, tea, coffee, beer, malt liquor, whiskey, vodka, rum,
and other alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages.
[0036] Referring now to FIG. 1, a beverage container 100 will be
described in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The container 100 generally comprises a body 104, a base
member 116, and a fluid container 124. The body 104 is
cylindrically shaped and comprises a converging portion 106, a neck
107, a top end 108, and a bottom end 112. The radius of the middle
portion of the body 104 is about the same as the radius of the
bottom end 112.
[0037] The top end 108 further comprises a connector 109 that is
adapted to interface with the base member 116 when the beverage
container 100 is functioning as a consumption device. The body 104
is generally fashioned to resemble a wine bottle or the like. In
other words, the radius of the top end 108 is less than the radius
of the bottom end 112. The radius of the body 104 decreases through
the converging portion 106 to the neck 107.
[0038] The bottom end 112 is connected to the base member 116
through either a friction fit or threading. As can be seen in FIG.
1, the bottom end 112 comprises a lip 114 that extends beyond the
outer radius of the bottom end 112. The lip 114 connects the base
member 116 to the body 104 during transportation of the beverage
container 100. The lip 114 receives a corresponding lip 117 or
protrusion on the base member 116. Of course, other fastening means
may be used to connect the bottom end 112 to the base member 116
including snaps, fasteners, hooks, buckles, and the like. The base
member 116 can be removed from the body 104 by pulling the base
member 116 away from the body 104 thereby disconnecting the lips
114 and 117.
[0039] Within the body 104 is the fluid container 124. The fluid
container 124 acts to secure the beverage so that the connection
between the body 104 and the base member 116 does not need to be a
liquid tight seal. The fluid container 124 comprises a nozzle 126
and a nozzle connector 128. The nozzle connector 128 is secured to
the base connector 120 thus preventing the fluid container 124 from
excessively shifting relative to the base member 116 during
transportation.
[0040] When the body 104 is disconnected from the base member 116,
the fluid container 124 may still be connected to the base
connector 120 via the nozzle connector 128. Thus, upon separation
of the base member 116 and body 104, the fluid container 124 may
also be removed from the inner cavity of the body 104. The body 104
may be reoriented (i.e., turned upside down) such that the fluid
container 124 is right side up while it is being removed from the
body 104.
[0041] The base member 116 may also include a centrally disposed
neck or protrusion 118 that resembles the base of a wine glass. The
protrusion 118 extends with a decreasing radius away from the base
member 116 to the base connector 120. The base connector 120 may
simply be a continuation of the protrusion of the base member 116.
The base connector 120 could simply include a hollow region and a
cylindrical sidewall. The hollow region within the sidewalls may be
designed to receive and substantially secure the connector 109 and
the nozzle connector 128. In other words, the inside radius of the
sidewalls of the base connector 120 may be slightly bigger than the
outside radius of the body 108, such that the body 108 can fit
within the base connector 120.
[0042] Alternatively, the base connector 120 may be a solid piece
of material with only an outside radius. The body may comprise a
hollow region within sidewalls. The inside radius of the sidewalls
of the top end 108 may be slightly larger than the inside radius of
the base connector 120. This way, the hollow region of the body 108
can receive the base connector 120 and a connected between the two
elements can be obtained.
[0043] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
body 104, base member 116, and connectors 109 and 120 may be
constructed of substantially the same material(s) so as to create
the illusion of a single piece container when the base member 116
is connected to the body 104. Of course, one or more elements of
the container 100 may be constructed of different materials if
desired. Appropriate materials that may be used to construct the
body 104, base member 116, and connectors 109 and 120 include, but
are not limited to, metal (e.g., aluminum), glass, ceramic,
plastic, paper, and the like. The materials used may be deformable
or rigid depending upon the application and chosen end use.
[0044] Referring now to FIG. 2, a fluid container 124 connected to
a base member 116 will be described in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As noted above, a fluid
container 124 is employed to carry and contain the beverage or
fluid of choice. The fluid container 124 comprises a first end 125
having a nozzle 126 or protrusion that is further attached to a
nozzle connector 128 and a second end 126 that rests within the
body 104 during transportation. The nozzle connector 128 interfaces
with the base connector 120 to connect the base member 116 to the
fluid container 124. The nozzle connector 128 may be designed
similarly to the top end 108 of the body 104. The outside radius of
the nozzle connector 128 may be slightly smaller than the inside
radius of the base connector 120. Therefore, a hollow portion of
the base connector 120 can receive the nozzle connector 128. On the
other hand, the nozzle connector 128 may comprise a hollow portion
with sidewalls having an inside radius slightly larger than an
outside radius of the base connector 120. Thus, the hollow portion
of the nozzle connector 128 can receive the base connector 120.
[0045] As can be appreciated, the connection between the base
connector 120 and the nozzle 126 may be a frictional connection
that substantially prohibits the movement of the nozzle 126
relative to the base member 116. Alternatively, the nozzle 126 may
simply rest or otherwise lay on the base connector 120. Such a
connection may inhibit some movement between the nozzle 126 and the
base member 116 but may not completely stop all of such
movement.
[0046] The nozzle connector 128 may further function as a cap that
can keep fluids within the fluid container 124 safely secured. When
the nozzle connector 128 is removed, the fluid can be poured. The
nozzle connector 128 may subsequently be reattached to the nozzle
126 to prevent additional fluids from leaving the fluid container
124. The nozzle connector 128 may include threading or may be a
plug like cap that is inserted into the hollow portion of the
nozzle 126.
[0047] In an alternative embodiment, the base member 116 may act as
the cap of the fluid container 124. For example, the base member
116 may comprise a threaded fitting that is inserted into the
nozzle 126 of the fluid container 124 during transport. When the
base member 116 is unscrewed from the top member 108 it may also be
unscrewed from the fluid container 124 and the fluid within the
fluid container 124 may be readily available for consumption.
[0048] The fluid container 124 is made of a somewhat compliant
material, like plastic, and is preferably made of Mylar.TM.. Other
examples of compliant materials that may be used in connection with
the fluid container 124 include polyester, rubber, nylon, and
combinations thereof. Of course, the fluid container 124 may be
preformed to fit within the body 104, and therefore may be made of
a less compliant material including, without limitation, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC), aluminum, and the like.
[0049] The base member 116 may also comprise threading 117 that
mates with threading on the bottom end 112 of the body 104. The
threads 117 are received by the corresponding threading on the
bottom end 112 of the body 104. To disconnect the base member 116
from the body 104, the base member 116 is unscrewed or turned
relative to the body 104 to release the threaded connection.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 3 an assembled container 100 that
appears like a wine bottle will be described in accordance with at
least some embodiments of the present invention. The base member
116 comprises two sides. The first side of the base member 116
includes the protrusion 118 extending therefrom, whereas the second
side of the base member 116 is essentially flat. The relatively
flat second side of the base member 116 helps stabilize the
container 100 for display to potential consumers. The protrusion
118 is concealed during display as a wine bottle because it extends
inside the body 104.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 4 the container 100 assembled to appear
like a wine glass will be described in accordance with at least
some embodiments of the present invention. With the body 104
reoriented, the base member 116 may be attached to the top end 108
of the body 104. The base member 116 is connected to the body 120
via the base connector 120 interfacing with the top end connector
109. When the base member 116 is connected to the top end 108 of
the body 104, the container 100 resembles a wine/champagne glass or
other type of stemmed consumption device.
[0052] After the base member 116 is attached to the top end 108,
the cavity of the body 104 is ready to receive the beverage from
the fluid container 124. The nozzle connector 128 of the fluid
container 124 is removed therefrom and the beverage 132 may
subsequently be poured into the cavity of the body 104 via the
nozzle 126. In the event that the fluid container 124 is equipped
with a resealable cap, only a portion of the beverage 132 may be
poured into the body 104 for consumption during a first time. Then
the cap may be replaced and the rest of the beverage 132 may be
saved for a later time. Of course a resealable cap is not necessary
for the fluid container 124. If the fluid container 124 does not
have a resealable cap, it may be advisable to consume the entire
beverage 132 such that it is not wasted or attempted to be stored
in an unsealed fluid container 124.
[0053] Once the consumer is finished enjoying his/her beverage of
choice from the container 100, any leftover beverage 132 is poured
back into the fluid container 124. Then the partially filled or
empty fluid container 124 may be placed back into the body 104 and
the base member 116 may be reattached to the bottom end 112 of the
body 104 for convenient portability. The fluid container 124 may be
refilled with other beverages and reused at a later time.
Alternatively, refill fluid containers 124 may be purchased and
placed into the fluid container 100 for later use.
[0054] One advantage of placing the typically compliant fluid
container 124 into the outer container 100 is that the fluid
container 124 is protected from outside impacts. This is
particularly advantageous for picnicking or backpacking where
contents of a bag tend to shift and an unprotected fluid container
124 may suffer a leak upon such shifting of contents. The container
100 serves as a protection mechanism for the fluid container 124
helping to ensure that the beverage 132 does not spill in a
bag.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 5, a base connector 120 will be
described in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As noted above, the base connector 120 may comprise a
hollow portion with a substantially cylindrical sidewall 136
encompassing the hollow portion. The sidewall 136 may have an
inside radius and an outside radius. As noted above, the interface
may be adapted to receive and secure a nozzle connector 128 and/or
the top end connector 109.
[0056] Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative base connector 120
will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The base connector 120 may comprise an inner sidewall
140 along with the outer sidewall 136. The space between the inner
sidewall 140 and the outer sidewall 136 may be designed to receive
a single sidewall of the nozzle connector 128 and/or the top end
connector 109. The use of two sidewalls instead of one may help to
ensure a tighter connection between elements. One of both of the
inner and outer sidewalls may be threaded to further secure any one
of the elements connected thereto.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 7, a frictional fit base connector 120
will be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The outer sidewall 136 of the base connector 120 may
have a downwardly decreasing radius. In other words, the sidewall
136 may be inwardly tapered such that as an element like the nozzle
connector 128 or the top end connector 109 is inserted into the
base connector 120, a stronger connection between the inserted
element and the base connector 120 is realized.
[0058] Referring now to FIG. 8, a threaded base connector 120 will
be described in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. The outer sidewall 136 of the base connector 120 may be
equipped with threading 150 on its interior. The interior threading
150 of the base connector 120 may be designed to receive an
exterior threading on the nozzle connector 128 and/or top end
connector 109. One of the nozzle connector 128 and top end
connector 109 may be inserted in the sidewalls and screwed into the
base connector 120 until a tight connection is made between the
base member 116 and the connected element.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the base connector 120 is
integral to the base member 116. In other words, the base connector
120 is a portion of the base member 116. The base connector 120 may
be molded along with the base member 116 such that both elements
are a single piece. Alternatively, the base connector 120 may be
"permanently" secured to the base member 116 through the use of
extra strong adhesives or the like.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 9, a detachable connector 156 will be
described in accordance with at least some embodiments of the
present invention. The detachable connector 156 comprises a lower
portion 160 and an upper portion 164. The lower portion 160 is
designed to connect to the base connector 120 of the base member
116. The upper portion 164 is designed to connect to one or both of
the nozzle connector 128 and top end connector 109. The types of
connection mechanisms employed by the detachable connector 156 are
similar to those described in conjunction with the base connector
120. Furthermore, the upper portion 164 may employ one type of
connection mechanism whereas the lower portion 160 may employ a
different connection mechanism. For example, the lower portion 160
of the detachable connector 156 may be connected to the base
connector 120 of the base member 116 via a threaded connection. The
upper portion 164 may be designed to create a frictional connection
for the nozzle 126 and/or top end 108.
[0061] Additionally, the upper portion 164 and lower portion 160
may both be threaded and may have reversed threading relative to
one another. Thus, when one element is being removed from the
detachable connector 156, the opposing element is being tightened
to the detachable connector 156.
[0062] Referring now to FIG. 10, a base connector 120 comprising
external threading 168 will be described in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. The base connector 120 may
comprise external threading 168 rather than internal threading 150.
Therefore, a hollow cavity of the nozzle 126 and/or top end 108 may
receive the base connector 120 and be threaded onto the base
connector 120.
[0063] Referring now to FIG. 11, a detachable connector 156 will be
further described in accordance with embodiments of the present
invention. The detachable connector 156 is oriented along the
center axis of the base connector 120 extending from the base
member 116. The detachable connector 156 is then connected to the
interface such that it remains oriented along the same axis of the
base connector 120. Thereafter, the nozzle connector 128 of the
fluid container 124 is brought into connection with the detachable
connector 156 along the same center axis of the base connector 120.
The connection is then secured by screwing the nozzle connector 128
into the detachable connector 156, pressing the nozzle 126 into the
detachable connector 156, latching the nozzle 126 onto the
detachable connector 156, or otherwise securing the nozzle 126 to
the detachable connector 156.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 12, an alternative form of the
container 100 will be described in accordance with one embodiment
of the present invention. The container 100 does not necessarily
need to be designed to represent and wine bottle and glass. Rather,
the container 100 may be designed for ease of portability and use.
The container 100 of FIG. 12 comprises a body 172, a lid 176, a
fluid container 124 comprising a nozzle 126, and connector 180
between the nozzle 126 and the lid 176.
[0065] The body is cylindrically shaped and comprises a top end 173
and a bottom end 174. The bottom end is relatively flat such that
the body 172 can sit on a surface. The top end 173 comprises
threading 175 that receives corresponding threading 178 on the lid
176. The lid 176 is removed from the body 172 by unscrewing the lid
176. Likewise, the lid 176 is screwed into the body 172 to secure
the lid 176 to the body 178.
[0066] The fluid container 124 is able to conform to the space
within the body 172. The body 172 also serves as a protective
barrier between the fluid container 124 and any foreign objects.
The fluid container 124 is connected to the lid 176 such that the
fluid container 124 does not substantially shift in the body 172
during movement. When the lid 176 is removed from the lower body
172, the fluid container 124 is also removed.
[0067] The connection between the lid 176 and the body 172 is
generally the same as the connection between the body 104 and the
base member 116. Moreover, the lid 176 acts in substantially the
same way as the base member 116 by securing the fluid container 124
during transport. Additionally, the body 172 is similar to the body
104 in that is provides protection for the fluid container 124 and
also provides for a way to consume the beverage stored within the
fluid container 124.
[0068] The body 172 may further comprise a connection mechanism 182
on its lower end 174 that can receive the lid 176 for storage and
the like. Therefore, when the user is consuming a beverage from the
container 172, he/she does not have to worry about holding both the
lid 176 and the body 172. Rather, the lid 176 may be attached
(e.g., screwed or pressed) to the bottom of the body 172 making it
more difficult to lose one of the two elements. The lower end 174
may comprise a recess such that the lid does not protrude from
beyond the edge of the lower end 174 when the lid 176 is connected
to the connection mechanism 182.
[0069] In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the
fluid container 124 may have multiple compartments 184 and 188.
Each compartment 184 and 188 may be used to store a different
beverage or fluid. A divider 192 separates the compartments 184 and
188 ensuring the fluids are not mixed until doing so is desired.
This can result in a fresher tasting mixed product. For example,
juice or the like may be stored in the first compartment 184 of the
fluid container 124 and vodka may be stored in the second
compartment 188 of the fluid container 124. The two beverages can
be separated until they are poured from the fluid container 124
into the body 104. Thus, a consumer can purchase a cranberry juice
and vodka and drink it at his/her leisure and still receive the
taste of a cranberry juice and vodka that has just been mixed.
Pre-made mixed drinks in accordance with embodiments of the prior
art are mixed prior to shipping and therefore the consumer receives
a mixed drink that has been mixed for days if not weeks. This may
result in a less than acceptable product by consumer standards.
However, since the fluid container 124 separates the beverages, in
accordance with embodiments of the present invention, it is
believed a fresher tasting mixed drink can be offered to
consumers.
[0070] As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the first
184 and second 188 compartments may be made of different materials.
For example, the first compartment 184 may comprise a compliant
material whereas the second compartment 188 may comprise a less
compliant material. The second compartment 188 may comprise a less
compliant material such that a carbonated beverage may be stored
therein under pressurized conditions. Any known material used to
store carbonated beverages like aluminum, polyethylene,
polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), or any
other suitable material. Alternatively, first compartment 184 may
be used to carry an alcoholic beverage or other drink that does not
necessarily require a non-compliant material to contain it.
Additionally, the relative sizes of each compartment 184 and 188 do
not necessarily need to be the same.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 13, a method of preparing a beverage
for consumption will be described in accordance with at least some
embodiments of the present invention. Initially, the method begins
by separating the top member (i.e., the body 104 or the body 172)
from the bottom member (i.e., the base member 116 or the lid 176)
(step 204). As noted above, the act of separating the top member
from the bottom member may include unscrewing the two members,
unfastening the two members, or otherwise pulling the two members
apart.
[0072] The fluid container 124 is then separated from the interface
such that it is no longer connected to the bottom member (step
208). Thereafter, if necessary, the top member is reoriented such
that it is prepared to receive and hold fluids (step 212). The top
member is then connected with the interface of the bottom member
(step 216). This helps to ensure that the two elements are not
separated and provides for ease of use. Additionally, the top
member may be connected with the interface of the bottom member to
render a container that substantially resembles a suitable
consumption device like a wine glass.
[0073] Once the container 100 is ready to have a liquid poured
therein, the fluid container 124 is opened (step 220). As noted
above, the fluid container 124 may include a re-attachable cap that
can be removed and then replaced. This allows a user to consume
only a portion of the contents within the fluid container 124 and
save the rest for later consumption. After the fluid container 124
has been opened, the contents of the fluid container 124 are poured
into the top member (step 224).
[0074] The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the
description is not intended to limit the invention to the form
disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications
commensurate with the above teachings, within the skill and
knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present
invention. The embodiments described hereinabove are further
intended to explain the best modes presently known of practicing
the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize
the invention in such, or in other embodiments, and with the
various modifications required by their particular application or
use of the invention. It is intended that the appended claims be
construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent
permitted by the prior art.
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