U.S. patent application number 12/633985 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-01 for fluid container with two liquid compartments and two end caps.
Invention is credited to Luis M. Ortiz, Marie Aurora Winchell.
Application Number | 20100078436 12/633985 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42056291 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100078436 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Winchell; Marie Aurora ; et
al. |
April 1, 2010 |
FLUID CONTAINER WITH TWO LIQUID COMPARTMENTS AND TWO END CAPS
Abstract
A fluid container is described herein. The fluid container
generally includes a first end, a second end, a first opening
disposed at the first end, a second opening disposed at the second
end, at least two caps adapted for securing the first opening and
the second opening, a divider disposed proximate a center of the
bottle. The at least two end caps provided with a flat end and
support structure up the a diameter of the container and also
including an integrated, hinged fluid port adapted to provide
access to fluid contained in the fluid container, said at least two
end caps adapted for securing the first opening and the second
threaded portals and to support the fluid container upright when
stood on its ends and on at least one of said at least two end
caps.
Inventors: |
Winchell; Marie Aurora;
(Albuquerque, NM) ; Ortiz; Luis M.; (Albuquerque,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ORTIZ & LOPEZ, PLLC
P.O. BOX 4484
ALBUQUERQUE
NM
87196-4484
US
|
Family ID: |
42056291 |
Appl. No.: |
12/633985 |
Filed: |
December 9, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/504 ;
220/288; 220/709 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20130101; B65D
51/249 20130101; B65D 47/046 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/504 ;
220/709; 220/288 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20060101
B65D001/04; B65D 25/46 20060101 B65D025/46; B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04 |
Claims
1. A liquid container comprising: a. a first end; b. a second end;
c. a first threaded portal disposed at the first end; f. a second
threaded portal disposed at the second end; g. at least two end
caps provided with a flat outer surface and support structure
having a diameter matching said first and said second end of said
fluid container and also including an integrated, pop-up spout
adapted to provide access to fluid contained in the fluid
container, said at least two end caps adapted for securing the
first opening and the second threaded portals and to support the
fluid container upright when stood on its ends and on at least one
of said at least two end caps; h. and at least one divider disposed
proximate a center of the bottle.
2. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the divider is adapted
to provide two distinct liquid chambers in said fluid
container.
3. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the liquid container is
adapted to hold from about 4 ounces up to about 32 ounces of
liquid.
4. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the at least two caps
are threaded.
5. The liquid container of claim 1, wherein the liquid container is
formed of plastic.
6. A liquid container comprising: a. a first end; b. a second end;
c. a first threaded portal disposed at the first end; d. a second
threaded portal disposed at the second end; and e. at least two end
caps provided with a flat outer surface and support structure
having a diameter matching said first and said second end of said
fluid container and also including an integrated, pop-up spout
adapted to provide access to fluid contained in the fluid
container, said at least two end caps adapted for securing the
first opening and the second threaded portals and to support the
fluid container upright when stood on its ends and on at least one
of said at least two end caps; h. and a divider disposed proximate
a center of the bottle.
7. The liquid container of claim 6, wherein the divider is adapted
to provide two distinct liquid chambers in said fluid
container.
8. The liquid container of claim 6, wherein the liquid container is
adapted to hold from about 4 ounces up to about 32 ounces of
liquid.
9. The liquid container of claim 6, wherein the at least two caps
are threaded.
10. The liquid container of claim 6, wherein the liquid container
is formed of plastic.
11. A liquid container comprising: first liquid chamber defined by
a first end, a second end and a first threaded portal disposed at
the first end; a second liquid chamber defined by a first end, a
second end and a second threaded portal disposed at the second end;
said first liquid chamber is attached to said second liquid chamber
wherein said first end of said first liquid chamber is fixed to the
second end of said second liquid chamber and said second end of
said first liquid chamber is fixed to the first end of said second
liquid chamber, wherein points of fixture between said first and
said second liquid chambers define dividers between liquid
contained in each liquid chamber for said liquid container; and at
least two end caps provided with a flat outer surface and support
structure having a diameter matching said first ends of said first
and second liquid compartments and also including an integrated,
pop-up spout adapted to provide access to fluid contained in the
fluid container, said at least two end caps adapted for securing
the first opening and the second threaded portals and to support
the fluid container upright when stood on its ends and on at least
one of said at least two end caps.
12. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein a void is created
in-between said first and said second liquid compartment and said
dividers and is adapted to enable a user to insert fingers through
the void to facilitate carrying of said liquid container.
13. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein said void is created
in-between said first and said second liquid compartment and said
dividers are adapted to provide two distinct liquid chambers in
said fluid container.
14. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein the divider is
adapted to provide two distinct liquid chambers in said fluid
container.
15. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein the liquid container
is adapted to hold from about 4 ounces up to about 32 ounces of
liquid.
16. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein the at least two caps
are threaded.
17. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein the liquid container
is formed of plastic.
18. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein said first liquid
chamber is attached to said second liquid chamber with an
adhesive.
19. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein said first liquid
chamber is attached to said second liquid chamber by a heat
source.
20. The liquid container of claim 11, wherein said at least two end
caps are marked or colored differently to distinguish liquid
contained in said first and second liquid chambers.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention is related to provisional patent
application Ser. No. 61/119,601, filed Dec. 3, 2008 and entitled
"Fluid Container with Two Liquid Compartments and two End Caps,"
which is herein incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments relate to a device and method for storing
beverages, and more specifically to various embodiments of a
divided liquid container in the form of a bottle capable of
separately storing two different beverages within two distinct
compartments forming a single tubular body and including two ends
with threaded opening adapted to receive wide based caps with
integrated, pop-up, straw-like, spouts allowing user access to each
liquid stored within each of the distinct compartments without
requiring removal of the caps.
BACKGROUND
[0003] A two compartment water bottle with mixing device is shown
in U.S. Patent Publication 2005/0115983A1, file by Barr on Jun. 2,
2005.
[0004] A dual purpose water bottle is described and shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,237,800, issued to Barrett on May 21, 2001.
[0005] A dual chamber container is described and shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,105,812, issued to Riordan on Apr. 22, 2000.
[0006] A water bottle with a plunger device is shown in U.S. Pat.
No. 6,540,070. By moving the plunger downwards a seal is broken
allowing a concentrated flavoring to mix with water within the
water bottle.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,270 a method and apparatus is
provided for making or brewing beverages, notably tea. The device
involves an attachment to the cap of a bottle that has a plunger
portion. The drink mix or tea bag is within a seal to prevent
mixing until it is desired.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,073,803 describes a container with two
receiving spaces that are initially separated by a diaphragm or a
closure plug. A cutting edge is used to slit open a diaphragm, and
a plunger is used to open a closure plug. These opening devices are
activated by a screwing motion.
[0009] In the prior patents the objective is to mix two fluids or a
fluid with another substance. The present invention is not
concerned with mixing. It is desired in the present invention that
a container be provided that can contain two distinct liquids
separately within a single container. The Barr publication
describes a two compartment water bottle. The Barrett and Riordan
containers enable the containment of two liquid. The downside to
the Barrett patent is that the container cannot be stood on either
end. The downside to the Riordan patent is that caps have to be
removed in order to access the liquid contained therein.
[0010] The prior art does not teach an end cap that can serve
several purposes, especially where a two compartment liquid
container is provided. For example the Barr publication only
teaches end caps with an overall diameter that is much smaller than
the containers outer diameter, which is typical of most bottle
caps. Furthermore, the Barr container does not enable easy access
to the liquid container therein because a user would have to screw
off the end caps. End caps can become lost once removed, which is
the drawback of the Riordan patent. End caps to water bottle are
commonly lost when used during recreational activities outdoors
(e.g., at soccer fields, parks, etc.). A senior citizen or young
child might have difficulty with using such a container.
[0011] What is needed is a container that can separately store two
fluids and enable easy access to the two fluids while also enabling
the container to be stood upright and stable on either of its ends
during use. Therefore, it can be appreciated that there exists a
continuing need for a new and improved bottle that can store two
different kinds of beverages or liquids in separate and distinct
regions, e.g., sides or ends, of the bottle. In the present
embodiments, no seal is used. There also exists a need for a bottle
that can be stood upright on either end and enables easy access to
the two liquids contained therein without the removal of end caps
that each include integrated, pop-up, straw-like spouts.
SUMMARY OF ASPECT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Features of the present embodiments provide a single
container with two receiving spaces for beverages that are stored
separately and are separately accessible, wherein said container
has as simple a structure as possible, which consists of as few
individual parts as possible, can be stood up right on either of
its ends, and enables easy access to fluids without removal of end
caps through integrated, pop-up spouts formed in each end cap that
enable a user to access liquid from a straw-like interface.
[0013] According, what is provided is a two liquid container
generally including a first end, a second end, a first opening
disposed at the first end, a second opening disposed at the second
end, at least two caps adapted for securing the first opening and
the second opening, and at least one divider disposed within the
bottle to create two distinct liquid compartments.
[0014] In according with another feature of the invention, the at
least two end caps provided with a flat end and support structure
up the a diameter of the container and also including an
integrated, hinged fluid port adapted to provide access to fluid
contained in the fluid container, said at least two end caps
adapted for securing the first opening and the second threaded
portals and to support the fluid container upright when stood on
its ends and on at least one of said at least two end caps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Aspects of the present bottle will be described in greater
detail with reference to the appended figures.
[0016] FIG. 1A-1C are side perspective views of a liquid container
partitioned to hold two fluids in each of two partitioned areas of
the liquid container, in accordance with features of the present
invention. FIGS. 1A-1C illustrated threaded opening at each end
operating as liquid access ports, that are threaded so that end
caps can be attachable to each end by screw motion of the end caps
onto threaded openings formed at each end of the container. FIG. 1A
illustrates with dashed line a partition near the center of the
container. FIG. 1B illustrates a partition formed diagonally within
the container to form two liquid compartments. FIG. 1C illustrates
two distinct partitions formed on the container that includes a
void formed near the middle of the container.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side perspective of the liquid container,
showing wide removable end caps with integrated, pop-up, straw-like
spouts operating as liquid access ports. The end caps are
attachable by screw motion onto threaded openings formed at each
end of the container.
[0018] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrates how an end caps appears when the
integrated, pop-up spouts is at opened and closed positions within
the end cap.
[0019] FIG. 4 illustrated a partitioned liquid container with both
end caps secured to each end of the partitioned liquid container
and the liquid container standing on a surface with one end cap
serving as a wide base.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Before explaining the present embodiments in detail, it is
to be understood that the embodiments are not limited to the
particular embodiments and that it can be practiced or carried out
in various ways.
[0021] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the
appended claims defines a separate embodiment, which for
infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the
various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending
on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some
cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it
will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to
subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of
the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater
detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and
examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments,
versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having
ordinary skill in the pertinent art to make and use the inventions,
when the information in this patent is combined with available
information and technology. Various terms as used herein are
defined below. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined
below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the
pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed
publications and issued patents.
[0022] FIG. 1A-1C illustrates a container 100 provided in the form
of a cylinder (e.g., bottle) having two threaded portal 101, 102
functioning as two distinct openings, each providing access into
two separate regions 111, 112 of the container 100 capable of
independently holding a liquid. Each threaded portal 101, 102 is
disposed at opposing ends of the bottle 100.
[0023] The container 100 can include a divider 105 that is
generally located at the center of the container between the
container's two ends, as shown in FIG. 1A. The container 100 can
also be divided diagonally with a divider 110 as shown in FIG. 1B,
such that each compartment 111, 112 enables liquid to flow through
one assigned threaded portal 101, 102. As shown in FIG. 3C, the
container 100 can also be formed such that two distinct regions 111
and 112 are formed from two separate, and identical bottle portions
with their own threaded portals that when combine, bottom-to-top,
create a center void 113 in the container. During manufacturing,
the two identical bottle portions can be fused (e.g., melted,
glued) together (bottom-to-top) at opposite ends 114, 115 to each
other, thereby creating two distinct partitioned areas (e.g.,
similar to partition shown in FIG. 1A), with each compartment
assigned to a threaded portal 101, 102 at each end of the now
combined two liquid container. In this embodiment, the void 113
created by dividing the two compartments will enable a user to
easily hold the integrated container by sliding fingers and/or a
hand through the center void.
[0024] Each compartment 111, 112 of the liquid container 100 can
generally be adapted to hold from about 6 ounces to over 16 ounces
of a liquid. It is envisage that one compartment could hold water,
the other a flavored drink (e.g., a sports aide).
[0025] The liquid container 100 further include two removable end
caps 101 with each cap identical and adapted to secure each
threaded portal 101, 102. Referring to FIG. 2, removable end caps
121 includes a base 103 that is at least as wide as the outer
diameter of the container 100 near the container's end 104 before
formation of the threaded openings 101. Each end cap 121 can have
an integrated, pop-up spout 123 that can enable fluid to flow
through or be drawn from the container 100 through the end cap 121
because of the spouts 123 straw-like design. Cap integrated, pop-up
spouts have been in use for many liquid containers and are most
commonly found in shampoo and lotion bottles. In the context of the
liquid beverage container described herein, fluid can be withdrawn
from the container through the end cap when the integrated, pop-up
spout 123 is pivoted upwardly at its integration with the end cap
into an open position where is appear in a "straw-like" position as
shown in FIG. 3A, or can prevent liquid from flowing through the
end cap 121 when the integrated, pop-up spout 123 is pivoted
downwardly into a closed position as shown in FIG. 3B. When in a
closed position, the integrated, pop-up spout 123 should be flush
with the surface of the end cap 121 in order to facilitate
placement of the end cap 121 on a flat surface when used as a base
for the container. U.S. Pat. No. 5,477,994 issued to Feer et al on
Dec. 26, 1995 describes and illustrates a beverage container valve.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,216,880 issued to Drelichowski describes and shows
a collapsible spout for dispending fluent materials. Feer et al and
Drelichowski are incorporated by reference herein for their
teachings.
[0026] Although the hinged pop-up spout 123 is illustrated in the
preferred embodiment, it should be appreciated that other pop-up
spout designs can be used with the end caps 121 of the present
invention without departing from the intended functionality and
solution provided for herein. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,560,081
issued to Adams on Dec. 24, 1985 described an easily releasable
sanitary lid-spout that can be stored in the end cap in a manner
that will enable the surface of the end cap to remain flat. When
deployed, the spout in the Adams patent appears straw-like and
enables a user to withdraw fluid from the container. U.S. Pat. No.
6,745,949 issued to Lee on Jun. 8, 2004 describes and shows a
drinking straw with valve function, and could also be used as the
spout portion of the present invention.
[0027] The liquid container 100 and removable end caps 121 can be
made of plastic by plastic injection and plastic extrusion, and/or
blow molding methods known in the art. The liquid container 100 and
end caps 121 can be made of plastics, such as polypropylene,
polyethylene, and other suitable materials.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one end of the
bottle 100 and shows how the caps 121, 122 fit onto each end of the
container 100 and can be secured flush with the outer diameter of
the bottle by threaded openings 101, 102. FIG. 4 also shows how
wide end caps 121 provide a base for the container 100 to be stood
up on a surface 130 in a stable manner. Each of the two end caps
can be marked or colored differently in order to distinguish
between the type of liquid contained in said first and second
liquid chambers, and associated with each cap. Alternatively, each
chamber area can be marked or colored differently in order to
provide the distinction.
[0029] While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiments
of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the
invention can be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that
follow.
* * * * *