U.S. patent application number 13/341795 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-23 for beverage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mocktail Beverages Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is William D. Gamelli. Invention is credited to William D. Gamelli.
Application Number | 20130126369 13/341795 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48425753 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130126369 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gamelli; William D. |
May 23, 2013 |
BEVERAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
The disclosed beverage container can be made up of three pieces,
a cap, dome and vessel. The pieces screw together using a double
screw mechanism. The dome piece contains a strainer. The consumer
can separate the dome from the vessel and add ice to the mixed
beverage to cool the beverage prior to consumption, and can strain
the ice from the beverage before drinking it directly from the top
opening of the dome, after it has been resealed to the vessel. The
disclosed beverage container can be filled by beverage bottling
facilities in varying sizes and neck formations. Volume of the
container and material choice, whether aluminum, glass, plastic,
stainless steel, other suitable material, or a combination of
materials will determine specific size dimensions of the bottle and
neck as required by industry available beverage filling
machinery.
Inventors: |
Gamelli; William D.;
(Wenham, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gamelli; William D. |
Wenham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mocktail Beverages Inc.
Wenham
MA
|
Family ID: |
48425753 |
Appl. No.: |
13/341795 |
Filed: |
December 30, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61561498 |
Nov 18, 2011 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/217 ;
53/471 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 43/02 20130101;
A47J 43/27 20130101; B01F 13/0022 20130101; B65D 47/122
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/217 ;
53/471 |
International
Class: |
B65D 85/72 20060101
B65D085/72; B65D 41/00 20060101 B65D041/00; B65B 7/28 20060101
B65B007/28; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18 |
Claims
1. A beverage container, comprising: a vessel, having a generally
cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end, the open end having a
threading complementary to the threading of a dome, the vessel
containing a beverage, the volume thereof being less than the
volumetric capacity of the vessel; the dome, having a generally
domed shape with opposed top and bottom openings, comprising:
threading adjacent to the bottom opening to secure the dome to the
vessel, and further configured with a first seal, sealed for retail
sale; a strainer, fixed to an upper inside portion of the dome; a
lip wall, configured to enable drinking directly from the beverage
container, rising above the strainer and having a generally
cylindrical shape; and threading adjacent to the top opening
complementary to the threading of a cap; and the cap, having a
generally cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end, and
threading adjacent to the open end to secure the cap to the dome,
and further configured with a second seal, sealed for retail
sale.
2. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the mechanism to inhibit
unscrewing includes threading of the cap at the dome reversed in
direction of rotation for closing relative to the threading of the
dome at the vessel.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the cap is configured with a
slip-proof grip on the exterior wall; and the dome is configured
with a slip-proof grip on the exterior wall.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of the slip-proof grips
is a ridged material.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the volumetric capacity of the
vessel exceeds the volume of the beverage by a range of 10 to 25
percent.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism
configured to indicate tampering with the seals.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the dome and the vessel are
further comprised of a double-walled construction to insulate the
beverage.
8. A non-carbonated beverage container, comprising: a vessel,
having a generally cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end,
the open end having a threading complementary to the threading of a
dome, the vessel containing a beverage, the volume thereof being
less than the volumetric capacity of the vessel; the dome, having a
generally domed shape with opposed top and bottom openings,
comprising: threading adjacent to the bottom opening to secure the
dome to the vessel, and further configured with a first safety seal
configured to indicate tampering therewith; a strainer, fixed to an
upper inside portion of the dome; a lip wall, configured to enable
drinking directly from the beverage container, rising above the
strainer and having a generally cylindrical shape; a slip-proof
grip on the exterior wall; and threading adjacent to the top
opening complementary to the threading of a cap; and the cap,
having a generally cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end,
and threading adjacent to the open end to secure the cap to the
dome, a slip-proof grip on the exterior wall, and further
configured with a second safety seal configured to indicate
tampering therewith.
9. The non-carbonated beverage container of claim 8, wherein the
threading of the cap at the dome is further configured to be
reversed in direction of rotation for closing relative to the
threading of the dome at the vessel.
10. A beverage container, comprising: a vessel, having a generally
cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end, the open end having
threading complementary to the threading of a dome; the dome,
having a generally domed shape with opposed top and bottom
openings, comprising: threading adjacent to the bottom openings, to
secure the dome to the vessel; a strainer, fixed to an upper inside
portion of the dome; a lip wall, configured to enable drinking
directly from the beverage container, rising above the strainer and
having a generally cylindrical shape; and threading adjacent to the
top opening complementary to the threading of a cap; and the cap,
having a generally cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end,
and threading adjacent to the open end, to secure the cap to the
dome, the threading being reversed in direction of rotation for
closing relative to the threading of the dome at the vessel.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein: the cap is configured with
a slip-proof grip on the exterior wall; and the dome is configured
with a slip-proof grip on the exterior wall.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the slip-proof grips
is a ridged material.
13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the cap, secured to the
dome, and the dome, secured to the vessel, are further configured
with a mechanism to indicate tampering therewith.
14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the dome and the vessel are
further comprised of a double-walled construction to insulate the
beverage.
15. A method of preparing, bottling, and packaging a beverage for
distribution, sale, and consumption, comprising: depositing a
volume of beverage into a vessel, the deposited beverage volume
being less that the volumetric capacity of the vessel to allow the
remaining capacity of the vessel to be used by a consumer without
spillage of the deposited beverage volume, the vessel having a
generally cylindrical shape, a closed end, an open end, the open
end having threading complementary to the threading of a dome;
screwing securely and sealing for retail sale the dome to a vessel,
the dome having a generally domed shape with opposed top and bottom
openings, comprising: threading adjacent to the bottom opening, to
securely screw the dome to a vessel; a strainer, fixed to an upper
inside portion of the dome; a lip wall, configured to enable
drinking directly from the beverage container, rising above the
strainer, having a generally cylindrical shape; and threading
adjacent to the top opening complementary to the threading of a
cap; screwing securely and sealing for retail sale the cap to the
dome, the cap having a generally cylindrical shape, a closed end,
an open end, and threading adjacent to the open end.
16. The method of claim 26, wherein the mechanism to inhibit
unscrewing includes threading of the cap at the dome reversed in
direction of rotation for closing relative to the threading of the
dome at the vessel.
17. The method of claim 15, wherein unscrewing the cap is
facilitated with a slip-proof grip on the exterior wall of the cap,
and unscrewing the dome is facilitated with a slip-proof grip on
the exterior wall of the dome.
18. The method of claim 15, wherein the depositing a volume of
pre-mixed soft-drink beverage occurs after the screwing of the dome
to the vessel.
19. The method of claim 15, further comprising removing the dome,
adding ice to the vessel, replacing the dome, and shaking prior to
consumption of the beverage.
20. The method of claim 15, wherein the volumetric capacity of the
vessel exceeds the volume of the deposited beverage by a range of
10 to 25 percent.
21. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism to
inhibit unscrewing of the dome from the vessel while unscrewing the
cap from the dome.
22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the beverage containers
further contains a non-carbonated soft-drink.
23. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the mechanism is comprised of
a shrink wrap film.
24. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the beverage container
further contains a non-carbonated soft drink.
25. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the mechanism is comprised
of a shrink wrap film.
26. The method of claim 15, further including a mechanism to
inhibit unscrewing of the dome from the vessel while unscrewing the
cap from the dome.
27. The method of claim 15, further comprising a mechanism to
indicate tampering with the seals.
28. The method of claim 15, wherein the dome and vessel are further
comprised of a double-walled construction to insulate the
beverage.
29. The method of claim 15, wherein the beverage is a
non-carbonated soft drink.
30. The method of claim 17, wherein each of the slip-proof grips is
a ridged material.
31. The method of claim 27, wherein the mechanism is comprised of a
shrink wrap film.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/451,498, filed on Nov. 18, 2011. The entire
teachings of the above application are incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are currently many devices and methods used for
preparing and packaging soft-drink beverages for distribution,
sale, and consumption. Two of the most common devices include the
"pop-top" can and the plastic or glass bottle with a removable,
resealable twist-off cap. The pop-top can is designed for immediate
consumption, or transfer to another vessel, as the standard pop-top
cannot be resealed. Beverages contained within plastic or glass
bottles with a removable, resealable twist-off cap can be consumed
over longer periods of time, because the twist-off cap can be
resealed to slow the contents from spoilage due to external
atmospheric exposure and/or other causes.
[0003] Presently, the soft-drink beverage containers that are
distributed for sale and consumption are available in a number of
different volumes. Typically, in the United States, pop-top cans
are sold in 12 fluid ounce volumes. In other parts of the world,
pop-top cans are usually sold in 355 milliliter volumes, which is
roughly the metric equivalent of the volume of the U.S. pop-top
can. New sizes and shapes of the pop-top can have recently come to
market. Plastic bottles with a removable resealable twist-off cap
are generally offered in a wide variety of sizes, which include 20
fluid ounces, one-liter, and two-liter volumes. This is due, at
least in part, to the resealable nature of the twist-off cap. Glass
bottles come in a variety of sizes from single serve juice bottles
to family size, both with resealable caps.
[0004] Consumers prefer many soft-drinks to be cooled prior to
consuming them. In fact, many consumers will not drink some
soft-drinks unless they are cooled because they do not like the
taste of the warm beverage. Generally, in order to cool a
soft-drink, as sold in one of the currently available beverage
containers on the market, it must be placed into a cool or cold
environment, such as a refrigerator or freezer, packed in ice, or a
combination of ice and water, for a period of time, or the soft
drink must be poured into a second container and mixed with ice or
some other cooling agent.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A mixed drink is a beverage in which two or more ingredients
are mixed, and often includes alcohol. It is typical to cool a
mixed drink by pouring and serving it over ice. However, in some
cases the use of a shaker is preferred, which allows the beverage
to mix with ice, cooling it, before it is strained into a glass to
be served. Although the container described here might be used in a
similar fashion, it is primarily intended to be used in the
bottling of pre-mixed soft-drinks for sale. The soft-drink need not
be, and likely will not be, mixed with alcohol.
[0006] A soft-drink beverage container, and corresponding method of
preparing, bottling, packaging for distribution, sale, and
consumption, according to an example embodiment of the present
invention, includes a cap, dome, and vessel. The soft-drink
beverage container is configured in an arrangement in which each
piece is removable and resealable. The vessel, which in an example
embodiment can contain a premixed soft-drink beverage ready for
consumption, can be screwed to the dome, creating a resealable
closure. Along the top of the vessel, at the open end, there can be
threading. The dome has a top opening and a bottom opening. The
bottom opening of the dome can be configured with threads to enable
the screwing of the dome to the vessel. The dome can also contain a
fixed strainer, through which strained liquid, such as a premixed
soft-drink beverage, can pass, situated near the upper inside
portion of the dome. Along the top opening of the dome, a lip wall,
having a generally cylindrical shape, can rise up out of the dome.
The exterior wall of the lip wall can be configured with threads
for screwing the cap and dome together, the direction may or may
not be the reverse of that for screwing the dome and vessel
together. The cap can be screwed onto the top of the dome to create
a resealable closure.
[0007] According to another example embodiment, the cap can have a
ridged slip-proof grip to facilitate fastening and unfastening to
the dome. The dome can also be configured with a ridged slip-proof
grip to facilitate fastening and unfastening to the cap and/or the
vessel.
[0008] The soft-drink beverage container can be made out of
recyclable materials such as aluminum, plastic, glass, and/or
stainless steel, or a combination thereof.
[0009] According to a further example embodiment of the present
invention, the cap, when arranged securely to the dome, can be
configured with an anti-tamper safety seal which indicates if the
packaging has been tampered with post production. Similarly, the
sealed dome and vessel junction can be fixed with an anti-tamper
indicating safety seal.
[0010] According to a yet further example embodiment of the present
invention, the volumetric capacity of the vessel can exceed the
volume of the packaged pre-mixed beverage by 10 to 25 percent.
[0011] The soft-drink beverage container, in a yet further example
embodiment, can be made using double-walled construction for
insulating the contents from the outside environment.
[0012] According to an example embodiment of the current
disclosure, a method of preparing, and bottling a soft-drink
beverage, a pre-mixed beverage can be deposited into the vessel
prior to screwing the cap onto the sealed dome and vessel.
According to an alternative example embodied method, a pre-mixed
beverage can be deposited into the vessel prior to screwing the
dome onto the vessel. The convenience to the consumer coupled with
the design elements allowing for bottling at a filling plant are
unique.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing will be apparent from the following more
particular description of example embodiments of the invention, as
illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference
characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views.
The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being
placed upon illustrating embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 1A is a profile view of an example embodiment of the
beverage container including the cap, dome, and vessel arranged in
a sealed configuration with conventional threading.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a profile view of the vessel of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 2A is a profile view of an example embodiment of the
beverage container including the cap, dome, and vessel arranged in
a sealed configuration with a smaller diameter cap and reverse
threading at the vessel.
[0017] FIG. 2B is a profile view of the vessel of FIG. 2A.
[0018] FIG. 3A is a profile view of the dome of FIG. 2A.
[0019] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the dome looking upwards
from below.
[0020] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the dome looking downward
from above.
[0021] FIG. 3D is a top-side view of the dome.
[0022] FIG. 4A is a profile view of the cap of FIG. 2A.
[0023] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cap looking upwards
from below.
[0024] FIG. 4C is a top-side view of the cap.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional profile view of a beverage
container including the cap, dome, and vessel illustrating
double-walled construction.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] A description of example embodiments of the invention
follows.
[0027] The current disclosure pertains in general to containers for
liquid and, more particularly, to containers for non-carbonated,
soft-drink beverages to be consumed.
[0028] The vast majority of currently available soft-drink beverage
containers are treated as a single-use device by consumers, and
discarded after the contents have been emptied. Further, most
soft-drink beverages sold today are made out of recyclable
materials, which are typically aluminum, plastic, or glass. In
general, the volume of the soft-drink that is distributed within
the beverage container matches the maximum practical volumetric
capacity of that container. In a case where a consumer wants to
cool a soft-drink prior to drinking it, often it is poured into a
second container to be mixed with ice or some other cooling agent.
If a consumer wants to drink a cooled beverage, but does not want
to drink the beverage with ice in it, in order to achieve such a
result traditionally, one would typically use a strainer and
multiple containers. One form of strainer is in a capped dome of a
shaker assembly. The problem with using several instruments to
perform the task of cooling the beverage with ice, and then
straining the beverage prior to consumption, is that this typically
causes a mess, soiling the several containers and instruments with
the residue of the drink, and there is a high chance of some
spillage. Further, the strainer is typically not handy when away
from home or a bar.
[0029] The container disclosed here, enables an opportunity to
pre-fill the container with a variety of non-carbonated beverages
on standardized beverage filling machinery, to market those
beverages to drinkers and non-drinkers alike, and provides the
added convenience and utility to the consumer of cooling a
pre-mixed soft-drink at the point of sale or at any future point in
time.
[0030] There is a large group of people that cannot or choose not
to drink alcohol. Often, members of this group feel separated when
they are in the presence of others that are drinking alcohol.
Individuals that cannot or choose not to drink alcohol may find an
example embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful
at a social gathering in which the individual wishes to enjoy
drinking a cocktail, but without alcohol. Alternative healthy
life-styles are becoming increasingly popular. For a variety of
reasons, including healthy lifestyle choice, pregnant or nursing
mothers, medication conflicts, religious believes, or treatment
such as Alcoholics Anonymous, a consumer may choose not to drink
alcoholic beverages at all, or in certain limited cases, such as
being a designated driver. While such a choice is becoming more
socially acceptable, the consumer may not want to draw attention to
his or her decision at a social gathering.
[0031] An example embodiment of the present disclosure can help
conceal the consumer's decision not to imbibe alcohol by enabling
cooling a soft-drink and serving it in a traditional bar glass to
allow a non-drinker to fit into traditional social settings where
alcohol is served. An example embodiment of the present disclosure,
by providing a unique beverage container, enables a ritualistic
cooling process for its contents, which is similar to the process
long associated with classic cocktail culture. The soft-drink
beverage container enables the consumer to enjoy, fit in and find
comfort in, the ritualistic traditions and camaraderie associated
with drinking alcohol, but without drinking any intoxicating
substance, and avoiding the potentially awkward social
ramifications.
[0032] According to an example embodiment of the present invention,
a reusable, recyclable soft-drink bottle can be comprised of three
pieces in the basic shape of a martini shaker; a vessel to hold a
premixed beverage; a resealable dome which may be unscrewed from
the vessel; and, a resealable cap which may be unscrewed from the
dome. The soft-drink shaker bottle design allows the consumer to
drink a premixed beverage straight from the bottle, as he or she
does today from conventional bottles or cans. However, an example
embodiment of the present invention also gives the consumer the
option to remove the dome and add ice, perhaps immediately at the
store where the soft-drink is purchased, and then replace and
reseal the dome onto the vessel holding the pre-mixed beverage and
ice. The consumer will, with or without ice, open the resealable
screw cap to drink the beverage. The dome is resealable to allow
the ice to be added and then replaced prior to drinking directly
from the bottle or pouring the contents into a glass or cup. The
cap is resealable to allow for hand-held use on the go, or in an
automobile cup holder, and for consumption after refrigeration when
contents remain.
[0033] An example embodiment of the soft-drink shaker bottle has
three pieces with two tamper-indicating resealable screw on/off
features attaching each part to the other. The dome can unscrew
from the vessel in a clockwise or counter-clockwise motion. The cap
can unscrew from the dome in a similar or reverse clockwise or
counter-clockwise motion. This double tamper-indicating screw
mechanism allows the consumer to unscrew the dome from the vessel,
for the purpose of adding ice, and for unscrewing the cap from the
dome for the purpose of consuming the beverage directly, or pouring
the beverage. The feature of both sets of threads screwing in the
same direction best enables the beverage bottler to run the
container on standard beverage filling machinery.
[0034] The threads may be in reverse-direction relative to one
another. For example, the dome can unscrew from the vessel in a
clockwise or counter-clockwise motion, while the cap can unscrew
from the dome in a reverse counter-clockwise or clockwise motion.
It should be clear to those skilled in the art that, for this
example embodiment, the direction of the particular threading is
not of importance, only that the two threading may be in opposite
directions relative to one another. This double reverse screw
mechanism allows the consumer to loosen only the cap, while
tightening the dome on the vessel, and thus ensuring that the dome
does not inadvertently loosen. This feature is useful to prevent
accidental spilling of the beverage.
[0035] Embodiments of the beverage container can be made from any
material, or combination of materials, suitable for distribution
and retail sale, and may include, for example, aluminum, plastic,
glass, and/or stainless steel. It should be understood by those of
skill in the art that various elements of the beverage container,
including the cap, dome, and vessel, may each be individually
composed out of the same material or different materials. For
example, the cap may be plastic, while the dome is aluminum, and
the vessel is glass, or the cap may be plastic, while the dome is
stainless steel, and the vessel is stainless steel, or any such
similar combination.
[0036] The choice of beverage container material can be influenced
by many factors, including, but not limited to, the following
examples: ingredients of the beverage and whether or not they
include alcohol; whether a hot fill or cold fill process is
optimal; sensitivity of each individual type of beverage to light
and oxygen; potential shelf life issues related to fresh
ingredients, preservatives, or additives; volume of fluid
contained; cost of raw materials; cost of manufacturing the bottle
in each material, or a combination of materials; availability of
co-packing facilities; filling line machinery availability, and its
requirements regarding lip wall or neck sizes and depths as well as
overall beverage container height, width, and pressure handling
requirements; distance and cost of transporting bottles made of
differing materials to a co-packing facility; possible breakage or
denting factors; recycling rates and ever more eco-friendly
materials that consumers demand. As technology, filling machinery,
beverage development, ingredients, materials, industry trends, and
consumer tastes change, the dimensions of the beverage container,
and the material chosen to produce it may change to accommodate
these market pressures and seize new opportunities.
[0037] An example embodiment of the vessel can be designed to hold,
for example, an 18 to 20 ounces volume, but sold containing a
lesser amount of a pre-mixed beverage, for example, 16 ounces, to
enable the consumer to add ice without spillage. The vessel can
have threading on an outside top ridge for attaching the dome. The
dome has inside threads for attaching to the vessel.
[0038] According to an example embodiment, a lip wall (or neck), is
designed to be a proper receptacle transition for bottling the
beverage in the container using standard beverage bottling
machinery. The dimensions of the lip wall, or neck, may be
influenced by multiple factors including the volume of the beverage
container and the materials used for its construction, such as
aluminum, plastic, glass, stainless steel, or any other suitable
material, or some combination thereof. The neck may come in
different widths and depths depending material choice and size of
container. In a preferred example embodiment, a lip wall (or neck),
preferably between about one half inch to one inch in height, and
designed to allow the consumer to drink straight from the bottle
without the need for a straw or glass/cup, rises above the
strainer. The lip wall or neck is preferably in the range in
diameter from a half inch to three inches, with a range of one to
two inches being most preferred. It should be understood by those
of skill in the art that the dimensions of the lip wall or neck,
and, more generally, those of the container, can vary depending on
several factors, including the materials used, the beverage filling
machinery used, and overall volumetric capacity of container.
[0039] The lip wall serves to gather the beverage as it flows
through the strainer, with or without ice. As the consumer tips the
bottle toward the mouth, the beverage gathers and he or she may
drink from the container in the same manner as from any traditional
soft-drink bottle or can. If no lip wall is present above the
strainer line, and the strainer is exposed, it becomes exceedingly
difficult to drink straight from the bottle without the consumer
spilling the beverage on his or her face and/or clothes. Without
the lip wall, a consumer would be required to use a straw to sip
the contents to remain spill-proof, or, alternatively, the consumer
would be required to pour the contents into a glass/cup. An example
embodiment of the disclosed beverage container does not require a
straw, and is simple to drink straight from the bottle, with or
without ice. It is also useful as a container to drink directly
from because it is more spill-proof than conventional soft-drink
bottles, as the strainer adds a measure of spill-proofing above and
beyond that of conventional soft-drink bottles. The outside of the
lip wall has threads for securely screwing the resealable cap into
place. The cap has inside threads for securely attaching it to the
dome's lip wall. Once sealed with a ready for consumption
soft-drink inside, the junctions of the cap and dome can be sealed
for distribution and retail sale. For example, safety sealing for
retail sale may include utilizing tamper-evident frangible
shrink-wrapped film seals, ribbed container elements (e.g., the cap
and/or dome) with tamper evident rings, or flat-topped vacuum
sealed metal closures that become convex upon release of the
vacuum.
[0040] The dome, cap, vessel, or any combination thereof, can have
slip-proof grips to enable the consumer to grip each piece securely
while unscrewing or re-screwing the bottle pieces back together.
For example, the slip-proof grip can be comprised of a ridged or
grooved surface of the container, and/or an additional material
having suitable physical characteristics, which may include a
higher elasticity and/or higher coefficient of friction than the
respective characteristic of the container material.
[0041] It can become a challenge to use a conventional shaker
because the parts become stuck together. Whether it is because of
temperature and/or pressure reasons, or sticky residue from the
beverage contents, the pieces become stuck together and the user's
hands often slip while trying to loosen the assembly. In some
cases, the user must strike the assembly, with the contents inside,
against a hard surface, hoping to jar the parts loose. In other
cases, the user must run the stuck parts under hot water, or
through a dishwasher, in the hopes that the hot water will dissolve
the sticky contents, and the pieces become free of each other. The
double tamper-indicating screw threading, in combination with
slip-proof groves for gripping, make the disclosed example
embodiment more secure for the consumer drinking the premixed
contents, and more convenient for opening and closing, and for
re-use of the container.
[0042] The soft-drink shaker bottle allows the consumer to drink
straight from the bottle, with or without ice, as previously
described, as a single serving size container. The consumer also
has the option to pour the contents into a cocktail or martini
glass, or any other container, when the contents are ideal for such
an application, such as a non-alcoholic cocktail. An advantage of
an example embodiment of the soft-drink bottle is that it can be
used as a single serving size container, or it can provide two or
more smaller serving sizes, depending on the consumer's use. When
the consumer uses the pre-mixed contents as a non-alcoholic
cocktail, they will likely unscrew the dome and add ice. The
consumer will then screw the dome back into place, shake the
contents, and unscrew the cap, allowing the contents to be poured
into traditional bar glasses to share with friends. In this
situation, the single serving size bottle offers two smaller
servings. In other words, if the cooled pre-mixed beverage contents
of the single serving size bottle, which may contain, for example
16 ounces, are served in a bar glass, for example a martini glass,
which typical holds only six ounces (6 oz.), then two or more six
ounce servings can be offered. (A total of three martini-sized
smaller servings can be provided from the example 16 oz. contents
when chilled with ice.) It should be recognized by those of skill
in the art that example embodiments can also be made into larger
sizes, such as a half gallon size, for party applications. The
larger sized example embodiments can also include a tamper-proof
resealable dome and cap that can screw off the larger vessel for
multiple pours.
[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the container, the practical
volumetric capacity of the vessel exceeds the soft-drink beverage
sold within it by a range of 10 to 25 percent. The excess practical
volumetric capacity of the vessel allows ice, or some other
ingredient, to be added to the pre-mixed beverage without causing
the contents to overflow and spill.
[0044] The single/double serving size example embodiment can be
sold individually as well as packaged into multi-packs of different
flavors, for a multi-flavored party-pack concept. While the larger
size example embodiment is more useful for a party setting in which
a single flavor is preferred.
[0045] An example alternative embodiment of the beverage container
can be made with a double-walled construction for insulation,
similar to the construction of a travel mug for hot beverages. The
beverage container can hold ice, and if it does, it may tend to
sweat in warmer environments. Double-walled construction is useful
in that it will prevent condensation from accumulating on the
outside of the container, preventing such sweating, which causes
inconvenience to the consumer. Such upscale construction can be a
true multi-use to go bottle for all the user's cold or iced
drinks.
[0046] In a method of preparing a soft-drink beverage and a
corresponding container packaging for distribution, sale, and
consumption, which includes a cap, dome, and vessel, a pre-mixed
beverage can be deposited into the vessel prior to screwing the cap
onto the previously screwed together and sealed dome and vessel.
According to an alternative method, a pre-mixed beverage can be
deposited into the vessel prior to screwing the dome onto the
vessel, with or without the cap previously screwed and sealed to
the dome. Further, it should be understood by those of skill in the
art that the soft-drink beverage ingredients can be deposited into
the vessel as a pre-mixed beverage, or the ingredients of the
beverage deposited individually into the vessel prior to mixing, or
some combination thereof.
[0047] FIG. 1A is a profile view of an embodiment of the present
invention. The beverage container 100 can be made up of three
parts, a cap 105, a dome 115 and a vessel 125. The beverage
container is in the basic shape of a cocktail shaker. Vessel 125 is
used to hold the pre-mixed beverage. The dome 115 is screwed onto
the vessel 125. The cap 105 is screwed onto the top of the dome
115. After removing the cap 105 a consumer can drink the beverage
directly from the container 100 in a manner similar to traditional
beverage containers such as standard soda bottles.
[0048] The consumer, after purchasing the beverage in the container
100, can remove the dome 115, unscrewing it from the vessel 125, to
place ice within the vessel 125 to cool the beverage contained
within. The consumer can then reattach the dome 115, resealing it
to the vessel 125, then shake to cool and strain the cooled
beverage contents of the vessel 125 through the dome 115 out of its
top after removing the cap 105. When the beverage container 100 is
distributed it can contain a tamper-indicating safety seal 112
between the dome 115 and the cap 105 indicating whether
post-production tampering has occurred, compromising the seal
between the cap 105 and the dome 115. The beverage container 100
can contain an additional tamper-indicating safety seal 122 between
the dome 115 and the vessel 125. Similarly, safety seal 122 would
indicate whether tampering has occurred post-production between the
dome 115 and the vessel 125 of the beverage container 100. The
safety seals 112 and 122 help to maintain the integrity of the
mixed beverage being distributed from the producer.
[0049] In an example embodiment of the disclosed beverage container
100, the pieces can be screwed together using the same direction of
rotation for both sets of pieces. For example, cap 105 will screw
onto the dome 115 with clockwise rotation using clockwise screw
threads. The dome 115 will screw onto the vessel 125 also with
clockwise rotation using clockwise screw threads. It should be
clear to those skilled in the art that the direction of the
particular threading is not of importance, only that the two
threading be in the same direction relative to one another. The
direction of the threading can be determined by manufacturing
standards. To facilitate the unscrewing of the cap 105 from the
dome 115, the cap 105 can have a ridged slip-proof cap grip 107.
Similarly, to facilitate the unscrewing of the dome 115 from the
vessel 125, the dome 115 can have a ridged slip-proof dome grip
117.
[0050] FIG. 1B is a profile view of the vessel 125. The vessel 125
is generally cylindrical in shape, and has a closed end 127 and an
open end 129. In fact, the vessel is frustoconical in shape, but
considered to be generally cylindrical. Clockwise threads 135 are
located along the top exterior wall of the vessel 125, enabling a
tight spill-proof seal with the dome 115 (as illustrated in FIG.
1). The vessel 125 is designed to be partially filled with a
pre-mixed beverage, enabling the consumer to later add ice or other
second ingredient to the vessel prior to consumption. The vessel
125 can be made out of recyclable material, such as aluminum,
plastic, or glass, non-recyclable material, such as stainless
steel, or any material, now know or later developed, suitable for
beverage distribution and retail sale. The vessel 125 can also
insulate the contents by using a double-wall construction, similar
to that of a thermos or travel mug, to maintain the temperature of
the beverage within the container.
[0051] FIG. 2A is a profile view of an alternate embodiment of the
beverage container 200, and can be made up of three parts, a cap
205, a dome 215 and a vessel 225. The dimensions of the cap 205 are
dependent upon the dimension of the lip wall 305 (shown in FIG. 3A)
and may be determined by such factors as the volume of the beverage
container and/or the materials used for its construction.
[0052] The beverage container is in the basic shape of a cocktail
shaker. Vessel 225 is used to hold the pre-mixed beverage. The dome
215 is screwed onto the vessel 225. The cap 205 is screwed onto the
top of the dome 215. After removing the cap 205 a consumer can
drink the beverage directly from the container 200 in a manner
similar to traditional beverage containers such as standard soda
bottles.
[0053] The consumer; after purchasing the beverage in the container
200, can remove the dome 215, unscrewing it from the vessel 225, to
place ice within the vessel 225 to cool the beverage contained
within. The consumer can then reattach the dome 215, resealing it
to the vessel 225, then shake to cool and strain the cooled
beverage contents of the vessel 225 through the dome 215 out of its
top after removing the cap 205. When the beverage container 200 is
distributed it can contain a tamper-indicating safety seal 212
between the dome 215 and the cap 205 indicating whether
post-production tampering has occurred, compromising the seal
between the cap 205 and the dome 215. The beverage container 200
can contain an additional tamper-indicating safety seal 222 between
the dome 215 and the vessel 225. Similarly, seal 222 would indicate
whether tampering has occurred post-production between the dome 215
and the vessel 225 of the beverage container 200. The
tamper-indicating safety seals 212 and 222 help to maintain the
integrity of the mixed beverage being distributed from the
producer.
[0054] In the example embodiment of the beverage container 200 in
FIG. 2A, the direction of the threading the cap 205 can screw onto
the dome 215 with a clockwise rotation using clockwise threads. The
dome 215 can screw onto the vessel 225 with counter-clockwise
rotation using counter-clockwise screw threads. It should be clear
to those skilled in the art that the direction of the particular
threading is not of importance, only that the two threading may be
in the opposite directions relative to one another. The reverse
thread feature helps prevent accidental spills by insure that when
the consumer is unscrewing one portion of the beverage container,
that the unintended portion is not also be loosened. To facilitate
the unscrewing of the cap 205 from the dome 215, the cap 205 can
have a ridged slip-proof cap grip 207. Similarly, to facilitate the
unscrewing of the dome 215 from the vessel 225, the dome 215 can
have a ridged slip-proof dome grip 217.
[0055] FIG. 2B is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of
the vessel 225. The vessel 225 is generally cylindrical in shape,
and has a closed end 227 and an open end 229. In fact, the vessel
is frustoconical in shape, but considered to be generally
cylindrical. Here, counter-clockwise threads 229 are located along
the top exterior wall of the vessel 225, which enable the vessel to
screw to the dome 215 using a direction of rotation that is the
reverse of that used to screw the cap 205 to the dome 215 (as
illustrated in FIG. 2A). The vessel 225 is designed to be partially
filled with a pre-mixed beverage, enabling the consumer to later
add ice or other second ingredient to the vessel prior to
consumption. The vessel 225 can be made out of recyclable material,
such as aluminum, plastic, or glass, non-recyclable material, such
as stainless steel, or any material suitable for beverage
distribution and retail sale now know or later developed. The
vessel 225 can also insulate the contents by using a double-wall
construction, similar to that of a thermos or travel mug, to
maintain the temperature of the beverage within the container.
[0056] FIG. 3A is a profile view of the dome 215. The bottom of the
dome 215 is designed to fit over the open end 229 (shown in FIG.
2B) of the vessel 225. The inside lip or wall of the bottom of the
dome 215 has counter-clockwise threads 320 that are complimentary
to the vessel threads 235 (shown in FIG. 2B) to enable the dome 215
and vessel 225 to be sealed and resealed. At the top portion of the
dome 215 is the lip wall 305. The exterior of the lip wall contains
clockwise threads 310 to enable to the cap 205 be screwed onto the
dome 215. The lip wall 305 rises above the fixed strainer 325
(shown in FIG. 3B). The lip wall 305 enables the consumer to drink
directly from the beverage container 200 without spilling. At the
bottom of the dome 215 on the outside wall is the ridged slip-proof
dome grip 315, allowing for the user to get a more secure grip to
seal and unseal the dome 215 from the vessel 225.
[0057] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the dome 215 looking up
inside of it from below, illustrating another view of the ridged
slip-proof dome grip 315, and the inside threads 320 to enable the
attachment of the vessel 225 (shown in FIG. 2A) and the dome 215.
Also visible in this view is the fixed strainer 325, located in the
upper portion of the dome 215 close to the dome ceiling. The lip
wall 305 extends up above the fixed strainer 325.
[0058] FIG. 3C is another perspective view of the dome 215 looking
downward from above, illustrating the lip wall 305 rising above the
fixed strainer 325. The lip wall allows for the beverage to collect
after being strained, but prior to being directly consumed from the
beverage container 200. The lip wall 305 also allows the beverage
to collect at it prior to being poured from the beverage contain
200 by the consumer.
[0059] FIG. 3D is a view of the dome 215 from directly above it.
The fixed strainer 325 sits below the lip wall 305 in the
diametrical center of the dome 215. The lip wall 305 rises above
the strainer 325.
[0060] FIG. 4A is a profile view of the cap 205. The cap 205
contains a ridge slip-proof grip 207 (shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4B)
and clockwise threads to fit over the dome lip wall 305 (shown in
FIG. 3A). In a disclosed example embodiment, the cap 205 can be
frustoconical, tapering from a wider opened end 409 that includes
the clockwise threads 405 to fit over the dome wall 305 towards the
more narrow top (closed end) 407. The bottom open end 409 of the
cap 205 is designed to fit over the lip wall 305. The inside wall
of the cap 205 has clockwise threads 405 (shown in FIG. 4B) that
are complimentary to the lip wall threads 310 (shown in FIG. 3A) to
enable the cap 205 and dome 215 to be sealed and resealed. Along
the outside wall of the cap 205 is a ridged slip-proof cap grip
207, allowing the user to get a more secure grip to seal and unseal
the cap 205 from the dome 215.
[0061] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the cap 105 looking upward
from below, illustrating the ridged slip-proof cap grip 207, and
the inside threads 405, which enable the attachment of the cap 205
and the dome 215.
[0062] FIG. 4C is a view of the cap 205 from directly above it. The
closed end 407 of the cap is visible. The ridged slip-proof cap
grip 207 is also visible.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional profile view illustrating a
double-walled construction embodiment of the beverage container
200. The beverage container 200 is made up of three parts, a cap
205, a dome 215 and a vessel 225. As illustrated, both the vessel
225 and the dome 215 can use double-walled construction. Each has
an outer wall 505, an inner wall 510, and a vacuum 507 between the
two to limit the transfer of heat. It should be understood be those
of skill in the art that although both the dome 215 and the vessel
225 are both shown as using double-walled construction only one, or
neither, need to use double-walled construction.
[0064] While this invention has been particularly shown and
described with references to example embodiments thereof, it will
be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in
form and details may be made therein without departing from the
scope of the invention encompassed by the appended claims. For
example, the invention could be used to market a beverage to be
mixed with alcohol. In such an alternative embodiment, in which it
is intended that alcohol and/or ice will be added to the soft-drink
beverage sold in the container, the practical volumetric capacity
of the vessel can exceed the soft-drink beverage sold within it by
a range of 25 to 50 percent. Dimensions and proportions of the
container will vary and will be influenced by the material choice,
beverage volume requirements, and bottling machinery requirements
at filling facilities.
* * * * *