U.S. patent application number 14/331060 was filed with the patent office on 2014-11-06 for beverage container device.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tommy Raymus, Robert Sinclair. Invention is credited to Tommy Raymus, Robert Sinclair.
Application Number | 20140326731 14/331060 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51135544 |
Filed Date | 2014-11-06 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140326731 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Raymus; Tommy ; et
al. |
November 6, 2014 |
BEVERAGE CONTAINER DEVICE
Abstract
A beverage holding device comprising a container and a removably
engageable lid. The container includes a partition extending
between opposing sides of the sidewall of the container to define a
plurality of separated cavities. The partition includes an edge
surface forming an interior seal against a lower surface of the lid
upon an engagement of the lid with the container for maintaining
the plurality of cavities fluidly separated. A plurality of
apertures in offset elevated positions above an upper surface of
the lid are provided, with each communicating with a respective one
of the plurality of cavities. The elevated and offset apertures
provide a respective relief area to accommodate a projecting nose
of a user during an engagement of the user's mouth with a
respective aperture while tipping the container.
Inventors: |
Raymus; Tommy; (San Diego,
CA) ; Sinclair; Robert; (Manteca, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Raymus; Tommy
Sinclair; Robert |
San Diego
Manteca |
CA
CA |
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51135544 |
Appl. No.: |
14/331060 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13761978 |
Feb 7, 2013 |
8777044 |
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14331060 |
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61685324 |
Mar 16, 2012 |
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61614094 |
Mar 22, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/524 ;
206/221; 216/6; 220/254.2; 220/254.3; 220/526 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20130101; B65D
81/3205 20130101; B65D 2217/04 20130101; A47G 19/2272 20130101;
A47G 2019/122 20130101; B65D 1/24 20130101; B65D 47/06 20130101;
B65D 51/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/524 ;
220/526; 216/6; 220/254.2; 220/254.3; 206/221 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18; B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; B65D 1/24 20060101 B65D001/24 |
Claims
1. A beverage holding device comprising; a container having a
sidewall extending from an engagement to a bottom wall to an edge
positioned opposite said bottom wall; a partition extending between
opposing sides of said sidewall, said partition defining a
plurality of separated cavities positioned within said sidewall and
bottom wall; a lid, said lid having an upper surface opposite a
lower surface, said lower surface removably engageable about a
circumference of said lid, with a circumferential edge of said
sidewall, in a sealed engagement; said partition having an edge
surface, said edge surface forming an interior seal against said
lower surface of said lid upon an engagement of said lid with said
circumferential edge of said sidewall; said interior seal and said
sealed engagement of said lid to said sidewall maintaining said
plurality of cavities fluidly separated; a plurality of apertures
each formed at a distal end of aperture sidewalls communicating
with said upper surface of said lid, said apertures in offset
positions elevated above said upper surface of said lid by a
distance of said aperture sidewalls running between said upper
surface and a said respective aperture; each of said plurality of
apertures communicating through a passage running through a
respective said aperture sidewall positioning each respective
aperture elevated above said upper surface; each respective said
plurality of apertures communicating through a respective said
passage with a respective individual one of said plurality of
cavities, while said lid is positioned in said sealed engagement;
each said elevated and offset apertures having a respective relief
area positioned adjacent to a respective said aperture sidewall of
said respective aperture and a respective portion of said upper
surface of said lid, each said relief area in a respective position
to accommodate a projection of a nose of a user toward said upper
surface, during an engagement of said user's mouth with a
respective said aperture, while tipping said container during
drinking; and said relief providing means for an increased angle of
said tipping of said container during said drinking therefrom, with
no or only minimal contact of said nose of said user with said
lid.
2. The beverage holding device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
said plurality of cavities being two; said lid configured in a dome
shape having a circular raised central area of said upper surface
which declines in elevation along a curve toward said perimeter; an
extending portion of said partition in between said edge of said
sidewall, extending in a direction away from said endwall in a
curved configuration to match a curve of said dome shape of said
lid; and said extending portion of said partition, with said lid
removed from said container, providing a shield, said shield
preventing a liquid being deposited into one said cavity, from
communicating into the other of said plurality of said two
cavities.
3. The beverage holding device of claim 2, additionally comprising:
each of said plurality of apertures, situated on the lid in said
offset positions in-between said raised central area and said
perimeter of said lid; and said relief area increased in distance
by an extra length of one portion of each respective said aperture
sidewall communicating between each respective said aperture and
said upper portion of said lid at a location between said raised
central raised area and said perimeter.
4. The beverage holding device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
said plurality of cavities being two; an elongated recess formed in
said sidewall of said container, said recess aligned along one edge
of said partition at a communication point with said partition; and
said recess providing an area of said sidewall for viewing of
contents of either or both said cavities simultaneously, whereby a
user may ascertain the respective contents of one or both cavities
on either side of said partition by viewing them through said
recess formed in said sidewall.
5. The beverage holding device of claim 2, additionally comprising:
said plurality of cavities being two; an elongated recess formed in
said sidewall of said container, said recess aligned along one edge
of said partition at a communication point with said partition; and
said recess providing an area of said sidewall for viewing of
contents of either or both said cavities simultaneously, whereby a
user may ascertain the respective contents of one or both cavities
on either side of said partition by viewing them through said
recess formed in said sidewall.
6. The beverage holding device of claim 3, additionally comprising:
said plurality of cavities being two; an elongated recess formed in
said sidewall of said container, said recess aligned along one edge
of said partition at a communication point with said partition; and
said recess providing an area of said sidewall for viewing of
contents of either or both said cavities simultaneously, whereby a
user may ascertain the respective contents of one or both cavities
on either side of said partition by viewing them through said
recess formed in said sidewall.
7. The beverage holding device of claim 1, additionally comprising:
caps removably engageable with each respective aperture; each said
cap rotationally engaged to a pivot positioned on said upper
surface of said lid; each said cap having a closed position, in a
sealed engagement with a respective said aperture; each said cap
having an open position pivoted away from said aperture; and each
said hinge having a releasable stay, to maintain said cap in said
open position until released by said user.
8. The beverage holding device of claim 2, additionally comprising:
caps removably engageable with each respective aperture; each said
cap rotationally engaged to a pivot on said upper surface of said
lid; each said cap having a closed position, in a sealed engagement
with a respective said aperture; each said cap having an open
position pivoted away from said aperture; and each said hinge
having a releasable stay, to maintain said cap in said open
position until released by said user.
9. The beverage holding device of claim 3, additionally comprising:
caps removably engageable with each respective aperture; each said
cap rotationally engaged to a pivot on said upper surface of said
lid; each said cap having a closed position, in a sealed engagement
with a respective said aperture; each said cap having an open
position pivoted away from said aperture; and each said hinge
having a releasable stay, to maintain said cap in said open
position until released by said user.
10. The beverage holding device of claim 4, additionally
comprising: caps removably engageable with each respective
aperture; each said cap rotationally engaged to a pivot on said
upper surface of said lid; each said cap having a closed position,
in a sealed engagement with a respective said aperture; each said
cap having an open position pivoted away from said aperture; and
each said hinge having a releasable stay, to maintain said cap in
said open position until released by said user.
11. The beverage holding device of claim 4, additionally
comprising: caps removably engageable with each respective
aperture; each said cap rotationally engaged to a pivot on said
upper surface of said lid; each said cap having a closed position,
in a sealed engagement with a respective said aperture; each said
cap having an open position pivoted away from said aperture; and
each said hinge having a releasable stay, to maintain said cap in
said open position until released by said user.
12. The beverage holding device of claim 5, additionally
comprising: an elongated recess formed in said sidewall of said
container, said recess aligned along one edge of said partition
along said sidewall; and said recess providing an area of said
sidewall for viewing of contents of either or both said cavities
simultaneously, whereby a user may ascertain the respective
contents of one or both cavities by viewing them through said
sidewall in said recess.
13. The beverage holding device of claim 2, additionally
comprising: a mixing aperture communicating through said partition
between said plurality of cavities; a removable plug engageable
within said mixing aperture; and contents of said plurality of
cavities being mixable upon a removal of said plug from said mixing
aperture.
14. The beverage holding device of claim 3, additionally
comprising: a mixing aperture communicating through said partition
between said plurality of cavities; a removable plug engageable
within said mixing aperture; and contents of said plurality of
cavities being mixable upon a removal of said plug from said mixing
aperture.
15. The beverage holding device of claim 4, additionally
comprising: a mixing aperture communicating through said partition
between said plurality of cavities; a removable plug engageable
within said mixing aperture; and contents of said plurality of
cavities being mixable upon a removal of said plug from said mixing
aperture.
16. The beverage holding device of claim 5, additionally
comprising: a mixing aperture communicating through said partition
between said plurality of cavities; a removable plug engageable
within said mixing aperture; and contents of said plurality of
cavities being mixable upon a removal of said plug from said mixing
aperture.
17. The beverage holding device of claim 1, additionally
comprising: at least two releasable locking tabs communicating
between said lid and said sidewall in opposing positions on said
sidewall; said locking tabs engageable in a connection between said
sidewall and said lid and user disengageable therefrom; and whereby
said lid is held engaged to said container during a shaking of
liquid contents therein and prevented from dismount.
18. The beverage holding device of claim 2, additionally
comprising: at least two releasable locking tabs communicating
between said lid and said sidewall in opposing positions on said
sidewall; said locking tabs engageable in a connection between said
sidewall and said lid and user disengageable therefrom; and whereby
said lid is held engaged to said container during a shaking of
liquid contents therein and prevented from dismount.
19. The beverage holding device of claim 3, additionally
comprising: at least two releasable locking tabs communicating
between said lid and said sidewall in opposing positions on said
sidewall; said locking tabs engageable in a connection between said
sidewall and said lid and user disengageable therefrom; and whereby
said lid is held engaged to said container during a shaking of
liquid contents therein and prevented from dismount.
20. The beverage holding device of claim 13, additionally
comprising: at least two releasable locking tabs communicating
between said lid and said sidewall in opposing positions on said
sidewall; said locking tabs engageable in a connection between said
sidewall and said lid and user disengageable therefrom; and whereby
said lid is held engaged to said container during a shaking of
liquid contents therein and prevented from dismount.
Description
[0001] This application is a Continuation application to U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 13/761,978 filed on Feb. 7, 2013 which
claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/685,324
filed on Mar. 16, 2012, and Provisional Application Ser. No.
61/614,094 filed on Mar. 22, 2012, and, all of which are
incorporated herein in their entirety by reference thereto.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to beverage
containers. More particularly, the invention relates to a reusable
beverage container device having a plurality of cavities and a
removably engageable lid. Individual sealable apertures in the lid
provide separate access to the cavities of the container, and are
disposed in an opposing staggered configuration on the lid. Mesh or
other screen material communicate between the lid and container and
act to enhance the mixing capability of the container when filled
with a liquid and a powder, gel, or other liquid solute for the
purpose of mixing a combination thereof. In at least one preferred
mode, the container device is configured to receive individual
cartridges of powder, gel, or other liquid solute which can be
introduced and mixed with a liquid substrate contained within the
device.
[0004] 2. Prior Art
[0005] Beverage containers are widely known and used throughout the
world. In many industries beverage containers are provided in
single-use containers such as paper or plastic cups. However, in
order to reduce waste, many consumers prefer to use reusable
containers for their beverage needs. Reusable containers typically
come in the form of rigid plastic, glass, or metal containers which
can be washed and reused as needed. Such reuse substantially
reduces the waste related to single-use cups or containers which
are simply discarded after their first use.
[0006] Conventional reusable beverage containers typically include
a single liquid receiving cavity employable for filling, storage,
and as the reservoir for the beverage the user consumes. Often, a
removable and sealable lid is provided with reusable containers
such that the user can employ the container in an on-the-go manner
without the hazard of spilling any of the liquid. However, as
noted, conventional containers are limited to containing a single
liquid and as such limit the user to a single liquid per use.
Therefor, users who desire to enjoy multiple beverages, must employ
a separate container for each beverage.
[0007] This is especially true for container users who frequent a
gym. Often, gym patrons will carry bottles for both water as well
as other supplement type beverages such as sports drinks or
nutritional supplement drinks. Nutritional supplements which are
increasingly popular are frequently supplied in the form of
powders, gels, or other dissolvable concentrates, which adapted to
be mixed onsite with water or milk in specialty containers referred
to as shaker bottles or shaker cups. Usually the gel or powder is
held in a separate container and poured into the shaker cup for
consumption and mixed accordingly with water or milk. This allows
the user to obtain a freshly mixed nutritional beverage, either
directly before or after an exercise workout routine, and is
desirable in many exercise regimens.
[0008] However, if the user desires to consume a plurality of
beverages, such as multiple supplemental nutrition beverages,
sports drinks, and/or water, the user is burdened with the need to
hold or transport multiple containers for both the mix liquids and
powdered nutritional supplements which can be quite a nuisance. The
user also risks the chance that one of the containers might be lost
or stolen and missing their liquid or supplement.
[0009] Nutrition is essential to the recovery and rebuilding of the
body and it has been professed in much exercise literature that the
precise timing of consuming such supplements is the key.
Post-workout, should a user delay even an additional 10 minutes to
consume the nutritional supplement, such can prove very costly to
the recovery process, the hormonal response, and serum/cell
nutrient levels. Most people going to the gym do not have a solid
meal available for consumption directly after completing their
workout. This is why many users consume supplements before and
after workouts which are conventionally mixed on the spot in a
shaker cup.
[0010] Pre-workout supplements consumed by users typically employ
ingredients designed to provide users such as gym patrons and
athletes, energy for use during their workout, prior to their
workout. The marketplace and consumer behavior are exhibiting an
increase in the consumption of such pre-workout powders. This
growth in the use of nutritional supplements parallels the growth
in the consumption of energy products and beverages in previous
years.
[0011] Just as post-workout nutrition timing is critical,
pre-workout timing is said to be just as important. The specific
instructions for consumption of many powder supplements differs in
the time it should be consumed before a workout. Consuming such
supplements too early can result in reduced efficiency at the tail
end of a workout. Additionally, early consumption can cause
overstimulation such as during the car ride to the gym which can be
unnerving should the ride be too long or the user delayed in their
arrival. Conversely, consuming a particular nutritional supplement
later than advised, may not allow the user's body to fully utilize
the benefits during a workout.
[0012] One current solution to the multiple supplement need and the
need for sequential timing, is for the user to carry two bottles
such as shaker cups with each containing pre-workout and
post-workout supplements. However, carrying a plurality of
different containers is cumbersome and ineffective. Alternatively,
some users employ one bottle to mix and consume each drink which
may result in a mistiming of nutrition consumption and result in
poor performance during exercise and impaired recovery.
[0013] Recently intra-workout nutritional powders, which are mixed
with a liquid and consumed during an exercise workout, have been
making a strong increase in use in the supplement market.
Additionally, increasing in popularity is the need for water
hydration which has been found to be beneficial when exercising.
Such a combination of different beverages however requires multiple
containers and mixing in one of those containers.
[0014] However, carrying two or more shaker cups to the gym or
other exercise venue, is not only inefficient but also
inconvenient. Frequently during such exercise regimens the user
will typically carry a phone and/or music player and car keys. The
addition of two or more shaker cups to the already burdened user,
eliminates all their free hands moving around the gym from one
exercise machine to the next. Such sequential stationing is
performed by most body builders numerous times throughout a
workout.
[0015] As a result, prior art has attempted to provide a solution
through devices configured to contain multiple liquids within a
single container. U.S. Pat. No. 7,975,868 to Flies et al. teaches a
beverage container having at least two separate and distinct
compartments separated by a vertical partition, an inner liner, an
outer shell, and a removable lid with sealable openings for each
compartment. Each compartment can be filled with the liquid of
choice and the user can employ the separate openings for the
consumption of each liquid individually.
[0016] However, many downfalls of this device are apparent.
Firstly, the device to Flies does not provide improvement in the
task of mixing powder or gel nutritional supplements with a liquid.
Again, many supplemental nutrition users desire to mix dissolvable
supplements onsite in order to have a fresh solution of nutritional
supplements. The device to Flies still requires the user to
separately carry a dissolvable nutritional supplement and pour it
into the container when desired. The user risks the chance of
either forgetting or losing one or both of the container and
supplement, or possibly spilling liquid from the container during
removal and replacement of the lid.
[0017] Further, one skilled in the art can clearly discern a design
flaw of the device to Flies. The lid to Flies shows two in-line
openings and closure members providing access to the separate
compartments. As such, when consuming from one side or the other by
engaging ones lips to the opening and tilting the container
upwards, the in-line closure member of the opposite side will
interfere by contacting the user's nose and face which is inline
with the user's mouth, and therefor require the user to strain
their neck backwards to properly tilt the container for consumption
of all liquid therein.
[0018] The prior art noted above, as well as others, fail to
provide a beverage container which provides improvements in both
supplemental nutrition mixing as well as separate containment of a
plurality of liquids.
[0019] As such, there is a continuing unmet need for a beverage
container device to solve such multiple beverage and mixing
problems. Such a device should be configured with separate and
distinct cavities for containment of a plurality of individual
liquids. Such a device should provide means for improved mixing of
dissolvable nutritional supplements and at least one liquid.
Lastly, to provide additional advantage over prior art, such a
device should provide means for containing a dissolvable
nutritional supplement within a container cavity but maintained
separate from a contained liquid, in a manner which will allow for
immediate and thorough mixing by the user, only when desired. For
example, the device can be configured to receive removable
cartridges of pre-measured nutritional supplement which can be
placed in the device and mixed at will.
[0020] Nutritional timing has been proven by research to be more
and more important for bodybuilding, athletes and health conscious
individuals. The demand by consumers is to mix and intake adequate
nutrition directly before and after a workout. Previous containers
do not contain the functionality and design to meet the needs of
the current consumer. The invention described in this patent is
designed specifically to meet these needs and is an improvement
over prior art.
[0021] The forgoing examples of related art and limitation related
therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and
they do not imply any limitations on the invention described and
claimed herein. Various limitations of the related art will become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and
understanding of the specification below and the accompanying
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The device herein disclosed and described provides a
solution to the shortcomings in prior art and achieves the above
noted goals through the provision of a beverage container device
comprising in a first particularly preferred mode, a container
formed by a sidewall terminating at an edge on one side and at an
endwall on the opposite side. The internal cavity within the area
between the sidewall, endwall, and edge provides an area configured
with a plurality of separate and distinct cavities.
[0023] Sealing the internal cavity is an engageable and sealable
locking lid which can be configured for removal. To provide
individual access to each of the plurality of cavities, a plurality
of sealable apertures communicate through the lid in registered
positions corresponding to those of the plurality of cavities.
Additionally provided is a means for enhancing the mixing of the
contained liquid in one or both of the plurality of cavities, with
one or a combination of liquids, powders, gels or pills.
[0024] In accordance with at least one preferred mode wherein the
container portion of the device employs two distinct cavities
between the sidewall, endwall, and top edge of the sidewall.
Sealable apertures positioned on the lid provide a communication
with each of the cavities. Preferably, each of the apertures is
positioned in an opposing staggered configuration relative to each
other. In this mode the apertures are disposed on opposite sides of
the lid and communicate with each of the two different cavities.
The apertures are preferably offset from an imaginary diameter
centerline and positioned in this staggered manner.
[0025] An angled or hemispheric lid surface combined with this
staggered offset is particularly preferred. With this
configuration, a user consuming from either aperture offset from
the other, and with the lid of the aperture open and matching the
angle of the top of the lid, will not encounter interference or
contact of the user's nose or face against the lid or other
aperture, while drinking from the container device while tilting
the container up towards the user's face.
[0026] Further, the sealable apertures when positioned offset on
the lid are preferably disposed on raised spouts formed by a spout
sidewall raised above the top of the lid. The raised spouts provide
an easier engagement with the mouth of the user and add an
additional distance from the exterior surface of the lid for the
user's nose and face. This configuration thus allows the user to
rapidly consume the beverage as is often desired during high energy
and rapid workout routines.
[0027] In addition, means for maintaining a secured engagement of
the lid to the edge of the sidewall of the container is preferably
enhanced through the provision of a plurality of hinged clamps
engaged to one of the sidewall or the lid which can be locked into
an engagement with a plurality of complimentary tabs disposed to
the other of the sidewall or the lid. This enhanced secured
engagement is especially desirable as the mixing of powdered or dry
nutritional supplements with a liquid within the container is often
accomplished by shaking the container very vigorously which impacts
the lid with the mass of the liquid therein. Prior art devices
which employ threaded and other types of engagement means are known
to come loose during transport from movement and vibration and can
leak or completely detach during such vigorous mixing. As such the
preferred engagement means, described in more detail herein, solves
such leaking and detachment problems and is especially
preferred.
[0028] Enhanced mixing capabilities of the device is preferably
provided by one or a plurality of liquid permeable surfaces such as
meshes, grates, or screens, disposed for communication with a
respective one or plurality of the cavities. The permeable surfaces
may also be in a sandwiched engagement between the lid and
container portion.
[0029] The permeable surface such as a screen provides a means for
physically separating a concentrated nutritional supplement in the
form of gel, powder, or pill from the liquid within the
communicating cavity, prior to a deliberate mixing by the user. It
is noted that the screen or mesh size can be of the designer's
choice as needed for specific mixing requirements, and therefor may
vary, however are anticipated in this disclosure. Further, the
permeable surface provides a means for breaking up clumps of
dissolvable solute into finer suspensions during a mixing therefor
enhancing the mixing process for producing a more homogenous
solution. In yet another particularly preferred mode of the device
herein providing immense improvements over prior art, the device
may be configured as a system for receiving pre-configured
cartridges containing pre-measured amounts of nutritional
supplement. The supplement cartridges may contain one or a
combination of powder, liquid, gel or solid nutritional supplement,
which when placed in the device on the permeable surface are
maintained separated from any liquid held in the communicating
cavity. This configuration will eliminate the need for the user to
pre-measure amounts of nutritional supplement and pour it into the
container, and instead allows the user to have the supplement ready
to mix prior to reaching the gym.
[0030] This employment of a container adapted to cartridges
additionally eliminates the need to carry the supplement
separately. The cartridges may have a liquid soluble lid, mesh
covering, coating or other suitable communication for liquid, such
that a shaking of the device to cause contained liquid to saturate
the cartridge, will dispense the contents for mixing.
[0031] Alternatively, the cartridges may employ a pull tab lid or
the like such that, when ready, the user removes and opens the
cartridge and places it back into the device for mixing. Still
further, the permeable surface may include a means to puncture the
cartridge, however, will not allow the contents to mix until the
device is deliberately shaken by the user.
[0032] Using pre-configured cartridges adapted for employment with
the permeable surface of the cavities of the container will allow
for the cartridges containing supplements to be sold in venues such
as the gym or supermarket in a wide variety of contents. Thus, the
user may store numerous cartridges and bring them with the
container, or buy the cartridges at the venue where the container
will be used.
[0033] It is noted that the present invention is not limited to
only sports beverages with the dual compartment container. There
has been a recent and dramatic shift in the food and beverage
industry toward organic and sustainable juices. A consumer can now
put in their own homemade fresh juices or use store bought juice
for a delicious mix of flavors simultaneously instead of the usual
enjoyment of only one.
[0034] The device applications will be widely used by more than
just fitness and health orientated consumers but can reach an
audience of working class individuals, students, kids, and more.
Students can now experience in one easy portable container device,
the stimulating effect of caffeine in one cavity of the container
and the hydrating benefits of water it the other. Further, one
container of the device can be used for storage of any school
supplies or supplements while the other contains a beverage.
[0035] The device can be employed by families and children.
Children can opt to have drink combination of chocolate milk/juice,
soda/slushie, etc. Those skilled in the art will additionally
recognize slight modification such that the device can be employed
for use with infants to allow mothers the ability to give the
infant juice/milk or water/juice or any combination thereof through
an operatively engaged nipple or other suitable dispensing means.
The device may also function as a cooling container. By placing ice
in one cavity of the container a liquid in the adjacent cavity will
cool and the ice will maintain the liquid cold without diluting the
beverage as the ice melts. The device can also be used as a storage
device for powders, foods, keys, ID's, credit cards, wallets,
phones, or other small items while still having the ability to
drink liquids from other cavities thereof.
[0036] With respect to the above description, before explaining at
least one preferred embodiment of the herein disclosed invention in
detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in
its application to the details of construction and to the
arrangement of the components in the following description or
illustrated in the drawings. The invention herein described is
capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out
in various ways which will be obvious to those skilled in the art.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology
employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not
be regarded as limiting.
[0037] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be
utilized as a basis for designing of other structures, methods and
systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present
disclosed device. It is important, therefore, that the claims be
regarded as including such equivalent construction and methodology
insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0038] As used in the claims to describe the various inventive
aspects and embodiments, "comprising" means including, but not
limited to, whatever follows the word "comprising". Thus, use of
the term "comprising" indicates that the listed elements are
required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may
or may not be present. By "consisting of" is meant including, and
limited to, whatever follows the phrase "consisting of". Thus, the
phrase "consisting of" indicates that the listed elements are
required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present.
By "consisting essentially of" is meant including any elements
listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not
interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in
the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase
"consisting essentially of" indicates that the listed elements are
required or mandatory, but that other elements are optional and may
or may not be present depending upon whether or not they affect the
activity or action of the listed elements.
[0039] Objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be
brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein
detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the
invention without placing limitations thereon.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES
[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and
form a part of the specification, illustrate some, but not the only
or exclusive, examples of embodiments and/or features. It is
intended that the embodiments and figures disclosed herein are to
be considered illustrative rather than limiting. In the
drawings:
[0041] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a particularly preferred
mode of beverage container device showing the dome shaped lid and
underlying container.
[0042] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a preferred mode of the container
portion of the device.
[0043] FIG. 3 shows a top view of a preferred mode of the lid
portion of the device.
[0044] FIG. 3a shows a cross sectional view of the hinged
engagement of the individual caps to the lid in offset
positions.
[0045] FIG. 4 shows a bottom view of the preferred mode of the lid
of FIG. 3.
[0046] FIG. 5 shows a top view of a preferred mode of the mixing
screen of the device of FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 5a shows a top view of another preferred mode of the
mixing screen of the device which is rotatably engaged to provide a
means for enhanced mixing.
[0048] FIG. 6 is a side view of the container component of the
device showing the raised partition communicating between the two
compartments of the container, also showing a cut-away view
depicting a removable plug engaged to the partition for closing an
aperture communicating between the two cavities of the
container.
[0049] FIG. 7 is a perspective assembled view of the mode of the
device of FIG. 1.
[0050] FIG. 8 is a side view of a first particularly preferred mode
of a nutritional supplement cartridge system which is especially
well suited for employment with the device.
[0051] FIG. 9 is a top view of the cartridge of FIG. 8.
[0052] FIG. 10 shows the cartridge of FIG. 8 depicting the
peal-away lid exposing a mesh screen employed for dispensing the
supplement when mixed with a liquid, such as water or milk.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows a view of yet another preferred mode of the
cartridge system for dispensing a nutritional supplement by
piercing a surface of the cartridge with a piercing member on the
mixing screen.
[0054] FIG. 12 shows the cartridge of FIG. 11 pierced by the mixing
screen, and after engaging the lid, a deliberate shake of the
device containing a liquid in the container portion will cause the
contents of the cartridge to dispense and mix.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0055] In this description, the directional prepositions of up,
upwardly, down, downwardly, front, back, top, upper, bottom, lower,
left, right and other such terms refer to the device as it is
oriented and appears in the drawings and are used for convenience
only; they are not intended to be limiting or to imply that the
device has to be used or positioned in any particular
orientation.
[0056] Now referring to drawings in FIGS. 1-12, wherein similar
components are identified by like reference numerals, there is seen
in FIG. 1 an exploded view of a particularly preferred mode of the
beverage container device 10. The device 10 generally consists of a
container 12 formed by a sidewall 13 extending between an edge 15
on one end and a bottom wall 17 at the opposite end. Within the
container are a plurality of separate and distinct fluidly sealable
compartments or cavities with a plurality of two being a current
favored mode.
[0057] Also employable in combination with the container are one or
a plurality of liquid permeable surfaces, such as screens 22 (FIG.
5), and a seal 26 for sandwiched engagement between the container
and a preferably hemispheric or dome-shaped lid 28. The various
components of the device disclosed herein can be formed of
conventional materials such as plastic, metal, or glass however can
be formed of any material suitable for the purposes set forth in
this disclosure.
[0058] In the current preferred mode the plurality of cavities
within the sidewall of the container 12 is two, shown in the figure
as a first cavity 14 and a second cavity 16. The cavities 14, 16
are separated by a vertical partition 18 which extends past the
edge 15 in an arc shape matching the arc or curve of the interior
surface of the dome-shaped lid 28, in an arching fashion above the
top edge 15 of the container 12 (shown more clearly in FIG. 6). In
at least one preferred mode the partition 18 may be removably
engaged within the container 12 through a sealed engagement with
slots formed on the interior sidewall of the container 12. However
in other mode the partition 18 and container 12 are preferably a
unitarily structure.
[0059] As can be seen, it is preferred that an inwardly curved
recessed sidewall portion 62 of the container 12 is provided and
preferably aligned with the side edge of the partition 18. The
recessed sidewall portion 62 can be formed as an elongated concave
recess as shown, which extends the majority of the height of the
container 12.
[0060] By such positioning of the sidewall portion 62 aligned with
the partition 18, gradient indicia markings 64 may be preferably
provided which extend along the height of the recess 62. The
markings 64 are positioned such that they indicate the fill volume
of the cavities at the given height within the container 12 for
both cavities 14, 16. In a preferred mode, the container 12 is
formed of sufficiently transparent or opaque plastic, such that the
recess 62 aligned with the partition 18 provides a means for
viewing both cavities 14, 16 of the container 12 at the same time
during a filling of fluid or solid within one or both cavities 14,
16. As such the user is provided with a `measure once` feature
which allows the user to fill both cavities 14, 16 to separate
desired fill volumes while viewing the single recess 62.
Ascertaining the volume contained in either cavity 14 or 16, is
also easily discerned by viewing the single recess 62 and the
markings 64 therein.
[0061] Further, shown in the cut-away portion of FIG. 6, the
partition 18 may include a removable plug portion 41 covering an
aperture communicated between the two cavities 14, 16 which the
user can selectively disengage to provide a means for allowing the
liquids in both containers to intermix if desired. This function
highly increases the ability of the device 10 to suit the needs of
performance athletes and gym enthusiasts. The plug 41 makes the
device 10 essentially a single chamber bottle when removed. Liquids
can pass through an aperture formed in the partition 18 of which
the plug 41 covers. This allows for the user to employ the device
10 like any regular bottle when the plug 41 is pulled, but when the
plug 41 is engaged it fully separates two liquids within the
respective cavities 14,16.
[0062] The partition 18 may be substantially centrally located such
that the cavities 14, 16 are of equal size and volume as shown in
the top view of FIG. 2, however it is noted that the partition 18
may be placed in an offset to create unequal sized cavities 14, 16
if desired. The raised arch partition 18 provides additional
utility in providing a means for preventing spillover of powder and
liquids when pouring them into a specific cavities 14, 16 with the
lid 28 removed. It is often necessary to strictly maintain
separation of nutritional supplement as different supplements are
needed during different times in a workout routine. During a high
energy workout, the user may have to take a break to fill or refill
the device 10 with additional supplement and liquids as needed.
This most often must been done quickly as the user may do not
desire to break the rhythm of their routine or let their heart rate
drop due to an extended break. Therefor, the provision of the
raised partition 18 allows the user to rapidly pour fluids and
solids into the cavities 14, 16 without the occurrence of
spillover, and may then quickly return to their workout.
[0063] This is opposed to the prior art device having a dividing
wall separating two cavities which is flush with the brim of the
cup and may cause powders or liquids to be accidentally poured in
the wrong chambers during filling. Further, the provision of the
raised sidewall 18, with a curved edge matching the curve of the
dome shaped lid 28 and forming a seal in a contact with the lid 28,
assures that any contents within the cavities 14, 16 will remain
separated when the top lid 28 is removed. The arching sidewall
additionally provide more surface area contact with the seal 26
between the lid 28 and provides a means for enhanced engagement of
the lid 28 to the container 12 further preventing leaks.
Experimentation has shown that the present invention solves many of
the problems associated with prior art and is a vast
improvement.
[0064] At or near the top edge 15 of the container 12 are a
plurality of locking tabs 20 extending therefrom which are employed
in a complimentary engagement with hinged clamps 30 of the lid 28.
The engagement of the clamps 30 to the tabs 20 provide a means for
sealable and secured engagement of the lid 28 to the container 12.
Along with the employment of the seal 26 which extends around the
upper edge 15 of the container and over the raised sidewall 18, the
operative engagement of the locking clamps 30 create an enhanced
compressive seal for maintaining a secured engagement of the lid 28
to the container 12 compared to many prior art device. Prior art
devices which employ threaded and other type engagement means are
known to come loose, leak, or completely detach during such
vigorous mixing. As such the preferred engagement means and
excellent compressed seal of lid 28 and container provided by the
clamps 30 and tabs 20 solves theses problems and is especially
preferred.
[0065] However, it is noted that other means for providing a locked
and sealed engagement of the lid 28 to the container 12 may be
provided and are anticipated. This may include or one a combination
of snap fits, improved threaded engagement, and other suitable
means.
[0066] A plurality of mixing screens 22 may be additionally
provided. The mesh or other type screens 22 are engaged to and
communicate between the lid 28 and container 12 and act to enhance
the mixing capability of the container device 10 when filled with a
liquid substrate and a powder, gel, or liquid solute for the
purpose of mixing a combination thereof. During a vigorous shaking
of the device 10 by the user, the screens 22 sift the solute and
provide a means for breaking up clumps of solid solute if present,
such as nutritional supplement powder, to achieve a homogenous
mixture. In addition to enhancing mixing, the screen 22 provide a
means for physically separating a concentrated nutritional
supplement in the form of gel, powder, or pill from a liquid
contained there below in the container 12 prior to a deliberate
mixing by the user.
[0067] For example, the user can fill the container 12 with their
favorite liquid, such as water or milk, place a powder, gel or
other form nutritional supplement on top of the screens 22, and
lock the lid 28. When it is desired to mix the two, the user will
simply shake the device 10 to communicate the liquid trough the
screens 22 to dissolve the supplements. It is noted that the mesh
size of the screen 22 (FIG. 5) can be of the designers choice as
needed for specific mixing requirements, and therefor may vary, and
is anticipated in this disclosure. Further, shown in FIG. 5a, the
screens 22 may employ axil components 25 which provide a means
rotatable engagement with the container 12 for further enhanced
mixing means.
[0068] Further, it is noted that the device 10 is capable of acting
as it own cooling means, similar to the application of an ice wand
in prior art devices. Many prior art devices employ insulated
container devices that do not allow for adequate heat transfer
between adjacent cavities. In this invention, the partition 18 can
be formed substantially thin to allow for the cooling of one cavity
when ice or other cool liquid is placed in the other.
[0069] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show top and bottom views respectively of
the lid component 28 of the device 10. The lid 28 is configured for
a sealed secured engagement with the container 12. The employment
of the seal component 26 will ensure a sealed engagement of the lid
28 with the container as well as maintain fluid impermeable seal
between the cavities 14, 16. In the bottom view of FIG. 4, the lid
28 includes an annular cavity 38 and substantially central cavity
40 which align and register for a sealed engagement with the seal
26 engaged over the top edge 15 and raised partition 18 of the
container 12, respectively.
[0070] Referring back to FIG. 3, the lid 28 includes a plurality of
apertures 32, 34, which, when engaged to the container 12
communicate and align with the plurality of cavities 14, 16.
Further, as can be clearly seen in FIG. 1, the apertures 32, 34 are
disposed on raised spouts extending from the lid 28 thereby
providing a means to raise the apertures 32, 34 from the top
surface of the dome shaped lid 28.
[0071] The raised apertures 32, 34 as well as the stagger
disposition of the apertures 32, 34 relative to an imaginary
centerline, along with the relief provided by the slope of the dome
shape of the lid surface, opposite each aperture 32, and 24,
provide a means for preventing the raised apertures 32 or 34, or
the lid surface, from hitting the users nose or face upon drinking
from the other aperture 32 or 34, thereby allowing the user to
rapidly consume the beverage as is often desired during high energy
and rapid workout routines. As such the staggering of the apertures
32 and 34 and the dome shape of the lid 28 providing facial space
from the formed relief, are most preferred.
[0072] In addition, the apertures 32, 34 are preferably relatively
wide openings to allows for easy insertion of ice cubes in either
cavities 14, 16. This will eliminate the conventional need to
employ ice wands or similar devices which must be placed in a
freezer for long periods of time before they can serve their
function.
[0073] Again, in the preferred mode the number of cavities 14, 16
is two, and therefor the lid 28 employs two apertures 32, 34. The
apertures 32, 34 can be operatively sealed by corresponding cap
member 36, 38. The caps 36, 38 are preferably rotatable engaged to
the lid 28 via respective hinge portions 33, 35 which lie inline
with apertures 32, 34.
[0074] Further, FIG. 3a depicts a cross sectional view of the
rotatable engagement of the cap 38 to the hinge portion 35. It is
preferred that the hinges 33, 35 and caps 36, 38 employ respective
tongue 37 and groove 39 portions. Therefor, by rotating the caps
36, 38 to an open position (shown by cap 36 in FIG. 3) such that
the tongue 37 and groove 39 engaged, forms a releasable stay which
provides a means for preventing the caps 36, 38 from pivoting
toward the aperture and hitting the user in the face.
[0075] FIG. 7 shows an assembled view of a preferred mode of the
device 10. As can be clearly seen, the apertures 32, 34 and
respective caps 36, 38 are disposed offset from an imaginary
diameter centerline. In this fashion, the user can choose to
consume a beverage from one cavity 14, 16 at a time, without the
cap of the other cavity interfering with the drinking process,
which conventionally involves the tilting of the device 10 up
towards the users face.
[0076] The clamps 30 are currently shown in the disengaged
position, however one skilled in the art can easily discern that by
rotating the clamps 30 downward, the apertures 29 formed in the
clamps 30 will engage the respective tabs 20 in a secured
frictional engagement thereof. Enhanced biased engagement can be
provided by forming the distal ends of the tabs 20 slightly or
moderately thicker than the width of the apertures 29 of the clamps
30, such that the clamps 30 must be snapped into their engagement
with the tabs 20. Further, selective materials can be chosen for
the tabs 20 and clamps 30 such that an audible snap is heard by the
user when the tabs 20 are successfully communicated through the
apertures 29 thereby providing assurance to the user that a secured
engagement is accomplished.
[0077] In addition, the current mode of the device 10 may include
one or a plurality of removably engageable auxiliary container
portions 42. The auxiliary container 42 may engage the main body of
the container 12 by any suitable removable fastener known in the
art, such as hook and loop fabric 43, snap fits, tongue and groove
type fasteners, or the like. A cavity 44 is provided in the
auxiliary container 42 and is preferably separate and distance from
the cavities 14, 16 of the main container 12, such that if desired,
the user can employ the auxiliary container for sealed storage of
valuables such as keys or money, while the other cavities 14, 16
can be employed for beverages.
[0078] It is noted and anticipated that although the device is
shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of
the device may be differently shaped or slightly modified when
forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will
appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this
disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes
within the overall scope and intent of the invention, and are not
to be considered limiting in any manner.
[0079] In yet another particularly preferred mode of the invention,
a removable cartridge system is provided. The system described
below, provides the user with a means for introducing a powder,
gel, liquid, or pill form solute with a liquid contained within the
device 10 without the need to pre-measure, or separately transport
additional materials. In a particular preferred mode the solute is
a nutritional supplement like those employed by gym patrons, body
builders, and other health conscious individuals.
[0080] FIG. 8-FIG. 10 shows a preferred mode of a cartridge device
46 for containing various powder, liquid, or gel form nutritional
supplement. The cartridge 46 herein also referred to as a
`nutritional cup`, or `n-cup` for short, can be formed of plastic
and include one or a plurality of removable lids 48, 52 made of
foil or the like. The lids 48, 52 may include respective tab
portions 50, 54 to allow the user to easily disengage the lids as
needed. The n-cups 46 will contain pre measured nutritional
supplement which the user can purchase in packs or kits having
desired nutritional values. A liquid permeable mesh screen 56 may
be engaged between the interior of the n-cup 46 and lid 48 such
that removal of the lid 48 will still maintain the supplement
within the n-cup 46 however will allow liquid such as water or milk
to enter the n-cup 46 and dissolve and mix the powder or gel
therein.
[0081] In use the n-cups 46 are placed in the container device 10
between the screen 22 of one or both cavities 14, 16 and the lid
28. Liquid contained within one or both cavities 14, 16 will remain
separate from the n-cup 46 until a deliberate shaking of the device
10 passes the liquid through the liquid permeable surface or
support, such as the screen 22 and mixes with the supplement within
the n-cup 46. After consuming the beverage, the user can remove the
lid 28 then remove and discard the n-cup 46.
[0082] Another preferred mode of the nutritional system shown in
FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 is provided through the employment of n-cups 58
having at least one pierceable surface 60. Piercing members 24
disposed on the screens 22 are provided to pierce at least one
surface of the n-cup 58 to allow the contents to be dispensed.
Again the contents of the n-cup 58 can remain separate from any
fluid contained within the respective cavity 14, 16 until the user
shakes the device 10.
[0083] This invention has other applications, potentially, and one
skilled in the art could discover these. The explication of the
features of this invention does not limit the claims of this
application; other applications developed by those skilled in the
art will be included in this invention.
[0084] Thus, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art
may recognize various other means for a compartmentalized
container, with offset apertures, enhanced mixing capabilities, and
a cartridge system which are considerably or slightly different
those disclosed, are considered within the scope and intent of the
invention herein, and are anticipated withing the scope of this
patent.
[0085] While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of
the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference
to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification,
various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing
disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some
features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding
use of other features without departing from the scope of the
invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various
substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those
skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of
the invention. Consequently, all such modifications and variations
and substitutions are included within the scope of the invention as
defined by the following claims.
* * * * *