U.S. patent application number 15/270904 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-22 for beverage container with double straw.
This patent application is currently assigned to WIX Industries LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is WIX Industries LLC. Invention is credited to Russell Greenberg.
Application Number | 20180079583 15/270904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61617935 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180079583 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greenberg; Russell |
March 22, 2018 |
Beverage Container with Double Straw
Abstract
Disclosed is a device for consuming beverages. One embodiment
includes a first beverage container that can be removably attached
to a second beverage container, each of the containers in fluid
communication with a double straw, wherein the double straw
includes a first straw and a second straw that are bonded together
via a sleeve, the first straw inserted into the first beverage
container and the second straw inserted into the second beverage
container. Each of the beverage containers contains a different
substance such that as a user draws the substances via the double
straw, the substances do not mix until they are consumed.
Inventors: |
Greenberg; Russell; (Long
Island City, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WIX Industries LLC |
Long Island City |
NY |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
WIX Industries LLC
Long Island City
NY
|
Family ID: |
61617935 |
Appl. No.: |
15/270904 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3288 20130101;
B65D 33/14 20130101; A47G 21/189 20130101; A47G 21/18 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/32 20060101
B65D081/32; A47G 21/18 20060101 A47G021/18; B65D 33/14 20060101
B65D033/14 |
Claims
1. A beverage drinking apparatus, comprising: a beverage container
comprising a body having a compartment with a defined interior
volume for storing a first substance therein; said body comprising
an opening that is configured to partially receive a second
beverage container therethrough to removably attach said beverage
container to said second beverage container storing a second
substance therein; a double straw comprising a first straw and a
second straw; said first straw inserted into said compartment and
said second straw inserted into said second beverage container to
consume said first substance and said second substance
concurrently.
2. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said double
straw further comprises a sleeve that holds said first straw and
said second straw together.
3. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second
beverage container is a bottle comprising a neck; said opening of
said body configured to receive said neck of said bottle
therethrough.
4. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said second
beverage container is a can having a can tab; said opening of said
body configured to receive said can tab of said can
therethrough.
5. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 1, wherein a lower
portion of said compartment is tapered.
6. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 1, wherein said
compartment comprises a straw insert.
7. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 1, wherein an upper
portion of said body is configured to roll toward a lower portion
of said body and remain in a rolled position in order to change a
length of said body.
8. A beverage drinking apparatus, comprising: a first beverage
container comprising a body having an opening and a compartment
with a defined interior volume for storing a first substance
therein; a second beverage container having a second substance
therein; a double straw comprising a first straw and a second
straw; said first straw inserted into said compartment and said
second straw inserted into said second beverage container to
consume said first substance and said second substance
concurrently.
9. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 8, wherein said double
straw further comprises a sleeve that holds said first straw and
said second straw together.
10. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 8, wherein said second
beverage container is a bottle comprising a neck; said opening of
said body configured to receive said neck of said bottle
therethrough.
11. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 8, wherein said second
beverage container is a can having a can tab; said opening of said
body configured to receive said can tab of said can
therethrough.
12. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 8, wherein a lower
portion of said compartment is tapered.
13. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 8, wherein said
compartment comprises a straw insert.
14. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 8, wherein an upper
portion of said body is configured to roll toward a lower portion
of said body and remain in a rolled position in order to change a
length of said body.
15. A beverage drinking apparatus, comprising: a double straw
comprising a first straw and a second straw; a sleeve holding said
first straw and said second straw in a side-by-side configuration;
said first straw configured to be inserted into a compartment of a
first beverage container having a first substance and said second
straw configured to be inserted into a second beverage container
having a second substance to consume said first substance and said
second substance concurrently.
16. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 15, wherein each of
said first straw and said second straw is telescopic.
17. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 15, wherein said first
straw comprises an angled lower tip.
18. The beverage drinking apparatus of claim 15, wherein said
sleeve is located at an upper end of said first straw and said
second straw.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a device for
consuming beverages. More particularly, the present invention is
directed to a beverage container that can be removably attached to
another beverage container and a double straw for drinking two
different liquids from the containers at the same time.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Various types of beverage containers exist in the art.
Typically, these beverage containers comprise a single main
compartment for holding one type of liquid or substance (i.e.,
beverage) therein, such as a water bottle. In this regard,
consumers typically mix in additives (e.g., flavoring, syrup,
sweetener, etc.) into the compartment for enhancing the beverage
content.
[0003] Some beverage containers comprise a secondary compartment
that is integral to the beverage container itself or that is
integral to a cap or a lid of the beverage container, wherein the
secondary compartment includes a second type of liquid, substance,
or additive therein. For example, some beverage containers comprise
infusers for holding tea bags, pieces of fruit, or herbs therein.
Additionally, some beverage containers comprise a secondary
compartment that can be burst open (e.g., squeezed or punctured)
within the main compartment in order to release the second type of
liquid into the main compartment. Thus, it is contemplated that the
main compartment and the secondary compartment are in fluid
communication. While these devices facilitate making of a beverage,
they are limited in use with certain type of beverage containers.
Additionally, existing devices combine two or more types of liquids
or substances together before the mixed beverage is consumed. In
this regard, the invention described herein addresses these
problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of
devices for making mixed beverages now present in the prior art,
the present invention provides an improved device for consuming
beverages.
[0005] The following discloses a simplified summary of the
specification in order to provide a basic understanding of some
aspects of the specification. This summary is not an extensive
overview of the specification. It is intended to neither identify
key or critical elements of the specification nor delineate the
scope of the specification. Its sole purpose is to disclose some
concepts of the specification in a simplified form as to prelude to
the more detailed description that is disclosed later.
[0006] Some embodiments of the instant invention include a first
beverage container that can be removably attached to a second
beverage container. The first beverage container includes an
attachment means such as a loop for removably attaching to an upper
portion of the second beverage container, wherein the second
beverage container can be a bottle, a can, or other types of
containers. Each of the containers includes a compartment or a
cavity for holding liquid or substance therein. Preferably, each
compartment holds a different liquid or substance so that the two
different liquids or substances can mix together at a controlled
rate or proportion to create a new liquid or beverage.
[0007] Each compartment is in fluid communication with a double
straw, wherein the double straw includes a first straw and a second
straw that are bond together via a sleeve. The first straw is
inserted into the compartment of the first beverage container via a
straw insert and the second straw is inserted into the compartment
of the second beverage container via an opening of the second
beverage container. In use, a user concurrently draws the liquids
or substances from the two beverage containers using the double
straw (i.e., by sucking on the double straw and/or squeezing on one
or both beverage containers, thereby causing pressure and forcing
the liquids or substances through the double straw and into the
user's mouth). In some embodiments, the diameters of the cross
sections of the first straw and the second straw differ so as to
draw more liquid from one of the containers. Because the liquids or
substances from the containers are drawn separately using the
individual straws, the liquids are separated do not mix until they
reach the user's mouth or as the liquids are consumed.
[0008] It is therefore an objective of the present invention to
provide a drinking apparatus that allows a user to store two
different types of liquids separately until they are consumed.
[0009] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a drinking apparatus that comprises a first beverage container that
can be removably attached to a second beverage container, each of
the beverage container containing different types of liquids or
substances therein.
[0010] It is another objective of the present invention to provide
a drinking apparatus that enables a user to mix two different types
of liquids or substances together as they are consumed.
[0011] It is still another objective of the present invention to
provide a drinking apparatus that comprises a double straw for
drawing liquids from two separate containers concurrently.
[0012] It is still another objective of the present invention to
provide a drinking apparatus that may be readily fabricated from
materials that permit relative economy and commensurate with
durability.
[0013] In the light of the foregoing, these and other objective are
accomplished in accordance of the principles of the present
invention, wherein the novelty of the present invention will become
apparent from the following detailed description and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The above and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent upon consideration of the following
detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying
exemplary drawings, in which like reference characters refer to
like parts throughout, and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1 is a front view of the beverage container of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the beverage container of
the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of the double straw of
the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows another exemplary embodiment of the double
straw of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows a transparent view of the present invention in
use.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows a transparent view of another embodiment of the
present invention in use.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a close up top view of an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention in use.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The present invention is directed towards a drinking
apparatus. For purposes of clarity, and not by way of limitation,
illustrative views of the present device are described with
references made to the above-identified figures. Various
modifications obvious to one skilled in the art are deemed to be
within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
[0023] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an
example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described
herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather,
use of the word exemplary is intended to disclose concepts in a
concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is
intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or."
Additionally, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application
and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one
or more" or "at least one" unless specified otherwise or clear from
context to be directed to a singular form. It is to be appreciated
that determinations or inferences referenced throughout the subject
specification can be practiced through the use of artificial
intelligence techniques.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there are shown front and
perspective views of the beverage container of the present
invention, respectively. The container 100 comprises a body 103
having compartment 101, wherein the compartment 101 includes a
defined interior volume for holding liquid therein. It is
contemplated that the compartment 101 can hold a variety of liquid
therein, such as flavoring, medication, syrup, concentrate,
seasoning, sweetener, alcohol, and the like. In this regard, the
interior of the compartment 101 is lined with waterproof or
water-resistant material for storing various types of beverage,
liquid, or substance. The body 103 comprises a flexible and/or an
accordion-like construction such that it can expand slightly when
the compartment 101 is filled with liquid or another type of
substance.
[0025] The compartment 101 is biased toward the lower end 105 of
the body 103. More particularly, the compartment 101 is closer to
the lower end 105 of the body 103 than it is to the upper end 104
of the body 103. In the illustrated embodiment, the compartment 101
spans between substantial midpoint of the body 103 and the lower
end 105 thereof. The upper portion 106 of the compartment 101
comprises a straw insert 108, wherein the straw insert 108 can be
punctured via a straw or a sharp object in order to provide access
to the compartment 101. In some embodiments, the container 100
comprises a re-sealable opening such as a screw cap so that the
container 100 can be reusable. The lower portion 105 of the
compartment 101 is tapered to a point so as to draw liquid thereto
when the container 100 is in an upright position (as shown in FIG.
1), enabling the user to consume all of the liquid within the
compartment 101 via a straw when in use.
[0026] The body 103 further comprises an opening or a slit 102 that
is biased toward the upper end 104 of the body 103, wherein the
opening 102 can be elongated or substantially round in shape so as
to create a loop. The opening 102 is configured to receive another
beverage container therethrough. The upper end 104 of the body 103
can be rolled toward the lower end 105 of the body 103 so as to
change the size of the opening 102. In this way, the length of the
body 103 can also be manipulated to allow the container 100 to be
used with other beverage containers (i.e., on which the container
100 is removably attached) of various sizes and shapes. In this
regard, the upper portion of the body 103 comprises a pair of
flexible metal skeletons 109 for preventing the upper end 104 of
the body 103 from unrolling. The metal skeletons 109 can be
embedded within the body 103 and be disposed near sides of the body
103. Alternatively, the body 103 of the container 100 is composed
of a pliable material or a shape-memory material.
[0027] FIGS. 3 and 4 show exemplary embodiments of the double straw
of the present invention. The double straw 200 comprises a first
straw 201 and a second straw 202, wherein the two straws 201, 202
are held together via a sleeve 207 in a side-by-side configuration.
Alternatively, the double straw 200 comprises a split straw having
two channels. The first straw 201 comprises a first section 203 and
a second section 204, each of the sections comprising a circular
cross section with a diameter, wherein the diameter of the cross
section of the first section 203 is slightly greater than the
diameter of the cross section of the second section 204 so as to
allow the second section 204 to extend in and out of the first
section 203, making the first straw 201 telescopic in
construction.
[0028] The first straw 201 is configured to be inserted into the
compartment 101 of the container 100, i.e., through the straw
insert 108 (FIGS. 1, 2). In this regard, the second section 204
comprises an angled tip for piercing through the straw insert 108
(FIGS. 1, 2). Additionally, each of the first section 203 and the
second section 204 of the first straw 201 can comprise a nub or a
protrusion so as to lock the first section 203 and the second
section 204 in place and create a seal when the second section 204
is extended out of the first section 203.
[0029] The second straw 202 is configured to be inserted into a
second beverage container (e.g., a bottle or a can) via the opening
of the second beverage container. The second straw 202 further
comprises a first section 205 and a second section 206, each of the
sections comprising a circular cross section with a diameter,
wherein the diameter of the cross section of the first section 205
is slightly greater than the diameter of the cross section of the
second section 206 so as to allow the second section 206 to extend
in and out of the first section 205, making the second straw 202
also telescopic in construction. Additionally, the diameter of the
cross sections of the first and second sections 205, 206 of the
second straw 202 is greater than the diameter of the cross sections
of the first and second sections 203, 204 of the first straw 201 to
enable the second straw 202 to draw more liquid than the first
straw 201 when in use.
[0030] Additionally, each of the first section 205 and the second
section 206 of the second straw 202 can comprise a nub or a
protrusion so as to lock the first section 205 and the second
section 206 in place and create a seal when the second section 206
is in an extended position. In other embodiments, it is
contemplated that the straws 201, 202 can comprise other suitable
locking mechanisms for maintaining the straw lengths when in
use.
[0031] The sleeve 207 holds the first straw 201 and the second
straw 202 together. In this regard, the sleeve 207 may slide along
the length of the two straws 201, 202, or the sleeve 207 may be
fixed in place, via for example, adhesives, or molded or fused in
place. The sleeve 207 is preferably located on the first sections
203, 205 of the straws 201, 202 and is biased toward the upper end
of the straws 201, 202. The sleeve 207 preferably does not extend
beyond the first sections 203, 205 of the first straw 201 and the
second straw 202, respectively. In this way, the sleeve 207 does
not interfere with the telescoping mechanism of the straws 201,
202. More specifically, the sleeve 207 does not prevent the second
sections 204, 206 from extending in and out of the first sections
203, 205 of the straws 201, 202. Additionally, the sleeve 207 does
not extend beyond the first sections 203, 205 to ensure that the
sleeve 207 clears the container 100 and another beverage container
on which the container 100 is attached.
[0032] In another embodiment, the sleeve 307 is affixed on the
upper ends of the first sections 303, 306 of the first straw 301
and the second straw 302, respectively. In this regard, the upper
ends of the first sections 303, 306 of the straws 301, 302 are
flush with the upper end of the sleeve 307. In this way, the sleeve
307 and the straws 301, 302 are substantially unitary in structure
and the two straws 301, 302 stay together in the user's mouth when
in use.
[0033] Additionally, some embodiments of the straws 301, 302
comprise first 303, 305 sections and second sections 304, 306
joined together via an accordion-like, flexible portion, such that
the straws 301, 302 are substantially unitary in structure. The
flexible portion of the straws 301, 302 allow the straws 301, 302
to extend in length and bend in multiple directions. In such
embodiment, the diameters of the cross sections of the first 303
section and the second section 304 are substantially equal; and the
diameters of the cross sections of the first 305 section and the
second section 306 are substantially equal.
[0034] Some embodiments of the first straws 201, 301 further
comprise a screw-threaded lower end for rotatably attaching to the
straw insert 108 (FIGS. 1, 2). In this regard, it is contemplated
that the interior of the straw inserts 108 (FIGS. 1, 2) comprises a
mating threaded surface for establishing a connection. Thus, the
straw 201, 301 need not puncture the straw insert 108 (FIGS. 1, 2)
of the container 100.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows a transparent view of the present invention in
use with a bottle. The neck of the bottle 400 is inserted through
the opening of the body of the container 100 so that the container
100 is removably attached to the bottle 400. The upper end 104 of
the container 100 is draped around the neck of the bottle 400 and
the container 100 hangs adjacent to the side of the bottle 400 on
the exterior thereof. Additionally, the upper end 104 of the
container 100 can be rolled to shorten the length of the container
100 and prevent the container 100 from extending beyond the lower
end of the bottle 400.
[0036] The first straw 201 is in the compartment 101 of the
container 100 and the second straw 202 is in the bottle 400. The
first straw 201 is flexible so that it can be bent along the
exterior surface of the bottle 400 and then meet the second straw
202 at the sleeve 207. The length of the first straw 201 can be
shorter than the length of the second straw 202 such that the top
of the two straws can be aligned while the bottom of the straws can
reach the lower end of compartment 101 and the bottle 400,
respectively. Alternatively, the first straw 201 and the second
straw 202 can be equal in length and the first straw 201 can be
adjusted in length (i.e., not fully extended) in order to
accommodate the length of the container 100.
[0037] FIGS. 6 and 7 show views of another embodiment of the
present invention in use with a can. The tab 501 of the can 500 is
inserted through the opening 102 of the container such that the
container 100 can hang on the side of the can 500. The upper end
104 of the container 100 can be rolled or folded to shorten the
overall length of the container 100 and prevent the container 100
from dragging on a surface or extending below the lower end of the
can 500. The container 100 can comprise metal skeletons and/or be
composed of a pliable material or a shape-memory material to
prevent the rolled or the folded portion of the upper end 104 of
the container from easily unrolling or unfolding. It is noted that
the container 100 can be composed of rigid materials, flexible
materials, or any combination thereof. For example, a portion of
the container 100 (e.g., the upper end 104) can be composed of a
first material (e.g., a flexible material) and another portion of
the container 100 can be composed of a second material.
[0038] Similar to the previous embodiment, the first straw 201 is
in the compartment 101 of the container 100 and the second straw
202 is in the can 500. The first straw 201 bends along the exterior
surface of the can 500 and meets the second straw 202 at the sleeve
207. As the liquids from the container 100 and the can 500 are
drawn via the straws 201, 202, the liquids travel separately until
they are consumed or until they reach the users mouth. In this
regard, the liquids mix as they are consumed, not prior to
consumption.
[0039] It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has
been shown and described in what is considered to be the most
practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however,
that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and
that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the
art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be
realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts
of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape,
form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are
deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and
all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings
and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed
by the present invention.
[0040] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only
of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous
modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in
the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact
construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly,
all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to,
falling within the scope of the invention.
* * * * *