Patent Application
20230331457
The present invention relates generally to the field of compartmentalized containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to an improved compartmentalized container device that provides a container with separate compartments for dry and liquid ingredients. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
By way of background, this invention relates to improvements in formula bottles and protein shake containers which are used to mix dry and liquid ingredients together. Specifically, when mixing a formula bottle for a child in a car or while on the go, it can be difficult to prevent spills. Pouring formula into bottles, especially when making more than one bottle, can be a time-consuming process. It also requires users to carry around both formula and water. This is also true of users who make protein or other health drinks that use a powdered ingredient. These drinks often need to be mixed immediately before consumption, so premixing is not an option. A suitable solution is desired.
Thus, a device is necessary to enable users to pre-measure and store ingredients in the container for future use. Generally, a convenient, quick, and mess-free device for mixing powdered beverages is also necessary. Therefore, users require a compartmentalized beverage container device that comprises a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment separated by a movable divider.
Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that provides users with a container with separate compartments for dry and liquid ingredients. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that enables users to pre-measure and store ingredients in the container for future use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that offers a convenient, quick, and mess-free device for mixing powdered beverages. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows parents and caretakers to easily mix formula bottles at home and on the go. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that affords users an effective device for mixing protein shakes, health drinks, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that provides a device available in various sizes.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a compartmentalized beverage container device. The device is designed to save time and effort when mixing formula, protein shakes, health drinks, etc., and other powdered beverages. The device comprises a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment that are separated by a divider. Specifically, the top quarter of the cylindrical container retains the dry formula or protein powder, and the lower half stores the water. The compartments are divided using a divider that has a turning mechanism on the outside of the cylindrical container. Turning the mechanism opens the divider and drops the powder into the liquid (or water) compartment, which is then shaken for use.
The device comprises two different configurations, one for a baby bottle and one for a beverage container. The baby bottle configuration would be slightly angled ⅓ of the way from the top to provide airflow. The baby bottle configuration is designed to accommodate a bottle cap and nipple. The beverage container configuration is not angled and looks similar to existing shakers used for drinks. The beverage container configuration is designed to accommodate a screw-on lid with openings for drinking. The compartmentalized beverage container devices are available in various sizes, such as 8 oz., 14 oz., and 20 oz. Further, measurement markings may be printed on the container to assist a user in measuring ingredients.
In this manner, the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention accomplishes all of the foregoing objectives and provides users with a device that offers a convenient, quick, and mess-free device for mixing powdered beverages. The device allows users to easily mix formula bottles, protein shakes, and other health drinks, etc., at home and on the go. The device saves time and effort when mixing protein shakes, formulas, etc.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a compartmentalized beverage container device. The device is designed to save time and effort when mixing formula, protein shakes, health drinks, etc., and other powdered beverages. The present invention relates generally to beverage containers and, more specifically, to a compartmentalized baby bottle or health drink container having a dry food product compartment and a fluid product compartment selectively rotative from a separable state to a communicating state whereby the products can be mixed for consumption.
The device comprises a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment that are separated by a divider. The cylindrical container can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The cylindrical container is hollow and sealed at a bottom end to form a cavity. Further, in one embodiment, the device can further include a screw-on bottom, allowing the bottom to be removable when needed.
In one embodiment, the top quarter of the cylindrical container retains the dry formula or protein powder, and the lower half stores the water or other liquids. However, the cylindrical container can be divided in any suitable way as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as long as the dry ingredients are stored on the top and the liquid ingredients are stored on the bottom. The two compartments (liquid and solid) are then secured together with the solid compartment on top of the liquid compartment, using any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Typically, the two compartments are secured together via threading the solid compartment to the liquid compartment, wherein threads positioned inside a top part of the liquid compartment engage with threads positioned outside a bottom part of the dry compartment.
In one embodiment, the two compartments are divided using a divider component that has a turning mechanism on the outside of the cylindrical container. Turning the mechanism opens the divider component and drops the powder into the liquid (or water) compartment, which is then shaken for use. The turning mechanism can be any suitable turning mechanism as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, such as a knob, a button, or a wheel which engages the divider component, etc.
In this embodiment, the divider component comprises a pair of plates with co-aligned apertures that are repositionable to segregate one compartment from the other, and repositionable to a communicative state whereby the contents can be mixed. The plates are secured together via a pin pivot or other suitable device that allows the plates to rotate. Specifically, each of the compartments provide a seal with the plates. The upper plate apertures must align to the lower plate apertures to allow the formula, protein, etc., in the dry storage compartment to mix with the water in the liquid storage compartment. This is achieved by twisting the top portion (dry storage compartment) to the right while twisting the lower portion (liquid storage compartment) to the left, aligning the apertures and allowing the formula, protein, etc., to mix with the water.
Further, the upper plate and lower plate are rotatable between an open position with the upper plate apertures and the lower plate apertures aligned, and a closed position with the upper plate apertures and the lower plate apertures nonaligned. This is achieved by twisting the top portion to the right while twisting the lower portion to the left. In this embodiment, a spring pin is utilized which travels along until it pops into a spring lock port, aligning the apertures and allowing the formula to mix with the water. The spring pin lock port is designed with a somewhat concave lip which allows the spring pin to leave the port when a forced opposite twist is applied, thus moving the apertures back to a closed position.
In another embodiment, the upper plate further comprises an O-ring. The upper plate can further comprise a spring pin and a spring pin lock port, the spring pin and the spring pin lock port are adapted, such that the spring pin pops into the spring pin lock port when the upper plate apertures and the lower plate apertures are aligned. Specifically, the O-ring and the spring pin are captive within the spring pin lock port due to the bias presented by a pin spring prior to rotation. Thus, the upper plate apertures are not in alignment with the lower plate apertures, preventing the formula in the upper compartment from mixing with the water in the lower compartment. Further, the spring pin lock port on the opposite side of the device, is designed with a somewhat concave lip which allows the spring pin to leave the port when a forced opposite twist is applied and allows the apertures to move back to a closed position.
In one embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device comprises a graduated measurement scale, or other measurement markings as is known in the art along the cylindrical container.
In one embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device comprises a cylindrical container manufactured in various sizes, such as 8 oz., 14 oz., and 20 oz., etc., or any other suitable sizes as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the device further comprises a locking mechanism to prevent casual displacement of the divider and to prevent unintended mixing of the contents. Any suitable locking mechanism as is known in the art can be utilized, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a pull-pin safety latch which prevents undesired rotation of the upper plate and the lower plate. Further, the locking mechanism can comprise a pull-pin safety latch and pin stop, which prevents undesired rotation of the upper plate and the lower plate. In use, the pull-pin safety latch is pulled out of the pin stop to allow for the rotation of the plates.
In one embodiment, the device comprises two different configurations, one for a baby bottle and one for a beverage container. The baby bottle configuration would be slightly angled ⅓ of the way from the top to provide airflow, or can be angled at any suitable position from the top. The baby bottle configuration is designed to accommodate a bottle cap and nipple. The nipple would be in fluid communication with the upper dry ingredient compartment and the bottle cap would protect the nipple from dirt and germs. The beverage container configuration is not angled and looks similar to existing shakers used for drinks. The beverage container configuration is designed to accommodate a screw-on lid with openings for drinking and/or straws.
In yet another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate, etc., or any other suitable material as is known in the art.
In yet another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device is manufactured from a material that is water resistant.
In yet another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device comprises a plurality of indicia.
In yet another embodiment, a method of mixing protein shakes, health drinks, formula, etc., without making a mess is described. The method includes the steps of providing a compartmentalized beverage container device comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment separated by a divider. The method also comprises pouring water into the liquid storage compartment and pouring dry ingredients into the dry storage compartment. Further, the method comprises securing the ingredients within the device by securing the dry storage compartment on top of the liquid storage compartment and securing a lid on the dry storage compartment. The method comprises turning the divider, such that the dry ingredients are released and dropped down into the liquid storage compartment. Finally, shaking the device to mix the dry and liquid ingredients together for use.
In using the present invention, first a liquid is placed into the liquid compartment, then the upper plate and the lower plate are rotated to a closed position and a dry ingredient is placed into the upper compartment. The device is then sealed by affixing the lid (baby bottle nipple or drink lid). When the user is ready to mix the liquid with the dry ingredients, the upper plate and the lower plate are rotated to an open position and the dry ingredients are mixed with the liquid.
Numerous benefits and advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains, upon reading and understanding the following detailed specification.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that provides users with a container with separate compartments for dry and liquid ingredients. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that enables users to pre-measure and store ingredients in the container for future use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that offers a convenient, quick, and mess-free device for mixing powdered beverages. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows parents and caretakers to easily mix formula bottles at home and on the go. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that affords users an effective device for mixing protein shakes, health drinks, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that provides a device available in various sizes.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel compartmentalized beverage container device. The device is designed to save time and effort when mixing formula, protein shakes, health drinks, etc., and other powdered beverages. The device comprises a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment that are separated by a divider. Specifically, the top quarter of the cylindrical container retains the dry formula or protein powder, and the lower half stores the water. The compartments are divided using a divider that has a turning mechanism on the outside of the cylindrical container. Turning the mechanism opens the divider and drops the powder into the liquid compartment, which is then shaken for use. The present invention also includes a novel method of mixing protein shakes, health drinks, formula, etc., without making a mess. The method includes the steps of providing a compartmentalized beverage container device comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment separated by a divider. The method also comprises pouring water into the liquid storage compartment and pouring dry ingredients into the dry storage compartment. Further, the method comprises securing the ingredients within the device by securing the dry storage compartment on top of the liquid storage compartment and securing a lid on the dry storage compartment. The method comprises turning the divider such that the dry ingredients are released and drop down into the liquid storage compartment. Finally, shaking the device to mix the dry and liquid ingredients together for use.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The device 100 comprises a cylindrical container 102 comprising a dry storage compartment 104 and a liquid storage compartment 106 that are separated by a divider component 108. The cylindrical container 102 can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The cylindrical container 102 is hollow and sealed at a bottom end 110 to form a cavity therein. Further, in one embodiment, the device 100 can further include a screw-on bottom end (not shown), allowing the bottom end 110 to be removed when needed.
Typically, the top quarter of the cylindrical container 102 retains the dry formula or protein powder 112 and the lower half stores the water 114 or other liquids. However, the cylindrical container 102 can be divided into compartments in any suitable way as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as long as the dry ingredients 112 are stored on the top and the liquid ingredients 114 are stored on the bottom. The two compartments (liquid 106 and solid 104) are then secured together with the solid compartment 104 on top of the liquid compartment 106, using any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Typically, the two compartments 106 and 104 are secured together via threading the solid compartment 104 to the liquid compartment 106, wherein threads 116 positioned inside a top part of the liquid compartment 106 engage with threads 118 positioned outside a bottom part of the dry compartment 104.
In this embodiment, the divider component 108 comprises a pair of plates 306 with co-aligned apertures 308 that are repositionable to segregate one compartment from the other, and repositionable to a communicative state whereby the contents can be mixed. The plates 306 are secured together via a pin pivot 310 or other suitable device that allows the plates 306 to rotate. Specifically, each of the compartments 104, 106 provide a seal with the plates 306. The upper plate apertures 308 must align to the lower plate apertures 308 to allow the formula 112, protein, etc., in the dry storage compartment 104 to mix with the water 114 in the liquid storage compartment 106. This is achieved by twisting the top portion (dry storage compartment 104) to the right while twisting the lower portion (liquid storage compartment 106) to the left, aligning the apertures 308 and allowing the formula 112, protein, etc., to mix with the water 114.
Further, the upper plate and lower plate 306 are rotatable between an open position with the upper plate apertures 308 and the lower plate apertures 308 aligned, and a closed position with the upper plate apertures 308 and the lower plate apertures 308 nonaligned. This is achieved by twisting the top portion 104 to the right, while twisting the lower portion 106 to the left. In this embodiment, a spring pin 312 is utilized which travels along until it pops into a spring lock port 314, aligning the apertures 308 and allowing the formula 112 to mix with the water 114. The spring pin lock port 314 is designed with a somewhat concave lip which allows the spring pin 312 to leave the port 314 when a forced opposite twist is applied, thus moving the apertures 308 back to a closed position.
In another embodiment, the upper plate 306 further comprises an O-ring 316. The upper plate 306 can further comprise a spring pin 312 and a spring pin lock port 314, the spring pin 312 and the spring pin lock port 314 are adapted, such that the spring pin 312 pops into the spring pin lock port 314 when the upper plate apertures 308 and the lower plate apertures 308 are aligned. Specifically, the O-ring 316 and the spring pin 312 are captive within the spring pin lock port 314 due to the bias presented by a pin spring 312 prior to rotation. Thus, the upper plate apertures 308 are not in alignment with the lower plate apertures 308, preventing the formula 112 in the upper compartment 104 from mixing with the water 114 in the lower compartment 106. Further, the spring pin lock port 314 on the opposite side of the device 100 is designed with a somewhat concave lip which allows the spring pin 312 to leave the port 314 when a forced opposite twist is applied and allows the apertures 308 to move back to a closed position.
Further, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 402. Specifically, the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the cylindrical container 102, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. More specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be baby or health brand related.
In another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 comprises a cylindrical container 102 manufactured in various sizes, such as 8 oz., 14 oz., and 20 oz., etc., or any other suitable sizes as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.
Furthermore, the device 100 further comprises a locking mechanism 404 to prevent casual displacement of the divider component 108 and to prevent unintended mixing of the contents. Any suitable locking mechanism 404 as is known in the art can be utilized, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 404 comprises a pull-pin safety latch (not shown) which prevents undesired rotation of the upper plate and the lower plate 306. Further, the locking mechanism 404 can comprise a pull-pin safety latch and pin stop, which prevents undesired rotation of the upper plate and the lower plate 306. In use, the pull-pin safety latch is pulled out of the pin stop to allow for the rotation of the plates 306.
In yet another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, etc. Generally, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the cylindrical container 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “compartmentalized beverage container device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/332,306, which was filed on Apr. 19, 2022 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63332306 | Apr 2022 | US |
