MULTI-CHAMBERED LIQUID STORAGE VESSEL

Abstract

A liquid storage vessel including a body having a first chamber with a first chamber opening and a second chamber with a second chamber opening. The body further includes a first cap configured to selectively cover the first chamber opening, a second cap configured to selectively cover the second chamber opening, and a neck member positioned between the first and second chambers, the neck member having a neck opening providing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. The neck opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in a swirling motion.

Description

This application is directed to a liquid storage vessel, and more particularly, to a liquid storage vessel with multiple chambers.

BACKGROUND

Liquid storage vessels such as bottles, flasks, etc. are often used to store liquids that can stored for later consumption, or for display or educational purposes. The vessels may include a cap to close or seal the vessel and to selectively provide the user access to the stored liquid, for example when the vessel is used as a drinking vessel. While many liquid storage vessel designs are known, it may be desired to provide a liquid storage vessel with increased functionality to provide a diversionary activity and/or engage the attention of a user and/or to provide increased functionality.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment the invention is a liquid storage vessel including a body having a first chamber with a first chamber opening and a second chamber with a second chamber opening. The body further includes a first cap configured to selectively cover the first chamber opening, a second cap configured to selectively cover the second chamber opening, and a neck member positioned between the first and second chambers, the neck member having a neck opening providing fluid communication between the first and second chambers. The neck opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in a swirling motion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a liquid storage vessel;

FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the liquid storage vessel of FIG. 1, with the caps exploded away;

FIG. 3 is a detail view of the body of the liquid storage vessel of FIG. 2, with an illustrative plug shown in an exploded position;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the liquid storage vessel of FIG. 1, showing a step for generating a vortex;

FIG. 4B is a side view of the liquid storage vessel of FIG. 4A, showing another step for generating a vortex;

FIG. 4C is a side view of the liquid storage vessel of FIG. 4B, showing another step for generating a vortex;

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of a cap of the liquid storage vessel of FIG. 1, with the handle pivoted to an engaged position;

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the liquid storage vessel; and

FIG. 7 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the liquid storage vessel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-4, 6 and 7 illustrate a liquid storage vessel, generally designated 10, including a body 12 having or defining therein a first chamber 14 and a second chamber 16. The vessel 10/body 12 can in one case be generally cylindrical and include a central axis X (FIG. 3) extending therethrough where the first 14 and second 16 chambers are spaced apart along the central axis X. The first 14 and second 16 chambers are each configured to store liquids therein, and in one embodiment have generally the same size and shape. The first chamber 14 can include a first chamber opening 18 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and the second chamber 16 can include a second chamber opening 20 that provide access to the associated chamber 14, 16 for filling and/or emptying liquid. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment the first chamber opening 18 is positioned at a first axial end of the body 12 and the second chamber opening 20 is positioned at a second, opposite axial end of the body 12.

The body 12 can be made of a variety of materials, but in one case is made of a watertight/fluid tight material that in one case is generally transparent or translucent, and is made of glass or a polymer such as plastic. In one case, the body 12 is a single, unitary component that is not separable (e.g. is not separable into separate components) and/or the first 14 and second 16 chambers are permanently coupled together (e.g. are not configured to be separated). In one case the body 12 and/or vessel 10 has a length (extending along the central axis X) of between about 6 inches and about 12 inches (or can be larger or smaller than these dimensions), and has a maximum outer and/or inner diameter (or effective diameter) of between about 2 inches and about 4 inches, although the dimensions of the body 12 and/or vessel 10 can be varied as desired.

The vessel 10 can also include a first cap 22 and a second cap 24. The first cap 22 is removably attachable to the body 12/first chamber 14/first chamber opening 18 to close or seal the first chamber 14/first chamber opening 18, and the second cap 24 is removably attachable to the body 12/second chamber 16/second chamber opening 20 to close or seal the second chamber 16/second chamber opening 20. In one embodiment, the body 12 includes a set of threads 26 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) at each end/opening 18, 20 thereof, and each cap 22, 24 includes a set of corresponding threads 28 such that each cap 22, 24 can be threadably attached to the body 12 to selectively close/seal the associated chamber 14, 16/chamber opening 18, 20. However, it should be understood that the caps 22, 24 can be configured to selectively cover the associated chamber openings 18, 20 by a wide variety of mechanism, such as twist locks, snap fits, interference fits, etc. In one case the first chamber opening 18 and second chamber opening 20 each have generally the same size and shape, and same coupling mechanism 26. In this manner, the caps 22, 24 can be interchangeable such that the first cap 22 can be threaded onto or otherwise coupled to either the first 18 and/or second chamber opening 20, and the second cap 24 can be threaded onto or otherwise coupled to either the first 18 and/or second chamber opening 20.

In one embodiment each chamber opening 18, 20 is relatively large to provide a wide “mouth” at both ends of the body 12, which can provide ease of manufacture and enable rapid filling and/or emptying of the contents of the first 14 and second 16 chambers, respectively. In one case, then, each chamber opening 18, 20 has a diameter (or effective diameter, for a non-circular cross section)/surface area equal to or approximately equal to (e.g. within about 10 percent in one case) the diameter (or effective diameter)/surface area of the associated chamber 14, 16, adjacent to the associated opening 18, 20 (e.g. located within about 10 percent of a length of the associated chamber 14, 16 along the axis X in one case). In another case each chamber opening 18, 20 has a diameter (or effective diameter)/surface area equal to or approximately equal to (e.g. within about 10 percent in one case, and within about 5 percent in another case) the average diameter (or effective diameter)/surface area of the associated chamber 14, 16. In another case, each chamber opening 18, 20, has a surface area of at least about five square inches, or at least about seven square inches in another case, and less than about fifteen square inches in yet another case.

In one case the body 12, chambers 14, 16, chamber openings 18, 20 and caps 22, 24 are each generally cylindrical on their outer and/or inner surfaces, and the body 12 has a generally smooth, continuous cylindrical outer surface, although it should be understood that such components can have various sizes, shapes and cross-sections. In one particular embodiment the outer surface of the body 12 has a slight tapering indentation 30 at the middle portion thereof, which in some cases can provide ease of manufacturing. In one case, each cap 22, 24 generally matches the size of the body 12. In particular, each cap 22, 24 can have a general cylindrical outer surface having an outer size, shape and/or diameter that generally matches (e.g. within about 10 percent) of an outer diameter/shape of an associated axial end of the body 12. In this manner, when the caps 22, 24 are threaded in place, as shown in FIG. 1, the caps 22, 24 and body 12 provide a relatively continuous outer shape such that the caps 22, 24 smoothly transition to the body 12 in the axial direction. However, the caps 22, 24 need not necessarily have the same size or shape as the body 12 and need not provide such a smooth transition, as the caps 22, 24 and body 12 can have any of a wide variety of shapes and configurations.

The vessel 10 can include a neck member 32 positioned between the first 14 and second 16 chambers. The neck member 32 can be fluid or liquid impervious to generally fluidly isolate the first 14 and second 16 chambers, but can have or define a neck opening 34 positioned between and/or providing fluid communication between the first 14 and second 16 chambers, and in one case located at a radial center of the body 12. The neck opening 34 can be relatively narrow, and have a smaller diameter/effective diameter/surface area compared to areas of the first 14 and second 16 chambers, particularly those areas of the first 14 and second 16 chambers that are positioned adjacent or immediately adjacent to the neck member 32 (e.g. in one case within about 10 percent of a length of the body 12 in the axial direction). In the illustrated embodiment, the neck member 32 is a generally flat, annular “washer” shaped component having a radially outer surface 35 that is coupled to and/or integrally formed with an inner surface of the body 12. However, the neck member 32 can have any of a wide variety of shapes and configurations and, in particular, in one case can, instead of being flat, have contoured side surfaces that smoothly transition between the inner wall of the body 12 and the neck opening 34.

In one case, the neck member 32 and/or neck opening 34 is located at an axial midpoint of the vessel 10/body 12 such that the first chamber 14 and second chamber 16 have about the same size/volume. If desired the neck member 32 can be located at different positions. However, providing the neck member 32 at the midpoint can provide regular, predictable and equal amounts of vortex generation in either direction, in cases where the vessel 10 is used for vortex generation, as will be described in greater detail below.

The neck opening 34 and/or first 14 and/or second 16 chambers can, in one case, be sized such that a vortex can be formed in the vessel 10 in the appropriate conditions. In particular, one of the chambers 14, 16 can be filled, mostly filled or partially with liquid, such as water or the like in one case, while the other chamber 14, 16 remains empty, mostly empty or partially empty of liquid. The vessel 10 can then be inverted such that the filled chamber 14 is positioned vertically above the empty chamber 16, as shown in FIG. 4A. The vessel 10 can then be moved in a “swirling” or rotational motion while the vessel 10. The vessel 10 can be held upright during the swirling, or in another case can be positioned at an angle relative to a vertical (gravitational) axis such that, in one case, the full, upper chamber (chamber 14 in FIG. 4) traces a circle having a larger diameter than a circle traced by the empty, lower chamber (chamber 16 in FIG. 4). Such a swirling motion, in combination with liquid flowing through the neck member 32/neck opening 34, causes a vortex/whirlpool 36 to form in the vessel 10, as shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C. The vessel 10 can then be stood on end as shown in FIG. 4C, and liquid will continue to flow through the neck opening 34 in a vortex 36.

The neck opening 34 can be sized and/or configured to ensure the vortex 36 is relatively easily generated, which can depend upon the liquid density, the size of the neck opening 34, the size of the chambers 14, 16, etc. In particular, in one case the neck opening 34 is circular, but can have other shapes if desired. In one case the neck opening 34 has a diameter (or effective diameter) of greater than about 0.2″ in one case (e.g. has a surface area of greater than about 0.03 square inches), as any size smaller than this may not allow liquid to flow through in sufficient volumes and/or velocity to generator a vortex. In another case the neck opening has a diameter (or effective diameter) of greater than about 0.3″ (e.g. has a surface area of greater than about 0.07 square inches), which may be the minimum size for a visually identifiable vortex. In one case the neck opening 34 has a diameter (or effective diameter) of less than about 2″ in one case (e.g. has a surface area of less than about 3.1 square inches), and in another case has a diameter (or effective diameter) less than about 1″ (e.g. has a surface area of less than about 0.79 square inches), and in yet another case has a diameter (or effective diameter) less than about 0.5″ (e.g. having a surface area of less about 0.2 square inches). If the neck opening 34 is too large, the liquid will fall straight through the opening 34 at sufficient speed/volume such that any vortex forces are overcome. Having a neck opening 34 can help to create a vortex 36 in commonly used liquids such as water, or liquids with similar viscosity and other properties, or other liquids as desired. The neck opening 34 can be small enough that it allows for a more controlled separation and transfer of liquid between each chamber 14, 16 than either a bigger opening or a vessel, such as a typical hourglass figure.

In addition, in one case the neck opening 34 can have a diameter (or effective diameter) that is between about five percent and about thirty percent of an average diameter (or effective diameter) of the upper 14 and/or lower 16 chambers. In another case the neck opening 34 can have a diameter (or effective diameter) and/or surface area that is between about ten percent and about twenty percent of an average diameter (or effective diameter) and/or surface area of the upper and/or lower chambers. It should be understood that an effective diameter can be considered to be the diameter/dimension associated with a non-circular surface area that provides an equivalent area in a circular surface area. In one case the neck opening 34 can have a surface area that is between about one-half percent and about ten percent of an average surface area (cross section of the upper 14 and/or lower 16 chamber. In another case the neck opening 34 can have a surface area that is between about two percent and about four percent of an average surface area of the upper 14 and/or lower 16 chambers. An average diameter (or effective diameter)/surface area of the upper 14 and/or lower 16 chambers can be determined in one case by taking a number of diameter (or effective diameter)/surface area measurements of the upper 14 and lower 16 chambers at regular intervals spaced along their heights/central axis X (e.g. in one case every 10% increment of the height, or in another case at every 1% increment of the height, or in another case at effectively every height location, using mathematical modeling), and then averaging the resultant values.

In yet another case, neck opening 34 can have a diameter (or effective diameter) that is between about five percent and about thirty percent in one case (or between about ten percent and about twenty percent in another case) of the diameter (or effective diameter) of a portion of one or both chambers 14, 16 located immediately adjacent to the neck member 32 (shown as dimension A in FIG. 1 in one case; in one case this dimension is located within about 5% of a length of the vessel 10 of the neck opening 34/neck member 32). In yet another case, neck opening 34 can have a surface area that is between about one half percent and about ten percent in one case (or between about two percent and about four percent in another case) of the surface area of a portion of one or both chambers 14, 16 located immediately adjacent to the neck member 32 (shown as dimension A in FIG. 1 in one case).

In one case the neck opening 34 is configured to provide a vortex 36, when the vessel 10 is manipulated in the appropriate manner, when at least one of the chambers 14, 16 is generally filled with water at a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius (e.g. a liquid having a viscosity of between about 0.8-1.2 mPa-s at room temperature). However the vessel 10 may also or instead be configured to enable the creation of a vortex using other liquids, such as food grade vegetable oil or other liquids (such as lamp oil), which can have various additives such as food coloring, glitter, etc. at room temperature.

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, one or both of the caps 22, 24 can include a recessed axial end/outer surface 40 which defines a majority of the surface area of the cap 22, 24 in end view, and a raised rim 42 extending about a perimeter of the cap 22, 24. The rim 42 defines a generally flat/planar axially outermost surface of the cap 22, 24. The rim 42 thereby provides a generally flat/planar surface on which the vessel 10 can rest, and be stably supported, when the vessel 10 is in a vertical configuration as shown in FIG. 1. However, it should be understood that the outermost surface of the caps 22, 24 defined by the rim 42 can have shapes other than circular, such as, for example, a discontinuous circle, other geometric shape such as square, hexagonal, triangular, or irregular shapes, and/or be defined by internal crossing members and supporting members, etc.

One or both caps 22, 24 can also include a handle 44 that is movable between a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 2, and an extended position as shown in FIG. 5. The handle 44 is, in the illustrated embodiment, generally curved and forms an arc extending about 180 degrees. When in the retracted position, the handle 44 lies flat against the outer surface 40 of the cap 22, 24, and in particular is recessed below the rim/axially outermost surface 42 to enable the vessel 10 to stably rest upon the rim/axially outermost surface 42, without interference of the handle 44, as shown in FIG. 1. The handle 44 is pivotable to the extended position, as shown in FIG. 5, wherein the handle 44 is oriented generally perpendicular to the recessed outer surface 40 and defines an opening 46 thereunder through which a user can slip a finger or fingers to easily grip the handle 44/vessel 10, and the vessel 10 can be easily carried on either end.

In another embodiment (not shown) one or both caps 22, 24 can include a spout or nozzle, such as a flip-up spout or nozzle that protrudes radially and/or axially when opened, and is recessed when closed, to provide access to the associated chamber 14, 16. In particular, when opened each spout or nozzle can provide fluid communication to the associated chamber 14, 16, to allow liquid to be removed from or added to the chamber 14, 16.

In one embodiment the neck member 32 may not have the neck opening 34 and the neck member 32 can take the form of a membrane. In this case the two chambers 14, 16 can be fluidly isolated, and used for example as chambers 14, 16 for two different users, or to store two different types of liquids, etc.

The ability of the vessel 10 to form a vortex 36 can provide a diversionary ability to engage the attention of the user, and make use of the vessel 10 engaging and fun. When the vessel 10 is used as a drinking bottle this can, in turn, encourage greater use of the vessel 10 which can help ensure proper hydration of the user. The generated vortex can also be used to aid restlessness of the user and provide stress release. The vortex generating capabilities of the vessel 10 can encourage learning about science and fluid dynamics. A generated vortex can also help to mix any particulates or dissolved solids (such as sugar/sweeteners, food coloring, etc.) and lead to improved aeration of the liquid. In addition, the use of two chamber openings 18, 20/caps 22, 24 enables the vessel 10 to be filled, emptied or drank from, at either end, which can be convenient to the user, particularly to ensure the user does not need to wait for liquid to flow through the neck opening 34 to be accessed. These two chambers 14, 16 also allow the liquid to be separated into two fluid bodies without the user having to directly touch or contact the liquid. Finally, the use of the two chamber openings 18, 20 enables two users to directly drink from the vessel 10 while each using their own dedicated end to avoid the spread of germs through direct contact.

In yet another embodiment, the neck opening 34 may be selectively openable and/or closeable by a user. In particular, in one case a plug 48 (FIG. 3) can be manually removably insertable or positionable in, on, adjacent to or over the neck opening 34 to selectively plug the opening 34. In this case the vessel 10 can be used by two different users, or store two different liquids, as outlined above. On the other hand, the plug 48 may be able to be removed when it is desired to allow fluid communication between the chambers 14, 16. In these embodiments, the neck opening 34 may not necessarily be sized and configured to create a vortex, and instead can simply be sized to receive the plug 48. In other cases however, the neck opening 34 may be sized and configured to create a vortex in appropriate circumstances.

The plug 48 can, in one case, be tethered to the body 12 to avoid the plug 48 from becoming separated from the body 12 and/or include an axially extending protrusion/handle 50 (FIG. 6) that extends at or close to the chamber opening 18, 20 for ease of manual access to the plug 48. In one case, the protrusion/handle 50 extends from the neck member 32, toward the associated chamber opening 18, 20, and extends at least about 90% of the axial distance from the plug 48 and/or opening 34 toward the associated chamber opening 18, 20 so that a user can reach into the associated chamber opening 18, 20 and access the handle 50. Although FIG. 6 illustrates a plug 48 with only a single protrusion/handle 50, in one case another protrusion/handle 50, located on the other side of the plug 48 and extending the opposite direction, may be utilized.

In another embodiment, the plug 48 can be permanently secured to the body 12 and fixed in place, but be able to be moved between open and closed positions. For example, in this embodiment the plug 48 can be operated by pressing the plug 48 or applying a force in the axial direction to open the plug 48, and then pressing the plug 48 axially again to close the plug 48 (and vice versa) in a well-known manner as used for example in a pop-up sink/shower drain. A rigid handle or extension can be permanently coupled to the plug 48 and/or removably inserted into the body 12 to activate the pop-up plug 48 in this case.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the plug 48 may be operatively coupled to a manually operable actuator 52, such as a slide mechanism or press button, that is configured to move in a radial direction (or some other direction, such as axially, rotationally etc.) when operated by a user. The actuator 52 may be positioned on an outer surface of the body 12 and positioned outside the chambers 14, 16 and fluidly isolated from the chambers 14, 16 such that the plug 48 can thereby be remotely actuated. The actuator 52 can include and/or be operatively coupled to an opening/closing mechanism such as a force transmitting member or linkage 54 that is, in one case, coupled to or embedded in the neck member 32, and in this case the plug 48 can include or take the form of a laterally extendable/retractable plug 48 that is moveable in a radial direction and/or a rotationally in a circumferential direction. The actuator 52 and/or linkage 54 may extend through the body 12 in a fluid tight manner. In this embodiment the plug 48 can be biased to an closed open position and the actuator 52 is operated to cause the plug 48 to close or cover the opening 34, or vice versa. In yet another embodiment the plug 48 is not biased to either position but can simply be operated/moved by manipulating the actuator 52. The actuator 52 can be positioned on an outer surface of the body 12 and outside the chamber 14, 16, and be manually actuable and operatively coupled to the plug 48 to control the position of the plug 48.

When the plug 48, such as the remotely actuated plug, is utilized, two different liquids can be stored in the chambers 14, 16, and fluidly isolated, and the plug 48 will typically prevent any vortex generation in the vessel 10 through the opening 34. When it is desired to mix the two liquids, the plug 48 can be opened, and the liquids allowed to mix. For example, the liquids may experience a chemical reaction when mixed, and the plug 48 can be opened when it is desired to trigger the chemical reaction. Alternatively or in addition, after the plug 48 is opened the liquids can then be mixed in a vortex fashion by swirling, as described above. In this case the liquids can have different colors or other visual properties, or can be different viscosity/thicknesses, or can be immiscible (such as water and oil), etc. Using fluid with different properties can lead to better visualization of the vortex (in the cases where vortex generation is desired).

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be apparent that modifications and variations thereof are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A liquid storage vessel comprising: a body including: a first chamber having a first chamber opening; anda second chamber having a second chamber opening;a first cap configured to selectively cover the first chamber opening;a second cap configured to selectively cover the second chamber opening; anda neck member positioned between the first and second chambers and having a neck opening providing fluid communication between the first and second chambers, wherein the neck opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in a swirling motion.

2. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the neck opening has a surface area of between about 0.2 square inches and about 12.6 square inches.

3. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the neck opening has surface area that is between about 5 percent and about 20 percent of an average surface area of at least one of the first or second chambers.

4. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the neck opening has surface area that is between about 5 percent and about 20 percent of an average surface area of both the first and second chambers.

5. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the body includes a central axis, and wherein the neck is located at a midpoint of the axis.

6. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the body is a single, unitary component that is not separable.

7. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the first and second chambers are permanently coupled together.

8. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the neck member is a generally flat, annular component having a radially outer surface in contact with or integrally formed with a radially inner surface of the body.

9. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the body has a central axis, and wherein the first and second caps each include a generally planar axially outermost surface to enable the vessel to be stably stood on end such that the axis of the body is vertically oriented.

10. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the first and second chamber have generally the same size and shape, wherein the first chamber opening and the second chamber opening have generally the same size and shape, wherein the first cap is configured to be coupled to and cover the second chamber opening, and wherein the second cap is configured to be coupled to and selectively cover the first chamber opening.

11. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the body has a smooth and continuous, generally cylindrical shape on an outer surface thereof.

12. The vessel of claim 11 wherein each cap has a generally cylindrical outer surface with an outer diameter that generally matches an outer diameter of an axial end of the body.

13. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the first chamber opening has a surface area approximately equal to a surface area of the first chamber adjacent to the first chamber opening, and wherein the second chamber opening has a surface area approximately equal to a surface area of the second chamber adjacent to the second chamber opening.

14. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the vessel includes a central axis, wherein the first and second chambers are spaced apart along the central axis, wherein the first chamber opening is positioned at a first axial end of the body and the second chamber opening is positioned at a second, opposite axial end of the body, wherein the first cap is removably threadably attachable to the first axial end, and wherein the second cap is removably threadably attachable to the second axial end.

15. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising a handle pivotally coupled to one of the first or second caps, wherein the handle is pivotable between a retracted position wherein the handle is generally flat against an outer, recessed surface of the one of the first or second caps, and an extended position wherein the handle is oriented generally perpendicular to the outer surface of the one of the first or second caps.

16. The vessel of claim 1 wherein the neck opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid water at a temperature of 25° C. is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in the swirling motion.

17. The vessel of claim 1 wherein at least one of the caps includes a spout or opening to provide fluid communication to the associated chamber via the spout or opening.

18. The vessel of claim 1 further comprising a plug configured to be removably positioned in, on or over the neck opening to block a flow of fluid therethrough.

19. The vessel of claim 18 wherein the plug includes an axially-extending handle coupled thereto.

20. The vessel of claim 18 wherein the plug is manually movable between an open and a closed position by an actuator positioned on an outer surface of the body.

21. A liquid storage vessel comprising: a body including: a first chamber having a first chamber opening; anda second chamber having a second chamber opening;a first cap configured to selectively cover the first chamber opening;a second cap configured to selectively cover the second chamber opening; anda neck member positioned between the first and second chambers and having a neck opening providing fluid communication between the first and second chambers, and wherein the neck opening has surface area that is between about 5 percent and about 20 percent of an average surface area of at least one of the first or second chambers.

22. The vessel of claim 21 wherein the neck opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in a swirling motion.

23. The vessel of claim 21 wherein at least one of the caps includes a spout or opening to provide fluid communication to the associated chamber via the spout or opening.

24. A liquid storage vessel comprising: a body including: a first chamber having a first chamber opening; anda second chamber having a second chamber opening;a first cap configured to selectively cover the first chamber opening;a second cap configured to selectively cover the second chamber opening; anda neck member positioned between the first and second chambers and providing fluid isolation between the first and second chambers.

25. The vessel of claim 24 wherein the first and second chambers are axially spaced along the body, and wherein the neck member is a membrane and lacks any opening formed or formable therethrough.

26. The vessel of claim 24 wherein at least one of the caps includes a spout or opening to provide fluid communication to the associated chamber via the spout or opening.

27. A liquid storage vessel comprising: a body including: a first chamber having a first chamber opening; anda second chamber having a second chamber opening;a first cap configured to selectively cover the first chamber opening;a second cap configured to selectively cover the second chamber opening;a neck member positioned between the first and second chambers and providing at least partial fluid isolation between the first and second chambers; anda plug coupled or coupleable to the neck member and configured to provide selective fluid communication between the first and second chambers.

28. The vessel of claim 27 wherein the neck member includes a neck opening therein, and wherein the plug is manually insertable into and manually removable from the neck opening to provide the selective fluid communication.

29. The vessel of claim 27 further comprising a plug actuator positioned outside the first chamber and the second chamber, wherein the plug actuator is manually actuable and operatively coupled to the plug to control the position of the plug.

30. The vessel of claim 27 wherein the neck opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in a swirling motion.

31. A liquid storage vessel comprising: a body including: a first chamber; anda second chamber;a liquid impervious member positioned between the first and second chambers and having an opening; anda plug configured to selectively close or cover, or open, the opening to provide selective fluid communication between the first and second chambers.

32. The vessel of claim 31 wherein the plug includes an axially-extending handle coupled thereto.

33. The vessel of claim 31 wherein the plug is manually movable between an open and a closed position by an actuator positioned on an outer surface of the body.

34. The vessel of claim 31 wherein the plug is movable between an open position and a closed position in response to an axial force applied thereto.

35. The vessel of claim 31 wherein the opening is sized to enable a vortex to be formed when liquid is positioned in an upper one of the first or second chambers and the body is moved in a swirling motion.