Patent Application
20230105236
The embodiments generally relate to containers.
Beverage containers such as tin cans, steel cans, aluminum cans, plastic cans, and the like typically contain a fluid or content and may be opened via a can opener, pull-tab, or can tab hingedly affixed to the top of a can such that the top of the can may be partially opened or entirely removed.
This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
The embodiments described herein generally relate to a dual compartment, dual function mixing and drinking container. The multilayer drinking system may include two vertically stacked first and second compartments separated by a membrane or seal, each containing one dry or liquid component of a final mixed drink. In operation, each compartment holds one component to be mixed with the other compartment. A user may use a tab to open the can which motion also breaks the seal between each compartment, causing the components contained within each compartment to mix together.
The multilayer drinking can system is useful for conveniently mixing infused beverages or any two drink powders and liquids without requiring a separate mixing container. After the two components are mixed the multilayer drinking can system serves as a readily available drinking container.
Other illustrative variations within the scope of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. The detailed description and enumerated variations, while disclosing optional variations, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are to the described apparatus. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitations or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components and procedures related to the apparatus. Accordingly, the apparatus components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.
The embodiments described herein generally relate to a dual compartment container constructed and arranged for mixing of ingredients disposed within the container. The dual compartment container may include a body, top or lid, and bottom, wherein the dual compartment container may be generally cylindrical.
The body, top, and bottom of the dual compartment container may define at least one compartment constructed and arranged for storing contents. The dual compartment container may include a seal member disposed within the compartment, thereby separating the compartment into a first compartment and a second compartment. Each of the first compartment and second compartment may contain similar or distinct fluids, powders, solids, or the like. According to some embodiments, the dual compartment container may be made wholly or partially of metal such as tin, steel, aluminum or may include polymer such as a transparent plastic such that a user may see the separated first compartment and second compartment and the contents contained therein prior to opening and the mixing of the contents in the first compartment and second compartment after opening. Other appropriate materials may make up any of the components of the invention and the examples provided should not be considered limiting.
A tab opening or similar can opener may be integrated with the top or bottom of the dual compartment container and may be constructed and arranged to function as a lever such that when one portion of the tab is lifted by a user, the opposite end of the tab may exert force on at least a portion of the top or bottom of the dual compartment container in order to puncture or break an opening within the top or bottom. In some instances, the top or bottom may include a scored tongue constructed and arranged to break along the score when force is exerted by the tab on the tongue. The tab may be constructed and arranged to simultaneously open the dual compartment container and break or puncture the seal member between the first compartment and the second compartment.
According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the tab may be constructed and arranged to hingedly travel into a portion of the first compartment and abut, break, or puncture the seal member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the tab may be constructed and arranged to hingedly travel into a portion of the first compartment and puncture, break, or otherwise create a through hole in the seal member such that the contents of the first compartment and the second compartment may mix together by passing through the through hole in the seal member. According to some embodiments, the tab may include a puncture mechanism extending from a portion of the tab, the puncture mechanism being constructed and arranged to puncture, break, or otherwise create a through hole in the seal member.
The seal member may be integrated within the dual compartment container and may include any suitable material for separating the first compartment from the second compartment such as, but not limited to, polymer, metal, or the like.
The following description of variants is only illustrative of components, elements, acts, products, and methods considered to be within the scope of the invention and are not in any way intended to limit such scope by what is specifically disclosed or not expressly set forth. The components, elements, acts, products, and methods as described herein may be combined and rearranged other than as expressly described herein and are still considered to be within the scope of the invention.
According to variation 1, multilayer drinking can system including a container including a body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment includes a first compartment and a second compartment; wherein the top includes a tongue constructed and arranged to at least partially break away from the top to define a first through hole in fluid communication with the first compartment; a tab pivotably connected to the top constructed and arranged to apply force to the tongue to facilitate defining the first through hole; and a puncture mechanism attached to the tongue constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.
Variation 2 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in variation 1 wherein the container is generally cylindrical.
Variation 3 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 2 wherein the container is transparent.
Variation 4 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 3 wherein the body is transparent.
Variation 5 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 4 wherein the puncture mechanism includes at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone.
Variation 6 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 5 wherein the puncture mechanism includes a plurality of puncture mechanisms.
Variation 7 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 6 wherein the first compartment is defined above the second compartment.
Variation 8 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 7 wherein the top defines a scored channel at least partially separating the tongue from the top.
Variation 9 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 8 wherein the first compartment includes a first content.
Variation 10 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 9 wherein the second compartment includes a second content.
Variation 11 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 10 wherein the multilayer drinking can system is constructed and arranged to simultaneously define the first through hole and the second through hole.
Variation 12 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 1 or 11 wherein the seal member includes metal.
According to variation 13, a multilayer drinking can system may include a generally cylindrical container including a body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment includes a first compartment above a second compartment; wherein the top includes a scored channel defining a tongue constructed and arranged to at least partially break away from the top to define a first through hole in fluid communication with the first compartment; a tab pivotably connected to the top constructed and arranged to apply force to the tongue to facilitate defining the first through hole; and a puncture mechanism including at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone attached to the tongue and being constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.
Variation 14 may include multilayer drinking can system as in variation 13 wherein the body is transparent.
Variation 15 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 14 wherein the puncture mechanism includes a plurality of puncture mechanisms.
Variation 16 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 15 wherein the first compartment includes a first content.
Variation 17 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 16 wherein the second compartment includes a second content.
Variation 18 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 17 wherein the multilayer drinking can system is constructed and arranged to simultaneously define the first through hole and the second through hole.
Variation 19 may include a multilayer drinking can system as in any of variations 13 or 18 wherein the seal member includes a polymer.
According to variation 20, a multilayer drinking can system may include a generally cylindrical container including a transparent body and a top opposite a bottom, the container defining a primary compartment therein; a seal member disposed within the body such that the primary compartment includes a first compartment above a second compartment; wherein the top is constructed and arranged to at least partially break away from the body to define a first through hole in fluid communication with the first compartment; a tab pivotably connected to the top constructed and arranged to apply force to the top to facilitate defining the first through hole; and a puncture mechanism including at least one of a spike, hook, rod, or cone attached to the tongue and being constructed and arranged to pass through a portion of the seal member to define a second through hole such that the first compartment and second compartment are in fluid communication.
Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.
An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.
