CONTAINER AND VALVE ARRANGEMENT FOR MAINTAINING INITIAL SEALED SEPARATION OF A PLURALITY OF LIQUIDS AND ALLOWING FOR SUBSEQUENT SUCCESSIVE CONSUMPTION OF THE PLURALITY OF LIQUIDS

Abstract

Apparatuses, systems, and methods (e.g., utilities) that allow a user to maintain an initial, sealed separation of two or more ingredients (e.g., liquids) in respective chambers of a container and to then selectively consume the ingredients via a common opening of the container (e.g., either in series or in combination). Broadly, the utilities include a valve mechanism that, when activated (e.g., rotated), simultaneously breaks or ruptures at least one seal member previously maintaining sealed separation of the two or more ingredients to at least partially align respective apertures into the chambers to fluidly interconnect the chambers via the apertures and allow for consumption of the ingredients via a common opening of the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to containers for consuming liquids and, more particularly, to a valve arrangement for a container that maintains an initial separation between at least first and second liquids in the container, and that selectively allows for successive consumption of the first and second liquids via a common opening of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has been a recent explosion in the growth of personal beverage usage, and particularly, in the purchase and consumption of “designer” drinks that include a number of components or ingredients for consumption separately or in combination. Many types of containers (e.g., bottles) have been developed for such beverages and often have a plurality of compartments or chambers for separately storing the various ingredients, and an actuation mechanism that allows a user to selectively mix the ingredients and subsequently consume the resulting mixture. In the case of alcoholic beverages, for instance, containers exist that maintain an initial separation of an alcoholic spirit (e.g., vodka, rum) and a mixer (e.g., fruit juice, carbonated liquid). Upon a user opting to consume the alcoholic beverage, the user may activate a valve or the like to allow for mixing of the spirit and the mixer and then consume the resulting beverage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are apparatuses, systems, and methods (e.g., utilities) that allow a user to maintain an initial, sealed separation of two or more components (e.g., liquid ingredients) in respective chambers of a container, and to then selectively consume the ingredients via a common opening of the container (e.g., either in series or in combination). Broadly, the utilities include a valve mechanism that, when activated (e.g., rotated), simultaneously breaks or ruptures at least one seal member previously maintaining sealed separation of the two or more components to result in at least partially alignment of respective apertures into the chambers to fluidly interconnect the chambers via the apertures and allow for consumption of the ingredients via a common opening of the container.

Imagine a bottle implementing the teachings presented herein includes a first chamber containing a first liquid (e.g., an alcoholic spirit), a second chamber containing a second liquid (e.g., a chaser), and a valve mechanism between the first and second chambers maintaining a sealed separation of the first and second chambers. For instance, such bottles could be purchased at a checkout counter of a liquor store (e.g., package store or the like) and marketed as a safe, entertaining and effective manner of consuming a set amount of an alcoholic beverage from a container at a desired time. The container may have a relatively small footprint to facilitate storage and transportation, reduce waste, and the like.

Upon desiring to consume the beverage, a user could remove any external covering (e.g., foil wrapper or the like) and/or cap from the bottle and consume the alcoholic spirit of the first chamber from an opening (e.g., finish opening) of the bottle. The user may then, if desired, immediately twist the first and second chambers in a first rotational direction relative to each other (e.g., twist the second/bottom chamber relative to the first/upper chamber) to simultaneously unseal the first chamber relative to the second chamber while at least partially aligning respective apertures into the first and second chambers, and then drink the chaser from the second chamber via the opening, the first chamber, and the fluid passageway(s) created by the valve mechanism. In one arrangement, the utilities may include structure configured to emit an audible signal when a user has unsealed and fluidly interconnected the chambers to indicate to the user that the second liquid may be consumed via the opening. For instance, the structure may in some embodiments include at least one projection that is configured to audibly snap into at least one corresponding cavity after the second chamber has been rotated (e.g., relative to the first chamber) an amount that allows for consumption of the second liquid (e.g., an amount of rotation that breaks the seal and aligns corresponding apertures). In some arrangements, the projection and opening may be designed to inhibit relative rotation between the first and second chambers in an opposed, second relative rotation (e.g., to limit reuse of and possible contamination of the container).

In one aspect, a container includes a first body having a first side wall and a first internal cavity inside the first side wall that is configured to store a first liquid, a second body having a second side wall and a second internal cavity inside the second side wall that is configured to store a second liquid, and a valve mechanism between the first and second internal cavities. The valve mechanism includes a first portion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity and having a base and an actuator on the base, and a second portion adjacent a first end of the second internal cavity that faces the first end of the first internal cavity and having a base and a flap connected to the base. Relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism about a rotational axis actuates the actuator to at least partially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities.

For instance, the actuator may include a projection and the flap may include an opening that receives the projection, the first portion of the valve mechanism may include a first cam surface, and the second portion of the valve mechanism may include a second cam surface. In this regard, sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces during the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism may be designed to induce separation between the bases of the first and second portions of the valve assembly to at least partially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism via the actuator.

In one variation, the flap may be considered a first flap, and the first portion of the valve mechanism may further include a second flap to which the projection is attached. In this regard, the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism at least also partially separates the second flap from the base of the first portion of the valve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities. The first and second flaps may remain mated (e.g., in contact) during the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism via the projection and the opening. In some arrangements, the first and second flaps may be considered a first pair of flaps, and the valve mechanism may include one or more additional pairs of flaps that are configured to at least partially separate from the bases of the second and first portions of the valve mechanism during the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism to further fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities. For instance, the various pairs of flaps may be circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis.

In another aspect, a container includes a first body having a first side wall and a first internal cavity inside the first side wall that is configured to store a first liquid, a second body having a second side wall and a second internal cavity inside the second side wall that is configured to store a second liquid, and a valve mechanism between the first and second internal cavities. The valve mechanism includes a first portion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity and having a base and an aperture that extends through the base and into the first internal cavity, a second portion adjacent a first end of the second internal cavity that faces the first end of the first internal cavity and having a base and an aperture that extends through the base and into the second internal cavity, and a membrane between the bases of the first and second portions and covering the apertures of the first and second portions. Relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism about a rotational axis ruptures the membrane and at least partially aligns the apertures of the first and second portions of the valve mechanism to form a fluid passageway between the first and second internal cavities.

In a further aspect, a method of serially consuming a plurality of liquids from a container includes first consuming a first liquid from a first chamber of a container via a consumption opening of the container, inducing relative rotation between a first portion of a valve mechanism adjacent the first chamber and a second portion of a valve mechanism adjacent the second chamber to at least partially dislodge a flap that at least partially separates the first and second chambers to create a fluid passageway between the first and second chambers, and second consuming a second liquid from the second chamber via the fluid passageway, the first chamber, and the consumption opening.

Various refinements may exist of the features noted in relation to the various aspects. Further features may also be incorporated in the various aspects. These refinements and additional features may exist individually or in any combination, and various features of the aspects may be combined. In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and by study of the following descriptions.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and further advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a container including a valve mechanism that selectively allows for the serial consumption of a plurality of components from respective upper and lower bodies of the container, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the upper body of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3b is a perspective view of the lower body of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the valve mechanism of FIG. 1 and illustrating a first pair of flaps of the valve mechanism in a first position before being torn to fluidly interconnect the upper and lower bodies.

FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4a, but after the valve mechanism has been manipulated to at least partially tear the first pair of flaps to fluidly interconnect the upper and lower bodies.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a variation of the container of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of the lower body of the container of FIG. 5 and illustrating a socket in an outer surface thereof.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a joiner section of the container of FIG. 5 and illustrating a tab extending from an inner surface thereof.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of FIG. 5 and illustrating engagement between the socket of FIG. 6 and the tab of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a container including a valve mechanism that selectively allows for the serial consumption of a plurality of components from respective chambers of the container, according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 a is a perspective view of an upper body of the container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11b is a perspective view of a lower body of the container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a portion of the upper body of FIG. 9 and illustrating a plurality of uncut port domes on an end wall thereof that may be cut to form a plurality of apertures into the upper body.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a membrane of the valve mechanism of the container of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14a is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the valve mechanism of FIG. 9 and illustrating a first, misaligned position of a pair of apertures of the valve mechanism and a membrane disposed between the pair of apertures in an unruptured configuration.

FIG. 14b is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 14a, but after the valve mechanism has been manipulated to at least partially rupture the membrane and align the pair of apertures to fluidly interconnect the upper and lower bodies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the various novel aspects of the present disclosure. In this regard, the following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.

With initial reference to FIGS. 1-2, one embodiment of a container 100 is illustrated that is configured to maintain an initial, sealed separation between a plurality of components (e.g., liquids) contained within respective cavities thereof and selectively allow for serial consumption of the components (e.g., in the case of an alcoholic spirit and a chaser). Broadly, the container 100 includes a first (e.g., upper) body 102 having a first internal cavity 106 configured to store a first component (e.g., a first liquid), a second (e.g., lower) body 116 having a second internal cavity 120 configured to store a second component (e.g., a second liquid), and a valve mechanism 200 disposed between the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. As will be discussed more fully in the discussion that follows, relative movement (e.g., rotation about rotational axis 300) between respective portions of the valve mechanism 200 serves to simultaneously break or rupture at least one seal member and at least partially aligns respective apertures into the first and second cavities 106, 120 to fluidly interconnect the first and second cavities 106, 120 via the apertures and allow for consumption of the components via a common opening of the container 100.

The first internal cavity 106 may be disposed inside a first side wall 104 of the first body 102 and may generally have first and second ends 108, 110. A first portion 204 of the valve mechanism 200 may be disposed adjacent the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106. While the first portion 204 of the valve mechanism 200 has been illustrated as being an end wall of the first body 102 spanning the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106, other embodiments envision that the first body 102 may be manufactured with an open end adjacent the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106, in which case the first portion of the valve mechanism 200 may be appropriately secured (e.g., welded, glued, etc) to the first sidewall 104 adjacent the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106. In any event, a consumption opening 112 may be disposed adjacent the second end 110 of the first internal cavity 106. For instance, the consumption opening 112 may be disposed within a neck (not labeled) of the container 100 and be selectively coverable by a cap or closure 114 (e.g., where the cap 114 may be threadably disposed about the neck and over the consumption opening 112).

The second internal cavity 120 may be disposed inside a second side wall 118 of the second body 116 and may generally have first and second ends 122, 124. A second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 may be disposed adjacent the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120. Similar to the first portion 204, the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 may either be an end wall of the second body 116 spanning the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120 or a separate piece that is appropriately secured or fixed to the second sidewall 118 adjacent the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120. A loading opening 126 may be disposed in the second body 116 to load the second liquid into the second internal cavity 120. For instance, the loading opening 126 may be disposed through or within an end wall (not labeled) of the second body 116 and, upon loading of a second liquid into the second internal cavity 120 via the loading opening 126, be closed or otherwise sealed off in any appropriate manner (e.g., via a plug 128 glued or welded into the loading opening 126) to limit the second liquid from exiting the second internal cavity 120 via the loading opening 126.

A joiner member 212 (e.g., a cylindrical member) may be used to rotatably attach the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 relative to each other. The joiner member 212 may include inner and outer surfaces 216, 218 and an internal cavity 220 extending between first and second ends 222, 224 thereof. One of the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism (e.g., the first portion 204) may be non-rotatably attached relative to the inner surface 216 of the joiner member 212 while the other of the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism (e.g., the second portion 208) may be rotatably attached relative to the inner surface 216 of the joiner member 212.

In one arrangement, an end of the first body 102 (e.g., adjacent the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106) may be inserted into the internal cavity 220 of the joiner member 212 via the first end 222, and the first side wall 104 may be non-rotatably fixed to or relative to the inner surface 216 of the joiner member 212 (e.g., via adhesive, welding, a press-fit, and/or the like). Also, an end of the second body 116 (e.g., adjacent the first end 122 of the second internal cavity 120) may be inserted into the internal cavity 220 of the joiner member 212 via the second end 224 and the second side wall 118 rotatably secured relative to the inner surface 216 of the joiner member 212. As just one example, the second side wall 118 of the second body 116 may include a depression 132 around at least a portion of the second side wall 118 that is adapted to receive a correspondingly shaped protrusion or rib 228 extending from the inner surface 220 of the joiner member 212. For instance, the second body 116 may be forcibly inserted into the internal cavity 216 of the joiner member 212 so that the rib 228 is received in (e.g., snapped into) the depression 132 and thereby rotatably retains the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism relative to the joiner section 212. Other manners of rotatably retaining the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 relative to the first portion 204 are also envisioned and encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

The joiner member 212 may also serve to limit the escape of fluids from the container 100 upon activation of the valve mechanism 200 to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. For instance, the adhesive, press-fit, etc. connection between the joiner member 212 and the first body 102 and the depression 132 and rib 228 connection between the joiner member 212 and the second body 116 may each prevent or at least limit the passage of fluids therethrough. While not shown, the joiner member 212 may, in one embodiment, form part of or be an extension of the first side wall 104 of the first body 102.

Upon securement of the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 relative to the joiner member 212 and each other as discussed above, the first and second portions 204, 208 are engaged or otherwise in contact so that upon rotation of the second portion 208 relative to the first portion 204 (e.g., via grasping and twisting a handle 132 on the second body 116) about rotational axis 300 (e.g., in a clockwise direction), the first and second portions 204, 208 interact to break or rupture sealed separation of the first and second internal cavities 106, 120 while resulting in at least partially alignment of respective apertures into the first and second internal cavities 106, 120 to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120 via the apertures and allow for consumption of the components via the consumption opening 112 of the container 100.

With additional reference now to FIGS. 3a-3b, more detailed views of the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 are illustrated. The first portion 204 may generally include a base (e.g., wall) 230 configured to span the first end 108 of the first internal cavity 106, and one or more flaps (e.g., covers) 232, where each flap 232 is connected to the base 230 at a weakened but hermetically sealed border or junction 234 surrounding at least a portion of the flap 232 and is configured to cover and seal a respective aperture (not shown) into the first internal cavity 106. Similarly, the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 may include a base (e.g., wall) 238 configured to span the second end 122 of the second internal cavity 120 (e.g., where the base 238 may, in one embodiment, be generally parallel to the base 230), and one or more flaps (e.g., covers) 240, where each flap 240 is connected to the base 238 at a weakened but hermetically sealed border or junction 242 surrounding at least a portion of the flap 240 and is configured to cover and seal a respective aperture (not shown) into the second internal cavity 120. In this regard, each flap 232, 240 and its respective junction 234, 242 is in essence a seal or sealing member configured to prevent or limit passage of fluids or the like therethrough (until the flaps 232, 240 are torn or ripped upon activation of the valve mechanism 200 as discussed below). For instance, the valve mechanism 200 may include one or more pairs of flaps 232, 240 circumferentially disposed about the rotational axis 300 as shown in FIGS. 1-4.

Now additionally turning to FIG. 4a, each flap 232 of the first portion 204 of the valve mechanism 200 is configured to remain at least partially mated (e.g., interlocked) with a corresponding flap 240 of the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 both before and after activation of the valve mechanism 200. For instance, one flap (e.g., flap 232) of each pair may include a projection (e.g., post) 244 that is configured to be fixedly (e.g., substantially non-removably) received (e.g., via adhesive, a press-fit, etc.) in a corresponding bore 246 in the other flap (e.g., flap 240) of the pair. In one arrangement, each flap 232, 240 may initially be a portion of the base 230, 238 that has been pushed or otherwise deformed from the base 230, 238 so that the junction 234, 242 has been at least partially thinned or stretched (e.g., weakened) relative to the base 230, 238. For instance, each of the flaps 232 may extend away from the first internal cavity 106 while each of the flaps 240 may extend into the second internal cavity 120 so as to form respective depressions (not labeled in the interest of clarity) over the flaps 240. In this regard, each flap 232 may be at least partially received within the depression of a corresponding flap 240. See FIG. 5a. In another arrangement, the bases 230, 238 may be partially (but not fully) scored to form the various flaps 232, 240, where the various score lines would make up the respective junctions 234, 242.

The valve mechanism 200 also includes structure to induce at least slight separation of the bases 230, 238 of the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 along the rotational axis 300. For instance, the first and second portions 204, 208 may include corresponding camming surfaces that are configured to engage during relative rotation between the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 to induce slight separation between the bases 230, 238. As will be discussed, separation of at least one of the bases 230, 238 from the other of the bases 230, 238 while each flap 232 remains at least partially mated to a corresponding flap 240 induces at least partial tearing or severing of each of the flaps 232, 240 from their respective bases 230, 238 and fluid interconnection of the first and second internal cavities 106, 120.

In one arrangement, a respective first camming (e.g., inclined) surface 248 may be disposed between each flap 232 and the base 230 of the first portion 204 of the valve mechanism 200. Correspondingly, a respective second camming (e.g., inclined) surface 250 may be disposed between each flap 240 and the base 238 of the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200. As shown in FIG. 4a, the first and second camming surfaces 248, 250 of each pair of flaps 232, 240 are configured to be substantially coexistent with each other before activation of the valve mechanism 200. That is, each first camming surface 248 is configured to be in contact with a substantial entirety of a corresponding second camming surface 250 before activation of the valve mechanism 200. While a plurality of pairs of first and second camming surfaces 248, 250 has been illustrated, other manners of inducing slight separation of the bases 230, 238 during relative rotation between the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism are also envisioned. For instance, a threaded post (not shown) extending from the base 230 of the first portion 204 may be threadably received in a threaded socket (not shown) in the base 238 of the second portion 208. In this regard, rotation of the second portion 208 relative to the first portion (e.g., via a user grasping and twisting a handle 130 adjacent the second end 124 of the second internal cavity 120) would cause the base 238 to ride along the threaded post and partially separate from the base 230.

In any event, relative rotation between the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 induces at least partial tearing or rupturing of the flaps 232, 240 from the bases 230, 238 along the junctions 234, 242 to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. For instance, each pair of flaps 232, 240 may initially be generally aligned along an axis (not shown) parallel to the rotational axis 300, and each pair of first and second camming surfaces 248, 250 may initially be largely coexistent (e.g., have their major faces in contact with each other). With reference to FIGS. 4a-4b, twisting of the second body 116 (e.g., via handle 130) causes sliding of each second camming surface 250 relative to a corresponding first camming surface 248. As the first and second camming surfaces 248, 250 are each inclined relative to their respective bases 230, 238 and because the second portion 208 is at least partially restrained within the joiner member 212, this sliding interaction between the first and second camming surfaces 248, 250 pushes the base 238 of the second portion 208 away from the base 230 of the first portion 204.

However, and as discussed previously, each pair of flaps 232, 240 remains at least partially mated (e.g., via the posts 244 and apertures 246) both before and after the handle 130 has been twisted. Accordingly, the slight separation of the bases 230, 238 while each pair of flaps 232, 240 remains mated induces tearing of each flap 232, 240 from its respective base 230, 238 to expose at least partially aligned, respective first and second apertures 247, 249 into the first and second internal cavities 106, 120 of the first and second bodies 102, 116 which fluidly interconnects the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. See FIG. 4b. In this regard, each post 244 may function as an actuator that serves to tear a respective flap from a base to expose a fluid passageway. For instance, upon a user consuming the first liquid (e.g., an alcoholic spirit) from the first internal cavity 106 via the consumption opening 112, the user may twist the handle 130 (e.g., clockwise) about the rotational axis 300 to activate the valve mechanism 200 and fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. The user may then consume the second liquid (e.g., a chaser) from the second internal cavity 120 via the valve mechanism 200 (e.g., via the second and first apertures 247, 249), the first internal cavity 106, and the consumption opening 112.

FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the container 100′, where like components are represented by common reference numerals and components that differ in some respect from previous embodiments are represented with a single prime (′). In this embodiment, the container 100′ includes a sound generation mechanism 260 that is configured to generate an audible sound (e.g., click, snap, etc.) upon fluid interconnection of the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. Stated differently, as a user rotates the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 relative to the first portion 204 (e.g., via the handle 130), the sounds generation mechanism 260 may be designed to generate an audible sound just as the flaps 232, 240 have been torn to expose the first and second apertures 247, 249 and fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120.

In one arrangement, the sound generation mechanism 260 may include at least one opening or socket 264 on one of the second body 116′ or joiner member 212′ (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, in the second side wall 118 of the second body 116′) that is sized to receive at least one corresponding projection (e.g., tab) 268 on the other of the second body 116′ or joiner member 212′ (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7, extending from the inner surface 220 of the joiner member 212′). The socket 264 and projection 268 may have respective edges (e.g., sharp edges) 272, 276 that are configured to snap past each other to generate an audible sound upon the projection 268 entering the socket 264 just as the flaps 232, 240 have been torn a sufficient degree from the bases 230, 238 to allow for sufficient fluid interconnection of the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. In one arrangement, “sufficient” fluid interconnection of the first and second cavities 106, 120 may exist when a user can consume the second liquid from the second internal cavity 120 via the valve mechanism 200, the first internal cavity 106 and the consumption opening 112 at an acceptable flow rate (e.g., greater than a trickle). In operation, the socket 264 and projection 268 may initially not be engaged before a user has induced twisting of the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200. Thereafter, the socket 264 may receive the projection 268 to generate an audible sound (e.g., click, snap, etc.) after the second portion 208 has been twisted to open the flaps 232, 240. See FIG. 8 (flaps are not shown being open in the interest of clarity, also note that two pairs of sockets 264 and projections 268 have been illustrated).

In addition to the generation of sound, each pair of socket 264 and projection 268 may function to prevent or at least limit relative rotation between the first and second portions 204, 208 of the valve mechanism 200 upon the socket 264 receiving the projection 268. More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 8, it can be seen how after the edge 276 of the projection has snapped past the edge 272 and into the socket 264, reverse rotation of the second portion 208 of the valve mechanism 200 about the rotational axis 300 (e.g., in a rotational direction opposite to that used to tear the flaps 232, 240) may be prevented or limited due to the engagement of respective faces of the socket 264 and projection 268 (not labeled, but see FIG. 8). This feature includes the added benefit of limiting reuse of and/or possible contamination of the container 100′.

With reference to FIGS. 9-10, respective perspective and exploded perspective views of another embodiment of the container 100″ are shown, where like components are represented by common reference numerals and components that differ in some respect from previous embodiments are represented with a double prime (″). As will be discussed in more detail below, the valve mechanism 200″ of the container 100″ differs from the valve mechanism 200 of the container 100 in that relative rotation between the first and second portions 204″, 208″ of the valve mechanism 200″ simultaneously tears or ruptures a flexible membrane 400 (e.g., film, sheet, etc.) disposed between and secured to the first and second portions 204″, 208″ and at least partially aligns preexisting apertures through the first and second portions 204″, 208″ to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120.

Specifically, the base 230″ of the first portion 204″ of the valve mechanism 200″ includes one or more apertures 404 therethrough in fluid communication with the first internal cavity 106 of the first body 102″ (see FIG. 11a), and the base 238″ of the second portion 208″ of the valve mechanism 200″ includes one or more apertures 408 therethrough in fluid communication with the second internal cavity 120 of the second body 116″ (see FIG. 11b). For instance, the valve mechanism 200″ may include a plurality of pairs of apertures 404, 408 that are generally circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis 300. Each aperture 404 of the first portion 204″ is configured to be misaligned (e.g., relative to an axis parallel to the rotational axis 300) with a corresponding aperture 408 of the second portion 208″ before the valve mechanism 200″ has been activated (i.e., before the second portion 208″ has been rotated relative to the first portion 204″ about the rotational axis 300, e.g., see FIG. 14a, apertures 408 not shown in FIG. 14a due to above-mentioned misalignment) and is configured to substantially align with the corresponding aperture 408 after activation of the valve mechanism 200″ (i.e., after the section portion 208″ has been rotated relative to the first portion 204″ about the rotational axis 300, e.g., see FIG. 14b).

Furthermore, the membrane 400 is configured to be secured to the bases 230″, 238″ and cover the apertures 404, 408 so as to seal each of the first and second internal cavities 106, 120 before activation of the valve mechanism 200″. In one arrangement, one or more components such as a plurality of adhesive (e.g., glue) lines 412, 416 may be respectively formed on opposing first and second surfaces 410, 414 of the membrane 400, each of which is configured to contact the base 230″, 238″ and surround a respective aperture 404, 408. See FIGS. 13 and 14a. For instance, each of the adhesive lines 412 is configured to fixedly secure the first surface 410 of the membrane 400 to the base 230″ of the first portion 204″ of the valve mechanism 200″ around a periphery of a respective one of the apertures 404. Also, each of the adhesive lines 416 is configured to fixedly secure the second surface 414 of the membrane 400 to the base 238″ of the second portion 208″ of the valve mechanism 200″ around a periphery of a respective one of the apertures 408.

In operation, an unruptured membrane 400 may initially (i.e., before activation of the valve mechanism 200″) be secured to the bases 230″, 238″ over the apertures 404, 408, and each aperture 404 may be misaligned with a respective aperture 408. See FIG. 14a. At this point, a user may consume the first liquid (e.g., an alcoholic spirit) from the first internal cavity 106 via the consumption opening 112 free of mixing of the first liquid with the second liquid (e.g., a chaser) from the second internal cavity 120. Thereafter, the user may twist the handle 130 (e.g., clockwise) about the rotational axis 300 to activate the valve mechanism 200″ and fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120.

More specifically, and as the valve mechanism 200″ is activated (i.e., as the second portion 208″ is twisted relative to the first portion 204″, e.g., via the handle 130) to align the apertures 404 with the respective apertures 408, the multiple areas where the membrane 400 is secured to the bases 230″, 238″ induce simultaneous rupturing (e.g., tearing) of the membrane 400 (e.g., via shear stresses within membrane created via twisting of second portion 208) to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities 106, 120. See FIG. 14b. The user may then consume the second from the second internal cavity 120 via the valve mechanism 200″, the first internal cavity 106, and the consumption opening 112.

As the membrane 400 is ruptured via the above-discussed shear stresses, axial separation of the bases 230″, 238″ may not be required in this embodiment. Furthermore, each portion of the membrane 400 spanning a respective aperture 404, 408 may be considered a flap that is configured to be at least partially torn away from the membrane 400 during activation of the valve mechanism 200″. For instance, each such flap spanning a first aperture 404 may be misaligned with a flap spanning a respective aperture 408 with respect to an axis (not shown) that is generally parallel to the rotational axis 300. See FIGS. 14 and 15a.

The various components disclosed herein may be manufactured in any appropriate manner(s) and of any appropriate material(s). For instance, it is envisioned that a Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) injection blow molding process and/or the like may be used to form many of the components of the containers 100, 100′, 100″ and/or the valve mechanisms 200, 200″ disclosed herein. As just an example, a plurality of convex domes 290 may be formed on the base 230″ during injection molding or the like of the first body 102″. See FIG. 12. Thereafter, the domes 290 may be cut off of the base 230″ (e.g., in a direction parallel to the base 230″) leaving the apertures 404 (as in FIG. 11a). A similar process may be performed to generate the apertures 408 in the base 238″. Of course, numerous other methods may be performed to form the apertures 404, 408 (e.g., drilling, punching, etc.).

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character. As one example, while the flaps, apertures and the like have been illustrated as being circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis, other arrangements of flaps and apertures are also envisioned and encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. As another example, while the present description has been in the context of first and second chambers/cavities separated by a single valve mechanism, the present disclosure would also be applicable to more complicated arrangements of chambers and valve mechanisms. For instance, it is envisioned that a container could have three or more bodies or chambers, where each adjacent pair of chambers is separated by a respective valve mechanism that could be independently activated. As another example, although the handle disposed on the second body was disclosed to activate the valve mechanism, other manners of activating the valve mechanism are also envisioned (e.g., a lever or arm fixed to the second portion of the valve mechanism extending through a slot in the third portion and that may be manipulated by a user to activate the valve mechanism). Still further, some embodiments envision that the first body could be rotated relative to the joiner member to activate the valve mechanism (i.e., instead of the second body).

In one arrangement, the valve mechanism could be a separate piece or pieces that may be secured to the first and second bodies. In another arrangement, the first and second bodies could be formed by a single piece, where the valve mechanism could be inserted therein. Still further, while the present disclosure has been in the context of serial or successive consumption of liquids, it is also envisioned that the present containers and valve mechanisms could be utilized to facilitate selective mixing of the first and second liquids. For instance, before removing the lid and consuming the liquid from the first internal cavity, a user could activate the valve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities. Thereafter, the user could shake the container to mix the liquids of the first and second internal cavities before removing the lid and consuming the resultant mixture via the consumption opening. Furthermore, components other than liquids are also envisioned for containment within the internal cavities. For instance, one of the internal cavities could store vitamins or nutrients in any appropriate form (e.g., powders, beads, flakes) while another of the internal cavities could store a liquid, where the valve mechanism could be activated to allow for mixing of the nutrients and liquid before consumption by the user.

While this disclosure contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the disclosure. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments and/or arrangements can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. As just one example, the sound generation mechanism 260 of FIG. 5 could be implemented into the container 100″ of FIG. 9. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the invention and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the present invention. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art.

The foregoing description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the invention to the form disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A container, comprising:

a first body comprising a first side wall and a first internal cavity inside the first side wall, wherein the first internal cavity is configured to store a first liquid;

a second body comprising a second side wall and a second internal cavity inside the second side wall, wherein the second internal cavity is configured to store a second liquid; and

a valve mechanism between the first and second internal cavities, wherein the valve mechanism includes: a first portion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity, wherein the first portion comprises a base and an actuator on the base; and a second portion adjacent a first end of the second internal cavity that faces the first end of the first internal cavity, wherein the second portion comprises a base and a flap connected to the base, and wherein a relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism about a rotational axis actuates the actuator to at least partially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the actuator comprises a projection, wherein the flap comprises an opening that receives the projection, wherein the first portion of the valve mechanism comprises a first cam surface, wherein the second portion of the valve mechanism comprises a second cam surface, and wherein sliding engagement between the first and second cam surfaces during the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism induces separation between the bases of the first and second portions of the valve assembly to at least partially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism via the actuator.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the flap comprises a first flap, wherein the first portion of the valve mechanism further comprises a second flap to which the projection is attached, and wherein the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism at least partially separates the second flap from the base of the first portion of the valve mechanism to fluidly interconnect the first and second internal cavities.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the first and second flaps remain mated during the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism via the projection and the opening.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the first and second flaps comprise a first pair of flaps, wherein the valve mechanism comprises one or more additional pairs of flaps that are configured to at least partially separate from the bases of the second and first portions of the valve mechanism during the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism.

6. The container of claim 5, wherein the first pair of flaps and the one or more additional pairs of flaps are circumferentially arranged about the rotational axis.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the base of the first portion of the valve mechanism comprises a first end wall of the first body that spans the first internal cavity, and wherein the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism comprises a first end wall of the second body that spans the second internal cavity.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the valve mechanism further comprises a third portion that receives the first and second portions.

9. The container of claim 8, wherein the second portion of the valve mechanism is rotatable about the rotational axis relative to the third portion of the valve mechanism, and wherein the first portion of the valve mechanism is non-rotatable relative to the third portion of the valve mechanism.

10. The container of claim 9, wherein the second portion of the valve mechanism comprises a first rotation prevention element, wherein the third portion of the valve mechanism comprises a second rotation prevention element, and wherein after relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism in a first direction about the rotational axis to at least partially separate the flap from the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism, the first and second rotation prevention elements engage to prevent relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism in a second direction about the rotational axis that is opposed to the first direction.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein one of the first and second rotation prevention elements comprises an opening, and wherein the other of the first and second rotation prevention elements comprises a projection that is adapted to snap into interlocking engagement with the opening.

12. The container of claim 11, wherein the first rotation prevention element comprises a projection that extends from the second side wall of the second body.

13. The container of claim 1, wherein one of the first and second bodies comprises a consumption opening in respective fluid communication with the first or second internal cavity, wherein one of the first and second liquids is flowable through the consumption opening before the flap is at least partially separated from the first body, and wherein the other of the first and second liquids is flowable through the consumption opening after the flap is at least partially separated from the first body.

14. The container of claim 13, wherein the other of the first and second liquids is not flowable through the consumption opening before the flap is at least partially separated from the first body.

15-17. (canceled)

18. A container, comprising:

a first body comprising a first side wall and a first internal cavity inside the first side wall, wherein the first internal cavity is configured to store a first liquid;

a second body comprising a second side wall and a second internal cavity inside the second side wall, wherein the second internal cavity is configured to store a second liquid; and

a valve mechanism between the first and second internal cavities, wherein the valve mechanism includes: a first portion adjacent a first end of the first internal cavity, wherein the first portion comprises a base and an aperture that extends through the base and into the first internal cavity; a second portion adjacent a first end of the second internal cavity that faces the first end of the first internal cavity, wherein the second portion comprises a base and an aperture that extends through the base and into the second internal cavity; and a membrane between the bases of the first and second portions and covering the apertures of the first and second portions, wherein a relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism about a rotational axis ruptures the membrane and at least partially aligns the apertures of the first and second portions of the valve mechanism to form a fluid passageway between the first and second internal cavities.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the valve mechanism further comprises:

a first component that secures a first side of the membrane to the base of the first portion of the valve mechanism; and

a second component that secures an opposed second side of the membrane to the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism.

20. The container of claim 19, wherein the first and second components comprise respective first and second adhesive components.

21. The container of claim 20, wherein the first adhesive component is disposed about a periphery of the aperture that extends through the base of the first portion of the valve mechanism, and wherein the second adhesive component is disposed about a periphery of the aperture that extends through the base of the second portion of the valve mechanism.

22. The container of claim 18, wherein the apertures of the first and second portions of the valve mechanism comprise a first pair of apertures, wherein the first and second portions of the valve mechanism comprise one or more additional pairs of apertures, and wherein the relative rotation between the first and second portions of the valve mechanism about the rotational axis at least partially aligns the respective apertures of the one or more additional pairs of apertures to form one or more additional fluid passageways between the first and second internal cavities.

23-24. (canceled)

25. The container of claim 18, wherein the first body comprises an end wall at the first end of the first internal cavity, wherein the second body comprises an end wall at the first end of the second internal cavity, and wherein the end walls of the first and second bodies respectively comprise the bases of the first and second portions of the valve mechanism.

26-56. (canceled)