Container having a plurality of compartments containing liquids

Abstract

A beverage container storing a plurality of beverages within separate container compartments. The beverage container includes separate compartments affixed together during storage. The compartments may be permanently affixed together or optionally separable. The beverage container includes a dispensing top which may provide for the selective dispensing of a desired beverage from a specific compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates to beverage containers and, more particularly, to a beverage container having a plurality of compartments for holding different liquids.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Beverage containers have been used for many years to store various types of liquids. Typically, the container includes a storage area for holding one type of liquid. The container usually has an opening at the top for the dispensing of the liquid. However, conventional beverage containers only hold one type of liquid. In today's marketplace, there are countless products having various brands and choices of specific products. For example, stores provide a wide selection of beverages, ranging from soft drinks, milk, and even water. Within a family, it is common for each individual to prefer a specific type of beverage. However, currently, stores provide only containers having a single liquid in quantities such as one or two liters. With the selection of each of these beverage containers holding one liquid each, it is cumbersome for the buyer to buy and store the liquids. Because of the difficulty in transporting and storing multiple beverage containers, buyers are less inclined to buy several different types of beverage containers. A container is needed which enables a buyer to purchase one container having a plurality of stored liquids, while allowing the simple and easy dispensing of these liquids.

[0005] Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a liquid container having a plurality of compartments for holding different types of liquid as well as a dispensing device for allowing dispensing of the desired liquids from the container. It is an object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In one aspect, the present invention is a container storing a plurality of liquids. The container includes a first compartment storing a first liquid. The first compartment has a first dispensing top with a first opening for the dispensing of the first liquid. The container also has a second compartment storing a second liquid. The second compartment has a second dispensing top with a second opening for the dispensing of the second liquid. The first compartment is removably attached to the second compartment for the storage of the first compartment and second compartment as a unitary container. The first compartment may be separated from the second compartment for dispensing of the first or second liquid.

[0007] In another aspect, the present invention is a container storing a plurality of liquids. The container includes a first compartment storing a first liquid and a second compartment storing a second liquid. The first compartment has a first opening for the dispensing of the first liquid. The second compartment has a second opening for the dispensing of the second liquid. The first compartment is attached to the second compartment to form a unitary container. The first opening and the second opening form a single dispensing top. A desired liquid may be dispensed from one of the compartments through the dispensing top.

[0008] In still another embodiment, the present invention is a container storing a plurality of liquids. The container includes a plurality of compartments. Each compartment stores a liquid and has an opening leading to a shared unitary dispensing top. The unitary dispensing top provides for the selective dispensing of liquid stored in one of the plurality of compartments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention will be better understood and its numerous objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front cross sectional view of a beverage container in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a front cross sectional view of the beverage container having the compartments separated;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the beverage container illustrating the dispensing top in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 4A is a side view of a dispensing top in the closed position in a first alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4B is a side view of the dispensing top of FIG. 4A illustrating one pivotable cover in an open position;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispensing top of FIGS. 4A and 4B;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a top view of a dispensing top in a second alternate embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a side view of a beverage container in a third alternate embodiment of the present invention; and

[0018] FIG. 8 is a side view of a beverage container 90 in a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The present invention is a beverage container having a plurality of compartments. FIG. 1 is a front cross sectional view of a beverage container 10 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. The beverage container includes a first compartment 12 and a second compartment 14. Each compartment is separated from an adjacent compartment by a liquid barrier 16. The container, the compartments and the liquid barrier may be made of any nonporous material, such as a rigid plastic or glass. The container also includes a dispensing top 18.

[0020] Each compartment may store a liquid. Thus, with two compartments, two different liquids may be stored within one container. It should be understood, that although two compartments are depicted, the container may have any number of compartments allowing the storage of multiple liquids. The compartments may be integrally formed together or may be separable. With the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compartments 12 and 14 are separable. Prior to sale, the container holds the separable compartments together with a coating such as a plastic wrapping 20 wrapped around a substantial portion of both compartments, or by a label joining the two compartments together.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a front cross sectional view of the beverage container 10 having the compartments 12 and 14 separated. As discussed above, the compartments may be separated into essentially two different containers. Each container includes a dispensing top allowing dispensing of the liquid from its compartment. Additionally, the barrier 16 may be separated into two sections 16a and 16b. Each section 16a and 16b is preferably contoured to allow the compartments to be easily positioned together during storage as one beverage container. The beverage container is separated into separate compartments by removing the plastic wrapping 20 or a label holding the compartments together.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a top view of the beverage container 10 illustrating the dispensing top 20 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 illustrates the compartments as separated from each other. The dispensing top 20 may also be separated into separated sections 20a and 20b. Each section 20a and 20b may be contoured to fit together during storage of the compartments as one single beverage container. Each section may include a removable top, such as a conventional screw-off cap.

[0023] With reference to FIGS. 1-3, the operation of the beverage container 10 will now be explained. During storage, sale and transportation of the beverage container, the beverage container maintains the compartments 12 and 14 as one single package. By selling, storing, or transporting the compartments as one single entity, a buyer is more likely to purchase the multiple beverages as one package. The compartments may be held together as one container by the plastic wrapping 20 or by a label joining the two compartments together. Each compartment preferably contains a different type of liquid. Once the beverage container has been purchased by a consumer, the consumer may remove the plastic wrapping or label as desired. Upon removal of the plastic wrapping or label, the compartments 12 and 14 may be separated. As separate compartments, the liquid stored in each compartment may be dispensed in a conventional manner from its corresponding dispensing top 20a or 20b.

[0024] In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the compartments may be permanently affixed together. Thus the liquid barrier 16 is not separable into two sections. Additionally, the dispensing top is not separable FIG. 4A is a side view of a dispensing top 30 in the closed position in a first alternate embodiment of the present invention. The dispensing top 30 includes pivotable covers 34 and 36 mounted to a base unit 32. The base unit is removably attached to a top portion of the beverage container 10. FIG. 4B is a side view of the dispensing top 30 of FIG. 4A illustrating one pivotable cover 36 in an open position. Each cover 34 and 36 is capable of being pivoted upwardly.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a top view of the dispensing top 30 of FIGS. 4A and 4B. Each cover covers an opening (not shown) leading to each compartment. When desired, the consumer may pivot open the cover covering the compartment storing the desired beverage open. The consumer may then dispense the beverage through the opened dispensing top. Once finished dispensing the beverage, the cover may be closed. If another beverage is desired, the cover corresponding to the compartment storing the desired beverage may be pivoted open. The pivotable covers may be configured in any manner. However, the covers are preferably pivotable about a center axis of the dispensing top 30.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of a dispensing top 40 in a second alternate embodiment of the present invention. The beverage compartment may utilize the dispensing top 40. The dispensing top 40 includes a closed section 46 and a dispensing section 44. The dispensing section 44 includes an opening 42. The dispensing top 40 may be rotatable about a top portion of the beverage container 10. When affixed to the top of the beverage container 10 having the compartments 12 and 14 connected, the dispensing top 40 may be rotated to allow the opening to be aligned with the desired compartment holding the desired beverage. Once the opening is aligned with the correct compartment, the beverage container in the compartment may be dispensed from the opening.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a side view of a beverage container 50 in a third alternate embodiment of the present invention. The beverage container 50 may include more than two compartments. As depicted in FIG. 7, the beverage container includes compartments 52a, 52b, and 52c. Additionally, the compartment 52a includes a dispensing top 54. The compartment 52b includes a dispensing top 56. The compartment 52c includes the dispensing top 58. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the compartments 52a, 52b, and 52c are separable. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the compartments may be unable to be separated.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a side view of a beverage container 90 in a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention. The beverage container 90 may include two containers 92 and 94. The container 92 may include an indentation 96 sized and shaped to accommodate the top portion 98 92 and 94 are stacked one on top of the other. A plastic wrapping or of the container 94. When packaged for sale and storage, the containers label may be utilized to hold the containers together. When desired, the containers are separated and used separately.

[0029] The present invention may include two or more compartments which are separable or formed as an integral container. Any dispensing top which allows the selection of a specific beverage within a compartment may be utilized. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compartments are separable. In addition, the compartments may be reattached by a retaining mechanism or re-application of a label.

[0030] The present invention provides many advantages over existing containers. Unlike conventional beverage containers, a plurality of liquids may be stored within one container. The storage, sale and transportation of the multiple beverages within one container is much easier, and thus, more marketable. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the compartments are separable, which enables the consumer to buy the container as one unit and separate the unit into separate containers at their convenience.

[0031] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. While the apparatus shown and described has been characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that various changes and modifications could be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A container storing a plurality of liquids, said container comprising:

a first compartment storing a first liquid, said first compartment having a first dispensing top with a first opening for the dispensing of the first liquid;

a second compartment storing a second liquid, said second compartment having a second dispensing top with a second opening for the dispensing of the second liquid;

said first compartment being removably attached to said second compartment for the storage of said first compartment and second compartment as a unitary container;

whereby said first compartment may be separated from said second compartment for dispensing of the first or second liquid.

2. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 1 wherein said first compartment is removably attached to said second compartment by a flexible layer of material wrapped around a substantial portion of said first compartment and adjacently positioned said second compartment.

3. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 1 wherein said first compartment is removably attached to said second compartment by a label positioned across said first compartment and adjacently positioned said second compartment.

4. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 1 wherein a side portion of said first compartment is sized and shaped to a contour corresponding a side portion of said second compartment.

5. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 1 wherein the first dispensing top is sized and shaped to a contour corresponding to the second dispensing top.

6. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 1 wherein the first dispensing top and the second dispensing top form a shared unitary dispensing top providing selective dispensing of a selected liquid from said first compartment or said second compartment.

7. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 6 wherein the unitary dispensing top includes a plurality of pivotable covers, each cover providing an opening into a specific compartment.

8. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 6 wherein the unitary dispensing top is rotatable about a top portion of the unitary container and includes an opening, whereby the opening is rotated to a desired compartment for the dispensing of a liquid held in the desired compartment.

9. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 1 further comprising a third compartment storing a third liquid, said third compartment having a third dispensing top with a third opening for the dispensing of the third liquid.

10. A container storing a plurality of liquids, said container comprising:

a first compartment storing a first liquid, said first compartment having a first opening for the dispensing of the first liquid;

a second compartment storing a second liquid, said second compartment having a second opening for the dispensing of the second liquid;

said first compartment being attached to said second compartment to form a unitary container;

the first opening and the second opening forming a single dispensing top;

whereby a desired liquid may be dispensed from one of the compartments through the dispensing top.

11. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 10 wherein the dispensing top includes a plurality of pivotable covers, each cover providing an opening into a specific compartment.

12. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 11 wherein the dispensing top is rotatable about a top portion of the unitary container and includes an opening, whereby the opening is rotated to a desired compartment for the dispensing of a liquid held in the desired compartment.

13. A container storing a plurality of liquids, said container comprising:

a unitary container having:

a plurality of compartments, each compartment storing a liquid and having an opening leading to a shared unitary dispensing top;

the unitary dispensing top having selective means for selectively dispensing a liquid stored in one of said plurality of compartments;

whereby said unitary container holds a plurality of liquids within each of said plurality of compartments and allows the dispensing of a desired liquid from the unitary dispensing top.

14. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 13 wherein the dispensing top includes a plurality of pivotable covers, each cover providing an opening into a specific compartment.

15. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 13 wherein the dispensing top is rotatable about a top portion of the unitary container and includes an opening, whereby the opening is rotated to a desired compartment for the dispensing of a liquid held in the desired compartment.

16. The container storing a plurality of liquids of claim 13 wherein a first compartment is stacked upon a second compartment; and

said first compartment having an indentation on a bottom portion sized and shaped to accommodate a top portion of said second compartment.