CONTAINER HAVING TWO DISTINCT COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

An application for a dual-compartment container includes an outer surface with a first containment area defined by the outer surface, a first end surface and a divider distal from the first end surface. There is a second containment area defined by the outer surface, a second end surface and the divider, distal from the second end surface. The first containment area is separated from the second containment area by the divider. A first access mechanism is interfaced to the first containment area providing access to a first product stored within the first containment area and a second access mechanism is interfaced to the second containment area providing access to a second product stored within the second containment area.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of containers and more particularly to a container having two distinct compartments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Today, many products such as soft drinks, beer, laundry detergent and the like are delivered in containers. Often, these containers hold only one type of product such as a can of soda. In some cases, the container holds more than one can use at one time such as a two-liter bottle of soda or a container of liquid detergent.

Many of these products in containers are purchased in stores or vending machines. Handling of the products in stores is optimized to the size of a standard product. For example, trucks and pallets are designed to efficiently transport and store cases of 12 oz. cans. Likewise, vending machines are designed to correctly dispense single 12 oz cans in response to a buyer depositing money.

In some cases, for some people, the amount of product in these standardized containers is more then they want or need at one time. In that, once a 12 oz can of soda is opened, if it is not consumed within a short period of time, carbonation is lost and it becomes flat. As a solution to this, beverage companies have an alternate container holding 6 oz of soda such that two beverage containers occupy the same space as one 12 oz beverage container. This new beverage container satisfies the special requirements of shipping since two 6 oz cans fit in the same space as one 12 oz can, but does not work in a vending machine designed to dispense 12 oz cans.

In some cases, it is desired to mix two different products such as laundry detergent and fabric softener, rum and coke or beer and tomato juice. In such cases, existing technology requires the consumer to purchase a discrete container of each component product. The need for such has been demonstrated by manufacturers selling combination products in which two discrete containers are held together by packaging. One example is a 2 oz bottle of rum packaged with a can of coke. Another example is a company that makes Chow Mien wrapping a can of Chow Mien (vegetables and chicken) with a discrete can of Chow Mien noodles. In this way, the Chow Mien noodles remain dry until the Chow Mien is cooked and poured over the Chow Mien noodles.

What is needed is a container that will provide two distinct compartments, each for containing either the same product or dissimilar products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, a dual-compartment container is disclosed including an outer surface with a first containment area defined by the outer surface, a first end surface and a divider distal from the first end surface. There is a second containment area defined by the outer surface, a second end surface and the divider, distal from the second end surface. The first containment area is separated from the second containment area by the divider. A first access mechanism is interfaced to the first containment area providing access to a first product stored within the first containment area and a second access mechanism is interfaced to the second containment area providing access to a second product stored within the second containment area.

In another embodiment, a dual-compartment container is disclosed including an area for containing a first product and an area for containing a second product. The area for containing the first product is separated from the area for containing the second product by a divider and the area for containing the first product has a common outside wall with the area for containing the second product. The area for containing the first product has a first end surface and the area for containing the second product has a second end surface distal from the first end surface. There is a way to access the first product and an independent way to access the second product.

In another embodiment, a dual-compartment container is disclosed including a cylindrical outer surface and two containment areas. A first containment area is defined by the outer surface, a first end surface and a divider distal to the first end surface. A second containment area is defined by the outer surface, a second end surface and the divider distal to the second end surface. The first containment area is separated from the second containment area by the divider. A first pop-top is interfaced to the first end surface to provide access to a liquid stored within the first containment area and a second pop-top is interfaced to the second end surface to provide access to a second liquid stored within the second containment area.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a container of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a second container of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a top plan view of a container of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second plan view of a container of the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a container of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a container of a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a container of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a container of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a container of a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 10 has a first end surface 15 with an access mechanism 14 on the first end surface 15 and a side surface 12. In this embodiment, the access mechanism 14 is a “pop-top” as known in the beverage industry, although any other access mechanism is anticipated. As will be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, a second end surface (not visible) is similar to the first end surface 14. Internal to the container 10 is a divider 16 separating a first containment area 11 from a second containment area 13. In this embodiment, the first containment area 11 holds one type of beverage (regular soda) and the second containment area 13 holds a different type of beverage (diet soda). In other embodiments, the first containment area 11 holds the same beverage as the second containment 13 permitting the consumer to consume the beverage in one containment area 11 at a different time than when they consume the beverage in the other containment area 13. In some embodiments, a cap or cover 18 is provided to function as a coaster that snaps onto and covers either the first end surface 15 or second end surface 25 (see FIG. 4) of the container 10, thereby preventing leaks/drips by covering the open end of the container 10 when the open end of the container 10 is positioned down.

The divider 16 is formed during the manufacturing process. For example, in cans that are rolled from stock such as aluminum sheets, the divider 16 is formed as a disk that is affixed to the stock as it is rolled into can shape. Another way of making a container 10 of the present invention is to manufacture a first section for containment area 11 and a second section for containment area 13 and bonding the first section to the second section using methods known in the industry such as using adhesives or welding.

Referring to FIG. 2, a perspective view of a second container of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 10 has a first end surface 15 with an access mechanism 14 on the first end surface 15 and a side surface 12. In this embodiment, the access mechanism 14 is a “pop-top” as known in the beverage industry, although any other access mechanism is anticipated including a flat surface requiring piercing by a can opener. As will be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the second end surface 25 (not visible) is similar to the first end surface 14, although it is rotated (preferably 180 degrees). Internal to the container 10 is a divider 16 separating a first containment area 11 from a second containment area 13. In this embodiment, the capacity of the first containment area 11 differs from the capacity of the second containment first containment area 11. Being such, the first containment area 11 holds one type of beverage (e.g., rum) and the second containment area 13 holds a different type of beverage (e.g., cola). In other uses, the first containment area 11 holds the same beverage as the second containment 13 permitting the consumer to consume the beverage in one containment area 11 at a different time than when they consume the beverage in the other containment area 13. In some embodiments, a cap or cover 18 is provided to function as a coaster that snaps onto either the first end surface 15 or the second end surface 25 of the container 10, thereby preventing leaks/drips by covering the open end of the container 10 when the open end of the container 10 is positioned down.

Referring to FIG. 3, a first plan view of a container 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The first end surface 15 has an access mechanism 14 such as a “pop-top” as known in the beverage industry. Any access mechanism is anticipated. As shown, the first end surface 15 of the container 10 is slightly lesser in diameter than the outside surface 12, although in alternate embodiments, the first end surface 15 of the container 10 is similar in diameter than the outside surface 12.

Referring to FIG. 4, a second plan view of a container 10 of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second end surface 25 has an access mechanism 24 such as a “pop-top” as known in the beverage industry. Any access mechanism is anticipated. As shown, the second end surface 25 of the container 10 is slightly lesser in diameter than the outside surface 12, although in alternate embodiments, the second end surface 25 of the container 10 is similar in diameter than the outside surface 12. In embodiments in which the divider 16 runs vertical (see FIG. 8), the access mechanism 14 on the first end surface 15 provides access to one side containment area (111 of FIG. 8) and the second access mechanism 24 provides access to the other side containment area (113 of FIG. 8).

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a container of a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. This container 30 is similar to current beverage containers but has two containment areas 131/133 separated by a divider 36. Also provided is a removable end cap 38 enabling the container 30 to stand up on a flat surface. The material (e.g., beverage, soda) in the first containment area 131 is accessed through a cap 35 covering a threaded mouth 34 as known in the industry. The material (e.g., beverage, soda) in the second containment area 133 is accessed through a cap 45 covering a threaded mouth 44 as known in the industry. To dispense the material (beverage) from the first containment area 131, the removable end cap 38 is left on the second end and the cap 35 is opened and the contents are poured from the first containment area 131. To dispense the material (beverage) from the second containment area 132, the removable end cap 38 is removed from the second end and placed on the first end then the cap 45 is opened and the contents are poured from the first containment area 133.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a container of a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. This example of the present invention is a container of a different shape than the previous examples. The container 50 has a first containment area 51 enclosed by an outer shell 52 and having a mouth 54 covered by a cap 55. In some embodiments, the cap 55 is a screw-on cap while in other embodiments; the cap 55 is a snap-on cap or any other type of cap 55 known in the industry. The container 50 also has a second containment area 57, also enclosed by an outer shell 52 and having a mouth 64 covered by a cap 65. In some embodiments, the cap 65 is a screw-on cap while in other embodiments; the cap 65 is a snap-on cap or any other type of cap 65 known in the industry. The first containment area 51 is separated from the second containment area 57 by an internal wall/separator 56. In this example, a first product such as liquid or powdered laundry detergent is provided in the first containment area 51 and a second product such as softener is provided in the second containment area 57.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of a container of a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this example of the present invention, a container 70 has two containment areas for containing two products, in this example, chips 72 and 73. The containment areas are separated by an internal divider 76, keeping the products contained in each containment area separate and maintaining freshness of an unopened containment area after the other containment area is opened. In some embodiments, the first containment area contains the same product (e.g., flavor of chips 74) as the product (e.g., chips 73) in the second containment area. In such, the utility of the present invention includes keeping product in one containment area fresh while the other containment area is in use. In some embodiments, the first containment area contains a different product or type of product (e.g., plain chips 74) as the product or type of product (e.g., sour cream chips 73) in the second containment area. An outside wall 72 defines the outer wall of the containment areas. In the example shown, a lid 75 covers the first containment chamber and a lid 85 covers the second containment chamber. In some embodiments, a peelable or removable cover is provided over each containment chamber as known in the industry.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of a container of a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The container 110 shown has two containment chambers 111/113 separated by a divider 116 that runs lengthwise through the container. The outside of the containment chambers is defined by a wall 112 and a top 115. In this embodiment, the access mechanism 114 provides access to a first containment chamber 113 while a second access mechanism (not visible) provides access to the second containment chamber 111 from the end opposite to end 115. In some embodiments, a cover or cap 118 is provided to cover an open end of the container 110 while the opposite end is being consumed/used.

Although shown as rounded containers, any shape or size is anticipated. For example, in some embodiments the container 70 of FIG. 7 is square, hexagonal or octagonal in cross section.

Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.

It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Claims

1. A dual-compartment container comprising:

an outer surface;

a first containment area defined by the outer surface, a divider and a first end surface;

a second containment area defined by the outer surface, the divider and a second end surface, the first containment area separated from the second containment area by the divider;

a first access mechanism interfaced to the first containment area, the first access mechanism adapted to provide access to a first product stored within the first containment area; and

a second access mechanism interfaced to the second containment area, the second access mechanism adapted to provide access to a second product stored within the second containment area.

2. The dual-compartment container of claim 1, wherein the first access mechanism is on the first end surface.

3. The dual-compartment container of claim 1, wherein the second access mechanism is on the second end surface.

4. The dual-compartment container of claim 1, wherein the outer surface is in the form of a cylinder and the dual-compartment container is a can.

5. The dual-compartment container of claim 4, wherein the first product and the second product are a same liquid.

6. The dual-compartment container of claim 4, wherein the first product is a first liquid and the product is a different liquid.

7. The dual-compartment container of claim 1, wherein a volume of the first containment area is equal to a volume of the second containment area.

8. The dual-compartment container of claim 1, wherein a volume of the first containment area is different than a volume of the second containment area.

9. The dual-compartment container of claim 1, wherein the first containment area is adapted to contain a first type of snack food and the second containment area is adapted to contain a second type of snack food.

10. A dual-compartment container comprising:

a means for containing a first product;

a means for containing a second product, the means for containing the first product separated from the means for containing the second product by a divider; whereas the means for containing the first product having a common outside wall with the means for containing the second product and the means for containing the first product having a first end surface and the means for containing the second product having a second end surface distal from the first end surface;

a means for accessing the first product on the first end surface; and

a means for accessing the second product on the second end surface.

11. The dual-compartment container of claim 10, wherein the common outer surface is in the form of a cylinder and the dual-compartment container is a can.

12. The dual-compartment container of claim 11, wherein the first product and the second product area a same liquid.

13. The dual-compartment container of claim 11, wherein the first product is a first liquid and the second product is a different liquid.

14. The dual-compartment container of claim 10, wherein the means for containing the first product has an equal volume to the means for containing the second product.

15. The dual-compartment container of claim 10, wherein the means for containing the first product has a different volume to the means for containing the second product.

16. The dual-compartment container of claim 10, wherein the means for containing the first product contains a first type of snack food and the means for containing the second product contains a different snack food.

17. A dual-compartment container comprising:

a cylindrical outer surface;

a first containment area defined by the outer surface, a first end surface and a divider distal to the first end surface;

a second containment area defined by the outer surface, by a second end surface distal to the first end surface and by the divider, the first containment area separated from the second containment area by the divider;

a first pop-top interfaced to the first end surface, the first pop top adapted to provide access to a liquid stored within the first containment area; and

a second pop-top interfaced to the second end surface, the second access mechanism adapted to provide access to a second liquid stored within the second containment area.

18. The dual-compartment container of claim 17, wherein the first liquid is the same as the second liquid.

19. The dual-compartment container of claim 17, wherein the first liquid is a different type of liquid than the second liquid.

20. The dual-compartment container of claim 17, wherein the first containment area has an equal volume to the second containment area.