APPARATUS FOR MIXED BEVERAGES

Abstract

The present invention combines two containers into a single container with two compartments or chambers, for the purpose of providing alcohol-based “shooters” that are not mixed until consumed. In some variations, containers can be pre-filled with an alcohol-containing liquid and another liquid, joined with a container top assembly, and distributed to a bar, night club, or restaurant for sale and consumption. In some embodiments, all-glass dual-chamber containers are provided.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of mixed beverages containing alcohol. The invention relates more specifically to improved systems and apparatus for mixed beverages.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For about the last two decades, bars and restaurants have been serving mixed drinks without pre-mixing the drink, in a type of drink known as a “shooter,” “bomber,” or “bomb.” An ethanol-containing liquid is poured into a container (such as a shot glass) that is physically located inside another container (such as a tumbler). The volume between the outside of the inner container and the inside of the outer container is generally filled with a non-alcoholic liquid that is intended to enhance the overall taste or reduce unpleasant tastes associated with the ethanol-containing liquid alone.

This mode of cocktail-blend delivery has certain disadvantages, as recited in U.S. Pat. No. 7,342,812 to Mansfield and Lambert. It would be desirable to combine the two containers into a single container with two compartments. Many containers in the prior art are essentially sealed storage containers to be opened at the point of use and poured into another vessel. Examples include U.S. Pat. No. 3,603,485 to Vivier, U.S. Pat. No. 4,410,085 to Beneziat et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,762,224 to Hall, U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,214 to Lev et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,443 to Casey, U.S. Pat. No. 6,363,978 to Castillo, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,990 to Zeng.

It would also be desirable to provide a container that can optionally be pre-filled with an alcohol-containing liquid and another liquid at a first site, and distributed to a second site such as a bar, night club, or restaurant. Such a design would help alleviate the known problems relating to the preparation of these mixed drinks at the site of consumption.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses the aforementioned shortcomings.

In some variations, this invention provides an all-glass container for mixing a first liquid with a second liquid, wherein the container includes an inner chamber for the first liquid and an outer chamber for the second liquid.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber includes a slightly angled wall. The inner chamber can be designed to be capable of holding at least 1 ounce of the first liquid. The outer chamber can be designed to be capable of holding at least 2 or 3 ounces of the second liquid. The containers are not nestable, in some embodiments.

Various types of glass may be utilized for the container. In some embodiments, the container comprises soda-lime glass and lead-oxide glass. In some embodiments, the container comprises soda-lime glass and high-silica glass.

Variations of the invention provide an apparatus comprising a container and a container top assembly adjoined to the container, wherein the container includes an inner chamber for a first liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid, and wherein the container top assembly comprises a top stopper (made of e.g. polymer or cork) or a screw-on cap.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber is capable of holding at least 1 ounce of the first liquid and wherein a free volume of the inner chamber is selected from about 0.1 ounce to about 1 ounce. The outer chamber can be designed for holding at least 2 ounces of the second liquid.

In some embodiments, the apparatus includes an alcohol-containing liquid in the inner chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in the outer chamber. Or, the apparatus can include an alcohol-containing liquid in the outer chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in the inner chamber. The first and second liquids preferably cannot mix until the container is opened by removing the container top assembly.

This invention also provides a method of manufacturing a pre-filled container comprising an inner chamber including a first liquid and an outer chamber including a second liquid, the method comprising:

• • (a) providing a container with an inner chamber for a first liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid;
  • (b) adding a first volume of the first liquid into the inner chamber;
  • (c) adding a second volume of the second liquid into the outer chamber;
  • (d) providing a container top assembly with a top stopper or screw-on cap; and
  • (e) joining the container top assembly onto the container to effectively retain each of the first and second liquids in the respective chambers according to steps (b) and (c), wherein the liquids remain substantially unmixed.

In some embodiments, the volume of the inner chamber is less than the volume of the outer chamber. In some embodiments, the second volume is greater than the first volume. Either or both of the first and second liquid can optionally contain alcohol, although that is not necessary within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting features and aspects of the present invention can be explained in the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing(s).

FIG. 1 is a drawing depicting a container provided in some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the container shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration depicting a joined container and top assembly, in some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus and methods of the present invention will now be described in detail by reference to various non-limiting embodiments of the invention.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing dimensions, parameters, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Without limiting the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail, including reference to the accompanying figures. The figures are understood to provide representative illustration of the invention and are not limiting in their content or scale. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the scope of the invention extends beyond the specific embodiments depicted. This invention also incorporates routine experimentation and optimization of the methods and apparatus described herein.

In some embodiments, the invention comprises a multiple-chambered container for mixing multiple liquids. In preferred embodiments, the invention comprises a dual-chambered container for mixing two or more liquids, such as shown in FIGS. 1-3.

In some embodiments, the outer-chamber liquid is isolated from the inner-chamber liquid by a secure top with top stopper (collectively a “container top assembly” as used herein) connected so that the top stopper can isolate the liquids until the container is opened. In some embodiments, the inner chamber is angled slightly to ensure a substantially secure seal with the top stopper.

In preferred embodiments comprising a dual-chambered container, the inner chamber is capable of holding a liquid volume of at least about 1 ounce. As used in this specification, “ounce” means the U.S. customary fluid ounce (fl. oz.). The total volume of the inner chamber should be at least slightly more than the liquid volume, so that there is sufficient space (“free volume”) for insertion of the top stopper.

For example, the free volume of the inner chamber can be selected from about 0.1 ounce to about 1 ounce, such as about 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 ounce. The total volume of the inner chamber is essentially the liquid volume plus the free volume. When the liquid volume is 1 ounce (as is commercially typical), for example, the total volume can be about 1.1-2.0 ounces, in various embodiments. It should, however, be recognized that the invention is not limited to any particular chamber volumes.

In preferred embodiments, the outer chamber is capable of holding a liquid volume of at least about 2 ounces, preferably at least about 3 ounces, and optionally at least about 4 or more ounces, wherein this amount of liquid contained in the outer chamber will not spill into the inner chamber when the container is substantially flat on a surface. The total volume of the outer chamber is not regarded as critical and can depend on the selected configuration of the container top assembly and the selected dimensions of the inner and outer chambers.

In certain exemplary embodiments with reference to FIG. 2, the outer diameter at or near the top of the container can be about 2.5 to about 3.5 inches, such as about 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 inches. In these exemplary embodiments, the inner diameter can be about 1 to about 2 inches, such as about 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, or 1.7 inches. In one specific embodiment of FIG. 2, the outer diameter is 2.875 in. and the inner diameter is 1.50 in.

In certain exemplary embodiments with reference to FIG. 3, the container height can be about 3 inches, such as (but not limited to) 3.0625 in. The outer diameter at or near the top of the container can be about 2.5 to about 3.5 inches, such as about 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, or 3.2 inches. The outer diameter at or near the bottom of the container is preferably less than the outer diameter at the top of the container. For example, the outer diameter at or near the bottom of the container can be about 2 to about 3 inches, such as about 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, or 2.7 in.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the height corresponding to the inner chamber can be about 1.5 to about 2.5 inches, such as about 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, or 2.2 inches. It is preferable to include a surface within the inner chamber at a height above the bottom of the container, as is depicted in this figure. Liquid within the inner chamber would be intended to fill from this surface upwards. This intermediate inner-chamber height, from the container bottom to such surface, can be about 0.05 to about 0.25 in., such as about 0.125 in.

In some embodiments, the dual-chamber containers are capable of being nested when empty. In other embodiments, the containers are not nestable due to inclusion of bottom walls that would prevent nesting.

Some embodiments utilize a container top assembly that is designed so that liquids in the outer and inner chambers do not mix until the container is opened for consumption. The container top assembly preferably includes a screw-on cap, to help ensure a tight seal, thereby minimizing leakage of liquids (see FIG. 4). Other means of attaching the container top assembly to the container are of course possible, including the use of O-rings, reversible adhesives, and so on, but it is believed that a screw-on cap is a practical means for both a producer and a consumer. Preferably, a screw-on top is constructed with a stopper so that it forms a tight seal with the inner chamber to ensure minimal liquid mixing until the container is opened. The stopper can be fabricated from cork, a polymer, or another suitable material.

Liquid cross-mixing will be virtually impossible when a container top assembly is installed as intended. It will be understood, however, that depending on material selection and specific implementation of any particular construction, some negligible amount of liquids may technically transfer to the opposite chamber, due to mass-transfer mechanisms including vapor-phase pore diffusion or solubility—diffusion through chamber walls. Such diffusion (for example, of ethanol molecules) could be more important if the filled containers are stored or shipped at moderate temperatures wherein diffusion rates are higher.

The embodiments suggested in FIGS. 1 and 3 show threads for tightening a container top assembly. However, some variations of the invention do not employ a container top assembly and therefore do not require threads near the top of the container.

Generally, any suitable materials of construction can be utilized for containers of this invention. Such materials can include plastics (e.g., polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, or polylactide); glasses (e.g., soda-lime glass, lead-oxide glass, or high-silica glass); and papers (e.g., bleached paperboard or high-cellulose paper).

In certain embodiments, the entire multiple-chamber container is constructed from one or more types of glass. For example, the containers shown in FIGS. 1-3, and variations thereof, can be fabricated from glass.

As is known, soda-lime glass is the least-expensive form of common glass; thus, for economic reasons, it can be preferred to utilize soda-lime glass which typically contains 60-75% silica, 12-18% soda, and 5-12% lime. Lead-oxide glass is relatively soft, which can be convenient for manufacturing of containers as described herein. High-silica glass (>75% SiO₂) can be advantageous for long-term stability over many cleaning/sterilization cycles.

Blowing and pressing methods known in the art can be used to form all-glass containers. Once the desired form is obtained, the glass can be annealed for the removal of stresses. Surface treatments, coatings, or lamination may follow to improve the chemical durability, strength, or optical properties. One or more colors may be introduced if desired.

In some embodiments, the inner chamber is pre-filled with an alcohol-containing beverage, such as vodka, whiskey, wine, beer, etc. In certain embodiments, the inner chamber is filled with Jägermeister (produced by Mast-Jägermeister AG, Germany), a certain popular liquor containing about 35 vol % ethanol.

Many variations are contemplated. Any liquid mixtures can be pre-filled into the multiple chambers, such as mixtures of different types of alcohol in the inner chamber or mixtures of various non-alcoholic liquids in the outer chamber. It is also possible, in some embodiments, that an alcohol-containing liquid is pre-filled in the outer chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid is pre-filled in the inner chamber. Generally speaking, any liquids or liquid mixtures can be pre-separated by the two chambers.

In this detailed description, reference has been made to multiple embodiments and to the accompanying drawings in which is shown by way of illustration specific exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that modifications to the various disclosed embodiments may be made by a skilled artisan.

Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and that such modifications are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially.

All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually put forth herein.

The embodiments, variations, and figures described above should provide an indication of the utility and versatility of the present invention. Of course, many more devices can be developed that involve combinations of device elements as provided herein. Other embodiments that do not provide all of the features and advantages set forth herein may also be utilized, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An all-glass container for mixing a first liquid with a second liquid, wherein said container includes an inner chamber for said first liquid and an outer chamber for said second liquid.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein said inner chamber includes a slightly angled wall.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein said inner chamber is capable of holding at least 1 ounce of said first liquid.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein said outer chamber is capable of holding at least 2 ounces of said second liquid.

5. The container of claim 4, wherein said outer chamber is capable of holding at least 3 ounces of said second liquid.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein said container is not nestable.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein said container comprises soda-lime glass and lead-oxide glass.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein said container comprises soda-lime glass and high-silica glass.

9. An apparatus comprising a container and a container top assembly adjoined to said container, wherein said container includes an inner chamber for a first liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid, and wherein said container top assembly comprises a top stopper or screw-on cap.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said inner chamber is capable of holding at least 1 ounce of said first liquid and wherein a free volume of said inner chamber is selected from about 0.1 ounce to about 1 ounce.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said outer chamber is capable of holding at least 2 ounces of said second liquid.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, further including an alcohol-containing liquid in said inner chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in said outer chamber.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, further including an alcohol-containing liquid in said outer chamber and a non-alcoholic liquid in said inner chamber.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said first and second liquids cannot mix until said container is opened by removing said container top assembly.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said container top assembly comprises a top stopper fabricated from polymer or cork.

16. A method of manufacturing a pre-filled container comprising an inner chamber including a first liquid and an outer chamber including a second liquid, said method comprising:

(a) providing a container with an inner chamber for a first liquid and an outer chamber for a second liquid;

(b) adding a first volume of said first liquid into said inner chamber;

(c) adding a second volume of said second liquid into said outer chamber;

(d) providing a container top assembly with a top stopper or screw-on cap; and

(e) joining said container top assembly onto said container to effectively retain each of said first and second liquids in the respective chambers according to steps (b) and (c), wherein said liquids remain substantially unmixed.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the volume of said inner chamber is less than the volume of said outer chamber.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein said second volume is greater than said first volume.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein said first liquid contains alcohol.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said second liquid contains alcohol.