Modular Beverage Container

Abstract

A modular beverage container includes a lower portion having a closed bottom and upstanding side wall that defines an interior area and open top. The beverage container includes an upper portion having a side wall defining an interior area and open bottom. The upper portion includes a spout extending through a closed upper section. The upper and lower portions include fasteners having complementary configurations so that upper and lower portions are selectively coupled together. The beverage container includes a divider member selectively coupled intermediate upper and lower portions. The divider member includes an annular rim and a center section with rim fasteners being situated on opposed sides of the rim and having configurations complementary to the fasteners of upper and lower portions, respectively.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to beverage containers and, more particularly, to a modular beverage container that is separable for cleaning and includes modular accessories for selectively dividing the container into chambers for use in making specialty beverages.

Bottled water has become very popular in that it is perceived to offer healthy advantages over municipal or rural water sources. In some instances, consumers prefer bottled water merely for better taste. Bottled water is typically distributed in disposable plastic bottles. Accordingly, each water bottle is not reusable but rather is discarded as refuse. The overwhelming volume of plastic bottles accumulating in landfills is difficult to calculate. In addition, it is difficult to reuse a traditional water bottle even if a consumer desires that option rather than to immediately discard it. The mouth of a traditional water bottle is too small to receive a cleaning brush, wash cloth, or to be effectively cleaned in a dishwasher.

Various devices have been proposed for bottles having multiple sections, nested configurations, or that may be disassembled. Although assumably effective for their intended purposes, the existing proposals do not provide a modular beverage container having a quick twist assembly and disassembly so that the beverage container components may be easily cleaned between uses.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a modular beverage container that provides a water bottle that may be quickly disassembled, cleaned, re-assembled in various configurations, and re-used.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A modular beverage container according to the present invention includes a lower portion having a closed bottom and upstanding side wall that defines an interior area and open top. The beverage container includes an upper portion having a side wall defining an interior area and open bottom. The upper portion includes a spout through a closed upper section. The upper and lower portions include fasteners having complementary configurations so that upper and lower portions are selectively coupled together. The beverage container includes a divider member selectively coupled intermediate upper and lower portions. The divider member includes an annular rim and a center section, rim fasteners being situated on opposed sides of the rim and having configurations complementary to the fasteners of upper and lower portions, respectively.

Therefore, a general object of this invention is to provide a modular beverage container having modular components that are separable for cleaning and subsequent re-use.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular beverage container, as aforesaid, in which components are quickly and easily separated or coupled together.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a modular beverage container, as aforesaid, having a dividing member that may be situated between two chamber portions.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a modular beverage container, as aforesaid, that is easy to use.

A further object of this invention is to provide a modular beverage container, as aforesaid, that is cost-effective to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein is set forth by way of illustration and example, embodiments of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a modular beverage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container as in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is another perspective view of the container as in FIG. 1 in use with a divider member and tubular container member; and

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the container as in FIG. 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A modular beverage container according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 of the accompanying drawings. The modular beverage container 10 includes a lower portion 20, an upper portion 40, and a divider member 60 selectively coupled together with quick connect fasteners.

The lower portion 20 of the beverage container 10 includes a closed bottom 66 and a continuous side wall 24 extending upwardly therefrom (FIG. 2). The lower portion side wall 24 includes an upper edge 26, the side wall 24 defining a lower portion interior area and an open top. Preferably, the lower portion 20 has a generally cylindrical configuration. The lower portion 20 includes at least one lower portion fastener 28 coupled to the upper edge 26 of the lower portion side wall 24 although it is preferred to have a plurality of lower portion fasteners 28 spaced apart along the upper edge 26 of the lower portion side wall 24 as will be described in greater detail later.

The upper portion 40 of the beverage container 10 includes a continuous side wall 42 defining an upper portion interior area. The upper portion side wall 42 includes a lower edge 43 defining an open bottom. The upper portion 40 may include a cylindrical section 44 extending upwardly from the lower edge 43 and a domed section 46 (also referred to as an upper section) extending upwardly from the cylindrical section 44. A spout 48 is defined by an upper extent of the upper portion 40, i.e. from the domed section 46, that is in communication with the upper portion interior area and configured to allow a fluid to flow out therefrom. The upper portion 40 includes at least one upper portion fastener 50 coupled to the lower edge of the upper portion side wall 42 although it is preferred to have a plurality of upper portion fasteners 50 spaced apart along the lower edge 43 of the upper portion side wall 42 as will be described in greater detail later. The fasteners of the upper 40 and lower 20 portions may be coupled to respective side wall edges or integrally formed thereby.

The divider member 60 includes a rim 62 having a generally annular configuration configured to be selectively situated between the upper 40 and lower 20 portions and releasably and selectively coupled thereto (FIG. 4). The rim 62 includes top 64 and bottom 66 surfaces. More particularly, the rim 62 includes a rim upper fastener 74 coupled to the top surface 64 of the rim 62 and includes a rim lower fastener 68 coupled to the bottom surface 66 of the rim 62. Preferably, the upper 74 and lower 68 fasteners include a plurality of fasteners, respectively, that are spaced apart about the rim 62.

The upper portion fastener 50 or fasteners include a configuration that is complementary to a configuration of the lower portion fastener 28 or fasteners as well as to the rim upper fastener 74 or fasteners. Similarly, the lower portion fastener 28 or fasteners have a configuration complementary to the upper portion fastener 50 or fasteners as well as to the rim lower fastener 68 or fasteners. Accordingly, the divider member 60 may be coupled intermediate the upper 40 and lower 20 portions although the upper portion 40 may also be directly coupled to the lower portion 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

With further reference to the fasteners described above for respective upper portion 40, lower portion 20, and divider member 60, it should be understood that each fastener includes a substantially similar construction so as to enable the fasteners to be coupled to one another. As will become even more clear below, the respective fasteners include configurations that are complementary and engage one another when rotated relative to one another. Specifically, the upper and lower portion fasteners 50, 28 are a plurality of ramp members 52, 30, respectively, spaced apart along the upper 26 and lower 43 edges, respectively. Similarly, the rim upper fastener 74 and rim lower fastener 68 are a plurality of rim ramp members 75, 69 respectively.

Each ramp member includes a first section having a relatively thin construction that is displaced from a respective edge or surface (i.e. upper edge 26, lower edge 43, rim top surface 64, rim bottom surface 66) and a second section having a relatively thick construction that is immediately adjacent a respective edge or surface. As shown, each ramp member is gradually sloped between respective first and second sections such that respective fasteners are gradually tightened when rotatably engaged together. For instance, respective second sections (thick section) are received by respective first sections (thin). When rotated, say in a clockwise direction, the respective thick sections are urged toward adjacent thick sections, causing a frictional fit tightening. Rotation in an opposite direction causes a loosening of respective sections. Respective sections are configured such that the fasteners may be tightened with less than a one-quarter twist/rotation.

In the drawings, the upper portion ramp members are indicated by reference numeral 52 with first section 54 and second section 56. The lower portion 20 ramp members are indicated by reference numeral 30 with first section 32 and second section 34. The rim upper fastener 74 includes ramp member 75 with corresponding first section 76 and second section 78. The rim lower fastener 68 includes ramp member 69 with corresponding first section 70 and second section 72.

The divider member 60 described above may include a center section 65 having a grate configuration configured to allow liquid to pass therethrough but to not allow solid materials to pass therethrough (FIG. 4). For example, a fruit such as a lemon may be inserted into the upper portion 40 which will rest upon the divider. While water in the upper portion 40 would be able to pass into the lower portion 20, the lemon slice would remain on the divider member center section 65. The lower portion 20 could then be removed and the filtered water consumed. This method may be repeated again and again to filter water through the fruit and grate.

In some embodiments, the center section may have an impermeable configuration (not shown) that separates the upper portion interior area from the lower portion interior area. In this embodiment, multiple chambers are established in which different items or substances may be stored. For example, a beverage such as water may be stored in the upper portion 40 having a spout 48 while a food item such as crackers may be stored in the lower portion interior area.

In another embodiment, the modular beverage container 10 includes a tubular container 80 that extends downwardly from the rim 62 of the divider member 60. The tubular container 80 includes a closed bottom and side wall and defines an open top. In other embodiments (not shown) the tubular container 80 may include a bottom having a grate configuration such that a fruit slice or the like may be situated therein while allowing water or another beverage to pass into the lower portion 20.

In still other embodiments, the modular beverage container 10 may include a tubular container member 90 that is separate and distinct from the divider member 60 (FIG. 4). The tubular container member 90 may be utilized with the other components as an alternative to the divider member 60 or in addition to it. Accordingly, the tubular container member 90 includes its own rim and upper/lower fasteners having a construction and function substantially similar to the fasteners described above.

The lower portion 20 may include an insulated construction (not shown) configured to inhibit a temperature variation. In some embodiments, the modular beverage container 10 may include an insulated insert (not shown), such as a liner, having a configuration complementary to the inner dimensions of the lower portion 20 so as to be removably situated in the lower portion interior area. For instance, the insulated construction or insert may enable ice cubes situated in the lower portion 20 to resist melting.

The modular beverage container 10 includes means for sealing between the lower 20 and upper 40 portions. The sealing means may be rubber O-rings 100 or a suitable gasket (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the sealing means may be molded into upper and lower edges 26, 43 of the lower and upper portions 20, 40 respectively. When the divider member 60 is positioned intermediate the upper 40 and lower 20 portions, additional sealing means may be included appropriately (FIG. 4).

In use, upper 40 and lower 20 portions of the beverage container 10 may be coupled together by rotating respective fasteners 50, 28 relative to one another. It is understood that the configurations of respective fastener ramp sections cause the fasteners to tighten relative to one another with less than a quarter of a turn as described above. The beverage container 10 may then be filled with a beverage, such as water through the spout 48. A cap (not shown) may be included and closed over the spout in a traditional manner to prevent unintended spillage. When the beverage has been completely consumed, the beverage container 10 may be disassembled by simply rotating the portions in a reverse direction. The modular portions may then be washed, such as in a dishwasher, if desired. The housing portions are then ready to re-assemble and re-use as desired.

If desired, the divider member 60 may be incorporated into the assembly of the beverage container 10 in a similar manner. The lower portion fasteners 28 may be appropriately lined up with the rim lower fasteners 68 of the divider member 60 and rotated relative to one another. Then, the upper portion fasteners 50 and divider member upper fasteners 74 may be aligned and engaged by twisting. The beverage container 100 is disassembled by reversing these steps.

It is understood that while certain forms of this invention have been illustrated and described, it is not limited thereto except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims and allowable functional equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A modular beverage container, comprising:

a lower portion having a closed bottom and a continuous lower portion side wall extending upwardly therefrom that defines a lower portion interior space area, said lower portion side wall having an upper edge defining a lower portion open top;

an insulation insert removably situated in said lower portion interior area configured to inhibit a temperature variation;

a lower portion fastener coupled to said lower portion upper edge;

an upper portion having a continuous upper portion side wall that defines an upper portion interior space, said upper portion side wall having a lower edge defining an upper portion open bottom;

an upper portion fastener coupled to said upper portion lower edge;

a spout coupled to an upper section of said upper portion in communication with said upper portion interior space;

a divider member selectively coupled intermediate said upper and lower portion, said divider member having a generally annular rim that includes top and bottom surfaces;

wherein said divider member includes a center section having a grate configuration that generally allows a fluid to pass therethrough but does not allow a solid to pass therethrough, said center section having an impermeable configuration that separates said upper portion interior area from said lower portion interior area;

a rim upper fastener connected to said rim top surface and having a configuration that is complementary to a configuration of said upper portion fastener so as to be selectively coupled thereto;

a rim lower fastener connected to said rim bottom surface and having a configuration that is complementary to a configuration of said lower portion fastener so as to be selectively coupled thereto;

a tubular container member selectively coupled intermediate said upper and lower portions, said tubular container member having a generally annular rim that includes top and bottom surfaces and a tubular portion extending downwardly into said lower portion interior area when said tubular container member is coupled intermediate said upper and lower portions;

a tubular container member rim upper fastener connected to said tubular container member rim top surface;

a tubular container member rim lower fastener connected to said tubular container member rim bottom surface;

wherein: said tubular container member rim upper fastener is complementary to said divider member rim lower fastener such that said tubular container member is selectively coupled to said divider member; said upper portion fastener includes a plurality of upper portion ramp members spaced apart along said upper portion side wall lower edge; said lower portion fastener includes a plurality of lower portion ramp members spaced apart along said lower portion side wall upper edge; said rim upper fastener includes a plurality of rim upper ramp members spaced apart along said rim top surface; said rim lower fastener includes a plurality of rim lower ramp members spaced apart along said rim bottom surface; each of said upper portion ramp members, lower portion ramp members, rim upper ramp members, and rim lower ramp members include, respectively: a first section having a thin configuration; a second section having a thick configuration; each respective ramp member is sloped gradually between a respective first section and a respective second section such that said respective first section is configured to receive said respective second section; and each said respective ramp member is configured to gradually tighten when rotatably engaged with another said respective ramp member.

2-7. (canceled)

8. The modular beverage container as in claim 1, wherein said upper portion and said lower portion and said divider member have generally cylindrical configurations, respectively.

9-12. (canceled)

13. The modular beverage container as in claim 1, wherein said upper portion side wall includes a cylindrical section extending upwardly from said lower edge and a domed section coupled to said cylindrical section, said domed section defining said spout.

14. The modular beverage container as in claim 1, further comprising means for sealing said upper portion to said divider member and means for sealing said lower portion to said divider member.

15-17. (canceled)