BOTTLE WITH MULTIPLE COMPARTMENTS

Abstract

A beverage bottle for mixing at least two liquids upon pouring is described. The bottle includes an outer container for holding a first liquid. The outer container includes a bottom, a circumferential wall, and an open spout. The bottle includes at least one inner container positioned within the outer container for holding a second liquid. The inner container includes a bottom, a circumferential wall, and an open spout. The bottle further includes a collar engaging the outer container and the inner container and holding the inner container in a fixed position relative to the outer container. The collar defines a first aperture in fluid communication with the inner container and a second aperture in fluid communication with the outer container. A lateral distance between a first pouring edge of the first aperture and a first pouring edge of the second aperture is eight millimeters or less

Description

The present application claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/014,402 filed Jun. 19, 2014, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This specification relates generally to containers for holding liquid, and more particularly to a bottle with multiple compartments for storing different constituent liquids for mixed drinks that pours the liquids at consistent ratios.

BACKGROUND

Mixed drinks such as juice mixtures and mixed alcoholic beverages are commonly consumed in modern society.

Mixed beverages are generally prepared using one of two methods. In a first method, the constituent liquids are mixed in a bottle at a bottling facility and are provided in a pre-mixed state to a retailer. An example of this method would be a blueberry iced tea drink. In this example, blueberry juice and iced tea are dispensed into the same bottle at the bottling facility so that a consumer does not have to mix the ingredients themselves. One deficiency of this method is that the constituent ingredients will generally have different densities, which leads to one of the liquids remaining at the bottom of the bottle and often forming a sediment layer. If a consumer pours the beverage without mixing vigorously, it is likely that the consumer will receive a significantly larger portion of one of the constituent liquids than was intended by the beverage provider given that the constituent liquids are not mixed effectively. Commonly artificial flavors and colors are added to these types of mixed drinks so that the integrity of the ingredients does not break down.

In a second method of preparing mixed beverages, a consumer must purchase the constituent ingredient liquids of the desired beverage, measure the constituent ingredients, and pour accordingly. This method can be cumbersome, especially when the consumer must buy many different constituent liquids that are required by the mixed drink recipe. Furthermore, the consumer must measure each of the ingredients precisely before pouring which is dependent on the size of the glass being used to drink the beverage. Many consumers do not know the proper drink recipes and therefore have to conduct some research first in order to obtain the desired mixing proportions. Additionally, it can be dangerous if alcohol is one of the ingredients in a drink recipe and the consumer includes too high of a proportion of alcohol in the mixed drink.

There is therefore a need for improved methods and products which overcome or ameliorate one or more of the defects of the prior art.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bottle having multiple compartments, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is front view of the bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a bottle having multiple compartments and including a cap, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 shows a bottom view of a cap in accordance with an embodiment, showing elements of the cap that seal a multiple compartment bottle;

FIG. 6 shows a top-down cross-sectional view of a bottle having an inner container positioned within an outer container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 shows a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a collar;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of the collar of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a top view of a further embodiment of a collar;

FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the collar of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a further top perspective view of the collar of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of a bottle having multiple compartments according to a further embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a top view of a collar for use with the embodiment of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the collar of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the bottle of FIG. 12;

FIG. 16 is an exploded view of the bottle of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a bottom view of a cap in accordance with an embodiment of the bottle of FIG. 12; and

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle of FIG. 12.

For convenience, like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements and components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A beverage bottle for efficiently mixing at least two liquids upon pouring is provided. In an embodiment, the bottle includes an outer container for holding a first liquid, and at least one inner container positioned within the outer container for holding a second liquid. A collar is included for securing the inner container within the outer container. The collar has an outer surface for engaging with the wall of the outer container, and an aperture for engaging with the spout of the inner container. The first and second liquids are kept separate until they are poured from the bottle, at which time the liquids are mixed at a predetermined ratio.

In another aspect, the collar is positioned at the top of the outer container. The collar may include a plurality of apertures positioned above the first liquid for pouring the first liquid and for allowing airflow into the outer container during the pouring process. The ratio of the larger collar aperture (engaged with the inner container spout) and the smaller collar apertures (positioned above the first liquid) may be selected to pour the first and second liquids at a predetermined ratio.

In an aspect, at least one of the inner and outer containers comprises polyethylene terephthalate. In another aspect, at least one of the inner and outer containers comprises glass. In various aspects, the inner and outer containers are transparent so that their respective liquids may be viewed from the outside of the bottle.

In yet another aspect, the largest distance between the walls of inner container and the outer container when the inner container is positioned within the outer container, is at partly determined to overcome any refraction of light through the inner container so that the first and second liquids are distinguishable from the outside of the bottle to a consumer.

In an embodiment, a beverage bottle for mixing at least two liquids upon pouring is described. The bottle includes an outer container for holding a first liquid. The outer container includes a bottom, a circumferential wall, and an open spout. The bottle includes at least one inner container positioned within the outer container for holding a second liquid. The inner container includes a bottom, a circumferential wall, and an open spout. The bottle further includes a collar engaging the outer container and the inner container and holding the inner container in a fixed position relative to the outer container. The collar defines a first aperture in fluid communication with the inner container and a second aperture in fluid communication with the outer container. A lateral distance 915 between a first pouring edge 923 of the first aperture 902 and a first pouring edge 921 of the second aperture 906 is eight millimeters or less. The first pouring edge 921 of the first aperture 902 is the edge of the aperture 902 that the liquid pours over when and the first pouring edge 923 of the second aperture 906 is the edge of the aperture 906 that the liquid over. The pouring edges 921, 921 are generally the sides of the aperture closest to the outside perimeter of the collar 106.

Reference is first made to FIGS. 1 to 5 to describe a multiple compartment bottle 100 according to an example embodiment. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the bottle 100 and FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the bottle 100. FIG. 3 is a top view of the bottle 100 and FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the bottle 100. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the bottle 100 also includes a cap 108 which is not shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

The multiple compartment bottle 100 is adapted to hold, and keep separate, at least two distinct liquids to be mixed when a user pours the liquids with a cap 108 (not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 but shown in FIG. 5) removed from the bottle 100. In an embodiment, the multiple compartment bottle 100 may store and keep separate an alcoholic spirit (e.g. vodka) and juice (e.g. orange juice) in separate compartments (also referred to herein as containers) within the bottle 100. The multiple compartment bottle 100 is configured to mix the vodka and orange juice in another container such as a glass as the vodka and orange juice are poured out of their respective containers. The multiple compartment bottle 100 is designed such that a desired pour ratio is achieved when the liquids are poured, meaning that the ratio between the respective liquids is constant (within a predetermined range) when poured, no matter how much of the original volume of the liquids remains in the bottle.

In some embodiments, the multiple compartment bottle 100 has an outer container 102 for holding a first liquid 120 and at least one inner container 104 within the outer container 102 for holding a second liquid 140. The inner container 104 may also be referred to as an inner bottle and the outer container 102 may also be referred to as an outer bottle. The inner container 104 and the outer container 102 each include a bottom (which may also be referred to as a base), a circumferential wall and an open spout. More particularly, a base 116 (FIG. 2) of the outer container 102 and a circumferential wall 107 of the outer container 102 contain the first liquid 120 therebetween and an open spout 112 is located at a top end of the outer container 102. The open spout 112 is the open end of the outer container 102.

Similarly, a base 118 (FIG. 2) of the inner container 104 and a circumferential wall 109 of the inner container 104 contain the second liquid 140 therebetween and an open spout 114 is located at a top end of the inner container 104. The open spout 114 is the open end of the inner container 104.

As shown, the inner container 104 fits within the outer container 102, meaning that the volume of inner container 104 is less than the volume of outer container 102. However, the volume of the liquid in the inner container 104 could be more than the volume of the liquid in the outer container 102 since the outer container 102 is occupied, in part, by the inner container 104. As will be described herein, the inner container 104 may be secured within the outer container 102 using one or more techniques. In various embodiments, the rotational position of inner container 104 within the outer container 102 may be relevant, and various alignment mechanisms may be employed to ensure a desired relative position of inner container 104 with respect to outer container 102.

In various embodiments, a desired visual/aesthetic effect may be achieved by selecting the respective liquids 120,140 of various colors. For example, in some embodiments the first liquid 120 is colorless (e.g., vodka) and the second liquid 140 is colored (e.g., a juice such as cranberry juice). In such an arrangement, the inner container 104 may be visibly distinguishably from the outer container 102 in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. It will be appreciated that any combination of colored and/or colorless liquids may be selected depending on the effect and mixed drink combination (after pouring) that is desired.

In some embodiments, the distance between the wall of the outer container 102 and the inner container 104 is within a range of 0.1 to 2 inches (when the inner container 104 is positioned within the outer container 102). Such a configuration may overcome the refraction effect and allow the inner liquid 140 to be distinguishable from the outer liquid 120. Other ranges and configurations may also provide that the inner and outer liquids 140,120 are distinguishable.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, a collar 106 may be employed to secure the inner container 104 within the outer container 102. The collar 106 may include a plurality of apertures 302,304,306 (FIG. 3) which are configured to achieve several purposes.

The collar engages the outer container 102 and the inner container 104 to hold the inner container in a fixed position relative to the outer container. The collar is positioned at a top end of the outer container proximate the spout of the outer container.

The collar 106 may be threadably engaged with the outer container 102. As shown, the perimeter of collar 106 may have threads that can be engaged with corresponding threads on an interior of a spout 114 (FIG. 5) of the outer container 102. Likewise, the aperture 306 of the collar 106 may have an interior wall that may be threadably engaged with a spout 112 (FIG. 5) of the inner container 104. The collar 106 operates to secure the inner container 104 within the outer container 102. In some embodiments, a thread sealant such as an adhesive, thread tape, etc. may be used to further secure the positioning of the collar and inner container 104.

Other attachment techniques for attaching the collar 106 to the outer container 102 and/or the inner container 104 may also be used. For example, in some embodiments, the collar 106 may friction fit within the outer container 102. To facilitate such a fit, the interior of the outer container 102 may include one or more protrusions or other features at or near its spout 112 which may exert a force on the collar 106 to hold it in place. Similarly, the collar may friction fit with the inner container 104 at the spout 114 of the inner container 104. The collar 106 functions to secure the inner container to the bottom of the outer container by engaging with the collar.

In at least some embodiments, to provide additional rigidity to the outer container and/or the inner container, the inner or outer container may include one or more structural and/or strengthening features. For example, in an embodiment, the outer container may include one or more ribs on or around the spout 112. The ribs or rings may provide additional rigidity to the bottle. In some embodiments, the inner container may include one or more vertical indentations along a side of the inner container.

Furthermore, while the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrates a collar 106 which attaches to the inner container 104 at an exterior perimeter surface of the inner container 104 (i.e. at the exterior side of the spout 114), in other embodiments, the collar 106 may be inserted within the spout 114 of the interior and may be secured with threading or by a friction fit or another suitable technique. Similarly, while the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5 illustrates a collar 106 which attaches to the outer container 102 at an interior surface of the inner container 104 (i.e. at the interior side of the spout 112), in other embodiments, the collar 106 may be attached to the exterior side of the spout 112.

The collar 106 may, in at least some embodiments, be referred to as a ring. In some embodiments, the collar 106 may be referred to as a first cap (as distinguished from the cap 108, which may be referred to as a second cap in such embodiments). In various embodiments, the collar 106 may be positioned near the top of the outer container 102 (as shown in the Figures), at the bottom of outer container 102, or anywhere along the length of outer container 102. In some embodiments, more than one collar 106 may be positioned within the outer container 102 to secure the inner container in multiple locations. As noted above, the collar 106 may be engaged within the outer container using a threaded connection as shown, using a friction fit, secured with an epoxy, or by any suitable means. Likewise, the inner container 104 may engage with the aperture 306 of the collar 106 using a threaded connection as shown, by way of a friction fit, or by any suitable means.

An aperture 306 (which may be referred to as a first aperture) provided on the collar 106 is in fluid communication with the spout 114 of the inner container. That is, the first aperture 306 may form a spout together with the spout 114 such that the fluid 140 within the inner container 140 exits from the aperture 306 and the spout 114 during pouring. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more other apertures 302,304 are positioned on the collar 106 above the liquid 120 in the outer container 102. At least one of apertures 304, 302 is in fluid communication with the spout 112 of the outer container. That is, at least one of these other apertures allows for liquid 120 to exit the outer container 102. Another one of the apertures 304,302 may allow airflow into the outer container 102 during pouring to increase the effectiveness of the pouring operation. This other aperture may act as and be referred to as a vent, in at least some embodiments. The vent is also in fluid communication with the spout to allow air to enter the outer container 102.

In the example embodiment, the apertures 304, 302 that act as the vent and the spout for the outer container 102 are similar in configuration. More particularly, both of these apertures are of the same size and are of the same distance from the first aperture 306. Such a configuration allows the apertures 304, 302 to be used interchangeably. However, in other embodiments (some examples of which will be discussed below), the apertures 304, 302 may be different from one another.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a cap 108 for sealing the multiple compartment bottle 100 is shown. In FIG. 4, the cap 108 is shown along with other components of the bottle 100. In. FIG. 5, the cap 108 is shown in isolation, and is illustrated from the bottom of the cap (i.e. the side of the cap 108 that is configured for attaching to the bottle 100 and sealing one or more of the apertures 302, 304, 306.

In the example, the cap 108 includes an outwardly projecting cylindrical wall 702 which is configured to enter the first aperture 306 and seal the inner container spout 114. A further wall 704 is configured to enclose and seal the spout 112 of the outer container 102 from the outside. In this way, the cap 108 is adapted to keep separated the first and second liquids and to confine the liquids to their respective containers while the cap is in place. The walls 702, 704 may engage with their opposing surfaces of inner container 104 and outer container 102 by way of friction, threads, and the like. In some embodiments, the cap 108 includes a locking mechanism for further securing the cap 108 in place once it is engaged tightly with inner and outer containers 104,102.

In one or more embodiments, the cap 108 can be used as a cup for drinking. For example, the configuration and size of the cap 108 can be such that, once removed, it operates as a cup or container for a drink. By way of further example, the cap can have a planar surface so that it can rest on a table without tipping over and the cap can have a depth substantial enough for holding a suitable amount of beverage for drinking.

Referring to FIG. 6, a top down cross sectional view of the multiple compartment bottle 100 is shown to illustrate shapes of the inner container and the outer container. In the example, the outer container 102 contains a transparent liquid 120 and the inner container 104 contains a colored liquid 140. In some embodiments, the transparent liquid 120 is an alcoholic spirit (e.g. vodka) and colored liquid 140 is a flavored beverage (e.g. juice). By placing a transparent liquid in the outer container, the contents of the inner container can be viewed. That is, the transparent liquid provided in the outer container allows for viewing of the non-transparent liquid contained in the inner container. This can allow a user to easily assess the amount of liquid in each container.

As illustrated, the outer container 102 cross sectional shape may be substantially oval/elliptical such that the circumference is not defined by a constant radius around the center of the container. In the embodiment illustrated, the inner container 104 cross sectional shape is substantially circular such that the circumference is defined by a substantially constant radius around the center of the container. However, in another embodiment, the inner container 104 cross sectional shape is oval/elliptical such that the circumference is not defined by a constant radius around the center of the container

The distance between the outer container 102 and the inner container 140 may vary between a distance L and a distance S. The two distances may be selected so that the colored liquid 140 is clearly distinguishable from the colorless liquid 120 when the bottle 100 is viewed from the outside. Due to the refraction of light passing through the bottle 100, a predetermined minimum distance may enable a viewer to distinguish between the outer and inner liquids 120,140. It should be appreciated that with a suitable geometry, the liquids 120,140 may be distinguishable as long as they are different colors (or both are not colorless). Also, the embodiments contemplated are not limited to the shapes and configuration as shown in the drawings, but rather, a multitude of shapes and configurations of containers 102,104 are contemplated.

In some embodiments, the ratio between the radii of the aperture 306 and the apertures 302,304 may be selected so that a desired ratio of liquids 120,140 is dispensed during a pour, within an acceptable margin of error. In some embodiments, the ratio between the larger aperture 306 and the smaller apertures 302,304 is within a range of 2:1 to 5:1. In some embodiments, the ratio range may be predetermined to correspond to a particular drink, such as a vodka and orange juice drink with known quantities of alcohol and juice. For example, a particular vodka and orange juice drink (screwdriver) may contain 2 oz. of vodka for every 5. oz. of orange juice. To achieve this desired proportion, the ratio of the larger aperture 306 to the smaller apertures 302, 304 is carefully selected so that this constant ratio (2:5 of vodka to orange juice) is poured from a multiple bottle 100, no matter how much of the inner and outer liquids 140,120 remain in the bottle 100.

In some embodiments, the bottle 100 includes an alignment mechanism for ensuring that the inner container and outer container are positioned in a desired position relative to each other. The alignment mechanism may include one or more protrusions on the bottom of (and within) the outer container 102, that are designed to fit into corresponding cavities (indentations) on the outside of the base 118 of the inner container 104. In some embodiments the bases of the inner and outer containers are secured to each other such that the inner and outer containers cannot move relative to each other. In other embodiments, the alignment mechanism ensures that the inner container is positioned relative to the outer container in a general orientation, but the inner container is not secured to the outer container via the base. In various embodiments, the shapes of the outer container 102 and the inner container 104 ensure that the containers 102,104 are positioned relative to each other in a desired configuration. For example, for an embodiment in which both the outer container 102 and the inner container 104 have substantially ellipsoid shapes, if the long axis of the inner container 104 is longer than the short axis of the outer container 102, then the inner container 104 may be generally positioned within the outer container in a desired orientation.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are two views of an alternative embodiment of a collar 106. The collar 106 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 defines twelve apertures 802 (only one is labelled for clarity) arranged in a star formation. However, it is understood that there may be numerous other arrangements of apertures in the collar 106. Six of the twelve apertures 802 are configured to be on an inner portion of the collar 106 and the remaining six apertures are configured to be on an outer portion of the collar 106. When the collar 106 is attached to the bottle, the apertures in the inner portion of the collar 106 provide a passage from the interior of the inner container to the exterior of the bottle 100. Similarly, when the collar 106 is attached to the bottle, the apertures in the outer portion of the collar 106 provide a passage from the cavity between the interior bottle and the exterior bottle and the exterior of the bottle. The collar may also be configured to have a spout on an undersurface which can operate to enhance a seal between the two bottles (so that the liquids to not mix prior to pouring). It will be appreciated that there may be a greater or lesser number of apertures that those shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9, FIG. 10, and FIG. 11 show three views of a further alternative embodiment of a collar 106. In this embodiment, the collar includes a raised central platform through which extend two apertures 902, 904. When the collar 106 is secured to the bottle the two apertures 902, 904 in the central platform provide a fluid passage into the inner container 104. That is, the apertures 902, 904 are in fluid communication with the inner container. When liquid is poured from the bottle 100 (with the collar 106 secured to the top opening of the bottle), the larger of the two apertures 902, 904 allows liquid to exit from the inner container 104 and the smaller of the two apertures 902, 904 acts as a vent to allow air to enter the bottle. It is understood that the two apertures 902, 904 can be in different sizes and configurations. The larger of the two apertures 902 may be referred to as a first aperture (or a pouring aperture) and the smaller of the apertures may be referred to as a first venting aperture

With continued reference to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11, there can be two outer apertures 906, 908 on the collar 106 in order to allow liquid to be poured out of the outer container 102 and to allow air to pass into the outer container 102. The two outer apertures 906, 908 in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 are on opposite sides of the raised central platform. The two apertures provide a passage into the outer container 102 so that when the bottle is tipped, the liquid from the outer container can pour out of one aperture 906 and air can pass into the outer container 102 from the other aperture 908. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the outer apertures 906, 908 are aligned with the inner apertures so that the liquid from the inner container can be poured out at the same time as the liquid from the outer container. The larger of the two apertures 906, 908 may be referred to as a second aperture (or a second pouring aperture), to distinguish from the first pouring aperture for the inner container. Similarly, the smaller of the apertures 906, 908 may be referred to as a second venting aperture.

The first pouring aperture and the second pouring aperture are oriented along a common straight line, which may be referred to as the pour line 913. More particularly, the first pouring aperture and the second pouring aperture are all centered along the pour line. In at least some embodiments, both of the inner apertures 902, 904 and both of the outer apertures 906, 908 are all aligned along the pour line (including the venting apertures). More particularly, the inner apertures 902, 904 and the outer apertures 906, 908 are all centered along the pour line 913. Pouring of the liquids from the bottle 100 is achieved by tipping the bottle 100 along the pour line 913.

To reduce the possibility of the first liquid 120 being poured without the second liquid 140 also being poured, the first pouring aperture 902 and the second pouring aperture 906 are placed very close together. In at least some embodiment a lateral distance between a first pouring edge of the first aperture and a first pouring edge of the second aperture is eight millimeters or less.

More particularly, the first pouring aperture 902 and the second pouring aperture 906 are both located near a common wall of the spout 112 of the inner container. In an embodiment, each of these apertures are within three millimeters of this common wall of the spout 112.

To allow the second pouring aperture 906 to be close to the first pouring aperture 902, the second pouring aperture 906 may be an elongate aperture that is relatively long in comparison to its width. The width, w, of the aperture 906 is measures across the portion of the aperture extending along the pour line 913 and the length, l, is measured perpendicular to the pour line 913. In at least some embodiments, the width of the second pouring aperture 906 is five millimeters or less and the length is seven millimeters or more. In at least some embodiments, the ratio of the length to the width is at least 2:1. The greater length accommodates larger flow rates while the smaller width reduces the likelihood that liquid can be poured from the outer container without also pouring liquid from the inner container.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 to 18, a further example embodiment will now be discussed. The example embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 18 includes many features in common with those discussed above, and those features will not be discussed at length. FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the bottle 100. In the perspective view of FIG. 12, the collar 106 has been removed. A collar 106 may, however, be used to hold the inner container in a fixed orientation relative to the outer container.

The collar 106 used in the embodiment of FIGS. 12 to 18 may have features that differ from the collar described above. Referring now to FIG. 13, a top view of an example collar 106 is illustrated. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 11, the embodiment of FIG. 13 includes a plurality of apertures 902, 904, 906, 908 configured to facilitate pouring. In this embodiment, the collar 106 includes a recessed central platform 979 through which extend two apertures 902, 904. When the collar is secured to the bottle, the two apertures 902, 904 in the central platform are in fluid communication with the inner container 104. As with the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 11, the larger of the two apertures 902 is used for pouring of the liquid from the inner container 104 and the smaller aperture 904 (the “first venting aperture” or “air hole”) is used to allow air to enter the inner container 104 to facilitate pouring.

The first venting aperture 904 may include one or more features which prevent surface tension from forming a meniscus that blocks air from returning into the inner container 104. For example, in an embodiment, the first venting aperture 904 may include one or more protrusions which prevent or inhibit such blockages. For example, in an embodiment the aperture 904 may cylindrical and may have one or more lines running down at least a portion of the height of the cylinder.

In some embodiments, to further prevent blockages, a top opening of the aperture 904 may be larger than a bottom opening of the aperture. That is, the aperture may be a funnel-like shape in which the diameter of the aperture at a portion near the liquid 140 is larger than the diameter of the aperture at a portion further from the liquid 140.

The recessed central platform 279 provided on the collar 106 may be enclosed by a sidewall 980. The sidewall 980 is cylindrical and the central platform 279 acts as a bottom to the cylindrical sidewall 980. The cylindrical sidewall 980 and the central platform 279 define a cavity into which a corresponding plugging feature 1612 (FIG. 17) of the cap 108 may be inserted. More particularly, the plugging feature protrudes from the cap 108 and into the cavity defined by the cylindrical sidewall 980 and the central platform 279. The plugging feature 1612 (FIG. 17) may friction fit with the cylindrical sidewall 980 to form an inner container seal which seals the aperture 902.

The collar 106 also includes two outer apertures 906, 908, like in the embodiment of FIGS. 9 to 11. These apertures 906, 908 allow liquid to be poured from the outer container 102. More particularly, a pouring aperture 906 (which is the larger of the apertures) is provided through which the liquid 140 may be poured. A venting aperture 908 (which may be referred to as a second venting aperture or second air hole) is provided at an end of the cavity that is opposite the pouring aperture 906 to allow air to enter the outer container 102.

The cavity includes a raised platform 999 surrounding the recessed central platform 279. The raised platform 999 is, in the example, a ring-shaped feature. The pouring aperture 906 associated with the outer container 102 is provided on the raised platform 999. The raised platform 999 connects to a tapering portion 997. The first pouring aperture 902 and the second pouring aperture 906 are oriented along the pour line 913, as are the venting apertures 904, 908.

To assist a user, the collar 106 may include indicia 950 indicate where the user is to pour and/or not pour from.

As can be seen from the exploded view of FIG. 16, the bottle 100 may be assembled by placing the inner container 104 inside the outer container 102 and attaching the collar 106 and then the cap 108.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a bottom view of the bottle 100 is illustrated. As noted previously, an alignment mechanism may be used for ensuring that the inner container 104 and the outer container 102 are positioned in a desired position relative to one another. For example, the outer container 102 and the inner container 104 may include male to female mating features which secure the inner container 104 within the outer container and which prevent spinning of the inner container relative to the outer container 102. For example, the outer container 102 may be equipped with a male protrusion which is received within a female recess provided by the inner container 104. In at least some embodiments, the mating features are non-circular to prevent spinning of the inner container relative to the outer container. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the inner container 104 may have a female diamond-shaped mating feature 1400 and the outer container 102 may have a male diamond-shaped feature that fits into the female diamond-shaped feature to lock the bottles in place. Other shapes may be used to achieve the same locking or anchoring effect.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the cap 108 may include one or more container seals for sealing one or more of the apertures 902, 904, 906, 908 of the collar 106. For example, a plugging feature 1612 may form an inner container seal for sealing the aperture(s) 902 associated with the inner container 104. An outer container seal may also be provided for sealing the aperture(s) 906, 908 associated with the outer container 102. The outer container seal may include a silicone ring which may contact the top end of the outer container to seal the outer container. The inner container seal and the outer container seal prevent cross-contamination of the liquids between the inner container and the outer container when the cap is engaged.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a cross section of the bottle 100 is illustrated. The cross section illustrates the inner container 104 and the outer container 102. In this embodiment, both the inner container 104 and the outer container 102 have an elliptical or ovular cross section. However, the inner container 104 and the outer container 102 are perpendicularly oriented so that the major axes of the containers 102, 104 are perpendicular to one another. That is, the longest diameter of the cross section of the inner container 104 is perpendicular to the longest diameter of the cross section of the outer container 102. This orientation helps to maximize the distance, d, between the side of the inner container and the side of the outer container. This orientation can aid in allowing a user to view the contents of the inner container 104 when the outer container 102 is filled with a clear liquid.

Methods for assembling a multiple compartment bottle 100 which is configured to keep a first liquid separate from a second liquid until the liquids are poured into another container such as a glass are also provided. An outer container 102 is provided for holding a first (outer) liquid 120, and an inner container 104 is provided for holding a second (inner) liquid 140. A supporting collar is provided for securing the inner container within the outer container. The inner container 104 may be inserted into the outer container 102 and positioned accordingly. The inner container 104 may be secured within the outer container 102 using the supporting collar, which may also involve positioning the containers 102,104 relative to each other as desired. A cap may also be provided for sealing the inner and outer containers and keeping any liquids dispensed therein separate.

A first liquid may be dispensed into the first container (e.g., the inner container 104) and a second liquid may be dispensed into the second container (e.g., the outer container 102). Once the inner container is positioned within the outer container and the first and second liquids have been dispensed into their respective containers, the collar is installed and the bottle 100 may be sealed using the cap. In various embodiments, the steps of any method described herein may be performed in a different order than described.

In various embodiments described herein, the bottle 100 may include several inner containers 104 for storing one or more liquids 140. The inner container 104 and the outer container 102 may be made from any suitable material such as glass, plastic, metal and the like. In various embodiments, the outer container 102 and the inner container(s) 104 are made from different materials, such as the outer container 102 comprising glass and the inner container 104 comprising plastic (e.g. polyethylene terephthalate). Such an arrangement may be suitable in certain embodiments in which there may be contact between the outer and inner containers 102,104 given that the plastic may contact the glass without breaking. One or both of the outer and inner containers 102,104 may be made from a transparent material so that a consumer can visually inspect the contents and be provided with various visual effects.

In some embodiments, both the outer and inner containers 102,104 are made from polyethylene terephthalate.

The outer container 102 may include a label as will be appreciated for branding purposes and to inform the user of the contents of the bottle 100. In various exemplary embodiments, the inner container 104 may include one or more labels, designs, etc. to provide information about the contents 140 to the user as well as to provide aesthetic qualities.

In various embodiments, the inner container 104 is integrally formed with the outer container 102. In some embodiments, the inner container 104 is secured to the base 116 of the outer container 102 using various techniques as described herein.

In various embodiments, the inner spout 114 includes a flange (not shown) so that the diameter of the spout 114 increases towards the top of the bottle 100. The flange is configured so that that the second fluid 140 is directed at least partially outward during pouring.

In various exemplary embodiments, the multiple compartment bottle 100 may include any number of inner containers 104 in any orientation and design. The inner containers 104 fit within the outer container 102 such that the containers 102,104 may be sealed by a suitable cap. A collar may be used to support each of the inner containers 104, and may include an aperture for each inner container spout, and two apertures for the outer container (i.e. one aperture for pouring the first liquid and a second aperture for allowing airflow).

In some embodiments, the inner container 104 may be anchored to the outer container 102 at the bottom, the middle and/or the top of the bottle 100. For the purposes of this specification, the “bottom” of the bottle is defined by the base 116, and the “top” of the bottle is defined by the top of the spout 112 (i.e. where the cap 108 is engaged with the spouts 112,114). The inner container 104 may be anchored within the outer container 102 as an integrally formed component of the bottle 100 and/or may be positioned using supports, guides, flaps, etc. within the outer container 102. In some embodiments, the outer container 102 comprises narrow sections that operate as guides to secure inner container 104 in place within the outer container 102.

In one embodiment (not shown), a bottle cap 108 is provided that may include an adjustable pouring mechanism, which allows the user to enjoy a consistent pour, all alcohol or all juice (i.e. a consistent selected ratio of the first liquid and the second liquid, only the first liquid, or only the second liquid). In various embodiments, the cap 108 includes one or more levers that manipulate movable seals on the top of the cap 108. One movable seal may be used to select the amount of the first liquid 120 to be poured (i.e. the proportion of the first liquid 120 in the volume dispensed) and the second movable seal may be used to select the amount of the second liquid 140 to be poured (i.e. the proportion of the second liquid 140 in the volume dispensed). The cap 108 may include various indicators (such as lines) so that a consumer may quickly switch between states (i.e. all first liquid 120, second liquid 140, or various ratios) to obtain the desired drink. In various embodiments, the cap 108 includes discrete states provided by the moveable seals. For example, in a first state the bottle pours only liquid 120. In a second state, the bottle pours 25% liquid 120 and 75% liquid 140. In a third state, the bottle pours 50% liquid 120 and 50% liquid 140. In a fourth state, the bottle pours 75% liquid 120 and 25% liquid 140. And in a final state, the bottle pours only liquid 140. Any number of states and ratios may be implemented in various embodiments. The cap may include seals that click between the discrete states as the movable seals are rotated so that one of the discrete states is selected.

The cap 108 may be a reusable threaded twist on/off cap, a pop off cap, a cork, and so forth to efficiently seal the liquids 120,140.

The collar 106 and/or the cap 108 described herein may be constructed of polypropylene, for example.

As described herein, inner and outer containers 104,102 of various shapes and sizes are used. For example, one or both of the containers 102, 104 may be square, circular, helix, and virtually any design with the purpose to pour a consistent mixed beverage.

In one or more embodiments, the first liquid is an edible oil and the second liquid is an edible vinegar. In one or more embodiment, the first liquid is a first pharmaceutical ingredient and the second liquid is a second pharmaceutical ingredient.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, those skilled in the art, having benefit of the above description, will appreciate that other embodiments may be devised which do not depart from the scope of the present invention as described herein. In addition, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, the disclosure of the present invention is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A beverage bottle for mixing at least two liquids upon pouring, the bottle comprising:

an outer container for holding a first liquid, the outer container comprising a bottom, a circumferential wall, and an open spout;

at least one inner container positioned within the outer container for holding a second liquid, the inner container comprising a bottom, a circumferential wall, and an open spout;

a collar engaging the outer container and the inner container and holding the inner container in a fixed position relative to the outer container, the collar defining a first aperture in fluid communication with the inner container and a second aperture in fluid communication with the outer container, and wherein a lateral distance between a first pouring edge of the first aperture and a first pouring edge of the second aperture is eight millimeters or less.

2. The beverage bottle of claim 1, wherein the collar is positioned at a top end of the outer container proximate the spout of the outer container.

3. The beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the collar further defines a first venting aperture in fluid communication with the inner container to act as a vent to allow airflow into the inner container while the second liquid is being poured and a second venting aperture in fluid communication with the outer container to act as a vent to allow airflow into the outer container while the first liquid is being poured, and wherein the first aperture, the second aperture, the first venting aperture and the second venting aperture are centered along a common straight line

4. The beverage bottle of claim 3, wherein the collar is threadably engaged with the outer container.

5. The beverage bottle of claim 3, wherein the collar is frictionally engaged with the outer container.

6. The beverage bottle of claim 1, wherein the bottle includes an alignment mechanism for orienting the inner container relative to the outer container in a predetermined configuration.

7. The beverage bottle of claim 6, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises an upward protrusion on the bottom of the outer container configured to engage with an indentation on the bottom of the inner container.

8. The beverage bottle of claim 7, wherein the alignment mechanism is non-circular, to prevent spinning of the inner container within the outer container.

9. The beverage bottle of claim 8, wherein the alignment mechanism is diamond-shaped.

10. The beverage bottle of claim 1, further comprising the first liquid and the second liquid and wherein the first liquid is colorless and the second liquid is colored.

11. The beverage bottle of claim 10, wherein the inner container is elliptically shaped such that the inner container and the outer container are distinguishable when containing their respective liquids.

12. The beverage bottle of claim 1, further comprising a cap, the cap comprising an inner container seal for sealing the first aperture, and an outer container seal for sealing the second aperture, the inner container seal and the outer container seal preventing cross-contamination of the liquids between the inner container and the outer container when the cap is engaged

13. The beverage bottle of claim 12, in which the first liquid is an alcoholic beverage and the second liquid is a non-alcoholic liquid.

14. The beverage bottle according to claim 1, in which the inner container is secured to the bottom of the outer container by engaging with the collar.

15. The beverage bottle according to claim 1, in which the outer container or the inner container comprises a material selected from the group comprising plastic, glass or metal.

16. The beverage bottle according to claim 1, wherein the outer and inner containers are transparent.

17. A method for assembling a bottle with multiple compartments configured to keep a first liquid separate from a second liquid until the liquids are poured, the method comprising:

providing an outer container for holding the first liquid;

providing an inner container for holding a second liquid;

inserting the inner container into the outer container;

providing a supporting collar made of polypropylene for securing the inner container within the outer container;

securing the inner container within the outer container using the supporting collar; and

providing a cap made of polypropylene for sealing the inner and outer containers.

18. The method of claim 17, further including the steps of:

dispensing a first liquid into the outer container;

dispensing a second liquid into the inner container; and

sealing the inner and outer containers using the cap after or while installing the collar.

19. The method of claim 18 in which the first liquid is an alcoholic beverage and the second liquid is a non-alcoholic liquid.

20. The method of claim 18 in which the liquids are dispensed into their respective containers after the inner container is inserted into the outer container.