CUP ASSEMBLY METHOD AND APPARATUS

Abstract

The present application includes a cup assembly for the mixing and drinking of a beverage. The cup system is configured to permit the introduction and mixing of two or more liquids internally in a sealed environment. The cup assembly includes a cup member and a base member. The base member includes concentrated alcoholic liquid for mixture with cup liquid in the cup member. A sealing member is also included to permit for the repeated mixing and drinking of beverages out of the cup assembly. The liquids may be refilled at any time. Other embodiments herein describe the external introduction of liquids to be mixed in the cup member.

Description

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present application relates generally to a device for serving mixed alcoholic beverages, and more particularly to a singular mixing cup used for serving and mixing of alcoholic beverages.

2. Description of Related Art

Recreational and social drinking is a common practice hi today's society. Drinks are purchased about everywhere from gas stations, supermarkets, drugstores, to bars and restaurants. Also, drinking may be done just about anywhere, including homes, restaurants, bars, sporting venues, tailgating, and so forth. Despite there being multiple avenues to purchase alcohol, different drink types, and various ways to consume it, a potential issue still exists when dealing with mixed drinks.

Various drinks are available for consumption. Typical drinks are beers and wines. These tend to be offered and sold to the public in a single container. Each is sold in a drinking ready condition. Some drinks, such as wine, allow for an individual to close the bottle for consumption later on. Both of these are easy to transport and take up minimal space in coolers or refrigerators. These tend to be very transportable and easy to use.

In contrast, some drinks are made by mixing two or more ingredients together. The ingredients are sold separately, mixed to a predetermined ratio, and then served. A separate mixer is a single container used to collect the drinks for mixing. Once mixed the drink is poured into a secondary container for drinking. This process is not as simple away from a bar or home where those contents are readily accessible and are easily cleaned between uses. R is desired to have a mixed drink container that provides portability within a single container for both mixing and drinking, and provide the individual with the ability to selectively mix and remix drinks from the same container.

Although some strides have been made, considerable shortcomings remain.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the application are set forth in the appended claims. However, the application itself, as well as a preferred mode of use, and further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a cup assembly according to the preferred embodiment of the present application.

FIG. 2 is a side section view of a cup in the cup assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side section view of a base member in the cup assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged top view of the base member of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a top view inside the cup assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the cup assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side section view of a base member in the cup assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged top view of a base member in the cup assembly of FIG. 6.

While the system and method of the present application is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the application to the particular embodiment disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the process of the present application as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Illustrative embodiments of the preferred embodiment are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present application, the devices, members, apparatuses, etc. described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction.

The assembly in accordance with the present application overcomes one or more of the above-discussed problems commonly associated with conventional methods for serving mixed drinks. Specifically, the cup assembly of the present application is configured to provide a single container for the mixing and serving of alcoholic drinks. The plurality of liquids are introduced to one another in the cup. The liquids may be shaken in the cup prior to or after opening of the container. The cup is resealable to permit reuse. These and other unique features of the device are discussed below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

The assembly and method will be understood, both as to its structure and operation, from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description. Several embodiments of the system are presented herein. It should be understood that various components, parts, and features of the different embodiments may be combined together and/or interchanged with one another, all of which are within the scope of the present application, even though not all variations and particular embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should also be understood that the mixing and matching of features, elements, and/or functions between various embodiments is expressly contemplated herein so that one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate from this disclosure that the features, elements, and/or functions of one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment as appropriate, unless otherwise described.

The cup assembly of the present application is illustrated in the associated drawings. The assembly includes a cup and a base member in communication with each other. The base member is used to store a desired drink or liquid. For example an alcoholic drink. In a first embodiment the base member is configured to rotate relative to the cup so as to introduce a prefilled liquid in the cup to the liquid in the base member. In a second embodiment, the base member may be removed and selectively introduce the liquid into an opened cup full of liquid. The cup assembly includes a lid to permit resealing of the cup for the shaking of the liquids. A straw is also optionally provided.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters identify corresponding or similar elements in form and function throughout the several views. FIGS. 1-5 in the drawings illustrate cup assembly 101. Assembly 101 includes a cup member 103, a base member 105 and a sealing member 107. Additionally, a straw 106 is optionally included. Assembly 101 is configured to permit the selective mixing and drinking of a beverage in a single cup. Such mixing and drinking is able to be performed a plurality of times due to the use of sealing member 107. Two different embodiments will be described herein. Namely, FIGS. 1-5 illustrate a first embodiment and FIGS. 6-8 illustrate a second embodiment. With either embodiment, the cup assembly of the present application is configured to be a single unit designed to permit the mixing and drinking of a beverage inside the cup member.

As seen in FIGS. 1-5, cup member 103 is configured to hold a volume of liquid (i.e. cup liquid) 104 within an internal volume 109 defined as the volume of space bound by walls 108 and bottom surface 110. Cup member 103 has an opening 111 defined by a rim 113 to permit the removal (i.e. drinking) of the liquid in internal volume 109. Base member 105 is configured to couple to a bottom portion of cup member 103. In this embodiment, base member 105 is configured to rotate relative to cup member 103. Cup member 103 includes a band 115 that encircles at least a good portion of the perimeter of the bottom portion. Base member 105 is configured to engage band 115. Member 105 includes a groove 117 configured to accept band 115. Groove 117 extends around the circumference of member 105 but may include one or more notches configured to designate one or more specific positions that coincide with the alignment of the plurality of compartments with the aperture in cup member 103 (see FIGS. 3-5). Each notch may increase the resistive force to rotate member 105, thereby selectively securing member 105 relative to member 103 and communicating to a user proper alignment.

Referring now to FIGS. 3-5, base member 105 includes a plurality of compartments 119 for the storage of a base member liquid 121. FIG. 4 shows a top view of an empty base member. Each of the plurality of compartments are shown (119A-E). The compartments radially encircle a central portion 123. Each compartment 119 is defined by a base surface 125 and walls 127. The bottom surface of cup member 103 acts as a ceiling. As stated previously, base member 105 is rotatably coupled to cup member 103. Each of the compartments, as a single body, slide or translate along the bottom surface of cup member 103. Seals 129 are located around the top edges of walls 127 to form a seal with cup member 103 and to prevent the accidental leakage of base member liquid from its designated compartment.

Referring in particular to FIG. 5, a top view down into cup member 103 is illustrated. Cup member 103 includes an aperture 131 along its bottom surface 110. Aperture 131 passes through surface 110 to create an opening. This aperture is configured to align with each of the compartments 119 of base member 105. In this embodiment, aperture 131 is always open. It is conceived that other embodiments may propose allowing it to be selectively opened and closed by using a slide mechanism that can be operated externally to the cup member.

Sealing member 107 is releasably coupled to the cup member 103 and configured to selectively enclose internal volume 109. The act of sealing internal volume 109 permits for the mixing of liquids within cup member 103. Sealing member 107 may come in different forms. For example, a removable foil seal 107b may be used across rim 113. When used for the first time, the user shakes assembly 101 prior to removing sealing member 107. However, as a foil only, sealing member 107 is not able to adequately recreate a seal around rim 113. Therefore, sealing member 107 may alternatively be a lid 107a configured to grip around rim 113 and allow for the detaching and reattaching. In this way the seal is selectively created whenever the user desires. This allows for the storage and remixing of the drink at any time. It is understood that both seal 107b and lid 107a may be used together to ensure the liquids shipped with assembly 101 remain fresh until used.

Assembly 101 may be sold and initially packaged with cup liquid 104 already within volume 109 and base member liquid 121 within compartments 119. As described herein, because aperture 131 is always open, one of the compartments is not filled with base member liquid 121 initially so as to not have prior mixing occurring with the liquid in volume 109. Also, to prevent the loss of cup liquid 104 in the compartment as base member 105 is rotated, the initial compartment in communication with cup liquid 104 may include a ceiling. For example, if compartment 119d aligned with aperture 131 initially for packaging, compartment 119d may include a ceiling to prevent cup liquid 104 from entering that compartment. This would then result in one less compartment full of base member liquid 121. If aperture 131 was in fact selectively closable then every compartment may include base member liquid 121.

In operation, assembly 101 is transportable much the same way as any beer or wine may be transported. It may be stored in coolers and fridges. Assembly 101 is configured to allow for the mixing of different types of liquids. Assembly 101 may be sold to contain different variations and combinations of liquids 104 and 121. There is no restriction on the type, quantity, and quality of cup liquid 104 used in assembly 101. Likewise, there is no restriction to the type, quality, and potency of liquid 121 in compartment 119 between various assemblies. Furthermore, each compartment may vary the type, potency, and quality of liquid 121; meaning liquid 121 may in fact be different in each compartment 119.

At the time of first use, a user merely obtains assembly 101. Assembly 101 includes a cup liquid 104 pre-filled in volume 109. The user introduces liquid 121 into the internal volume 109 by rotating member 105 to a predetermined position. The user then shakes or mixes the liquids together. When finished, the user removes sealing member 107 and drinks the mixed liquid beverage. A benefit of assembly 101 is that once the mixed liquid is finished, a user may re-close aperture 131 and add liquid to volume 109. The user may then rotate member 105 again (i.e. opposite direction) to introduce another shot of liquid 121. The volume is resealed with sealing member 107 and the user again mixes a new drink. When mixed, sealing member 107 is again removed. This may be repeated multiple times. Another advantage of assembly 101 is that at any point when cup liquid 104 or the mixed liquid is removed, a user may add liquid into a particular compartment (i.e. refill) and store it for use later.

It is important to note that base member 105 is not herein limited to four compartments. It is understood that there may be more than four or less than four compartments. Additionally, it is understood that the user may choose to introduce more than one compartment of liquid 121 with cup liquid 104 to increase the strength or concentration of alcohol in the beverage. Although the refilling of compartments has been described as proceeding through aperture 131, it is understood that other embodiments of assembly 101 may permit for the refilling of compartments through an external interface around base member 105. This would allow for the user to refill at any time regardless of the amount of liquid 104 or mixed liquid in cup member 103.

Assembly 101 may further include straw 106. Straw 106 is configured to allow a user to selectively mix the contents of cup member 103 without having to reseal volume 109 with sealing member 107. In this case, the mixing would be done with a stirring motion. Straw 106 is releasably coupled to cup member 103. Straw 106 may be reattached and stored on cup member 103 or alternatively held by the user.

Referring now also to FIGS. 6-8 in the drawings, an alternative embodiment of assembly 101 is illustrated. Cup assembly 201 is similar in form and function to that of cup assembly 101 except as herein noted. Cup assembly 201 is configured to also include a cup member 203, a base member 205, a sealing member 207 and an optional straw 206. In assembly 201, base member 205 is configured to detach from cup portion 203 to permit a user to pour the contents of each of the compartments into the internal volume.

Cup member 203 is used to hold cup liquid 204 within an internal volume 209 defined by walls 208 and bottom surface 210. Rim 213 surrounds an opening 211. Each of these elements act similarly in form and function to that of their corresponding elements in assembly 101. It is noted that in assembly 201, however, bottom surface 210 does not include an aperture since base member 205 is configured to be removed to introduce base member liquid 221 through opening 211.

Base member 205 is threadedly coupled to cup member 103 such that by rotating member 205, detachment occurs. Other methods of engaging members 103 and 105 are possible and in no way is the threaded relationship meant to be limiting. Each of the compartments 219 are defined as a volume bound by the walls, floor and a ceiling. Each compartment is isolated from the others. Furthermore, each compartment 219 is filled with base member liquid 221. Along the ceiling of each compartment 219 is a latch 239. Latch 239 is configured to open and permit the release of liquid 221 from the respective compartment. For example, latch 239 may include a pull tab 240 to allow a user to grip the latch. Latch 239 may be configured to reseal and close, therefore permit the refilling and storage of additional base member liquid. A seal 241 may be located adjacent the top of the compartments adjacent the internal threads of base member 205. Seal 241 helps to ensure that any leaking liquids from compartments 219 do not exit past the threads.

In operation, assembly 201 is transportable much the same way as assembly 101. Assembly 201 is configured to allow for the mixing of different types of liquids. Assembly 201 may be sold to contain different variations and combinations of liquids as described with assembly 101. There is no restriction on the type, quantity, and quality of cup liquid 204 used in assembly 201. Likewise, there is no restriction to the type, quality, and concentration of liquid 221 in compartment 219 between various assemblies. Furthermore, each compartment 219 may vary the type, concentration, and quality of liquid 221; meaning liquid 221 may in fact be different in each compartment 219.

At the time of first use, a user merely obtains assembly 201. Assembly 201 includes a cup liquid 204 pre-filled in volume 109. The user introduces liquid 221 into the internal volume 209 by removing base member 205, opening a selected compartment 219, and pouring liquid 221 into volume 209. Sealing member 207 is removed prior to the introduction of base member liquid 221. The sealing member is reapplied to allow for mixing. When finished, the user removes sealing member 207 and drinks the mixed liquid beverage. Assembly 201 also allows the benefit of selectively resealing sealing member 207 around rim 213, refilling cup member 203, and the mixing of multiple drinks.

It is important to note that base member 205 is not herein limited to four compartments. It is understood that there may be more than four or less than four compartments. Additionally, it is understood that the user may choose to introduce more than one compartment of liquid 221 with cup liquid 204 to increase the strength or concentration of alcohol in the beverage. It is also important to note that assembly 201 does not have to be prefilled since base member liquid 221 is introduced externally to cup member 203 as opposed to the internal introduction seen in assembly 101. Sealing member 207 may include at lid 107a and optionally also use of foil seal 107b.

Assembly 201 may further include straw 106. Straw 106 is configured to allow a user to selectively mix the contents of cup member 203 without having to reseal volume 209 with sealing member 107. In this case, the mixing would be done with a stirring motion. Straw 106 is releasably coupled to cup member 203. Straw 106 may be reattached and stored on cup member 203 or alternatively held by the user.

Both embodiments, namely assemblies 101 and 201 are configured to include a locking assembly 150. Locking assembly 105 is configured to prevent the rotation or removal of the base member relative to the cup member. Locking assembly 150 is externally operable to a user and includes translating a slider 151 between the cup member and the base member. The cup member is notched 153 to accept the slider 151. To restrict motion of the base member, slider 151 is translated into the cup member. This prevents accidental rotation or removal of the base member. In the case of assembly 101, base member 103 is prevented from accidentally rotating to another compartment. In this embodiment, more than one notch 153 may be located around the exterior of cup member 103 such that locking assembly 150 coincides with the alignment of compartments 119 with aperture 131. In the case of assembly 201, base member 205 is prevented from untwisting and therefore being removed. The act of locking the position of the base member relative to the cup member may be done prior to or after the introduction of the base member liquid to the cup liquid.

The current application has many advantages over the prior art including at least the following: (1) single container for the mixing and drinking of beverages; (2) ability to introduce the mixing liquids internally within the cup assembly; (3) resealable cup for the mixing of multiple drinks; (4) ability to vary the strength of the drink; and (5) ability to refill the liquids separately from one another.

The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the application may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the description. It is apparent that an application with significant advantages has been described and illustrated. Although the present application is shown in a limited number of forms, it is not limited to just these forms, but is amenable to various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims

1. An assembly for the mixing and drinking of a beverage, comprising:

a cup member configured to hold a volume of liquid within an internal volume, the cup member having an opening defined by a rim to permit the removal of liquid;

a base member in communication with the cup member, the base member including a plurality of compartments for the storage of a base member liquid;

a sealing member coupled to the cup member and configured to selectively enclose the internal volume;

wherein liquid in the cup member and the liquid from the base member are selectively mixed in the internal volume.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base member is rotatably coupled to a bottom portion of the cup member and wherein the cup member has an aperture along a bottom surface.

3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein the base member is configured to selectively rotate between a plurality of positions, each position aligning a different compartment with the aperture.

4. The assembly of claim 2, wherein rotation of the base member relative to the cup member selectively aligns at least one of the plurality of compartments with the aperture so as to introduce the base member liquid of that compartment to liquid in the cup member.

6. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a locking assembly configured to prevent rotation of the base member relative to the cup member.

7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the base member is detachable from the cup member.

8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of compartments in the base member are configured to store a base member liquid.

9. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a locking assembly configured to prevent removal of the base member from the cup member.

10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of compartments are selectively sealed from each other and from the internal volume.

11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a user is able to selectively control the concentration of the beverage by introducing base member liquid from a plurality of compartments into the liquid in the cup member.

12. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising:

a straw configured to stir the liquid in the cup member with the base member liquid.

13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is a foil releasably coupled around the rim of the opening.

14. The assembly of claim 13, further comprising:

a lid configured to couple to the cup portion around the rim of the opening, the lid configured to reseal the internal volume after removal of the foil.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the sealing member is a releasable lid configured to couple to the cup portion around the rim of the opening.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the sealing member is reusable to seal the internal volume so as to permit mixing of the liquid mixture.

17. A method of mixing a drink for consumption, comprising:

obtaining a cup assembly including: a cup member configured to hold a volume of liquid within an internal volume, the cup member having an opening defined by a rim to permit the removal of liquid; and a base member in communication with the cup member, the base member including a plurality of compartments for the storage of a base member liquid;

introducing the base member liquid into the internal volume;

mixing the base member liquid with the volume of liquid in the cup member; and

unsealing the internal volume for consumption of the mixed liquid.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

locking the position of the base member relative to the cup member.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

adding liquid to at least one of the plurality of compartments for storage.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising:

resealing the internal volume around the rim to permit storage and remixing of the mixed liquids.