MULTI-CHAMBERED SHOT GLASS

Abstract

A multi-chambered shot glass for storing and transporting multiple liquids for consumption or mixing at a time after the chambers have been filled includes a first body portion comprising a first chamber and a second chamber, the first chamber and the second chamber separated by an inner partition. The first chamber has a first aperture configured to form a fixed first chamber rim and a seal covering the first aperture. The second chamber includes a second aperture configured to form a second chamber rim. A second body portion having a fixed third chamber includes a third aperture. The fixed third chamber is configured for insertion into the second chamber such that the third chamber engages the second chamber in a fluid sealed configuration.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the priority filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/203,652 entitled “Double Chamber Shot Glass,” filed on Jul. 27, 2021. This application also claims the benefit of the priority filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/328,435 entitled “Multi-Chamber Shot Glass,” filed on Apr. 7, 2022. Both provisional applications are incorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to beverage receptacles. More specifically the present disclosure relates to a system for storing beverages. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an elegant multi-chambered container system allowing an operator to simplify and improve the process of dispensing and consuming sequential multiple component liquids as part of a multi-component drink.

Demand for quality craft cocktails and performing sequential multi-component drink rituals (i.e., “shots”) in the comfort of one's own home or on the go has risen in recent years. The present marketplace offers cocktail kit delivery services making available ingredients for cocktails in separate containers or containers of premixed beverages. Such kits involve cumbersome containers for housing separate ingredients that must be handled with care before mixing the ingredients within to create a cocktail. In many cases, ingredients are mixed in advance. Mixing in advance of consumption generally has a negative impact on freshness and the consumer's experience, and some drinks have multiple components that must be consumed in sequence.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system for separately storing beverage ingredients in a multi-chambered container to keep the ingredients separated before and until the time of consumption or mixing.

SUMMARY

A multi-chambered container for creating multi-ingredient beverages, such as a cocktail is described. While a tequila shot is specifically mentioned for exemplary purposes, other combinations of solid and liquid ingredients are contemplated. A multi-chambered container can recreate the experience of a single serving of a multi-component tequila shot (comprised of salt, tequila, and lime) in a portable and convenient container. For example, one implementation of the multi-chambered container can recreate the experience of a single serve shot as follows:

A multi-chambered shot glass apparatus for containing multi-component beverages includes a body portion having a fixed first chamber and a fixed second chamber. The fixed first chamber and the fixed second chamber are separated by an inner partition. The fixed first chamber includes a first aperture, while the fixed second chamber includes a second aperture. The first aperture is configured to form a fixed first chamber rim, and the second aperture is configured to form a fixed second chamber rim. A first seal covers the first chamber rim in a fluid sealed configuration, and a second seal covers the second chamber rim in a fluid sealed configuration. The fixed first chamber and the fixed second chamber each contain different components of the multicomponent beverage

A first cap may cover the first aperture, and a second cap may cover the second aperture. The first cap and the second cap may be removably affixed to the body portion. The fixed first chamber may be larger than the fixed second chamber. Additionally, the body portion may be cylindrical. The first seal and the second seal are preferably adhered to the first aperture and the second aperture using a food grade adhesive. A salt may be disposed between the fixed first chamber rim and the first chamber seal.

In another implementation, a multi-chambered shot glass apparatus for containing multi-component beverages includes a first body portion comprising a fixed first chamber and a fixed second chamber. The fixed first chamber and the fixed second chamber are separated by an inner partition. The fixed first chamber preferably includes a first aperture configured to form a fixed first chamber rim. A seal covering the first aperture in a fluid sealed configuration. The fixed second chamber preferably includes a second aperture configured to form a fixed second chamber rim. A second body portion is provided, including a fixed third chamber comprising a third aperture. The fixed third chamber is configured for insertion into the second chamber such that the third chamber engages the second chamber in a fluid sealed configuration

A first cap is provided, covering the first aperture, and the second body portion includes a second cap configured to engage the fixed second chamber rim. The first cap is preferably removably affixed to the body portion. The second body portion is removably affixed to the first body portion. The fixed first chamber is larger than the fixed second chamber. In one implementation, the body portion may be cylindrical. The first seal is preferably adhered to the first aperture and the second aperture using a food grade adhesive. In one implementation, a salt is disposed between the fixed first chamber rim and the first chamber seal. Additionally, the fixed third chamber may include a third seal covering the third aperture in a fluid sealed configuration

A method of preparing a multichambered shot glass apparatus for containing multi-component beverages is also disclosed. The method preferably includes the steps of providing a first body portion having a fixed first chamber and a separate fixed second chamber. A second body portion having a fixed third chamber is also provided. The fixed third chamber is configured for insertion into the fixed second chamber in a fluid sealed configuration. The fixed first chamber is filled with a component of the multicomponent beverage, and a seal is provided over the fixed first chamber. The fixed third chamber is filed with a component of the multicomponent beverage, and the second body is inserted into the second chamber of the first body portion such in a fluid sealed configuration. Additional steps may include providing a seal over the fixed third chamber, and providing a cap over the fixed first chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become appreciated, as the same becomes better understood with reference to the specification, claims and drawings herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates a first implementation apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container.

FIG. 2 illustrates the apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container of FIG. 1 with caps on the apertures.

FIG. 3 illustrates the apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container of FIG. 1 with the caps removed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second implementation apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container.

FIG. 5 illustrates the apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container with the cap removed and a removeable second chamber.

FIG. 6 illustrates the apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container with chamber seals removed on a first chamber and a second body portion.

FIG. 7 illustrates the apparatus for storing liquids in a multi-chambered container with the second body portion installed in a first body portion.

FIG. 8 illustrates the second body portion of the apparatus to store liquids in a multi-chambered container.

DESCRIPTION

The apparatus will now be described more fully herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which implementations of the invention are shown. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the implementations set forth herein. Rather, these implementations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “on” another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present there between. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” “includes” and/or “including,” and “have” and/or “having,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Furthermore, relative terms, such as “lower” or “bottom,” and “upper” or “top,” and “inner” or “outer,” may be used herein to describe one element's relationship to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Exemplary implementations of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to idealized implementations of the present invention. As such, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, implementations of the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes of regions illustrated herein but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing.

FIGS. 1-3 depict a first implementation fixed multi-chambered container 10 capable of storing multi-ingredient beverage components in multiple chambers. Referring to FIG. 1, The fixed multi-chambered container 10 comprises body portion 12 having a fixed first chamber 14, and a fixed second chamber 16, the fixed first chamber 14 and the fixed first chamber 16 are separated by an inner partition 18 in the body portion 12. The fixed multi-chambered container 10 may be made from materials such as plastic, glass, metal, or any other appropriate material known in the art. In one implementation, the body portion 12 of the fixed multi-chambered container 10 may be cylindrical.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the body portion 12 includes a first aperture 20 of the fixed first chamber 14, which is opposite the inner partition 18. The body portion 12 also includes a second aperture 22 of the fixed second chamber 16, which is opposite the inner partition 18. The first aperture 20 of the fixed first chamber 14 forms a fixed first chamber rim 24. Similarly, the second aperture 22 of the fixed second chamber 16 forms a fixed second chamber rim 26.

A first chamber seal 28 encloses the fixed first chamber 14 at the fixed first chamber rim 24 in a preferably fluid-sealed configuration. A second chamber seal 30 encloses the fixed second chamber 16 at the fixed second chamber rim 26, also preferably in a hermetically sealed configuration. The first chamber seal 28 may include a first chamber seal tab 32, and the second chamber seal 30 may include a second chamber seal tab 34 for ease of removing the first chamber seal 28 and the second chamber seal 30.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the fixed first chamber 14 and the fixed second chamber 16 may be optionally further sealed with a first cap 36 configured to cover the fixed first chamber rim 24, and a second cap 38 configured to cover the fixed second chamber rim 26. The first cap 36, and the second cap 38 support the first chamber seal 28 and the second chamber seal 30 by further safeguarding drink component retention against spillage within the fixed first chamber 14 and the fixed second chamber 16 in the event that the first chamber seal 28 and the second chamber seal 30 become compromised. Referring to FIG. 3, a first cap retainer 40 may be provided inward of the fixed first chamber rim 24 on the outside of the body portion 12, configured to retain the first cap 36 thereon. Likewise, a second cap retainer 42 may be provided inward of the fixed second chamber rim 26 on the outside of the body portion 12, configured to retain the second cap 38. The first cap retainer 40 and the second cap retainer 42 may comprise threads, deformable ribs, or any other known type of fixation.

The first cap 36 and the second cap 38 may comprise the same material or materials as the body portion 12 of the fixed multi-chambered container 10, including plastic, glass, metal, or any other material known in the art. The first chamber seal 28 and the second chamber seal 30 may comprise one or more food safe materials known to those skilled in the art, to hold a first fluid (not shown) in the fixed first chamber 14 and a second fluid (not shown) in the fixed second chamber 16 safely for a user of the fixed multi-chambered container 10. The first chamber seal 28, and the second chamber seal 30 may be adhered to the fixed first chamber rim 24 and the fixed second chamber rim 26, respectively, using a food safe adhesive (not shown).

In one alternative implementation, in instances in which the fixed multi-chambered container 10 holds ingredients to make a multi-component fluid mixture, the fixed first chamber rim 24 may be applied with the food safe adhesive additionally configured to adhere a salt (not shown) to the fixed first chamber rim 24. In another alternative implementation, the fixed first chamber 14 may be configured to hold a primary drink component (not shown), for example a tequila. In another alternative implementation, the fixed second chamber 16 may be configured to hold a secondary drink component (not shown), for example lime juice. Thus, the fixed multi-chambered container 10 simultaneously provides all components for a multi-component drink, such as the multi-component drink colloquially known as a “tequila shot.”

To use the fixed multi-chambered container 10, a user may ingest a beverage in the following exemplary method: First, the user would remove the first cap 36 and optionally the second cap 38 from the body portion 12, as shown in FIG. 3. The user would then remove the first chamber seal 28 to access the fixed first chamber 14. Optionally, the user may ingest a salt adhered to the fixed first chamber rim 24 under the first chamber seal 28 as discussed above. The user would then ingest the primary drink component from the fixed first chamber 14. With the primary drink component consumed, the user would then invert the body portion 12 and remove second chamber seal 30 from the fixed second chamber rim 26 (after optionally removing the second cap 38 as discussed above) and ingest the secondary drink component from the fixed second chamber 16, thus recreating the experience of drinking a multi-component liquid concoction at a fixed dosage.

FIGS. 4-8 depict a second embodiment of the fixed multi-chamber container 100. Referring to FIG. 4, the multi-chamber container 100 comprises a first body portion 102 having a fixed first chamber 104, a fixed second chamber 106 and an inner partition 108. A second body portion 122 is configured such that it extends at least partially into the fixed second chamber 106. The first body portion 102 includes a first aperture 110 (FIG. 6) of the fixed first chamber 104, which is opposite the inner partition 108. The first body portion 102 also includes a second aperture 112 (FIG. 6), which is opposite the inner partition 108. The first aperture 110 of the fixed first chamber 104 forms a fixed first chamber rim 114. Similarly, the second aperture 112 of the fixed second chamber 106 forms a fixed second chamber rim 116. The fixed multi-chambered container 100 may be made from materials such as plastic, glass, metal, or any other appropriate material known in the art. In one implementation, the first body portion 102 and the second body portion 122 of the fixed multi-chambered container 100 may be cylindrical.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second body portion 122 comprises a fixed third chamber 124 and a cap portion 128 corresponding to the second cap 38 of the first implementation fixed multi-chambered container 10. A first cap 126 is configured to cover the fixed first chamber rim 24, and a first chamber seal 118 thereon. The second body portion 122 includes a third chamber seal 120 covering the fixed third chamber 124. In one implementation, the fixed third chamber 124 is configured for insertion into the fixed second chamber 104 of the first body portion 102, such that the cap portion 128 contacts the fixed second chamber rim 116 of the second aperture 112. The first chamber seal 118 and the third chamber seal 120 may include seal tabs (not shown) similar to the first implementation multi-chambered container 10 (FIGS. 1-3).

The fixed first chamber 104 and the fixed second chamber 106 may optionally be sealed with the first cap 126 configured to cover the fixed first chamber rim 114, and the second cap portion 128 may be configured to cover the fixed second chamber rim 116 in a fluid-sealed manner. Alternatively, the first cap 126, may simply support the first chamber seal 118 by further safeguarding drink component retention against spillage within the fixed first chamber 104 in the event that the first chamber seal 118 becomes compromised. The third chamber seal 120 is protected by its position deep within the fixed second chamber 106. In one implementation, however, the cap portion 128 of the second body portion 122 may seal against the fixed second chamber rim 116 of the second aperture 112, thereby ensuring a fluid-sealed connection in addition to the third chamber seal 120.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a first cap retainer 130 may be provided inward of the fixed first chamber rim 114 on the outside of the first body portion 102, configured to retain the first cap 126 thereon. In the second implementation fixed multi-chambered container 100, a second body retainer 132 is provided in lieu of a second cap retainer 42 (FIG. 3) on the fixed third chamber 124 of the second body portion 122. The first cap retainer 130 and the second body retainer 132 may comprise threads, deformable ribs, or any other known type of fixation.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, in an alternative implementation of the fixed multi-chambered container 100, the second body portion 122 may have a mechanical, chemical, or other type of second body seal 134 atop the fixed third chamber 124 in order to seal the second body portion 122 to the first body portion 102, thereby sealing one component of the multi-ingredient beverage components within the second body portion.

In another alternative implementation, in instances in which the fixed multi-chambered container 100 holds ingredients to make a multi-component fluid mixture, the fixed first chamber rim 114 may be applied with a food safe adhesive additionally configured to adhere a salt (not shown) to the fixed first chamber rim 114. In another alternative implementation, the fixed first chamber 104 may be configured to hold a primary drink component (not shown), for example a tequila. In another alternative implementation, the fixed second chamber 106 may be configured to hold a secondary drink component (not shown), for example lime juice. Thus, the fixed multi-chambered container 100 simultaneously provides all components for a multi-component drink, such as the multi-component drink colloquially known as a “tequila shot.”

In various alternative implementations, the first cap 126 may be configured to have a solid ingredient contained therein and/or adhered thereto for ingestion by the consumer. For example, an edible compound may be adhered to the bottom of the first cap 126 with food safe adhesive (not shown) such that a user may remove the edible compound using their tongue or by other alternative means known persons skilled in the art. A user may remove such an edible compound optionally applied to first cap 126 prior to ingestion of liquid contained in the fixed first chamber 104. The first cap 126 may be made from the same material as the first body portion 102, such as plastic, glass, metal or any preferred material known in the art. The first chamber seal 118 and third chamber seal 120 may be comprised of food grade material. Any solid ingredient contained in and/or adhered to the first cap 126 may be adhered using any food safe adhesive known to those in the art.

In the second implementation fixed multi-chambered container 100, the second body portion 122 may also have a projecting cap portion 128 as shown in FIGS. 5-8. The cap portion 128 is thus configured to permit the second body portion 122 to stand on its own once removed from the first body portion 102, as well as provide a solid foundation for the first body portion 102 when the second body portion 122 is inserted into the fixed second chamber 106.

In one implementation, an operator would administer a multi-component beverage from the second implementation fixed multi-chambered container 100 in the following exemplary method. First, the user would remove the first cap 126 from the fixed first chamber 104 of the first body portion 102. The user would then remove the first chamber seal 118 to access the fixed first chamber 104. The user may consume a preferably applied edible compound adhered to the first cap 126 underside. The user may then consume the drink component from the fixed first chamber 104. The user would then rotatably or otherwise remove the second body portion 122 from the fixed second chamber 106 and remove the third chamber seal 120 from the fixed third chamber 124 of the second body portion 122 and administer a secondary drink component from the fixed third chamber 124 thereby recreating the experience of administering a sequential multi-component liquid.

Claims

1. A multi-chambered shot glass apparatus for containing multi-component beverages, the apparatus comprising:

a body portion comprising a fixed first chamber and a fixed second chamber, the fixed first chamber and the fixed second chamber separated by an inner partition;

the fixed first chamber comprising a first aperture;

the fixed second chamber comprising a second aperture;

the first aperture configured to form a fixed first chamber rim, and the second aperture configured to form a fixed second chamber rim;

a first seal covering the first chamber rim in a fluid sealed configuration;

a second seal covering the second chamber rim in a fluid sealed configuration; and

wherein the fixed first chamber and the fixed second chamber each contain different components of the multi-component beverage.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first cap covering the first aperture, and a second cap covering the second aperture.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the first cap and the second cap are removably affixed to the body portion.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the fixed first chamber is larger than the fixed second chamber.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the body portion is cylindrical.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first seal and the second seal are adhered to the first aperture and the second aperture using a food grade adhesive.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein a salt is disposed between the fixed first chamber rim and the first chamber seal.

8. A multi-chambered shot glass apparatus for containing multi-component beverages, the apparatus comprising:

a first body portion comprising a fixed first chamber and a fixed second chamber, the fixed first chamber and the fixed second chamber separated by an inner partition;

the fixed first chamber comprising a first aperture configured to form a fixed first chamber rim;

a seal covering the first aperture in a fluid sealed configuration;

the fixed second chamber comprising a second aperture configured to form a fixed second chamber rim;

a second body portion comprising a fixed third chamber comprising a third aperture; and

wherein the fixed third chamber is configured for insertion into the second chamber such that the third chamber engages the second chamber in a fluid sealed configuration.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a first cap covering the first aperture.

10. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second body portion comprises a second cap configured to engage the fixed second chamber rim.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first cap is removably affixed to the body portion.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the second body portion is removably affixed to the first body portion.

13. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the fixed first chamber is larger than the fixed second chamber.

14. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the body portion is cylindrical.

15. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first seal is adhered to the first aperture and the second aperture using a food grade adhesive.

16. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein a salt is disposed between the fixed first chamber rim and the first chamber seal.

17. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the fixed third chamber comprises a third seal covering the third aperture in a fluid sealed configuration.

18. A method of preparing a multi-chambered shot glass apparatus for containing multi-component beverages, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a first body portion having a fixed first chamber and a separate fixed second chamber;

providing a second body portion having a fixed third chamber;

configuring the fixed third chamber for insertion into the fixed second chamber in a fluid sealed configuration;

filling the fixed first chamber with a component of the multi-component beverage;

providing a seal over the fixed first chamber;

filling the fixed third chamber with a component of the multi-component beverage; and

inserting the second body into the second chamber of the first body portion such in a fluid sealed configuration.

19. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of providing a seal over the fixed third chamber.

20. The method of claim 18 further comprising the step of providing a cap over the fixed first chamber.