CONSUMPTION DEVICE FOR MULTIPLE BEVERAGES

Abstract

There is provided a consumption device for multiple beverages. The consumption device includes a container with multiple compartments, a connection member connected to the compartments and forming a channel with the compartments, where the channel has one or a plurality of openings on a side of the channel. The consumption device also includes a straw disposed in the channel that can be movable with respect to the channel, where the straw has an opening on a side of the straw, wherein the opening on the straw can share a pass with an opening on the channel for a beverage in one of the compartments. By moving the straw, a user can selectively or sequentially consume multiple beverages, or alternatively, simultaneously consume of the beverages. Without moving the straw, the device can share no passes between any of compartments and the straw, allowing no consumption of any beverages.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a consumption device, and more particularly to a consumption device that is capable of containing multiple beverages separately and serving multiple beverages sequentially or simultaneously.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The subject matter discussed in the background of the invention section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of its mention in the background of the invention section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background of the invention section or associated with the subject matter of the background of the invention section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background of the invention section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also be inventions. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in the background of the invention section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

It is common for a consumer to have the need to consume separate beverages sequentially. Containers with multiple chambers have been proposed for use for containing multiple beverages, but previous containers have been complicated in construction or operation, for example, requiring multiple straws to selectively consume individual beverages. Further, previous containers have limitations in allowing consumption of multiple beverages simultaneously.

Therefore, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the art to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.

The present disclosure provides a consumption device for multiple beverages, inclining, a plurality of compartments, a connecting member that is connected to the compartments and forms a channel with the compartments, where the channel comprises a first opening on a side of the channel, a straw that can be disposed in the channel and can be movable with respect to the channel, where the straw comprises a second opening on a side of the straw. The second opening on the straw is capable of sharing a pass with the first opening for a beverage in one of the compartments.

In one embodiment, the channel has a plurality of openings.

In one embodiment, the straw can be tubular or circular.

In one embodiment, the straw has a plurality of openings.

In one embodiment, the straw can be movable with respect to the channel, wherein there is no shared pass among the compartments and the straw.

In one embodiment, the device has a plurality of compartments.

In one embodiment, the container is formed by permanently joining a plurality of pieces.

In one embodiment, the container is formed by temporarily joining a plurality of pieces.

In one embodiment, the compartments of the container are formed by one or a plurality of connecting members.

In one embodiment, the compartments are formed by one or a plurality of removable containers disposed in the larger container.

In one embodiment, the consumption device has one or a plurality of covers.

In one embodiment, the cover is joined or made with a removable container.

In one embodiment, the device, or part of the device is formed from polymer.

In one embodiment, the device, or part of the device is formed from metal.

In one embodiment, the device, or part of the device is formed from ceramic.

In one embodiment, the device, or part of the device is formed from wood or bamboo.

In one embodiment, the device, or part of the device is formed from paper.

In one embodiment, the device, or part of the device is formed by injection molding.

In one embodiment, the cover is formed together with a removable compartment.

In one embodiment, the device can be joined with other compartments to form a new device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the written description, serve to explain the principles of the 10 invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements of an embodiment.

FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view of a consumption device embodiment.

FIG. 1(b) is a side view of FIG. 1(a).

FIG. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view (A-A) of FIG. 1(b).

FIG. 1(d) is a cross-sectional view (B-B) of FIG. 1(b).

FIG. 1(e) is a perspective view of another consumption device embodiment.

FIG. 1(f) is a front view of FIG. 1(e).

FIG. 1(g) is a cross-sectional view (C-C) of FIG. 1(f).

FIG. 1(h) is an exploded view of FIG. 1(g).

FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of one embodiment of container design.

FIG. 2(b) is a top view of FIG. 2(a).

FIG. 2(c) is a perspective view of another embodiment of container design.

FIG. 2(d) is another perspective view of FIG. 2(c).

FIG. 2(e) is a top view of FIG. 2(c) or FIG. 2(d).

FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of a tubular straw with multiple holes.

FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of a straw with a protruded dot.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two pieces that can be joined permanently to form a container.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container with a removable connecting member.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a consumption device embodiment with a straw and a container that has a removable compartment.

FIG. 7 is a top view and a cross-sectional view (D-D) of ensembled FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a consumption device embodiment that has a cover.

FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of a consumption device embodiment with a removable compartment joined with a cover.

FIG. 9(b) is a top view of FIG. 9(a).

FIG. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view (E-E) of FIG. 9(b).

FIG. 10 is a side of the assembled consumption device as in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

The present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the invention, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the invention are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the invention. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting and/or capital letters has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term are the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted and/or in capital letters. It is appreciated that the same thing can be the in more than one way. Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification, including examples of any terms discussed herein, is illustrative only and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the invention or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the invention is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.

It is 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 therebetween. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” another element, there are no intervening elements present. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It is 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. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below can be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

It is understood that when an element is referred to as being “on,” “attached” to, “connected” to, “coupled” with, “contacting,” etc., another element, it can be directly on, attached to, connected to, coupled with or contacting the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being, for example, “directly on,” “directly attached” to, “directly connected” to, “directly coupled” with or “directly contacting” another element, there are no intervening elements present. It are also appreciated by those of skill in the art that references to a structure or feature that is disposed “adjacent” to another feature may have portions that overlap or underlie the adjacent feature.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. 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 is further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” or “has” 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,” may be used herein to describe one element’s relationship to another element as illustrated in the figures. It is understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation shown in the figures. For example, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as being on the “lower” side of other elements would then be oriented on the “upper” sides of the other elements. The exemplary term “lower” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of lower and upper, depending on the particular orientation of the figure. Similarly, if the device in one of the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements would then be oriented “above” the other elements. The exemplary terms “below” or “beneath” can, therefore, encompass both an orientation of above and below.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It is 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.

As used herein, “around,” “about,” “substantially” or “approximately” shall generally mean within 20 percent, preferably within 10 percent, and more preferably within 5 percent of a given value or range. Numerical quantities given herein are approximate, meaning that the terms “around,” “about,” “substantially” or “approximately” can be inferred if not expressly stated.

As used herein, the terms “comprise” or “comprising,” “include” or “including,” “carry” or “carrying,” “has/have” or “having,” “contain” or “containing,” “involve” or “involving” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of A, B, and C” should be construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical OR. It should be understood that one or more steps within a method may be executed in different order (or concurrently) without altering the principles of the invention.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in detail hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawings. It should be understood that specific embodiments described herein are merely intended to explain the invention, but not intended to limit the invention. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in certain aspects, relates to methods and systems for identification of bacteria in a biological fluid using Raman spectroscopy and applications of the same.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in detail hereinafter with reference to accompanying drawings. It should be understood that specific embodiments described herein are merely intended to explain the invention, but not intended to limit the invention. In accordance with the purposes of this invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, this invention, in certain aspects, relates to a consumption device for multiple beverages. It is understood that the size and shape of the device can be different depending on the design requirement. It is understood that the term “beverage” can be referred to, but not limited to, flowable liquids such as water, tea, coffee and milk, flowable liquid-solid mixtures such as yogurt, ice-cream and pudding, carbonated liquids, liquids containing flowable solids such as bubble tea, drinks with crushed ice or other particles, liquids containing non-flowable solids such as ice cubes.

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a consumption device, among which, FIG. 1(a) is a perspective view, FIG. 1(c) is a cross-sectional view (A.-A) of FIG. 1(b), and FIG. 1(d) is a cross-sectional view (B-B) of FIG. (b). Referring to FIG. 1(a), the consumption device 100 includes a container 101 with compartments 102 and 102b, a connecting member 103 that is connected to the compartments and forms a channel 104 with the compartments, a straw 105 that can be disposed in the channel 104 and can be movable with respect to the channel 104. The strew can be rotatable in the channel 104 and be moved up and down vertically. The channel 104 comprises a first opening 106 on a side of the channel as shown in FIG. 1(c). The straw 105 comprises a second opening 107 on a side of the straw. The channel 104 comprises a third opening 106b on another side of the channel as shown in FIG. 1(d).

By moving the straw 105, the first opening 106 on the side of the channel can share a common pass with the second opening 107 on the side of the straw, and as a consequence, the compartment 102 that has the first opening 106 is connected to the straw through the shared pass to allow the beverage inside the compartment 102 to be consumed. By further moving the straw 105, the third opening 106b on the side of the channel can share a pass with the second opening 107 on the side of the straw, and as a consequence, the compartment 102b is connected to the straw through the shared pass to allow the beverage inside the compartment 102b to be consumed.

When the container 101 is filled with different beverages in the compartments 102 and 102b, a consumer can consume one beverage at a time from a compartment on which the opening on the channel shares a pass with the second opening 107 through the tubular straw 105, by ensuring the other compartment is not interconnected with the tubular straw 105. The outside diameter of the straw 105 is equal or close to the inside diameter of the slide channel so when the tubular straw 105 is disposed in the slide channel no beverage can flow between the tubular straw 105 and the channel 104. The straw 105 is tubular and is rotatable to allow selectively consuming each beverage in the container.

The straw 105 can be moved along the channel 104. By moving the straw 105, the bottom opening 109 of the straw is able to have a pass with both the first opening 106 and the third opening 106b, so the straw is interconnected with compartments 102 and 102b to allow consuming both beverages inside the compartments simultaneously.

FIG. 1(e) is a perspective view, and FIG. 1(f) is a front view, of another embodiment of a consumption device, which has an extended bottom that allows the straw to move further. FIG. 1(g) is a cross-sectional view (C-C) of FIG. 1(f), wherein the straw is pushed all the way in so the second opening 107 does not share any pass with the first opening 106 or the third opening 106b, and the straw bottom opening 109 also does not share any pass with the first opening 106 or the third opening 106b. Therefore, no beverage can be consumed. FIG. 1(h) is an exploded view of FIG. 1(g). In this position, the straw can be locked down with the bottom of the consumption device

It should be understood that the shape of the first opening 106 can be either circular, elliptical, slot-shaped, star-shaped or in any other regular or irregular shape. The shape of the second opening 107 can be circular, elliptical, slot-shaped, star-shaped or in any other regular or irregular shape. The shape of the third opening 106b can be circular, elliptical, slot-shaped, star-shaped or in any other regular or irregular shape. The size of the first opening 106, the second opening 107 and the third opening 106b can be the same or different. The straw 105 can have an extension or can be bent at one end to allow convenient consumption and the extension can be in any regular or irregular shape. The shape of the container 101 can be either cylindrical, or in any other regular or irregular shape. The shape of the compartments 102 can be or in any regular or irregular shape. The volume of the compartments can be the same or different.

In one embodiment, a consumption device 100 can include three or more compartments with the same principal described above.

FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of one embodiment of container design, and FIG. 2(b) is a top view of FIG. 2(a). FIG. 2 shows a simplified design wherein there is only a first opening 106 on the channel 104. The channel 104 is a partial cylinder and allows a straw 105 to be disposed, rotated, or moved inside. The channel 104 can be half circular or more than half circular.

FIG. 2(c) and FIG. 2(d) are perspective views of one embodiment where the first opening 106 and the third opening 106c are not centered. FIG. 2(e) is a top view of FIG. 2(c) or FIG. 2(d). In this embodiment, when the straw is disposed all the way inside the channel 104, by only rotating the straw, it will enable consumption of the beverage in compartment 102 only, or consumption of the beverage in compartment 102b only, or no consumption of any beverage in compartments 102 and 102b. When the straw is lifted up, it will allow consumption of both of beverages in compartments 102 and 102b simultaneously.

FIG. 3(a) is a perspective view of a straw 105 with multiple openings 107. The presence of multiple openings 107 can function as a filter to prevent larger solid particle in the beverages from flowing into the straw 105.

FIG. 3(b) is a perspective view of a straw 105 with a protruded dot 301. The protruded dot 301 can allow locking the straw 105 in a position when displaced in the channel 105 where there is a recess of a similar shape on the side of the channel 105. The locking mechanism can be a concave or convex structure for either the strew or the channel. For example, the straw can have a concave member and the channel has a corresponding convex member, or vice versa. Also, for example, the straw can have a female member and the channel has a corresponding male member, or vice versa. The male member and the female member can be matched each other so that the straw will not move with respect to the channel once the straw is in a locked position. The female, male member, concave or convex member or any other means can be fabricated in a traditional mechanical way. For example, one side of the straw can be punched with a force to obtain an extrusion. The locking location can be the position when the consumer is consuming the beverage straw or in the middle of consuming process.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of two pieces 401 and 402 that can be joined to form a container 101. It is understood that a container 101 can be formed by joining three or more pieces permanently. It is understood that a container 101 can be formed by joining multiple pieces permanently or temporarily.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container 101 with a removable connecting member 501. The removable connecting member 501 can be disposed in the container 101 in order to form separate compartments 102 and 102b for consumption of different beverages. The removable connecting member 501 can be removed from the container 101 for cleaning or storage purpose. It is understood that a container 101 can have multiple removable connecting members.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a consumption device 100 with a straw 105 and a container 101 that has a removable compartment 102.

FIG. 7 is a top view and a cross-sectional view (D-D) of ensembled FIG. 6. The removable compartment 102 can be disposed inside container 101 for consumption of different beverages. The removable compartment 102 can be removed from the container 101 for cleaning or storage purpose. It is understood that a container 101 can have multiple removable compartments 102.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a consumption device 101 that has a cover 801. The cover can be threaded, snapped, or mechanically fitted by other means for placement over container 101. The cover 801 has an opening to allow disposition of the straw 105 inside the channel 104. It is understood that the cover 801 can have a regular or circular or any other shape and the size of the cover 801 can be smaller or larger than the opening of container 101.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a consumption device 101 that a removable compartment 901 is joined with a cover, wherein FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view of the consumption device 101, FIG. 9(b) is a top view of FIG. 9(a), FIG. 9(c) is a cross-sectional view (E-E) of FIG. 9(b). Beverages can be prepared separately in container 101 and compartment 901 with the tubular straw 105 inside the slide channel 104 wherein the first opening 106 and the second opening 107 do not share a pass, then place compartment 901 into container 101.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the assembled consumption device 100 as shown in FIG. 9. The cover that is joined with compartment 901 can form a seal with the container 101 to prevent leakage when the consumption device 101 is slightly tilted.

It is understood that the consumption device 100, or part of the device, can be formed with a variety of natural or processed materials, including but not limited to, polymers, metals, ceramics, wood, bamboo, paper, or a combination of multiple materials. It is understood that the consumption device 100, or part of the device, can be formed with flexible or rigid materials or structures. It is understood that the consumption device 100, or part of the device, can be formed for washable, reusable, or disposable uses with recyclable or non-recyclable materials.

One manufacturing process to form container 101 is injection molding.

Injection Molding is a manufacturing process for producing parts by injecting molten material into a mold. Injection molding can be performed with materials such as metals, glasses, elastomers, and most commonly thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. Feedstock material is fed into a heated barrel, mixed using a helical shaped screw, and injected into a mold cavity, where it cools and solidifies to the configuration of the cavity.

Once the product is designed, mold is made by a toolmaker, usually from steel or aluminum, and precision-machined to form the features of the designed part. Once the mold is made, it is then loaded into an injection molding machine where the process is performed. For plastic injection molding, a hopper holds the feedstock thermoplastic pellets, which are fed into the barrel of the machine. Friction between the rotating screw and barrel and external heating melt the pellets. Hydraulic or electric toggles close the mold halves and press them together with high pressure. The rotating screw then advances a preset distance injecting a prescribed volume of the molten plastic into the mold cavity under high pressure. Once the material enters the mold, it begins to cool and solidify to conform to the shape of the mold. After the material cools sufficiently, the mold is opened and the parts are ejected by ejector pins.

The process cycle for injection molding consists of the following four stages:

1. Clamping - Prior to the injection of the material into the mold, the two halves of the mold must first be securely closed by the clamping unit. Each half of the mold is attached to the injection molding machine and one half is allowed to slide. The hydraulically powered clamping unit pushes the mold halves together and exerts sufficient force to keep the mold securely closed while the material is injected.

2. Injection - The raw plastic material, usually in the form of pellets, is fed into the injection molding machine, and advanced towards the mold by the injection unit. During this process, the material is melted by heat and pressure. The molten plastic is then injected into the mold quickly.

3. Cooling - The molten plastic that is inside the mold begins to cool as soon as it makes contact with the interior mold surfaces. The plastic will solidify into the shape of the designed part.

4. Ejection - After sufficient time has passed, the cooled part may be ejected from the mold by the ejection system, which is attached to the rear half of the mold. When the mold is opened, a mechanism is used to push the part out of the mold. Once the part is ejected, the mold can be clamped shut for the next shot to be injected.

After the injection molding cycle, some post processing is typically required. During cooling, the material in the channels of the mold will solidify attached to the part. This excess material, along with any flash that has occurred, must be trimmed from the part, typically by using cutters. Post machining can be also performed on the part such as hole drilling if that cannot be incorporated in the injection molding process due to technical difficulty or cost-saving considerations.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosure has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application so as to activate others skilled in the art to utilize the invention and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein.

Claims

1. A consumption device, comprising,

a plurality of compartments;

a connecting member that is connected to the compartments and forms a channel with the compartments, wherein the channel comprises a first opening on a side of the channel; and

a straw that can be disposed in the channel and can be movable with respect to the channel, wherein the straw comprises a second opening on a side of the straw,

wherein the second opening on the straw is capable of sharing a pass with the first opening of the channel for a beverage in one of the compartments.

2. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the channel comprises a third opening.

3. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the channel has a plurality of openings.

4. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the straw can be tubular or circular.

5. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the straw has a plurality of openings.

6. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the straw can be locked with respect to the channel when it is displaced inside the channel.

7. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the device has a plurality of compartments.

8. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the compartments are formed by permanently joining a plurality of pieces.

9. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the compartments are formed by temporarily joining a plurality of pieces.

10. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the compartments are formed by one or a plurality of removable connecting members.

11. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the device has one or two removable compartments.

12. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the device has a plurality of removable compartments.

13. The consumption device of claim 1, further comprising a cover, two covers or a plurality of covers for placement over the compartments.

14. The consumption device of claim 1, further comprising one or a plurality of handles.

15. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the device, or part of the device is formed from polymer, metal, ceramic, wood or bamboo, paper, or plastic by injection molding.

16. The consumption device of claim 13, wherein the cover is formed together with a removable compartment.

17. The consumption device of claim 1, wherein the straw can be movable with respect to the channel, and wherein there is no shared pass among the compartments and the straw.