Beverage container with integral storage space for drinking cups

Abstract

A container is disclosed that can hold and dispense a beverage while at the same time storing and dispensing drinking cups for consuming the beverage, thereby enhancing the availability of drinking cups, by making them readily available for use with the container. The container includes a cup storage and dispensing portion formed into the bottom, the side, or some other surface of the container, with a cup retaining element capable of resisting removal of a cup from the portion. The cup storage and dispensing portion can be sealed by a removable cover, and can be shaped to accommodate a plurality of cups while maximizing the beverage volume of the container. In another aspect of the invention, the container includes a storage portion that can be used to store other items, such as beverage additives or promotional items, in addition to, or instead of, cups.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention generally relates to containers, and particularly to beverage containers.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Beverages come in a variety of container sizes. Single serving containers, such as 12 oz or 16 oz bottles or cans, contain only enough beverage for a typical person. If the person is not sharing the beverage, it can be consumed directly from the single serving container, without the need for a cup.[0003]By contrast, high capacity beverage containers that contain multiple servings of a beverage are known for conveniently storing and dispensing large quantities of beverages economically and conveniently. However, large containers such as 2 liter soft drink bottles, ½ gallon bottles, and 1 gallon jugs are typically used to pour the beverage into one or more cups, rather than consuming the contents directly from the container. This often happens when people gather in groups and share the contents of a large beverage container.[0004]Cups for...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]The invention enhances the availability of drinking cups for a beverage contained in a large beverage container. The cups are conveniently sized, and readily available for use with the container. By incorporating a cup storage and dispenser compartment as a deformation of the wall or bottom of the beverage container, substantial conveniences are provided. For example, a convenient number of cups can be stored in the wall or bottom of the container, making them readily available for consumption of the beverage stored within the container.

[0009]The invention has the advantage of conveniently providing the right size, type, and quantity of cups for the consumer at the exact time and place that the consumer needs them. This advantage results in fewer items for the consumer to purchase, transport, and store to consume a beverage in a large container. This advantage may be particularly attractive to consumers who live in small city apartments with scarce kitchen storage space, or businesses where convenience and one-time-use items reduce costs.

[0011]Additionally since brand labeling is critical for soft drink companies, integrating the cups with the drink container offers companies an opportunity to brand label the cup so as to match the container, reinforcing the brand every time the cup is used.

[0014]For consumers, the invention ensures the availability of cups for consumption of the beverage contained therein. This advantage is particularly significant when the beverage container is to be transported a long distance from home, such as to a picnic, or to the beach. Consumer convenience is further enhanced by providing immediate, ready access to the required drinking cups anytime the consumer desires to drink the beverage contained by the invention.

[0025]In further preferred embodiments, the cup storage and dispensing portion is shaped to accommodate a cup, while maximizing the volume of the bottle.

Problems solved by technology

This results in either wasted cups, or extra cups that must be saved for later use.

Worse yet, some stores that sell drinks in large capacity beverage containers do not also sell cups, or a store may run out of the appropriate size and / or style of cup, making it necessary for a consumer either to allow multiple persons to drink directly from the beverage container, or to go further and find yet another store to purchase the appropriate drinking cups.

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