A multi-chamber container

Abstract

The present invention provides a multi-chamber liquid container (17) capable of mixing at least two liquids with different temperatures for achieving a mixture of the two liquids with a specifically elected temperature. The mullti-chamber container (17) comprising a main body / 15) comprising a first higher insulated chamber (2) and a second lower insulated chamber (4); a main outlet (13) comprising a mixing valve; a first pump (9) and a second pump (10) for pumping the first and second liquid contained in the first and second chambers (2, 4) and adjusting means for changing the ratio between the volume of liquid from the first higher insulated chamber (2) and the volume of liquid from the second less insulated chamber (4).

Description

[0001] A multi-chamber container

[0002] Technical field of the invention

[0003] The present invention is generally directed to a portable container for storing and dispensing a liquid, such as water, any beverage, or other liquids. More specifically, the present invention relates to a multi-chamber container, comprising at least two chambers for storing liquid with different temperatures.

[0004] In particular the present invention relates to a multi-chamber container, comprising at least two chambers for storing liquid with different temperatures, where the two liquids are mixed and dispensed at a controlled ratio, according to the users need, resulting in a dispensed liquid at a specific preferred or specifically elected temperature.

[0005] Background of the invention

[0006] There can be many different reasons for the need of liquid at a specific temperature, such as needing water or other liquid at specific temperature for cooking or mixing into specific substances, such as different temperature needed for brewing coffee, black or green tea, or for preparing a bottle of formula milk. Furthermore, in many cultures, drinking water is consumed warm, not at boiling temperature, but warmer than the surrounding temperature and the preferred exact temperature depends on personal preferences, meaning that it is highly favourable to have one container capable of providing drinking water with different temperature. Apart from drinking water, especially where there is limited access to other sources of clean water, such as during any outdoor activity, such as camping or hiking, or where the accommodation / office is without suitable source for clean water, such as at dorms, hostels, capsule hotels, one-room rentals or even smaller offices, access to clean water for many different uses apart from drinking, such as for washing hands and / or other bodyparts, for brushing teeth or for cleaning utilities.

[0007] In short, there are multiple, even endless circumstances where there is a need for a liquid at a specific temperature and all those different needs have previously either been solved by utilizing multiple liquid sources, either in the form of containers comprising liquid with different temperature or by access to water sources such as the cold and warm water faucets, or by utilizing different heating and / or cooling methods / elements for changing the temperature of the selected liquid. However, both of those solutions, multiple liquid sources and multiple heating / cooling means, require multiple instruments or supplies and with that they automatically take up space and if being carried around, more weight than is desirable.

[0008] Therefore, there is often need for more simple, less spacious, and more easily transportable solution than known in the art. When hiking, going "out to the field" for some sampling or testing, or just taking a stroll with a baby pram, it is not preferable or even possible to carry around multiple liquid containers, heating and / or cooling means, temperature meter and even some mixing means. And even when the need for the provision of a liquid at multiple different specific preferred / specifically elected temperature arises at a stationary setting, such as in a domestic family home or at a workplace, it is not always room for multiple containers, or other multiple liquid supplies, for heating and / or cooling means, temperature meter or means for mixing.

[0009] Hence, the possibility of providing a selected liquid at a specific preferred / specifically elected temperature without the need for multiple liquid containers and / or multiple liquid supply, and without the need for heating and / or cooling means, separate temperature meter and / or mixing means would be advantageous. In particular a more efficient, more simple, less spacious, and more easily transportable solution for providing a selected liquid at a preferred temperature would be advantageous.

[0010] Summary of the invention

[0011] Thus, an object of the present invention relates to providing a multi-chamber liquid container suitable for providing a selected liquid at a specific preferred or specifically elected temperature without the need for multiple liquid containers and / or multiple liquid supply, and without the need for heating and / or cooling means, separate temperature meter and / or mixing means.

[0012] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-chamber liquid container suitable for providing a selected liquid at a specific preferred or specifically elected temperature, that is more efficient, more simple, less spacious, and more easily transportable than liquid containers of prior art.

[0013] Thus, one aspect of the invention relates to a multi-chamber container for storing, mixing, transferring and dispensing a liquid at an elected temperature, comprising a main body, said main body comprising : - a first and a second less insulated chamber for containing liquid, the chambers being made such that one chamber is constructed with a higher degree of thermal insulation than the other chamber being less insulated

[0014] - the first higher insulated chamber comprising a first opening, a first outlet and a first temperature sensor for measuring the first temperature, said first insulated chamber suitable for comprising a first liquid

[0015] - the second less insulated chamber comprising a a fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other., a second outlet; and a second temperature sensor for measuring the second temperature, said second less insulated chamber suitable for comprising a second liquid;

[0016] - a main outlet comprising a mixing valve;

[0017] - a first liquid connection, creating a liquid connection between the first opening of the first higher insulated chamber and the main outlet,

[0018] - a second liquid connection, creating a liquid connection between the second outlet of the second less insulated chamber and the main outlet,

[0019] - a first pump constructed for pumping the first liquid from the first higher insulated chamber to the main outlet through the first liquid connection,

[0020] - a second pump constructed for pumping the second liquid from the second less insulated chamber to the main outlet through the second liquid connection,

[0021] - a control panel connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the first pump and the second pump, and wherein control panel controls the first pump and the second pump,

[0022] - a display panel connected to the control panel,

[0023] - adjusting means connected to the control panel and the display panel, so that the adjusting means can change the ratio between the volume of liquid from the first higher insulated chamber and the volume of liquid from the second less insulated chamber in the liquid dispensed through the main outlet as a mixed liquid, a fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other.

[0024] By establishing a fluid connection between the two chambers, the temperature in one or both chambers can be regulated by transferring liquid from one chamber into the other via this fluid connection. Provided that hot water is filled in both chambers, the different degree of insulation in the 2 chambers will cause a temperature difference to be established between the liquids in the two chambers. This can by the invention be utilized, as the multi-chamber container can be programmed such that it may dispense an essentially temperature-wise homogeneous mix of liquids from the two chambers with a user-selected temperature that lies between the temperature in the two chambers.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first higher insulated chamber (in use situation) is located above the second less insulated chamber such that gravity can cause liquid to flow from the first higher insulated chamber to the second less insulated chamber.

[0026] This is advantageous as the use of power-demanding pumps to transfer liquid from the first to the second less insulated chamber thus can be avoided. Thereby, the requirements for power supply - such as battery size - are reduced.

[0027] Normally, the invention is designed so that both chambers can be filled with hot water by simply filling hot water in the first (better insulated) chamber, which will typically be the upper one, and then continue filling - while the water flows from this insulated chamber to the less insulated chamber - until both chambers are full.

[0028] Of course, the functionality of the invention is not conditional on both chambers being completely filled up, since - according to the invention - water can be transferred from one chamber to the other even if one chamber is not completely full.

[0029] In another aspect the present invention relates to a method as recited in claim 10

[0030] Other embodiments are recited in the dependent claims 2-9.

[0031] Brief description of the figures

[0032] Fig. 1 shows one embodiment of the multi-chamber liquid container.

[0033] Fig. 2 shows another embodiment of the multi-chamber liquid container.

[0034] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of the multi-chamber liquid container

[0035] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in more detail in the following. Detailed description of the invention

[0036] The present invention provides a multi-chamber liquid container suitable for providing a selected liquid at a specific preferred or specifically elected temperature without the need for multiple liquid containers and / or multiple liquid supply, and without the need for heating and / or cooling means, separate temperature meter and / or mixing means.

[0037] An object of the invention is to provide an apparatus that can be used when infant food is to be prepared on e.g. hiking or otherwise in areas where access to hot and cool water is limited. Today, thermos jugs are most often used when you must bring liquid to make baby food. This has the disadvantage that you must wait for the liquid to cool down before the baby food can be prepared, an alternative is to bring two thermos containers, one with cold water and one with hot water. This also has disadvantages in that it is difficult to provide a mix with the right temperature (approx. 37 degrees Celsius).

[0038] The idea behind the invention is that by initially filling the two chambers with boiling water, a high degree of sterility is achieved in both chambers, and since some time usually elapses - to drive or walk a distance - before the baby food is to be consumed, the temperature in the uninsulated chamber most often reach below 37 degrees Celsius before the baby food must be consumed. Since the insulated chamber, on the other hand, retains the heat, baby food can be provided at 37 degrees Celsius (as long as there is hot water in the other chamber).

[0039] When the invention is provided with a one-way valve that allows water to flow from the insulated upper chamber to the lower, the lower chamber will be filled with hot water while the discharge of mix fluid takes place. In one embodiment, the device is equipped with a safety mechanism that emits an alarm and / or temporarily stops the discharge if the mixed temperature exceeds 37 degrees. In one embodiment, the two chambers are mutually adapted so that the provision of a filled baby bottle (approx. 330 ml) at 37 degrees Celsius from a mix of liquids from the two chambers, where the insulated chamber contains a liquid at 100 degrees Celsius, while the uninsulated chamber containing a liquid at 25 degrees will not cause the temperature in the low insulated chamber to exceed 35 degrees Celsius.

[0040] These functionalities naturally require that the invention is used in environments where the temperature is below 37 degrees Celsius.

[0041] If the invention is used in warm surroundings, for example, above 37 degrees Celsius, the chambers can be filled with cold sterilized water and thereby the achieve the same thing, namely that the temperature in the uninsulated chamber is heated by the surroundings - but the coolness is preserved in the insulated chamber - the container can mix the liquid from the two chambers and achieve an outlet temperature of or below 37 degrees Celsius.

[0042] When mixing two liquids with different temperature, the temperature of the mixture can be predicted by the following equation.

[0043] Equation 1 : .

[0044] Where Ti is the temperature of the first liquid, T2 is the temperature of the second liquid, Vi is the volume of the first liquid, V2 is the volume of the second liquid and where mixing temperature Tmis the predicted temperature of the mixture.

[0045] For the present invention, in this application, during any reference to equation 1, the following terms are used :

[0046] Ti or (Ti) is the first temperature, that is the temperature of the first liquid (Li) comprised within first insulated chamber (2),

[0047] T2 or (T2) is the second temperature, that is the temperature of the second liquid (L2) comprised within the second less insulated chamber (4)

[0048] Vi or (Vi) is the first volume, that is the volume of the first liquid (Li) reaching the mixing valve (13) and dispensed through the main outlet (14)

[0049] V2 or (V2) is the second volume, that is the volume of the second liquid (L2) reaching the mixing valve (13) and dispensed through the main outlet (14) Tmor (Tm) is the mixing temperature of the liquid dispensed through the main outlet (14). It is also referred to as the specific preferred temperature (Tm) or specifically elected mixing temperature (Tm) and is the predicted temperature of the mixture according to equation 1.

[0050] Lmor (Lm) is the mixed liquid, a mixture of first liquid (Li) and second liquid (L2).

[0051] In reference to figure 1, the present invention provides a multi-chamber container for storing, mixing and dispensing a mixed liquid at a user-controlled temperature (Tm). The multi-chamber container comprises a main body (15), the main body (15) of the embodiment depicted in figure 1, constructed largely as a rectangle, comprising a top side (19), bottom side (20) and four vertical sides (21) and further comprising a first insulated chamber (2) and a second less insulated chamber (4). The first insulated chamber (2) is insulated as to sustain the liquid within the chamber at a different temperature than the temperature of the surroundings of the multi-chamber container for longer period of time. Any liquid comprised within the first insulated chamber (2) is referred to as the first liquid (Li). The first insulated chamber (2) is constructed as to be suitable for comprising a first liquid (Li) at different temperature, such as water close to boiling point, that is liquid at 99-100 °C, or water close to freezing point, that is liquid at 0-5 °C.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, a multi-chamber container is provided, wherein the first insulated chamber (2) is suitable for comprising a first liquid (Li) wherein the first liquid (Li) is a water close to boiling point, preferably water with a first temperature (Ti) between 90-100 °C. In another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-chamber container is provided, wherein the first insulated chamber (2) is suitable for comprising a first liquid (Li) wherein the first liquid (Li) has a first temperature (Ti) between 90-100 °C. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a multi-chamber container is provided, wherein the first insulated chamber (2) is suitable for comprising a first liquid (Li) wherein the first liquid (Li) has a first temperature (Ti) anywhere between 0-100 °C, such as between 0-95 °C, between 50-95 °C, between 70-95 °C or between 70- 99 °C.

[0053] The second less insulated chamber (4) can either be insulated or not insulated. In one embodiment of the present invention the multi-chamber container provided comprises an insulated second less insulated chamber suitable for comprising a second liquid (L2) with second temperature (T2) anywhere between 0-100 °C. In another embodiment of the present invention the multi-chamber container provided comprises a non-insulated chamber (4) suitable for comprising a second liquid (L2) with second temperature (T2) anywhere between 0-100 °C.

[0054] Further in reference to figure 1, the present invention provides a multi-chamber container constructed such that the first insulated chamber (2) is placed on top on the second less insulated chamber (4), when the multi-chamber container (17) is placed horizontally upright, as intended for use. The main body (15) comprises a first opening (1) into the first higher insulated chamber (2) for admitting the first liquid (Li), and a main outlet (14) for dispensing the mixed liquid (Lm) at the preferred mixing temperature (Tm), said main outlet comprising a mixing valve (13). A fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other. (3) between the first higher insulated chamber (2) and the second less insulated chamber (4) creates a liquid connection between the first higher insulated chamber (2) and second less insulated chamber (4), said fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other. (3) further comprising a one-way valve (18), constructed as to only allow the first liquid (Li) to flow from the first higher insulated chamber (2) into the second less insulated chamber (4), but not the other way around. The first higher insulated chamber (2) provided by the present invention comprises a first temperature sensor (5) for measuring the first temperature (Ti) of the first liquid (Li) within the first higher insulated chamber (2) and a first outlet (7) into a first liquid connection (22) constructed for creating a liquid connection between the first higher insulated chamber (2) and the main outlet (14), wherein the flow or volume, that is the first volume (Vi) through the first liquid connection (22) is controlled by a first pump (9). Correspondingly, the second less insulated chamber (4) provided by the present invention comprises a second temperature sensor (6) for measuring the temperature of the second liquid (L2) within the second less insulated chamber (4) and a second outlet (8) into a second liquid connection (23) constructed for creating a liquid connection between the second less insulated chamber (4) and the main outlet (14), wherein the flow or volume, that is the second volume (V2) through the second liquid connection (23) is controlled by a second pump (10). The liquid connections (22 and 23) are combined at the main outlet (14) where a mixing valve (13) mixes the first liquid (Li) from the first liquid connection (22) with the second liquid (L2) from the second liquid connection (23) before the mixed liquid (Lm) is dispensed through the main outlet (14).

[0055] It is therefore possible to control the mixing temperature (Tm) of the mixed liquid (Lm) dispensed through the main outlet (14) according to equation 1, by controlling the first volume (Vi) of the first liquid (Li) and the second volume (V2) of the second liquid (L2) mixed in the mixing valve (13) of the main outlet (14).

[0056] Referring to figure 1, the main body (15) further comprises a control panel (11) and adjustment means (12), where the control panel (11) is connected to first and second temperature sensors (5 and 6) and to first and second pump (9 and 10), and adjustment means (12) connected to first and second pump (9 and 10), where said control panel (11) and adjustment means (12) are constructed for utilizing the first temperature (Ti) of the first liquid (Li) in the first insulated chamber (2) and the second temperature (T2) of the second liquid (L2) in the second less insulated chamber (4) for controlling the mixed temperature (Tm) of the mixed liquid (Lm) dispensed, wherein the preferred or selected mixed temperature (Tm) is acquired by applying first pump (9) for controlling the first volume (Vi) of the first liquid (Li) flowing through the first liquid connection (22) and by applying the second pump (10) for controlling the second volume (V2) of the second liquid (L2) flowing through the second liquid connection (23). By applying equation 1, utilizing the measured first temperature (Ti) of the first liquid (Li) and the second temperature (T2) of the second liquid (L2) and accordingly controlling the first and second volume (Vi and V2) of the first and second liquids (Li and L2) flowing through the two liquid connections (22 and 23), the volume ratio between the first volume (Li) and the second volume (L2) can be controlled, and the resulting mixed liquid (Lm) dispensed will have the elected mixing temperature (Tm).

[0057] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-chamber container, wherein the temperature of the liquid dispensed through the main outlet (14) is controlled by applying equation 1.

[0058] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a multi-chamber container, wherein the mixing temperature Tmof the liquid dispensed through the main outlet (14) is controlled by applying equation 1, wherein Ti is measured by first temperature sensor (5), T2 is measured by second temperature sensor (6), Vi is controlled by first pump (9) and V2 is controlled by second pump (10).

[0059] Referring to figure 2, another embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The embodiment of the multi-chamber container of the present invention as shown in figure 2, mainly differs from the embodiment of the multi-chamber container depicted in figure 1, in that the multi-chamber container depicted in figure 2 is constructed such that the first higher insulated chamber (2) and the second less insulated chamber (4) are horizontally side-by-side and there is no direct liquid connection between the two chambers. The main body (15) comprises two openings or inlets, the first opening (1) into first higher insulated chamber (2) a second inlet 3A and the fluid connection (3) between the first higher insulated chamber (2) and the second less insulated chamber (4), said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other chamber. In the present embodiment the fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other (3) does not comprise a one-way valve, however, as depicted in figure 2, the first opening (1) and the second opening 3A is closed by a lid (16). Further to the embodiment displayed in figure 2, the shape of the multi-chamber container (17) is largely cylinder, with the main body (15) in the shape of a cylinder with a bottom side (20), top side (19) and one round vertical side (21).

[0060] In one embodiment the present invention provides a multi-chamber liquid container (17) for storing, mixing, transferring and dispensing a liquid at an elected mixing temperature Tm, comprising :

[0061] - a main body (15),

[0062] - a first isolated chamber (2) comprising a first opening (1) for receiving a first liquid Li at a first temperature (Ti), a first outlet (7) for conveying the first liquid (Li) from the first higher insulated chamber (2) and a first temperature sensor (5) for measuring the first temperature (Ti) within the first higher insulated chamber (2), - a second less insulated chamber (4) for receiving a second liquid (L2) at a second temperature (T2), comprising a fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other. (3) for receiving the second liquid (L2) at a second temperature (T2), a second temperature sensor (6) for measuring the second temperature (T2) and a second outlet (8) for conveying the second liquid (L2) from the second less insulated chamber (3),

[0063] - a main outlet (14) comprising a mixing valve (13), for mixing and dispensing a mixed liquid (Lm) comprising a mixture of the first liquid (Li) and second liquid (L2) at elected mixing temperature (Tm),

[0064] - a first liquid connection (22) between first outlet (7) of the first higher insulated chamber (2) and the main outlet (14), for allowing the first liquid (Li) to flow from the first higher insulated chamber (2) to the main outlet (14),

[0065] - a second liquid connection (23) between the second outlet (8) of the second less insulated chamber (4) and the main outlet (14), for allowing the second liquid (L2) to flow from the second less insulated chamber (4) to the main outlet (14),

[0066] - a first pump (9) for pumping the first liquid (Li) from the first higher insulated chamber (2) through the first liquid connection (22),

[0067] - a second pump (10) for pumping the second liquid (L2) from the second less insulated chamber (4) through the second liquid connection (23),

[0068] - display panel (24) for displaying the elected mixed temperature (Tm)

[0069] - adjustment means (12) connected with the control panel (11) and the display panel (24), for adjusting and selecting the elected mixing temperature (Tm) displayed on the display panel (24),

[0070] - a control panel (11) connected to the first temperature sensor (5), the second temperature sensor (6), the first pump (9) and the second pump (10), wherein:

[0071] - the control panel controls first pump (9) and thereby controls the first volume (Vi) of the first liquid (Li) at the first temperature (Ti) pumped by the first pump (9),

[0072] - the control panel (11) controls the second pump (10) and thereby controls the second volume (V2) of the second liquid (L2) at a second temperature (T2) pumped by the second pump (10),

[0073] - the control panel further comprising an electronic apparatus that utilizes the first temperature (Ti) and the second temperature (T2) for calculating the ratio between the volume of first liquid (Li) and second liquid (L2) needed for reaching the elected mixing temperature (Tm) according to equation 1,

[0074] - and wherein the control panel (11) accordingly adjusts the output of the first pump (9), thereby adjusting the first volume (Vi) of the first liquid (Li) reaching the mixing valve (13), and the output of the second pump (10), thereby adjusting the second volume (V2) of the second liquid (L2) reaching the mixing valve (13) for obtaining the mixing temperature (Tm) of mixed liquid (Lm) dispensed through the main outlet (14).

[0075] In one embodiments of the present invention, the multi-chamber liquid container comprises a display panel (24) displaying the elected mixing temperature (Tm) of mixed liquid (Lm). In another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber liquid container provided comprises adjustment means (12) for selecting the elected mixing temperature (Tm) of mixed liquid (Lm), and a display panel, displaying the elected mixing liquid temperature (Tm), the first liquid temperature (Ti) and the second liquid temperature (T2).

[0076] In one embodiments of the present invention, the multi-chamber liquid container provided comprises a second less insulated chamber (4) constructed as to maintain the starting temperature of the second liquid (L2), that is the second less insulated chamber is isolated. In another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber liquid container provided comprises a second less insulated chamber (4) that is not isolated.

[0077] It should be noted that the multi-chamber liquid container provided by the present invention is suitable for multiple different types of liquid, such as water, milk, juice, coffee or any other beverages, different chemical compositions, reagents, dissolvents or any other liquids. It should also be noted that the first liquid (Li) and second liquid (L2) do not have to be the same liquid, such that the first liquid (Li) could be already brewed coffee, while the second liquid (L2) can be milk, water or any third suitable liquid of choice.

[0078] In one embodiments of the present invention, the multi-chamber container provided comprises water as both the first liquid (Li) and the second liquid (L2). In another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber container provided comprises hot or boiling water as the first liquid (Li), and water close to room temperature or the surrounding temperature as the second liquid (L2). In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber container provided comprises water as the first liquid (Li) with first temperature (Ti) between 80-100 °C and water as the second liquid (L2) with second temperature (T2) between 0-50 °C.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present invention, the multi-chamber liquid container (17) provided comprises a main body (15), said main body comprising :

[0080] - a first isolated chamber (2) comprising a first opening (1), a first outlet (7) and a first temperature sensor (5),

[0081] - a second less insulated chamber (4), comprising a fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber, said fluid connection being adapted such that liquid can flow or be pumped from one chamber to the other. (3), a second temperature sensor (6) and a second outlet (8),

[0082] - a main outlet (14) comprising a mixing valve (13),

[0083] - a first liquid connection (22) between the first outlet (7) and the main outlet (14),

[0084] - a second liquid connection (23) between the second outlet (8) and the main outlet (14),

[0085] - a first pump (9) constructed for pumping the liquid from the first higher insulated chamber (2) to main outlet (14) through the first liquid connection (22),

[0086] - a second pump (10) constructed for pumping liquid from the second less insulated chamber (4) to main outlet (14) through the second liquid connection (23),

[0087] - a control panel (11) connected to the first temperature sensor (5), the second temperature sensor (6), the first pump (9) and the second pump (10), wherein the control panel controls the volume of liquid pumped by both the first pump (9) and the second pump (10),

[0088] - a display panel (24),

[0089] - adjustment means (12) connected to the control panel (11), wherein the adjustment means are constructed as to communicate to the control panel,

[0090] - and wherein by applying the adjust means (12) the volume of liquid pumped by the first pump (9) and or the second pump (10) is altered.

[0091] In figure 3 is shown an embodiment of the invention comprising an elevated non return valve situated in the fluid connection between chamber 2 and chamber 4. This non return valve allows fluid to flow from chamber 2 to chamber 4. In the shown embodiment is the outlet (entrance to the non-return valve) from chamber 2 elevated. This ensures that below a certain fluid level (H) the liquid in chamber 2 will no more flow by itself (by gravity) towards chamber 4. However in all embodiments of the invention chamber 2 and chamber 4 may be connected by another fluid connection (not shown) which comprises a pump capable of pumping fluid from chamber 2 to chamber 4 or vice versa and this fluid pump being controllable via the control panel is preferably made such that the pump can empty both chambers.

[0092] Definitions

[0093] On top or below - as used in this application, refers to the vertical placement of an object or a feature. The multi-chamber container provided by the present invention is largely either a cylinder or rectangle formed with defined top side or upwards-facing-surface, said top-side facing upwards when the multi-chamber container of the invention is in use, and accordingly a defined bottom side or downwards-facing-surface, wherein the multichamber container of the present invention will rest on said bottom when in use.

[0094] 1 - A first opening, preferably comprising a lid

[0095] 2 - First insulated chamber

[0096] 3 - Fluid connection between the first higher insulated chamber and the second less insulated chamber.

[0097] 4 - Second less insulated chamber

[0098] 5 - First temperature sensor

[0099] 6 - Second temperature sensor

[0100] 7 - First outlet

[0101] 8 - Second outlet

[0102] 9 - First pump

[0103] 10 - Second pump

[0104] 11 - Control panel

[0105] 12 - Adjustment means

[0106] 13 - Mixing valve

[0107] 14 - Main outlet comprising a temperature sensor connected to control panel, such that dispensing can be stopped if the dispensing through the mixing is more than 1 preferably more than 2 and more preferably more than 5 degrees from the elected mixing temperature.

[0108] 15 - Main body

[0109] 16 - Lid

[0110] 17 - Multi-chamber container

[0111] 18 One way valve

[0112] 19 - Top side

[0113] 20 - Bottom side

[0114] 21 - Vertical sides

[0115] 22 - First fluid connection

[0116] 23 - Second fluid connection

[0117] 24 - Display panel

[0118] 25 - Battery

[0119] 26 - Battery charger

[0120] 27 - On / off button

[0121] Li - First liquid

[0122] L2 - Second liquid

[0123] Ti - First temperature T2- Second temperature

[0124] L3 - Mixed liquid

[0125] Tm- Elected mixing temperature

Claims

Claims1. A multi-chamber container for storing, mixing, transferring and dispensing a liquid at an elected temperature, comprising a main body, said main body comprising :- a first (2) and a second (4) chamber for containing liquid, the chambers being made such that one chamber is constructed with a higher degree of thermal insulation than the other chamber being less insulated- the first higher insulated chamber comprising a first opening (1), a first outlet (7) and a first temperature sensor (5) for measuring the first temperature, said first insulated chamber suitable for comprising a first liquid- the second less insulated chamber comprising, a second outlet (8); and a second temperature sensor (6) for measuring the second temperature, said second less insulated chamber suitable for comprising a second liquid;- a main outlet (13) comprising a mixing valve;- a first liquid connection (25), creating a liquid connection between the first opening of the first higher insulated chamber and the main outlet,- a second liquid connection (23), creating a liquid connection between the second outlet of the second less insulated chamber and the main outlet,- a first pump (9) constructed for pumping the first liquid from the first higher insulated chamber to the main outlet through the first liquid connection,- a second pump (10) constructed for pumping the second liquid from the second less insulated chamber to the main outlet through the second liquid connection,- a control panel (11) connected to the first temperature sensor, the second temperature sensor, the first pump and the second pump, and wherein control panel controls the first pump and the second pump,- a display panel (24) connected to the control panel,- adjusting means (12) connected to the control panel and the display panel, so that the adjusting means can change the ratio between the volume of liquid from the first higher insulated chamber and the volume of liquid from the second less insulated chamber in the liquid dispensed through the main outlet as a mixed liquid, a fluid connection (3) between the first higher insulated chamber and the second less insulated chamber.

2. A multi-chamber container according to claim 1, wherein the fluid connection between first higher insulated chamber and the second less insulated chamber comprises a one-wayvalve allowing liquid to flow from the first higher insulated chamber to the second less insulated chamber.

3. A multi-chamber container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber comprises a fluid stop 30 capable of stopping gravity induced fluid flow from the first higher insulated chamber to the second less insulated chamber when the fluid level is below a certain hight (H).

4. A multi-chamber container according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein the fluid connection between the first higher insulated chamber and the second less insulated chamber comprises a pump capable of pumping fluid from the first higher insulated chamber to the second less insulated chamber, said pump being capable of emptying the first higher insulated chamber5. A multi-chamber container according to any of the claims 1-4 , wherein the fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber comprises a pump capable of pumping fluid from the second less insulated chamber to the first higher insulated chamber, said pump being capable of emptying the second less insulated chamber.

6. A multi-chamber according to any of the claims 1-5, wherein the display panel displays the elected temperature and the first and the second temperature.

7. A multi-chamber container according to any of the claims 1-6, wherein the first fluid chamber is located higher than the second fluid chamber such that fluid can forced to flow from the first higher insulated chamber to the second less insulated chamber by gravity.

8. A multi-chamber container according to any of the claims 1-7, wherein the first fluid chamber is located on top of the second fluid chamber.

9. A multi-chamber container according to any of the claims 1-7 wherein the fluid connection between the first and the second less insulated chamber is closable such that the multi chamber container may be used as an ordinary thermos bottle comprising a single insulated container.

10. A method of using the multi-chamber container of any of the preceding claims comprising the steps of:- inserting a liquid with a first temperature into the first insulated chamber- filling the second less insulated chamber with fluid from the first higher insulated chamber- wait for the temperature in the second less insulated chamber to adjust to the ambient temperature - utilizing the time window (timeslot) in which there is difference in temperature between the two chambers to produce a mixed fluid flow from the two chambers, said fluid flow having an elected temperature being between the temperatures in the first higher insulated chamber and the temperature in the second less insulated chamber.

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