Beverage insert for creating dual compartments in a tumbler

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate generally to systems, devices, and apparatus for separately storing one, or more, liquids and, in particular, to systems, devices, and apparatus for converting a first storage vessel into a second storage vessel, wherein one, or more, liquids may be stored in separate chambers.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to systems, devices, and apparatus for separately storing one, or more, liquids and, in particular, to systems, devices, and apparatus for converting a first storage vessel into a second storage vessel, wherein one, or more, liquids may be stored in separate chambers.BACKGROUND

[0002] Individuals wanting to carry or store one, or more, liquids with separation or at different storage conditions, either must resort to using separate containers, leading to an increased physical burden and environmental waste, or must use containers currently on the market, such as, dual-chamber bottles and insulated flasks, which offer limited functionality and fail to keep different beverages, or liquids, adequately separated and at their ideal temperatures. Therefore, systems, devices, and apparatus to overcome these issues may be desirable.SUMMARY

[0003] Some embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, devices, and apparatus for separately storing and accessing one, or more, liquids.

[0004] Some embodiments of the present invention comprise systems, devices and apparatus for converting a first storage vessel to a second storage system wherein one, or more, liquids may be stored.

[0005] According to a first aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a storage system may comprise a coupling device comprising a first threading and a second threading, wherein the first threading attaches the coupling device to a first vessel, and the second threading attaches the coupling device to a second vessel, wherein the second vessel is housed within the first vessel when coupled to the first vessel via the coupling device.

[0006] According to a second aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device may comprise a first access location, wherein the first access location provides access to the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel via the coupling device.

[0007] According to a third aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device may comprise a second access location, wherein the second access location provides access to the second vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel via the coupling device.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the second vessel may be shaped, such that an access device at the first access location on the coupling device may bypass the second vessel and access the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel via the coupling device.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a storage system may comprise an insert vessel and a lid, wherein the insert vessel comprises a first threading compatible with a second vessel and a second threading compatible with the lid.

[0010] According to a sixth aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the lid may comprise a first access location, wherein the first access location provides access to the insert vessel when the insert vessel is coupled to the first vessel via the lid.

[0011] According to a seventh aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the lid may comprise a second access location, wherein the second access location provides access to the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the insert vessel via the lid.

[0012] According to an eighth aspect of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the insert vessel may be shaped, such that an access device at the second access location on the lid may bypass the insert vessel and access the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the insert vessel via the lid.

[0013] The foregoing and other objectives, features, and advantages of the invention will be more readily understood upon consideration of the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a storage system, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first vessel, a coupling device, a first access location in the coupling device providing access to the first vessel, a second access location in the coupling device providing access to a second vessel, and a first access device and a second access device;

[0015] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of a storage system, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, a coupling device, a first access device, and a second access device;

[0016] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a cross-sectional view of a storage system, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, and a coupling device;

[0017] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a exploded, cut-away view of a coupling device, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first threading and a second threading;

[0018] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating a transparency view of a storage system, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, a coupling device, a first access location in the coupling device, a second access location in the coupling device, and a first access device, and a second access device;

[0019] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating an exploded view of a storage system, according to embodiments of the present invention, comprising a first vessel, a second vessel, and a lid providing coupling of the first vessel to the second vessel; and

[0020] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating an assembled view of a storage system, according to embodiments of the present invention described in relation to FIG. 6.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The figures listed above are expressly incorporated as part of this detailed description.

[0022] It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the methods, systems, devices, and apparatus of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, but it is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0023] The following disclosure is directed to various embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the examples disclosed herein have broad application and that the description of any embodiment is intended only to be exemplary of that embodiment and not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0024] Drawings may not necessarily illustrate components and / or features to scale. Components and / or features herein may be shown exaggerated in scale or shown in schematic form. Additionally, details of conventional elements may not be shown in interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0025] It may be desirable for a vessel capable of storing a single liquid to be converted to a storage apparatus capable of storing one, or more, liquids with varying storage requirements, for example, separation, temperature, and other liquid storage requirements. Examples of storage vessels for a liquid include, but are not limited to, tumblers, canteens, flasks, water bottles, bottles, carafes, jugs, water jugs, and other vessels capable of storing liquids. While embodiments of the present invention may be described in relation to one, or more, of the above-mentioned storage vessels, this is by way of illustration and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0026] The term liquid, as used herein, may refer to a puree, a slush, or other essentially liquid substance that may be poured or consumed by sucking or drinking.

[0027] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described in relation to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a storage system 111 for separately storing two liquids. Note that the two liquids may be the same liquid but are referenced herein as two liquids due to their storage in separate vessels. Previously referenced in sections above, the liquids are referred to as “one, or more” to not limit the liquids to different liquids. The term “two liquids” may refer to the storage, in two vessels or chambers, of the same liquid or may refer to two different liquids.

[0028] The storage system 111 comprises a first vessel 113 and a coupling device 112 for coupling the first vessel 113 to a second vessel (not visible), wherein the second vessel is housed within the first vessel 113. The coupling device 112 further comprises a first access location 115 providing access to the first vessel 113 and a second access location 116 providing access to the second vessel.

[0029] The storage system 111 may further comprise a first access device 117 that provides access to the first vessel 113 at the first access location 115 and a second access device 118 that provides access to the second vessel at the second access location 116. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 117 and the second access device 118 may be straws (shown in FIG. 1). In alternative embodiments of the present invention, an access device may be a tube with a bite valve, a flip-close pouring device, a flip-close straw, a spigot, or another access device through which a liquid may be accessed from a storage vessel. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 117 and the second access device 118 may be the same type of access device, as shown in FIG. 1. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first access device and the second access device may be different types of access devices.

[0030] The first access location 115 on the coupling device 112 is positioned such that the first access device 117 may bypass the second vessel and provide access only to the first vessel 113. Accordingly, the second vessel may be shaped to allow for the insertion of the first access device 117 into the first vessel 113 without penetration into the second vessel, thereby keeping the two liquids separated.

[0031] The coupling device 112 may comprise a first threading (not shown) compatible with a first threading (not shown) on the first vessel 113. The first threading on the coupling device 112 and the first threading on the first vessel 113 allow coupling of the first vessel 113 to the coupling device 112. The coupling device 112 may further comprise a second threading (not shown) compatible with a first threading (not shown) on the second vessel allowing coupling of the second vessel to the coupling device 112. Thus, the coupling device 112 provides coupling of the first vessel 113 to the second vessel.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first vessel 113 may have first storage-property values. Exemplary storage properties may include, for example, insulation properties, volume properties, and other vessel properties. The second vessel may have second storage-property values. In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage-property values of the first vessel 113 may be distinct from the storage-property values of the second vessel. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the storage-property values of first vessel 113 may be the same as the storage-property values of the second vessel.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device 112 may comprise one, or more, seals (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the coupling device 112 and the first vessel 113 and the coupling device 112 and the second vessel.

[0034] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described in an exploded view as depicted in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a storage system 211 for separately storing two liquids. The storage system 211 comprises a first vessel 213 and a coupling device 212 for coupling the first vessel 213 to a second vessel 214, wherein the second vessel 214 is housed within the first vessel 213. The coupling device 212 further comprises a first access location 215 providing access to the first vessel 213 and a second access location (not shown) providing access to the second vessel 214.

[0035] The coupling device 212 may comprise a first threading 219 compatible with a first threading (not shown) on the first vessel 213. The first threading 219 on the coupling device 212 and the first threading on the first vessel 213 allow coupling of the first vessel 213 to the coupling device 212. The coupling device 212 may further comprise a second threading 220 compatible with a first threading 221 on the second vessel 214 allowing coupling of the second vessel 214 to the coupling device 212. Thus, the coupling device 212 provides coupling of the first vessel 213 to the second vessel 214.

[0036] The storage system 211 may further comprise a first access device 217 that provides access to the first vessel 213 at the first access location 215 and a second access device 218 that provides access to the second vessel 214 at the second access location (not shown). In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 217 and the second access device 218 may be straws (shown in FIG. 2). In alternative embodiments of the present invention, an access device may be a tube with a bite valve, a flip-close pouring device, a flip-close straw, a spigot, or another access device through which a liquid may be accessed from a storage vessel. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 217 and the second access device 218 may be the same type of access device, as shown in FIG. 2. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first access device and the second access device may be different types of access devices.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first vessel 213 may have first storage-property values. Exemplary storage properties may include, for example, insulation properties, volume properties, and other vessel properties. The second vessel 214 may have second storage-property values. In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage-property values of the first vessel 213 may be distinct from the storage-property values of the second vessel 214. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the storage-property values of first vessel 213 may be the same as the storage-property values of the second vessel 214.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device 212 may comprise one, or more, seals (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the coupling device 212 and the first vessel 213 and the coupling device 212 and the second vessel 214.

[0039] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described in a cross-sectional view as depicted in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a storage system 311 for separately storing two liquids. The storage system 311 comprises a first vessel 313 and a coupling device 312 for coupling the first vessel 313 to a second vessel 314, wherein the second vessel 314 is housed within the first vessel 313. The coupling device 312 further comprises a first access location 315 providing access to the first vessel 313 and a second access location 316 providing access to the second vessel 314. The second vessel 314 may be shaped 320 such that an access device inserted at the first access location 315 may bypass the second vessel 314 and provide direct access to the first vessel 313, thereby maintaining separation of the liquids stored in the first 313 and second 314 vessels.

[0040] The coupling device 312 may comprise a first threading compatible with a first threading on the first vessel 313. The first threading on the coupling device 312 and the first threading on the first vessel 313 allow coupling of the first vessel 313 to the coupling device 312. The coupling device 312 may further comprise a second threading compatible with a first threading on the second vessel 314 allowing coupling of the second vessel 314 to the coupling device 312. Thus, the coupling device 312 provides coupling of the first vessel 313 to the second vessel 314.

[0041] The storage system 311 may further comprise a first access device (not shown), thereby providing access to the first vessel 313 at the first access location 315 and a second access device (not shown) providing access to the second vessel 314 at the second access location 316. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device and the second access device may be straws. In alternative embodiments of the present inventions, an access device may be a tube with a bite valve, a flip-close pouring device, a flip-close straw, a spigot, or another access device through which a liquid may be accessed from a storage vessel. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device and the second access device may be the same type of access device. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first access device and the second access device may be different types of access devices.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first vessel 313 may have first storage-property values. Exemplary storage properties may include, for example, insulation properties, volume properties, and other vessel properties. The second vessel 314 may have second storage-property values. In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage-property values of the first vessel 313 may be distinct from the storage-property values of the second vessel 314. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the storage-property values of first vessel 313 may be the same as the storage-property values of the second vessel 314.

[0043] The first access location 315 on the coupling device 312 is positioned such that the first access device may bypass the second vessel 314 and provide access only to the first vessel 313. Accordingly, the second vessel 314 may be shaped to allow for the insertion of the first access device into the first vessel 313 without penetration into the second vessel 314, thereby keeping the two liquids separated.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device 312 may comprise one, or more, seals (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the coupling device 312 and the first vessel 313 and the coupling device 312 and the second vessel 314.

[0045] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded, cut-away view 411 of a portion of a coupling device 412 according to embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments of the present invention, comprises two threadings 419, 420 for providing coupling to a first vessel 413 and a second vessel 414. The first threading 419 may be on an external surface of the coupling device 412 and may be compatible with a first threading 422 on an internal surface of the first vessel 413. The second threading 420 may be on an internal surface of the coupling device 412 and may be compatible with a first threading 421 on an external surface of the second vessel 414.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device 412 may comprise one, or more, seals (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the coupling device 412 and the first vessel 413 and the coupling device 412 and the second vessel 414.

[0047] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described in a transparency view as depicted in FIG. 5. FIG. 5 depicts a transparency view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a storage system 511 for separately storing two liquids. The storage system 511 comprises a first vessel 513 and a coupling device 512 for coupling the first vessel 513 to a second vessel 514, wherein the second vessel 514 is housed within the first vessel 513. The coupling device 512 further comprises a first access location 515 providing access to the first vessel 513 and a second access location 516 providing access to the second vessel 514. The second vessel 514 may be shaped 520 such that an access device 517 inserted at the first access location 515 may bypass the second vessel 514 and provide direct access to the first vessel 513, thereby maintaining separation of the liquids stored in the first 513 and second 514 vessels.

[0048] The coupling device 512 may comprise a first threading compatible with a first threading on the first vessel 513. The first threading on the coupling device 512 and the first threading on the first vessel 513 allow coupling of the first vessel 513 to the coupling device 512. The coupling device 512 may further comprise a second threading compatible with a first threading on the second vessel 514 allowing coupling of the second vessel 514 to the coupling device 512. Thus, the coupling device 512 provides coupling of the first vessel 513 to the second vessel 514,

[0049] The storage system 511 may further comprise a first access device 517 that provides access to the first vessel 513 at the first access location 515 and a second access device 518 that provides access to the second vessel 514 at the second access location 516. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 517 and the second access device 518 may be straws, as depicted in FIG. 5. In alternative embodiments of the present inventions, an access device may be a tube with a bite valve, a flip-close pouring device, a flip-close straw, a spigot or another access device through which a liquid may be accessed from a storage vessel. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 517 and the second access device 518 may be the same type of access device, as shown, for example, in FIG. 5. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first access device and the second access device may be different types of access devices.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first vessel 513 may have first storage-property values. Exemplary storage properties may include, for example, insulation properties, volume properties, and other vessel properties. The second vessel 514 may have second storage-property values. In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage-property values of the first vessel 513 may be distinct from the storage-property values of the second vessel 514. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the storage-property values of first vessel 513 may be the same as the storage-property values of the second vessel 514.

[0051] The first access location 515 on the coupling device 512 is positioned such that the first access device may bypass the second vessel 514 and provide access only to the first vessel 513. Accordingly, the second vessel 514 may be shaped to allow for the insertion of the first access device 515 into the first vessel 513 without penetration into the second vessel 514, thereby keeping the two liquids separated.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, the coupling device 512 may comprise one, or more, seals (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the coupling device 512 and the first vessel 513 and the coupling device 512 and the second vessel 514.

[0053] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described in an exploded view as depicted in FIG. 6. FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprising a storage system 611 for separately storing two liquids. The storage system 611 comprises a first vessel 612 and a second vessel 613. The storage system 611 further comprises a lid 614, a first access device 615, and a second access device 616. In some embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 615 may be a straw, and the second access device 616 may be a flip-close straw, as shown in FIG. 6. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, an access device may be a tube with a bite valve, a flip-close pouring device, a flip-close straw, a spigot, or another access device through which a liquid may be accessed from a storage vessel. In some embodiments of the present invention, a first access device and a second access device may be the same type of access device. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the first access device 615 and the second access device 616 may be different types of access devices, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0054] The first vessel 612 comprises a first threading (not shown) interior to the first vessel 612. The second vessel 613 comprises a second threading 617, on the exterior of the second vessel 613. The second threading 617 is compatible with the first threading, thereby allowing the second vessel 613 to be inserted within the first vessel 612 and coupled to the first vessel 612 via the first and second 617 threadings. The second vessel 613 further comprises a third threading (not shown) interior to the second vessel 613. The lid 614 comprises a fourth threading 618, wherein the fourth threading 618 is compatible with the third threading, thereby allowing the lid 614 to be coupled to the second vessel 613.

[0055] The lid 614 further comprises a first access location 619 and a second access location 620. The first access location 619 on the lid 614 is positioned such that the first access device 615 may provide access directly to the first vessel 612, bypassing the second vessel 613. Accordingly, the second vessel 613 may be shaped 621 to allow for the insertion of the first access device 619 into the first vessel 612 without penetration into the second vessel 613, thereby keeping the two liquids separated.

[0056] The second access location 620 on the lid 614 is such that the second access device 616 may provide access directly to the second vessel 613.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first vessel 612 may have first storage-property values. Exemplary storage properties may include, for example, insulation properties, volume properties, and other vessel properties. The second vessel 613 may have second storage-property values. In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage-property values of the first vessel 612 may be distinct from the storage-property values of the second vessel 613. In alternative embodiments of the present invention the storage-property values of first vessel 612 may be the same as the storage-property values of the second vessel 613.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, the lid 614 may comprise a seal (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the lid 614 and the second vessel 613.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second vessel 613 may comprise a seal (not shown) for ensuring a liquid-tight sealing between the second vessel 613 and the first vessel 612.

[0060] Some embodiments of the present invention may be described in relation to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 depicts an assembled view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention described in relation to FIG. 6. FIG. 7 depicts an assembled liquid storage system 711. A cap 714 is shown. The cap 714 comprises a first access location 719 and a first access device 715 for accessing a first storage vessel 712. In this exemplary embodiment, the first access device 715 is a straw. The cap 714 further comprises a second access location 720 and a second access device 716 for accessing a second storage vessel 717 (rim shown) within the first storage vessel 712. In this exemplary embodiment, the second access device 716 is a flip-close straw 720.

[0061] The embodiments described herein may be fabricated using food-safe and food-grade materials, including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, glass, and other suitable materials compliant with food safety standards.

[0062] Certain embodiments may incorporate a combination of features disclosed in the present specification, while others may implement a subset of such features, depending on the desired application and configuration.

[0063] While the present invention is primarily described in the context of converting a single-chamber storage vessel into a dual-chamber storage apparatus, it is to be understood that alternative embodiments may encompass multiple chambers, various coupling mechanisms, distinct lid configurations, and / or modular inserts, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0064] The terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. It is further understood that modifications, equivalents, and variations may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

1. A coupling system comprising:a first vessel comprising an external threading, wherein the first vessel external threading is compatible with a threading of a second vessel; anda lid comprising an external threading, wherein the lid external threading is compatible with an internal threading of the first vessel.

2. The coupling system of claim 1, further comprising:a first access location on the lid for accessing the first vessel; anda second access location on the lid for accessing the second vessel.

3. The coupling system as described in claim 2, wherein the first access location on the lid allows direct access to the first vessel by a first access device.

4. The coupling system as described in claim 2, wherein the second access location on the lid allows a second access device to bypass the first vessel and access the second vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel.

5. The coupling system as described in claim 2, wherein the first vessel is shaped to allow an access device to access the second vessel without passing through the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel.

6. The coupling system as described in claim 1, wherein the first vessel is shaped to allow an access device to access the second vessel without passing through the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel.

7. The coupling system as described in claim 1, wherein the first vessel is characterized by a first plurality of storage-property values.

8. The coupling system as described in claim 1, further comprising at least one seal.

9. A coupling device comprising:a first threading allowing coupling of the coupling device to a first vessel; anda second threading allowing coupling of the coupling device to a second vessel, wherein the second vessel is housed within the first vessel.

10. The coupling device according to claim 9, further comprising:a first access location on the coupling device for accessing the first vessel; anda second access location on the coupling device for accessing the second vessel.

11. The coupling device of claim 10 wherein the first access location on the coupling device allows a first access device to bypass the second vessel.

12. The coupling device of claim 10, wherein the second access location on the coupling device allows direct access to the second vessel by a second access device.

13. The coupling device of claim 9, further comprising a seal.

14. The coupling device of claim 9, wherein the second vessel is shaped to allow an access device to access the second vessel without passing through the first vessel when the first vessel is coupled to the second vessel.

15. A storage system comprising:an insert vessel comprising a first threading for coupling to a first vessel, wherein the insert vessel is housed within the first vessel; anda lid comprising a second threading for coupling to the insert vessel.

16. The storage system as described in claim 15, further comprising:a first access location on the lid for accessing the first vessel; anda second access location on the lid for accessing the insert vessel.

17. The storage system as described in claim 16, wherein the first access location on the lid allows a first access device to bypass the insert vessel.

18. The storage system as described in claim 16, wherein the second access location on the coupling device allows direct access by a second access device to the insert vessel.

19. The storage system as described in claim 15, wherein the insert vessel is shaped to allow an access device to access the first vessel without passing through the insert vessel.

20. The storage system as described in claim 15, further comprising a seal.

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