Nested-Container Beverage Vessel for Controlled Drop-Shot Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current methods for preparing and serving mixed beverages, such as combining a shot of liquor with a larger quantity of a mixer, require two separate containers and are time-consuming, inefficient, and messy, especially outside of bars and restaurants.

Innovation Solution

A portable, dynamically mixing beverage vessel that includes a built-in, pre-filled shot glass sealed from a larger mixing container, allowing for easy deployment of the shot glass into the mixing container to create a fresh, mixed cocktail with a satisfying splash effect.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If two separate containers are used to prepare and serve mixed beverages, then the traditional 'drop shot' method can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of beverage preparationVSAvoidtime required for preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two separate containers (shot glass and mixing container) into a single integrated vessel. The shot glass is nested within the mixing container, allowing both components to be transported and stored together. When ready to serve, the shot glass is simply dropped into the mixing container, eliminating the need for separate preparation steps and reducing time while maintaining the traditional drop shot experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shot glass is designed to nest within the mixing container, with the shot glass fitting inside the larger vessel. This nesting arrangement allows the complete beverage system to be compact during transport and storage, then easily deployed by dropping the inner shot glass into the outer mixing container, simplifying the serving process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If two separate containers are used for mixed beverages, then the traditional mixing method is preserved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveportability of beverage systemVSAvoidcomplexity of container system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two separate containers into one integrated beverage delivery system. The shot glass and mixing container are combined into a single portable unit that can be easily transported and distributed, while still maintaining the functional separation needed for the drop shot method.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

By nesting the shot glass within the mixing container, the patent creates a compact, space-efficient design that is easy to transport. The nested structure eliminates the need for separate carrying of multiple containers while preserving the functional complexity needed for proper beverage preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If two separate containers are used, then the mixing process can be observed, but the preparation process becomes messy and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of beverage servingVSAvoidmessiness during preparation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of the shot glass and mixing container into a single unit eliminates the mess associated with transferring liquids between separate containers. The shot glass is pre-filled and sealed within the mixing container, allowing for clean, controlled dispensing without spillage or transfer mess.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shot glass is pre-filled and sealed within the mixing container before delivery to the consumer. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site mixing and transfer operations that could cause mess, while still allowing the consumer to observe and control the final mixing action by dropping the shot glass into the beverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution simplifies the preparation and consumption of mixed beverages, providing a convenient, mess-free, and satisfying experience that mimics the traditional 'drop shot' method, while also allowing for easy transportation and distribution.

Implementation Method 1

creating a fresh, dynamically mixed cocktail at the consumer's discretion. The design of the beverage vessel is user-friendly and intuitive to use as it requires minimal user manipulation to release and enjoy the freshly mixed cocktail. It also provides a satisfying splash effect mimicking the traditional 'drop shot experience' where the consumer sees, hears, and/or feels the shot physically dropping into the larger beverage container below.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSplash effect: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250074671A1Dynamically mixing beverage vessel
Publication Date: 2025.03.06 NELSON GARRETT THOMAS
  • US20250074671A1 patent drawing
  • US20250074671A1 patent drawing
  • US20250074671A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable beverage vessel allows for dynamic mixing of two isolated liquids. An outer container holds a first liquid while an inner container holding a second liquid fits inside the outer container. A lid seals the outer container and suspends the inner container. A force distribution member rests between the lid and inner container. Applying force to the lid transfers through the force distribution member to release the inner container into the outer container, mixing the liquids. The transparent outer container provides a visual of the falling inner container. The lid and inner container engage in a snap-fit suspension. A removable lid cover allows drinking access. The vessel is sized for portability and handheld drinking. The force distribution member enables controlled release of the inner container. The liquids remain isolated until mixing is desired. The vessel efficiently and intuitively mixes two liquids for enjoyment from one container.