BEVERAGE CHUGGING DEVICE

Abstract

The invention is a rubber chugging device that can be stretched to fit over the top of a beer bottle or can to allow the drinker an easier way to “chug” a beverage. There will be a rubber straw-like tube in each device that allows air to escape while the consumer drinks.

Claims

1. A device for consuming a beverage by chugging, comprising: a body and a tubular structure; wherein the body has an inlet end that can engage the container, and an outlet end that can be placed at the mouth of a user; and wherein the tubular structure extends to or proximate a bottom surface of a container when the device is engaged with the container so that when the container is inverted and air is drawn into the container, the amount of air that passes through the liquid as it exits the tubular structure is minimized.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the body and tubular structure are comprised of silicone.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the inlet end abuts a rim of the container.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the inlet end is adapted to be received into the container opening.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the container is selected from the group consisting of a beverage bottle, a seltzer container, and a beverage can.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the invention showing a container comprising a neck.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the invention showing a container without a neck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The present invention is directed to a device for consuming a beverage by chugging. More specifically the present invention provides a device for use with a container containing liquid, such as beer, and having an opening. The device generally comprises a body and a tubular structure. The body has an inlet end that can engage the container, and an outlet end that can be placed at the mouth of a user. Thus, when the container is inverted, liquid in the container can flow through the body into the mouth of the user. The tubular structure provides for fluid communication to the interior of the liquid container, for example, to allow air to travel into the container. When the container is inverted, the outflow of liquid from the container through the body creates negative pressure within the container, thereby drawing in air through the tubular structure. Once most or all of the liquid has flowed out of the container, the user may then inhale air in the container through the body. In this way, the present device can provide for the consecutive consumption of liquid from a container.

[0016] The tubular structure extends to or proximate a bottom surface of a container when the device is engaged with the container so that when the container is inverted and air is drawn into the container, the amount of air that passes through the liquid as it exits the tubular structure is minimized.

[0017] The chugging device may be made of rubber or similar material. Flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC) retains its flexibility over the desired operating temperature range. Various other materials such as a urethane could be used to fabricate the body tube. In one exemplary embodiment, the chugging device is constructed of 100% silicone to permit the device to withstand freezing temperatures and to be dishwasher safe.

[0018] The tubular structure length that extends past the inlet end of the body is selectively adjustable. In other words, the distance by which the tubular structure extends outwardly from the device into a container can be selectively adjustable. The tubular structure may have an inside diameter of 3/16″, an outside diameter of 5/16 and a wall thickness of 1/16.

[0019] The tubular structure may also be made of rubber or similar material. Flexible PVC or urethane may be used. The body and tubular structure can be made of the same material and can be a unitary structure. The particular material is selected so that the snorkel can accomplish the necessary bending without kinking.

[0020] The types of containers shown have either a neck or without a neck, however the container is not limited to those shown. The containers include those with smaller and larger necks, containers without necks, cans, glass bottles, metallic bottles and plastic bottles. Specific types of beverage containers include beer bottles, seltzer cans, and beer cans.

[0021] In addition, the term “inverted” is used herein to describe orientations of a container. The term is not used in a strict sense, but rather it is used to mean that the container is orientated such that any liquid in the container will flow out of the container as a result of gravity.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the beverage chugging device is sized to engage with standard size bottles, seltzer cans, and industry standard beer cans. In particular, other embodiments include a beer bottle chugging device, a seltzer can chugging device, and a beer can chugging device, as well as an adapter to cojoin two chugging devices and drinks at the same time.

[0023] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiment illustrated.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of the present device 20 engaged with a liquid container 10, here in the form of a bottle having a neck. The container is shown in an upright position. In this embodiment, device 20 generally comprises body 30, and tubular structure 31. Body 30 comprises inlet end 32, outlet end 33, and defines fluid passage extending between the inlet and outlet ends, 32 and 33, respectively. Inlet end 32 can be adapted for engagement with container 10 at a portion of the container 10 that is adjacent a container opening. In this embodiment, inlet end 32 is disposed over and around portion of the container. However, the device may be adapted to engage container 10 in other ways. For example, inlet end 32 can abut a rim of the container. In other embodiments, inlet end 32 can be adapted to be received into container opening. Other types of engagements of the device to a container are possible.

[0025] FIG. 2 shows one embodiment of the present device 20 engaged with a liquid container 10, here in the form of a can without having a neck.

[0026] While a specific embodiment has been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without markedly departing from the spirit of the invention. The scope of protection is thus only intended to be limited by the scope of the accompanying claims.