Compartmentalized Beverage Container Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel compartmentalized beverage container device. The device is designed to save time and effort when mixing formula, protein shakes, health drinks, etc., and other powdered beverages. The device comprises a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment that are separated by a divider. Specifically, the top quarter of the cylindrical container retains the dry formula or protein powder, and the lower half stores the water. The compartments are divided using a divider that has a turning mechanism on the outside of the cylindrical container. Turning the mechanism opens the divider and drops the powder into the liquid compartment, which is then shaken for use.

Claims

1. A compartmentalized beverage container device for saving time and effort when mixing a formula, protein shake or other drink, the compartmentalized beverage container device comprising: a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment; wherein the dry storage compartment and the liquid storage compartment are separated by a divider component; wherein the dry storage compartment is secured above the liquid storage compartment; and wherein the divider component comprises a pair of plates with co-aligned apertures that are repositionable to segregate the dry storage compartment from the liquid storage compartment, and repositionable to a communicative state whereby a content of the dry storage compartment and a content of the liquid storage compartment are mixed.

2. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the cylindrical container is hollow and sealed at a bottom end to form a cavity.

3. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the dry storage compartment comprises a dry formula or a protein powder.

4. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the liquid storage compartment comprises water.

5. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the compartmentalized beverage container device is configured as a baby bottle.

6. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 5, wherein the dry storage compartment is slightly angled a third of a way from a top of the compartmentalized beverage container device.

7. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 6, wherein the baby bottle comprises a bottle cap and a nipple.

8. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the compartmentalized beverage container device is configured as a beverage container.

9. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 8, wherein the beverage container configuration comprises a screw-on lid with an opening for drinking and an opening for a straw.

10. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the divider component comprises a turning mechanism on an outside of the cylindrical container.

11. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the pair of plates are secured together via a pin pivot.

12. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1, wherein the pair of plates are rotatable between an open position with the co-aligned apertures aligned and a closed position with the co-aligned apertures nonaligned.

13. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 12, wherein the dry storage compartment is twisted to a right while the liquid storage compartment is twisted to a left, which aligns the co-aligned apertures in the pair of plates and allows a content from the dry storage compartment to enter the liquid storage compartment.

14. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 13, wherein the pair of plates comprise a spring pin lock port, a spring pin, and an O-ring for controlling the pair of plates.

15. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism to prevent an unintended mixing of a content of the dry storage compartment and a content of the liquid storage compartment.

16. A compartmentalized beverage container device for saving time and effort when mixing a formula, protein shake or other drink, the compartmentalized beverage container device comprising: a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment that are separated by a divider component; a locking mechanism to prevent unintended mixing of a content of the dry storage compartment with a content of the liquid storage compartment; and a turning mechanism on an outside of the cylindrical container; wherein the content of the dry storage compartment is a dry formula or a protein and the content of the liquid storage compartment is a water; wherein the dry storage compartment is secured above the liquid storage compartment; and wherein the divider component comprises a pair of plates secured together via a pin pivot, that are rotatable between an open position with a plurality of apertures aligned and a closed position with the plurality of apertures nonaligned; and wherein the dry storage compartment is twisted to a right via the turning mechanism, while the liquid storage compartment is twisted to a left, which aligns the plurality of apertures in the pair of plates, allowing contents from dry storage compartment to enter liquid storage compartment.

17. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 16 further comprising a plurality of indicia.

18. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 16, wherein the cylindrical container comprises a graduated measurement scale.

19. The compartmentalized beverage container device of claim 16, wherein the cylindrical container is between 8 oz. and 20 oz.

20. A method of mixing a protein shake, health drink or formula without making a mess, the method comprising the steps of: providing a compartmentalized beverage container device comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment separated by a divider component; pouring water into the liquid storage compartment and pouring dry ingredients into the dry storage compartment; securing the ingredients within the device by securing the dry storage compartment on top of the liquid storage compartment and securing a lid on the dry storage compartment; turning the divider such that the dry ingredients are released and drop down into the liquid storage compartment; and shaking the device to mix the dry and liquid ingredients together for use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention showing the turning release mechanism in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention in use as a baby bottle in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention showing how the formula is dispensed into the liquid compartment in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention showing the two separate compartments in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of one potential embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention in use as a beverage container in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart showing a method of mixing protein shakes, health drinks, formula, etc., in one potential embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device of the present invention without making a mess and in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0035] The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

[0036] As noted above, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that provides users with a container with separate compartments for dry and liquid ingredients. There is also a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that enables users to pre-measure and store ingredients in the container for future use. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that offers a convenient, quick, and mess-free device for mixing powdered beverages. Moreover, there is a long-felt need in the art for a device that allows parents and caretakers to easily mix formula bottles at home and on the go. Further, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that affords users an effective device for mixing protein shakes, health drinks, etc. Finally, there is a long-felt need in the art for a compartmentalized beverage container device that provides a device available in various sizes.

[0037] The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel compartmentalized beverage container device. The device is designed to save time and effort when mixing formula, protein shakes, health drinks, etc., and other powdered beverages. The device comprises a cylindrical container comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment that are separated by a divider. Specifically, the top quarter of the cylindrical container retains the dry formula or protein powder, and the lower half stores the water. The compartments are divided using a divider that has a turning mechanism on the outside of the cylindrical container. Turning the mechanism opens the divider and drops the powder into the liquid compartment, which is then shaken for use. The present invention also includes a novel method of mixing protein shakes, health drinks, formula, etc., without making a mess. The method includes the steps of providing a compartmentalized beverage container device comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment separated by a divider. The method also comprises pouring water into the liquid storage compartment and pouring dry ingredients into the dry storage compartment. Further, the method comprises securing the ingredients within the device by securing the dry storage compartment on top of the liquid storage compartment and securing a lid on the dry storage compartment. The method comprises turning the divider such that the dry ingredients are released and drop down into the liquid storage compartment. Finally, shaking the device to mix the dry and liquid ingredients together for use.

[0038] Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 is an improved beverage container device that quickly and conveniently allows for a mess-free device for mixing powdered beverages. The device 100 is especially designed to allow parents, babysitters, caregivers, health drink users, etc., or any other suitable user as is known in the art, to quickly and easily mix a powdered beverage. More specifically, the device 100 is designed to save time and effort when mixing formula, protein shakes, health drinks, etc., and other powdered beverages. The present invention relates generally to beverage containers and, more specifically, to a compartmentalized baby bottle or health drink container having a dry product compartment and a fluid product compartment selectively rotative from a separable state to a communicating state whereby the products can be mixed for consumption.

[0039] The device 100 comprises a cylindrical container 102 comprising a dry storage compartment 104 and a liquid storage compartment 106 that are separated by a divider component 108. The cylindrical container 102 can be any suitable shape as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The cylindrical container 102 is hollow and sealed at a bottom end 110 to form a cavity therein. Further, in one embodiment, the device 100 can further include a screw-on bottom end (not shown), allowing the bottom end 110 to be removed when needed.

[0040] Typically, the top quarter of the cylindrical container 102 retains the dry formula or protein powder 112 and the lower half stores the water 114 or other liquids. However, the cylindrical container 102 can be divided into compartments in any suitable way as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, as long as the dry ingredients 112 are stored on the top and the liquid ingredients 114 are stored on the bottom. The two compartments (liquid 106 and solid 104) are then secured together with the solid compartment 104 on top of the liquid compartment 106, using any suitable securing means as is known in the art. Typically, the two compartments 106 and 104 are secured together via threading the solid compartment 104 to the liquid compartment 106, wherein threads 116 positioned inside a top part of the liquid compartment 106 engage with threads 118 positioned outside a bottom part of the dry compartment 104.

[0041] FIG. 2 discloses the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 in use. Specifically, the device 100 comprises two different configurations, one for a baby bottle 200 and one for a beverage container 500 (see FIG. 5). The baby bottle 200 configuration would be slightly angled a third of the way from the top to provide airflow or can be angled at any suitable position from the top, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. The baby bottle 200 configuration is designed to accommodate a bottle cap 302 and nipple 304 (shown in FIG. 3). The nipple 304 would be in fluid communication with the upper dry ingredient compartment 104 and the bottle cap 302 would protect the nipple 304 from dirt and germs. The beverage container 500 configuration is not angled and looks similar to existing shakers used for drinks (shown in FIG. 5). The beverage container 500 configuration is designed to accommodate a screw-on lid 502 with openings 504 for drinking and/or straws, or any other suitable openings 504 as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0042] FIG. 3 discloses the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention, wherein the two compartments 104 and 106 are divided using a divider component 108 that has a turning mechanism 300 on the outside of the cylindrical container 102. Turning the mechanism 300 opens the divider component 108 and drops the powder 112 into the liquid 114 (or water) compartment 106, which is then shaken for use. The turning mechanism 300 can be any suitable turning mechanism as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user, such as a knob, a button, or a wheel which engages the divider component 108, etc.

[0043] In this embodiment, the divider component 108 comprises a pair of plates 306 with co-aligned apertures 308 that are repositionable to segregate one compartment from the other, and repositionable to a communicative state whereby the contents can be mixed. The plates 306 are secured together via a pin pivot 310 or other suitable device that allows the plates 306 to rotate. Specifically, each of the compartments 104, 106 provide a seal with the plates 306. The upper plate apertures 308 must align to the lower plate apertures 308 to allow the formula 112, protein, etc., in the dry storage compartment 104 to mix with the water 114 in the liquid storage compartment 106. This is achieved by twisting the top portion (dry storage compartment 104) to the right while twisting the lower portion (liquid storage compartment 106) to the left, aligning the apertures 308 and allowing the formula 112, protein, etc., to mix with the water 114.

[0044] Further, the upper plate and lower plate 306 are rotatable between an open position with the upper plate apertures 308 and the lower plate apertures 308 aligned, and a closed position with the upper plate apertures 308 and the lower plate apertures 308 nonaligned. This is achieved by twisting the top portion 104 to the right, while twisting the lower portion 106 to the left. In this embodiment, a spring pin 312 is utilized which travels along until it pops into a spring lock port 314, aligning the apertures 308 and allowing the formula 112 to mix with the water 114. The spring pin lock port 314 is designed with a somewhat concave lip which allows the spring pin 312 to leave the port 314 when a forced opposite twist is applied, thus moving the apertures 308 back to a closed position.

[0045] In another embodiment, the upper plate 306 further comprises an O-ring 316. The upper plate 306 can further comprise a spring pin 312 and a spring pin lock port 314, the spring pin 312 and the spring pin lock port 314 are adapted, such that the spring pin 312 pops into the spring pin lock port 314 when the upper plate apertures 308 and the lower plate apertures 308 are aligned. Specifically, the O-ring 316 and the spring pin 312 are captive within the spring pin lock port 314 due to the bias presented by a pin spring 312 prior to rotation. Thus, the upper plate apertures 308 are not in alignment with the lower plate apertures 308, preventing the formula 112 in the upper compartment 104 from mixing with the water 114 in the lower compartment 106. Further, the spring pin lock port 314 on the opposite side of the device 100 is designed with a somewhat concave lip which allows the spring pin 312 to leave the port 314 when a forced opposite twist is applied and allows the apertures 308 to move back to a closed position.

[0046] FIG. 4 discloses the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention. In this embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 comprises a graduated measurement scale 400, or other measurement markings as is known in the art along the cylindrical container 102, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0047] Further, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 comprises a plurality of indicia 402. Specifically, the device 100 may include advertising, a trademark, or other letters, designs, or characters, printed, painted, stamped, or integrated into the cylindrical container 102, or any other indicia 402 as is known in the art. More specifically, any suitable indicia 402 as is known in the art can be included, such as but not limited to, patterns, logos, emblems, images, symbols, designs, letters, words, characters, animals, advertisements, brands, etc., that may or may not be baby or health brand related.

[0048] In another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 comprises a cylindrical container 102 manufactured in various sizes, such as 8 oz., 14 oz., and 20 oz., etc., or any other suitable sizes as is known in the art, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user.

[0049] Furthermore, the device 100 further comprises a locking mechanism 404 to prevent casual displacement of the divider component 108 and to prevent unintended mixing of the contents. Any suitable locking mechanism 404 as is known in the art can be utilized, depending on the needs and/or wants of a user. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 404 comprises a pull-pin safety latch (not shown) which prevents undesired rotation of the upper plate and the lower plate 306. Further, the locking mechanism 404 can comprise a pull-pin safety latch and pin stop, which prevents undesired rotation of the upper plate and the lower plate 306. In use, the pull-pin safety latch is pulled out of the pin stop to allow for the rotation of the plates 306.

[0050] In yet another embodiment, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 is manufactured from heat-sealable plastic or polymers, such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), or any other suitable material as is known in the art, such as but not limited to, acrylic, polycarbonate, polyethylene, thermoplastic, low density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polylactic acid, etc. Generally, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 is also manufactured from a material that is water resistant or water permeable, or the cylindrical container 102 comprises a coating that is water resistant or water permeable.

[0051] FIG. 5 discloses the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 in use. In using the present invention, first a liquid 114 is placed into the liquid compartment 106, then the upper plate and the lower plate 306 are rotated to a closed position and a dry ingredient 112 is placed into the upper compartment 104. The device 100 is then sealed by affixing the lid 502 (baby bottle nipple or drink lid). When the user 506 is ready to mix the liquid 114 with the dry ingredients 112, the upper plate and the lower plate 306 are rotated to an open position and the dry ingredients 112 are mixed with the liquid 114.

[0052] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of the method of mixing protein shakes, health drinks, formula, etc., without making a mess. The method includes the steps of at 600, providing a compartmentalized beverage container device comprising a dry storage compartment and a liquid storage compartment separated by a divider component. The method also comprises at 602, pouring water into the liquid storage compartment and pouring dry ingredients into the dry storage compartment. Further, the method comprises at 604, securing the ingredients within the device by securing the dry storage compartment on top of the liquid storage compartment and securing a lid on the dry storage compartment. The method comprises at 606, turning the divider such that the dry ingredients are released and dropped down into the liquid storage compartment. Finally, at 608, shaking the device to mix the dry and liquid ingredients together for use.

[0053] Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different users may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “compartmentalized beverage container device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention.

[0054] Notwithstanding the foregoing, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 as shown in FIGS. 1-6 is for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the compartmentalized beverage container device 100 may be of any size that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

[0055] Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

[0056] What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.