Abstract
A hand-held shake-able container that includes an agitator connected to a straw that is used for the mixing of powder and liquid, or differing viscosity liquids.
Claims
1. A shakeable container comprising: a container having a closed bottom and an interior; a lid removably connected to the container, wherein the lid further comprises: a flip-up straw associated with a straw opening in the lid, the flip-up straw being rigid and straight, the flip-up straw being rotatable between an open position where a proximal end of the flip-up straw is selectively aligned with a straw in the container, and a closed position where the proximal end of the flip-up straw is rotated out of alignment with the straw in the container no that fluid communication is provided between the straw and the proximal end of the flip-up straw in the open position and no fluid communication is provided between the straw and the proximal end of the flip-up straw in the closed position, wherein the proximal end of the flip-up straw is a lower end of the flip-up straw when the lid is connected to the container; and a lid cover that selectively covers a chug opening extending t irough the lid, the chug opening being distinct, separate from, and located at a distance from the straw opening, the chug opening providing fluid communication between an exterior of the lid and the interior of the container so as to allow a beverage within the container to be poured through the chug opening when the lid cover and chug opening are open; the straw having opposed open ends, the straw being removably connected to the lid at a top open end of the straw so as to be aligned with the proximal end of the flip-up straw when the flip-up straw is in the open position, the straw having a flange at or near a bottom end of the straw, with the straw having an open end at the bottom end of the straw, the straw extending vertically from the lid towards the closed bottom of the container; and an agitator slidably connected to the straw, an interrelationship between the agitator and the straw being such that the agitator is movable longitudinally from at or near a top portion of the straw to at or near the flange.
2. The shakeable container of claim 1, wherein the flip-up straw includes a channel therein, the flip-up straw being rotatable such that as the ftip-up straw is rotated to the open position, the channel therein remains straight as it rotates from a position in which the proximal end of the flip-up straw is out of alignment with the top end of the straw to a position in which the proximal end of the flip-up straw is aligned with the top end of the straw to be in fluid communication with the straw.
3. The shakeable container of claim 1, wherein the agitator is shaped like an hourglass.
4. The shakeable container of claim 1, wherein the agitator has one of the following shapes: an oval-shape, where an equatorial diameter is greater than a polar diameter; a triangular-shape; an inverse-hour glass shape; a substantially rectangular-shape; or a continuous loop shape.
5. The shakeable container of claim 1, wherein the lid cover includes a chug cap for insertion into the chug opening extending through the lid.
6. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the straw is connected to the lid via interlocking threads.
7. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the straw is connected to the lid via a press fit connection.
8. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the straw is connected to the lid such that the connection creates a watertight and airtight seal therebetween.
9. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the straw and lid are inseparable.
10. The shakeable container as in claim 1. wherein the flange is flared.
11. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the straw opening and the chug opening are different sizes with the chug opening having a larger cross-sectional surface area as compared to that of the straw opening to allow more rapid consumption of a beverage in the container than where the beverage is sipped through the flip-up straw.
12. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the container comprises an upper portion, a middle portion, and a lower portion and wherein the upper portion and the lower portion have a greater circumference than the middle portion.
13. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein the straw extends to a location near, but not in contact with, the closed bottom of the container when the top end of the straw is connected to the lid.
14. The shakeable container as in claim 1, wherein in the closed position a distal sipping end of the flip-up straw is seated in a recess in an exterior surface of the lid at a perimeter edge of the lid with a top surface of the flip-up straw being received in the recess in the lid so as to present a flush surface across the top surface of the flip-up straw and adjacent exterior top surfaces of the lid; and wherein the chug opening in the lid extends through the lid and into the container at a location that is opposite from the recess in the exterior surface of the lid into which the flip-up straw is seated when the flip-up straw is in the closed position.
15. The shakeable container as in claim 14, Wherein the lid cover that selectively covers the chug opening is hingedly attached to the lid on either side of the recess in the exterior of the lid into which the flip-up straw is sealable, the flip-up straw and adjacent exterior top surfaces of the lid presenting a flush surface across the top surface of the flip-up straw and the adjacent exterior top surfaces of the lid so as to provide a flush, generally planar top surface across the flip-up straw and the adjacent exterior top surfaces of the lid when the lid cover is closed and the flip-up straw is in the closed position.
16. A shakeable container comprising: a container having a closed bottom and an interior; a lid removably connected to the container, the lid comprising: a straw opening in the lid associated with a rotatable rigid flip-up straw of the lid that is selectively rotatable between an open position in which a proximal end of the flip-up straw is selectively aligned with the straw opening and a closed. position in which the proximal end of the flip-up straw is rotated out of alignment with the straw opening, so that fluid communication is provided between the straw opening and the proximal end of the flip-up straw in the open position, and no fluid communication is provided between the straw opening and the proximal end of the flip-up straw in the closed position, wherein the proximal end of the flip-up straw is a lower end of the flip-up straw when the lid is connected to the container; and a chug opening extending through the lid into the container, so as to provide fluid communication between the exterior of the lid and the interior of the container through the chug opening when the chug opening is open, wherein the chug opening is distinct, separate from, and located at a distance from the straw opening, wherein the chug opening has a larger cross-sectional surface area than the straw opening to allow for more rapid consumption of contents of the container when the chug opening is open as compared to sipping through the flip-up straw and the straw opening, the lid further comprising a chug cap that is selectively closable over the chug opening to selectively seal the chug opening when the chug cap is closed to prevent the contents of the container from being poured through the chug opening when the chug cap is closed; a straw removably connected to the lid, the straw having an open top end removably connected to the lid, and an opposite bottom end, the bottom end having an enlarged flange with an open bottom end in the flange, wherein the open bottom end of the flange provides fluid communication to the top end of the straw, the straw extending vertically from the lid to a location near, but not in contact with the closed bottom of the container; an agitator connected to the straw; and an air hole associated with the flip-up straw and straw opening, the air hole extending through the lid into the container so as to provide fluid communication between the exterior of the lid and the interior of the container through the air hole, the air hole being selectively closed when the flip-up straw is rotated to the closed position, and the air hole being selectively open when the flip-up straw is rotated to the open position, to allow air from outside the container to enter the container through the air hole.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
(2) FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw;
(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw;
(4) FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw;
(5) FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of a representative lid;
(6) FIG. 7 illustrates a bottom view of the base;
(7) FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw;
(8) FIG. 9a is a top view of an embodiment of the lid with a flip-up straw in closed position and the lid cover;
(9) FIG. 9b is a side view of an embodiment of the lid that shows the flip-up straw in closed position and the lid cover;
(10) FIG. 10 shows the lid cover when removed from the lid and the second opening and flip-up straw in the closed position;
(11) FIG. 11 illustrates a front view of the shakeable container where the flip-up straw is in open position;
(12) FIG. 12 illustrates a back view of the shakeable container where the flip-up straw is in open position;
(13) FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate a side view of the shakeable container where lid cover is in open position and where flip-up straw is also in open position;
(14) FIG. 15 shows the lid in open position;
(15) FIG. 16 illustrates the underside of the base and the topside of the lid when in open position;
(16) FIG. 17 illustrates a cut-away view of a representative straw and agitator;
(17) FIG. 18a illustrates a representative agitator together with a detachable straw and lid;
(18) FIG. 18b illustrates a close up perspective view of the bottom of straw and flange;
(19) FIG. 18c illustrates a cut away view of the shakeable container;
(20) FIG. 19 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the lid with the flip-up straw in a closed position;
(21) FIG. 20 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the lid with the flip-up straw in an open position;
(22) FIG. 21 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the lid with a second opening and a chug cap;
(23) FIG. 22 illustrates various examples of agitators;
(24) FIGS. 23 and 24 show selective portions of shakeable container;
(25) FIG. 25 shows examples of various shapes of grids; and
(26) FIG. 26 shows a mesh screen through which the straw runs.
(27) FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of the shakeable container.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(28) FIG. 1 shows an exemplary shakeable container 10 according to at least one embodiment. In some embodiments, shakeable container 10 includes a straw 12, agitator 14, and lid 16. In certain embodiments, the straw 12 includes a flange 18 located on a bottom portion 20 of the straw 12 and a threaded portion 22 (not shown) located on a top portion 24 of the straw 12.
(29) In some embodiments, the agitator 14 is that of an hourglass shape, constructed of a metal wire coiled in a manner to create this shape. In certain embodiments, the agitator 14 creates several points of contact with straw 12 creating a connection with the straw 12 that allows the agitator 14 to move freely up and down straw 12 when the shakeable container 10 is shaken. In some embodiments, flange 18 is in contact with a base 25 of shakeable container 10. In other embodiments, flange 18 does not contact the base 25 of shakeable container 10.
(30) FIG. 1 also shows a view of the shakeable container 10, where the shakeable container 10 has a flip-up straw 50 in closed position. In addition, FIG. 1 shows lid cover 60 in closed position.
(31) FIG. 2 shows an exemplary shakeable container 10 from the reverse side of FIG. 1. In particular, FIG. 2 shows lid 16 from the opposite view as is shown in FIG. 1. In this view, the flip-up straw 50 is not viewable because it is in closed position.
(32) FIG. 3 shows an exemplary shakeable container 10 in a perspective view. From this view, the agitator 14 is shown in an hour-glass shape where the separation of wires 15 of agitator 14 can be seen before they have been compressed. In this embodiment, the agitator 14 is positioned toward the bottom of the straw 12. FIG. 3 also shows flip-up straw 50 in closed position and lid cover 60 in closed position. In this embodiment of lid cover 60, lid cover 60 has a lip 61. In some embodiments, lid 61 serves as a handle or gripping device on which a user can place his or her hand to assist in opening the lid cover 60.
(33) FIG. 4 shows shakeable container 10 from a side view where lip 61 of lid cover 60 is on the left side of shakeable container 10. This embodiment also shows that flange 18 does not contact the base 25 of shakeable container 10. Similarly, FIG. 5 shows the reverse side of shakeable container 10 where lip 61 of lid cover 60 is on the right side of shakeable container 10.
(34) FIG. 6 is a top view of an embodiment of the lid 60 that shows the flip-up straw 50 in closed position and lid cover 60 in a closed position.
(35) FIG. 7 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the shakeable container 10 that shows the bottom view of base 25.
(36) FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of shakeable container 10 from a bottom perspective view. From this view, one can see the bottom side of base 25 as well as the bottom side of agitator 14 where space between wires 15 can be seen. In addition, FIG. 8 shows the underside of lid 16 where the underside of second opening 56 can also be seen including the bottom side of chug cap 58 when chug cap 58 is inserted into the second opening and where lid cover 60 is in closed position. In addition, FIG. 8 shows the underside of flip-up straw 50 in closed position. In this embodiment, the content, whether it is liquid or otherwise, of shakeable container 10 is secure and allows a user to freely and aggressively shake the exemplary shakeable container 10 without spilling the contents.
(37) FIG. 9a is a top view of an embodiment of the lid 16 that shows the flip-up straw 50 in closed position and lid cover 60. FIG. 9b is a side view of an embodiment of the lid 16 that shows the flip-up straw 50 in closed position and lid cover 60.
(38) FIG. 10 is an embodiment that shows lid cover 60 when removed from lid 16. FIG. 10 also shows second opening 56 and flip-up straw 50 in closed position.
(39) FIG. 11 shows a front view of shakeable container 10 where flip-up straw 50 is in open position and where lid cover 60 is not attached. FIG. 12 shows the reverse side as is shown in FIG. 11 where flip-up straw 50 is also in open position.
(40) FIG. 13 shows a side view of shakeable container 10 where lid cover 60 is in open position and where flip-up straw 50 is also in open position. From this view, chug cap 58 can be seen. FIG. 14 shows the reverse view from FIG. 13 and similarly shows flip-up straw 50 in open position and lid cover 60 in open position, as well as chug cap 58.
(41) FIG. 15 shows lid 16 in open position. FIG. 15 also shows the top view of second opening 56 and the bottom view of chug cap 58. In addition, FIG. 15 shows flip-up straw 50 in open position and inner straw channel 54. FIG. 16 shows the underside of base 25 and it shows the topside of lid cover 60, where lid cover 60 is in open position.
(42) FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the agitator 14 in the context of a cut-away view of straw 12 where agitator 14 has a first contact point 26, a second contact point 28 and a third contact point 30 with straw 12. In certain embodiments, the three contact points allow the agitator to be coiled closely around the circumference of the straw 12 without being tightly affixed to the straw 12. This design shown in FIG. 17 serves to keep the agitator 14 from binding on the straw 12, but allows it to move freely up and down the straw 12 to aid in creating a homogeneous mixture of the contents. In addition, the coiled design of the agitator 14, as is shown in FIG. 17 creates a spring effect that magnifies the inertia created when shaking the shakeable container 10 and works to lessen the effort needed and lower the time required to fully mix the contents of the shakeable container 10.
(43) FIG. 18a shows various embodiments of agitator 14 as it moves up and down straw 12 because shakeable container 10 has been shaken. For example, in this embodiment, FIG. 18a shows agitator 14 in a compressed position 32 as agitator 14 is positioned near the bottom of straw 12 and near flange 18. In this embodiment, the flared shape of flange 18 functions to as a base for the agitator 14 to spring or bounce off of when shakeable container 10 is shaken, and also serves to keep the agitator from falling off the straw and becoming a loose and independent piece.
(44) FIG. 18a also shows agitator 14 in an expanded position 34. In certain embodiments, when agitator 14 reaches the top of straw 12 near to or touching the lid 16, agitator 14 goes into compressed position 32.
(45) FIG. 18a also shows that in various embodiments straw 12 is affixed to lid 16 creating a watertight and airtight seal. In certain embodiments, this seal is created by a pressed fit connection. In other embodiments, this seal between the straw 12 and lid 16 is created by a threaded fit connection. In some embodiments, straw 12 is connected to lid 16 via the straw-connector 36.
(46) In some embodiments, the straw 12 may be constructed of any material that is rigid enough to hold its shape under the strain of shaking the shakeable container 10, easily cleanable and dishwasher safe, and hygienic enough to be used with ingestibles. In certain embodiments, the straw 12 is made of plastic.
(47) In some embodiments, straw 12 and lid 16 can be separated, as is shown in FIG. 18a. In other embodiments, straw 12 and lid 16 form a singular part of shakeable container 10 and cannot be separated.
(48) FIG. 18b shows a close up perspective view of the bottom of straw 12 and flange 18.
(49) FIG. 18c shows a cut away view of the shakeable container 10 that shows straw 12 with a ring 19 shown near the base of straw 12. In some embodiments, ring 19 functions to help keep the agitator 14 from falling off the end of the straw 12. FIG. 18c also shows an embodiment where straw 12 and ring 19 do not touch the base 25 of the shakeable container 10.
(50) FIG. 19 shows an exemplary embodiment of lid 16 with the flip-up straw 50 that includes a hollow portion 52 and shows flip-up straw 50 in a closed position. The contents of the shakeable container 10 are sealed within the shakeable container 10 when the flip-up straw 50 is in closed position. When closed, the flip-up straw 50 of the lid 16 works as a common valve to block access to the contents of the shakeable container 10 and allows agitation without spilling.
(51) FIG. 20 shows an exemplary embodiment of lid 16 that shows the flip-up straw 50 in an open position. In this embodiment, hollow portion 52 is aligned with an inner straw channel 54, allowing fluid to flow through the inner straw channel 54 and hollow portion 52. In some embodiments, a user may access the contents of the shakeable container 10 through sucking when the flip-up straw 50 is in an open position.
(52) FIG. 21 shows an embodiment that includes a second opening 56 and a chug cap 58. When secured in the second opening 56, the chug cap 58 creates a water tight and airtight seal. When the chug cap 58 is removed from the second opening 56, the user can drink from the shakeable container 10 by accessing the contents through the second opening 56. In some embodiments, the chug cap 58 is physically connected to the lid 16 even when in an open position. In certain embodiments, chug cap 58 can be opened via a flip-up top. In other embodiments, the chug cap 58 is completely removable from the lid 16.
(53) FIG. 22 shows examples of agitators 14 used in various embodiments. For example, FIG. 22 shows three examples of agitators shaped in an hourglass configuration as agitators 38, 40 and 48. Other shapes include: an oval-shaped agitator 42, where the equatorial diameter is greater than the polar diameter; triangular-shaped agitator 44; the inverse-hour glass agitator 46; substantially rectangular-shaped agitator 62, and continuous loop agitator 64. FIG. 22 also shows a cut-away view of continuous loop agitator 64.
(54) FIG. 23 shows selective portions of shakeable container 10. In particular, FIG. 23 shows lid 16 in closed position, straw 12 and agitator 14. In this embodiment, agitator 14 as in the earlier embodiments may move along substantially the entire length of straw 12 or, alternatively, agitator 14 may remain in a fixed position relative to straw 12. Where agitator 14 remains in a fixed position, the contents of shakeable container 10 moves through the grids 17 of agitator 14 when a user shakes shakeable container 10.
(55) FIG. 24 shows an alternative embodiment of agitator 14 where grids 17 are slanted.
(56) FIG. 25 shows examples of various shapes of grids 17 that are also effective in mixing the contents of shakeable container 10.
(57) FIG. 26 is an embodiment that shows a mesh screen 66 through which straw 12 runs. In this embodiment, mesh screen 66 is shaped as a grid. However, in other embodiments, mesh screen 66 may be shaped in any other shape or configuration. FIG. 9 also shows lid 16 in an open position.
(58) FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of shakeable container 10 where lid 16 is in open position. In this view, not only is flip-up straw 50 shown in open position but also lid cover 60 is shown in open position. FIG. 27 also shows second opening 56, where chug cap 58 is not inserted into second opening 56. If the flip-up straw 50 were closed, one could access the content of shakeable container 10 by drinking out of the second opening 56. If lid cover 60 were in closed position, a user could access the contents of shakeable container 10 by drinking out of flip-up straw 50 because fluid would be able to exit shakeable container 10 by traveling out inner straw channel 54.
(59) Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace a shakeable container that includes, in some embodiments, a straw, agitator and lid.
(60) The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
