MULTI-CHAMBER BOTTLE FOR SEPARATELY DISPENSING HETEROGENEOUS LIQUIDS

Abstract

A first chamber and a second chamber within a container are configured to hold a first liquid and a second liquid. An opening for the chamber has first and second orifices to help maintain a differential between a first surface tension and a second surface tension of the first and second liquids. The first liquid is dispensed from the first chamber opening at a first orientation while the second liquid is prevented from dispersion from the second chamber opening due to the surface tension differential. Then, the second liquid is dispensed from the second chamber opening at a second orientation due to overcoming the second surface tension.

Claims

1. A multi-chamber container for separately dispensing heterogenous liquids of each chamber, the multi-chamber container comprising: an exterior housing for the multi-chamber container with an opening disposed at a top of the exterior housing; a first chamber within the exterior housing to hold a first liquid, wherein the first chamber opening has a first area to dispense the first liquid, wherein the first liquid has a first surface tension; and a second chamber divided from the first chamber within the exterior housing to hold a second liquid, wherein the second chamber opening has a second area to dispense the second liquid, wherein the second liquid has a second surface tension, wherein the first area is larger than the second area to maintain a differential between the first surface tension and the second surface tension, wherein the first liquid is dispensed from the first chamber opening at a first orientation while the second liquid is prevented from dispersion from the second chamber opening due to the surface tension differential, and wherein the second liquid is dispensed from the second chamber opening at a second orientation due to overcoming the second surface tension.

2. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, further comprising a bottle top that covers both the first chamber opening and the second chamber opening.

3. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the internal housing is manufactured with a single molding.

4. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first chamber and the second chamber of the internal housing are manufactured with separate moldings.

5. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first liquid comprises a liquor-based product having a first cohesion value and the second liquid comprises a water-based product having a second cohesion value.

6. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first area for the first chamber opening has a minimum area and the second area for the second chamber opening has a maximum area, while maintaining the surface tension differential.

7. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the second orientation is approximately a 90 degree rotation relative to the first orientation.

8. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein in the first orientation the second chamber opening is vertically above the first chamber opening, and in the second orientation the first chamber opening is horizontally next to the second chamber opening.

9. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein in the first orientation the first chamber opening is vertically above the second chamber opening, and in the second orientation the first chamber opening is horizontally next to the second chamber opening.

10. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein in a total volume for the first chamber and the second chamber is between 300 ml and 400 ml.

11. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein a volume of the first chamber is larger than a volume of the second chamber.

12. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein in the first chamber opening comprises a first semicircle and the second chamber opening comprises a second semicircle, wherein the first and second chamber openings are positioned to comprise one of a circle and an oval.

13. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein a divider separates the first chamber opening from the second chamber opening while dispensing, and the divider is sized to increase the surface tension differential.

14. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, further comprising a screen disposed between the exterior housing opening and a combination of the first chamber opening and the second chamber opening.

15. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, further comprising a screen disposed between the exterior housing opening and a combination of the first chamber opening and the second chamber opening, wherein the screen changes at least one of the first chamber opening area and the second chamber opening area.

16. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, further comprising a screen disposed between the exterior housing opening and a combination of the first chamber opening and the second chamber opening, wherein the screen changes shape of at least one of the first chamber opening and the second chamber opening.

17. The multi-chamber container of claim 1, wherein the first liquid is dispensed from the first chamber opening at the first orientation creating a first force on the first surface tension, while the second liquid is prevented from dispersion from the second chamber opening due to the surface tension differential, and wherein the second liquid is dispensed from the second chamber opening at a second orientation due to a second force overcoming the second surface tension, wherein the second force is stronger than the first force after rotation from the first orientation to the second orientation.

18. The multi-chamber container of claim 17, wherein at the second orientation, pressure decreases at a top of a semi-circle as gravity increases pressure of the liquid at a bottom of the semicircle, overcoming the second surface tension and causing a surface to break.

19. A method for separately dispensing heterogenous liquids of each chamber of a multi-chamber container having an exterior housing for the multi-chamber container with an opening disposed at a top of the exterior housing, the method comprising: dispensing from a first chamber within the exterior housing to hold a first liquid, wherein the first chamber opening has a first area to dispense the first liquid, wherein the first liquid has a first surface tension; and dispensing from a second chamber divided from the first chamber within the exterior housing to hold a second liquid, wherein the second chamber opening has a second area to dispense the second liquid, wherein the second liquid has a second surface tension, wherein the first area is larger than the second area to maintain a differential between the first surface tension and the second surface tension, wherein the first liquid is dispensed from the first chamber opening at a first orientation while the second liquid is prevented from dispersion from the second chamber opening due to the surface tension differential, and wherein the second liquid is dispensed from the second chamber opening at a second orientation due to overcoming the second surface tension.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the following drawings, like reference numbers are used to refer to like elements. Although the following figures depict various examples of the invention, the invention is not limited to the examples depicted in the figures.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a high-level perspective diagram illustrating aspects of multi-chamber container for separately dispensing liquids, according to some embodiments.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a more detailed diagram illustrating a perspective sectional view of the container of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a perspective diagram from a top view, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram from a side view with chambers separated, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 5 is a sequence chart showing a front view of the container as liquid is dispensed, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for separately dispensing liquids from a multi-chamber container, according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Containers and methods for separately dispensing heterogeneous liquids from a multi-chamber bottle are disclosed. A first liquid dispenses at a first position and a second liquid dispenses upon rotation to a second position that breaks a surface tension of the second liquid. The following disclosure is limited only for the purpose of conciseness, as one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize additional embodiments given the ones described herein. For instance, the multi-chamber bottle is described for mixing liquor with a chaser, but many other liquid mixing combinations are possible, such as a liquid detergent and liquid bleach or liquid fabric softener.

I. Container for Liquid Dispensing (FIGS. 1-4)

[0018] FIG. 1 is a high-level perspective diagram illustrating a container 100 separately dispensing heterogenous liquids, according to an embodiment. The container 100 includes an exterior housing 12, a first chamber 20, a second chamber 24 and a top 14. Other embodiments of the container 100 can vary, for example, by number of chambers, shape, color, size and other features. Preferably, a shooter size of 50 to 200 ml or 1.5 to 7 ounces provides a single serving size for a mixed liquor cocktail including liquor and a chaser drink.

[0019] Each operational mode of container 100 can be designed to deliver a tailored beverage experience, ranging from rapid consumption to leisurely sipping, wherein users can enjoy their shot followed by a chaser in a manner that suits their preferences. The users can employ a variation of operational modes to include a range of tilting degrees to drink. This flexibility highlights the bottle's approach to enhancing the social and practical aspects of beverage consumption.

[0020] The container 100 design can be compatible with traditional bottling and sealing processes, facilitating its integration into current manufacturing systems. This can aid in keeping production costs similar to those of traditional shooters while adhering to regulatory standards for alcoholic beverages. The container 100 can be reusable by being refilled multiple times. Users can refill container 100 with their preferred combinations of shots and chasers by filling left shot compartment with a desired form of harder alcohol using a funnel or careful pour. The user can refill the right chaser compartment with a desired chaser. The users can employ the same operational modes as described above or in any variation of each to include a range of tilting degrees to drink. This feature can enhance the utility of the bottle and can promote sustainability through repeated use.

[0021] The exterior housing 12 of container 100 can be composed of glass, plastic, synthetic resin, rubber, steel or any appropriate material or combination of materials. In one embodiment, exterior housing 12 is see-through so that the liquids can be seen, either for the functional purpose of information or even merely for the purpose aesthetics. Structurally, the exterior housing 12 includes a bottom for sitting upright on a surface in a stable manner. A neck 13 can have threads to accommodate a twist-off cap, such as top 14, or neck 13 can be threadless with a snap-off cap. In one embodiment, neck 13 is designed in width and/or length to contribute to the operation of dispensing one liquid at a time through a differential in surface tensions between the two liquids. A shape of container 100 can closely match chambers inside, as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, the exterior shape can deviate from chambers inside to accommodate a person's hand when picking up container 100, or even just for the false appearance of a larger interior volume.

[0022] Two chambers 20, 24 (or more) are disposed within exterior housing 12 to hold the liquids, as shown in the perspective diagram of FIGS. 2 and 4, cutting through container 110. The chambers can be formed during manufacturing through a single pour molding process for the exterior housing 110 with cavities. Alternatively, chambers 20, 24 can be formed separately and placed within exterior housing 110, during manufacturing (e.g., biaxial orientation blow molding process, extrusion blow molding process, or injection blow molding). Volume sizes can be the same or varied. Preferably, heterogeneous liquids are separately stored and allowed to mix after serial dispensing to a person's mouth or to a drinking container. In some cases, the size, shape and placement of chambers 20, 24 also contributes to the surface tension differential that is necessary for operation.

[0023] In some embodiments, differential flow rates between the first and second liquids may be achieved through differences in surface tension between the liquids. In alternative embodiments, differential flow may be achieved through variations in viscosity, nozzle or outlet size, material properties of the container, container tilt angle, or combinations of these factors. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited solely to mechanisms dependent on surface tension, and variations in flow may be engineered through structural, material, or design considerations without departing from the scope of the disclosure herein.

[0024] In some embodiments, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic chambers are filled simultaneously during manufacturing. In some embodiments, the liquids may dispense simultaneously or sequentially during consumption, depending on the orientation of the container when tilted.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a perspective sectional view showing the bottle and cap split in half so as to see the interior of the bottle. The container body 12 can be hollow aside from the divider 24 in order to contain a separated solid/liquid in the left shot compartment 20 or right chaser compartment 22 which can be dispensed. The distal end of the container sidewall 17 can be connected to a base/bottom wall 26 to seal the first end of the container 12 and the proximate end of the container sidewall 17 can be connected to a substantially vertical neck 13 around the periphery of the container sidewall 17. The degree to which compartment divider 24 can be slanted ranges from its connection to the bottom of neck compartment divider to any connection point along sidewall 17 to control the volume of left shot compartment 20 and right chaser compartment 22. The volume of left shot compartment 20 and right chaser compartment 22 can vary from 1 ml-100 ml and/or can have any known, convenient and/or desired a volumes and/or ratios. A left shot compartment opening 16 and right chaser compartment opening 18 can extend through the vertical neck 13 to provide access to the separated liquid/solid within left shot compartment 20 and right chaser compartment 22 respectively.

[0026] Further to FIG. 2, compartment divider 24 can engage the base of container 100 at a distal point of the base of bottle 26 and extend diagonally through bottle body 12 to the bottom of vertical neck 13 of container 100. Compartment divider 24 can connect to sidewall 17 on both sides of the bottle to form two separated and sealed compartments: left shot compartment 20 and right chaser compartment 22. The neck compartment divider can connect to the top of compartment divider 24 and can extend vertically to the top of bottle opening 11 to define left shot compartment opening 16 and right chaser compartment opening 18.

[0027] In some embodiments, the device can comprise a double-walled design with (or without) an insulating layer to maintain the temperature of the liquids inside. The shot compartment could be kept cold while the chaser remains at room temperature or vice versa. In some embodiments, the entire bottle 9 can be kept cold via the insulator. Such feature(s) could appeal to users preferring their beverages at specific temperatures, improving the overall drinking experience.

[0028] An opening covers a top of exterior housing 12 and may be attached to partially cover one or both chambers 20, 24, as shown in FIG. 3. One embodiment does not include opening 130 separately, leaving the tops of chambers 20, 24 to naturally form an opening. However, the separately opening 12 can assist in controlling liquid dispensing through size, shape and placement. For example, limiting the amount of air flow and vacuum development can enhance the surface tension differential. In one implementation, opening 130 includes two orifices, each having a semi-circle shape or an oval shape and positioned in a perpendicular manner so that a wide part of a first oval orifice releases a first liquid in a first position, and a wide part of a second oval orifice releases a second liquid in a second position. In one embodiment, the top opening can be shaped by an internal lip that shrinks or shapes the opening of the chamber to affect surface tension. At the second position (or second orientation), pressure decreases at a top of the semi-circle as gravity increases pressure of the liquid at a bottom of the semicircle, overcoming the surface tension and causing a surface to break. In another implementation, opening 130 is interchangeable, allowing container 100 to carry different combinations of liquids and maintain an optimal design for dispensing. Viscosity of liquids may affect opening 130 to have larger orifices for higher viscosity liquids.

[0029] In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, neck compartment divider can divide the bottle opening 11 unevenly so that the left shot compartment opening 16 can be two times the opening area of right chaser compartment opening 18. However, in alternate embodiments, the ratio can be any known, convenient and/or desired ratio. Neck compartment divider can extend vertically through vertical neck 13 continuing to unevenly (or evenly, in some embodiments) divide the circular bottle opening 11 so that the area of right chaser compartment opening 18 can be (or any other known, convenient and/or desire percentage of) the area of circular bottle opening 11 and left shot compartment opening 16 can be (or any other known, convenient and/or desire percentage of) the area of circular bottle opening 11. The range at which neck compartment divider can divide circular bottle opening 11 to impact the area of right chaser compartment opening 18 and left shot compartment opening 16 so as to restrict the flow are from 1% the surface area of the circular bottle opening 11 to 99% the surface area of circular bottle opening 11.

[0030] In some embodiments, bottle 9 can comprise an adjustable flow rate mechanism in the cap or neck, enabling users to customize the flow rates at which the shot and chaser are dispensed, providing greater control over the drinking experience. In still other embodiments, chaser compartment includes ridges, contours, or other surface materials to slow down liquid flow, in combination with surface tension. Moreover, some embodiments completely restrict flow of the second liquid while in the first position, while other embodiments slow down flow, to allow separate dispensing.

II. Methods for Liquid Dispensing (FIGS. 5-6)

[0031] FIG. 5 is a high-level flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for separately dispensing heterogenous liquids, according to an embodiment. The method 500 can be implemented by, for example, container 100 of FIG. 1. The specific grouping of functionalities and order of steps are a mere example as many other variations of method 500 are possible, within the spirit of the present disclosure. Other variations are possible for different implementations.

[0032] At step 510, a container is opened and held at a first position which allows a first liquid to dispense and does not allow a second liquid to dispense, due to a differential in surface tension between the liquids.

[0033] At step 520, upon tilting, the first liquid is dispensed from a first chamber within the exterior housing to hold the first liquid. The first chamber orifice can have a first area, size and shape for optimal dispensing. Also, the first liquid has a first surface tension and a first viscosity. In some implementations, the surface tension differential stops the second liquid from dispensing and, in other implementations, slows down dispensing either significantly or partially.

[0034] At step 530, the container is rotated approximately 90 degrees, or by another amount, which allows the second liquid to dispense by breaking a second surface tension of the second liquid.

[0035] At step 540, the second liquid is dispensed from a second chamber divided from the first chamber within the exterior housing to hold a second liquid. The second chamber opening has a second area, size and shape for optimal dispensing. In some cases, the second chamber opening also assists in holding back the second liquid from dispensing while in the first position. The second liquid has the second surface tension. The first area is larger than the second area to maintain a differential between the first surface tension and the second surface tension.

[0036] As depicted in FIG. 6, in operation, once the user is acquainted with the design and purpose of bottle 9, a user can become acquainted with the operational mechanisms that enable the desired drinking experience. The bottle 9 can be designed to offer multiple modes of consumption, each mode facilitating a varying flow pattern and mixing ratio of the contents of the chambers. The bottle orientation rotates both around an axis of the opening, and also tilts vertically to an upside down position or a lesser tilt angle.

[0037] A first mode of near-vertical consumption is one mode of operation as depicted in FIG. 6. In operation, a user can unscrew the bottle cap 14 and tilt the whole container 100 to a nearly vertical position, close to 90 degrees or upside down. This position enables a turbulent flow of the liquids, to facilitate rapid delivery of the liquid shot 30 and slowed delivery of the liquid chaser 31. Turbulent flow can occur as air enters the bottle to replace the existing liquid, enabling the liquid shot 30 to be delivered at a rate faster than the liquid chaser 31. As the user drinks from the bottle 9 the liquid shot 30 can flow out of the bottle at a faster rate than liquid chaser 31 due to the larger opening of the left shot compartment opening 16. In some embodiments the relative rates of effluent can be 2:1 of greater or less, as desired. In some embodiments, the liquid chaser 31 can flow out of the bottle at less than the rate of that of the liquid shot 30 due to the smaller opening of the right chaser compartment opening 18. This mode can deliver a quick, strong shot with a hint of chaser followed immediately by the chaser alone, thereby mimicking the experience of a rapid, consecutive shot immediately followed by chaser.

[0038] In a second mode of moderate tilting, less steep than the first mode. This gentler tilt can result in a laminar flow, liquids flow smoothly resulting in minimal mixing between the layers. The shot can still flow out approximately two times faster than the chaser, but the separation between the shot and chaser can be less pronounced than in the primary mode. This mode can be enjoyed by users preferring a slightly mixed, yet distinct, shot followed by a chaser.

[0039] In a third mode of paused consumption, the user can initially consume the bottle at either a moderate or near-vertical angle to ingest the shot portion quickly. Upon completing the shot, the user can pause to swallow and then resume drinking to enjoy the chaser. This mode can replicate a bar-like experience, wherein the shot and chaser are consumed separately but in quick succession.

[0040] This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical access applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use.

[0041] The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.