US20130153085A1

US20130153085A1 - Multi-compartment beverage container

Info

Publication number: US20130153085A1
Application number: US13/329,050
Authority: US
Inventors: Don Shefler; Natalie Shefler
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-12-16
Filing date: 2011-12-16
Publication date: 2013-06-20

Abstract

A multi-compartment beverage container allows multiple distinct beverages to be stored and consumed or dispensed. The container may comprise an outer shell separated into multiple compartments by a divider. A user may select which of multiple beverages to consume or dispense aligning a conduit or opening of the container's cap to the desired compartment. The beverage in that conduit may then be consumed or dispensed through the conduit or opening. An inner cover may be included to help ensure liquids are sealed within each compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to drinking vessels and in particular to a multi-compartment beverage container.
2. Related Art
Bottles, flasks, and other drinking vessels are commonly used to carry beverages for consumption at various locations or on the go. In general, such vessels provide a watertight compartment for storing and transporting beverages. The vessels may be configured to seal a beverage within this compartment to prevent accidental spills. Alternatively the vessels may provide an open portion to allow the beverage to be readily consumed from the container.
A traditional drinking vessel having a sealable compartment allows a user to take a particular beverage with them virtually anywhere. The sealable compartment greatly reduces or eliminates the risk of spillage and thus allows the beverage to be taken or stored in places where it may be easily tipped, tilted or even dropped. For example, a drinking vessel with a sealed beverage compartment may be carried among a person's clothes in a suitcase or other bag, taken on moving vehicles, and/or used during outdoor activities.
From the discussion that follows, it will become apparent that the present invention addresses the deficiencies associated with the prior art while providing numerous additional advantages and benefits not contemplated or possible with prior art constructions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A multi-compartment beverage container allows multiple beverages to be easily carried and consumed or dispensed. This allows users to have a variety of different beverages that they may carry and consume as they desire. It is noted that various fluids, include non-potable fluids to be carried. Whatever the fluid, the multi-compartment beverage container allows a user to select which beverage to be dispensed on an individual basis from the multi-compartment beverage container.
The multi-compartment beverage container may have various configurations. For example, in one embodiment, a multi-compartment beverage container may comprise an outer shell having an open top end and a closed bottom end, a divider configured to separate an interior area enclosed by the outer shell into a plurality of watertight compartments, and an inner cover configured to enclose the open top end of the outer shell.
One or more openings may be in the inner cover and be positioned at each of the plurality of compartments. At least one inner straw may extend downward from at least one of the plurality of openings.
A conduit above the inner cover configured to selectively align with the plurality of openings to allow a liquid in the plurality of compartments to be consumed or dispensed from each of the plurality of compartments may also be provided. The conduit may be tapered in one or more embodiments, such as to form a opening where a beverage may be sipped from the multi-compartment beverage container.
It is noted that the conduit may be supported by a cap configured to engage the top end of the outer shell. The cap may comprise a rotatable portion and the conduit may be attached to the rotatable portion.
The outer shell may comprise an inner and outer wall to insulate beverages held within the outer shell. Likewise, the divider may have dual wall construction to insulate each of the plurality of compartments from one another.
In another exemplary embodiment, a multi-compartment beverage container may comprise an outer shell having a closed bottom and an open top and forming a container for a plurality of beverages, and a dividing structure configured to divide an interior area of the outer shell into a plurality of compartments. Each of the compartments may be configured to store at least one of the plurality of beverages. It is noted that the outer shell may have a plurality of windows to allow an interior of the plurality of compartments to be visible.
The dividing structure may comprise a plurality of planer sections extending outward from a central section to engage the outer shell. For example, the divider may have at least three planar sections to provide at least three compartments for beverages.
A rotatable cap having an opening therein may also be included. The opening may be rotatable between a plurality of positions to align with each of the plurality of compartments to allow the at least one beverage stored therein to be consumed or dispensed therefrom. In general rotating the opening to a particular compartment also causes the cap to seal the other compartments. In this way beverages from these other compartments cannot spill or otherwise escape. It is noted that the opening itself may be covered with a cover or the like to contain a beverage. The rotatable cap may be removably fastened to the outer shell.
An inner cover may enclose the open top of the outer shell. The inner cover may be located below the opening of the cap and have a plurality of openings aligned with each of the plurality of compartments. The inner cover may be used to help ensure the beverages do not escape their respective compartments.
Various beverage storage and dispensing methods are disclosed herein as well. For example, in one embodiment a method of storing multiple beverages in a multi-compartment beverage container might comprise accepting a first beverage in a first compartment of the multi-compartment beverage container, and accepting at least one second beverage in at least one second compartment of the multi-compartment beverage container (where the first compartment and the at least one second compartment are all within an outer shell of the multi-compartment beverage container).
The top ends of the first compartment and the at least one second compartment may be covered with a rotatable cap, and the rotatable cap may be rotated to align an opening therein with the top end of the first compartment. The rotatable cap may also be rotated to misalign the opening therein to seal the first beverage and the at least one second beverage in the multi-compartment beverage container. In addition, the opening of the rotatable cap could be covered to seal the first beverage in the first compartment.
The first beverage may dispensed from the first compartment through the opening of the rotatable cap. The opening of the rotatable cap may then be rotated to at least one of the second compartments and a second beverage contained therein may be dispensed through the opening as well.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-compartment beverage container;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-compartment beverage container;

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-compartment beverage container in a first state of use;

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-compartment beverage container in a second state of use;

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of an exemplary multi-compartment beverage container in a third state of use;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an exemplary lid for a multi-compartment beverage container; and

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an exemplary lid for a multi-compartment beverage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.
As will become apparent from the disclosure herein, the multi-compartment beverage container provides a number of advantages with its various elements and configurations. In one or more embodiments, the multi-compartment beverage container allows a user to carry multiple beverages at once. A number of beverages of different formulations may thus be carried at once. This is highly advantageous. For example, an athlete or other user may wish to carry various types of beverages for before, during, and after physical activity. To illustrate, sports drinks having various nutritional values may be carried within the multi-compartment beverage container for various stages of the physical activity.
In addition, users may carry various beverages that they consume throughout the day. For example, a user may carry a morning coffee and afternoon tea in the multi-compartment beverage container, which may be insulated to retain heat as will be described further below. In addition, beverages of varying temperatures may be carried in insulated embodiments, with the insulation preventing or slowing transfer of heat or cold between the beverages. Also, it is contemplated that beverages for multiple users may be carried in the multi-compartment beverage container. In this manner, two (or more) users may store their individual distinct beverages in the multi-compartment beverage container.
In contrast to traditional drinking vessels, the multi-compartment beverage container is beneficial in that it allows multiple beverages to be carried in one container rather than several. With traditional drinking vessels users must carry more than one vessel if they wish to have different beverages without mixing them. This can be quite difficult especially when considering that traditional drinking vessels are configured to be held one at a time. Carrying additional vessels would thus be cumbersome, occupy both of a user's hands, and/or prevent the user from carrying other items.
The multi-compartment beverage container will now be described with regard to FIGS. 1A-1B. As can be seen, the multi-compartment beverage container 104 may comprise an outer shell 124 and a divider 128 in one or more embodiments. The outer shell 124 and divider 128 may be configured to form the multiple compartments 140 of the multi-compartment beverage container 104. For instance, as can be seen, the divider 128 forms three separate compartments 140 in the outer shell 124 in FIGS. 1A-1B. Each compartment 140 may be watertight so as to hold a beverage without leakage.
The divider 128 may have various configurations. As shown for example, the divider 128 has planer walls or sections 152 that extend from its center. This divides the outer shell 124 into wedge shaped compartments 140 where individual beverages may be stored. The planer sections 152 may conform to the outer shell 124 at their distal ends so as to form a seal with the outer shell 124. This contains any beverage placed within the compartments 140 formed by the planer sections 152. It is contemplated that the divider 128 may divide the outer shell 124 into various numbers of compartments 140. For example, the divider 128 may span between two sections of the outer shell 124 thus dividing the outer shell into two compartments 140. Alternatively, the divider 128 may have an increased number of planer sections 152 so as to provide more than three compartments 140 for one or more beverages.
Though described above as having planer sections 152, it is contemplated that the divider 128 may have sections 152 of various shapes and sizes, including those which may not be planer in shape. In addition, it is contemplated that the compartments 140 need not be uniform in size. For example, some compartments 140 of a multi-compartment beverage container 104 may be smaller than others. This allows different amounts of particular beverages to be stored in the multi-compartment beverage container 104. The divider's sections 152 may extend at non-uniform angles from its center to form compartments 140 of non-uniform size.
It is also contemplated that the divider 128 need not be centered in the outer shell 124. For example, the center point of the divider 128 may be off center relative to the outer shell 124. Accordingly, one or more of the planer sections 152 may be elongated relative to the other planer sections. This may be used to form compartments 140 of non-uniform size as well.
As can be seen, the compartments 140 may have one or more sides, a bottom, and a top. As described above and shown in FIGS. 1A-1B, the sides of the compartments 140 may be formed by the planer sections 152 of the divider and a portion of the outer shell 124. The bottoms of the compartments 140 may be formed by a bottom portion of the outer shell 124.
The tops of the compartments 140 may be formed by an inner cover 144, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. As can be seen, the inner cover 144 may cover the top opening of the compartments 140 to help enclose any beverage within the compartments. The inner cover 144 may have one or more openings 156 to allow access to the beverages in the compartments 140 when the inner cover 144 is on, as will be described further below. As can be seen, an opening 156 may be positioned to permit access to each of the compartments 140.
The inner cover 144 may be removable in one or more embodiments. This allows beverages to be poured or otherwise moved into the compartments 140. It is contemplated that the beverages could be poured into the compartments 140 through the openings 156 as well. The removability of the inner cover 144 also allows the interior of the multi-compartment beverage container 104 to be accessed. In this manner a user may rinse out/clean the compartments 140.
The inner cover 144 may have a “U” or other shaped channel at its peripheral edge to accept the top edge of the outer shell 124. One or more channels may also extend across the inner cover 144 to accept the top edges of the divider 128. These channels allow the inner cover 144 to form a seal at the top edges of the outer shell 124 and divider 128. The inner cover 144 may be formed from a resilient or flexible material so as to allow the inner cover 144 to bend and/or stretch to form a watertight seal at these top edges, while being removable.
It is contemplated that, in some embodiments, the divider 128 may be removable for cleaning as well. In such embodiments, the distal ends of the planer sections 152 of the divider 128 may have a sealing structure, such as a gasket or the like. Alternatively or in addition, the outer shell 124 may have slots or channels on its interior surface to accept the distal ends of the planer sections 152 of the divider 128. For example, channels may extend along the length of the outer shell 124 from the bottom to the top of the outer shell. The sealing structure and/or channels will typically be used to form water tight seals to ensure the compartments 140 do not leak.
In FIGS. 1A-1B, it can be seen that a single inner cover 144 may be used to cover or seal the top ends of multiple compartments 140 (or all of the multi-compartment beverage container's compartments 140). It is contemplated that there may be multiple inner covers 144 in some embodiments. In this manner, each compartment 140 could have its own inner cover 144.
To assist a user in consuming or otherwise obtaining the beverages stored within the multi-compartment beverage container 104, one or more internal straws 132 may be provided. One, some, or all the compartments 140 may have its own internal straw 132, such as shown in FIG. 1A. An internal straw 132 is beneficial in that they allow a user to suction the beverage out of a compartment 140 from the bottom of the compartment. In this manner, the user need not tilt or flip the multi-compartment beverage container 104 to access beverages therein, even if only a small portion of the beverages remain in the container. Instead, the user may drink the entire beverage via the internal straw 132 while the multi-compartment beverage container 104 is upright.
An internal straw 132 may extend from the top of a compartment 140 to a bottom portion of the compartment. This allows a beverage to be suctioned out of a compartment 140 at the bottom of the compartment. As can be seen, the internal straw 132 may extend from the inner cover 144, such as at the openings 156 of the inner cover.
Referring to FIG. 1B, it can be seen that not all embodiments of the multi-compartment beverage container 104 may have internal straws 132. In such embodiments, users may drink beverages out of the container by pouring beverages out of the multi-compartment beverage container 104 and/or by tipping or tilting the multi-compartment beverage container. It is noted that the multi-compartment beverage container 104 may be flexible in some embodiments. In such embodiments, the outer shell 124 may be squeezed or otherwise compressed to squeeze out the beverage therein. The divider 128 may be formed from a flexible material to allow this to occur.
In addition to the inner cover 144, the multi-compartment beverage container 104 may have a cap 108. In one or more embodiments, the cap 108 may be configured to allow a user to select which of several beverages he or she wishes to consume or dispense. The cap 108 may cover or seal other compartments 140 so that beverages in those compartments cannot be spilled and cannot leak out as a beverage from one compartment is being consumed or dispensed.
As can be seen, the cap 108 may have a conduit 112 configured to align with the openings 156 in the inner cover 144. As will be described further below, a user may select a particular beverage to consume or dispense by aligning the conduit of the cap 108 with the beverage's compartment 140. This may occur by rotating a portion of the cap 108. For example, a first section 116 of the cap 108 (to which the conduit 112 may be secured) may be rotated relative to a second section 120 of the cap to align the conduit 112 with different openings 156 of the inner cover 144.
The cap 108 may be removably secured to the outer shell 124 by various fasteners or connectors. For example, in one or more embodiments, the cap 108 may have coupling structure 148 to attach to the top end of the outer shell 124. The outer shell 124 may have its own corresponding coupling structure 136 configured to engage with the cap 108, such as the coupling structure 148 of the cap. For example, the cap 108 and the outer shell 124 may be configured to thread or screw on to one another. In another embodiment, the cap 108 may be attached via a friction or snap on fit. For example, a lip may extend from the periphery of the outer shell 124 at the top end of the outer shell. The cap 108 may engage this lip to attach to snap on to the top end of the outer shell 124.
It is noted that the inner cover 144 may be built in to the cap 108 in some embodiments. For example, the inner cover 144 may be formed into a bottom portion of the cap 108. In this manner, the top ends of the compartments 140 may automatically be covered by placing the cap 108 on the outer shell 124. It is also noted that an inner cover 114 need not be provided in all embodiments. For instance, the cap 108 itself may be configured to enclose or seal one or more of the compartments 140 when its conduit is not positioned at one of those compartments. The cap 108 may have one or more gaskets or the like to form a seal at the top end of the divider after or as it is rotated from one compartment 140 to another. For example, a “Y” shaped gasket (corresponding to the cross sectional shape of the divider) or other seal may form a watertight seal between the top end of the divider 128 as the cap 108 is rotated from one position to another.
The outer shell 124 may have various configurations as well. For example, the outer shell 124 may have various shapes and dimensions in addition to those shown. This allows various amounts of beverages to be stored. The shape of the outer shell 124 may also be formed into various ergonomic structures to allow the multi-compartment beverage container 104 to be easily grasped. It is contemplated that the outer shell 124 may have a handle extended therefrom in some embodiments.
The outer shell 124 may also provide one or more indicators of which beverage is in which of its compartments 140. For example, each compartment 140 could be externally labeled with a symbol or other indicator to allow a user to determine what is contained within a particular compartment 140. The compartments 140 could also or alternatively be color coded such as by different colors on an external surface of the outer shell 124.
It is contemplated that the outer shell 124 may comprise one or more transparent or translucent sections to allow users to see what beverage is in each compartment 140. For example, the outer shell 124 may have one or more windows at each compartment 140. In addition to allowing users to see the beverages in the compartments 140 it is noted that users may also readily view how much of a beverage is remaining, such as to decide whether or not to refill the beverage. The windows may be elongated in some embodiments to provide a view of all or substantially all of a compartment. For example, an elongated narrow (or wide) window may extend from the bottom to the top of a compartment 140 to allow the amount of beverage in the compartment to be seen.
In some embodiments, the cap 108 or portions thereof may be constructed of transparent or translucent material to allow the beverages stored in the multi-compartment beverage container 104 to be identifiable. Alternatively or in addition, the cap 108 may comprise one or more colors, labels, or other indicators to allow a user to readily determine the contents of each compartment 140. This is highly beneficial especially in embodiments where the multi-compartment beverage container 104 is symmetrical. It is noted that the multi-compartment beverage container 104 could be asymmetrical in some embodiments, such as to allow users to readily identify particular compartments 140 and the beverages they contain.
FIG. 2A-2C illustrate an exemplary multi-compartment beverage container 104 in operation. As shown, the multi-compartment beverage container 104 has three compartments 140, each storing a beverage 204. As can be seen, the user may store various amounts of a particular beverage 204 in each compartment 140. This is because the compartments 140 may be sealed relative to one another to prevent one beverage from leaking into another. Also, this allows the user to consume or dispense individual beverages individually.
As can be seen, FIGS. 2A-2C show that the cap 108 may be rotated or otherwise moved to align with various compartments 140. Namely, the cap 108 may be rotated to align the conduit 112 with the opening 156 of each compartment.
To illustrate, FIG. 2A illustrates the cap 108 in a first position where the conduit 112 is aligned with a compartment 140 shown on the left side of the multi-compartment beverage container 104. The user may then consume or dispense the beverage from that compartment. In the embodiment shown, the multi-compartment beverage container 104 has an inner straw 132. Therefore, the user may drink the beverage through the conduit 112 and inner straw 132, such as by applying suction to the externally accessible end of the conduit.
FIG. 2B illustrates the cap 108 in a second position where the conduit 112 is aligned with a second compartment 140 (illustrated at a center location) of the multi-compartment beverage container 104. The user may rotate a rotatable or movable portion 116 of the cap 108 to position the conduit 112 in this manner. It is contemplated that the cap 108 may have one or more detents associated with each compartment 140. The detents may be positioned such that, when engaged, the conduit 112 aligns with an opening 156 of the inner cover 144. Once engaged, the detents may hold the movable portion 116 of the cap 108 in position to ensure the conduit, selected opening 156, and associated inner straw 132 remain aligned when in use.
FIG. 2C illustrates the cap 108 in a third position, where the conduit 112 is aligned with a third compartment 140 (illustrated on the right side of the multi-compartment beverage container 104). As can be seen, the beverage in the third compartment 140 may then be consumed or dispensed through the cap 108.
In operation, as shown by FIGS. 2A-2C, a fixed portion 120 of the cap 108 may remain stationary relative to the outer shell 124, while a rotatable or movable portion 120 of the cap 108 may move relative to the outer shell. In this manner, the fixed portion 120 can be used to secure the cap 108 to the outer shell 124, while the rotatable portion 120 allows a portion of the cap 108 to be rotated to align its conduit 112 with an opening 156 in the inner cover 144. Though shown as externally visible, it is noted that the fixed portion 120 may be internal to the cap 108 in some embodiments.
It is contemplated that the cap 108 need not have multiple portions in some embodiments. For example, it is contemplated that the cap 108 may be removed and then replaced onto the outer shell 124 with its conduit 112 aligned with the desired opening 156.
As can be seen, the multi-compartment beverage container 104 allows a variety of beverages to be carried and selected for consumption quickly and easily. In one or more embodiments, a user may simply align the cap 108 with the compartment 140 holding the beverage he or she desires to access such beverage.
The multi-compartment beverage container 104 also provides leak proof storage of the beverages held therein. For example, a user may rotate or move the cap 108 to misalign the conduit 112, such that a continuous channel from an opening 156 of the inner cover 144 and the conduit is not formed. This may enclose or seal the openings 156 in the inner cover. When in a closed or sealed position the cap 108 prevents beverages from leaking out and thus the multi-compartment beverage container 104 can be used to store the beverages. This seal may be effective even if the multi-compartment beverage container is tilted, dropped, or flipped.
For example, a bottom portion of the rotatable portion 116 of the cap 108 may have sealing structures to prevent liquid from escaping through an opening 156 of the inner cover. In one embodiment, the rotatable portion 116 may have a planar bottom which covers each of the openings 156 to prevent liquids from escaping therefrom. In this manner, access to beverages via the openings 156 may only occur if the conduit 112 is aligned with one of such openings. If misaligned, all the openings 156 may be covered or sealed. As will be described further below, it is contemplated that the conduit 112 itself could be configured to be closable/sealable. In such embodiments, rather than misaligning the conduit 112, the conduit itself may be closed to seal beverages within the multi-compartment beverage container 104.
The sealing structures may come in various forms. As stated the rotatable portion 116 of the cap 108 could have a planer bottom to cover the openings. Alternatively, the bottom of the rotatable portion may have one or more protrusions configured to engage the openings 156 of the inner cover. These protrusions may thus be used as stoppers to prevent liquid from escaping through an opening 156. The protrusions may be spring loaded so as to extend into an opening 156 when aligned with the opening. The protrusions may be round or another shape such that they automatically retract when the cap 108 is rotated. The protrusions could also or alternatively be formed from resilient materials to allow them to form a watertight seal around an opening 156.
FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate some exemplary caps 108. As can be seen, the caps 108 may have various configurations for different purposes. In the embodiment of FIG. 3A for example, the cap 108 has a fluid dispensing assembly 304 configured to allow a user to sip a beverage. This is ideal for hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or the like. As can be seen, in this embodiment, the conduit 112 may have a narrow and/or elongated shape to reduce fluid flow and thus prevent a user from being burned by a hot beverage. The conduit 112 may taper or otherwise transition from a circular or other shape to this narrow/elongated shape configured to beverage sipping. Such taper or transition may be required in embodiments where the conduit 112 connects a opening 152 having a different shape than the desired narrow/elongated shape for sipping.
Referring back to FIGS. 1A-1B, it is noted that individual compartments 140 of the multi-compartment beverage 104 container may be insulated such as by dual wall construction of the outer shell 124 and/or by insulating the outer shell. In addition or alternatively, compartments 140 may also be insulated by using dual wall construction for the divider 128, and/or insulating the divider. In general, dual wall construction refers to a structure having a first wall and a second wall separated by an air gap in between. It is noted that this air gap could contain insulation. With respect to the outer shell 124, the outer shell may have an inner wall and an outer wall to insulate compartments 140 from the outside environment. With respect to the divider 128, each planer section 152 may utilize dual wall construction to insulate compartments 140 from one another.
FIG. 3B illustrates a cap 108 having a conduit 112 having a fluid dispensing assembly 304 configured to allow the user to open and close the conduit 112. This allows the conduit 112 to be closed or sealed to prevent beverages from spilling out. As stated above, in such embodiments, the cap 108 need not (but may) be misaligned since the conduit 112 itself may be closed to seal the multi-compartment beverage container 104.
The fluid dispensing assembly 304 may comprise an extendable straw 308 that may rotate about a pivot 312. When in an open position (such as shown in FIG. 3B), a beverage may be consumed from or dispensed from the extendable straw 304. This is because a continuous channel to facilitate fluid flow is formed through the extendable straw 308, conduit 112, and opening 156. When in a closed position, the extendable straw 308 may cover or seal the conduit 112 thus preventing fluid flow therefrom. In the embodiment of FIG. 3B for example, the extendable straw 308 may be rotated downward to close the conduit 112. In one or more embodiments, a recess 316 may be in the cap 108 to accept the extendable straw 308 when it is in a closed or non-extended position.
It is noted that the cap 108 could have various shapes and sizes. For example, the cap 108 may be tapered in some embodiments, such as to form a narrowed fluid dispensing assembly 304 where a user may consume or dispense beverages like that of a wine or soda bottle (in shape). The conduit 112 in such embodiments may extend to the tapered end of the cap 108 to allow users to consume or dispense beverages from the top end of the cap. In such embodiments, the cap 108 may accept a snap on or other lid to close or seal the conduit.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scope of this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, and embodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in any combination or arrangement.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A multi-compartment beverage container comprising:

an outer shell having an open top end and a closed bottom end;

a divider configured to separate an interior area enclosed by the outer shell into a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments being watertight;

an inner cover configured to enclose the open top end of the outer shell;

one or more openings in the inner cover positioned at each of the plurality of compartments; and

a conduit above the inner cover and configured to selectively align with the plurality of openings to allow a liquid in the plurality of compartments to be consumed or dispensed from each of the plurality of compartments.

2. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 1 further comprising a cap configured to engage the top end of the outer shell, wherein the conduit is supported by the cap.

3. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 2 wherein the cap comprises a rotatable portion and the conduit is attached to the rotatable portion.

4. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 1 further comprising at least one inner straw extending downward from at least one of the plurality of openings.

5. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer shell comprises an inner and outer wall to insulate beverages held within the outer shell.

6. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 1, wherein the divider has dual wall construction to insulate each of the plurality of compartments from one another.

7. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 1, wherein the conduit is tapered.

8. A multi-compartment beverage container comprising:

an outer shell forming a container for a plurality of beverages, the outer shell having a closed bottom and an open top;

a dividing structure configured to divide an interior area of the outer shell into a plurality of compartments, each of the compartments configured to store at least one of the plurality of beverages; and

a rotatable cap having an opening therein, wherein the opening is rotatable between a plurality of positions to align with each of the plurality of compartments to allow the at least one of the plurality of beverages stored therein to be consumed or dispensed therefrom.

9. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 8 further comprising an inner cover enclosing the open top of the outer shell, the inner cover located below the opening of the cap and having a plurality of openings therein aligned with each of the plurality of compartments.

10. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 8 further comprising a cover configured to seal the opening of the cap.

11. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 8, wherein the outer shell comprises a plurality of windows to allow an interior of the plurality of compartments to be visible.

12. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 8, wherein the divider is insulated.

13. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 8, wherein the rotatable cap is removably fastened to the outer shell.

14. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 8, wherein the dividing structure comprises a plurality of planer sections extending outward from a central section to engage the outer shell.

15. The multi-compartment beverage container of claim 14, wherein the dividing structure has at least three planar sections.

16. A method of storing multiple beverages in a multi-compartment beverage container comprising:

accepting a first beverage in a first compartment of the multi-compartment beverage container;

accepting at least one second beverage in at least one second compartment of the multi-compartment beverage container, wherein the first compartment and the at least one second compartment are all within an outer shell of the multi-compartment beverage container;

covering the top ends of the first compartment and the at least one second compartment with a rotatable cap; and

rotating the rotatable cap to align an opening therein with the top end of the first compartment.

17. The method of claim 16 further comprising rotating the rotatable cap to misalign the opening therein to seal the first beverage and the at least one second beverage in the multi-compartment beverage container.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising covering the opening of the rotatable cap.

19. The method of claim 16 further comprising dispensing the first beverage from the first compartment through the opening of the rotatable cap.

20. The method of claim 16 further comprising rotating the opening of the rotatable cap to at least one of the at least one second compartments and dispensing a second beverage contained therein through the opening.