US20250026535A1

US20250026535A1 - Shaker System and Method

Info

Publication number: US20250026535A1
Application number: US18/905,757
Authority: US
Inventors: John DALLAGER; Steven MCCARTHY
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Dallager Mccarthy Holdings
Priority date: 2020-08-26
Filing date: 2024-10-03
Publication date: 2025-01-23

Abstract

A shaker for housing and dispensing food or drink items. The shaker has a top can sitting atop a bottom can. Each can contains a separate component. The top can is removed and its contents are added to the second can. This allows the user to control how much of the contents from the top can are added to the bottom can. A single multi-compartment vessel houses two separate ingredients and prevents their mixing.

Description

PRIORITY

The present invention is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 17/446,120 filed Aug. 26, 2021, which also claims priority to U.S. 62/070,647, filed Aug. 26, 2020, the entirety of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference. The present invention also claims priority, and is a continuation-in-part to U.S. Design. No. 29/907,004 filed Jan. 3, 2024 and Ser. No. 29/939,029 filed Apr. 24, 2024, the entirety of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system and method for a shaker.

Description of Related Art

Cocktails typically are mixed from several different ingredients. There are no suitable ways to pre-package cocktails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of shakers in one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shaker in one embodiment;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the shaker being used in one embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a perspective with the top can being removed in one embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view with the two cans sitting adjacent one another in one embodiment;

FIG. 3D is a perspective view with the lids removed in one embodiment;

FIG. 3E is a perspective view with the top can being poured into the bottom can in one embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a separated shaker in one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a binding in one embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a top can and bottom can being positioned adjacent to a binding in one embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a binding coupled to a top can and bottom can in one embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a binding in one embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a binding in one embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a binding coupled to a top can in one embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two various embodiments of cans;

FIG. 12 is a view of two separate bottom cans with various bindings coupled thereto in one embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of various cans in one embodiment;

FIG. 14 shows the same figure of FIG. 13 but with the binding on the top can in one embodiment;

FIG. 15 shows two cans without a binding in one embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a binding for coupling cans of the same diameter;

FIG. 17 depicts a coupler coupling two cans of the same diameter;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a binding for coupling cans of dissimilar diameter;

FIG. 19 depicts a coupler coupling two cans of dissimilar diameter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Several embodiments of Applicant's invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. Unless otherwise noted, like elements will be identified by identical numbers throughout all figures. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which is not specifically disclosed herein.
FIG. 1 is a side view of shakers in one embodiment. A shaker 100 has two components, and top can 101 and a bottom can 102 releasably coupled to form a unitary item. In one embodiment the shaker 100 has the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 packaged as a combined item.
The two respective cans 101, 102 can be coupled to form a single shaker 100 via any method. Thus, in one embodiment the two cans 101, 102 are packaged and sold as a single unit for consumption of goods. In such embodiments the multi-compartment vessel provides a single sanitary package for separating two separate ingredients in the form of a liquid, gas, or solids. This single package provides consumers with a ready to drink, or ready to eat, product which meets mixed ratio preferences, extended shelf life, and condensed size for improved portability.
The top can 101 and bottom can 102 can be coupled together via any method or device known in the art. In one embodiment the top can 101 and bottom can 102 are coupled via friction. Specifically, in one embodiment the top can 101 has an outer diameter which is nested via friction into the outer diameter of the bottom can 102. This friction keeps the two cans coupled until a force is applied to separate them.
In one embodiment the top of the top can 101 is designed to fit comfortably to the top of the bottom can 102 via lid-to-lid mechanical fitment. Thus, the top of the top can 101 couples to the top of the bottom can 102 in such embodiments. In other embodiments, however, the bottom of the top can 101 fits with the top of the bottom can 102.
While one embodiment has been discussed wherein the two cans 101, 102 are kept together via friction fit, in other embodiments, however, the two cans can be coupled via an external coupling such as shrink wrap, plastic, metallic bindings, etc. The external coupling would keep the cans in a coupled relationship until the user desires to separate the two for use, as will be discussed in more detail below.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a shaker in one embodiment. As can be seen, in this embodiment the top can 101 is smaller and sits upon the larger bottom can 102. While the term “can” is used, this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. Any container which houses a liquid can be utilized. Thus, the term “can” includes any cup, vessel, or package which can house a liquid. While a generally cylindrical can is depicted, this is not limiting. Virtually any shape can be utilized. The cans 101, 102 can comprise virtually any material. In one embodiment the cans 101, 102 comprise aluminum. Full strength alcohol, generally being above 25% in strength, it not able to be housed in a standard CPG beverage aluminum container with traditional sanitary and safety lining, typically BPA. The higher percentage of alcohol being closer to industry standard full-strength spirits (typically 40%) erodes the BPA lining during storage and shelf life, estimated by packaging experts to be about 3 months.
In one embodiment the cans 101, 102 can comprise aluminum, tin, and PET. However, alterative materials can also be used to improve performance or promote green manufacturing practices. In one embodiment, to allow for a true full strength alcohol cocktail to be made and housed in the top can 101 or bottom can 102, the cans 101, 102 can use, for example, PET (or any derivative of plastics) or tin for the vessel housing the spirit. Tin an PET are used as illustrative examples and should not be deemed limiting. The top 101 or bottom cans 102 can use an aluminum vessel if using lower strength alcohol (spirit, wine, or malt) below 25% strength. For example the top 101 or bottom cans 101 can comprise aluminum with a BPA lining if used with 25% or below spirits. The container which did not house the spirits can comprise any material. Turning to FIG. 3 , FIG. 3 is a perspective view a series of sequences of the shaker being used in one embodiment. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the shaker being used in one embodiment. FIG. 3B is a perspective with the top can being removed in one embodiment. FIG. 3C is a perspective view with the two cans sitting adjacent one another in one embodiment. FIG. 3D is a perspective view with the lids removed in one embodiment. FIG. 3E is a perspective view with the top can being poured into the bottom can in one embodiment.
In FIG. 3A, the top can 101 is coupled to the bottom can 102. As previously noted, this can be accomplished in a variety of methods.
In FIG. 3B, the top can 101 has been decoupled from the bottom can 102. In one embodiment this requires removing an external coupler. In other embodiments it requires applying a force to decouple the two cans. In whatever way the two cans are decoupled, they are separated for future use.
FIG. 3C shows the two cans separated and situated adjacent to one another. As seen in FIG. 3C, in one embodiment the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 each have their own respective lids. The bottom can 102 has a bottom can lid 105, and the top can 101 has a top can lid 106. Thus, if either can is turned over the internal contents will not spill or leak.
The term “lid” refers to any opening which seals the container when intact but which provides access to the internal contents of the contained when the lid is opened. The lid can be a reusable lid whereby the lid can be removed and then resecured to reseal the container. In other embodiments the lid comprises a single use container whereby when the lid is removed it cannot be resealed. As an example, in one embodiment, the lid can comprise a typical pop can prevalent in soda or beer cans. In another embodiment, the lid can comprise film, foil, plastic, or other variation used in the food and beverage industry. In some embodiments the lids are heat-sealed to the can or vessel and torn away for consumption. In other embodiments the lids have score lines which allow for separation upon application of a force.
In one embodiment the lid comprises 360 degree opening. A 360 degree opening is an opening which extends across the internal periphery of the can. Compared to a typical soda can which has an opening only on one limited side, a 360 degree opening provides access along the entire internal periphery.
In one embodiment the 360 opening lid comprises a pull tab whereby the lid can be removed to leave a 360 degree opening 103, 104. FIG. 3D shows an embodiment wherein the lids have been removed from the top can 101 and the bottom can 102. The bottom can opening 103 is a 360 degree opening in that it can be poured from any angle. Put differently, all angles are similar compared to a traditional soda can, for example, which only has an opening on one side. In a 360 degree opening, the opening is substantially uniform. Similarly, the top can opening 104 is a 360 degree opening, as depicted. In this embodiment, the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 both comprise lids which provide a 360 degree opening. Thus, a user can pick up either the top can 101 or the bottom can 102 and drink or pour from any angle.
It should be noted that while FIG. 3D shows that both cans 101, 102 have a lid which yields a 360 degree opening, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments, for example, only one can will have a lid which yields a 360 opening. In one embodiment the bottom can 102 has a lid which yields a 360 degree opening but the top can 101 does not.
Turning to FIG. 3E, FIG. 3E shows where the contents of the top can 101 are poured into the bottom can 102. The contents of the top can 101 can comprise solids, liquids, or combinations thereof. As an example, in one embodiment the bottom can 102 comprises unsweet tea, whereas the top can 101 comprises a sweetener such as sugar. The sweetener can be added to the top can 101. This allows the user to optimize how much of the contents from the top can 101, in this case, sweetener, is added to the contents in the bottom can 102. Thus, rather than simply offering “sweet” or “non-sweet” tea, the user can customize the amount of supplement ingredient, from the top can 101, added to the base ingredient, stored in the bottom can 101.
In one embodiment the top can 101 stores the solute. The size and volume of the top can 101 can vary. In one embodiment the top can 101 has a volume of between 50-120 mL. The bottom can 102, in one embodiment, houses a solvent. The user can then open both the top 101 and bottom cans 102. The user can select a desired amount of solute from the top can 101 to pour into the bottom can 102. The user can also add ice or other ingredients to the bottom can 102. The emptied top can 101 can then be placed atop the bottom can 102 to form a shaker whereby the user can shake the ingredients in the shaker. In one embodiment each package comes with a standard solute to solvent mixed ratio. However, as noted, the user can adjust this ratio as needed. Further, while an embodiment has been discussed wherein the bottom can 102 houses a solvent and the top can 101 houses the solute, in other embodiments the opposite is used.
While tea has been discussed, in other embodiments the top can 101 can comprise milk or cream, and the bottom can 102 comprises coffee. Virtually any combination of a supplemental ingredient which can be added to a base ingredient can be utilized. The shaker 100 allows the ingredients to be separated to allow the user to specifically customize and determine the amount added to the bottom can 102 from the top can 101.
While examples have been provided whereby the bottom can 102 houses a liquid, this is for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed limiting. In other embodiments the bottom can 102 houses a solid. As but one example, the bottom can 102 contains cereal, and the top can 101 comprises milk. Once the top can 101 has been separated from the bottom can 102, and the respective lids have been removed, the milk can be added to the cereal in the bottom can 102.
As can be seen, lids which yield a 360 degree opening have several advantages. When contents are poured from the top can 101 to the bottom can 102, having a 360 degree opening increases the available surface area to both pour and receive contents.
As noted, the top can 101 can comprise solids, liquids, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment the shaker 100 is packaged to make a cocktail. In one such embodiment the bottom can 102 comprises the ingredients for a cocktail, and the top can 101 comprises the alcohol. There are many different possibilities which can use this arrangement. As an example, the bottom can 102 can include the mixer such as Coca Cola, the solvent, and the top can 101 includes alcohol such as rum, the solute. The resulting cocktail is a rum and coke. Other cocktails can be similar mixed including an Old-Fashioned, a Martini, Manhattan, Margarita, etc. In another embodiment the mixer is stored in the top can 101 and the alcohol is stored in the bottom can 102.
In one embodiment the top can 101 holds 100 mL of alcohol which can then be mixed with the bottom can 102. One advantage of separate packaging is that it allows the user to customize how much alcohol, for example, is added to the bottom can 102. If the user wants a particular strong Old-Fashioned, for example, the user can utilize all of the alcohol from the top can 101. If the user wants a softer Old-Fashioned, the user need not utilize all of the alcohol from the top can 101.
In one embodiment the top can 101 has a top opening of about 52 mm and a thickness of about 1 mm. The total height is about 60 mm, in one embodiment. It has an operational volume of about 100 mL.
The volume of liquid in the bottom can 102 vary depending upon the contents of the bottom can 102 and the contents of the top can 101. In some embodiments wherein the shaker 100 provides a cocktail, the bottom can 102 has at least sufficient volume to receive the entirety of the volume from the top can 101. Thus, if the bottom can 102 is a 12 ounce can, it is not filled entirety but instead provides sufficient room for at least a portion, if not all, of the contents of the top can 101. A standard 12 ounce can typically holds about 355 mL. However, if the top can 101 holds 100 mL, in some embodiments a 12 ounce bottom can 102 will only be filled with between 120-250 mL of liquid. This allows sufficient room to accommodate the contents of the top can 101.
In such embodiments, the alcohol, for example, will be added to the bottom can 102. Once added, the entirety of the contents will take up almost all of the volume of the bottom can 102. Such embodiments are good for mixtures or cocktails which can be used straight from the bottom can 102 without requiring ice.
Some cocktails, however, often utilize ice. Further, in some embodiments the shaker 100 will not be stored in a refrigerator. Thus, to cool the cocktail, ice can be necessary in some embodiments. Accordingly, in some embodiments the bottom can 102 is short filled. As used herein, a short-filled can refers to a can which is filled less than 92% capacity. In other embodiments the short-filled can is filled only 15-50% of its capacity. A short-filled has an advantage of being able to accommodate a portion, if not all, of the contents from the top can 101, but can also accommodate ice. Consider the Old-Fashioned example discussed above. Whether the shaker 100 is stored in the refrigerator or not, a user typically wants ice with an Old-Fashioned. By utilizing a short-filled can for the bottom can 102, after mixing alcohol from the top can 101 into the bottom can 102, the user can add ice to the bottom can 102. This is due to the availability of volume to accommodate the ice since it is short-filled. The user can add the ice and drink straight from the bottom can 102. In another example, for a Vodka Lemon Martini, a typical 8 ounce bottom can 102 can be used but only contain about 60 mL, about 2 fluid ounces. This provides the necessary room to receive the contents from the top can 101, as well as other ingredients such as ice. As another non-limiting example, in one embodiment the margarita bottom can 102 is a 12 ounce can but will only comprise 150 mL (5 fluid ounces) for the same reason.
The short-filled can 102 can be partially filled with a liquid, such as a mixer, and then filled with an inert gas, such as a nitrogen blanket to maintain the pressure in the can 102. As noted, a short-filled can 102 offers the advantage of allowing a single can 102 to be used to store the mixer, mix the cocktail, and serve the cocktail over ice. The user need not obtain other shakers, containers, etc. Instead, everything that the user needs to pour and mix a cocktail is contained with the shaker 100.
In one embodiment, after pouring the contents from the top can 101 into the bottom can 102, the top can 101 can be placed atop the bottom can 102. Because there are no lids between the two, the top can 101 can be used as a lid. The user can use the combination as a shaker to better mix the drink, for example.
In another embodiment the package is used for a sports drink. A powdered ingredient, the solute, such as protein supplements, energy supplements, hydration compounds, vitamins, flavor components, sugar, etc., can be stored in the top can 101. The liquid ingredient such as water or milk is stored in the bottom can 102.
In another embodiment the package is used for a dehydrated food mixture. The dehydrated food can comprise any dehydrated good such as rice, noodles, vegetables can be stored in either the top can 101 or the bottom can 102. Water, or other liquid, can be stored in the other can. The ingredients can be mixed, and if necessary, heated to cook the food.
As noted the package can also be used for coffees, teas, or the like. A liquid ingredient such as flavor mix, creamer, milk, oat milk, almond milk, sweetener, protein, etc. can be in one can. A liquid ingredient such as coffee or tea can be stored in the other can. The user can decide how much of the milk or creamer can be mixed with the coffee, as an example. The top can 101 can be recoupled to the bottom can 102 to serve as a shaker to mix the drink together.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a separated shaker in one embodiment. As can be seen, both the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 have a 360 degree opening. As noted, this makes pouring contents, receiving contents, and drinking easier as it can occur at any side or location on the top opening.
FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a binding in one embodiment. As noted, a binding, in one embodiment, refers to an external binding which can couple and de-couple cans, as discussed previously. As shown in FIG. 5 , the binding 107 has a first void 108 and a second void 109. In one embodiment the first void 108 faces in the opposite vertical direction than the second void 109. In one embodiment the first void 108 opens from above whereas the second void 109 opens from below. This is what allows the first void 108 to couple to a first can while the second void 109 couples to a second can. As noted, in one embodiment the cans are coupled top-to-top, such as shown in FIG. 3 .
As will be shown, the first void 108 and second void 109 each receive the top of a can. As shown, the first void 108 and second void 109 each comprise a protrusion 110. A protrusion 110 is an element that sticks out from the adjacent vertical wall 114. In one embodiment, and as shown, the protrusion 110 extends approximately perpendicular to the vertical wall 114. The protrusion 110 and the vertical wall 114 form a pocket 115. In one embodiment the pocket 115 for the first void 108 is the channel which located in the outer periphery between the inner vertical wall 114 b and the outer vertical wall 114 a.
Turning to FIG. 6 , FIG. 6 is a side view of a top can 101 and bottom can 102 being positioned adjacent to a binding 107, in one embodiment. As shown, the top can 101 is positioned on the bottom, and the bottom can 102 is shown on the top. The bottom can 102 has a lip 111. The bottom can's 102 lip 111 will fill the first void 108. Similarly, the top can's 101 lip 111 will fill the second void 109.
FIG. 6 also shows a shelf 112. A shelf 112, in one embodiment, is approximately perpendicular to the vertical wall 114. The shelf 112 extends inwardly from the vertical wall 114. In this embodiment, and as depicted, there are two vertical walls 114. There is an outer vertical wall 114 a and an inner vertical wall 114 b. The outer vertical wall 114 a defines the first void 108, and the inner vertical wall 114 b defines the second void 109.
As shown, the shelf 112 extends inwardly from the inner vertical wall 114 b. The shelf 112 provides a surface upon which the lip 111 can abut against. The shelf 112 act in a similar fashion to the void base 116 (shown in FIG. 1 ). The void base 116 closes the first void 108 and encloses the pocket 115 in the first void 108.
A second pocket for the second void 109 is formed by the inner vertical wall 114 b, the shelf 112, and the protrusion 110.
FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a binding coupled to a top can and bottom can in one embodiment. As shown, the lip 111 from the bottom can 102 is enclosed in the outer pocket 115. Likewise, the lip 111 from the top can 101 is enclosed within the inner pocket 115.
In one embodiment the lip 111 fits within the pocket 115 via friction. The binding 107, in one embodiment, allows for flexing and stretching. Thus, the lip 111 can press upon the protrusion 110 and then slide into the pocket 115. In one embodiment the engagement between the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 happens simultaneously. In other embodiments, the top can 101 and bottom can 102 are engaged and couple with the binding 107 separately.
FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a binding in one embodiment. The first void 108 is visible. As noted, in some embodiments the binding 107 can flex and bend. This applies to the material creating the first void 108 and the second void 109, in some embodiments. As can be seen, the first void 108 is located on the periphery of the binding which is around a central void 113. As depicted the central void 113 is circular, but this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting.
FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of a binding in one embodiment. The second void 109 and the shelf 111 are visible from this view.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a binding coupled to a top can in one embodiment. The binding 107 is shown coupled to the top of the top can 101. The top of the bottom can 102 can subsequently be coupled to the binding 107 to secure the top can 101 to the bottom can 102. In other embodiments the binding 107 can be used to couple to top cans 101 together. The two top cans 101, as an example, can both be coupled at their tops, both be coupled by their bottoms, or one be coupled by the top and one be coupled by the bottom. This will depend upon the various receiving diameters of the binding 107 and the diameters of the cans.
The binding 107 can comprise virtually any material. In one embodiment the binding 107 comprises plastic, rubber, or a combination thereof. In other embodiments the binding 107 comprises metals, alloys, recycled material, etc. Virtually any material which can couple two cans together can be utilized.
The diameters that can be accepted in the first void 108 or the second void 109 can vary. In one embodiment two similarly sized lips are utilized. In such embodiments the first 108 and second voids 109 will comprise the same diameter. In other embodiments, however, the first 108 and second voids 109 comprise dissimilar diameters. Common outer diameters (OD) for cans can include 54.07 mm, 51.73 mm, and 48.7 mm. As an example, a standard 12 oz can has an outer diameter of about 54.07 mm. The binding 107 can couple a standard can with an OD of about 54.07 mm with a tin double neck lid which has an OD of about 48.7 mm. In such embodiments, the first void 108 is sized to fit the standard can whereas the second void 109 is sized to receive the tin double neck lid. As can be appreciated, the sizes of the first 108 and second voids 109 can be adjusted depending upon the desired application.
In some embodiments common sizes are referred to as the 202 end, 200 end, 113 end, 206 end, and 209 end. As an example, the 202 end has an inner diameters (ID) of about 52 mm. The 200 end has an ID of about 50 mm. The system discussed herein can couple these and other sized cans with a binding. As noted, the binding can receive two of the same diameters or two dissimilarly sized diameters.
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of two various embodiments of cans. On the left, the two cans are coupled via friction without a binding 107. As can be seen, the top can 101 comprises a conical shape. It has non-parallel sides. The bottom can 102 has a traditional drink can shape with generally parallel sides and a rounded shoulder leading to a decreased diameter.
On the pair of cans on the right, the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 are coupled via a binding 107. The bottom can 102 is similar to the bottom can 102 on the right. However, the top can 101, as shown, is dissimilar. The top can 101 on the right has a shape which more resembles a traditional drinking can (like a soda can). The top can 101 on the right has a top can top 117 and a top can bottom 118. As shown, the top can 101 has inverted lettering and graphics so that the graphics and text are visible when the can is inverted. As shown, the top can 101 is inverted such that the top can top 117 is adjacent to the binding 107 and the top can bottom 118 is removed from the binding.
In one embodiment the top can top 117 has a dissimilar diameter than the top can bottom 118. In one embodiment, for example, the bottom can top 118 has a diameter that is similar to the bottom can 102 top diameter. In this manner, two top cans 101 can be coupled with the binding 107.
In one embodiment the bottom can 102 comprises a two-part can. This means the bottom can 102 has one part for the body, and one part for the lid—making it a two-part can. In some embodiments the top can 101 also comprises a two-part can. In other embodiments, however, the top can 101 comprises a three-part can. It comprises the body, the top lid, and a bottom lid. Thus, in one embodiment, the top can 101 comprises a lid on top and on bottom. As noted, the top and bottom lids can comprise the same, or dissimilar diameters.
A three-part can has the ability in that it can be opened from either end. In this way, the user has flexibility on the design and usage of the top can.
As can be seen, the top can 101 on the right of FIG. 11 has generally straight sides. The top side has shoulders which go to a reduced diameter and then expand outwardly for an increased diameter. The bottom of the can has shoulders that go to a reduced diameter. Thus, the top can bottom 118 has a smaller diameter than the generally cylindrical portion of the can 101.
Turning to FIG. 12 , FIG. 12 is a view of two separate bottom cans with various bindings 107 coupled thereto. The vertical wall 114, specifically the inner vertical wall 114 b, is extended on the binding on the right compared to the binding on the left. It is about one millimeter greater in length compared to the vertical wall on the left. This allows for increased surface area for a machine to grip and handle to the binding.
The bindings 107 can be added and or removed from the lip of the cans. As noted, in some embodiments the bindings 107 can be added to one or both sides of the cans.
Turning to FIG. 13 , FIG. 13 is a perspective view of various cans in one embodiment. On the left is a bottom can coupled to a top can via a binding 107. The top can top 117 is coupled to the binding 107. As can be seen, the top can comprises graphics, which when inverted, are readable. In the middle is a picture of the bottom can with a binding 107 coupled.
On the right is a non-inverted top can. The top can lid 106 is visible. As noted, in one embodiment the top can lid 106 comprises a 360 degree opening.
As shown, since the top can is not inverted, the graphics are upside down. In some embodiments, the binding 107 can be removed from the bottom can and replaced on the top can.
Turning to FIG. 14 , FIG. 14 shows the same figure of FIG. 13 but with the binding on the top can. As shown the binding is shown on the top can top 117. Thus, the binding 107 can be removed and replaced atop various other cans.
FIG. 15 shows two cans without a binding 107. The respective tops of each can be seen.
As noted, the bindings can be used with cans of the same or dissimilar diameters. This provides flexibility and the ability to couple cans of varying diameters, sizes, etc.
Turning to FIG. 16 , FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a binding for coupling cans of the same diameter. As can be seen, the various voids are the same diameter on the top and bottom of the binding. FIG. 17 depicts a the binding coupling two cans of the same diameter. The two cans are shown in hidden lines.
Conversely, FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of a binding for coupling cans of dissimilar diameter. As can be seen, the separate voids will be used for separate diameter cans. FIG. 19 depicts the binding coupling two cans of dissimilar diameters. The two cans are shown in hidden lines.
While a system has been described in reference to a top can and a bottom can, this is for illustrative purposes only and should not be deemed limiting. In one embodiment, so long as the two dissimilar components are stored and housed to prevent mixing, other types of vessels can function as well. As an example, the multi-compartment vessel can comprise two cans which sit adjacent. While a top and bottom arrangement has the benefit of decreased footprint on the shelf, other side-by-side arrangements can also be utilized.
While a system has been described, a method of using the system will now be described. In one embodiment, the method involves pouring one ingredient from a can into another can. As an example, a method of making a drink, in one embodiment, has the following steps: a) obtaining a multi-compartment, wherein said multi-compartment vessel comprises a top can and a bottom can, wherein said top can comprises a solute, and wherein said bottom can comprises a solvent, and wherein said solute and solvent are separately housed to prevent mixing; b) removing a lid from said top can and a lid from said bottom can; c) pouring at least some solute from said top can into said bottom can. As noted, the top and bottom can be vertically oriented such that the top can is coupled to the bottom can. As noted, in one embodiment the top of the top can is coupled to the top of the bottom can. However, the top can be oriented in any fashion.
The system and method described herein has a plurality of advantages. First, the consumer can purpose all of the necessary ingredients for the food or drink item with the purchase of a single shaker. The consumer need not separately purchase each ingredient to make an Old-Fashioned, as an example. Instead, the consumer obtains a one-stop-shot for all of the ingredients for a cocktail.
Sticking with the cocktail example, different cocktails require different mixers and alcohols. Thus, if a consumer wants a martini and a margarita, as an example, they have to purchase vodka and tequila. If a consumer only wants a margarita occasionally, it might not be worth it to purchase an entire bottle of tequila. This system allows the consumer to purchase smaller and distinct quantities of the cocktail they desire, without having to purchase larger and more expensive bottles of mixer, alcohol, etc. Thus, the user can sample a variety of cocktails without purchasing several bottles of alcohol.
Second, the system and method offers the tools necessary to enjoy the contents. Sticking with the cocktail example, the alcohol can be mixed with the mixer and consumed straight from the bottom can 102. In an embodiment wherein the bottom can 102 is short-filled, the user can simply add ice to the bottom can 102 and enjoy straight from the can 102. The user need not obtain separate drinking glasses, tumblers, etc. Instead, the user uses the can 102. This is ideal in situations whereby a separate container is not readily available. If the user is on a boat, for example, where a separate container is not available, being able to enjoy straight from the can 102 is a considerable advantage. Likewise, glass is often prohibited in pools. Thus, being able to enjoy a cocktail from a can 102 provides advantages over prior art cocktail glasses.
As noted, in some embodiments the top can 101 can be placed atop the bottom can 102 and used as a shaker to mix the drink or food contents. Thus, this system eliminates other equipment such as shakers or stirrers.
The system and method allows other contents to be enjoyed straight from the can 102 as well. Considering the cereal and milk example previously discussed, once the milk from the top can 102 is poured into the bottom can 102 housing the cereal, the cereal can be enjoyed straight from the bottom can 102.
Another advantage is that it provides an opportunity to show case and market mixes. Perhaps a consumer is unwilling to purchase an entire mix bottle and an entire bottle of alcohol to try a new mix as this can be a significant cost to try a new mix. However, that same consumer might be willing to try one shaker, or a four, or six pack of shakers. Thus, this provides manufacturers an avenue to show case their mixers at a smaller level which was not previously available. Simultaneously, it provides customers to purchase and try mixers at a smaller level not previously available.
A third advantage is the ability of consumers to offer variety. In a house party scenario, rather than requiring a stocked bar, a consumer can simply have a variety of shakers. There can be margarita shakers for the margarita crowd, Old-Fashioned shakers for those folks, etc. By having a variety of shakers, the host can offer a wide variety of cocktails. Likewise, if camping, a consumer can take one shaker of a certain cereal type and a second shaker of a different similar type as opposed to taking two different cereal boxes on a camping trip. Thus, the consumer can store, carry, and utilize a variety of shaker types.
The shaker can be manufactured using various methods. In one embodiment each can is separately manufactured. Then, the top can 101 is placed atop the bottom can 102. In one embodiment the top can 101 is inverted so that its opening is adjacent to the opening on the bottom can 102. The two cans are releasably coupled by either an external coupling mechanism such as shrink wrap, or the two are fitted via friction fit. In one embodiment the resulting shaker, which contains both the top can 101 and the bottom can 102 are displayed and sold as a unitary item.
As noted, the system can be used for a variety of liquids, foods, and combinations thereof. In other embodiments the system can also include various medicines. As but one example, the bottom can 101 can comprise water, whereas the top can 102 comprises medicine. The medicine can be pills, powder, liquid, etc. In one embodiment the medicine is custom to that user. In other embodiments two or more medicines are mixed in the bottom can 102.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A binding, said binding comprising:

a first void for receiving a lip of a top can;

a second void for receiving a lip of a bottom can;

wherein said first and second void surround a central void;

wherein said first void opens from above and wherein said second void opens from below.

2. The binding of claim 1 wherein said first void comprises a protrusion.

3. The binding of claim 1 wherein said second void comprises a protrusion.

4. The binding of claim 1 wherein said first void comprises an outer vertical wall, an inner vertical wall, coupled with a void base.

5. The binding of claim 4 wherein said outer vertical wall comprises a protrusion, and wherein said inner vertical wall has a protrusion.

6. The binding of claim 5 wherein the protrusion of said inner vertical wall is located below said void base.

7. The binding of claim 4 wherein said outer vertical wall, said inner wall vertical wall, and said void base create a pocket in said first void.

8. The binding of claim 4 further comprising a shelf which extends inwardly from said inner vertical wall.

9. The binding of claim 4 and wherein the protrusion of said inner vertical wall defines a pocket for said second void.

10. The binding of claim 7 wherein said lip of said top can is received by said pocket.

11. The binding of claim 10 wherein said lip of said bottom can is received by a pocket in said second void.

12. The binding of claim 1 comprising plastic.

13. The binding of claim 1 wherein said first void and second void comprise the same diameter.

14. The binding of claim 1 wherein said first void and said second void comprise a different diameter.

15. The binding of claim 1 wherein said first void couples to the lip of the top can via friction.

16. The binding of claim 1 further comprising a top can and a bottom can, wherein said top can comprises a top lid, and wherein said bottom can comprises a top lid, and wherein the top lid of the top can is stored adjacent to the top lid of the bottom can in said binding.