AU2016100342A4 - Drink Container and Drink Preparation Method - Google Patents

Abstract

(to accompany Figure 1) A drink container (1) for producing a mixed drink and a method of producing a mixed drink. The drink container (1) includes a container upper body (2) comprising an apical region (21), a lower rim (22), and a round side wall (23) extending between the apical region (21) and the lower rim (22). The container (1) includes a container lower body (3) for containing the mixed drink, wherein the container lower body (3) comprises a base (31), an upper rim (32), and a round side wall (33) extending from the base (31) to the upper rim (32). The container (1) includes a connecting mechanism (4) for connecting the upper and lower rims (32, 22) to one another in a liquid-tight manner. A spout (5) extends outwardly from the apical region (21) and is adapted to dispense the mixed drink into a person's mouth. A removable closure (6) is adapted to seal the spout (5) in a liquid-tight manner. ------.--- . -- ---- 52 \ Figure 1

Description

I DRINK CONTAINER AND DRINK PREPARATION METHOD TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a drink container for producing a mixed drink and for enabling the mixed drink to be drunk from it. The invention also relates to a method of producing a mixed drink using the drink container. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Traditionally, alcoholic (cocktails) and non-alcoholic ("mocktails") mixed drinks are prepared by a bar tender in a specialised shaker container, and then poured from that container into a cup or glass, from which it is then consumed. [0003] The present inventor has found some disadvantages with the traditional method, including: that mixed drinks need to be prepared in a specialised shaker container, from which the drinks are not meant to be consumed; that shaker containers are not able to be sealed as would, for example, a soft drink bottle having a screw cap; that the shaker container's contents are not visible during preparation of a drink; that mixed drinks are not meant to be consumed directly from the shaker containers in which they were prepared; mixed drinks are not served in sealable containers; mixed drinks are not prepared nor served in disposable/take-away containers, thereby increasing labour, the need for the cleaning of shaker containers, drinking cups and glasses, and increasing bar tender service time. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0004] The present invention is directed to, inter alia, a drink container which may overcome or partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0005] With the foregoing in view, the present invention, in a first form, resides broadly in a drink container for producing a mixed drink, said drink container comprising: a container upper body comprising an apical region, a lower rim, and at least one side wall extending between the apical region and the lower rim; a container lower body for containing the mixed drink, said container lower body comprising a base, an upper rim, and a side wall extending from the base to the upper rim; a connecting mechanism for connecting the upper and lower rims to one another in a liquidtight manner; a spout extending outwardly from the apical region and being adapted to dispense the mixed drink into a person's mouth; and a removable closure adapted to seal the spout in a liquid-tight manner. [0006] The drink container can be used to produce any suitable type of mixed drink by mixing together different drink ingredients, or a drink ingredient or pre-prepared drink with ice. For example, the mixed drink can comprise: two or more drink ingredients mixed together within the container; at least one drink ingredient mixed with ice within the container; or, a pre-prepared drink mixed with ice. The drink or drink ingredient can be, for example, a liquid, or a fruit or juice extract, or fruit or juice pulp, or herb or fragrant plant material, for example. [0007] In one embodiment, the drink container can be used to produce a non-alcoholic mixed drink, such as a "mocktail". The non-alcoholic mixed drink can comprise any suitable ingredients and number of ingredients that are to be shaken or otherwise mixed together within the drink container, and then consumed. [0008] In another embodiment, the drink container can be used to produce an alcoholic drink, such as a cocktail. The alcoholic drink can comprise any suitable ingredients and number of ingredients that are to be shaken or otherwise mixed together within the drink container, and then consumed. [0009] The drink container can hold any suitable volume of mixed drink. For example, the container lower body can hold approximately 100 ml, 150 ml, 200 ml, 250 ml, 300 ml, 350 ml, 400 ml, 450 ml, 500 ml, 550 ml, 600 ml, 650 ml, 700 ml, 750 ml, 800 ml, 850 ml, 900 ml, 950 ml, or 1000 ml of mixed drink. Preferably the drink container can hold about 550 ml of mixed drink within the container lower body. The container upper body can provide airspace within the container such that the drink ingredients can be effectively mixed/shaken. [0010] The drink container upper body can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, the container upper body can be made of plastics material. The container upper body can be opaque, translucent or transparent. The container upper body can be coloured or have printed matter on its surface. Preferably, the container upper body is transparent or translucent such that the drink ingredients or mixed drink within can be seen. [0011] The container upper body can have one, two, three, four, five, six or more side walls extending from the apical region to the lower rim, but preferably the upper body comprises a single round side wall extending from the apical region. The container upper body can comprise supporting structures such as flanges, ribs, indents or a stepped side wall. [0012] The container upper body can be shaped so as to allow nesting of two or more like container upper bodies within one another. That is, a first container upper body can be nested within a second container upper body, and so on. [0013] In an embodiment, the container upper body is in the shape of a dome, with the apical region correlating with a top region of the dome and the lower rim correlating with a bottom region of the dome. [0014] The lower rim can be of any suitable size and shape. The lower rim can extend as a band around a lower edge of the side wall. The lower rim can stand proud of the side wall. [0015] The container lower body can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and be made of any suitable material or materials. For example, the container lower body can be made of plastics material. The container lower body can be opaque, translucent or transparent. The container lower body can be coloured or have printed matter on its surface. Preferably, the container lower body is transparent or translucent such that the drink ingredients or mixed drink within can be seen. [0016] The container lower body can have one, two, three, four, five, six or more side walls extending from the base, but preferably the lower body comprises a single round side wall extending from the base. The container lower body can comprise supporting structures such as flanges, ribs, indents or a stepped side wall. [0017] The base can be of any suitable size and shape. Preferably the base is flat or substantially flat such that it can rest on a support surface (such as a table) and enable the container to remain freestanding. [0018] The container lower body can be shaped so as to allow nesting of two or more like container lower bodies within one another. That is, a first container lower body can be nested within a second container lower body, and so on. [0019] In an embodiment, the container lower body is in the shape of a hollow cylinder or tube sealed at the base. In an embodiment, the container base is of smaller diameter than a diameter of the upper rim. [0020] The container lower body can comprise a sealing flange extending circumferentially _T around the side wall and perpendicularly of the side wall and adjacent the upper rim, against which the low rim can seal. [0021] The connecting mechanism can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. In one embodiment, the connecting mechanism can comprise a screw thread extending circumferentially along/around each rim such that the upper and lower rims can be screwed together in a liquid-tight manner. In another embodiment, the connecting mechanism can comprise a friction fit between the upper and lower rims. In yet another embodiment, the connecting mechanism can comprise a bayonet type coupling between the upper and lower rims. Other types of connecting mechanisms are envisaged, but preferably they are of integral construction with the upper and lower rims. [0022] If necessary, the connecting mechanism can further comprise a seal or gasket, such as an o-ring, for further rendering the connection liquid-tight. [0023] In an embodiment, the connecting mechanism comprises a screw thread extending around an outer surface of the upper rim and a screw thread extending around an inner surface of the lower rim. In another embodiment, the connecting mechanism comprises a screw thread extending around an outer surface of the lower rim and a screw thread extending around an inner surface of the upper rim. [0024] When screwed together, the upper rim can abut and seal against the sealing flange of the container lower body. [0025] The drink container can comprise at least one gripping formation such that the lower body can be more readily gripped by hand for holding the container or when separating the container upper body from the lower body. The drink container can also comprise at least one gripping formation such that the container can be held by a person in a comfortable and non-slip manner. The drink container can also comprise at least one gripping formation such that the removable closure can be moved to seal or unseal the spout. [0026] The gripping formation can be of any suitable size, shape and construction. In an embodiment, the drink container can comprise one or more gripping formations extending along a side wall or rim of the upper or lower container body (or each of them). The gripping formation can comprise, for example, an undulating surface. The gripping formation can comprise a rough, grainy or textured surface, for example. The gripping formation can comprise a flange, rib or indent, for example. roil)7 In nn Pmhndimnt the cnntninpr lownr hndv enn onmnries nnP nr mnor i rinnina formations such that the lower body can be more readily gripped by hand, for holding the container or when separating the container upper body from the lower body. The one or more gripping formations can be in the form of indents within the side walls of the lower body. [0028] In an embodiment, one or more gripping formations can extend along an outer surface of the lower rim, such that the upper body can be more readily gripped by hand for when separating the container upper body from the lower body. The one or more gripping formations can be in the form of a rough, grainy or textured surface. [0029] The spout can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. The spout can be of any suitable cross-section and length. Preferably, the spout is of circular cross-section, much like the spout of a soft drink container whereby it received between the lips of a person/consumer. [0030] The spout can extend vertically or substantially vertically from the apical region. Preferably, the spout extends vertically from a very centre of the apical region, whereby the container has a central vertical axis and a centre of the spout coincides with that central vertical axis. [0031] The spout can have an inner face, an outer face, a top and a bottom. [0032] In an embodiment, the spout has a screw thread extending around the outer face. In another embodiment, the spout has a screw thread extending around the inner face. [0033] The removable closure can seal the spout in any suitable way, provided that the closure can withstand the forces generated by drink ingredients (ice etc) located within the container when shaking the container. The removable closure can be of any suitable size, shape and construction, and can be made of any suitable material or materials. [0034] In an embodiment, the spout or the apical region of the upper body can comprise a flange, shoulder or stepped periphery such that the removal closure can seal against it or abut it. [0035] The removable closure can friction fit to the spout, screw to the spout, or otherwise connect to the spout. In an embodiment, the removable closure can be screwed to the spout, much like the cap/lid of a soft drink container. It has been found that a friction fit may not provide a strong enough seal. [0036] For example, if the removable closure is in the form of a cap having a top wall, a cap rim and at least one side wall extending from the top wall to the rim, a screw thread can extend V around the side wall - either along an inner face or outer face of the side wall. [0037] In an embodiment, the cap comprises a round top wall, a cap rim, and a single side wall extending from the top wall to the rim. The rounded top wall can be dome-shaped. [0038] If necessary, for better liquid-tightness, the removable closure can further comprise a seal or gasket. For example, if the removable closure is in the form of a cap, a seal can extend within the cap alongside the top wall. [0039] In an embodiment, the removable closure can comprise a gripping formation for helping a user of the container grip the closure using his or her fingers. In an embodiment, a gripping formation extends along the side wall. The gripping formation can comprise an undulating surface, for example. The gripping formation can be a rough or grainy surface, for example. For example, if the removable closure is in the form of a cap, a gripping formation can extend along the side wall. [0040] Preferably, the container is made of moulded plastics material. Preferably, the removable closure is made of plastics material and is of unitary construction. Preferably, the container upper body and spout are made of plastics material and are of unitary construction. Preferably, the container lower body is made of plastics material and is of unitary construction. [0041] The present invention, in a second form, resides broadly in a method of preparing a mixed drink for consumption using a drink container as defined according to the first form of the invention. The method can comprise the steps of: placing two or more drink ingredients within the container lower body; connecting the container upper body to the container lower body in a liquid-tight manner; sealing the spout with the removable closure; and mixing the two or more ingredients to prepare a mixed drink by moving (preferably shaking) the container, wherein the mixed drink is ready for drinking via the spout after removing the removable closure. [0042] Preferably, the two or more ingredients are shaken within the container. [0043] Features of the second form of the invention can be as described for the first form of the invention.

[0044] The present invention, in a third form, resides broadly in a plastic mould or moulding process for producing a plastic removable closure, spout, container upper body or container lower body as described above. [0045] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0046] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0047] Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: [0048] Figure 1 is an exploded detailed perspective view of various parts of a drink container, according to an embodiment of the present invention; [0049] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a drink container, according to another embodiment of the present invention; [0050] Figure 3 is a perspective view of various parts of the drink container shown in Figure 2; [0051] Figure 4 is a perspective view of various drink containers, like the one shown in Figure 2; and [0052] Figure 5 shows plan and sectional views of various parts of a drink container, according to another embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0053] In the figures, like reference numerals refer to like parts. [0054] Figure 1 shows a drink container 1 for producing a mixed drink, such as a non-alcoholic drink, that can be consumed directly from that same container 1. [0055] The container 1 has a container upper body 2, a container lower body 3, a connecting mechanism 4 for connecting the upper and lower bodies 2, 3 together, a spout 5, and a removable closure 6.

0 and a round side wall 23 extending between the apical region 21 and the lower rim 22. [0057] The container lower body 3, for containing the drink ingredients and mixed drink, has a base 31, an upper rim 32, and a round side wall 33 extending from the base 31 to the upper rim 32. The base 31 is of greater diameter than the upper rim 32. The lower body 3 also has a flange/lip 34 that extends circumferentially around the side wall 33 adjacent the upper rim 32. [0058] The connecting mechanism 4, for connecting the upper and lower rims 32, 22 to one another in a liquid-tight manner, comprises a screw thread 41 (not shown completely) that extends around an inner face of the lower rim 22, and a screw thread 42 (not shown completely) that extends around an outer face of the upper rim 32. When screwed together, the lower rim 22 screws to the upper rim 32 and abuts the flange/lip 34, thereby rendering the connection liquid-tight. [0059] The spout 5 extends upwardly from the apical region 21 and is adapted to dispense the mixed drink into a person's mouth. The spout 5 extends vertically from a very centre of the apical region 21, whereby the container 1 has a central vertical axis and a centre of the spout 5 coincides with that central vertical axis. [0060] The spout 5 is tubular and has an inner face, an outer face, a top and a bottom. The spout 5 has a screw thread 51 extending around the outer face. The spout 5 also has a flange, shoulder or stepped periphery 52 such that the removable closure 6 can seal against it. [0061] The removable closure 6 is in the form of a cap 6 having a dome-shaped top wall 61, a cap rim 62 and a circular side wall 63 extending from the top wall 61 to the rim 62. The closure 6 also has a screw thread 64 (shown in part) extending around an inner face of the side wall 63. The closure 6 can be screwed onto the thread 51 of the spout 5 until the rim 62 of the closure 6 abuts the flange, shoulder or stepped periphery 52 and render the connection liquid-tight. [0062] The drink container I also has one or more gripping formations 7 comprising an undulating/ribbed surface 71 located on the lower rim 22. The gripping formation 7 helps the container user grip the container 1 and separate the container upper body 2 from the lower body 3. [0063] The container lower body 3 is made of moulded plastics material. The container upper body 3 and spout 5 are of unitary construction and are made of moulded plastics material. The closure 6 also is made of moulded plastics material. The container lower and upper bodies 3, 2 are transparent or translucent such that the drink ingredients or mixed drink within can be seen. [0064] Referring now to Figures 2, 3 and 4, there is shown a drink container I a much like container 1. HIowever, container la differs from container 1 in that the overall shape of the container _7 la is different, the lower rim 22a stands proud of the side wall 23a, and the gripping formation 7a is a rough surface extending completely around the lower rim 22a. [0065] Referring now to Figure 5, there is shown a drink container lb much like container 1. However, container lb differs from contain I in that the overall shape of the container lb is different, the connecting mechanism's sealing flange 34b is of slightly different construction, and the closure 6b is not dome-shaped. [0066] The container I (also 1 a, ib) can be used for preparing a mixed drink, for immediate drinking from that same container 1. This would involve the steps of: placing two or more drink ingredients within the container lower body 3 (up to a volume of about 550 ml); screwing the container upper body 2 to the container lower body 3 in a liquid-tight manner; sealing the spout 5 with the removable closure 6; mixing the two or more ingredients to prepare a mixed drink by shaking the container 1, and then consuming the mixed drink via the spout 5 after removing the removable closure 6. [0067] The drink container 1 can be used to produce a non-alcoholic mixed drink, such as a "mocktail". The drink container can also be used to produce an alcoholic drink, such as a cocktail. [0068] Some of the advantages of the present invention as exemplified include: [0069] 1. Mixed drinks can be prepared in a sealed bottle, yet the container's contents can remain visible to the consumer. [0070] 2. Mixed drinks can be consumed directly from the containers in which they are prepared. [0071] 3. Mixed drinks can be served in a sealable container. [0072] 4. Mixed drinks can be prepared and served (by bar tenders, for example) in a take away container, which reduces labour, cleaning of bottles and service time. [0073] 5. The container design enables consumers to prepare their own mixed drinks, which can then be carried away and even consumed at a later time. [0074] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [0075] Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means . Vj that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [0076] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A drink container for producing a mixed drink, said drink container comprising: a container upper body comprising an apical region, a lower rim, and at least one side wall extending between the apical region and the lower rim; a container lower body for containing the mixed drink, said container lower body comprising a base, an upper rim, and a side wall extending from the base to the upper rim; a connecting mechanism for connecting the upper and lower rims to one another in a liquid tight manner; a spout extending outwardly from the apical region and being adapted to dispense the mixed drink into a person's mouth; and a removable closure adapted to seal the spout in a liquid-tight manner.

2. A method of preparing a mixed drink for consumption using a drink container as defined in claim 1, said method comprising the steps of: placing two or more drink ingredients within the container lower body; connecting the container upper body to the container lower body in a liquid-tight manner; sealing the spout with the removable closure; and mixing the two or more ingredients to prepare a mixed drink by moving (preferably shaking) the container, wherein the mixed drink is ready for drinking via the spout after removing the removable closure.

3. A plastic mould or moulding process for producing a plastic removable closure, spout, container upper body or container lower body as described in claim 1.

4. The drink container of claim I or the method of claim 2 when used to prepare a non alcoholic mixed drink.

5. The drink container of claim 1 or the method of claim 2, wherein: the container upper body is transparent or translucent; I /_ the container lower body is transparent or translucent; the container upper body is in the shape of a dome, with the apical region correlating with a top region of the dome and the lower rim correlating with a bottom region of the dome; the container lower body is in the shape of a hollow cylinder or tube sealed at the base; the connecting mechanism comprises a screw thread extending circumferentially along each rim such that the upper and lower rims can be screwed together in a liquid-tight manner or the connecting mechanism comprises a friction fit between the upper and lower rims; the drink container comprises at least one gripping formation such that the lower body can be more readily gripped by hand for holding the container or when separating the container upper body from the lower body; and the spout extends substantially vertically from a centre of the apical region.