GB2515049A - A Drink Mixing Device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention there is provided a drink mixing device comprising a short-drink chamber 10 and adjacent long-drink container 2, and a displaceable barrier 8. The barrier is displaced by action of a handle; wherein said handle 3 is manipulated by a user to release contents of said chamber into said container and allow exit of contents from the container. Typically the device takes from of a reusable grenade. The handle may have a locking mechanism in the form of a displaceable pin 4. A torsion spring 14 may pivotally bias the handle around hinge 13. The barrier may create a liquid seal between the chamber and the container.

Description

A DRINK MIXING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a drink mixing device, more particularly but not exclusively a drink mixing device for addition of a short-drink to a long-drink.

Background

Many drinks require mixing of specific proportions of different liquids, or a solid and a liquid, for example to form cocktails or cordial mix. Typically a bartender may have specific measuring containers in which the desired amount of drinks can be added, for example to accurately measure a spirit. The desired measure can then be mixed for example in a shaker or drinks vessel.

Some drinks have also become known from the way in which they are mixed and this aspect provides a novelty aspect which drinkers enjoy. For example a Jager bombt is a mixture of the alcoholic spirit Jagermeister (RTM) and often energy drink such as Redbull (RTM) or originally beer. The drinks are provided separately with the energy drink in a drinking vessel and the Jagermeister (RTM) in a shot glass. The shot is dropped into the energy drink and the drink is then drunk immediately, often all at once. However such a means of mixing can be problematic as the shot glass is liable to move around in the drink vessel whilst drinking the Jager bomb and can knock the face and in particular the teeth of the drinker, possibly leading to injury.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem or similar, including the following: United States patent application US 2010 206 581 (O'CONNOR) discloses two containers into a single container with two compartments or chambers, for the purpose of providing alcohol-based "shooters" that are not mixed until consumed. In some variations, containers can be pre-filled with an alcohol-containing liquid and another liquid, joined with a container top assembly, and distributed to a bar, night club, or restaurant for sale and consumption. In some embodiments, all-glass dual-chamber containers are provided.

Granted United States patent US 8 326 411 (WINBERRY) discloses a beverage mixing apparatus, comprising: an upper assembly having: an upper plate; a lower plate adjacent the upper plate; and a handle assembly having a handle assembly plate separated from the upper and lower plates by a predetermined distance by a plurality of spacer bars connecting the handle assembly plate to the upper and lower plates, the spacer bars having compression springs thereabout, the lower plate to separate from the upper plate in a downward direction when pressure is applied to the handle assembly plate; and a lower assembly having a base plate separated from the lower and upper plates of the upper assembly by a predetermined distance by a plurality of support bars connecting the base plate to the lower and upper plates.

Granted Australian patent AU 2004 205 178 (PIETROBON) discloses a drinking vessel including: a base having a longitudinal axis and an outer continuous wall extending upwardly from said base around said axis to define a chamber; an internal wall including two side edges sealingly extending within said outer wall and dividing said chamber into two wherein the distance between one side edge and the longitudinal axis is greater than the distance between the other edge and the longitudinal axis.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a drink mixing device comprising a short-drink chamber and adjacent long-drink container, and a displaceable barrier; said barrier displaced by action of a handle; wherein said handle is manipulated by a user to release contents of said chamber into said container and allow exit of contents from the container.

In preferred embodiments the handle is located on or moveable in relation to a body, and said body surrounds and/or defines the chamber and container, so as to create a self-contained unit divided into two compartments by an internal barrier.

In preferred embodiments the handle is secured on or attached to the body and displaceable upon it without becoming detached, in order that the handle remains attached at all times.

In preferred embodiments the barrier creates a liquid seal between the chamber and container.

In preferred embodiments the barrier is replaceable according to replacement of the handle, for example the barrier is replaced or returned to its initial position on movement of the handle back to its initial position, in order that after initial displacement and mixing of the contents of the chamber into the container, the barrier is easily re-placed and for example the device may be shaken and contents agitated still further.

In some embodiments the chamber is vertically open or uncovered so as to allow input into the chamber at all times, and without additional movement. In this way for example container contents may be standardised and/or available at retail, for example in single-use applications, and higher value spirits or liquors may be efficiently added in a bar environment prior to customer sale. In further embodiments a displaceable lid, such as screwthreaded, may be securable over or so as to define the chamber. In still further embodiments the chamber may be sealed at manufacture and the barrier may be displaced to allow access to allow the container contents to exit through an exit separate to the chamber.

In preferred embodiments a lock mechanism is provided on the handle, so as to limit displacement of the barrier as and when required. Said mechanism may be single-use or repeated-use dependent upon user preference or embodiment.

In this way separate measures of liquids such as spirits and mixers can be kept separate by the barrier until displacement of the barrier enables mixing of contents within the body or container.

Some popular drinks are mixed by a user and then drank rapidly, such as Jagerbombs' wherein a short measure or shot of Jagermeister (RTM) is added to a drinking vessel containing a longer energy drink by dropping the shot and typically a glass in which the shot is held, such as the shot glass, into the energy drink. In the present invention the chamber holds the shot, and the long drink is in the container.

Typically the Jagerbomb is then drunk immediately without removal of the shot glass.

This can be problematic as the glass is liable to move about in the vessel during drinking and as the vessel is upturned the glass may fall against a user's teeth, causing discomfort or damage. Advantageously therefore the present invention provides a drinking interface for the user, for example a spout or lip on the chamber or container exit.

Preferably the device is substantially column shaped and may be stackable. Ideally the chamber is arranged above the container, defining upper and lower compartments. It may be envisaged that the device may taper to a waist where the compartments join. This may indicate or reflect the position of the barrier.

Preferably the compartments may be separable so that the upper compartment can be removed from the lower compartment. In this way the compartments can be cleaned, and in some embodiments may be interchangeable. For example so as to be able to alter the sizes of the compartments provided by the device.

Ideally the upper compartment may be dimensioned to be fitted into the lower compartment Preferably the upper compartment has a lesser diameter than the lower compartment so as to be slotted within the lower compartment. Ideally the two compartments may be fitted together by a friction filling or locking means so as to prevent separation during use. For example the upper compartment may include a ribbed collar that can be fitted to the lower compartment so as connect both compartments and prevent leakage of liquid therebetween. Typically the lower compartment may include a neck so as to allow the upper compartment to be fitted in position without obstructing the barrier.

Ideally one compartment is larger than the other. In preferred embodiments the upper compartment is smaller than the lower compartment wherein the container holds a long mixer drink, such as soft or energy drink, and the chamber holds a shorter measure of alcohol.

Typically the barrier serves to separate the upper and lower compartments wherein the barrier acts as a base of or portion of the base to the chamber. In this way, in use, contents added to the chamber are held within this compartment until the barrier is displaced and the chamber contents fall under gravity into the container. In some further embodiments inversion or movement of the device may be necessary to transfer contents from chamber to container. For example wherein the chamber is adjacent but not vertically superior in standard device usage or orientation.

Preferably the upper compartment may be open and the container closed by the barrier. In this way displacement of the barrier allows contents for the chamber to flow into the container when the barrier is displaced, and drink may be poured in through the opening, and/or may be drunk through the opening or a separate exit. In this way in some embodiments the opening or upper compartment may be arranged to provide a drinking interlace, for example so as to enable comfortable drinking 1 5 conditions.

In preferred embodiments the barrier is disc shaped so as to fit concentrically within the container.

Ideally contents may first be added to the lower compartment by displacing the barrier so as to pour in contents. In some embodiments the barrier is advantageously then movable to a closed position and locked so that further contents can be added to the upper compartment.

In preferred embodiments the barrier is pivotably attached at a hinge to an inner wall of the body wherein the barrier can be displaced up or down so as to enable contents to be mixed within a sealed container. Ideally the barrier is displaced downwards into the container.

In preferred embodiments the hinge is spring biased to maintain the barrier in a position, for example a closed position, that is to maintain the barrier in place in standard usage. In other embodiments the hinge may be biased to an open position to allow contents to be readily added to the container and for contents to be easily removed therefrom, wherein a seal or lock may be broken to allow the barrier to displace, for example removal of the pin.

* Preferably the hinge may include or be associated with a torsion spring wherein on compression of the torsion spring the barrier is displaced. When no force is applied to the spring the barrier remains in place and the handle pivoted down consequently.

In other embodiments the torsion spring is in a compressed state prior to removal of the pin, whereupon the handle is biased to lift and consequently the barrier biased to pivot open.

In preferred embodiments the means for displacing the barrier are provided on an external surface of the body, wherein the handle may include a button or lever that is linked to the spring which can be engaged in order to displace the barrier.

Preferably the device may include a lever which advantageously may also serve as both the handle and barrier, pivoted within the body and ideally between the compartments.

Ideally the barrier may comprise a liquid-tight seal so as to prevent escape of contents from one compartment to another. For example the barrier may include a resiliently deformable 0-ring that abuts the opening peripherally so as to create the seal.

Preferably the device has the appearance of a grenade, wherein the lower compartment is substantially ovaloid with a flattened bottom and a moulded outer surface. Typically the device may be provided in green.

In preferred embodiments the device may include a lock mechanism comprising a locking pin located on the handle, that serves to prevent unauthorised or accidental displacement of the handle and so the barrier, in a similar manner to the locking pin on a real grenade.

For example in some embodiments when the pin is inserted into the handle the barrier is fixed closed and cannot be moved, and on pulling the pin out the handle is released and the barrier displaced to an open orientation by means of a torsion spring which is released and returns to its biased orientation. Therefore the contents of the chamber are released into the container so that the drinks are mixed.

In such an embodiment to reinsert the pin the handle must be depressed so as to compress the spring and replace the barrier into a closed position.

Ideally the pin is linked to the body so as not to be lost when removed. For example the pin may be attached by a tine, chain or cord to the body, handle or a joint between the compartments.

In some embodiments the pin is provided at sale or manufacture and requires replacement to reuse the device.

In some embodiments the lower compartment may be formed of two parts so as to allow opening for cleaning. For example the lower compartment may be split wherein the two parts are joined by a screw thread, clip or twist means so as to secure both parts together in use, preventing any leakage of contents. Typically the two parts may be joined about a seal, for example an 0-ring, so as to prevent leakage.

In some embodiments the device may be divided into three or more compartments for example two chambers, so as to mix drinks with more than two ingredients such as some cocktails.

In preferred embodiments the body is formed from a lightweight, durable material that can be readily moulded. For example the device may be formed from synthetic plastic wholly or substantially. Ideally the body may be capable of being injection moulded. It may be envisaged that the device may be moulded in parts that are then bonded or ultra sonicafly welded together to form the device.

In some other embodiments the body may be formed from glass. For example for use in some establishments where use of glass may be more favourable over plastic.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of a preferred embodiment of the device according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; Figures 3 show side views of the embodiment shown in Figure 1; And Figure 4 shows a plan view of the embodiment shown in Figure 1 Detailed Descriøtion of Figures With reference to the figures the device is formed from two compartments, an uppermost compartment 1 and a lowermost compartment 2 in general usage.

The upper compartment 1 defines an open chamber 10, and the lower compartment a closed container 12.

A displaceable barrierS is attached to the handle 3 and pivoted at a hinge 13, which allows pivoting downwards of the barrier 8, and is blocked in movement by a displaceable pin 4, which pin has a ring grip. A torsion spring 14 biases pivoting around the hinge 13.

The handle 3 is pivoted within a fixed brace 11 and the barrierS is intermediate the compartments 12, wherein the exploded diagram shows the handle 3 and barrier B exploded out from its position.

In order to minimise leakage in a repeated use embodiment such as that pictured resiliently deformable seal rings 5 and 7 are provided between unscrewable parts making up the compartments, wherein in particular a screwthread 6 allows replacement of the upper compartment I for single and double measures of short-drink.

It may be envisaged that the compartments may be dimensioned so as to contain specific measurements of liquids or solids. In this way appropriate measurements of each ingredient can be added and then mixed when desired. For example the upper

B

compartment may be dimension to receive one spirits measure for example 25ml or a double measure for 50m1.

In some embodiments one upper compartment may be stacked upon a second upper compartment so as to increase volume capacity of the upper compartment, for example from 25m1 to 50ml.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (10)

1. Claims 1. A drink mixing device comprising a short-drink chamber and adjacent long-drink container, and a displaceable barrier; said barrier displaced by action of a handle; wherein said handle is manipulated by a user to release contents of said chamber into said container and allow exit of contents from the container.
2. 2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the handle is loGated on or moveable in relation to a body! and said body surrounds and/or defines the chamber and container, so as to create a self-contained unit divided into two compartments by an internal barrier.
3. 3. A device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the barrier creates a liquid seal between the chamber and container.
4. 4. A device according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein a lock mechanism is provided for the handle, so as to limit displacement of the barrier as and when required.
5. 5. A device according to any of the preceding claims wherein a spring is included in the handle.
6. 6. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the handle is spring-biased to open the barrier.
7. 7. A device according to any of preceding claims 1 to 5 wherein the handle is spring biased to close the barrier.
8. 8. A device according to any preceding claim formed from synthetic plastic wholly or substantially
9. 9. A device according to any preceding claim comprising at least one resiliently deformable 0-ring.
10. 10. A device with reference to the accompanying drawings and substantially as described herein.