Patent application title: Chemiluminescent Beverage Container
Inventors:
Faizaan Bukhari (Las Vegas, NV, US)
Mahavir Y. Shah (Anaheim Hills, CA, US)
Saboor Ismail (Irvine, CA, US)
IPC8 Class: AA47G1922FI
USPC Class:
206222
Class name: Special receptacle or package for mixing tear strip or piercer
Publication date: 2014-11-27
Patent application number: 20140346062
Abstract:
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a container
with luminescence capable of being selectively engaged by a user. In one
embodiment of the present invention, the luminescence may be the result
of a chemical reaction between two different chemicals initially isolated
from one another and always isolated from the beverage contained therein.Claims:
1. A luminescent beverage container comprising: a top and bottom and side
walls, said side walls having an inner and an outer wall with a first
space between said inner and outer walls and a second space comprising
fluid-impermeable containing means for storing a fluid therein, a first
reactant at least partially filling said space, a top cap and a bottom
cap; said bottom cap comprising a cavity; said cavity to comprise a
second reactant; a means for isolating said first reactant from said
second reactant; and a means for mixing said first reactant with said
second reactant.
2. The beverage container of claim 1 wherein the first reactant is oxalate.
3. The beverage container of claim 1 wherein the second reactant is an activator.
4. The beverage container of claim 1 wherein the second space comprises a beverage.
5. A luminescent beverage container, comprising: an outer body having a top neck and a bottom neck, an inner body comprising a top neck comprising a continuous screw thread formed externally and helically around a circumference of the top neck; said inner body configured to fit within said outer body while forming a space between the inner surface of said outer body and the outer surface of said inner body, wherein said space includes a first reactant; a first cap comprising a channel configured to engage the continuous screw thread about the inner body, a second cap comprising another channel configured to engage the bottom of said outer body, wherein said cap includes a second reactant.
6. The container of claim 5 wherein said first reactant is an activator.
7. The container of claim 6 wherein said second reactant is oxalate.
8. The container of claim 5 further comprising a closure configured to fit over the top of said second cap.
9. The container of claim 8 further comprising a cutting means, said cutting means located at the bottom of said inner body and configured to pierce said closure when said bottom cap is rotated about its central axis.
10. A luminescent beverage container comprising: a top and bottom and side walls, said side walls having an inner and an outer wall with a first space between said inner and outer walls and a second comprising fluid-impermeable containing means for storing a fluid therein, a first reactant at least partially filling said space, a top cap and a bottom cap; said bottom cap comprising a pouch; said pouch to comprise a second reactant a cutting means configure to pierce said pouch when said bottom cap is rotated about its central axis.
11. The beverage container of claim 10 wherein the first reactant is oxalate.
12. The beverage container of claim 11 wherein the second reactant is an activator.
Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] None.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:
TABLE-US-00001 U.S. Patents Pat. No. Kind Code Issue Date Patentee 4,759,453 A Jul. 26, 1988 Paetzold 5,807,156 A Sep. 15, 1998 Owen 6,039,198 A Mar. 21, 2000 Wolfe et al. 6,213,616 B1 Apr. 10, 2001 Chein 6,921,179 B2 Jul. 26, 2005 Diak Ghanem 7,410,071 B1 Aug. 26, 2008 Seib e. al. 8,365,941 B2 Feb. 5, 2013 Mayer
TABLE-US-00002 U.S. Patent Application Publications Publication Number Kind Code Publ. Date Applicant 2005/0178771 A1 Aug. 18, 2005 Moran
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENT
[0003] None found
NONPATENT LITERATURE DOCUMENTS
[0004] None found
NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT AND TRADE DRESS
[0005] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. This patent document may show and/or describe matter which is or may become trade dress of the owner. The copyright and trade dress owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trade dress rights whatsoever.
DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART
[0006] In the fast paced and highly competitive market of beverage sales, marketers volley for position by decorating containers and shaping them to entice consumers by grabbing their attention. However, little if anything has been done to utilize modern technological advances in a manner that will enhance the appearance and functionality of containers for these products.
[0007] The saturated marketplace overpopulated with hundreds of different brands has made it impossible for one brand to differentiate itself from another through creative packaging. Because the market is so saturated, a decorated container no longer captures consumer attention as it did in the past regardless of how creative or imaginative the decorations. Walking through a modern supermarket and observing the thousands of different containers stacked over miles of shelf-space, all with mundane designs, is illustrative of the state of the art. The presently known packages fail to capture the consumers imagination and are merely decorative; failing to perform a function beyond the aesthetics of the beverage container itself.
[0008] It would be desirous to introduce a new type of beverage container utilizing available technologies to illuminate the beverage container thereby allowing it to stand out amongst the competition. Such a beverage container would provide users with a novel way of enjoying the beverage contained therein. Though it has been proposed to add incandescent lighting elements or light emitting diodes (LEDs) to beverage containers, these lighting elements are commonly fragile or too large to be incorporated into a commercially viable container. Accordingly, these methods have proven impractical with very limited commercial use.
[0009] By way of example, in the case of LEDs, the combination of light and power source have lead to awkward positioning of the lighting elements within the container. The resulting containers have higher-than-normal centers of gravity far too unstable for everyday practicality as a viable beverage container alternative.
[0010] In the past, chemiluminescent elements have been proposed as a means of making objects appear more visible in a variety of contexts including time pieces, signs, clothing, large moving objects or vehicles, and night lights. Yet, there are heretofore no suggestion that such reactions be harnessed as a means of illuminating a beverage container through mechanical engagement of different bottle parts.
[0011] Even though a variety of beverage containers have been proposed in the past, all of those heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages:
[0012] (a) the known beverage containers lack distinct commercial appeal;
[0013] (b) the known beverage containers do not increase the consumers desire to purchase the beverage contained therein;
[0014] (c) the known beverage containers do not allow the user to selectively engage the luminescent properties;
[0015] (d) the known beverage containers lack chemiluminescence;
[0016] (e) the known luminescent beverage containers are too fragile to be commercially viable;
[0017] (f) the known luminescent beverage containers lack insulative properties;
[0018] (g) the known luminescent beverage containers are too expensive to manufacture as one-time-use product;
[0019] (h) the known luminescent beverage containers are excessively heavy making them difficult to transport on a large scale.
[0020] Various method of decorating, shaping, or illuminating beverage containers have been proposed. However, none of the foregoing combine the characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, there is a need for a luminescent beverage container that may be selectively engaged at the users discretion, that is durable enough for mass manufacture, transport, and sale, and that may be manufactured in a commercially viable manner. The present invention effectuates these needs.
OBJECTS
[0021] With the foregoing in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a drinking vessel which is both insulated and luminescent, to thereby maintain liquid contents contained therein within a desired temperature range for longer periods of time while also enhancing the visibility of the drinking vessel.
[0022] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an insulated and luminescent drinking vessel which incorporates a double-wall structure including an inner wall, an outer wall and a liquid space between the walls.
[0023] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a drinking vessel which includes an insulated double-wall structure, including an inner wall and an outer wall, and further wherein the wall structure of the drinking vessel is provided with luminescent means for enhancing visibility of the drinking vessel and the amount of liquid contents therein when in dark or low light conditions.
[0024] It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a drinking vessel which is insulated and luminescent, and further wherein the drinking vessel is provided in various sizes, styles and shapes for both adults and children.
[0025] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are more readily apparent with reference to the summary, detailed description, and drawings.
SUMMARY
[0026] It is accordingly an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a container with luminescence capable of being selectively engaged by a user. In one embodiment of the present invention, the luminescence may be the result of a chemical reaction between two different chemicals initially isolated from one another and always isolated from the beverage contained therein.
[0027] These objectives are achieved, in accordance with the principles of one embodiment of the present invention, by causing chemiluminescent reaction whereby two reactants are mixed together and radiate light from an enclosed compartment within the beverage container itself. Prior to activation by the user, the solution will be divided into two parts each isolated in a different part of the container separated by a permeable membrane.
[0028] Different reactions may be used in order to achieve chemiluminescence. By way of example, and not limitation, an activator, such as hydrogen peroxide, mixed with an oxalate and florescent dye solution is one such example. Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will realize various reactions may be used to achieve luminescence in a beverage container. Therefore, applicants propose the reaction with oxalate for illustrative purposes.
[0029] The oxalate-florescent dye solution will not emit light on its own. However, when it is dissolved in an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide, the resulting solution emits a bright florescence for a finite amount of time. Different fluorescent dyes may be used to vary the color and duration of time for which the reaction radiates light.
[0030] In another embodiment, it is further envisioned that the florescent dye may be mixed in a solution with the oxidizing agent (in the previous example, the hydrogen peroxide).
[0031] Moreover, it is envisioned that, in other embodiments, the oxalate may be a mixture of oxalate and other components such as a solvent and/or a catalyst. Similarly, the activator may include more than the oxidizing agent. It may further comprise solvents and/or catalysts as well.
[0032] Accordingly, if the user is to control when the illumination reaction takes place, the oxalate and hydrogen peroxide must be isolated from one another initially. There are a variety of ways in which this can be achieved. In one embodiment, the beverage container is comprised of an inner wall, an outer wall, and a space between the inner and outer walls providing an insulative barrier capable of maintaining the temperature of the liquid contents. The space between these two walls is also where the hydrogen peroxide may exist isolated from the oxalate situated elsewhere within the container.
[0033] In one embodiment of the chemiluminescent beverage container, the oxalate may be kept isolated from the hydrogen peroxide by placing it in a bottom cap. In this embodiment, the beverage container will be comprised of at least three parts. A top cap, a bottom cap, and a center piece in between. Threading on the bottom of the top cap, top and bottom of the center piece, and top of the bottom cap, will allow all three to engage one another by twisting the parts together.
[0034] It is further envisioned that a variety of different means may be used to achieve the desired result of engaging the different caps with the center piece. By way of example, and not limitation, the bottom cap may be attached to the center piece using a "force" or "snap" fit means of engagement. More specifically, a quick-closing cap consisting of a cylindrical part having a number of radial inward resilient protrusions at its lower edge, arranged along the entire circumference of such edge. Such protrusions are designed to interact with a ring-like projection on the center piece for stable fixation of the cap.
[0035] Initially, the center piece will contain only hydrogen peroxide, or other similar reactant, solution in the exterior chamber and the beverage will be poured into the interior chamber or beverage compartment. The top cap contains the lid and opening from which the consumer will access the beverage and only the beverage compartment. Finally, the bottom cap may contain the oxalate or other similar reactant.
[0036] It is further envisioned that the bottom cap will comprise a chamber for storing one of the reactants in the chemiluminescent reaction. In one example, the chamber may comprise oxalate. The portion of the bottom cap which engages with the center piece, will be covered by a permeable membrane. This membrane separates the contents of the bottom cap chamber from mixing with the reactants in the space between the center piece inner wall and center piece outer wall i.e. the exterior chamber of the center piece.
[0037] It therefore follows, that in order to cause the glowing reaction to occur, the membrane separating the two contents of the aforementioned compartments must be ruptured and the contents mixed. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are a variety of ways in which this can be achieved, and applicants proffer the following by way of example and not limitation.
[0038] In one embodiment, this may be achieved through a twist-cut mechanism. In this embodiment, a blade may protrude from the bottom of the center piece. This small angular member may fit within a space formed within the membrane. Twisting the bottom cap will cause the permeable membrane to come into contact with the blade and rupture it. The oxalate will then leak out into the center piece outer chamber causing a chemiluminescent reaction to occur.
[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the user-initiated luminescent reaction may be initiated by rupturing a pouch filled with luminescent reactant also situated in the bottom cap.
[0040] The containers to which the principles of the invention may be applied include any container designed to hold a material, such as liquids, solids, gels, powders, gases, combinations of materials, items, or parts, and even other containers (e.g., vending machines), and which can be made from plastic, glass, paper, tin, cardboard, ceramic, porcelain, or other materials.
[0041] At no time are the reactants of the chemiluminescent reaction to mix with the beverage the consumer will drink. They will always exist in a separate part of the beverage container to ensure the safety of the consumer and compliance with relevant health and safety regulations.
Advantages
[0042] Thus several advantages of one or more aspects are to provide a beverage container that:
[0043] (a) has distinct commercial appeal;
[0044] (b) increases consumer desire to purchase the beverage contained therein;
[0045] (c) allows users to selectively engage its luminescent properties;
[0046] (d) utilizes a chemiluminescent reaction as a means of illuminating a beverage container;
[0047] (e) is safe enough to be commercially viable and meet strict FDA guidelines;
[0048] (f) has insolative properties;
[0049] (g) that can be manufactured in a cost-effective manner to be used as a disposable one-time use product; and
[0050] (h) that is light enough to transport large quantities to commercial distribution sites around the world.
[0051] These and other advantages of one or more aspects will become apparent from consideration of the ensuing description and accompanying drawings. Although the description above contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments but as merely providing illustrations of some of several embodiments. Thus the scope of the embodiments should be determined by the claims that are appended and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.
[0052] The description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings should not be construed as limiting the invention to the example shown and described, because those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will be able to devise other forms thereof within the ambit of the appended claims.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figures
[0053] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a beverage container constructed in accordance with the principles of a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0054] FIG. 2 is a exploded view showing the beverage container of FIG. 1;
[0055] FIG. 3 is a second perspective view showing the beverage container of FIG. 1 with the cap lid open;
[0056] FIG. 4 is a top view of the same beverage container as in FIG. 1;
[0057] FIG. 5 is is a perspective alternative bottom cap beverage container as in FIG. 1; and
[0058] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the bottom cap and the cutting means in an alternative embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0059] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. The showings are for purposes of illustrating preferred embodiments and not for purposes of limiting the same. The following explanation provides specific details for a thorough understanding of an enabling description for these embodiments. One skilled in the art will understand that the invention may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments.
[0060] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a chemiluminescent beverage container 100. Here, the container 100 includes body 102, top cap or closure ("cap") 104, bottom cap or closure ("cap") 106, top joint 108, bottom joint 114, bottom cap inner surface 116, engagement means 118, and bottom neck 120. Body 102, as shown, may be made, manufactured, molded (e.g., injection, cold, or the like), or otherwise formed using various materials, including, but not limited to plastic, low density plastic, high density plastic, polycarbonate, polycarbonate without Bisphenol-A (or other endocrine disrupting compounds), polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), stainless steel, wood, aluminum, polyester, copolyester, or any other type of organic or synthetic materials, alloys, or composites. As shown, body 102 is transparent for purposes of describing various features.
[0061] In some examples, top cap 104 is joined to body 102 at joint 108. Top cap 104 may be joined to body 102 using various techniques including, but not limited to, continuous and non-continuous screw threads, adhesives, pressure-based coupling mechanisms (e.g., ridges), or others. For example, top cap 104 may be rotated to engage screw threads (not shown) disposed on body 102 with screw thread channels or canals (hereafter "channels") to create a seal that may be hermetic and watertight. In some examples, reference to screw thread channels may refer to a screw thread or set of screw threads that, when engaged with a corresponding screw thread or set of screw threads creates a seal between two elements providing, in some examples, an air-tight or water-tight (e.g., hermetic) seal.
[0062] Likewise, bottom cap 106 may be coupled to body 102, forming joint 114. The bottom cap may be coupled to the body in a variety of different ways. An example of one such means of engaging the two parts is provided through the use of a "snap" or "force" fit mechanism. By way of example and not limitation, circumferentially displaced points of contact between the bottom cap 106 and the body 102 at axially displaced lines provide self-alignment and secure retention of the bottom cap 106 and the body 102. The bottom neck 120 includes a top flange and a lower flange with a snap groove between them. The bottom cap 106 includes a top member and locking ribs which fit into the groove. The inner diameter of the bottom cap 106 and the bottom neck 120 on both axially displaced sides of said groove and locking ribs are of sufficiently small tolerance, as are said groove and rib inner diameters to provide multiple axially displaced alignment means. Accordingly, once bottom cap 106 and the bottom neck 120 are pressed against one another, they may be connected while remaining capable of rotating about a central x-axis.
[0063] Another example of how the body 102 and the bottom cap 106 may be coupled is through the use of screw threads. When bottom cap 106 is rotated onto bottom neck 120, screw threads disposed on the external surface of bottom cap 106 are configured to engage channels formed on the inner surface of bottom cap 106, providing a seal that is watertight to prevent fluids from leaking out of body 102. In other examples, beverage container 100 and the above-described elements may be varied in function, structure, shape, design, implementation, configuration, or other aspects without limitation to the descriptions provided.
[0064] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of a chemiluminescent beverage container. Here, beverage container 200 is shown in an exploded configuration along axis, including outer body 202, inner body 203, top cap 204, bottom cap 212, bottom cap engagement means 214, top neck 216, and bottom neck 218. In some examples, beverage container 200 may be assembled by inserting top cap 204, which may be rotated onto helical screw threads 222 formed on the external surface of top neck 216. Screw threads 222, in some examples, may be formed by injection, cold, or other type of molding of materials used to form body 202, which may likewise be formed as a unitary element having top neck 216 and bottom neck disposed at the top and bottom of beverage container 200, respectively.
[0065] As discussed above, bottom cap 212 may be coupled to body 202 via a variety of different engagement means 214. One such means of engaging the two parts is by using a "snap" or "force" fit mechanism. By way of example and not limitation, circumferentially displaced points of contact between the bottom cap 212 and the body 202 at axially displaced lines provide self-alignment and secure retention of the bottom cap 212 and the body 202. The the bottom neck includes a top flange and a lower flange with a snap groove between them (not shown). The bottom cap 212 includes a top member and locking ribs which fit into the groove. The inner diameter of the bottom cap 212 and the bottom neck on both axially displaced sides of said groove and locking ribs are of sufficiently small tolerance, as are said groove and rib inner diameters to provide multiple axially displaced alignment means. Accordingly, once bottom cap 212 and the bottom neck 218 are pressed against one another, they may be connected while remaining capable of rotating about a central x-axis.
[0066] Likewise, screw threads may be used as an engagement means 214. Said screw threads may be patterned as continuous or non-continuous type screw threads having clockwise or counterclockwise helical patterns for rotating, top cap 204 or bottom cap 212 onto top neck 216 and bottom neck 218, respectively.
[0067] When assembled, bottom cap 212 may be rotated or twisted onto bottom neck 218, resulting in the engagement of screw threads in the bottom of the body 202 with bottom screw thread channel 214 formed on the inner surface of bottom cap 212. In other examples, beverage container 200 and the above-described elements may be varied in function, structure, shape, design, implementation, configuration, or other aspects without limitation to the descriptions provided.
[0068] The inner body 203 is radially smaller than the outer body 204 such that it may fit inside with the top neck 216 being radially similar to the outer body 202. Extending from the bottom wall of the inner body 203 is a cutting means 240. The cutting means 240 is located radially outward from the center of the inner body 203 and inset from it's peripheral edge. The top of the cutting means 240 may comprise a point for piercing a seal liner or membrane so that the seal liner, membrane, or closure 230 tears as the bottom cap 212 is rotated.
[0069] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary chemiluminescent beverage container 300. Here, beverage container 300 is shown in an assembled configuration including body 302, top cap 304, bottom cap 306, interbody space 308, body inner surface 310, and bottom cap inner surface 316. In some examples, when beverage container 300 is assembled, top cap 304 is fully engaged (i.e., rotated) onto top neck (not shown) when screw threads (not shown) disposed on the external surface of top neck (not shown) are engaged with a screw thread channel (not shown) formed on the inner surface of top cap 304.
[0070] In one embodiment, the bottom cap inner surface 316 is filled with one of the reactants of a chemiluminescent reaction. By way of example and not limitation, in one embodiment said reactant may be oxalate. The oxalate or other chemiluminescent reactant is contained in the bottom cap 306 by a membrane closure 230 (FIG. 2)
[0071] The contents of the bottom cap 306 can be discharged by piercing the closure (See 230 in FIG. 2). The, consumer can rotate the bottom cap 306 causing the cutting means (See 240 in FIG. 2) to tear the closure 230 to allow fluid material contained in the interior region 316 of bottom cap 306 to flow through a fluid-flow aperture or opening pierced in closure seal 230. Fluid material discharged through opening flows into a space 308 formed in an upright tubular region included in bottle which is the space between the outer body 202 (FIG. 2) and the inner body 203. This space 308 may be already filled with a second chemiluminescent reactant not shown. By way of example and not limitation, the inner body space may contain an activator. The term activator shall henceforth be used to refer to any solution which contains hydrogen peroxide. It one embodiment this may be hydrogen peroxide in solution with fluorescent dye.
[0072] The cutting means (See 240 in FIG. 2) will remain in the secure position isolated from the penetrable portion of the membrane until it is moved by rotation of the bottom cap 306 or body 302 along the bottle's x-axis. Once the cutting means 240 is moved far enough toward the closure (See 230 in FIG. 2), the cutting means 240 will pierce the closure seal 230 to form a fluid-flow aperture therein.
[0073] In some examples, the bottom cap 306 may be formed using various materials, as described above. As part of the inner surface or wall of bottom cap 306 the engagement means described above may be formed as a feature of the bottom cap 306. These means include, but are not limited to, a "snap" or "force" fit means and a screw thread means. In other examples, the beverage container 300 and the above-described elements may be varied in function, structure, shape, design, implementation, configuration, or other aspects without limitation to the descriptions provided.
[0074] FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of an exemplary chemiluminescent beverage container 400. Here, bottom cap 412 is shown with the membrane closure 430 intact the cutting means 440 having not ruptured its seal. The side wall 406 of bottom cap 412 is shown here as smooth, but in other examples, may have surface features or effects such as ridges, texture, or pre-formed structures that facilitate a user's grip when operating bottom cap 412. Although not shown, surface effects on side wall 406 may be formed as part of bottom cap 412 or applied after bottom cap 412 is formed. Still further, various types of surface effects or features such as ridges, non-skid grip materials, or the like may be applied, without limitation. In yet other examples, bottom cap 412 and the above-described elements may be varied in function, structure, shape, design, implementation, configuration, or other aspects without limitation to the descriptions provided. Similar effects can also be applied to the rest of the bottle without deviating from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, though not shown, the entire beverage container 400 may comprise such effects.
[0075] FIG. 5 includes an alternative bottom cap 506 in perspective view of an exemplary chemiluminescent beverage container. Here, the bottom cap 506 includes a bottom cap surface 516 and a cavity 502 where the cutting means (not shown) will be inserted before the chemiluminescent reaction is initiated. A protruding wall 510 will act as barrier separating the cutting means from the rest of the bottom cap surface 516. A second cavity 508 is where a prefilled pouch (not shown) may be placed. Said pouch may contain one reactant of the chemiluminescent reaction. By way of example and not limitation, said reactant may be oxalate. A clearance 504 is included so that the cutting means (not shown) may enter the second cavity 508 once the bottom cap 506 is rotated by the user.
[0076] Rotating the bottom cap 506 will cause the cutting means (not shown) to enter the second cavity 508 and rupture the reactant containing pouch (not shown). Fluid material discharged through opening flows into a space (308 in FIG. 3) formed in an upright tubular region included in bottle which is the space between the outer body (202 in FIG. 2) and the inner body 203. This space 308 may be filled with a second chemiluminescent reactant. By way of example and not limitation, this reactant may be an activator.
[0077] FIG. 6 includes another perspective view of the alternative bottom cap 606 from FIG. 5 of an exemplary chemiluminescent beverage container. This figure includes the inner body 607 of the beverage container illustrating the cutting means 603 thereon. Again, the bottom cap 606 includes a bottom cap surface 616 and a cavity 602 where the cutting means 603 will be inserted before the chemiluminescent reaction is initiated. A protruding wall 610 will act as barrier separating the cutting means from the rest of the bottom cap surface 616. A second cavity 608 is where a prefilled pouch (not shown) may be placed. Said pouch may contain one reactant of the chemiluminescent reaction. By way of example and not limitation, said reactant may be oxalate. A clearance 604 is included so that the cutting means 603 may enter the second cavity 608 once the bottom cap 606 is rotated by the user.
[0078] Rotating the bottom cap 606 will cause the cutting means 603 to enter the second cavity 608 and rupture the reactant containing pouch (not shown). Fluid material discharged through opening flows into a space (308 in FIG. 3) formed in an upright tubular region included in bottle which is the space between the outer body (202 in FIG. 2) and the inner body 203. This space 308 may be filled with a second chemiluminescent reactant. By way of example and not limitation, this reactant may be an activator.
CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE
[0079] While a particular form of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be apparent that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, the chemiluminescent beverage container is described as using a chemical reaction between an activator and oxalate mixed with fluorescent dye to cause the bottle to emit light even though the inventor contemplates the possibility that other chemical reactions may achieve the same or similar results. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the appended claims.
[0080] The teachings provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described herein. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the above patents and applications and other references, including any that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.
[0081] Particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the invention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being refined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the chemiluminescent beverage container with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be constructed to limit the chemiluminescent beverage container to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope encompasses not only the disclosed embodiments, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the disclosed apparatus. The above description of embodiments of the chemiluminescent beverage container is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the precise form disclosed above or to a particular field of usage. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the beverage container are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible which those skilled in the relevant art will recognize.
[0082] While certain aspects of the chemiluminescent beverage container are presented below in particular claim forms, the inventor contemplates the various aspects of the beverage container in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the inventor reserves the right to add additional claims after filing the application to pursue such additional claim forms for other aspects of the chemiluminescent beverage container.
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