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US-20260125176-A1 - METERED DUAL-CHAMBERED DRINKING AND DISPENSING ACCESSORY AND METHOD OF USE

US20260125176A1US 20260125176 A1US20260125176 A1US 20260125176A1US-20260125176-A1

Abstract

A dispenser to dispense a liquid in two or more metered portions. The dispenser has a flexible main reservoir with fluid connections to two or more smaller metered dispensing reservoirs. Each reservoir has a spout and can be sealed via a threaded cap. When a user loosens or removes the cap of the metered dispensing reservoir(s) and squeezes the flexible main reservoir, metered portions of liquid are delivered to each metered reservoir which can be dispensed and/or consumed directly. Such dispensing or consumption can be controlled to occur simultaneously or individually via removal of each cap and inversion of the dispenser. Each reservoir may feature specialized contours, volumetric indicators, angled spouts, and other improvements.

Inventors

  • Charles Henninger

Assignees

  • Charles Henninger

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20251230

Claims (20)

  1. 1 . A connection accessory for a liquid dispensing bottle, the bottle having a first reservoir fluidly connected to at least one secondary reservoir by an inter-reservoir fluid connection positioned externally of the first reservoir, the connection accessory comprising: a partially open hollow cylindrical body sized and shaped to receive and retain a portion of the inter-reservoir fluid connection within an interior of the hollow cylindrical body; and a handle portion mechanically joined to the hollow cylindrical body, the handle portion extending laterally outward from the hollow cylindrical body and configured to be grasped by a user; wherein the hollow cylindrical body is configured to rotatably engage the inter-reservoir fluid connection such that the connection accessory is rotatable relative to the bottle while remaining secured to the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  2. 2 . The connection accessory of claim 1 , wherein the partially open hollow cylindrical body comprises a longitudinal slot extending along a length of the hollow cylindrical body, the longitudinal slot permitting radial insertion of the inter-reservoir fluid connection into the interior of the hollow cylindrical body.
  3. 3 . The connection accessory of claim 1 , wherein the hollow cylindrical body comprises an internal retention feature selected from the group consisting of an inwardly projecting lip, a detent, a rib, and a friction surface, the internal retention feature configured to maintain engagement with the inter-reservoir fluid connection during rotation.
  4. 4 . The connection accessory of claim 1 , wherein the hollow cylindrical body is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  5. 5 . The connection accessory of claim 4 , wherein the handle portion comprises an open-frame grip having a central aperture.
  6. 6 . The connection accessory of claim 5 , wherein the handle portion is rotatably coupled to the hollow cylindrical body such that the handle portion is independently rotatable relative to the hollow cylindrical body.
  7. 7 . The connection accessory of claim 6 , wherein the connection accessory is configured to maintain rotational engagement with the inter-reservoir fluid connection while permitting the bottle to be oriented in multiple dispensing positions.
  8. 8 . The connection accessory of claim 7 , wherein the hollow cylindrical body is configured to engage a curved exterior surface of the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  9. 9 . The connection accessory of claim 8 , wherein the connection accessory is formed as a unitary structure by molding.
  10. 10 . The connection accessory of claim 1 , wherein the connection accessory further comprises a flexible joint disposed between the hollow cylindrical body and the handle portion, the flexible joint configured to permit bending of the handle portion relative to the hollow cylindrical body.
  11. 11 . A method of coupling a connection accessory to a liquid dispensing bottle, the bottle having a first reservoir fluidly connected to at least one secondary reservoir by an inter-reservoir fluid connection positioned externally of the first reservoir, the method comprising: positioning a partially open hollow cylindrical body of the connection accessory around a portion of the inter-reservoir fluid connection such that the inter-reservoir fluid connection is received within an interior of the hollow cylindrical body; and grasping a handle portion mechanically joined to the hollow cylindrical body; wherein the hollow cylindrical body rotatably engages the inter-reservoir fluid connection such that the connection accessory is rotatable relative to the bottle while remaining secured to the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  12. 12 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising radially inserting the inter-reservoir fluid connection into the interior of the hollow cylindrical body through a longitudinal slot extending along a length of the hollow cylindrical body.
  13. 13 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising retaining the hollow cylindrical body on the inter-reservoir fluid connection using an internal retention feature selected from the group consisting of an inwardly projecting lip, a detent, a rib, and a friction surface, while permitting rotation relative to the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  14. 14 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising rotating the hollow cylindrical body about a longitudinal axis of the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  15. 15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein grasping the handle portion comprises grasping an open-frame grip having a central aperture.
  16. 16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising rotating the handle portion relative to the hollow cylindrical body such that the handle portion is independently rotatable relative to the hollow cylindrical body.
  17. 17 . The method of claim 16 , further comprising orienting the bottle in multiple dispensing positions while maintaining rotational engagement between the connection accessory and the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  18. 18 . The method of claim 17 , further comprising engaging the hollow cylindrical body with a curved exterior surface of the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  19. 19 . The method of claim 18 , further comprising forming the connection accessory as a unitary molded structure prior to positioning the hollow cylindrical body around the inter-reservoir fluid connection.
  20. 20 . The method of claim 11 , further comprising flexing the handle portion relative to the hollow cylindrical body via a flexible joint disposed between the hollow cylindrical body and the handle portion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/309,170 filed on Apr. 28, 2023, entitled “METERED DUAL-CHAMBERED DRINKING AND DISPENSING ACCESSORY AND METHOD OF USE”, which is a continuation of U.S. Design Patent Application entitled “TRIPLE NECK FLASK,” having assigned Ser. No. 29/865,188 filed on Jul. 13, 2022, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure generally relates to specialized beverage dispensers. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a drinking and dispensing accessory vessel offering the ability to store and dispense metered amounts of liquids via two sub-vessels. The present disclosure is not limited to any particular liquid, beverage or otherwise, nor any particular volume, temperature, or intended use thereof. BACKGROUND A bottle, flask, or canteen may be a type of drinking accessory that is designed to hold and transport liquids, particularly water and other potable liquids, while on the go. Historically, canteens were used by soldiers in the field to provide them with a portable source of hydration, but today they are often used by hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Traditional canteens are typically made of metal or plastic and may offer a screw-top or other type of lid and/or a carrying strap. They can range in size from small, compact containers to larger ones that hold several liters of water or other liquids. In addition to their practical uses, canteens, bottles and flasks have also become popular fashion accessories, with many brands offering designs that are stylish and eye-catching. Some of these drinking accessories even come with customizable designs, allowing individuals to personalize their hydration gear to match their personal style. Overall, drinking accessories of various types continue to be a popular and practical travel accessories, providing users with a convenient and portable source of hydration whether they are hiking in the wilderness or just going about their daily routines. A twin-neck flask with a metered compartment may generally comprise a specialized type of flask that is designed for measuring and dispensing precise, known amounts of liquid. The flask typically has two necks, or openings, with one neck being used for filling the flask and the other neck for dispensing the liquid in a measured amount. The metered compartment, located inside the flask and/or connected thereto, is designed to measure and dispense specific volumes of the liquid. Twin-neck flasks with metered compartments are commonly used in scientific and laboratory settings, where precise measurements of liquids are required for experiments and procedures. They are also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where accurate dispensing of medication is critical. Yet other uses of twin-neck flasks with metered compartments may be the consumer market. They are often used for measuring and dispensing precise amounts of liquids such as alcohol, syrups, oils, and flavorings. Where the home landscaper or gardener may purchase and use twin-neck flasks for the storage and dispensing of oil to mix in a fuel/oil mixture for small engines, the home bartender or cook might similarly store and dispense common ingredients from such flasks to ease and routinize the dispense of said ingredients. Generally, such twin-neck flasks feature a main reservoir where the bulk of the liquid may be stored prior to use and a second or sub-reservoir and/or compartment for the measurement and dispense of the same. Each reservoir may be connected by a tube and/or siphon. The siphon may extend from the bottom of the main reservoir to the top of the compartment. In use, closure of the main reservoir, via a threaded lid and loosening of the compartment via another threaded lid, then the application of pressure, via a squeeze of the main reservoir, may cause the liquid of the main reservoir to enter the compartment via the siphon tube. Siphoning may generally continue until a threshold is reached, which may be controlled via vertical placement of the siphon tube upon the compartment. When the threshold is reached, reverse siphoning may occur, which may prevent the compartment from overfilling and/or overflowing. Such reverse-siphoning may cause the liquid to return to the main reservoir, thereby achieving the intended result of metering the amount of liquid in the compartment. Then, the lid of the compartment may be fully removed, and the metered amount of liquid may be dispensed. The design of twin-neck flasks with metered compartments may allow for the easy and accurate measurement and dispensing of liquids, reducing the risk of spills and waste. They are also typically made of durable materials such as glass or, in perhaps preferred embodiments, as high-quality, food-safe/grade plastics, ensuring they can withstand repeated use and the handling of various types of liquids. Over