Abstract:
A beverage dispenser and method of bottling the same having a plurality of individual dispensers that are each releasably connected to a connection system to provide a single unit such that the single unit has a quantity that is equal to a predefined quantity mandated via governmental regulation.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/140,809, filed Dec. 24, 2008, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present general inventive concept relates to a beverage dispenser system and method, and more particularly, to a beverage dispenser having a plurality of individual dispensers that are each releasably connected to a connection system to provide a single unit such that the single unit has a quantity that is equal to a predefined quantity mandated via governmental regulation. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A distilled beverage, liquor, or spirit is a drinkable liquid containing ethanol that is produced by means of distilling fermented grain, fruit, or vegetables. Distilled spirits must be bottled and packaged in conformity with specific regulatory requirements. For instance, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”) specifies the precise quantity of alcohol that may be contained within single units of distilled spirits. Specifically, a unit of a distilled spirit must be one of the following quantities, which are referred to as “standards of fill”:
       1.75 liters   1.00 liter   750 milliliters   375 milliliters   200 milliliters   100 milliliters   50 milliliters       
 
         [0011]    In view of this regulation, alcohol-bottling companies utilize bottles that are sized to correspond with the permitted standards of fill, which are inconvenient for a number of reasons. 
         [0012]    The bottles provided are typically large, which is not ideal for consumption by a single consumer at any one time. Likewise, these larger bottles are not adapted to allow consumption directly therefrom. 
         [0013]    Consequently, contents contained within the relatively large bottles are typically dispensed into one of a plurality of serving containers to accommodate a plurality of consumers. Such individual serving containers typically include glasses, shot glasses, or the like. 
         [0014]    Further, the shape and size of a standard bottle can be awkward and transportation thereof may be inconvenient. 
         [0015]    The use of smaller sized bottles would enable the dispensing of uniform “single shot” servings of alcohol and would also enable the distilling and bottling of alcohol at higher levels of proof, such as 151 proof alcohol, thereby providing greater efficiencies and uniformity. Such smaller-sized bottles, however, do not comply with state and federal regulations. 
         [0016]    Accordingly, there is a demand for a system of dispensing a beverage that complies with state and federal regulations, is dispensable in smaller quantities such as single-serving sizes, enables the use of higher proof alcohol, and is easier to transport and use. 
         [0017]    Furthermore, alcoholic beverages are often delivered, dispensed, and consumed in nightclubs, parties, and the like where fashion and aesthetics are important and influence purchasing decisions. Accordingly, there is also a demand for a system of dispensing a beverage that has an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    A principal object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving beverage containers that are each independently connected to a connection system. 
         [0019]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving beverage containers that are sold as a single unit. 
         [0020]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-use serving beverage containers that will comply with applicable laws and regulations including Federal standards of fill regulations. 
         [0021]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-use serving beverage containers having a quantity that collectively sums 1.75 liters, 1.00 liter. 750 milliliters, 375 milliliters, 200 milliliters, 100 milliliters, 50 milliliters, and/or the like. 
         [0022]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-use serving beverage containers having a minimum quantity of fill that collectively sums at least 50 milliliters. 
         [0023]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-use serving beverage containers having a quantity of fill that collectively sums between two of the following volumes: 1.75 liters, 1.00 liter. 750 milliliters, 375 milliliters, 200 milliliters, 100 milliliters, 50 milliliters. For example, the plurality of single-use serving beverage containers may have a quantity of fill that collectively sums 125 milliliters. 
         [0024]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving alcoholic beverage containers that are each sized to provide a consumer with a quantity of ethanol that equals or is approximate to recommended daily ethanol consumption guidelines. 
         [0025]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving alcoholic beverage containers that are each sized to provide a consumer with a quantity having an alcoholic content that equal to or approximate to a standard drink of alcohol. Experts define a “standard drink” as 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of 72-proof distilled spirits, or 5 ounces of wine, all of which contain approximately 0.54 ounces of alcohol. 
         [0026]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-use serving beverage containers containing a liquid therein, the containers provided in increments, such as five or ten increments, and having a quantity that equals a government-mandated standard of fill if the liquid contained in each of the single-use serving containers were combined together into a single container. 
         [0027]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of individual dispensing units that combine to form a single sales unit. 
         [0028]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a single unit having a plurality of individual dispensers such that one of the individual dispensers can be consumed without compromising the shelf life and usefulness of the remaining individual dispensers. 
         [0029]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving alcoholic beverage containers that can be each opened independently such that in an instance where one of the plurality of single-serving alcoholic beverage containers is opened and exposed to air and light, the remaining unopened plurality of single-serving alcoholic beverage containers remain unexposed to air and light such that the freshness, usefulness, and shelf life of the unopened plurality of single-serving alcoholic beverage containers is preserved. 
         [0030]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a connection system such as a connector for the plurality of single-serving beverage containers to connect the plurality of single-serving beverage containers such that the connection system enables the combination of such containers in a single unit such that the unit complies with regulatory standards and also provides easy transportation of the single-serving beverage containers. 
         [0031]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of connection systems for the plurality of single-serving beverage containers that enables the combination of such containers for regulatory purposes and the easy transportation of the single-serving beverage containers. 
         [0032]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving beverage containers wherein each single-serving beverage container may have a different colored exterior container surface and/or internal fluid to form a unit having a plurality of colors. For instance, the plurality of single-serving beverage containers may be colored based on themes such as red, white, and blue for Independence Day, or red, green, and white for Christmas Day. 
         [0033]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of single-serving beverage containers wherein each single-serving beverage container may have a different flavor to form a unit having a plurality of flavors, thereby providing a variety pack. 
         [0034]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a connection system for the plurality of single-serving beverage containers wherein one or more of the plurality of single-serving beverage containers has a different colored exterior container surface and/or internal fluid to form a unit having a plurality of colors that may be based on themes such as red, white, and blue for Independence Day, or red, green, and white for Christmas Day. 
         [0035]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a plurality of connection systems for the plurality of single-serving beverage containers that enable a user to select one of the plurality of connection systems based on intended use of the single-serving containers. 
         [0036]    Another object of the present general inventive concept is to provide a connection system for the plurality of single-serving beverage containers that has an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and is easy to use. 
         [0037]    The above objects of the instant invention are accomplished through the use of a beverage dispenser system and method, and more particularly, through a beverage dispenser having a plurality of individual dispensers that are each releasably connected to one or more connection systems to provide a single unit. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0038]    These and/or other aspects and utilities of the present general inventive concept will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0039]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the present general inventive concept illustrating a container with lid and base. 
           [0040]      FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of the present general inventive concept shown in  FIG. 1  (except for the lettering, the rear elevation view of the present general inventive concept is a mirror image of the view shown in  FIG. 2 ). 
           [0041]      FIG. 3  is a right side elevation view of the present general inventive concept shown in  FIG. 1  (except for lettering, the left side elevation view of the present general inventive concept is a mirror image of the view shown in  FIG. 3 ). 
           [0042]      FIG. 4  is a top view of the present general inventive concept shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0043]      FIG. 5  is an exploded front elevation view of the present general inventive concept shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the present general inventive concept in cross-section taken along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the present general inventive concept illustrating a connection means having arms that extend to a first degree. 
           [0046]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the present general inventive concept illustrating a connection means having arms that extend to a second degree. 
           [0047]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the present general inventive concept illustrating a connection means connected with a container. 
           [0048]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the present general inventive concept illustrating a connection means having arms that extend to a first degree connected with ten containers that are secured together with a strap in addition to the connection means. 
           [0049]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the present general inventive concept illustrating a connection means having arms that extend to a second degree connected with ten containers, the connection means having a handle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0050]    Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the present general inventive concept, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain the present general inventive concept by referring to the figures. 
         [0051]    The present general inventive concept  1 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , includes a container  10  to store and dispense a liquid. The container  10  has a main body  11  with a lid  20  adapted to engage a neck  13  to cover a mouth  14  on an upper portion of the main body  11 . A base  30  on a lower portion of the main body  11  to support the container  10  in an upright position. 
         [0052]    Although the lid  20  may assume various shapes, in the exemplary embodiment, the lid  20  is dome-shaped and has a solid interior, as depicted in  FIG. 6 . It is foreseen that the lid  20  may be have hollow portions instead of a solid interior to decrease manufacturing costs via using less material thereby decreasing shipping costs. 
         [0053]    The lid  20  has a cylindrical cavity  21  with an internal top wall  22  and a peripheral skirt  23  depending therefrom. The peripheral skirt  23  has inwardly-radiating helical threads  24  that are sized and shaped to sealingly engage correspondingly sized and shaped helical threads  12  that are oriented about an outer cylindrical surface of the neck  13  of the lid  20 . 
         [0054]    It is foreseen that the lid  20  may engage the neck  13  using other engagement means. For instance, the neck  13  may have one or more ribs (not illustrated) that correspond with one or more grooves (not illustrated) in the lid  20  to allow for a snap-fit of the lid  20  onto the neck  13 . 
         [0055]    The lid  20  may also be equipped with tamper-evident detection means to indicate that the container  10  has been opened. The tamper-evident detection means may provide indication means via a visual indicator, e.g., a missing, separated, and/or extended tab, and/or a mechanical indicator, e.g., no resistance to opening. 
         [0056]    The lid  20  is constructed from glass, plastic, metal, or any other suitable material, the material having ideal properties to store a liquid over a wide range of temperatures and having sufficient durability to withstand impact from dropping the container  10 . The lid  20  may be colored, e.g., silver or gold. 
         [0057]    The container  10  is constructed from a transparent or semi-transparent material such as glass or plastic, the material having ideal properties to store a liquid over a wide range of temperatures and having sufficient durability to withstand impact from dropping the container  10 . 
         [0058]    The container  10  has an outer surface  42  that, in the exemplary embodiment, has raised lettering  50  that may be colored, e.g., silver or gold. It is foreseen that the outer surface  42  may be flat to accommodate labeling. 
         [0059]    The container  10  has an internal bladder  40  with an internal surface  41  that has a different shape than an outer surface  42  of the container  10 . The difference in shapes between the internal surface  41  and the outer surface  42  is apparent given the transparency of the material, and is especially apparent if the internal bladder  40  contains a colored liquid. The difference in shape between the internal surface  41  and the outer surface  42  provides an aesthetically pleasing appearance. 
         [0060]    The base  30  is separated from the main body  11  of the container  10  by a groove  60 . In the exemplary embodiment, the groove  60  has a concave “U” shaped surface, but it is foreseen that the groove  60  may have other shapes. 
         [0061]    The groove  60  is sized and shaped to accommodate fastener  70  as illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12 . The fastener  70  may be used to connect a plurality of containers, e.g., 10. The fastener has two end surfaces  62  and  63  and a plurality of arms  65  on either side of a center portion  66 . 
         [0062]    The arms  65  are sized and shaped to snap around the groove  60  such that a plurality of container  10  may be connected via the connection means such as fastener  70 . In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the arms  65  extend 180 degrees around the groove  60  of the container  10 . In a secondary embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the arms  65  extend further around the groove  60 , e.g., 270 degrees, or totally encompass the groove  60  to increase support of the container  10 . 
         [0063]    The fastener  70  may be constructed from a resilient material, e.g., rubber, plastic, metal, or the like, to allow the arms  65  to flex around the groove  60  and snap into place to secure the container  10 . While the fastener  70  may be designed to hold any number of containers  10 , the exemplary embodiment holds ten (10) containers  10 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the fastener  70  may be supplemented by strap  80  that extends around a top of the main body  11  below the lid  20 . The strap  80  is ideal if the arms  60  of the fastener  70  do not extend more than 180 degrees around the groove  60 . In this application, the strap  80  biases the containers  10  inward toward the center portion  66  and against the arms  60  to further secure the containers  10 . 
         [0065]    It is foreseen that the fastener  70  may also include an option handle  90  to facilitate transportation thereof, such as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The handle  90  extends from a central portion of the fastener  70  and may be contoured or fluted to heighten friction and facilitate transportation of the containers  10 . 
         [0066]    The fastener  70  permits each of the containers  10  to be packaged together as a single sales unit such that the quantity of each of the containers  10  equals a total quantity. The total quantity of the containers  10  is equal to one of a plurality of “standards of fill” as defined by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”). 
         [0067]    The present general inventive concept provides ten (10) individual containers  10  having a volume of 20 milliliters each such that the ten individual containers  10  in combination yield a single-unit quantity of 200 milliliters, which is equal to one of the standards of fill defined by the ATF. It is foreseen, however, that size and/or number of the containers  10  can be increased and/or decreased to equal any one of the plurality of standards of fill. Likewise, it is foreseen that the fastener  70  can be designed to adapt to any increase and/or decrease in the size and/or numbers of the container  10  to accommodate the containers  10 . 
         [0068]    Volume and proof are related values. As such, volume and/or proof may be manipulated such that as volume is increased, proof is decreased, and vice-versa. The ability to manipulate volume is advantageous for at least the reason that proofs may be tailored to specific consumers because some proofs may be considered too strong by some consumers. Examples of volumes and proofs include 80 proof and approximately 35 milliliters, 100 proof and approximately 33 milliliters. 
         [0069]    Although the foregoing detailed description of the present invention has been described by reference to an exemplary embodiment, and the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood that certain changes, modification or variations may be made in embodying the above invention, and in the construction thereof, other than those specifically set forth herein, may be achieved by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such changes, modification or variations are to be considered as being within the overall scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is contemplated to cover the present invention and any and all changes, modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall with in the true spirit and scope of the underlying principles disclosed and claimed herein. Consequently, the scope of the present invention is intended to be limited only by the attached claims, all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0070]    Having now described the features, discoveries and principles of the invention, the manner in which the invention is constructed and used, the characteristics of the construction, and advantageous, new and useful results obtained; the new and useful structures, devices, elements, arrangements, parts and combinations, are set forth in the appended claims. 
         [0071]    It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.