Abstract:
A compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus suitable for use as a beer “bong”, which provides for simultaneous dispensing to multiple drinkers, wherein the fluid distribution is equitable and wherein fluid is distributed to only those who are actually drinking independent of the number of distribution tubes. A container has an open container mouth and a plurality of compartments, each compartment having an open compartment mouth which collectively form the open container mouth. Each compartment is fluidically isolated from each other compartment and has its own unique exit portal. Each exit portal is connected with its respective flexible distribution tube.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to apparatus for gravitationally dispensing drinkable fluids to one or more recipients. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus for gravitationally dispensing beer to one or more recipients by means of a container and one or more dispensing tubes fluidically communicating therewith. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A practice of drinking beer out of a tube at the bottom of a funnel originated in the late 1960&#39;s when funnels and clear PVC plastics became readily available to the general public. In this regard, beer drinkers attached clear PVC distribution tube to the neck of a funnel which increased the speed with which a beer could be consumed. 
   A term in the relevant art which refers to an apparatus for drinking a fluid (normally beer) faster than one could consume the fluid when conventionally dispensed into the recipient&#39;s mouth from a can or bottle is known a “bong” and the act of doing so as “bonging”. A “bong” is built from items usually found at automotive, hardware and home improvement stores, for example funnels (as may be, for example, used for oil) and hose clamps to secure the PVC distribution tube to the neck of the funnel. 
   In operation of a “bong”, beer is poured into the open mouth of a funnel and exits out the narrow neck portion thereof into a flexible PVC distributing tube attached thereto. During pouring, the recipient (a “bonger” in the parlance of the relevant art) holds the funnel and the end of the distribution tube at relative elevations so that the beer cannot exit the distribution tube and flow out on to the ground. Next, the recipient places the end to the distribution tube into his/her mouth and then raises the funnel and/or adjusts the shape of the distribution tube, so that, with open throat, the beer flows freely under the urging of gravity into the stomach. Importantly for this to work as described, the mouth of the funnel must be freely open so that vacuum is not generated in the funnel as the beer “bong” process ensues. This act of “bonging” became very popular in the United States with college students and also became a hit at parties because it is a fun spectacle to watch. 
   Beer “bongers” have also pushed store parts to their limits by attempting to enhance the functionality of beer “bongs” to include simultaneous multiple person beer “bonging”. In this regard, commercial beer “bongs” have now come onto the market featuring PVC distribution tubes connected to a manifold system that simultaneously distributes beer to multiple “bongers”. 
   Unfortunately, all efforts to create a beer “bong” suitable for simultaneously distributing beer to multiple “bongers” have failed for a number of reasons: 1) differing beers poured into the funnel become commingled; 2) the manifold system is flawed in that the distribution tubes are commonly connected to the funnel, so that an equal amount of beer cannot be equally distributed to each “bonger” even if “bongers” are careful in how they tilt the funnel to distribute beer to each distribution tube; and 3) the number of distribution tubes requires a similar number of users, which number cannot be changed lest some beer will be undesirably delivered into unused distribution tubes from the funnel if not enough “bongers” are present to drink from all the distribution tubes. 
   Accordingly, what remains needed in the art is a liquid dispensing apparatus (a beer “bong”) which provides for simultaneous dispensing to multiple drinkers, wherein the fluid distribution is equitable as among the drinkers, and accommodates only those who are actually drinking independent of the number of distribution tubes. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is a compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus, suitable for use as a beer “bong”, which provides for simultaneous dispensing to multiple drinkers, wherein the fluid distribution is equitable and wherein the fluid is distributed to only those who are actually drinking, independently of the number of distribution tubes. 
   The compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus according to the present invention is composed of a container having an open container mouth and a plurality of compartments, each compartment having an open compartment mouth which collectively form the open container mouth of the container. Each compartment is fluidically isolated from each other compartment and has its own exclusive exit portal. Each exit portal is connected with its own respective flexible distribution tube. 
   In a preferred form of the compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus, the container has a frustoconically shaped side wall, and each of the compartments comprise a wedge shape which partly shares a portion of the container side wall and partly shares a pair of divider walls. Each of the compartments occupies an equal volume. The number of compartments may be any number, odd or even, wherein eight compartments is most preferred. 
   In operation, at least one type of fluid is poured into one or more compartments via its respective open compartment mouth, (any compartment receiving fluid is designated as an “active compartment”, while any compartment not receiving fluid is designated as an “inactive compartment”). The pouring of the at least one type of fluid may involve different fluids being delivered into any of the active compartments. In so doing, the user or users hold his/her respective distribution tube from his/her active compartment so that it has a downwardly directed U-shape which collects the fluid poured into his/her active compartment and the fluid is unable to escape the end of the distribution tube. Once all the active compartments have been delivered their respective fluid, the users deliver their respective fluid into their mouth by straightening the U-shape of the distribution tubing, usually accompanied by raising upwardly the container. It is considered most preferable for fun purposes, but it is not necessary, for each user to deliver the fluid into his/her mouth simultaneously and as quickly as possible in competitive racing fun among the drinkers. 
   From the foregoing, it is readily seen that the fluid delivered to any one compartment is completely exclusive of any other compartment, all the way to the end of its respective distribution tube. Of particular note is that the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus according to the present invention provides a “bong” apparatus for “bonging” beer without any of the aforementioned detriments that have plagued the prior art. 
   Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a compartmented fluid distribution apparatus according to the present invention which is particularly suitable for “bonging” beer without fluid loss among a greater or lesser number of simultaneous participants, with equitable fluid distribution, and without fluid commingling. 
   This and additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer from the following specification of a preferred embodiment. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a compartmented fluid distribution apparatus according to the present invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a bottom perspective view of a compartmented fluid distribution apparatus as shown at  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a container of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus as shown at  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a bottom perspective view of the container of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus as shown at  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the container of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus as shown at  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus, seen along line  6 — 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic view of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus similar to  FIG. 6 , now showing a stage of operation in solid lines and a later stage of operation in dashed lines. 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to the Drawing,  FIGS. 1 through 7  depict various aspects of a preferred embodiment of a compartmented fluid distribution apparatus  10  according to the present invention. As can be seen from reference to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus  10  includes a container  12  defined by a sidewall  14 , a plurality of compartments  16  subdividing the interior space of the container, a plurality of exit portals  18 , one exit portal, respectively, for each compartment, and a plurality of flexible distribution tubes  20 , one distribution tube, respectively, for each exit portal. 
   The sidewall  14  of the container  12  is preferably frustoconical in shape, being characterized by an open container mouth  22  at its greatest girth, tapering to a least girth at a floor portion  24  of the sidewall (see  FIG. 6 ). Other sidewall shapes are possible, as for example a cylindrical shape. Each of the exit portals  18  emanates from the sidewall  14  adjoining the floor portion  24  in exclusive fluidic communication with its respective compartment  16 . Divider walls  26  demarcate the compartments  16  by radially extending from a centrally disposed spine  30  to the sidewall  14 , and extending, parallel to the spine, from the open container mouth  22  to the floor portion  24 . Each divider wall  26  is sealingly affixed so that each compartment  16  defined thereby is fluidically isolated from every other compartment. 
   Each compartment  16  is preferably pie-shaped, having preferably an equal volume and has a compartment open mouth  28  which forms a constituent of the open container mouth  22  (wherein all the compartment open mouths collectively form the open compartment mouth). Accordingly, any fluid poured into a compartment  16  is exclusively retained in that compartment and is only exitable therefrom at its respective exit portal  18  and into its respectively attached distribution tube  20 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , it will be seen that the number of compartments  16  (and consequently the number of divider walls  26 ) is preferentially eight in number, and that the structural interrelationship is, therefore, as follows: Compartment  16   a  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   a , exit portal  18   a  and distribution tube  20   a ; compartment  16   b  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   b , exit portal  18   b  and distribution tube  20   b ; compartment  16   c  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   c , exit portal  18   c  and distribution tube  20   c ; compartment  16   d  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   d , exit portal  18   d  and distribution tube  20   d ; compartment  16   e  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   e , exit portal  18   e  and distribution tube  20   e ; compartment  16   f  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   f , exit portal  18   f  and distribution tube  20   f ; compartment  16   g  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   g , exit portal  18   g  and distribution tube  20   g ; and compartment  16   h  exclusively includes compartment open mouth  28   h , exit portal  18   h  and distribution tube  20   h.    
   Each exit portal  18  preferably is in the form of a nipple  18 N that is integrally formed with the sidewall  14  adjoining the floor portion  24  thereof (see  FIG. 6 ). Each exit portal  18  (that is, nipple  18 N) projects at a relative angle A of about 45 degrees with respect to the floor portion  24  and the spine  30  (shown at  FIG. 6 ). 
   In order to connect a distribution tube  20  to the exit portal  18  (that is, the nipple  18 N), it is preferred to utilize an intermediary tubular adapter coupling  32 . By way of preferential construction which allows for removal of parts for cleaning and service,  FIG. 6  shows that each nipple  18 N has interior threading  34  which is threadably engaged with exterior threading  36  at an inboard end  32   a  of the adapter coupling  32 . The opposite, outboard end  32   b  of the adapter coupling  32  is provided with annular barbs. In this regard, one end of the distribution tube  20  is expansively forced (allowed for by the inherent resiliency of the distribution tube) over the annular barbs  38  so as to be sealingly seated on the outboard end of the coupling adapter. 
   By way of preferred exemplification only (and not limitation), structural and dimensional aspects of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus  10  will now be detailed. 
   The container  12  is preferably formed of an FDA food grade plastic, most preferably a polypropylene, having a volume of about ninety-six fluid ounces, wherein each of the eight compartments, therefore, has a volume of about twelve fluid ounces. Each coupling adapter  32  is preferably constructed of FDA food grade nylon about two inches in length, having an inside diameter of about one inch (for example, a commercially available 1 inch I.D. ¾ inch NPT/MIP nylon adapter). Each distribution tube  20  is preferably formed of FDA certified food grade, flexible, clear PVC plastic, having a length of about thirty inches, with an inside diameter of about one inch and an outside diameter of about one and one-quarter inches, wherein each distribution tube has a volume of about thirty fluid ounces. 
   Accordingly, each compartment and its distribution tube have a volume of about forty-two fluid ounces, and a total volume of the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus  10  is about three hundred thirty-six fluid ounces, wherein the percentage of volume of the distribution tubes is about seventy-one percent of the total volume. By way of exemplification in terms of volumetrics, a single user may pour twelve fluid ounces of a drinkable fluid into his/her predetermined compartment, and all the fluid will be directed to its respective distribution tube; if for example more than about thirty fluid ounces are to be to consumed, then all the volume of the distribution tube will be filled, and some of the fluid will remain in the compartment until consumption commences. 
   The above structural recitations are by way merely of preferred exemplification, and other structural aspects may be advantageously adopted. For non-limiting example, the volume of the compartments may be varied, the length and/or diameter of the distribution tubes may be varied, the number of compartments may be varied, and the size of the coupling adapters may be varied (as for example to enhance fluid flow therethrough). 
   Preferred manufacturing steps of the compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus  10  according to the present invention will now be detailed. 
   The container  12 , inclusive of the divider walls  26  and the exit portals  18  (ie., the nipples  18 N) are formed integrally via a plastic injection molding process well known in the art. For example, a multiple component mold is used. In a first molding process, the sidewall  14  and the exit portals  18  are formed, then an insert of the mold is used to subsequently mold the eight divider walls  26  and the center spine  28 , all then being sealingly fused together. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , an example of operation of the compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus  10  will be detailed. In this regard, merely be way of simplified example, operation with respect to two simultaneous users will be described. 
   At least one type of fluid F, F′ is poured into each of the active compartments  16 , (any compartment receiving fluid is designated as an “active compartment”, while any compartment not receiving fluid is designated as an “inactive compartment”). The pouring of the at least one type of fluid may involve different fluids being delivered into any of the active compartments. 
   In so doing, as can be understood from the solid line view of  FIG. 7 , the users hold his/her respective distribution tube  20  from his/her active compartment, at, for example, first hand grasp locations G 1  and G 1 ′ and the end portion of the respective distribution tube pressed against his/her chest C, C′, so that the respective distribution tube has a downwardly bowed U-shape which collects the fluid poured into his/her active compartment and the fluid is unable to escape the end  20   a  of the respective distribution tube. 
   Once all the active compartments have been delivered their respective fluid, the users deliver their respective fluid into their mouth by using second hand grasp locations G 2 , G 2 ′, as can be understood from the dashed line view of  FIG. 7 , and then straighten the U-shape of the respective distribution tubes while simultaneously raising upwardly the container using the first hand grasp locations G 1 , G 1 ′ so as to cause the fluid to gravitationally flow into his/her mouth. In this regard, it will be noted that the exit portal angle A of forty-five degrees helps to keep the relative altitude and attitude of the container  12  and the ends  20   e  of the distribution tubes optimal. It will be additionally noted that the act of straightening the distribution tubes involves raising of the container if the ends  20   a  are held at constant elevation, the group of simultaneous users carrying out this act in unison being most preferred. 
   It is considered most preferable for fun purposes, but it is not necessary, for each user to deliver the fluid into his/her mouth simultaneously and as quickly as possible, to provide an element of competition excitement as to who can drink the fastest. 
   Any combination of users (up to eight per the embodiment depicted herein) can use the compartmented fluid dispensing apparatus  10 . For example, if there are three users who wish to race each other in consuming fluids, they can simply pour fluid into any three of the (now active) compartments and no loss of fluid will transpire as no leakage to the other (no inactive) compartments can occur. 
   From the foregoing, it is readily seen that the fluid delivered to any one compartment is completely exclusive of any other compartment, all the way to the end  20   a  of its respective distribution tube  20 . Of particular note is that the compartmented fluid distribution apparatus according to the present invention provides a “bong” apparatus for “bonging” beer without any of the aforementioned detriments that have plagued the prior art. 
   To those skilled in the art to which this invention appertains, the above described preferred embodiment may be subject to change or modification. Such change or modification can be carried out without departing from the scope of the invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.