Patent Document

PRIORITY STATEMENT 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/522,308 filed Oct. 27, 2011, entitled Shakeable Container with Agitator. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This present disclosure relates to an agitator used for the mixing of powder and liquid, or differing viscosity liquids, within a fully enclosed hand-held shakeable container. 
         [0004]    2. Background and Related Art 
         [0005]    There is a basic need to mix a liquid and powder, or to mix differing viscosities and/or density liquids. In some cases an agitator is used to more greatly homogenize a product prior to use, as in aerosol paint (typically a sealed aluminum or metal container with a non-removable agitator that is discarded after use). There is also a common and recurring need for the mixing of products for edible consumption. Such consumable products in need of mixture include baby formulas, nutritional and dietary supplements, powdered and liquid flavored drink mixes, pancake batters, medicinal products, etc. Powdered and/or differing density liquids are difficult to mix into a smooth and homogenous suspension. Without the use of an agitator as the catalyst to fully mix the ingredients, there is a common problem of clumping powders and suspended and non-mixed ingredients. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present disclosure relates to an agitator used for the mixing of powder and liquid, or differing viscosity liquids, within a fully enclosed hand-held shakeable container. Implementation of the present device takes place in association with a shakeable container that includes, in some embodiments, a straw, agitator and lid. The ingredients requiring mixture are enclosed in the shakeable container. In some embodiments, the container is shaken in an up and down manner, causing the agitator to move up and down the affixed straw, bumping off the bottom of the lid and the flange at the bottom of the straw, increasing inertia from the springing motion to more rapidly and fully mix the contents with less effort. There are many alternative shapes and sizes of the lid, container and straw, other than those expressly disclosed herein. In addition, the length of the straw may vary to accommodate the size of the container it is affixed to. 
         [0007]    While the methods and processes disclosed herein have proven to be particularly useful in the area of mixing liquid and powder, or to mix different viscosities and/or density liquids, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the methods and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and in a variety of different areas of manufacture to yield a mixed product. Certain embodiments may involve the mixing of the following non-limiting list: powdered drinks, electrolyte pills, energy drinks, baby formula, pancake batter, crepes, baking materials, salsa, sauces (hollandaise, gravy, etc.), oil and vinegar, salad dressings, smoothies, juices, coffee and creamer/flavorings, alcohol mixed drinks, medical-related substances (pills, laxatives, fiber drinks, etc), and non-edibles (paint, household cleaners, etc). 
         [0008]    Some embodiments include a system of using a straw and agitator in conjunction with each other. In certain embodiments, the straw is affixed to the lid of the shakeable container and has a flanged base. In some embodiments, an agitator is connected to the straw. This keeps the agitator as part of a larger piece and lowers the number of independent parts. A common problem with a free and loose agitator is the propensity for them to fall through dishwasher trays into the cleaning mechanisms, and their propensity to be lost. 
         [0009]    In various embodiments, the shape and makeup of the agitator may vary greatly (see  FIG. 22  for a partial display of potential agitator shapes and configurations). The agitator may be built of plastic, metal, or any other material. In certain embodiments, the design of the agitator apparatus is that of an hourglass shape, constructed of a metal wire coiled in a manner to create this shape. In some embodiments, the construction of the metal coil creates several points of close contact with the straw to prevent binding, but is loose enough that it will flow freely when shaking the container to mix the contents. 
         [0010]    In certain embodiments, the agitator moves freely up and down the straw to aid in creating a homogeneous mixture of the contents. Some embodiments feature a coiled design of the agitator that creates a spring effect that magnifies the inertia caused when shaking the container and works to lessen the effort needed and lower the time required to fully mix the contents of the container. The straw may be constructed of any material that will keep it rigid enough to allow the free movement of the agitator along the length of the straw. In some embodiments, the agitator moves along the entire length of the straw. In other embodiments, the agitator moves along less than the entire length of the straw. In some embodiments, the main body of the straw is to be linear and straight. In other embodiments, the main body of the straw is not straight but allows the agitator to move along the length of the straw in response to the shaking of the container. 
         [0011]    In certain embodiments, the straw is affixed tightly to the container&#39;s lid creating a water/airtight seal. In some embodiments, this seal can be created by a pressed fit connection. In other embodiments, this seal can be created by a threaded fit connection. In some embodiments, the bottom portion of the straw has a flanged end. In certain embodiments, the flange serves as a base for the agitator to “spring” or “bounce” off of when the bottle is shaken, and also serves to keep the agitator from falling off the straw and becoming a loose and independent piece. In some embodiments, the flange touches the base of the container. In other embodiments, the flange does not touch the bottom of the container. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the straw is made of plastic. In certain embodiments, the lid is constructed of a complimenting plastic material and, together, the lid and straw function to create a water and air tight seal. In some embodiments the straw and lid can be separated. However, in other embodiments, the straw and lid form one, unitary part. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the construction of the lid is such that is has a common flip up apparatus that serves to seal the contents within the bottle when closed, or allow access to the contents of the bottle through sucking or pouring when open. In certain embodiments, when the straw attachment of the lid is closed, it works as a common valve to block access to the contents of the bottle and allows agitation without spilling. In some embodiments, when the straw is in an open position, the contents of the shakeable container can be sucked from the bottle. In certain embodiments, a common silicone grommet is used to create a water and airtight seal to prevent any spillage or decrease in sucking efficiency during consumption. 
         [0014]    Some embodiments include a second opening on the lid. In certain embodiments, this second opening is larger than the opening or hollow portion of the straw. In some embodiments, this second opening is covered or closed by a common flip up top, or chug cap, that creates a water and air tight seal when closed, but allows for a “chug” or more rapid consumption of the contents of the bottle when open. 
         [0015]    In some embodiments, the lid/straw combination is affixed to the bottle through a compression fit or threads, and utilizes a silicone washer to create a water and airtight seal with the base of the bottle. 
         [0016]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be set forth or will become more fully apparent in the description that follows. The features and advantages may also be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the description that follows. Furthermore, the features and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practice of the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forth hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    In order that the manner in which the above recited and other features and advantages of the present invention are obtained, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the present invention and are not, therefore, to be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, the present invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0018]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw; 
           [0020]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw; 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  illustrates a top view of a representative lid; 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  illustrates a bottom view of the base; 
           [0023]      FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective view of a representative shakeable container with an agitator and straw; 
           [0024]      FIG. 9 a    is a top view of an embodiment of the lid with a flip-up straw in closed position and the lid cover; 
           [0025]      FIG. 9 b    is a side view of an embodiment of the lid that shows the flip-up straw in closed position and the lid cover; 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  shows the lid cover when removed from the lid and the second opening and flip-up straw in the closed position; 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  illustrates a front view of the shakeable container where the flip-up straw is in open position; 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  illustrates a back view of the shakeable container where the flip-up straw is in open position; 
           [0029]      FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate a side view of the shakeable container where lid cover is in open position and where flip-up straw is also in open position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 15  shows the lid in open position; 
           [0031]      FIG. 16  illustrates the underside of the base and the topside of the lid when in open position; 
           [0032]      FIG. 17  illustrates a cut-away view of a representative straw and agitator; 
           [0033]      FIG. 18 a    illustrates a representative agitator together with a detachable straw and lid; 
           [0034]      FIG. 18 b    illustrates a close up perspective view of the bottom of straw and flange; 
           [0035]      FIG. 18 c    illustrates a cut away view of the shakeable container; 
           [0036]      FIG. 19  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the lid with the flip-up straw in a closed position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 20  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the lid with the flip-up straw in an open position; 
           [0038]      FIG. 21  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the lid with a second opening and a chug cap; 
           [0039]      FIG. 22  illustrates various examples of agitators; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 23 and 24  show selective portions of shakeable container; 
           [0041]      FIG. 25  shows examples of various shapes of grids; and 
           [0042]      FIG. 26  shows a mesh screen through which the straw runs. 
           [0043]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of the shakeable container. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0044]      FIG. 1  shows an exemplary shakeable container  10  according to at least one embodiment. In some embodiments, shakeable container  10  includes a straw  12 , agitator  14 , and lid  16 . In certain embodiments, the straw  12  includes a flange  18  located on a bottom portion  20  of the straw  12  and a threaded portion  22  (not shown) located on a top portion  24  of the straw  12 . 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the agitator  14  is that of an hourglass shape, constructed of a metal wire coiled in a manner to create this shape. In certain embodiments, the agitator  14  creates several points of contact with straw  12  creating a connection with the straw  12  that allows the agitator  14  to move freely up and down straw  12  when the shakeable container  10  is shaken. In some embodiments, flange  18  is in contact with a base  25  of shakeable container  10 . In other embodiments, flange  18  does not contact the base  25  of shakeable container  10 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 1  also shows a view of the shakeable container  10 , where the shakeable container  10  has a flip-up straw  50  in closed position. In addition,  FIG. 1  shows lid cover  60  in closed position. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2  shows an exemplary shakeable container  10  from the reverse side of  FIG. 1 . In particular,  FIG. 2  shows lid  16  from the opposite view as is shown in  FIG. 1 . In this view, the flip-up straw  50  is not viewable because it is in closed position. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary shakeable container  10  in a perspective view. From this view, the agitator  14  is shown in an hour-glass shape where the separation of wires  15  of agitator  14  can be seen before they have been compressed. In this embodiment, the agitator  14  is positioned toward the bottom of the straw  12 .  FIG. 3  also shows flip-up straw  50  in closed position and lid cover  60  in closed position. In this embodiment of lid cover  60 , lid cover  60  has a lip  61 . In some embodiments, lid  61  serves as a handle or gripping device on which a user can place his or her hand to assist in opening the lid cover  60 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 4  shows shakeable container  10  from a side view where lip  61  of lid cover  60  is on the left side of shakeable container  10 . This embodiment also shows that flange  18  does not contact the base  25  of shakeable container  10 . Similarly,  FIG. 5  shows the reverse side of shakeable container  10  where lip  61  of lid cover  60  is on the right side of shakeable container  10 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 6  is a top view of an embodiment of the lid  60  that shows the flip-up straw  50  in closed position and lid cover  60  in a closed position. 
         [0051]      FIG. 7  shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the shakeable container  10  that shows the bottom view of base  25 . 
         [0052]      FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of shakeable container  10  from a bottom perspective view. From this view, one can see the bottom side of base  25  as well as the bottom side of agitator  14  where space between wires  15  can be seen. In addition,  FIG. 8  shows the underside of lid  16  where the underside of second opening  56  can also be seen including the bottom side of chug cap  58  when chug cap  58  is inserted into the second opening and where lid cover  60  is in closed position. In addition,  FIG. 8  shows the underside of flip-up straw  50  in closed position. In this embodiment, the content, whether it is liquid or otherwise, of shakeable container  10  is secure and allows a user to freely and aggressively shake the exemplary shakeable container  10  without spilling the contents. 
         [0053]      FIG. 9 a    is a top view of an embodiment of the lid  16  that shows the flip-up straw  50  in closed position and lid cover  60 .  FIG. 9 b    is a side view of an embodiment of the lid  16  that shows the flip-up straw  50  in closed position and lid cover  60 . 
         [0054]      FIG. 10  is an embodiment that shows lid cover  60  when removed from lid  16 .  FIG. 10  also shows second opening  56  and flip-up straw  50  in closed position. 
         [0055]      FIG. 11  shows a front view of shakeable container  10  where flip-up straw  50  is in open position and where lid cover  60  is not attached.  FIG. 12  shows the reverse side as is shown in  FIG. 11  where flip-up straw  50  is also in open position. 
         [0056]      FIG. 13  shows a side view of shakeable container  10  where lid cover  60  is in open position and where flip-up straw  50  is also in open position. From this view, chug cap  58  can be seen.  FIG. 14  shows the reverse view from  FIG. 13  and similarly shows flip-up straw  50  in open position and lid cover  60  in open position, as well as chug cap  58 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 15  shows lid  16  in open position.  FIG. 15  also shows the top view of second opening  56  and the bottom view of chug cap  58 . In addition,  FIG. 15  shows flip-up straw  50  in open position and inner straw channel  54 .  FIG. 16  shows the underside of base  25  and it shows the topside of lid cover  60 , where lid cover  60  is in open position. 
         [0058]      FIG. 17  shows an embodiment of the agitator  14  in the context of a cut-away view of straw  12  where agitator  14  has a first contact point  26 , a second contact point  28  and a third contact point  30  with straw  12 . In certain embodiments, the three contact points allow the agitator to be coiled closely around the circumference of the straw  12  without being tightly affixed to the straw  12 . This design shown in  FIG. 17  serves to keep the agitator  14  from binding on the straw  12 , but allows it to move freely up and down the straw  12  to aid in creating a homogeneous mixture of the contents. In addition, the coiled design of the agitator  14 , as is shown in  FIG. 17  creates a spring effect that magnifies the inertia created when shaking the shakeable container  10  and works to lessen the effort needed and lower the time required to fully mix the contents of the shakeable container  10 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 18 a    shows various embodiments of agitator  14  as it moves up and down straw  12  because shakeable container  10  has been shaken. For example, in this embodiment,  FIG. 18 a    shows agitator  14  in a compressed position  32  as agitator  14  is positioned near the bottom of straw  12  and near flange  18 . In this embodiment, the flared shape of flange  18  functions to as a base for the agitator  14  to spring or bounce off of when shakeable container  10  is shaken, and also serves to keep the agitator from falling off the straw and becoming a loose and independent piece. 
         [0060]      FIG. 18 a    also shows agitator  14  in an expanded position  34 . In certain embodiments, when agitator  14  reaches the top of straw  12  near to or touching the lid  16 , agitator  14  goes into compressed position  32 . 
         [0061]      FIG. 18 a    also shows that in various embodiments straw  12  is affixed to lid  16  creating a watertight and airtight seal. In certain embodiments, this seal is created by a pressed fit connection. In other embodiments, this seal between the straw  12  and lid  16  is created by a threaded fit connection. In some embodiments, straw  12  is connected to lid  16  via the straw-connector  36 . 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the straw  12  may be constructed of any material that is rigid enough to hold its shape under the strain of shaking the shakeable container  10 , easily cleanable and dishwasher safe, and hygienic enough to be used with ingestibles. In certain embodiments, the straw  12  is made of plastic. 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, straw  12  and lid  16  can be separated, as is shown in  FIG. 18 a   . In other embodiments, straw  12  and lid  16  form a singular part of shakeable container  10  and cannot be separated. 
         [0064]      FIG. 18 b    shows a close up perspective view of the bottom of straw  12  and flange  18 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 18 c    shows a cut away view of the shakeable container  10  that shows straw  12  with a ring  19  shown near the base of straw  12 . In some embodiments, ring  19  functions to help keep the agitator  14  from falling off the end of the straw  12 .  FIG. 18 c    also shows an embodiment where straw  12  and ring  19  do not touch the base  25  of the shakeable container  10 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 19  shows an exemplary embodiment of lid  16  with the flip-up straw  50  that includes a hollow portion  52  and shows flip-up straw  50  in a closed position. The contents of the shakeable container  10  are sealed within the shakeable container  10  when the flip-up straw  50  is in closed position. When closed, the flip-up straw  50  of the lid  16  works as a common valve to block access to the contents of the shakeable container  10  and allows agitation without spilling. 
         [0067]      FIG. 20  shows an exemplary embodiment of lid  16  that shows the flip-up straw  50  in an open position. In this embodiment, hollow portion  52  is aligned with an inner straw channel  54 , allowing fluid to flow through the inner straw channel  54  and hollow portion  52 . In some embodiments, a user may access the contents of the shakeable container  10  through sucking when the flip-up straw  50  is in an open position. 
         [0068]      FIG. 21  shows an embodiment that includes a second opening  56  and a chug cap  58 . When secured in the second opening  56 , the chug cap  58  creates a water tight and airtight seal. When the chug cap  58  is removed from the second opening  56 , the user can drink from the shakeable container  10  by accessing the contents through the second opening  56 . In some embodiments, the chug cap  58  is physically connected to the lid  16  even when in an open position. In certain embodiments, chug cap  58  can be opened via a flip-up top. In other embodiments, the chug cap  58  is completely removable from the lid  16 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 22  shows examples of agitators  14  used in various embodiments. For example,  FIG. 22  shows three examples of agitators shaped in an hourglass configuration as agitators  38 ,  40  and  48 . Other shapes include: an oval-shaped agitator  42 , where the equatorial diameter is greater than the polar diameter; triangular-shaped agitator  44 ; the inverse-hour glass agitator  46 ; substantially rectangular-shaped agitator  62 , and continuous loop agitator  64 .  FIG. 22  also shows a cut-away view of continuous loop agitator  64 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 23  shows selective portions of shakeable container  10 . In particular,  FIG. 23  shows lid  16  in closed position, straw  12  and agitator  14 . In this embodiment, agitator  14  as in the earlier embodiments may move along substantially the entire length of straw  12  or, alternatively, agitator  14  may remain in a fixed position relative to straw  12 . Where agitator  14  remains in a fixed position, the contents of shakeable container  10  moves through the grids  17  of agitator  14  when a user shakes shakeable container  10 . 
         [0071]      FIG. 24  shows an alternative embodiment of agitator  14  where grids  17  are slanted. 
         [0072]      FIG. 25  shows examples of various shapes of grids  17  that are also effective in mixing the contents of shakeable container  10 . 
         [0073]      FIG. 26  is an embodiment that shows a mesh screen  66  through which straw  12  runs. In this embodiment, mesh screen  66  is shaped as a grid. However, in other embodiments, mesh screen  66  may be shaped in any other shape or configuration.  FIG. 9  also shows lid  16  in an open position. 
         [0074]      FIG. 27  shows a perspective view of shakeable container  10  where lid  16  is in open position. In this view, not only is flip-up straw  50  shown in open position but also lid cover  60  is shown in open position.  FIG. 27  also shows second opening  56 , where chug cap  58  is not inserted into second opening  56 . If the flip-up straw  50  were closed, one could access the content of shakeable container  10  by drinking out of the second opening  56 . If lid cover  60  were in closed position, a user could access the contents of shakeable container  10  by drinking out of flip-up straw  50  because fluid would be able to exit shakeable container  10  by traveling out inner straw channel  54 . 
         [0075]    Thus, as discussed herein, the embodiments of the present invention embrace a shakeable container that includes, in some embodiments, a straw, agitator and lid. 
         [0076]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

Technology Category: a