US20140050424A1

US20140050424A1 - Beverage container and an easily storable beverage dispenser

Info

Publication number: US20140050424A1
Application number: US13/587,010
Authority: US
Inventors: Jacob N. Hilsenrath; Sean M. McGann
Original assignee: FUELPAKS Inc
Current assignee: FUELPAKS Inc
Priority date: 2012-08-16
Filing date: 2012-08-16
Publication date: 2014-02-20

Abstract

A combined beverage container and storage device easily storable until usage and capable of being removable from premises for dispensing contents contained in the container for later consumption and provided with a sealable non-leak sealing mechanism. The beverage container is formed from flexible plastic material and the beverage dispenser has one end in contact with contents in the container and another end to provide access by a user to the contents and a closure including a sealable non-leak sealing mechanism providing an opening and closing a container opening through which the tubular member is inserted into the container, or an elastomeric material surrounding the container opening for insertion of the dispenser, fixed with the outside of the container to close the opening.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
This invention is concerned with a beverage container and a beverage dispenser which is easily storable and can be used by an individual for consumption off-premises from where purchased for later consumption of the contents such as a liquid.
More specifically, the invention is concerned with a flexible container which is easily storable by a shop owner who can provide the contents for off-premises consumption of the contents which are normally supplied for on-premises consumption. The beverage dispenser in one embodiment is a flexible straw storable in the container and in another embodiment storable in a separate pocket associated with the container and in still another embodiment held within the container ready to be used. The straw can be formed of a bellows-type extension or provided with an accordion-type of outer configuration forming at least part of the mouthpiece portion from which the contents is extracted from the container in one embodiment or as a preferred modification an opening can be provided and by providing a protective covering on the straw member which can be formed at the top or mouthpiece of the straw member by placing a covering over the opening for entry of the straw member into the container with the straw member being formed as a collapsible item for ease of storage and the opening and straw covered. The protective covering is attached to the container to cover the opening into the container. In addition, a covering or cap for the mouthpiece for the straw can include a plug provided with a flap so that the plug can be inserted into the mouthpiece of the straw for closure thereof and the flap which is attached to the plug can be used as lever to remove the plug from the raw.
2. Description of Prior Art
There is a large quantity of prior art which is available in this field of technology, but in so far as we are aware there is none which provides for a container and a contents dispenser and the ability to obtain freshly dispensed liquid for later consumption with appropriate sealing. Some examples of prior art which is currently available is exemplified by the following disclosures.
Rossitto U.S. Patent application publication NO. 2012/0012597 discloses a somewhat typical straw for the dispensing of a liquid and provided with a check valve to control the exiting of the liquid. The check valve is in the form of a sealing flap. The present invention provides a straw with means to prevent exiting of the liquid when the straw is not in use by a user for the withdrawal of liquid.
Roche U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0233297 discloses a cap for a straw to prevent leakage, and as others in this crowded art have indicated, the cap is not completely successful to accomplish the purpose and applicants' proposal provides an unique improvement.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

10 Beverage container and Beverage dispenser
11 Container
12 Bottom
13 Thickened base portion
14 upstanding outer vertical flexible container or container made of flexible material
15 Oval planar cross-section forming base of container
16 Straw Opening (For entry of straw into container)
16A Elastomeric material (To hold 18E until ready for use)
16B Elastomeric material surrounding straw opening 16
18 Beverage dispenser or Straw arrangement
18A Straw with flap 42 at base
18B Straw portion with accordion-like or bellows-type side or outer configuration 18E
18C Straw attached to and integral with container 14 (via 16A)
18D Portion of straw 18C inside of container 14 (a first portion of straw 18 generally within container 11)
18E portion of straw 18C outside of container 14 and provided with bellows-type or accordion-like outer configuration
19 Second or top opening providing access to container 11(opening providing access to container 11 for adding liquid)
20 Zipper closure
22 Rigid Plastic material
24 Liquid withdrawal end or exit from straw 18
24 A closure member 2
32 Container closure Flap
32A First Velcro closure member
32B Second Velcro closure member
34 Connection member
34C Protective film
38 Closure member for liquid withdrawal exit 24 (FIG. 1)
42 Straw bottom opening closure flap
44 Liquid inlet opening at the base of the straw
45 Tight fit between elastomeric material 16A and straw 18
46 Pivotal connector
47 Pivotal closure cap member or closure member forming a protective member
47A Pivotal closure cap member attached to sealing plug 47B (FIG. 7)
47B Sealing plug
48 Pivotal connector mechanism
48A Pivotal connection
48B Outlet
50 Straw pocket or pocket attached to container 11
52 Zipper arrangement (see FIG. 1)
54 Modified pocket
56 Wall portion
58 Flap or lift portion

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To these ends, the present invention consists in a combined beverage container and storage device which is easily storable until usage and capable of being removable from premises for dispensing contents to be contained in the container for later consumption and provided with a sealable non-leak sealing mechanism, and includes a combined beverage container and beverage dispenser. The beverage container is formed from a flexible plastic material which is easily foldable for storage purposes and easily unfoldable for usage and is provided with a base member having a thickness with sufficient rigidity to provide a support for the beverage container, and the beverage dispenser cooperating with a side of the container; the beverage dispenser has one end in contact with contents contained within the beverage container and another end to provide access by a user to the contents contained within the beverage container; the beverage container has a first opening substantially at or near the top thereof for introduction of the contents which is to be contained within the container and the sealable non-leak sealing mechanism including a device movable transversely to an axis perpendicular to the base member for closing the first opening and for opening the sealing mechanism to provide access to inside of the beverage container; the beverage dispenser includes a tubular member having a first and a second end and a flexible bellows located between the ends to permit the tubular member to be bent such that ends are movable out of axial alignment with each other such that the tubular member having a portion between the bellows and the first end is displaceable from the outside of the beverage container for placement into a comfortable position for the user, a pressure actuated locking mechanism coupled with said second end to prevent the contents contained within the beverage container from exiting from the beverage container through the first end; and, an entry arrangement is provided for the tubular member for entry into the beverage container connected with a side wall of the beverage container and provided with a second opening for the tubular member through which the tubular member is inserted with the second end into the container, an elastomeric material surrounding the opening and fixed with the outside of the container and having a diameter less than the outer diameter of the tubular member and the second opening for providing a substantially tight fit about the outer portion of the tubular member for preventing any leakage of the contents contained within the container through the second opening and a closure member associated with the container for closing and sealing the second opening or the first end of the tubular member when the tubular member is not in use.
The pressure actuated locking mechanism includes at least one pivotal flap pivotally connected with the one end.
The container in a preferred embodiment is provided with a side opening forming the second opening and a pocket is provided associated with the container which is movable into and out of the container through the second opening for containing a first portion of the beverage dispenser when not in use and is extractable from the pocket when to be used as the liquid extraction portion of the straw. An elastomeric covering for the opening in the pocket is provided for inserting or receiving the first portion of the straw which for ease of insertion can be made in a bellows-type arrangement or accordion like arrangement, the pocket has a first opening through which a second portion of the beverage dispenser passes through and is contained within the container in contact with the liquid to be extracted from the container, the pocket being provided with a second opening through which the first portion is removable from the container and the pocket as well as being insertable into the pocket for storage when not in use and an elastomeric closure is provided for the second opening of the pocket together with means for maintaining the elastomeric closure associated with the pocket for containing the second portion within the pocket and closing the second opening of the pocket and the side opening at the side opening at the side of the container.
A feature of this embodiment is that the pocket can be attached to a side of the container for insertion and storage in the container or can be attached to a closure for the second opening for storage in the container. In both embodiments the pocket is movable from the outside of the container into the inside of the container for storage when the beverage dispenser is not being used, and the second portion of the beverage dispenser is held tightly in the pocket by the elastomeric material and is capable of being pulled out from or extracted from the inside of the pocket, and locking means is provide for the said second opening of the pocket and the outer surface of the container and the elastomeric material for enclosing the second portion of the beverage dispenser within the pocket and the pocket with the beverage dispenser can be contained within the container.
The beverage dispenser can be a straw with a first portion with any type or conventional outer configuration for use within the container and have a second portion with a bellows-type of configuration for use outside of the container for various other uses in connection with the invention. The second portion of the beverage dispenser with the bellows-type of outer configuration is preferably usable with the pocket. The outer mouthpiece end or liquid exit opening from which the liquid contents contained within the container can be extracted can be stored within the container.
Another feature of the invention is the provision of a pivotal closure cap member for closing a mouthpiece or liquid exit opening pivotally connected with a side of side of the straw for pivotal movement relative to the straw for closure and opening of the mouthpiece and a sealing plug connected with said closure cap member for insertion into the opening at said mouthpiece when said straw is to be sealed, said plug being cone- shaped and having a base portion with a circumferential extent substantially equal to the inner circumferential extent of the straw to provide for a tight fit to prevent spillage or leakage when not to be used and thee plug is inserted into the mouthpiece of the straw at the top of the straw and cooperates with the closure cap to close the mouthpiece and prevent any liquid leakage.
Another feature of the invention is to provide a Velcro arrangement which includes a first member attached to the wall proximate to the second opening for the tubular member, and the entry arrangement includes a flap arrangement for closure of the second opening for the tubular member, the flap arrangement includes a flap provided with a second Velcro member carried by the flap for engagement with the first Velcro member for sealing the second opening for preventing any spillage of contents from the inside of the container when the second opening for the tubular member is not in use for extraction of the contents. The first and second Velcro members each include a pair of Velcro portions for sealing on each side of the straw to prevent leakage of liquid from the container. For the sake of cleanliness, it is preferred to provide a protective cleanable film between overlapping portions of the flap when the Velcro members are joined.
A further feature of the invention is to provide an elastomeric material forming part of the side wall and having an opening forming the second opening through which the straw enters into the inside of the container and the straw and the elastomeric material provide for a tight fit about the outer portion of the straw to prevent spillage of the contents from the container between the second opening and the elastomeric material and forming together with the straw a closure for said second opening for said straw when the straw is inserted into the container and when the straw is removed from said container and forming a closure together with said flap for said second opening.
The entry arrangement for the tubular member includes a movable arrangement for storing the tubular member within the container and removable from the container through the second opening when the straw is to be used and being insertable into the container, the movable arrangement including means movably connecting the movable arrangement to the container for moving the movable arrangement into the container for storage of the straw when not in use and extraction of the straw and movable arrangement from the container for use of the straw, elastomeric means attached to the outside of the container for closure of the second opening when the straw is outside of the container and closing the second opening when the straw and the movable arrangement is inside of the container.
The tubular member is a straw type device and can comprise many different embodiments which are particularly suited for this invention which in some instances passes through the second opening on the side of the container and in others is connected with the container. Also, it is important that a sealing means be provided to prevent the contents from exiting the container when not desired, and for this purpose a sealing means is provided to seal the second opening. The sealing means can take many different embodiments such as flap means connected with said container for sealing the second opening and sealing the straw with said container for prevention of spillage of any contents contained within the container through the second opening or through the straw.
The tubular member has a mouthpiece or portion through which a user can extract the liquid and for this purpose a tubular member closure means proximate to the first end of the tubular member or mouthpiece is provided and attachment means for attaching the tubular member closure means to the tubular member is provided.
The attachment means in one preferred embodiment includes a pivotal connector for attaching and permitting the tubular member closure means to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the tubular member.
The side of the container in one preferred embodiment is formed in an oval shaped configuration and has a cross-section parallel to the base shape to facilitate handling of the beverage container.
The first opening at the top of the container is provided with a larger opening than the second opening to permit filling of the beverage container, and as noted heretofore, a sealable non-leak sealable mechanism in a preferred embodiment is provided which includes a sliding zipper arrangement and an overlapping flap arrangement which is attachable to a side of the container to prevent any leakage of the contents contained therein.
The attachment means includes a pivotal connector for attaching and permitting the tubular member closure means to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to the tubular member.
For certain purposes, it may be desirable to provide a protective seal for the tubular member which is usable when in a preferred embodiment it is desired to prepackage the container and contents for sale as a unit together with the straw device. Also, the protective seal is usable as a sanitary member for the mouthpiece and cooperates with the second opening when opened. In some instances, the protective seal cooperates with and acts as the second opening for the beverage container and as a closure mechanism for the second opening. When the beverage dispenser includes a first portion in the form of an accordion-like piece of tubular member which extends from an elastomeric holder connected with the container and associated with or proximate to the second opening to provide a tight-fit about the outer circumferential portion of the straw to prevent liquid from escaping between the tubular member and the container through the second opening.
As a further feature of the invention, a pivotal second opening sealing connector mechanism pivotally coupling the protective seal to the container is provided to close the second opening when the straw is not in use and to seal the straw to prevent liquid exiting therefrom whereby spillage from inside of the container is prevented and the accordion-like piece is compressed and reduced in size for storage next to the container under the protective seal and completely enclosed by the protective seal. The pivotal opening sealing connector mechanism includes means connecting the sealing mechanism with the container for preventing liquid from escaping from the container.
The side wall of the container includes an elastomeric material having an opening through which said straw enters into inside of said container and said straw and said elastomeric material provide for a tight fit about said straw to prevent spillage of the contents from said container between the inlet opening and said straw.
The locking mechanism includes at least one pivotal flap pivotally connected with one end.
A preferred embodiment of the pressure actuated locking mechanism includes at least one pivotal flap pivotally connected with the end of the beverage dispenser which is situated inside of the container. The entry arrangement for the tubular member generally includes a track and movable element arrangement with in a preferred embodiment including the track being fixedly connected with the wall of the container and surrounding the tubular member opening, and the tubular member is provided with a movable engagement member that is in addition to engageable with the track is also retainable within the track so that it is in effect fitably engageable and it is also movable within the track circumferentially about the opening, and a sealable plastic material surrounds the tubular member and covers the track and the opening for preventing spillage of the contents through the track and movable element arrangement.
The preferred tubular member is a straw member. One embodiment of the straw member generally includes a straw fixedly passing through and connected with the tubular member opening, and sealing means arrangement is provided for connecting the straw with the beverage container and at the same time providing a seal for sealing the straw with the container for prevention of spillage of any contents contained within the container through the tubular member opening.
Another embodiment includes a straw which is separate from the container and can be inserted into the container through an opening provided in a sidewall of the container, provided with an elastic material surrounding the tubular opening through which the straw enters the container and surrounds the outer circumference or periphery of the straw to provide a tight sealing arrangement between the container and the straw to provide a liquid-tight seal between the container and the straw. To provide for easy manipulation of the straw with respect to the container, a portion of the straw between its two ends is provided with a bellows arrangement. For a straw arrangement wherein the straw is separate from the container a closure arrangement is provided so as to seal off the opening for the straw. An example of such a tubular member opening closure means is a flap arrangement as noted heretofore or a separate conventional closure arrangement which will include the elastomeric material surrounding the opening to provide a tight fit for the straw to prevent leakage as noted heretofore when the tubular member closure is used to seal the opening for the tubular member when the tubular member is not being used.
The dispenser is provided with a protective seal and a closure mechanism provided with for a second opening for said beverage container and as a closure mechanism, said beverage dispenser includes an accordion-like piece of tubular member which extends from an elastomeric holder to provide a tight-fit thereabout to prevent liquid from escaping between said tubular member and said container, and a pivotal connector mechanism pivotally coupling said protective seal to said tubular member whereby spillage from inside of the container is prevented.
The side of said container has an oval shape and a cross-section parallel to said base has an oval shape to facilitate handling of the beverage container.
A further feature of the invention is to provide a pocket as forming part of the container for storing the tubular straw member. Another feature of the invention is to provide the tubular member with substantially the entire length with a bellows-type arrangement to provide for ease of storage of the tubular member in the pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 generally illustrates a partially schematic view of a beverage container and beverage dispenser 10 according to our invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of container 11 to illustrate the bottom 12 of the container showing some thickness to impart sturdiness to container 11 for support.

FIG. 3 (which consists of FIGS. 3A and 3B) is a partial schematic showing of opening 16 for entry of an item such as straw 18 for withdrawal of liquid from the container and generally illustrates an example of one type of beverage dispenser.

FIG. 4 is a partial schematic showing of straw 18A which is a modification of a conventional straw 18 and is provided with a flap 46 at the base or liquid entry point to straw 18A to prevent liquid contained in the container from exiting through the straw when a user is not trying to extract liquid from the container.

FIG. 5 (which consists of FIGS. 5A and 5B) is a modification of straw 18 and a showing of straw 18B which illustrates a straw having an accordion-like sides or bellows-type arrangement for substantially the entire length so that the straw can be compressed for storage purposes when extracted from the container and provide for a small item to be contained within pocket 50 provided on a side of the container 11.

FIG. 6 (which consists of FIGS. 6A and 68) is another modification of straw 18 and illustrating a straw 18C which illustrates a straw attached to the container 11 having one portion 18D inside the container 11 and formed with a portion 18E outside of the container with a portion in an accordion-like fashion so that the straw can be easily bent for adjustment purposes and can be positioned against the container, if necessary or desired.

FIG. 7 (which consists of FIGS. 7A and 7B) illustrates another modification of the pivotal closure cap member 47A to which is attached a sealing plug 38B which cooperates with the mouthpiece 19 of straw 18 for closing the liquid exit portion and a bag to contain the straw 18 and fit within and be stored in container 11 and placed into container 11 through opening 16 and withdrawn from container 11 when use is desired.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED INVENTION

The following discussion describes in detail a preferred embodiment of the invention together with several variations of certain features that come within the scope of the invention and all of which cooperate with each other to provide for portable unique and inventive beverage storage and dispensing apparatus.
Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the presently preferred mode for carrying out the invention and providing a combined collapsible Beverage container and beverage dispenser 10 together with various modifications of the dispensing apparatus generally designated 18 which in the various combinations embody the invention. This discussion and description should not be construed as limiting the invention to those embodiments. Those skilled in this art will recognize numerous variations that come within the scope of the invention as described. And, it will also be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made which come within the scope of the invention as described in connection with the various embodiments.
It should also be noted that various different types of materials may be used to carry out the invention and only those materials which are approved by the government and have been found previously suitable and continue to be suitable as a product for human consumption as well as usable for a human are to be used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now more particularly to the accompanying drawings which illustrate the presently preferred collapsible container and extraction or dispensing device 10. The container portion is provided with a side wall 11 and is shown with a bottom 12 provided with a thickened base portion 13 for stability. The dispensing apparatus is generally shown as a preferred straw arrangement 18.
As best seen in FIG. 1, there is shown beverage container 11 and beverage dispenser 18, according to our invention, which includes substantially rigid bottom 12. Beverage container 11 is provided with an upstanding outer vertical enclosure portion which is made of a flexible material 14 so that it can be easily folded for storage purposes upon initial usage as well as later storage purposes. As shown in the drawing, the outer vertical enclosure has a substantially oval planar cross-section 15 forming base or bottom 12 of container 11 taken transversely to an axis (not shown) normal to base 12. Container 11 comprises flexible container portion 14 and inflexible solid base portion 12 and is provided with first opening 16 through which liquid dispensing device or extraction straw 18 is provided which can enter into the container 11 for access to the contents therein and withdrawal of the contents through extraction straw 18. A second opening 19 is provided which is closed by means of a conventional zippered closure 20 schematically shown to provide access to container 11 for filling container 11 with a desired liquid to be contained within container 11. Container 11 may have its vertical side wall portion made with different degrees of flexibility. A preferred embodiment is a container 11 made with flexible side wall 14 so that it can be easily rolled up for storage as well as packing.
As best seen in FIG. 2, a sectional view of bottom 12 is shown in cross-section as made from a rigid plastic material 22 (or as partially shown in FIG. 1 with a partial sectional view) and thickened base portion 13 to provide the required support base for container device 11 to prevent inadvertent tipping over and more specifically for the preferred embodiment, with container 14 of flexible material being used to provide a sturdy base to prevent spillage when filing flexible container 14 is placed onto a surface portion, not shown. Container device 11 can be made with a rigid side for usage in those circumstances when storage purposes is not an essential criteria or when the zipper closure 20 is left open and flexible container 14 contains contents which would spill out due to a flexible type container 14 with a non-rigid wall permitting spillage because a container with a flexible wall does not have sufficient resilience to stay in an upright position when flexible container 14 may not be completely filled. When flexible container is provided with a sufficiently rigid base, beverage container and beverage dispenser 10 with the flexible outer material 14 will be sufficient to stay in an upright position without spillage if zipper closure 20 is left open.
Straw 18 at mouthpiece or user liquid withdrawal exit 24 or straw liquid exit opening is also provided with closure member 38, see FIG. 1 to prevent spillage of liquid when not in use.
Referring now more particularly to FIG. 3, and more particularly to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are enlarged detail views of first opening 16 and straw 18. Opening 16 is provided with a sealable container closure flap 32 provided with a bendable or foldable portion connection member 34 and having one side of closure flap connected with container 11. Container closure flap 32 includes a first Velcro portion or member 32A attached to one side of container closure flap and a second Velcro closure portion or member 32B attached to the other side of container closure flap 32 joined to the one side by connection member 34 to permit the two sides to be joined to each other and contain protective film 34C therebetween when closed and which together cooperate with each other to form a tight closure with protective film 34C. Protective film 34C is attached to one of the two sides of container closure flap 32 and together with the two sides forms a sandwhich configuration when closed and prevents leakage between the container and the straw 18.
As will be evident to those skilled in the art, reference will be made to FIG. 7 which shows a medication of the embodiment of FIG. 3, to provide another preferred embodiment to prevent leakage and spillage of the contents of the container. As illustrated in FIG. 7, the Velcro arrangement is not used and another advantageous arrangement is provided.
Surrounding opening 16 for the straw 18 or liquid withdrawal exit opening, as illustrated in FIG. 3, is an elastomeric material 16A which has sufficient flexibility for the insertion of the straw 18 and having a portion 16B formed of the elastomeric material for surrounding straw 18 for providing a tight fit around the straw to prevent liquid leakage between the opening and the outer circumferential portion of the straw and to hold straw within the container until ready for use. Portion 16B has sufficient resiliency to close upon itself when the straw 18 is withdrawn from or pushed into pocket 54 formed from elastomeric material 16. Straw 18 can also be provided with a conventional bellows arrangement 36. Straw 18 cooperates with the elastomeric material 16A to provide a tight fit when straw 18 is inserted into container 14 through the side wall. Other details of the straw will be shown and explained subsequently providing details of the uniqueness of the straw in connection with the various different embodiments of the straw and its relationship with the container will be explained subsequently. In this embodiment, straw 18 is provided with outlet opening 24 for liquid.
FIG. 4 shows a modification of straw 18. In this embodiment, straw 18A is provided with an internal flap 42 which is effective to close liquid inlet opening 44 at the base of the straw 18A to prevent liquid from exiting through liquid inlet opening 44 back into container 10. When straw 18A is not in use by a user who is not sucking to extract liquid from container 18, flap 42 will pivot about pivotal connector 46 which pivotally connects flap 42 to provide for a pivotal connection to the inside wall of the straw and close inlet opening 44 due to pressure from liquid contained within straw 18A drawn thereinto from a previous sucking operation to extract liquid from the container. It will be obvious that more than one flap (not shown) may be used so that one flap will overlay another of the flaps to seal and close inlet opening 44.
As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, there are two sets of Velcro members 32A and 32B on either side of the protective film 34C, with Velcro member 32A being coupled with or carried by flap 34 and 32 b attached to the outer wall of container 11 or carried by a flap base attached to container wall 14. Velcro closure members 32A and 32B will operate with a single pair of associated Velcro members 32A and 32B. If desired, a separate base similar to flap 32 and Velcro closure member 32A for Velcro closure member 32B can be provided for attachment to the wall of container 11 to prevent any liquid leakage from straw opening 16.
FIG. 5 which includes FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B shows straw 18B which is a modification of straw 18 and includes a portion comprising a bellows-type or accordion-like outer configuration 36 as also shown in FIG. 4 and extending to mouth portion 24 or liquid exit opening for consumption of the liquid by a user so that the straw in addition to permit bending can be easily adjusted by a user for use by the user as well as shortened for storage purposes. For this purpose straw 18B can have a larger portion of its length provided with the bellows-type configuration.
The side wall 14 of container 11 may be provided with a pocket 50 to store straw arrangement 18 (see FIG. 1) or other suitable location (not shown) for storage of the straw in a compressed manner or a zipper 52 or other closer arrangement provided.
The pocket 54 which can be modified from elastomeric material 16A for storage of the straw arrangement 18 for insertion into container 11 and connected to container wall 14 for ease of removal from and insertion into container 11 through straw opening 16 for use as well as storage.
Straw 18B as shown in FIG. 5 also includes pivotal closure member 47 for sealing and closing outlet or liquid exit opening 16 when a bellows-type of arrangement 18 is used at the mouthpiece. Elastomeric material 16 is provided with an opening 45 which provides a tight fit about the outer circumference of straw 18 when straw 18 exits through opening 45 to contact liquid in container 11 and closes upon itself to provide a closure when straw 18 is withdrawn from opening 45.
In this embodiment, pivotal closure cap member 47 (FIG. 5B) is provided instead of closure 38 which is preferred when a non-bellows-type arrangement is used at the mouthpiece as shown in FIG. 1. Pivotal closure cap member 47 is pivotally attached by pivotal connector mechanism 48 to permit closure cap member 47 to close off exit opening at mouthpiece end 24 of straw 18B to prevent liquid from exiting the straw when not desired, such as when stored in a modified straw pocket 54 as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Straw pocket 54 is particularly well adapted for use with straw 188 having an outer configuration of a bellows-type or accordion-type. To enable closure cap member 47 to pivot about the mouthpiece of straw portion 18B pivotal connector mechanism 48 is provided.
FIG. 6 which includes FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B shows straw 18C in FIG. 6B having a first portion 18D which is within container 11 in modified pocket 54 with a substantially cylindrical outer configuration and second portion 18E of the straw 18C external of container 11 and provided with an accordion-like or bellows-like configuration for easily storage under container closure flap 32 and with the possibility of withdrawal and separate storage in and withdrawal from straw pocket 54. Sealable and liquid proof material which has sufficient rigidity to maintain straw 18C fully attached with container 11 to provide a unitary entity with container 11 and when straw 18C is collapsed, there is substantially a slight bulge where flap 32 overlies and encloses bellows-type or accordion-like portion 18E. Straw 18C can also be used with container 11 provided with elastomeric material 16A to provide a tight fit between straw 18 and elastomeric material 16 at 45, as described heretofore. Pocket 54 includes a wall portion 56, shown as L-shaped and joined with the inside of container 11 which cooperates with the inside wall of container 11 to form the pocket to store the straw when not in use. Wall portion 56 is provided with opening 45 which is preferably made from elastomeric material to provide a tight fit about the outer surface of straw portion 18D inside container 11 for prevention of leakage.
When pocket 54 is to be made withdrawable and to be separated from the container 11, the L-shaped wall is provided with another wall to connect the two legs of the L and provided with an opening for straw extraction and the pocket 56 is coupled or connected to the container by conventional means.
Referring now more particularly to FIG. 7 which is composed of FIGS. 7A and 713 which shows the top of the straw with the bellows extending to the top and a pivotal closure cap 47A pivotally connected at 48A pivotally connected at outlet 48B of the mouthpiece. To provide for further security, pivotal closure cap 47A is provided with a sealing plug 47B attached to the underside for entry into mouthpiece to provide for further sealing. Flap 56 is attached to closure cap 47A to facilitate opening and closing of the mouthpiece. Outlet portion 48B of mouthpiece is further sealed with sealing plug 47B.
As best seen in FIG. 713, straw 18 with portion of straw 18D is within container 11 and extends into pocket 54 opening surrounded by elastomeric material to provide a tight fit about the outer circumference of straw 18 which has bellows portion 18B in pocket 54. Portion 18B is held tightly inside pocket 54 formed of elastomeric material 16A and is capable of being pulled through opening 16 by means of flap 56 for use outside of container 11 and bag 54. The top of the straw with pivotal closure cap 47A together with sealing plug 47B.
While different embodiments have been shown in the drawings and described, it will be obvious that for example straw bottom opening and closure flap 42 is usable with each straw embodiment described. As indicated heretofore, the invention as described is primarily intended for usage off-premises from the supply premises, and yet when a larger quantity of the contents is desired for purchase because of a lesser cost per unit when purchasing items, consumption on premises is also suitable with the present invention. The invention has many possible usages and can be used for camping or for extend trips are to take place. The material to be used is freezer usable and compatible for normal storage periods and compatible with normally available liquids intended for human consumption.
While there has been shown what is considered to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled ion the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A combined beverage container and storage device which is easily storable until usage and capable of being removable from premises for dispensing contents to be contained in the container for later consumption and provided with a sealable non-leak sealing mechanism, comprising:

a combined beverage container and beverage dispenser, said beverage container being formed of a flexible plastic material which is easily foldable for storage purposes and easily unfoldable for usage and is provided with a base member having a thickness with sufficient rigidity to provide a support for the beverage container, and said beverage dispenser cooperating with a side of said container;

said beverage dispenser having one end in contact with contents contained within said beverage container and another end to provide access by a user to the contents contained within said beverage container;

said beverage container having a first opening substantially at or near the top thereof for introduction of the contents which is to be contained within the container and said sealable non-leak sealing mechanism including a device movable transversely to an axis perpendicular to said base member for closing the first opening and for opening said sealing mechanism to provide access to inside of said beverage container;

said beverage dispenser including a tubular member having a first and a second end and a flexible bellows located between said ends to permit said tubular member to be bent such that said ends are movable out of axial alignment with each other such that the tubular member having a portion between said bellows and said first end is displaceable from the outside of said beverage container for placement into a comfortable position for the user, a pressure actuated locking mechanism coupled with said second end to prevent the contents contained within said beverage container from exiting from said beverage container through said first end; and,

an entry arrangement for said tubular member for entry into said beverage container connected with a side wall of said beverage container and provided with a second opening for said tubular member through which said tubular member is inserted with said second end into said container, an elastomeric material surrounding said opening and fixed with the outside of said container and having a diameter less than the outer diameter of said tubular member and said second opening for providing a substantially tight fit about the outer portion of said tubular member for preventing any leakage of the contents contained within said container through said second opening and a closure member associated with said container for closing and sealing said second opening or said first end of said tubular member when said tubular member is not in use.

2. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pressure actuated locking mechanism includes at least one pivotal flap pivotally connected with said one end.

3. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said beverage container is provided with a side opening at the side of the container forming said second opening and a pocket associated with the container movable into and out of said container through said second opening for containing a first portion of said beverage dispenser when not in use and extractable from said pocket when to be used as the liquid extraction portion of the straw, an elastomeric covering for an opening in said pocket for receiving a first portion of said straw, said pocket having a first opening through which a second portion of said beverage dispenser passes through and is contained within said container, said pocket having a second opening through which said first portion is removable from said container and insertable into said pocket and an elastomeric closure for the second opening of said pocket together with means for maintaining said elastomeric closure associated with said pocket for containing said second portion within said pocket and closing the second opening of said pocket and said side opening at the side of said container.

4. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said pocket is connected with a side of said container and is movable from the outside of said container into the inside of said container, and said second portion of said beverage dispenser is held tightly in said pocket by said elastomeric material and is capable of being pulled out from or extracted from the inside of said pocket, and locking means associated with said second opening of the pocket and the outer surface of said container and sad elastomeric material for enclosing said second portion of said beverage dispenser within said pocket and said pocket with said beverage dispenser within said container such that said pivotal closure cap member attached to said sealing plug is flush against the side of the container until opened.

5. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 3, wherein said second portion of said beverage dispenser is a straw with a bellows-type of outer configuration extending from within said pocket to the outer mouthpiece end or liquid exit opening from which the liquid contents contained within said container can be extracted.

6. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 3, including a pivotal closure cap member for closing a mouthpiece or liquid exit opening pivotally connected with a side of side of said straw for pivotal movement relative to said straw for closure and opening of said mouthpiece and a sealing plug connected with said closure cap member for insertion into the opening at said mouthpiece when said straw is to be sealed, said plug being cone- shaped and having a base portion with a circumferential extent substantially equal to the inner circumferential extent of said straw to provide for a tight fit to prevent spillage or leakage when not to be used and said plug is inserted into said mouthpiece of said straw at the top of said straw cooperates with said mouthpiece to prevent any liquid leakage.

7. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said side wall of said beverage container has a first Velcro member attached to said wall proximate to said second opening for said tubular member, and said entry arrangement includes a flap arrangement for closure of said second opening for said tubular member, said flap arrangement including a second Velcro member carried by said flap for engagement with said first Velcro member for sealing said second opening for preventing any spillage of contents from the inside of said container when said second opening for said tubular member is not in use for extraction of the contents.

8. The arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first and second Velcro members each include a pair of Velcro portions for sealing on each side of the straw to prevent leakage of liquid from said container.

9. The combined beverage container and storage arrangement as claimed in claim 8, including a protective cleanable film between overlapping portions of said flap when said Velcro members are joined.

10. The arrangement as claimed in claim 7, wherein the side wall of said container includes an elastomeric material forming part of the side wall and having an opening forming said second opening through which a tubular member which includes a straw enters into the inside of said container and said straw and said elastomeric material provide for a tight fit about the outer portion of said straw to prevent spillage of the contents from said container between the said second opening and said elastomeric material and forming together with said straw a closure for said second opening for said straw when the straw is inserted into and when said straw is removed from said container and forming a closure together with said flap for said second opening.

11. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said entry arrangement for said tubular member includes a movable arrangement for storing said tubular member within said container and removable from said container through said second opening when the straw is to be used and being insertable into said container, said movable arrangement including means movably connecting said movable arrangement to said container for moving said movable arrangement into said container for storage of the straw when not in use and extraction of said straw and movable arrangement from said container for use of the straw, elastomeric means attached to the outside of the container for closure of said second opening when the straw is outside of the container and closing said second opening when the straw and said movable arrangement is inside of said container.

12. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tubular member includes a straw fixedly connected with said container and passing through said second opening, sealing means for sealing an exit opening of said straw externally of said beverage container, and flap means connected with said container for sealing said second opening and sealing said straw with said container for prevention of spillage of any contents contained within said container through said second opening or through said straw.

13. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, including a tubular member closure means proximate to said first end of said tubular member and attachment means for attaching said tubular member closure means to said tubular member.

14. The arrangement as claimed in claim 13, wherein said attachment means includes a pivotal connector for attaching and permitting said tubular member closure means to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to said tubular member.

15. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side of said container has an oval shape and a cross-section parallel to said base has an oval shape to facilitate handling of the beverage container.

16. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealable non-leak sealable mechanism includes an overlapping flap arrangement and a sliding zipper arrangement.

17. The arrangement as claimed in claim 14, wherein said attachment means includes a pivotal connector for attaching and permitting said tubular member closure means to pivot from an open position to a closed position relative to said tubular member.

18. The combined beverage container and storage device as claimed in claim 1, including a protective seal for said tubular member which when opened acts as said second opening for said beverage container and as a closure mechanism for said second opening, said beverage dispenser includes a first portion in an accordion-like piece of tubular member which extends from an elastomeric holder connected with said container proximate to said second to provide a tight-fit about the outer circumferential portion of said straw to prevent liquid from escaping between said tubular member and said container through said second opening, and a pivotal second opening sealing connector mechanism pivotally coupling said protective seal to said container to close said second opening when the straw is not in use and to seal said straw to prevent liquid exit therefrom whereby spillage from inside of the container is prevented and said accordion-like piece is compressed and reduced in size for storage next to the container under said protective seal and completely enclosed by said protective seal, said pivotal opening sealing connector mechanism including means connecting said sealing mechanism with said container for preventing liquid from escaping from said container.