Dual-Compartment Liquid Container Device

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/710,072, which was filed on Oct. 22, 2024, and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of liquid containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a container body with at least two separate internal compartments divided by a hermetic partition wall, each configured to store and dispense distinct liquid substances through independent dispensing caps located on either end or side. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices, and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

The use of liquid containers is essential in everyday life, particularly for personal care, hygiene, and cleaning products. Commonly, individuals use multiple types of liquids together, such as shampoo with conditioner or soap with lotion, each typically stored in separate containers. This practice often results in excessive use of space and material, especially in shared living arrangements or while traveling. In homes with limited storage or shared bathrooms, multiple single-purpose containers contribute to disorganization, clutter, and user inconvenience. Furthermore, the presence of numerous plastic bottles leads to increased plastic consumption, much of which may not be recycled, exacerbating environmental concerns. Travelers face added difficulties when transporting several liquid containers due to luggage space constraints and weight limits. In addition, managing various products in gym bags, dormitories, or other confined spaces further complicates efficient organization. These challenges highlight the limitations of conventional single-compartment liquid containers in addressing modern spatial, environmental, and usability needs.

Therefore, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dual-compartment liquid container device that stores two separate liquid products within a single container to conserve space. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a dual-compartment liquid container device that minimizes plastic waste by reducing the number of required containers. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dual-compartment liquid container device that improves organization and convenience in shared or compact living environments.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a dual-compartment liquid container device. The device is comprised of a container body having at least two distinct internal compartments configured to store separate liquid substances. The container body comprises a hermetic partition wall. Each compartment is associated with an independent dispensing cap located either on the same or opposite ends of the container body, with configurations including vertical or horizontal compartment division. The dispensing caps may include locking features such as rotational locks or button-actuated releases to prevent accidental discharge. The container body may be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque depending on user preference or product requirements. The outer surface of the container body may comprise a label with separate indicia aligned to each compartment for identification purposes. A grip area may be provided on the container body for enhanced handling, which may comprise a textured surface such as ribbing or raised patterns. The bottom surface of the container body may also comprise a non-slip texture to stabilize the container on wet or inclined surfaces.

In this manner, the dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention accomplishes all the forgoing objectives and provides a liquid container that enables the simultaneous storage of two liquid substances within a single, partitioned container body, thus conserving space and reducing plastic usage. The configuration of separate dispensing mechanisms for each compartment enhances usability, while the inclusion of locking caps, ergonomic grip features, and material transparency contributes to secure handling, user awareness, and controlled dispensing. The multifunctional design directly addresses convenience needs, especially in compact or shared environments. As a result, the device presents a practical solution to the spatial, organizational, and sustainability challenges associated with conventional liquid container use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises a dual-compartment liquid container device. The device is a multifunctional liquid storage and dispensing apparatus designed to store and dispense two separate liquid substances from an integrated container. The device is intended to reduce clutter, eliminate the need for multiple bottles, and improve convenience in space-limited or portable environments such as shared bathrooms, gym lockers, travel bags, and personal care stations.

The device is comprised of a container body having at least two separate liquid storage compartments. At least one compartment may be transparent or semi-transparent for monitoring liquid levels, and compartments may vary in transparency to differentiate contents or protect light-sensitive liquids. The compartments are separated by a hermetic partition wall.

In one embodiment, the container is vertically divided, with each compartment occupying a vertical portion of the container, and two dispensing caps positioned at the top surface. In another embodiment, the container is horizontally divided, with one compartment positioned above the other, and dispensing caps located at opposite ends. The dispensing caps may incorporate locking mechanisms to prevent accidental dispensing.

The container body may also include a label applied to the outer surface, featuring two distinct sets of indicia aligned with each compartment to identify the contained liquids. Indicia may be textual, symbolic, or pictorial.

A grip area may be further integrated into the container body for secure handling. The grip area may be comprised of a texture for improved grip. The container body may also have a textured bottom surface to prevent slippage on wet or inclined surfaces.

A method of use involves providing a container body with two separate compartments, a hermetic partition wall, and corresponding dispensing caps. Each compartment is then filled with a liquid, and the user grasps the grip area to facilitate dispensing. The selected cap is then opened to release the liquid and then closed and locked to prevent leakage during storage or transport.

Accordingly, the dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention is particularly advantageous as it provides a liquid container that enables the simultaneous storage of two liquid substances within a single, partitioned container body, thus conserving space and reducing plastic usage. The configuration of separate dispensing mechanisms for each compartment enhances usability, while the inclusion of locking caps, ergonomic grip features, and material transparency contributes to secure handling, user awareness, and controlled dispensing. The multifunctional design directly addresses convenience needs, especially in compact or shared environments. As a result, the device presents a practical solution that overcomes the spatial, organizational, and sustainability limitations of existing liquid containers known in the art.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture;

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of one potential embodiment of a dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method of using one potential embodiment of a dual-compartment liquid container device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.

As noted above, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dual-compartment liquid container device that stores two separate liquid products within a single container to conserve space. There also exists a long-felt need in the art for a dual-compartment liquid container device that minimizes plastic waste by reducing the number of required containers. Moreover, there exists a long-felt need in the art for a dual-compartment liquid container device that improves organization and convenience in shared or compact living environments.

The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is comprised of a dual-compartment liquid container device. The device enables the containment and delivery of two separate liquid substances within a single, integrated container. By combining multiple storage functions into one unit, the device reduces clutter, eliminates the need for multiple single-purpose bottles, and enhances user convenience in environments with limited space or a demand for portability, such as shared bathrooms, gym lockers, travel bags, and personal care stations.

The container body is comprised of at least two distinct liquid storage compartments. One or more of the compartments may be transparent or semi-transparent to allow visual monitoring of liquid levels. Variations in transparency between compartments may be used to differentiate contents or to protect light-sensitive substances. A hermetic partition wall separates the compartments, maintaining fluid isolation.

In one configuration, the container is vertically divided, with each compartment occupying a vertical section of the body and corresponding dispensing caps located at the top surface. Alternatively, the container may be horizontally divided, positioning one compartment above the other with dispensing caps at opposing ends. Locking mechanisms may be integrated into the dispensing caps to prevent unintended dispensing.

The outer surface of the container body may be equipped with a label that includes two distinct sets of indicia, each aligned with its respective compartment for liquid identification. The indicia may be comprised of text, symbols, or images.

A grip area may be incorporated into the container body to facilitate secure handling. This grip area may include textured surfaces to enhance grip performance. Additionally, the bottom of the container body may feature a textured surface to reduce the risk of slippage on wet or angled surfaces.

A method of use includes providing the container body with two isolated compartments, a hermetic partition wall, and corresponding dispensing caps. After each compartment is filled with a liquid substance, the user may grasp the grip area to aid in dispensing. The desired dispensing cap is opened to release the liquid and then closed and locked to prevent leakage during transport or storage.

As a result, the device provides a practical solution for storing and dispensing two liquid substances in a single structure, effectively conserving space and reducing material usage. The separate dispensing mechanisms, combined with features such as locking caps, ergonomic grips, and compartment transparency, contribute to secure operation, ease of use, and enhanced user awareness. The multifunctional design is thus particularly well-suited for addressing spatial, organizational, and sustainability challenges associated with conventional liquid containers.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one potential embodiment of a dual-compartment liquid container device 100 of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed architecture. The device 100 is a multifunctional liquid storage and dispensing device designed to store and dispense two separate liquid substances from a single, integrated container. Said liquids may include but are not limited to shampoo and conditioner, soap and lotion, sanitizing gel and moisturizer, or any pair of personal care, cleaning, or hygiene-related fluids. As a result, the device 100 functions to minimize clutter, reduce the need for multiple single-purpose bottles, and enhance convenience by allowing users to carry, store, and apply multiple liquids. This functionality is particularly useful in environments where space, organization, or portability is a concern, including shared bathrooms, gym lockers, travel bags, and personal care stations.

The device 100 is comprised of a container body 102 having at least two separate liquid storage compartments 104, as seen in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. The container body 102 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical in design, and may adopt various profiles including but not limited to cylindrical, cuboidal, oval, hexagonal, or custom contoured profiles suited for aesthetic or ergonomic preferences.

In one embodiment, the container body 102 may be comprised of a single molded structure manufactured from recyclable or biodegradable polymer materials such as but not limited to any combination of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, polylactic acid (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), or thermoplastic elastomers. The container body may also be transparent or semi-transparent, allowing the user to visually monitor the liquid levels within each compartment 104. In certain configurations, one compartment 104 may be transparent and the other compartment 104 may be opaque to emphasize contrast or to preserve light-sensitive fluids. The body 102 and/or compartments 104 may be further comprised of a color tinting 106 and/or material pigmentation 108 for user identification or branding purposes.

The compartments 104 are bifurcated by an integrally formed hermetic partition wall 110. The partition wall 110 may be flexible or semi-rigid and defines two distinct, fluid-impermeable compartments 104. The hermetic partition wall 110 may be formed during the injection molding process or bonded post-formation using thermal, ultrasonic, or adhesive sealing methods. The partition wall 110 may be linear, curved, or geometrically contoured depending on the desired volumetric ratio between the compartments 104.

In one embodiment, the container body 102 may be split vertically such that each compartment 104 occupies one vertical half (or any other amount) of the container body 102, as seen in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the top surface 112 of the body 102 may be comprised of at least two separate dispensing caps 114 in fluid communication with and corresponding to each respective compartment 104. In another embodiment, the container body 102 may be split horizontally, as seen in FIG. 2, with one compartment 104 positioned above the other compartment 104. In this arrangement, one dispensing cap 114 may be located at a first end 103 of the container body 102 and the second cap 114 is located at a second end 105.

The caps 114 may be any type typically used for liquid personal care products such as but not limited to any combination of flip-top caps, tethered caps, threaded caps, pump caps, disc-top caps, snap-on caps, or valve-based squeeze caps. The caps 114 may be pressure-sensitive, spring-loaded, or gravity-fed depending on the viscosity of the stored liquid. In one embodiment, the caps 114 are comprised of a locking mechanism 116 such as but not limited to any combination of a rotational lock, a push-and-turn engagement system, an integrated tab latch, a button-actuated release, or a sliding clip lock. The locking mechanism 116 may function to prevent accidental dispensing, particularly during transport or when subjected to compressive force within luggage or confined storage spaces.

In one embodiment, the container body 102 may be comprised of a label 118. The label 118 may be a single wraparound or panel-style label applied to the outer surface 107 of the container body 102. The label 118 may include two distinct sets of indicia 120, wherein each set of indicia 120 is positioned on the label 118 over the corresponding compartment 104. For example, one side of the label 118 may be marked with the word “shampoo” and aligned with the compartment 104 intended to store shampoo, while the opposite side of the label may be marked with the word “conditioner” and aligned with the compartment 104 intended to store conditioner. The indicia 120 may be in the form of but not limited to any combination of words, symbols, letters, pictures, etc.

The container body 102 may also be comprised of a grip area 122 to assist in secure handling during use, as seen in FIG. 3. The grip area 122 may be a contoured region shaped to conform to the user's hand, enhancing ergonomics and reducing the likelihood of accidental slippage. The grip area 122 may be comprised of a texture 124 such as but not limited to any combination of ribbing, raised dots, crosshatching, matte micro-texture, or a thermoplastic elastomer overmold. The texture 124 may cover the entire grip area 122 or be positioned in strategically selected locations. In addition, the bottom surface 126 of the container body 102 may also be comprised of a texture 128 to reduce the risk of slipping when placed on wet or inclined surfaces such as those found in showers or bathtubs, as seen in FIG. 4. Said texture 128 may include but is not limited to any combination of molded ridges, rubberized pads, suction features, or raised patterns configured to drain water.

The present invention is also comprised of a method of using 200 the device 100, as seen in FIG. 5. First, a device 100 is provided comprised of a container body 102 having at least two separate liquid storage compartments 104, at least one hermetic partition wall 110, and at least two dispensing caps 114 corresponding to each compartment 104 [Step 202]. Then, a first liquid substance can be filled into a first compartment 104 and a second liquid substance can be filled into a second compartment 104, wherein the hermetic partition wall 110 separates the two compartments 104 to prevent fluid intermixing [Step 204]. Next, the grip area 122 can be grasped by a user to handle the device 100, wherein the texture 124 of the grip area 122 improves manual control and reduces slippage during dispensing [Step 206]. Finally, either one of the dispensing caps 114 can be opened and a desired amount of liquid can be dispensed from the corresponding compartment 104, and the cap 114 can then be closed and locked via the locking mechanism 116 (if present) to prevent unintentional dispensing during storage or transport [Step 208].

Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “dual-compartment liquid container device” and “device” are interchangeable and refer to the dual-compartment liquid container device 100 of the present invention.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the dual-compartment liquid container device 100 of the present invention and its various components can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that they accomplish the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration, and material of the dual-compartment liquid container device 100 as shown in the FIGS. are for illustrative purposes only, and that many other sizes and shapes of the dual-compartment liquid container device 100 are well within the scope of the present disclosure. Although the dimensions of the dual-compartment liquid container device 100 are important design parameters for user convenience, the dual-compartment liquid container device 100 may be of any size, shape, and/or configuration that ensures optimal performance during use and/or that suits the user's needs and/or preferences.

Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.

What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications, and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.