US20090120932A1

US20090120932A1 - Cocktail shaker

Info

Publication number: US20090120932A1
Application number: US11/983,572
Authority: US
Inventors: Kevin W. McLaughlin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-09
Filing date: 2007-11-09
Publication date: 2009-05-14

Abstract

Devices and methods for filtering mixed drinks. In one embodiment, drink ingredients are placed in a mixing container and a cap is placed on top of the mixing container. The cap comprises a closed end connected with an annular open end by a surface, and has a perimeter located at the junction between the annulus and the surface. The annular open end contains perforations formed by holes or fingers that fit inside the rim of the mixing container, with the rim of the mixing container in continuous contact with the perimeter. The drink is poured and filtered by slightly lifting and tilting the cap to allow gravity to pull the liquid through the perforations, thereby filtering the drink and eliminating the need for a separate filter.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to cocktail shakers used in the home, restaurants or bars for making mixed drinks, alcoholic or otherwise. Cocktail shakers have been used to prepare mixed drinks for many years. A common feature of existing devices is the use of a screen or other filtering means to filter out large pieces of ice or other ingredients before pouring the drink into a glass for consumption. The filter may be part of the cocktail shaker or may be a separate device that is placed on top of the mixing container, and extends across the opening of the mixing container. In this way, the drink is filtered when the drink is poured from the mixing container.
In public places, like bars or restaurants, bartenders typically use a separate filter. The use of a separate screening device requires time and effort to both use and to clean. A separate filter requires that the bartender pick up the filter and place the filter on the mixing container to make the drink. The separate filter must be separately cleaned after the drink is made. Debris often gets caught in the screen filter, making clean-up time consuming and messy. All of these motions and steps take time that is often in short supply, especially in a crowded bar or restaurant.
Sometimes, professional bartenders dispense with the filter entirely, and simply crack the cap away from the mixing container, attempting to create a small space between the mixing container and cap to prevent debris from pouring into the drinking glass. The drink is then poured from between the crack. But, this technique often results in large chucks of ice or debris ending up in the drink because it is difficult to precisely hold the cap and mixing container at the proper distance. Thus, the end result may be a watery drink because too much ice ended up in the drink.
Other cocktail shakers come with a filter that is attached to either the mixing container or the cap. These filters may be permanently attached or may be removable for cleaning. Although these devices exist, they are not typically used in bars and restaurants because of the need to rapidly clean and re-use the cocktail shaker. The attached filters make cleaning the device much more time-consuming and difficult, and cocktail shakers with attached filters are typically used in the home.
One common feature of existing devices, whether used in bars, restaurants or the home, is that the filter device covers the entire mouth of the mixing container. For example, Hawthorne strainers are frequently used by professional bartenders and consist of a flat metal surface that covers the rim of the mixing container, with a continuous coil of wire at the perimeter. Other strainers that cover the rim of the mixing container are taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,913,165, issued to Linz et al. on Jul. 5, 2005 and U.S. D498,966 issued to Fiedeler et al. on Nov. 30, 2004. Other devices use a filter to entirely cover a pouring spout, for example U.S. Pat. No. 4,555,046 issued to Bennett on Nov. 26, 1985. In all cases, the filter device is essentially horizontal, and covers the rim or other opening through which liquid is dispensed.
It is often important that mixed drinks be made quickly, particularly in bars and restaurants. If numerous customers are waiting for drinks, bartenders may simply refuse to make certain types of drinks because of the time involved.
The present invention dispenses with the need for a filter to cover the entire rim or opening of the mixing container. Likewise, it eliminates the need to separately clean the filter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention allows for rapidly making a mixed drink, without the use of a separate filter, and without the need for a filter that covers the opening of the mixing container.
In one embodiment, the invention is a cap that snugly fits with a mixing container. The mixing container may be a standard sized glass or any container that is capable of holding the ingredients of a mixed drink, and thus the cap may be of any size needed to snugly connect with the mixing container.
The cap has an open end connected by a surface with a closed end. The open end comprises an annulus connected with a perimeter which is in turn connected with a surface. The annulus has a smaller circumference than the perimeter of the cap, so that the annulus fits inside a mixing container, while the cap perimeter rests on the rim of the mixing container. The annulus contains a plurality of perforations sized to prevent large chips of ice or other debris from passing through the perforations. The size of the perforations may be varied depending on the size of particles to be filtered out. In addition, the perforations may be holes or may be made from a plurality of fingers, projections or flanges.
In one embodiment, a gasket sits directly above the annulus, at the perimeter that connects the annulus with the surface. The gasket surrounds the cap and may prevent leaks. Other embodiments contain two or more gaskets for ornamentation and/or to prevent leaks.
In another embodiment, the mixing container is double-walled.
To pour the drink, the operator simply cracks open the cap, tilting and lifting it slightly out of the mixing container so that part of the perforated annular opening is exposed. The bartender tilts the mixing container and cap sideways, and the drink pours out through the perforations.
In another embodiment of the invention the perforated annulus is located on the rim of the mixing container, and the cap is solid.
The elimination of a separate filter saves time in preparing a drink and in the subsequent clean-up. The elimination of an integral filter that covers the rim of a mixing container also makes clean-up far more efficient.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS

FIG. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of the invention, in use.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the same embodiment of the invention, showing the next step in use.

FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the same embodiment of the invention, showing the next step in use.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the same embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Standard cocktail shakers are frequently used with a separate filtering device. Typically, drink ingredients are put into a mixing container, a top is placed over the container and the bartender shakes the container to mix the drink (“bartender” will be used for ease of understanding and is defined as any person preparing a drink, whether in a bar, restaurant, or the home). After shaking and mixing, the bartender may remove the cap and place a separate filter over the rim of the mixing container, pouring the mixed drink through the filter to remove large bits of ice or other large drink ingredients.
The use of a separate filter requires extra motions and steps that take time that is often in short supply, especially in a crowded bar or restaurant.
The present invention eliminates the need to separately handle a filter, either for preparing a drink or during clean-up. In one embodiment, a cap 10 is made of any solid, relatively rigid material. Non-limiting examples of such a material are plastic, metal or wood. Cap 10 may be made of any combination of these materials, or may be made entirely of one type of solid, relatively rigid material. Cap 10 has a closed end 12 connected with an open end 14 by surface 16.
Open end 14 comprises annulus 18 with a plurality of perforations 20. Perforations 20 may be any size desired to filter or remove particles, including ice chips, above a pre-determined size. Typical filters currently available generally filter out particles that are larger than approximately ⅜″, and one embodiment of the invention will contain perforations sized to filter out particles larger than ⅜″.
Perforations 20 may be a plurality of holes located in annulus 18. In this embodiment, annulus 18 has a solid or continuous bottom edge 26, as shown in FIG. 6. In yet another embodiment, a second gasket 28 is connected with continuous bottom edge 26, as shown in FIG. 5.
In another embodiment, perforations 20 are formed by fingers 21, as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, annulus 18 does not have a solid or continuous bottom edge. Instead, annulus 18 is comprised of a plurality of fingers or projections 21 with spaces between the fingers, where these spaces are perforations 20.
Annulus 18 is connected with perimeter 22 that is connected with surface 16, as shown in FIG. 6. In one embodiment, perimeter 22 will have a gasket 24 surrounding the outside of cap 10. Perimeter 22, with or without gasket 24, is sized to fit snugly with rim 30 of mixing container 32, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When cap is 10 placed on mixing container 32, gasket 24 will be in continuous contact with rim 30 of mixing container 32, thereby preventing leaks and spills, as shown in FIG. 1. Gasket 24 may be made of any flexible, food-grade material, and is preferably made from silicone.
In one embodiment surface 16 is dome shaped, with surface 16 comprised of curved walls connecting closed end 12 with open end 14. However surface 16 may be any shape that can accommodate perimeter 22.
Perimeter 22 is located at the bottom of surface 16 and is connected with surface 16. When cap 10 is placed on mixing container 32, perimeter 22 will rest snugly against the rim 30 of mixing container 32. Annulus 18 is angled slightly inward so that the circumference of annulus 18 is smaller than the circumference of perimeter 22. In this way, when cap 10 is resting on rim 30 of mixing container 32, annulus 18 will be inside the walls of mixing container 32 and will not rest snugly against the walls of mixing container 32, as shown in FIG. 1.
In all embodiments, mixing container 32 may be single-walled, as shown in FIG. 1, or it may be double-walled, as shown in FIG. 8. The second or double wall 34 helps to insulate the mixing container.
In all embodiments, there may be a single gasket 24, two gaskets 24 and 28, or a plurality of gaskets, as shown in FIG. 7. The plurality of gaskets may be to prevent leak or for ornamentation.
To make a drink, the drink ingredients are placed in mixing container 32. Cap 10 is put on top of mixing container 32 and perimeter 22 or gasket 24 comes into continuous contact with rim 30 of mixing container 32. The device is shaken to mix the drink. To filter and pour the mixed drink, cap 10 is slightly lifted out of mixing container 32. Cap 10 is not entirely removed from mixing container 32; it is partially lifted and slightly tilted, as shown in FIG. 2. Because annulus 18 has a smaller circumference than perimeter 22, the lifting and tilting action will expose part of annulus 18 above rim 30 of mixing container 32. As the annulus is exposed, perforations 20 in annulus 18 are similarly exposed. The bartender tilts the mixing container and cap sufficiently far enough sideways, so that gravity will pull liquid out through perforations 20 in annulus 18. In the preferred method, the bartender keeps part of annulus 18 from which the liquid will flow in contact with mixing container 32. Thus, the liquid can only leave the mixing container by going through perforations 20 in annulus 18. This is the same, whether the perforations are formed by holes or by fingers.
Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, annulus 118 is connected with mixing container 132. Annulus 118 contains perforations 120, where perforations 120 may be formed by holes, or may be formed by ridges 123.
As shown in FIGS. 10, 11 and 12, annulus 118 is connected with rim 130 of mixing container 132. Perforations 120 are formed by ridges 123 which extend inward from annulus 118. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of annulus 118, showing ridges 123 extending inward, and forming perforations 120.
In these embodiments, cap 110 is of any shape and material that fits snugly inside mixing container 132. Cap 110 comprises closed end 112 connected with open end 114 by surface 116. FIGS. 10 and 11 show cap 110 with perimeter 122 that has a circumference that is greater than the circumference of open end 114.
The drink ingredients are placed in mixing container 132, cap 110 is put in place so that perimeter 122 is in continuous contact with rim 130, and the device is shaken to mix the drink. After mixing, the bartender lifts and tilts cap 110, again keeping the lower edge of cap 110 in contact with mixing container 132, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11. The mixing container 132 and cap 110 are tilted and gravity will act on the liquid inside mixing container 132, pulling it down and filtering the liquid through perforations 120.
Various changes and modification to the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The embodiments disclosed herein are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention is as stated in the claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced herein.

Claims

1. A device for filtering drinks comprising

a cap made from a solid, relatively rigid material wherein the cap comprises a closed end and an open end, wherein the open end comprises an annulus with perforations, wherein the perforations are sized to prevent particles larger than a pre-determined size from passing through,

and wherein the annulus is connected with the closed end by a surface,

and wherein the surface comprises a rigid, solid body with a perimeter that is connected with the annulus, and wherein the perimeter is sized to connect snugly with a mixing container,

and wherein the annulus has a circumference that is smaller than the perimeter.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the perforations are formed by holes located in the annulus and wherein the annulus has a continuous bottom edge.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the perforations comprises a plurality of fingers in the annulus, wherein the fingers project away from the surface, and wherein the annulus lacks a continuous bottom edge.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the perforations are no larger than ⅜ inch.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein a gasket is located at the perimeter and wherein the mixing container is in continuous contact with the gasket when the annulus of the cap is inside the mixing container.

6. The device of claim 2 wherein a second gasket is located on the continuous bottom edge of the annulus.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein a plurality of gaskets are located on the surface.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the mixing container is double walled.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the mixing container is single walled.

10. A device for filtering drinks comprising

a mixing container made of a solid, relatively rigid material connected with a rim, wherein the mixing container is sized to receive drink ingredients,

wherein the rim comprises an annulus with perforations, and wherein the perforations are sized to prevent particles larger than a pre-determined size from passing through,

and wherein the annulus is sized to connect snugly with a cap with an open end with a circumference.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the perforations are formed by a plurality of holes in the annulus.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein the perforations are formed by a plurality of ridges in the annulus.

13. The device of claim 10 wherein the perforations are no larger than ⅜/inch

14. The device of claim 10 wherein the cap has a perimeter with a circumference and the perimeter circumference is greater than the circumference of the open end.

15. A method of preparing a mixed drink comprising

combining drink ingredients in a mixing container with a rim,

obtaining a cap made from a solid, relatively rigid material wherein the cap comprises a closed end and an open end, wherein the open end comprises an annulus with perforations, wherein the perforations are sized to prevent particles larger than a pre-determined size from passing through, and wherein the annulus is connected with the closed end by a surface, and wherein the surface comprises a rigid, solid body with a perimeter that is connected with the annulus, and wherein the perimeter is sized to connect snugly with a mixing container, and wherein the annulus has a circumference that is smaller than the perimeter,

placing the cap on the mixing container so that the perimeter of the cap connects snugly with rim of the mixing container,

shaking the mixing container connected with the cap to sufficiently mix the drink ingredients,

tilting and slightly lifting the cap from the rim of the mixing container to expose some of the perforations in the annulus while keeping the cap in contact with the mixing container,

tilting the mixing container and cap together to pour the mixed drink ingredients into a receptacle.