WO2016077819A1

WO2016077819A1 - Multi-chamber beverage container

Info

Publication number: WO2016077819A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/060852
Authority: WO
Inventors: Justin Grant ALTUS; Andrew Gregory LEVIN
Original assignee: Altus Justin Grant; Levin Andrew Gregory
Priority date: 2014-11-14
Filing date: 2015-11-16
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Also published as: US20170341814A1

Abstract

Disclosed are multi-chamber containers and methods of using the same. The multi-chamber container includes a base and a wall extending upwardly from the base. The wall is longitudinally divided into a top section and a bottom section. The multi-chamber container also includes a partition disposed between the top and bottom sections of the wall for separating a first volume from a second volume. The partition includes at least one deformation region, and the partition is configured to deform about the deformation region in response to a trigger.

Description

MULTI-CHAMBER BEVERAGE CONTAINER

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/079,597, filed November 14, 2014, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present technology pertains to beverage containers, and more specifically to multiple chamber beverage containers.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The vast majority of edible products available on the market are served in one of two ways. The first way to be served is by a non-disposable container, such as seen in a dine-in restaurant or a bar. The second way is by a disposable container as is, for example, in the case of takeaways. Disposable containers, which are known for their short-term convenience, portability, and, sometimes, one-time use, are not only used for serving solid products, but also liquid ones, such as water, liquid medicine, coffee, and even alcoholic beverages.

[0004] When consuming liquid products, it is often the case that one liquid is consumed followed by another in succession. For instance, upon consuming an alcoholic beverage in shot form, an alcohol consumer generally follows it up with another beverage, known as a chaser, to tone down the effect of the stronger shot. The chaser could be any milder beverage such as a beer, juice, or even water. It is recommended that the chaser be consumed immediately after consuming the shot. However, current solutions require the use of multiple disposable containers to consecutively consume these beverages, a practice that is both inefficient and wasteful. Thus, there is a need for disposable containers that allow a series of liquids to be sequentially consumed in a more efficient manner.

SUMMARY

[0005] Disclosed is a partition for separating a first volume from a second volume. The partition can include at least one deformation region, and the partition can be configured to deform about the deformation region in response to a trigger applied to the partition.

[0006] In some embodiments, the deformation region can include at least one of a grooved portion or a corrugated portion. The deformation region can include a first grooved portion having a rectangular cross section disposed on a top surface of the partition, and a second grooved portion having a triangular cross section disposed on a bottom surface of the partition, the first grooved portion disposed directly opposite the second grooved portion.

[0007] In some embodiments, the partition can be circular, and the length of the first grooved portion and the length of the second grooved portion can be equal to the diameter of the partition. The partition can include a smart material.

[0008] In some embodiments, the trigger can include a mechanical force. The trigger can also include at least one of a temperature change, a stress change, a voltage, a current, or electromagnetic radiation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the deformation is at least one of a movement, a rotation, a deflection, a rip, a tear, a segment, a shatter, a dissolution, or a break of the partition. The deformation of the partition can be reversible.

[0010] Also disclosed is an apparatus including a base and a wall extending upwardly from the base. The wall is longitudinally divided into a top section and a bottom section. The apparatus also includes a partition disposed between the top and bottom sections of the wall for separating a first volume from a second volume. The partition includes at least one deformation region, and the partition is configured to deform about the deformation region in response to a trigger.

[0011] In some embodiments, the deformation region can include at least one of a grooved portion or a corrugated portion. The deformation region can include a first grooved portion having a rectangular cross section disposed on a top surface of the partition, and a second grooved portion having a triangular cross section disposed on a bottom surface of the partition, the first grooved portion disposed directly opposite the second grooved portion.

[0012] In some embodiments, the trigger can include a mechanical force applied to the container or the partition. The trigger can also include at least one of a temperature change, a stress change, a voltage, a current, or electromagnetic radiation applied to the container or the partition.

[0013] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the partition can be fixedly disposed within the container. The partition can include a smart material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the top and bottom sections can be separate components.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the inner surface of the container can include a ridge for abutting the partition.

[0016] In some embodiments, the deformation is at least one of a movement, a rotation, a deflection, a rip, a tear, a segment, a shatter, a dissolution, or a break of the partition. The deformation of the partition can be reversible. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a disposable multi-chamber container according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container according to the embodiment shown in FIG. l ;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the container according to the embodiment shown in FIG. l ;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a front view of the container according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a top view of the container according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the container according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0024] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a disposable multi-chamber container according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0025] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a disposable multi-chamber container according to yet another exemplary embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the container with a partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0027] FIG. 10 is a front view of the container with the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0028] FIG. 11 is a top view of the container with the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0029] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the container with the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 ;

[0030] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0031] FIG. 14 is a top view of the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0032] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0033] FIG. 16 is a side view of the partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9; [0034] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the partition with attached vertical sidewalls according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9

[0035] FIG. 18 is a side view of the partition with attached vertical sidewalls according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0036] FIG. 19 is a perspective cross section view of the partition with attached vertical sidewalls according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0037] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the partition deflected upward according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0038] FIG. 21 is a side view of the partition where one half is deflected upward and the other half is deflected downward according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0039] FIGS. 22A, 22B, 22C, 22D, and 22E are side views of the partition having different deflection configurations according to the embodiment in FIG. 9;

[0040] FIGS. 23A, 23B, 23C, 23D, and 23E are perspective views of the partition having different deflection configurations according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9;

[0041] FIG. 24 is a top view of an exemplary partition with multiple possible folding creases;

[0042] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the partition shown in FIG. 24 with a deflection whereby the plane AD intersects plane BC along the fold line;

[0043] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the partition shown in FIG. 24 with a deflection whereby the plane DC intersects plane AB along the fold line;

[0044] FIG. 27 is a top view of an exemplary partition whereby a central rigid body is surrounded by flexible creased side flanges;

[0045] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the partition shown in FIG. 27 whereby flexible side flanges are deflected around a central rigid base;

[0046] FIG. 29A is a top view of an exemplary partition with pre-determined lines allowing deformation;

[0047] FIG. 29B is a top view of the partition shown in FIG. 29A torn along the pre-determined lines;

[0048] FIG. 30A is a perspective view of an exemplary partition with pre-determined lines allowing deformation;

[0049] FIG. 30B is a side view of the partition shown in FIG. 30A torn along the pre-determined lines;

[0050] FIG. 31 A is a top view of an exemplary partition with a rigid center and pre-determined lines allowing deformation; [0051] FIG. 31B is a perspective view of the partition shown in FIG. 31A torn along the predetermined lines;

[0052] FIG. 32A is a top view of an exemplary partition with a triangular shape and predetermined lines allowing deformation;

[0053] FIG. 32B is a perspective view of the partition shown in FIG. 32A torn along the predetermined lines;

[0054] FIG. 33 A is a top view of an exemplary partition with an oval shape and pre-determined allowing deformation;

[0055] FIG. 33B is a top view of the partition shown in FIG. 33A torn along the pre-determined lines;

[0056] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a disposable multi-chamber container with a torn partition according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0057] FIG. 35 is a top view of the disposable multi-chamber container with the torn partition according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 34; and

[0058] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a triangular-prism- shaped disposable multi-chamber container with a triangular partition according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specific implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0060] Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages of the disclosure can be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the principles set forth herein.

[0061] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features. The description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0062] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate a disposable multi-chamber container 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The multi-chamber container 10 can include a cylindrical container 12 and a circular partition 14 configured to securely fit within the container 12. The container 12 can have an opening at a first end, a circular base 16 at a second end, and a circumferential wall 18 extending vertically from the base 16 to the opening. In some cases, the base 16 can be detachably joined at the bottom of wall 18 as illustrated in FIG. 7. The multi- chamber container 10 can further include a cap 17 configured to fit on the open end of container 12 to seal the opening thereof. The cap 17 can be any suitable cap or lid known in the art, such as a crown cap, a screw cap, a snap-on cap, a cork cap, a flip-top cap, a tamper-evident cap, and the like.

[0063] As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, the wall 18 of container 12 can be horizontally divided into a top section 20 and a bottom section 22. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, the outer surfaces of top and bottom sections 20 and 22 can be flush so that wall 18 has a continuous outer surface. However, the various embodiments are not limited in this regard.

[0064] On the other hand, a discontinuity in at least a portion of the inner surface of wall 18 can be formed at the division of top and bottom sections 20 and 22. Such a discontinuity can be created by an inward or outward projection of at least a portion of the inner surface of wall 18. For example, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, a stepped configuration in the inner surface of wall 18 can be created by selecting the thickness of the bottom section 22 to be greater than the thickness of the top section 20. In this manner, a continuous rim can be formed at the division of the top and bottom sections 20 and 22. In other cases, top and bottom sections 20 and 22 can be separate components which, when assembled, form the wall 18. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the top section 20 can be received over the bottom section 22 to form a rim at the top of bottom section 22.

[0065] The discontinuity in the inner surface of wall 18 can create an abutting surface for positioning and securely fitting partition 14 within container 12. As illustrated in FIGS. 9-12, a bottom surface of partition 14 can abut the rim created at the division between top and bottom sections 20 and 22. Such an abutment is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 17-19, which illustrate different views of partition 14 abutting a top surface or rim of bottom section 22. Referring back to FIGS. 9-12, the partition 14 can separate the top and bottom sections 20 and 22 into two distinct volumes and can prevent fluid, solid, or gas communication therebetween. In some cases, at least a portion partition 14 can be fixedly disposed within container 12 and/or to the abutting surface, such as by one or more of a weld, a sonic weld, a glue adhesion, a friction fit, a screw, a bolt, a magnetic adhesion, an electro adhesion, or any other industrial practices. The top and bottom sections 20 and 22 can also be configured to hold or lock partition 14 in position. Partition 14 can also be lined with a material, such as a rubber material, to create a sealed friction fit between the circumferential edge of the partition 14 and the inner surface of wall 18.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 13-16, the partition 14 can include one or more deformation regions 30 defined by grooves and/or corrugated lines on at least one of the top or bottom surfaces of the partition 14. For example, a top groove 24 and a bottom groove 26 can be disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of partition 14, respectively, and can form a deformation region 30. The top groove 24 can have a uniform rectangular cross-section, and the bottom groove 26 can have a uniform triangular cross-section. However, other cross-section shapes are possible in the various embodiments. The top and bottom grooves 24 and 26 can be disposed directly opposite of one another. In some embodiments, the length of the deformation region 30 can be equivalent to a length, such as the diameter, of the partition 14.

[0067] The partition 14 can be configured to deform about the one or more deformation regions 30 in response to a trigger applied to the container 12 and/or the partition 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 20-21 , the partition 14 can be inserted within container 12 to divide the container 12 into two distinct volumes, although multiple partitions 14 forming any number of distinct volumes is contemplated. In some cases, at least a portion of partition 14 can be fixedly disposed within container 12. For example, partition 14 can be fixedly disposed or otherwise secured to container 12 at the contact between deformation region 30 and the container 12. The remaining portions of partition 14 can remain unsecured to container 12, or can be secured by a relatively weak bond. In this manner, the deformation region 30 can remain secured to the container 12 while the remaining portions of partition 14 are able to freely deform in response to a trigger. In other cases, the entire circumferential edge of partition 14 can be secured within container 12 while a central portion of partition 14 is configured to deform.

[0068] As illustrated in FIGS. 20-21 , deformation of partition 14 about deformation region 30 can enable fluid, solid, or gas communication across the partition 14. For example, the partition 14 can be configured such that it deforms about the deformation region 30 in response to a trigger, thereby enabling fluid, solid, or gas communication between the top section 20 and the bottom section 22. The trigger can be one or more of a mechanical force, a temperature change, a stress change, a voltage, a current, electromagnetic radiation, or the like applied to the container 12 and/or the partition 14. For instance, a user can squeeze, crush, or otherwise deform the container 12 to apply an inward force along wall 18, thereby causing partition 14 to deform about the deformation region. The container 12 and/or partition 14 can also include a smart material configured to respond to a trigger. The term "smart material" is defined as a material having one or more properties that change in response to external stimuli and can include, for example, shape-memory materials, piezoelectric materials, dielectric elastomers, and the like.

[0069] The deformation of partition 14 can be controlled such that partition 14 deforms into a specific configuration in response to a trigger. For example, characteristics such as shape, size, location, and the like of the one or more deformation regions 30 can be selected to force the partition 14 to deform in a specific direction and/or into a specific configuration. In some cases, the partition 14 can be pre-stressed, pre-strained, or the like to force partition 14 to preferentially deform into a specific configuration. The deformation region 30 can also contain structures, such as a hinged structure, that control the movement of partition 14 during deformation. The deformation of partition 14 can also be controlled by one or more stoppers 28 disposed internally within container 12, or by one or more embedded electromagnetic coils included within the container 12, the partition 14, and/or the wall 18.

[0070] A smart material included in the partition 14 can also be used to control the deformation of the partition 14. For example, a partition 14 having a shape-memory smart material can be preconfigured to have a memory of the desired deformed shape. The partition 14 can then respond to a trigger by deforming into the remembered shape. Subsequent removal of the trigger, or application of another trigger, can cause the partition 14 to revert back to it un- deformed shape. Since smart materials have a known response to certain triggers, the trigger applied to the partition 14 having a smart material can also be tailored to control the deformation of partition 14. For example, a specific voltage can be applied to a partition 14 having a piezoelectric smart material to produce a known deformation of the partition 14.

[0071] Moreover, the deformation of partition 14 can be reversible. In some cases, the reversal of the deformation of partition 14 can be achieved by reapplying the same trigger to the deformed partition 14, or by applying a different trigger to the deformed partition 14. In other cases, the partition 14 can be configured to revert to its un-deformed state in the absence of a trigger. The reversal of the deformation of partition 14 can re-seal the separate volumes in container 12 and can prevent fluid, solid, or gas communication across the partition 14.

[0072] FIGS. 22A-E and 23A-E illustrate side and perspective views of exemplary configurations that partition 14 can deform into in response to a trigger. Although the deformations shown in these figures are primarily deflections of partition 14, it should be understood that the deformation of partition 14 can be one or more of a movement, a rotation, a deflection, a rip, a tear, a segment, a shatter, a dissolution, a break, and the like. In cases where the trigger is a dissolution, the deformation region can be configured to dissolve in response to a substance in the top or bottom section of the container, such as a corrosive substance. As previously discussed, partition 14 can be adapted and/or controlled to deform into a predetermined deformation configuration based on the one or more deformation regions 30 disposed on the partition 14. For example, partition 14 can be configured to deform in a specific direction or into a specific shape to, for example, prevent reverse flow of fluid, solid, or gas. The partition 14 can also be configured to deform into a certain configuration in response to a particular external stimuli, such as a type, a direction, or a magnitude of an applied trigger, through the use of one or more smart materials included in the partition 14, through the use of one or more internal or external structures, such as stoppers or electromagnetic coils, and/or by any other suitable deformation control mechanism known in the art.

[0073] Although the discussion above references a particular configuration of partition 14, it should be understood that various properties of partition 14 can be modified without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, partition 14 can be made in any shape or size, and can have any number of deformation regions. As previously discussed, the deformation regions of partition 14 can include grooves and/or corrugated lines. However, any other score, mark, notch, indent, scrape, or slit can be used to form the deformation region so long as it does not allow fluid, solid, or gas communication while partition 14 is in its un- deformed state. The deformation regions can be created using any process known in the art, such as by etching, laser etching, stamping, crimping, and the like. In some cases, the partition 14 can have no deformation regions and can instead deform in a random or uncontrollable manner.

[0074] FIGS. 24-26 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of partition 14 having two deformation regions dividing the partition 14 into sections A, B, C, and D. As depicted in FIG. 25, partition 14 can deform about one deformation region such that the plane AD intersects plane BC. FIG. 26 illustrates that partition 14 can also deform about the other deformation region such that the plane DC intersects plane AB. FIGS. 27-28 illustrate yet another exemplary partition 14 having a central rigid body surrounded by flexible creased side flanges. The deformation regions surrounding the central rigid body allow one of more of the flanges to deform in response to a trigger. [0075] FIGS. 29A-33A and 29B-33B illustrate additional embodiments of partition 14 in both their un-deformed and deformed state. For example, FIGS. 29 A and 30 A depict a circular partition 14 having five deformation regions, such as corrugated lines, extending from the center of the partition 14. In response to a trigger, this partition 14 can deform about the deformation regions into a configuration shown in FIGS. 29B and 30B.

[0076] FIG. 31 A illustrates a circular partition 14 having a central rigid body with deformation regions surrounding and extending from the vertices of the central rigid body. In response to a trigger, such as one or more forces applied in the directions indicated by F, the partition 14 shown in FIG. 31A can deform into a configuration shown in FIG. 3 IB.

[0077] FIG. 32A depicts a triangular partition 14 having three deformation regions extending from the center of the partition 14. The partition 14 shown in FIG. 32 A can deform in response to a force applied in the direction F into a configuration shown in FIG. 32B.

[0078] FIG. 33 A illustrates an oval-shaped partition 14 having a single deformation region extending along the major axis of the partition 14. One or more forces applied in the directions indicated by F can cause the partition 14 to deform into a deformed state shown in FIG. 33B.

[0079] In some cases, one or more deformation regions of the partition 14 may be configured not to deform. Moreover, one or more deformation regions may be configured to deform only in response to a specific trigger type, trigger direction, trigger magnitude, or the like. For example, FIG. 34 shows a container 12 having disposed therein a circular partition 14 with five deformation regions extending from the center of the partition 14. In response to a trigger, the partition 14 can deform about four of the five deformation regions as shown in FIG. 35. Furthermore, a portion of the deformed partition 14 can break away from its attachment point in container 12.

[0080] Although a specific configuration of a multi-chamber container 10 was used as reference to describe various aspects of the present disclosure, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures. The multi- chamber container can have any shape or size and is not limited to the cylindrical shape illustrated in some embodiments. For example, FIG. 36 shows a multi-chamber container 10 having a triangular-prism-shaped container 12 with a triangular partition 14 disposed therein. The multi-chamber container can also have any number of partitions 14 separating the container 12 into any number of distinct volumes (e.g., two partitions 14 secured within container 12 to form three distinct volumes). Each of these partitions 14 can deform in response to a single trigger or multiple triggers, and the distinct volumes can be accessed in a simultaneous or sequential manner. Furthermore, the inner surface of wall 18 can have no discontinuities, and the partition 14 can instead be attached directly to the inner surface of the wall 18 through any technique known in the art. The individual components of the multi-chamber container 10, such as the container 12 and the partition 14, can be made from any number of materials including plastics, polyesters, copolyesters, metals, carbon fiber, carbon fiber reinforced plastic, smart materials, memory alloys, conductive solids, rubbers, and the like. The multi-chamber container can also be disposable or non-disposable. The multi-chamber container can be configured to hold any fluid, solid, or gas volume.

[0081] Having disclosed the basic components and concepts of the multi-chamber container, the disclosure now turns to an example method of using the multi-chamber container. For the sake of clarity, the method is described in terms of multi-chamber container 10, such as shown in FIG. 1. The steps outlined herein can be implemented in any combination thereof, including combinations that exclude, add, or modify certain steps.

[0082] A first fluid, solid, or gas can be added to a first volume comprising the bottom section 22 of the container 12. Once added, the partition 14 can be inserted and secured within the container 12 to prevent the first volume in the bottom section 22 from entering the top section 20. In some cases, the partition 14 can be fixedly attached within container 12. After securing the partition 14, a second fluid, solid, or gas can be added to a second volume comprising the top section 20 of the container 12. In some cases, additional partitions 14 can be inserted and secured within the container 12 to create additional volumes to which a fluid, solid, or gas can be added. A cap 17 can optionally be secured on the open end of container 12 to seal the contents of the second or uppermost volume therein.

[0083] Alternatively, the partition 14 can first be inserted and secured within the container 12. In some cases, the partition 14 can be fixedly attached within container 12. A trigger can be applied to the container 12 and/or the partition 14 to enable communication to the bottom section 22, and a first fluid, solid, or gas can be added to a first volume comprising the bottom section 22 of the container 12. The deformation of partition 14 can then be reversed, such as by applying a trigger or by ceasing to apply the trigger. A second fluid, solid, or gas can then be added to a second volume comprising the top section 20 of the container 12. In some cases, additional partitions 14 can be inserted and secured within the container 12 to create additional volumes to which a fluid, solid, or gas can be added. A cap 17 can optionally be secured on the open end of container 12 to seal the contents of the second or uppermost volume therein. In some cases, a detachable base 16 can be used to access the bottom section 22 instead of applying a trigger to deform the partition 14. [0084] When accessing the contents of the multi-chamber container 10, the optional cap 17 can be removed and the contents in the second volume comprising the top section 20 can be accessed. A trigger can be applied to the container 12 and/or the partition 14, and the partition 14 can deform in response to the trigger. From here, communication between the first volume in the bottom section 22 and the second volume in the top section 20 can be enabled, and the contents of the first volume can be accessed. Alternatively, the contents of the first and second volumes can be accessed simultaneously by applying the trigger to the container 12 and/or partition 14 prior to accessing the contents of the second volume. Similar processes as those described above can be used for accessing the contents of a multi-chamber container having multiple partitions 14 forming more than two volumes.

[0085] Although a variety of information was used to explain aspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of the claims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements, as one of ordinary skill would be able to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further and although some subject matter may have been described in language specific to structural features and/or method steps, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Such functionality can be distributed differently or performed in components other than those identified herein. Rather, the described features and steps are disclosed as possible components of systems and methods within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, claim language reciting "at least one of" a set indicates that one member of the set or multiple members of the set satisfy the claim.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A device, comprising:

a partition for separating a first volume from a second volume, the partition comprising at least one deformation region, and the partition adapted to deform about the deformation region in response to a trigger applied to the partition.

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the deformation region includes at least one of a grooved portion or a corrugated portion.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation region includes a first grooved portion having a rectangular cross section disposed on a top surface of the partition, and a second grooved portion having a triangular cross section disposed on a bottom surface of the partition, the first grooved portion disposed directly opposite the second grooved portion.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the partition is circular, and wherein the length of the first grooved portion and the length of the second grooved portion are equal to the diameter of the partition.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the trigger comprises a mechanical force.

6. The device of claim 1 , wherein the partition comprises a smart material.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the trigger comprises at least one of a temperature change, a stress change, a voltage, a current, or electromagnetic radiation.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation of the partition is reversible.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the deformation is at least one of a movement, a rotation, a deflection, a rip, a tear, a segment, a shatter, a dissolution, or a break of the partition.

10. An apparatus, comprising:

a container comprising a base and a wall extending upwardly from the base, the wall longitudinally divided into a top section and a bottom section; and a partition disposed between the top and bottom sections of the wall for separating a first volume from a second volume, the partition comprising at least one deformation region, and the partition adapted to deform about the deformation region in response to a trigger.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the trigger comprises a mechanical force applied to at least one of the container or the partition.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the partition comprises a smart material.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the trigger comprises at least one of a temperature change, a stress change, a voltage, a current, or electromagnetic radiation applied to the container or the partition.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the top and bottom sections are separate components.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the container comprises a ridge for abutting the partition.

16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the deformation region includes at least one of a grooved portion or a corrugated portion.

17. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the top surface of the partition includes a first grooved portion having a rectangular cross section, and the bottom surface of the partition includes a second grooved portion having a triangular cross section, the second grooved portion disposed directly opposite the first grooved portion.

18. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the deformation of the partition is reversible.

19. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the deformation is at least one of a movement, rotation, a deflection, a rip, a tear, a segment, a shatter, a dissolution, and a break of the partition.

20. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the partition is fixedly disposed within the container.