Segmented fluid containers

Abstract

A segmented fluid container formed from (i) two or more semi-cylindrical canister segments having hollow interiors, (ii) which canister segments are capable of being joined longitudinally (side-to-side) to form a unified construct having the generally elongate cylindrical shape of a fluid canister, with (iii) each of these segments being separately accessed-i.e.-having its own separate end opening by which its contents are dispensed or reached, and (iv) with non-permanent means being provided for holding these segments together to form said fluid canister shape. The invention described can be produced from glass, plastic, steel, aluminum, or other materials suitable for the purposes of this invention or, more generally, for the production of canisters and/or canister segments of this type.

1 . A segmented fluid container, comprising: 
 a) At least two canister segments, each having side walls and two ends defining respective hollow interiors, where each of said at least two canister segments has means for accessing its interior, and said at least two canister segments can be joined longitudinally to form a unified construct; and    b) non-permanent junctures joining said at least two canister segments together to form said unified construct.    
     
     
         2 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said at least two canister segments are semi-cylindrical.  
     
     
         3 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said at least two canister segments can be joined to form a unified construct fitting a soft-drink dispensing apparatus.  
     
     
         4 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said non-permanent junctures include a wrap binding the at least two canister segments together.  
     
     
         5 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said non-permanent junctures include a snap catch.  
     
     
         6 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said non-permanent junctures cooperate with an annular depression around said unified construct created when said at least two canister segments are joined to form said unified construct.  
     
     
         7 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said non-permanent junctures include interfacing elements formed in the at least two canister segments.  
     
     
         8 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said non-permanent junctures include a rim member interfacing with ends of said at least two canister segments.  
     
     
         9 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 8   , wherein said rim member is screw threaded.  
     
     
         10 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 4   , wherein said wrap binding has a pull-tab by which it may be removed.  
     
     
         11 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein said non-permanent junctures include elements joined by adhesive to at least one of said at least two canister segments.  
     
     
         12 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 1   , wherein the means for accessing the interior of at least one of said at least two canister segments is a beverage can pull-tab.  
     
     
         13 . A segmented fluid container, as described in    claim 4   , wherein said binding is formed from plastic.  
     
     
         14 . A segmented fluid container, as descried in    claim 7   , further including an intermediate member interfacing with each of said at least two canister segments.