Container with laminar flow

Abstract

A container such as a beverage container is characterized by a device arranged within the container to impart a laminar flow to a fluid being poured or dispensed within the container. The laminar flow device is arranged in either the central portion of the container or in a side wall of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the flow device includes a plurality of flutes which slow the flow of the beverage into the container. In addition, the container bottom wall is preferably concave to provide a smooth transition for the flow of beverage from the laminar device to the container bottom and up the interior of the container during filling. The laminar device reduces the formation of foam within the fluid during filling of the container. A flow director is also provided for connecting a fluid dispenser with the laminar flow device.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A container, comprising
 (a) a housing having a bottom wall, at least one integral side wall, and an open upper end defining a chamber; and   (b) a laminar flow device arranged within said chamber, said laminar flow device receiving a fluid being deposited into said chamber and directing said fluid toward said chamber bottom while minimizing turbulence within said fluid, whereby foaming of the fluid during filling of said chamber is minimized.   
     
     
         2 . A container as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said laminar flow device comprises a projection extending from said a central portion of said bottom wall toward said housing upper end. 
     
     
         3 . A container as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said projection has a conical configuration of narrowing diameter in the direction of said housing upper end. 
     
     
         4 . A container as defined in  claim 3 , wherein a lower portion of said projection is fluted to increase a surface area of said projection. 
     
     
         5 . A container as defined in  claim 4 , wherein said fluted portion of said projection has a star-shaped cross-sectional configuration. 
     
     
         6 . A container as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said chamber bottom has a concave configuration. 
     
     
         6 . A container as defined in  claim 1 , wherein said laminar flow device comprises a fluted portion of an inner surface of said side wall. 
     
     
         7 . A container as defined in  claim 6 , wherein said fluted side wall inner surface has a star-shaped cross-sectional configuration. 
     
     
         8 . A container as defined in  claim 7 , wherein said fluted portion has a narrowing diameter in the direction of said housing upper end. 
     
     
         9 . A container as defined in  claim 6 , and further comprising a projection extending upwardly from a central portion of said bottom wall. 
     
     
         10 . A container as defined in  claim 9 , wherein said bottom wall has a concave configuration. 
     
     
         11 . A container as defined in  claim 2 , wherein said projection is hollow. 
     
     
         12 . A container as defined in  claim 11 , and further comprising an illumination device removably connected within said hollow projection. 
     
     
         13 . A container as defined in  claim 1 , and further comprising a flow director connected with a fluid source and configured go mate with said laminar flow device to direct fluid from said source to said laminar flow device to fill said housing. 
     
     
         14 . A flow director, comprising a body containing an annular chamber open at a lower end of said body, said body having an open upper end which communicates with said annular chamber and which is configured to receive a spout of a fluid dispenser, whereby when fluid is dispensed from a fluid source, said flow director converts the fluid into an annular flow for deposit into a container. 
     
     
         15 . A flow director as defined in  claim 14 , wherein said body lower end contains a central opening for receiving a projection of said container to deliver an laminar flow of fluid to the container. 
     
     
         16 . A flow director as defined in  claim 15 , wherein said central opening is arranged within an inner circumference of said annular chamber. 
     
     
         17 . A flow director as defined in  claim 16 , wherein said body includes a gasket arranged within said upper end.