Multi-chamber beverage container

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.

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.