# US 10,501,233 B2 · Multiple-opening container and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,501,233 B2 - Document ID: US10501233B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 15/408,113 - Filed: 2017-01-17 - Published: 2017-12-07 - Granted: 2019-12-10 - Earliest claimed: 2004-10-07 - Applicants: Thomas C. Roberts - Inventors: Thomas C. Roberts - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10501233B2 ## CPC - B65D 25/08: with provisions for removing or destroying, e.g. to facilitate mixing of contents - B65D 17/4012: {for opening partially by means of a tearing tab} - B65D 81/3227: {arranged parallel or concentrically and permitting simultaneous dispensing of the two materials without prior mixing (B65D81/325 takes precedence)} - B65D: CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES ## Abstract A multiple-opening container is configured to facilitate the simultaneous opening of two or more material containing compartments, thus allowing for the material contents within the multiple containing compartments to be suitably mixed upon pouring into another container. As a result of the simultaneous opening and pouring ability facilitated by the multiple-opening container, the time for mixing of multiple materials, such as beverages, fluids, powders or other like contents, can be suitably reduced. In addition, the de-carbonization and/or deterioration or other side affects caused from pre-mixing of the contents can be eliminated. In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, engagement portion can comprise a snap clip and a ring portion configured for sealed coupling to a material containing compartment. Second compartment can be suitably filled within beverages or other materials, and then positioned within the container portion and sealed or otherwise coupled by the engagement portion. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A multiple-opening container configured for containing at least two materials, said multiple-opening container comprising: a container portion comprising a first compartment and a second compartment; a seal configured to enclose both said first compartment and said second compartment; an engagement device configured for simultaneous piercing of said seal opening said first compartment and said second compartment to facilitate simultaneous pouring and mixing of said at least two materials after simultaneous opening, said engagement device comprising: a coupling arrangement, and a multi-opening tab member, wherein said multi-opening tab member comprises a first contact portion, a second contact portion and a ring portion configured for coupling to said container portion. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The multiple-opening container according to claim 1, wherein said second compartment comprises a smaller volume container than said first compartment, and is configured to be filled with material prior to coupling with said engagement device to be sealed to said container portion. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The multiple-opening container according to claim 1, wherein said engagement device further comprises a snap clip comprising an outer perimeter and a planar surface having at least two openings configured for alignment with said plurality of cap members, said snap clip configured for coupling said ring portion to said second compartment. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The multiple-opening container according to claim 3, wherein said snap clip is further configured for coupling said ring portion to said container portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The multiple-opening container according to claim 1, wherein said multi-opening tab member comprises a singular member configured for simultaneous engagement by said first and second contact portions of said first and second cap members to facilitate simultaneous opening via piercing said seal of said multiple-opening container. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The multiple-opening container according to claim 5, wherein said first and second cap members are configured proximately together to facilitate simultaneous opening and pouring of said at least two materials. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The multiple-opening container according to claim 1, wherein said second compartment comprises a pass-through portion to allow for beverage or other material to be poured from said first compartment after simultaneous opening of said container. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The multiple-opening container according to claim 1, where said coupling arrangement further comprises a first cap member and a second cap member operatively coupled to said first and said contact portions of said multi-opening tab. ### Claim 9 A method for facilitating simultaneous pouring of at least two materials from a single container, said method comprising: filling a first compartment within said single container with a first material; filling a second compartment with a second material; coupling a ring portion to said second compartment, and placing said second compartment within said single container and interlocking said second compartment with said single container; operating an engagement device to simultaneously engage a first contact portion and a second contact portions with a first cap member and a second cap member to simultaneously pierce a seal covering both said first compartment and said second compartment and provide at first opening access to said first compartment and a second opening providing access to said second compartment; and simultaneously pouring said at least two materials from said first and second material compartments of said container. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The method according to claim 9, wherein said method further comprise sealing said second material within said second compartment with said seal prior to coupling said second compartment to said ring portion. ### Claim 11 (depends on 9) The method according to claim 9, wherein said method further coupling a ring portion to said second compartment with a snap clip, and placing said second compartment within said single container and interlocking said second compartment with said single container with said snap clip. ### Claim 12 (depends on 10) The method according to claim 10, wherein said at least two materials are poured through said snap clip after simultaneously providing access to said first compartment and to said second compartment. ### Claim 13 (depends on 9) The method according to claim 9, wherein said at least one material is poured through a pass-through portion configured within said second compartment. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The method according to claim 13, wherein said pass-through portion is configured within an outer perimeter of said second compartment. ### Claim 15 A multiple-opening container configured for containing a first fluid and a second fluid, said multiple-opening container comprising: a housing comprising a first compartment, wherein said housing is configured to receive a second compartment, wherein said second compartment comprises a pass-through portion to allow for said second fluid to be poured from said first compartment after simultaneous opening of said first compartment and said second compartment; a seal configured to enclose both said first compartment and said second compartment; and a fluid engagement device configured for simultaneous piercing of said seal for opening of said first compartment and said second compartment to facilitate simultaneous pouring of said first fluid and said second fluid after simultaneous opening. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The multiple-opening container according to claim 15, wherein said fluid engagement device further comprises: a first contact portion and a second contact portion; a first cap member and a second cap member operatively coupled to a first and a second contact portions of a multi-opening tab; and a ring portion configured for coupling to said second compartment, said multi-opening tab and said first and second cap members configured within said ring portion. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The multiple-opening container according to claim 16, wherein said first and second cap members are configured proximately together to facilitate simultaneous opening and pouring of said first fluid and said second fluid. ### Claim 18 (depends on 15) The multiple-opening container according to claim 15, wherein said second compartment comprises a smaller volume container than said first compartment. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) The multiple-opening container according to claim 15, wherein said engagement device further comprises a snap clip comprising an outer perimeter and a planar surface having at least two openings configured for alignment with a plurality of cap members, said snap clip configured for coupling a ring portion to said second compartment. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) The multiple-opening container according to claim 15, wherein said second compartment is substantially positioned between said seal and said first compartment.