CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/195,754 filed June 2, 2021 , which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Provided for are stash flasks having one or more watertight storage chambers in addition to a main liquid container. The chamber(s) may be accessible from a discreet location at the bottom of the flask opposite the liquid container spout at the top. The chamber(s) may securely store one or more smoking items.

BACKGROUND

[003] Existing flasks or portable, compact beverage containers on the market today are typically used for storing liquid only. For example, existing flasks may have a body defining a single liquid storage cavity accessible by a male threaded spout sealable with a female threaded cap. Such existing flasks do not contain any other storage cavities or functionalities of the sort. Many users of flasks, however, also enjoy cigars and/or other forms of smoking. Those individuals may carry a secondary device to house the smoking items along with a pack of matches or a lighter. Carrying such a secondary device is cumbersome and may lead to the user losing or misplacing the secondary device. Furthermore, many users would desire that the smoking items are housed in a discreet and secure compartment which is watertight and/or scent proof. [004] Disclosed herein are stash flasks having one or more discreet chambers that enables a user to store both a liquid and smoking items, including matches or a lighter if desired. The stash flasks are an all in one device to keep the smoking items and matches/lighter secure and watertight while storing or transporting a desired liquid. Additionally, the chamber(s) are accessible from watertight ports located on the bottom of the flask such that the other exterior surfaces of the flask may appear similar to ordinary flasks, providing a discreet solution for the user. SUMMARY

[005] In an embodiment, the disclosure provides for a multi-compartment flask, comprising: a housing defining an internal hollow region, the housing having an opening at a top of the multi-compartment flask; and at least one watertight chamber extending into the hollow region with a port at a bottom of the multi-compartment flask. [006] In further embodiments, the multi-compartment flask comprises two watertight chambers, wherein first and second watertight chambers are disposed on opposing ends of the bottom of the flask.

[007] In further embodiments, the multi-compartment flask comprises a liquid container disposed within the housing adjacent to the at least one watertight chamber, the at least one watertight chamber disposed at a side of the flask.

[008] In further embodiments, the liquid container comprises a threaded spout extending outwardly from the opening at the top of the housing.

[009] In further embodiments, the housing of the multi-compartment flask further comprises a hingedly or flexibly attached threaded cap for releasably sealing the threaded spout of the liquid container.

[0010] In further embodiments, the multi-compartment flask comprises a plug for releasably sealing the port of the at least one watertight chamber.

[0011] In further embodiments, the port comprises threads and wherein the plug comprises complementary threads for engaging the port threads.

[0012] In further embodiments, the plug further comprises an o-ring seal.

[0013] In further embodiments, the plug further comprises a U-shaped extension, wherein the U-shaped extension fits into a recessed feature in the plug in a first position and is pivotably deployable to a second position for threading the plug with the port.

[0014] In further embodiments, the plug comprises a seal for press-fitting into the port.

[0015] In further embodiments, the plug is attached to a tether complementary to the bottom of the flask.

[0016] In an embodiment, the disclosure provides for a multi-compartment flask, comprising: a housing defining an internal hollow region, the housing having a port at a top of the multi-compartment flask; a first watertight chamber extending into the hollow region with a port at a bottom of the multi-compartment flask; a second watertight chamber extending into the hollow region with a port at a bottom of the multi compartment flask, wherein the ports of the first and second watertight chambers are disposed at opposing ends of the bottom of the multi-compartment flask; and a liquid container disposed within the housing inbetween the first and second watertight chambers, wherein the liquid container has a spout extending outwardly from the top of the housing.

[0017] In further embodiments, the multi-compartment flask further comprises corresponding threaded plugs for releasably sealing the respective ports of the first and second watertight chambers, wherein each plug comprises an o-ring seal and a U-shaped extension, and wherein the U-shaped extension fits into a recessed feature in the respective plug in a first position and is pivotably deployable to a second position for threading the respective plug with the port.

[0018] In further embodiments, the multi-compartment flask further comprises press-fit plugs for releasably sealing the ports of the first and second watertight chambers, wherein the plugs are fixed to a flexible tether complementary to the bottom of the flask.

[0019] In further embodiments, the length of the first watertight chamber spans substantially the entire height of the flask defined by the top of the flask and the bottom of the flask.

[0020] In further embodiments, the length of the second watertight chamber is the same as the length of the first watertight chamber.

[0021 ] In further embodiments, the length of the second watertight chamber is less than the length of the first watertight chamber.

[0022] In further embodiments, the liquid container has a volume of at least about 8 ounces.

[0023] In further embodiments, the multi-compartment flask further comprises a textured strike pad for striking a match.

[0024] In further embodiments, the flask has an overall height of about 5 - 8 inches, a width of about 3 - 5 inches, and a thickness of about 1 - 2 inches. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. For the purposes of illustrating aspects of the present application, there are shown in the drawings certain preferred embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangement, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices shown may be used singularly or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not in any way intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely presented to clarify illustrated embodiments of the invention. In these drawings:

[0026] FIG. 1A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary first embodiment flask;

[0027] FIG. 1 B depicts a top view of an exemplary first embodiment flask;

[0028] FIG. 1 C depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary first embodiment flask;

[0029] FIG. 2 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary first embodiment flask;

[0030] FIG. 3A depicts a front view of an exemplary first embodiment flask with selected dimensions indicated;

[0031] FIG. 3B depicts a top view of an exemplary first embodiment flask with selected dimensions indicated;

[0032] FIG. 3C depicts a bottom view of an exemplary first embodiment flask; [0033] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an exemplary first embodiment flask;

[0034] FIG. 5A depicts a front perspective view of an exemplary second embodiment flask;

[0035] FIG. 5B depicts a top view of an exemplary second embodiment flask;

[0036] FIG. 5C depicts a bottom perspective view of an exemplary second embodiment flask; [0037] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded perspective view of an exemplary second embodiment flask;

[0038] FIG. 7A depicts a front view of an exemplary second embodiment flask with selected dimensions indicated;

[0039] FIG. 7B depicts a top view of an exemplary second embodiment flask with selected dimensions indicated; and

[0040] FIG. 7C depicts a bottom view of an exemplary second embodiment flask.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The described embodiments are exemplary in nature and non-limiting. The described features of the embodiments may be advantageously incorporated into further embodiments. The stash flasks of the present disclosure generally include one or more secure and discreet storage chambers in addition to the liquid tank or container.

[0042] The term “smoking choice” as used herein refers to any item which the user may smoke, including cigars, cigarettes, hand-rolled cigarettes, compact pipes, etc. The “smoking choice” is typically housed within a watertight chamber of the flask until it is dispensed for use. The term "smoking choice” is used in the singular, however certain embodiments may allow for plural items to be stored in a chamber, such as multiple cigarettes or hand-rolled cigarettes. The terms “smoking choice”, “cigar”, “cigarette”, “hand-rolled cigarette”, “pipe”, and other such terms are to be individually taken as encompassing any “smoking choice” described herein. The term “smoking items” may be alternatively used to refer to the “smoking choice”.

[0043] FIGs. 1 A - 1 C, 2, and 3A - 3C illustrate a first embodiment of the flask. FIG. 1A shows a front perspective view of the flask 132 with a hingedly-attached top cap 154 screwed onto a spout (not visible) which provides access to an internal liquid container. FIG. 1 B is a top view and FIG. 1 C is a bottom perspective view showing a cigar 100 partially dispensed and extending from a watertight chamber 145 with the cap or plug 142 removed. At an opposing end of the bottom of the flask, another watertight chamber 135 is present and is shown sealed with a plug 136. As seen in FIG. 1 B, the flask may have a concave surface and a convex surface to give the flask a curved shape. Alternatively, the flask may have two convex surfaces, two concave surfaces, or one or more flat surfaces. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the first embodiment of the flask showing the components that make up this flask and their positioning. The components are listed below in Table 1 :

Table 1

[0044] The components of FIG. 2 and Table 1 are generally assembled to yield an exemplary embodiment of a flask, although the assembly can be performed in any appropriate manner. The flask housing 7 defines an internal hollow region which accepts a liquid container or tank 9. The tank 9 has a threaded spout 8 which extends through an opening at the top of the housing 7. The spout 8 may be welded to the housing or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to provide a watertight seal. The spout 8 may optionally be inserted without any intervening seal, or a further seal surrounding the spout may be inserted to provide a watertight seal inbetween the top of the tank 9 and the housing 7 at its opening. Seals may be rubber or polymeric and may be utilized at various positions to provide watertight and/or scent-proof characteristics. A retainer ring 4 secures the top cap 1 to a hinge member 3, the hinge member 3 in turn being attached to the housing 7 at its hinge pivot 6 with a hinge pin 5. A seal 2 is inserted into the top cap 1 , and the top cap 1 may be screwed onto the spout 8.

[0045] The bottom of the liquid container or tank 9 contacts or is in proximity to a base 10 which is welded to the housing 7. Alternatively, the base 10 may be affixed to the housing 7 in any appropriate manner including snap-fit, adhesive, screws, etc. with optional further seals. The base 10 provides one or more ports at the bottom of the flask (multi-compartment flask) for access to one or more watertight chambers. The chambers may be defined by the housing 7 and tank 9, or alternatively may be defined by a chamber insert 11. In an embodiment, a chamber insert 11 is a lighter chamber and is configured and dimensioned to hold a pen lighter or matches. In an embodiment, a chamber insert 11 is alternatively configured and dimensioned to hold a cigar or smoking choice. The chamber insert 11 may be pressed into the flask or, alternatively, may be releasably attached to a cap or plug 18 using threads.

[0046] The ports in the base 10 are sealed with caps or plugs 18 which thread into the base 10. The caps or plugs generally have an o-ring seal 19 to provide a watertight and/or scent-proof seal. In a fully threaded position, the plug 18 is preferably substantially even with the bottom of the base. A U-shaped extension 15 is attached to the plug 18 using a pin 17. In a deployed position, the U-shaped extension allows for screwing the plug 18 into or out of the base 10. Once the plug is fully threaded into the base, the U-shaped extension 15 may be folded into a recessed portion of the plug 18 so that the extension is substantially even with the bottom of the plug. The base 10 and plugs 18 thereby advantageously provide discreet access to the storage chambers from the bottom of the flask. Observers other than the user would therefore not have knowledge of such storage chambers unless the bottom of the flask is closely examined. Optionally, a further cover or panel may be releasably attachable to the base to completely obscure the caps. The base 10 may optionally have an etched or attached strike pad 16 for lighting matches. A leather wrap 13 may optionally surround the housing for improved grip and/or aesthetic purposes.

[0047] FIGs. 3A - 3C show further views of the first embodiment of the flask with exemplary dimensions denoted with labels. In FIG. 3A, dimension A, the overall height of the flask including the spout/cap, may be about 6.8 inches (173.9 mm). Dimension B, the height of the flask body, may be about 6.3 inches (158.8 mm). Dimension C, the width of the flask, may be about 4.3 inches (110.1 mm). Dimension D, the thickness of the flask, may be about 1 .2 inches (30.5 mm) as shown in FIG. 3B. The dimensions are exemplary and may vary greatly in various implementations. FIG. 3C shows an optional feature of a roughened texture area 22 for use to strike a match. The rough textured area 22 may be formed by any suitable process, such as etching. Alternatively, the rough textured area may be adhered to or otherwise attached to any portion of the body of the flask, such as the bottom of the flask.

[0048] Referencing FIG. 4, a cross-section of an exemplary stash flask 32 is depicted. The flask includes a fluid or liquid container 50 accessible via a releasably sealable spout 52, or neck, located on the top of the stash flask. The spout 52 is used to fill the fluid container 50 with fluid and to dispense fluid from the container 50. The spout cap 54 may be releasably seal the spout by a threaded, pressure-fit, or other means. The spout cap 54 may be hingedly attached to the stash flask, or may be attached by a flexible member or any other means of keeping the spout cap retained. In an alternative embodiment, the spout cap is not retained and may be freely removed from the flask. The fluid container 50 may be used to store a liquid such as alcohol or other liquids which the user may wish to store or transport. The fluid container may be made of any suitable material, including metal or plastic. The fluid container may have any suitable volume depending upon the overall dimensions of the flask, for example a volume in the range of about 8 - about 16 ounces, and typically has a minimum volume of about 8 ounces. In alternative embodiments, the volume of the container may be less than 8 ounces depending upon the user’s needs.

[0049] The flask may have a generally cylindrical chamber 30 to store a cigar, cigarettes or other smoking choice 34, and the chamber 30 may be formed as a part of a flask 32. In some embodiments, the chamber 30 may be defined by the flask 32 and, at one or more sides, the exterior of the fluid container 50. In some embodiments, the chamber 30 may be defined by a chamber insert. The cylindrical chamber 30 may have a cross-section other than cylindrical, including rectangular or other shapes. This cylindrical chamber 30 is watertight and allows a user to have confidence that the cigar, cigarette or other smoking choice 34 is safe and dry. The cylindrical chamber 30 may also be scent proof such that the smoking choice 34 may be discreetly carried. While the chamber 30 is shown as extending substantially the full height of the flask, the chamber may have various heights and/or widths. The chamber may extend to substantially the full height of the flask, or, for example, may range from substantially the full height of the flask down to about one-eighth of the full height of the flask. The chamber diameter may range, for example, from about half the width of the flask down to about one eighth of the width of the flask. It can be appreciated that the chamber diameter is typically limited by the smallest dimension of the flask, such as its thickness, and that the flask and/or chamber dimensions are configurable as necessary to maximize or minimize, or otherwise configure, the chamber diameter. [0050] The chamber 30 is accessible via a chamber port 35, which is releasably capped with a threaded plug 36 and a rubber O-ring for water tightness. The chamber port 35 is located at the bottom of the flask such that the port provides discreet access to the chamber. In alternative embodiments, the plug is pressure-fit rather than threaded. In alternative embodiments, the plug is attached to a pivotable or hinged flap forming a part of the flask. The threaded plug 36 includes a u-shaped extension 44 that may be recessed and lay flat when not in use but flips up when required for opening the threaded plug, giving the user an easy to grip location for the fingers. This will eliminate the need for any type of tool being needed to access either chamber. [0051] On an opposing side of the flask there may be a similar chamber 40 with a port 45 that is sealed with a plug 42. The plug 42 may be identical to the plug 36 for the other chamber 30. That chamber 40 may be used to store either a small pen lighter or a plurality of strike anywhere matches. In alternative embodiments, the plug 42 may be formed as a part of the body of a pen lighter which is stowable in the chamber 40. The dimensions of chamber 40 may vary in the same manner as those of chamber 30.

[0052] The flask 32 and various components thereof may be constructed from a number of different materials, including metal or plastic, preferably metal. Certain ornamental or flexible features, as described herein, may be constructed from materials such as natural or synthetic leather, cloth, nylon, ballistic nylon, deformable or rigid plastics, carbon fiber, etc. The exterior of the flask 32 may be decorated either with engraving or a leather wrap. The dimensions of the flask itself could vary greatly to allow smaller and larger amounts of liquor/fluid to be stored within. The dimensions of the chambers 30, 40 for the cigar/joint and for matches/lighter may also vary greatly. [0053] FIGs. 5A - 5C, 6, and 7A - 7C illustrate a second exemplary embodiment of the flask. FIG. 5A shows a side perspective view of the flask 232 having a top cap 245 attached to the flask by a tether. FIG. 5B is a top view of the flask 232 and FIG. 5C is a bottom view showing a cigar 200 partially dispensed and extending from a watertight chamber 245 having its plug 242 removed. At an opposing end of the bottom of the flask, another watertight chamber 235 is present and is shown sealed with a plug 236, which is tethered to the other plug 242. Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the second embodiment of the flask showing the components that make up this flask and their positioning. The components are listed below in Table 2:

Table 2

[0054] The components of FIG. 6 and Table 2 are generally assembled to yield an exemplary embodiment of a flask, although the assembly can be performed in any appropriate manner. The flask housing 66 defines an internal hollow region which accepts a liquid container or tank 68. The tank 68 has a threaded spout 67 which extends through an opening at the top of the housing 66. The spout 67 may be welded to the housing or otherwise affixed in a permanent manner to provide a watertight seal. The spout 67 may optionally be inserted without any intervening seal, or a further seal surrounding the spout may be inserted to provide a watertight seal inbetween the top of the tank 68 and the housing 66 at its opening. Seals may be rubber or polymeric and may be utilized at various positions to provide watertight and/or scent-proof characteristics. A tether 64 surrounds the base of a top cap 62, the tether 64 in turn being attached to the housing 66 with a rivet 65. A seal 63 is inserted into the top cap 62, and the top cap 62 may be screwed onto the spout 67. An ornamental insert 61 may be inserted into a recessed portion of the top cap 62.

[0055] The bottom of the liquid container or tank 68 contacts or is in proximity to a base 70 which is welded to the housing 66. Alternatively, the base 70 may be affixed to the housing 66 in any appropriate manner including snap-fit, adhesive, screws, etc. with optional further seals. The base 70 provides one or more ports at the bottom of the flask (multi-compartment flask) for access to one or more watertight chambers. The chambers may be defined by the housing 66 and tank 68, or alternatively may be defined by a chamber insert 69. In an embodiment, a chamber insert 69 is a lighter chamber and is configured and dimensioned to hold a pen lighter or matches. In an embodiment, a chamber insert 69 is alternatively configured and dimensioned to hold a cigar or smoking choice. The chamber insert 69 may be friction-fit and removable or, alternatively, pressed into the flask.

[0056] The ports in the base 70 are sealed with a plug that removably press-fits into the base. The plug is generally a combination of components 71 and 73 - 77, although a single-bodied plug, or a plug using fewer components, may alternatively be used to seal the ports. The plug 76 is generally a flexible materials suitable for sealing the port, such as silicone. The plug 76 is sandwiched by a washer 77 and plug tether 71 , which is in turn in contact with a pull plate 75. A rivet 73 secures the plug assembly from the pull plate 75 to the washer 77. The pull plate 75 has a hingedly attached pull ring 74 for assisting in removing the plug.

[0057] The plugs fit into the ports of the base 70 to provide a watertight and/or scent-proof seal. The tether 71 connects the plugs together such that the tether stays in place when one plug is removed for accessing a storage chamber. The base 70 and plugs thereby advantageously provide discreet access to the storage chambers from the bottom of the flask. Observers other than the user would therefore not have knowledge of such storage chambers unless the bottom of the flask is closely examined. Optionally, a further cover or panel may be releasably attachable to the base to completely obscure the caps. The tether 71 or base 70 may optionally have an etched or attached strike pad for lighting matches. A leather wrap 72 may optionally surround the housing for improved grip and/or aesthetic purposes.

[0058] FIGs. 7A - 7C show further views of the second embodiment of the flask along with exemplary dimensions denoted with labels. In FIG. 7A, dimension A, the overall height of the flask including the spout/cap, may be about 7.2 inches (183.1 mm). Dimension B, the height of the flask body, may be about 6.5 inches (165.7 mm). Dimension C, the width of the flask, may be about 4.2 inches (106.4 mm). Dimension D, the thickness of the flask, may be about 1 .2 inches (31 .7 mm) as shown in FIG. 7B. The dimensions are exemplary and may vary greatly in various embodiments.

[0059] Various additional features are contemplated without deviating from the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the plugs and/or watertight chamber may further comprise a padded surface for cushioning the smoking choice or lighter/matches within the chamber. In some embodiments, the watertight chamber may further comprise a spring-loaded mechanism for dispensing the smoking choice and/or lighter. In some embodiments, the stash flask may include a further cap which press-fits onto the bottom of the flask so as to completely obscure the watertight chamber ports and plugs from view. In some embodiments, the stash flask may include a removable panel which press-fits into the bottom of the flask so as to completely obscure the watertight chamber ports and plugs from view.

[0060] Further provided are methods of using the stash flasks of the present disclosure. At any stage starting from an empty stash flask, the user may remove the spout cap and fill the liquid container with a desired liquid, followed by securing the spout cap for transporting the liquid. They user may also dispense and/or refill the liquid at any time by removing the spout cap, dispensing and/or refilling, and replacing the spout cap. The watertight chambers are generally used by first removing the plugs from the chamber ports. A first chamber may be used for storing a smoking choice, such as a cigar, and a second chamber may be used for storing a lighter, or matches, or alternatively a further smoking choice. Once the plug is removed, the smoking choice or lighter/matches is inserted into the chamber. Then, the plug is replaced in such a manner that the chamber is watertight for transport or storage. The plug may be threaded or press-fit.

[0061 ] Also provided for are kits including a stash flask and a pen lighter configured and dimensioned to fit within one of the watertight chambers. The pen lighter may be of any design known in the art, being dimensioned for insertion into a complementary watertight chamber. Also provided for are kits including a stash flask and another smoking tool, such as a cigar cutter, cigarette rolling tools, or other smoking tool. [0062] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention has many applications, may be implemented in various manners and, as such is not to be limited by the foregoing embodiments and examples. Any number of features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into a single embodiment, the locations of particular elements can be altered and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.

[0063] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While there have been shown and described fundamental features of the invention as applied to being exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known, future developed variations and modifications to the components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art.