Liquid container equipped with drinking cups

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container (e.g., a bottle) for holding liquid therein. More particularly, the container includes a body having upper and lower ends and a recessed storage compartment formed in the lower end. The container also includes a plurality of cups removably positioned in the storage compartment. The storage compartment extends upwardly from the lower end toward the upper end of the body such that the storage compartment is recessed into the body. The storage compartment is sized and shaped such that the cups are housed completely within the storage compartment.

1 . A container for holding liquid, comprising a body having upper and lower ends and a recessed storage compartment formed in said lower end; and at least one cup removably positioned in said storage compartment. 
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein said storage compartment extends upwardly from said lower end towards said upper end of said body such that said storage compartment is recessed into said body. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 2 , wherein said at least one cup includes a plurality of cups; and said storage compartment is sized and shaped such that said cups are housed completely within said storage compartment. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 3 , wherein said body includes an outer annular wall positioned within said body, said outer annular wall being substantially coaxial relative to said body, said storage compartment being radially defined by said outer annular wall. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 4 , wherein said body includes a compartment ceiling positioned within said body between said upper and lower ends of said body and defining a top end of said storage compartment. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 5 , wherein said outer annular wall extends between said lower end of said body and said compartment ceiling. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 6 , wherein said body includes an inner annular wall positioned within said body, said inner annular well being substantially coaxial relative to said outer annular wall and said body, said inner annular wall cooperating with said outer annular wall to form an annular channel for receiving at least portions of said cups. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 7 , wherein said inner annular wall depends downwardly from said compartment ceiling. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 8 , further comprising a retaining member for engaging at least one of said cups so as to releasably retain said cups within said storage compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 9 , wherein each of said cups includes a lip projecting outwardly in a radial direction; and
 wherein said retaining member includes a rim projecting radially inwardly from said outer annular wall of said body for engaging said lip of at least one of said cups.   
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 10 , wherein said storage compartment includes a plurality of gaps in said lower end of said body, each of said gaps being sized and shaped so as to receive a person's finger for facilitating the removal of said cups from said compartment.