U.S. patent application number 11/526559 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-04 for reusable beverage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rubbermaid Incorporated. Invention is credited to Jacob Connelly, Ian W. Cunningham, Kenneth W. Hull, Larry T. McKinney.
Application Number | 20080210659 11/526559 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39732354 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080210659 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKinney; Larry T. ; et
al. |
September 4, 2008 |
Reusable beverage container
Abstract
A beverage container has a body with a hollow interior. A spout
is positioned at one end of the body and is configured to
selectively dispense liquid from the interior of the body. The body
also has a closed end opposite the one end. A seam is formed on the
body between a first body section and a second body section and the
two body sections are separable from one another along the seam. A
liquid-tight seal is formed along the seam. Each body section is
configured to define a part of the hollow interior of the body and
to directly contact a liquid held in the hollow interior. A
mechanism on the container can be manipulated to secure the body
sections together sufficient to maintain the liquid-tight seal
along the seam and to permit separation of the two body sections
exposing their respective interior surfaces.
Inventors: |
McKinney; Larry T.;
(Huntersville, NC) ; Connelly; Jacob; (Concord,
NC) ; Hull; Kenneth W.; (Huntersville, NC) ;
Cunningham; Ian W.; (Huntersville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEMPIA BRAIDWOOD LLC
223 W. JACKSON BLVD., SUITE 620
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Rubbermaid Incorporated
Huntersville
NC
|
Family ID: |
39732354 |
Appl. No.: |
11/526559 |
Filed: |
September 21, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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29245812 |
Dec 29, 2005 |
D539524 |
|
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11526559 |
|
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60719120 |
Sep 21, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/382 ;
220/4.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A45F 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/382 ;
220/4.24 |
International
Class: |
B65D 6/28 20060101
B65D006/28; B65D 90/02 20060101 B65D090/02; B65D 8/18 20060101
B65D008/18 |
Claims
1. A beverage container comprising: a body having an upper end, a
lower end, a liquid containing hollow interior, and two body
sections that can be separated from one another, each of the two
body sections having an interior surface that defines a portion of
the hollow interior of the body; a seam formed between the two body
sections when assembled; a liquid-tight seal along the seam; a
drinking spout near the upper end of the body; and a mechanism on
the body that removably secures the two body sections together
sufficient to maintain the liquid-tight seal and that can be
manipulated to permit separation of the two body sections exposing
their respective interior surfaces.
2. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the seam
extends around a perimeter of the body from the upper end to the
lower end.
3. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein one of the
two body sections is a male section and has a primary wall and a
perimeter rim extending from an edge of the primary wall and the
other of the two body sections is a female section and also has a
primary wall and a perimeter rim extending from an edge of the
primary wall, wherein the perimeter rim of the female section
overlaps and is received over a portion of the perimeter rim of the
male section when the body is assembled.
4. A beverage container according to claim 3, further comprising: a
gasket interposed between the perimeter rim of the female section
and the perimeter rim of the male section to assist in creating the
liquid-tight seal between the male and female sections when
assembled.
5. A beverage container according to claim 4, wherein the gasket
creates a dual seal arrangement when the male and female sections
are assembled.
6. A beverage container according to claim 4, wherein the gasket
comprises: a bead projecting from a surface of the gasket and
extending around the gasket, wherein the bead interferingly wipes
along a surface of the perimeter rim of one of the male or female
sections as the body is assembled and remains pressed against the
perimeter rim when the body is assembled; and a shoulder exposed on
another part of the gasket and extending around the gasket, wherein
an exposed edge of the perimeter rim of the one male or female
section bears against and compresses the shoulder when the body is
assembled.
7. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the seam
extends around a perimeter of the body from the upper end to the
lower end, and wherein the mechanism includes at least one fastener
installed through an opening in one of the two body sections and
connects the two body sections together, and wherein the at least
one fastener can be removed to either expose the opening through
which the hollow interior of the body can be filled with a liquid
or to permit separation of the two body sections.
8. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism
further comprises: a pair of fasteners installed through a
respective pair of openings in one of the two body sections and
connecting the two body sections together, the pair of fasteners
extending in a direction generally normal to the orientation of the
seam, wherein the pair of fasteners can be removed to permit
separation of the two body sections, and wherein at least one of
the pair of fasteners can be removed to expose the corresponding
opening through which the hollow interior of the body can be filled
with a liquid.
9. A beverage container according to claim 1, further comprising: a
flexible strap having a pair of opposed ends, each end attachable
to a side of the body, and wherein the strap can be attached to the
body in a position extending over and spaced upward from the
drinking spout near the upper end of the body and can be pivoted
downward to provide access to the drinking spout.
10. A beverage container according to claim 1, further comprising:
a pair of strap connectors, one each carried on opposite sides of
the body near the upper end; a flexible strap having a pair of
opposed ends; and an opening provided in each of the opposed ends
of the strap, wherein the combination of the openings and the pair
of connectors permits the strap to be installed in a plurality of
different arrangements on the body, and wherein the plurality
arrangements include 1) the pair of opposed ends each connected to
a respective one of the connectors with the strap extending over
and spaced upward from the drinking spout, 2) the pair of opposed
ends each connected to a respective one of the connectors with the
strap extending over and in contact with part of the drinking spout
when in a closed position, and 3) the pair of opposed ends each
connected to the same connector on one side of the bottle.
11. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein both of the
two body sections are formed of a substantially rigid material and
wherein one of the two body sections has a hole through a wall of
the one body section below the drinking spout and above the lower
end of the body, and wherein a flexible bellows is coupled to the
one body section, covers the hole, and is configured to be squeezed
inward toward the hollow interior of the body.
12. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the drinking
spout is a push-pull spout received in a neck carried on only one
of the two body sections.
13. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the
mechanism comprises: at least one bolt with a hollow shaft, the at
least one bolt removably securing the two body sections together,
and wherein an interior of the hollow shaft is in fluid
communication with the hollow interior of the body when the body is
assembled.
14. A beverage container according to claim 1, wherein the
mechanism comprises: a pair of receivers carried on the interior
surface of one of the two body sections, each receiver carrying
helical threads; a pair of openings in a wall of the other of the
two body sections; a pair of guide tubes projecting from the
interior surface of the other body section, each one aligned with
one of the pair of openings; and a pair of bolts each received
through a respective one of the pairs of openings and guide tubes,
the pair of bolts each having helical threads that mechanically
engage the helical threads of a respective one of the pair of
receivers when the body is assembled.
15. A beverage container according to claim 14, wherein each of the
pair of receivers telescopically engages a respective one of the
pair of guide tubes when the body is assembled.
16. A beverage container comprising: a body having an upper end, a
lower end, and a liquid containing hollow interior, wherein the
majority of the body is formed of a substantially rigid material; a
push-pull spout at the upper end of the body configurable to
dispense liquid from the hollow interior when pulled out; a hole in
the body between the push-pull spout and the lower end, the hole
having a perimeter; and a flexible bellows coupled to the body
around the perimeter of the hole and covering the hole in the body,
wherein the flexible bellows can be pushed into the body toward the
hollow interior to dispense liquid from the push-pull spout when
pulled out.
17. A beverage container according to claim 16, wherein the
flexible bellows is molded to the body around a perimeter of the
hole.
18. A beverage container according to claim 16, wherein the body
has two body sections that can be separated from one another, each
body section having an interior surface that defines a portion of
the hollow interior of the body.
19. A beverage container according to claim 18, wherein the body
has a side-to-side width dimension and a height dimension from the
upper end to the lower end, and wherein the body has a
front-to-back depth between primary walls of the two body sections
that is less than the width and height dimensions.
20. A beverage container assembly comprising: a body having an
upper end, a lower end, a pair of opposed sides, and a liquid
containing hollow interior, the body having a profile depth between
the pair of opposed sides that is thinner than a width across the
pair of opposed sides and a length relative to the upper end and
the lower end; a drinking spout near the upper end of the body; and
at least one device removably installed in an opening in one of the
opposed sides, wherein the device can be opened or removed to
expose the opening through which the hollow interior of the body
can be filled with a liquid with the body oriented generally
horizontally.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The present disclosure is generally directed to beverage
containers and bottles, and more particularly to a reusable
beverage container or bottle that can be emptied and refilled and
that can be broken down for easy cleaning of the container
interior.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] There are many types of drinking containers known in the art
that can be carried with the user, that can be opened, closed, and
re-sealed, and that can be emptied, refilled, and re-used. These
types of containers typically have a bottom, an upstanding
sidewall, a neck, a mouth opening into the neck, and some sort of
closure or cap. Often, the closure device is removable and can be
opened and closed over the mouth opening at the neck. A number of
more recent types of drinking containers have an openable and
closeable, push-pull spout positioned within the mouth opening of
the neck. Such containers are of the bottle variety and typically
have a circular cylinder shape, are fairly tall, and have a spout
carried on a cap that covers the mouth opening or received in the
bottle neck or mouth opening.
[0005] When a user wishes to clean this type of drinking container
or bottle, the user is often faced with a dilemma. This is
particularly true for larger volume, taller bottles or containers.
A large bottle with a neck and a mouth opening in the neck is
typically difficult to clean by hand and may not be adequately
cleaned in a dishwasher. The mouth opening is usually not large
enough for a user to reach inside the bottle and/or is too tall for
the user to reach the bottom and lower extremities of the interior.
Larger containers also do not fit well within an interior of a
dishwasher. Additionally, the large sized interior is not
efficiently cleaned in a dishwasher because the opening at the
bottle neck is typically relatively small compared to the size of
the rest of the container. Smaller bottles may fit in a dishwasher,
but the mouth openings are typically smaller, making it more
difficult to clean the inside of the bottle by hand and making it
more difficult for cleaning fluid in a dishwasher to enter the
smaller sized mouth opening.
[0006] Thus, if the bottle is hand washed, a user will often not do
an effective job cleaning the bottom of the bottle interior because
of the difficulty fitting their hand inside the opening at the
neck. If washed in a dishwasher, portions of the interior of the
bottle may not be sufficiently cleaned. The user may choose to use
a separate cleaning device to reach and clean all of the interior
surfaces of the bottle. However, such a device may not always be
readily available. There is simply no efficient and easy method to
adequately clean the interior of a drinking container or bottle of
this type.
[0007] When a user wishes to refill their beverage container or
bottle, especially during some type of athletic or exercise
activity, they typically must have access to a deep sink or basin
or a tall faucet at a water supply. This is because the height of
this type of drinking container or bottle prevents the bottle from
fitting in a vertical orientation between the water outlet and the
bottom of the basin at the water source. It is therefore sometimes
difficult to place the opening of the bottle neck directly beneath
the water source with the bottle oriented vertically. As a result,
either the bottle can not be completely filled because it must be
tipped to reach the water supply, or the user will have difficultly
placing the opening of the bottle neck directly in the stream of
the water supply. A typical example would be where a user fills
their bottle at a public drinking fountain. The bottle typically
cannot be filled all the way because it must be tipped to a fairly
steep angle in order for the stream of water to reach the mouth
opening of the bottle neck. Thus, the user may be prevented from
completely filling their container.
[0008] Many conventional beverage containers or bottles have a
circular cylindrical vessel or body and a removable twist-off cap.
Containers typically do not come with any means for making the
bottle easy to carry. If a user wants to travel with their bottle,
they must find a place to accommodate the circular configuration.
Often, the container has a relatively large diameter making it
difficult for a user to find an adequate location for storing and
carrying the container. Additionally, such bottles are often formed
of flexible, resilient plastic to permit a user to squeeze the
bottle to dispense liquid. If the large and flexible container is
stored in a location where it can be squished or compressed against
other objects, the container can deflect or crush. This can result
liquid leaking from the container. If the container is formed of a
rigid material, liquid can only be dispensed by removing a cap on
the bottle. A vented push-pull type spout does not function
properly on such rigid bottles.
[0009] Additionally, these types of bottles and containers
typically do not include any type of handle or other device for
carrying the bottle or for attaching the bottle to another object
such as a backpack, belt loop, or the like. Thus, the container
must be stored in a readily available space or receptacle on
another object that is of sufficient size and shape for storing
such a container. Further, because of the size and configuration of
a conventional beverage container of this type, the container
typically cannot be stored or carried in a pocket of an article of
clothing or the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a beverage
container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the other side of the
beverage container that is shown in FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the beverage container that is
shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section of the beverage
container taken along line IV-IV of the beverage container that is
shown in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view of an upper fastener
portion of the beverage container that is shown in FIG. 4.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the lower fastener
portion of the beverage container that is shown in FIG. 4.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an elevation of the bottle assembly shown in FIG.
1 being filled beneath a shallow basin faucet.
[0018] FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the spout assembly
portion of the beverage container that is shown in FIG. 4.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the beverage container that
is shown in FIG. 1 and with the strap arranged in one possible
configuration in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the beverage container that
is shown in FIG. 1 and with the strap shown in another possible
alternate configuration.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the beverage container that
is shown in FIG. 1 and with the strap shown in yet another possible
alternative configuration.
[0022] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another example of a beverage
container constructed in accordance with the teachings of the
present invention.
[0023] FIG. 13 is a longitudinal cross-section of the beverage
container taken along line XIII-XIII of the beverage container that
is shown in FIG. 12.
[0024] FIG. 14 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a portion of the
upper fastener of the beverage container that is shown in FIG.
13.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0025] The present invention is for a beverage container or bottle
assembly that solves or improves upon one or more of the
above-noted and other problems with and disadvantages of prior art
bottles and containers. In one example, the disclosed bottle
assembly has a thin profile, flask-shaped or kidney shaped body.
The disclosed bottle assembly also has a two-part body that can be
taken apart for cleaning and reassembled for continued use. The
disclosed bottle assembly also has a push-pull spout or dispenser
at one end and yet can be filled easily while lying in a horizontal
orientation. The disclosed bottle assembly also has a substantially
rigid shell or body and yet can be squeezed to dispense liquid from
the spout. The disclosed bottle assembly also has a carrying strap
that is reconfigurable to a number of different, useful
arrangements and configurations. These and other features and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon
reviewing this disclosure.
[0026] Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 show two
perspective, opposite side views of one example of a beverage
container or bottle assembly 20 that is constructed in accordance
with the teachings of the present invention. The bottle assembly 20
in this example has a body 22 or shell forming a liquid containing
vessel that has a relatively thin profile when viewed from the
side. The body 22 has a length and width that are larger in
comparison to the thinner profile or depth, when viewed from the
opposite front or back sides (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In the disclosed
example, the body 22 or shell has an hourglass or kidney-like
tapered shape with a narrower waist region 24 positioned between an
upper end 26 and a lower end 28 of the body.
[0027] The disclosed bottle shape can vary considerably and yet
fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The body
can be a conventional round cylinder and yet achieve or provide a
number of the features and advantages of the present invention. The
body can also take on any number of other shapes and configurations
and yet do the same. The present invention is not intended to be
limited to only the bottle shape disclosed and described herein.
However, the thinner profile shape may make the disclosed bottle
assembly easier to carry, transport, and store in many
instances.
[0028] The disclosed bottle assembly 20 generally has a drinking
orifice 30 in the exposed tip of a push-pull spout assembly 32. The
spout assembly 32 is provided near the upper end 26 of the body 22
and generally has a cylindrical neck 34. In the disclosed example,
the push-pull spout assembly 32 also has a slidable stopper 36
received I the open end of the neck 34. The drinking orifice 30 is
formed in the terminal end of the stopper 36. The stopper 36
essentially opens or closes the spout assembly 32 when pulled out
or pushed into the neck 34, respectively.
[0029] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the bottle assembly
20. In one aspect of the present invention, the body 22 has two
halves or body sections 42 and 44. The two sections are joined
along a seam or joint 46 that, in this example, extends along an
end-to-end perimeter of the body 40. In this example, one of the
body sections is a male section and the other is a female section
that slips over and overlaps a portion of the male section. As can
be seen in FIG. 3, the female body section 42 has a generally
planar, but slightly cupped, primary wall 48. The body section 42
also has a perimeter upstanding rim 50 that extends from an edge of
the wall 48. The rim 50 is oriented generally normal to the primary
wall 48 in this example. The primary wall 48 and the perimeter rim
50 combine to form a concave shape. An interior space 52 is created
within the confines of the rim 50 and the wall 48 of the female
section 42 and forms a part of the liquid containing interior of
the bottle assembly 20 described herein.
[0030] As depicted in FIG. 3 and the cross-section of FIG. 4, the
male section 44 of the body 22 also has a similarly configured
primary wall 54 and a perimeter rim 56 that projects from an edge
of the wall 54. The rim 56 is also oriented generally normal to the
primary wall 54. An interior space 58 of the male body section 44
is formed within the confines of the primary wall 54 and the
perimeter rim 56 and also forms a part of the liquid containing
interior of the bottle assembly 20.
[0031] The particular shapes and configurations of the body
sections 42 and 44 can vary considerably and yet fall within the
spirit and scope of the present invention. Additionally, the width,
height, and depth of each body section can also vary to provide
bottle assemblies of different liquid containing volumes. The
concavity and curvature of the walls and rims of the sections can
also vary from that shown and described. Further, the position,
location, and orientation of the seam or joint 46 on the bottle
assembly 20 can also vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope
of the present invention.
[0032] In the disclosed example as shown in FIG. 3, the female
section 42 includes a plurality of molded buttresses 59 that
interconnect the perimeter rim 50 and the primary wall 48 to add
strength and rigidity to the body section. The male section 44 can
include similar structural enhancing features as well, if desired.
Clearly, other surface ribbing or other features and/or structures
can be added to the bottle parts to add structural integrity,
strength, and rigidity as well.
[0033] In another aspect of the present invention, the disclosed
bottle assembly has a leak resistant or liquid-tight seal along the
seam or joint 46. The features of the disclosed seam 46 are now
described with reference to FIGS. 3-6. The liquid-tight seal is
formed, in part, by a combination of surfaces carried on the
perimeter rims 50 and 56 of the body sections 42 and 44,
respectively. In the disclosed example, the rim 50 of the female
body section 42 has an interior surface 60 that faces the interior
space 52 of the section. The perimeter rim 50 also terminates at an
exposed edge 62. The perimeter rim 56 of the male section 44 has an
exterior surface 64 that faces outward opposite the interior space
58 of the section. The perimeter rim 56 of the male section 44 also
terminates at an exposed edge 66.
[0034] A resilient, deformable, contoured gasket or seal 70 is
carried on and extends around the exterior surface 64 of the
perimeter rim 56 on the male body section 44. The gasket in this
example is configured to create a dual seal that has both a "wiper"
seal aspect and a "compression" seal aspect. The disclosed male
body section 44 has a U-shaped recess or undercut located at the
base of the rim 56 and on the exterior side of the rim. The recess
72 faces in the direction of the female section 42 when the body 22
is assembled. An annular band 74 is formed on one perimeter edge of
the seal 70 and is received in the recess 72. The band 74 is
thicker than the remaining parts of the seal 70 and defines an
annular shoulder 76 on one face of the band. The shoulder 76 faces
in a direction outward from the recess and is exposed and also
faces the female body section 42 when the body is assembled. A seal
bead or rib 78 is provided on the exterior surface of the seal 70
near the end of the seal opposite the thicker band 74. The rib 78
projects radially outward around the perimeter of the seal 70.
[0035] When the two body sections 42 and 44 are assembled, the
contoured seal 70 effectively forms a dual water-tight or
liquid-tight seal arrangement. The rib 78 bears against and slides
or "wipes" along the interior surface 60 of the perimeter rim 50
around the entire perimeter of the female section 42. The
interference between the interior surface 60 and the rib 78 as the
two body sections are slid together creates a first "wiper` portion
of the dual seal arrangement. The rib 78 remains deformed and under
compression while the body is assembled. As the two body sections
are assembled, the exposed edge 62 of the perimeter rim 50 on the
female section 42 is drawn against the exposed shoulder 76 of the
contoured seal 70. Compression force between this exposed edge 62
and the shoulder 76 creates the second "compression" portion of the
dual seal arrangement.
[0036] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the structure and configuration of the seal between the two
body sections can vary and yet fall within the spirit and scope of
the present invention. The gasket or seal can take on different
configurations and constructions and can be formed of many suitably
deformable materials, such as silicone or thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE) for example. A gasket or seal can be carried on either or
both the male and female body sections and can have various beads,
ribs, bands, wipers, and/or the like on different surfaces to
create liquid-tight interference between mating surfaces and
components. In one example, the contoured seal 70 can be dual
molded as a part of one of the two body sections, and in this
example, the male body section 44. In another example, the seal 70
can be a separate gasket attached to, adhered, to, or otherwise
installed on a part of the body 22.
[0037] In another aspect of the present invention, the two body
sections 42 and 44 are held together by a mechanical device or
means in order to maintain the assembly and seal and to permit
separation of the body sections. In one example, a pair of
removable, threaded fasteners or bolts 90 and 91, as depicted in
FIGS. 3-6. In the disclosed example, the male section 44 includes a
pair of fastener openings 92 and 93 formed in the primary wall 54.
Each of the fasteners openings in this example is formed having an
integral, cylindrical guide tube 94 and 95, respectively. Each
guide tube projects inward from the primary wall 54 toward the
opposite body section 42. Also in this disclosed example, the
female section 42 includes a pair of female cylindrical receivers
96 and 97 projecting inward from the primary wall 48 toward the
male section. The receivers are hollow, but only open to the
interior of the assembled bottle, not to the exterior of the female
section 42. A plurality of female mechanical threads 98 are
provided on the interior surfaces of each of the receivers 96 and
97 in this example.
[0038] Each of the fasteners or bolt 90 and 91 in this example
includes a shaft 100 with a first portion 102 coupled to a larger
diameter, round head 104. The first shaft portion 102 on each
fastener is coupled to a second shaft portion 106. In this example,
the second portions 106 have a smaller diameter than the first
portions 102 and include mechanical male threads 108 on their
exterior surfaces. Also in this example, each bolt or fastener 90
and 91 includes a seal recess 110 positioned near the larger
diameter head 104 on the first shaft portion 102. A conventional
O-ring 112 is seated in the recess 110 on each of the respective
bolts 90 and 91. As shown in FIGS. 4-6, the O-rings 112 are
compressed against interior surfaces 114 of the respective guide
tubes 94 and 95 when the bolts 90 and 91 are installed. The O-rings
112 provide a compression, liquid-tight seal at the fastener
openings 92 and 93 of the male body section 44 in this example. The
O-rings can be formed of any suitable material, such as
silicone.
[0039] As depicted in FIGS. 4-6, the male threads 108 on the
fasteners or bolts 90 and 91 mechanically engage the female threads
98 in the receivers 96 and 97 when the bottle assembly 20 is
assembled. Installing the bolts 90 and 91 in a conventional manner
draws the two body sections 42 and 44 together. This creates
compression between the seal shoulder 76 and the exposed edge 62 of
the female section perimeter rim 50. As the two body sections are
drawn together, the guide tubes 94 and 95 also telescopically align
with and engage the corresponding receivers 96 and 97. The tubes
and receivers align and overlap one another to provide positive and
proper alignment between the two body sections when assembled. In
this example, the ends 116 of the receivers 96 and 97 have a
smaller diameter than the ends 118 of the guide tubes 94 and 95 and
thus telescope into the guide tubes.
[0040] In the disclosed example, the fasteners 90 and 91 are formed
of a molded plastic material and are hollow along a portion of
their length. The structure can reduce material usage and reduce
weight of the assembled product. In the disclosed example, the
fasteners can be formed of a durable, substantially rigid plastic
material such as acetal. However, other suitable materials,
including non-plastics, can also be used to form the fasteners or
bolts 90 and 91 as desired.
[0041] Also, optional openings 120 can be provided through portions
of the shaft 100 in each of the fasteners in this example. This can
be done to permit liquid to pass through the fasteners and to enter
the hollow interior 122 of the fasteners in order to increase the
overall volume of the assembled bottle assembly 20. The head 104 of
each of the fasteners 90 and 91 in this example includes perimeter
serrations 124 to enhance grip so that a user may easily tighten or
loosen the fasteners as necessary.
[0042] In this example, the heads 104 are of a circular or round
configuration, but can take on many different forms and
configurations and yet fall within the spirit and scope of the
present invention. Also, the existence, configuration,
construction, and shape of the fasteners, guide tubes, receivers,
and O-rings can vary as well and yet fall within the spirit and
scope of the invention. In addition, the disclosed fasteners need
not be made of plastic, as noted above, but instead could be formed
from other suitable materials and using any suitable process
manufacturing. Many different fastener structures and alternative
mechanical devices could be used to secure the two body sections
together and yet achieve the performance and functional
characteristics of the present invention. For example, the
mechanical device can include one or more different types of bolts,
straps, clips, snaps, bands, and/or the like and yet achieve many
of the advantages of the present invention.
[0043] The male and female body sections 44 and 42, respectively,
can also be formed using any suitable manufacturing processes
and/or materials. However, the majority of the two body sections
can be made from a substantially rigid material, such as a hard
plastic or the like. In one example, the male and female body
sections 44 and 42 can be formed of a plastic resin such as
polycarbonate (PC). A number of the advantages disclosed herein for
the present invention can be achieved using a somewhat flexible
material for the body sections. However, in order to achieve all of
the benefits and advantages of the present invention; a majority of
the primary panels and rims of the body sections should be formed
of a substantially rigid material that holds its form during normal
usage and under normal applied loads.
[0044] The substantial rigidity of the body 22 results in a bottle
assembly 20 that is resistant to unwanted crushing or deflection
that might otherwise cause a leak in the bottle. However, a rigid
body 22 would normally prevent use of a typical push-pull type
spout. Such a spout usually requires the beverage container be
squeezed to generate any liquid flow, accelerate dispensing of
liquid from the container, or at least develop an adequate flow
rate from the spout. Thus, in another aspect of the present
invention as shown in FIGS. 3-6, one of the body sections in the
disclosed example is provided with a flexible diaphragm wall or
bellows in a surface of the body. In this example, the rigid
material of the female body section 42 has a hole 126 centrally
located in the primary wall 48 between the location of the
fasteners or bolts 90 and 91. The hole is a void in the hard
plastic or other rigid material of the body section. A flexible or
elastic bellows or diaphragm 128 is attached to the rigid material
of the female body section 42 along the perimeter surrounding and
defining the hole 126.
[0045] In one example, the flexible bellows 128 is formed of a
durable, long lasting flexible or elastic, resilient material. For
example, the flexible bellows 128 can be formed of a plastic resin
such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). However, other materials
can also be used to form the flexible bellows within the spirit and
scope of the present invention. The bellows material can be adhered
to the primary wall 48 of the female body section 42 using a
dual-molding, over-molding, or other suitable process. In such a
process, a chemical or molecular bond is formed between the
material of the bellows 128 and the material of the female body
section 42 that defines the hole 126.
[0046] The bellows or panel 128 is sufficiently flexible to be
depressed inward toward the interior of the body 22. Thus, a user
can "pump" the bottle assembly 20, i.e., pressure inside the
container is increased, to generate an adequate flow rate of
liquid. When the spout assembly 32 is opened or pull out from the
neck 34, liquid can be dispensed from the bottle assembly 20. the
open spout allows air return to permit repeated pumping action. The
bellows 128 is also resilient and returns to its static position
upon release of the pressure or load.
[0047] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the flexible bellows can be created and adhered to the bottle
assembly using any number of suitable flexible materials and
attachment methods. However, a dual-molding process is well suited
to produce a highly durable, liquid-tight connection between the
two different materials of the bellows and the body section. In
this example, the term bellows is used to describe the flexible
wall nature of this region of the assembly 20. The material of the
bellows need not be particularly thick or thin. However, the
so-called bellows should be capable of withstanding many, many
cycles of an application of force and of defecting under a load
that can be readily achieved by a wide range of users.
[0048] As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4, a secondary material layer can
be added to other parts of the bottle assembly 20 for aesthetics,
improved or enhanced grip, or other purposes as desired. In this
example, an over-molded ring 130 of a material such as TPU is
adhered to the exterior surface 132 of the perimeter wall 50 of the
female body section 42. In this example, the ring 130 is formed of
a softer material, such as TPU, than the hard plastic material of
the body sections 42 and 44. As shown in FIG. 4, when the two body
sections 42 and 44 are assembled, an exposed edge 131 of the ring
130 overlaps with a portion of the rim 56 of the male body section
44. The ring 130 can be used to enhance the appearance of the
bottle assembly 20 and also to mask the seam or joint 46 created by
the assembled parts. The ring 130 can be formed of a softer, higher
surface friction material to assist the user in gripping the bottle
during use. The ring can also be configured and positioned on the
bottle surfaces to assist in protecting the bottle from damage if
dropped.
[0049] In this example, a part of an exterior surface 134 of the
primary wall 48 on the female section 42 also includes a secondary
layer 136 of softer, over-molded material, such as TPU, that
overlies the hard plastic material. In this example, the material
layer 136 is provided in the region of the bottle neck 34, which is
carried entirely on the female body section 42, and on the part of
the primary wall 48 above the flexible bellows 128. This material
layer 136 can also be formed of a softer material with relatively
high surface friction characteristics to enhance the user's grip.
Such surface features can also be added purely or at least partly
to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the bottle assembly as
well.
[0050] With the above-described bottle construction, the majority
of the container can be formed of a substantially hard or rigid
material and yet can employ a push-pull stopper that requires
squeezing of the bottle to dispense fluid from the interior of the
body. The flexible bellows 128 permits such a construction. The
two-piece body 22 also permits the bottle assembly 20 to be broken
down to expose all of the interior surfaces of the liquid
containing space within the bottle body for easy cleaning. The thin
profile of the bottle renders each body section 42 and 44
relatively thin or flat when disassembled. Thus, the body sections
disclosed in the present example of the invention can be easily
separated and placed in a dishwasher for cleaning without taking up
much space. The components of the bottle assembly can also be
easily hand washed without the use of any secondary or special
devices and without difficulty in cleaning all surfaces of the
bottle interior and dispensing components.
[0051] In yet another aspect of the present invention, because of
its unique shape and construction, the bottle assembly 20 disclosed
herein can be easily and readily filled using virtually any water
source, such as a drinking fountain, a sink, a shallow- or
deep-basin faucet, a water cooler, a refrigerator dispenser, or the
like. The bottle assembly 20 can also be filled without removing or
opening the spout assembly 32. A user need only remove one of the
two fasteners 90 or 91, which opens the respective fastener opening
92 or 93 into the interior of the body 22. The guide tube 94 for
the removed fastener 90 or 91 is thus exposed. In the disclosed
example, the ends of the guide tubes are open. However, to
facilitate faster refilling, the guide tubes can also include a
plurality of fill slots 138 in the guide tube walls. A user can
simply orient the bottle horizontally, as shown in FIG. 7, with the
fastener opening 92 or 93 positioned beneath the water source, such
as a public drinking fountain 139. Water can enter through the
opening and pass through the fill slots 220 and the ends of the
tubes into the interior of the assembled bottle assembly 20. The
bottle can be easily filled in this manner and requires very little
space because of the thin profile of the bottle as well as the
horizontal orientation necessary for filling the bottle. When the
bottle is filled, the user simply need replace the fastener 90 or
91 into the opening 92 or 93 to reseal the opening.
[0052] As depicted in FIGS. 3 and 4, the earlier described
buttresses 59 on the female body section 42 each have an exposed
surface 140 that faces the male body section 44. The exposed
surface 140 of each buttress includes a notch 142. The notches 142
are positioned to receive the exposed edge 66 of the rim 56 on the
male body section 44 when the two body sections are assembled.
These notches further assist in properly aligning the two body
sections when the bottle is assembled. The precise depth and
position of the notches 142 relative to the edge 66 of the rim 56
on the male section 44 can be set to limit the degree of nesting or
overlap between the two body sections when assembled. The notches
can act as a travel stop between the two sections so that, when the
body 22 is re-assembled by a user, the seal 70 is compressed only
to the appropriate degree and no more.
[0053] In another aspect of the present invention best shown in
FIGS. 3, 4, and 8, the push-pull spout assembly 32 is incorporated
into the body 22, and yet the body can be broken down into two
parts. In order to accomplish this and yet provide a functional
push-pull spout assembly, the neck 34 is provided as an integral
part of only one of the body sections. In this example, the neck 34
is molded integrally as part of the female body section 42. The
neck 34 includes a longitudinal opening 150 with an interior
surface 152. As noted above, the neck 34 in this example has an
over-molded second material layer applied thereto in an optional
manner. However, no such secondary layer need be provided.
[0054] In this example, the stopper 36 is formed of a somewhat
flexible, resilient material such as TPE and includes a hollow stem
154 of one diameter and a head 156 of a larger diameter at a top
end of the stem. The drinking orifice 30 is provided in the head
156 of the stopper 36. An exterior surface 158 of the stem has a
plurality of annular wiper beads 160 extending circumferentially
around the stopper. These beads 160 are compressed against the
inner surface 152 in the opening 150 of the neck 34. Thus, liquid
is prevented from passing between the outer surface 158 of the stem
154 and the inner surface 152 of the neck 34 by the beads 160. A
plurality of feet 162 are positioned at the lower end of the stem
154 and project radially outward from the stem. The feet 162 and
the stem 154 are of sufficient length to act as a travel stop or
limiter for the stem. The feet 162 bear against a bottom edge or
end 164 of the neck 34 to prevent the stopper from being pulled
completely out of the neck opening 150.
[0055] The neck 34 is formed on one end, the upper end, of the one
of the body sections and lies parallel to the majority surface or
primary wall of the body section. An interior surface 165 of the
hollow stem 154 in the stopper has a diameter that is larger than
that of the drinking orifice 30 in the head 156. The interior of
the stem 154 is sized to accommodate a device that stops up or
plugs the drinking orifice 30 when the stopper is pushed down. In a
typical push-pull spout device, the stop or plug component is
integrally molded as part of the piece that would equate to the
neck in this example. However, because of the neck and body section
arrangement of the body 22 in this example, the push-pull spout
assembly 32, other than the stopper 36 can not readily be molded as
an integral part of the body section. Thus, a unique spout assembly
is disclosed and described herein that can accommodate the
construction of the bottle assembly 20.
[0056] In this example, the spout assembly 32 is formed in three
parts and can be assembled from the exterior of the body. The
stopper 36 and neck 34 are two of the parts. The interior surface
152 of the neck 34 is formed having a draft angle to accommodate an
external mold direction. The third part of the spout assembly 32 is
a separate flow plug or post 166. The post or plug 166 is inserted
from the exterior of the body section into the opening 150 of the
neck 34 and remains fixed in place. The flow plug 166 in this
example is an elongate, bullet shaped device with a plurality of
intermediate outward projections 168, which engage with like
projections 170 extending inward from the surface of the neck
opening 150 when inserted in the neck. These components stop the
plug from traveling further into the neck 34. A bottom end of the
plug 166 embodies a "Christmas tree" type, one-way fastener or
rivet. Resilient, flexible prongs 171 of the "Christmas tree" rivet
project outward and upward. When these prongs pass the lower ends
of the neck projections 170, the prongs splay outward to prevent
reverse travel of the plug. Thus, the separate flow plug or post
166 and stopper 36 can both be entirely and easily snapped together
into the neck and then is retained in place by the prongs 171, the
projections 168 and 170, the bottom surface 164 of the neck 4, and
the stem feet 162.
[0057] In the disclosed example, the flow plug 166 is formed of a
generally hard plastic material and is generally rigid, but should
have some resiliency imparted to the prongs 171 in order to be
installed in the neck end and then retained therein. For example,
the flow plug 166 can be formed of a high density polyethylene
(HDPE) or other suitable plastic resins. However, the material of
the flow plug can also vary within the spirit and scope of the
present invention.
[0058] Elongate, open ended slots 172 extend upward from the bottom
end of the stem 154 in the stopper. The slots provide clearance for
and seat around the various projections 168 and 170 to permit
travel of the stopper 36 relative to the plug 166 once
installed.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 8, when the stopper 36 is pushed downward
to its closed position such that the head 156 bears against a top
edge of the neck 34, the drinking orifice 30 seats interferingly
around a nub 173 on the top of the flow plug 166. In the closed
position, the interference between the nub 173 and the drinking
orifice 30 prevents liquid from being dispensed from the bottle
assembly 20. In order to open flow of the stopper assembly 32, the
stopper 36 is pulled outward from the neck 34 to the degree
permitted by the feet 162 at the bottom end of the stopper 36. The
wiper beads 160 still prevent liquid from passing between the
exterior of the stopper stem 154 and the interior surface 152 of
the neck. However, liquid is free to flow through the interior of
the stem 154 around the flow plug 166 and out the drinking orifice
30 in the head 156. The unique construction of the stopper assembly
32 on the disclosed bottle assembly 20 permits the body 22 to be
separated into its two sections 42 and 44 without affecting the
integrity of the push-pull stopper assembly.
[0060] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the particular configuration and construction, as well as the
materials and manufacturing processed used, for the stopper
assembly parts can vary and yet fall with in the spirit and scope
of the present invention. The shape and configuration of the flow
plug and the stopper can also vary and yet perform as intended and
as disclosed herein. The position, orientation, and construction of
the neck 34 can also vary within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0061] In another aspect of the present invention, a handle or
carrying strap 180 is removably attached to the bottle assembly 20.
In the disclosed example, the strap 180 has first and second
opposed ends 182 and 184. Each of the ends includes a slotted
opening 186 and 188, respectively. In this example, each opening
186 and 188 is essentially identical. In other examples, one or
both of the openings need not be slotted and could be different
from one another to provide different strap functions and
arrangements, as well as optional modes of detachment from the
bottle assembly, if desired.
[0062] In the disclosed example, each of the openings 186 and 188
is essentially identical and kidney or "keyhole" shaped. Each
opening has a more remote region 190 that is closer to the
corresponding end of the strap. Each opening also has an inner
region spaced further from the corresponding strap end. The two
regions in the openings 186 and 188 in each strap end 182 and 184
are separated by a tapered region or narrower middle region. In the
disclosed example, the strap is also formed of a plastic resin and
is intended to be resilient and flexible. In one example, the strap
can be formed of a linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE).
However, the material used to fabricate the strap can also vary and
yet fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention and
can include other plastic resin materials or even non-plastic
materials.
[0063] In the disclosed example as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and
5, the bottle assembly 20 includes two locations for attaching the
strap 180. A strap connector 200 is positioned at one location on
one side of the body 22 and a strap connector 202 is positioned is
positioned at the other location on the other side of the body. In
the disclosed example, the strap connector 200 is carried on the
female body section 42 and the strap connector 202 is integrally
carried on an end of the bolt or fastener 90 nearer the upper end
26 of the body 22 and on the male body section 44 side of the
body.
[0064] The connector 200 in this example includes a stem 204 with
external male threads. A blind bore 206 is formed in a surface of
the primary wall 50 of the female body section 42 and includes
female mechanical threads. In this example, the blind bore is
axially aligned with the receiver 96. The connector 200 is threaded
into and retained in the blind bore 206 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.
An exposed end of the connector 200 projects from the surface of
the body section 42. The exposed end is in the form of a snap
configuration including a groove 210 positioned closer to the body
and a round, larger sized head 212 at the distal most end of the
strap connector end 200. In this example, the exposed end also has
a washer or stop around the stem and spaced from the head 212. The
groove is positioned between the stop 213 and head 212 and has a
width sufficient to receive the thickness of only one of the strap
ends 182 or 184 on the strap connector 200.
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connector 202 on the bolt or
fastener 90 has a substantially similar construction in that it has
a groove 214 positioned between the head 104 of the bolt and a
distal most connector head 216 spaced a distance from the head 104.
The width of the groove 214 on the connector 202 is sufficient in
this example to permit the thickness of two strap ends such that
both the strap ends 182 and 184 of the strap 180 can be connected
to the connector 202, as described below.
[0066] Each of the connectors 200 and 202 is sized so that the
strap 180 can be interferingly installed over the connectors. The
size of the connector heads 216 and 212 on the connectors 202 and
200 are such that the heads can be interferingly received in either
one of the regions 190 or 192 in each of the openings 186 and 188
of the strap ends 182 and 184. The size of the tapered middle 196
in each of the openings is limited to prevent the strap, once
installed on the connectors, from moving easily from one region 190
to the other region 192 in the openings. Thus, the strap 180 can be
attached to or removed from the bottle assembly 20 but is
configured so that the strap is retained on the connectors 200 and
202 when attached.
[0067] The disclosed strap 180 is configured so that it can be
attached to the bottle assembly in a number of different
arrangements, depending upon the particular needs of a user. As
shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the strap can be installed as a simple
carrying handle spaced upward from the spout assembly 32 of the
bottle assembly 20. To install the strap in this configuration, one
end 182 of the strap 180 is snapped over one of the connectors 200
using the more remote region 190 in the one opening 186 and the
other of the strap ends 184 is similarly installed using the more
remote region 190 of the other opening 188. A user can place their
hand under the strap in order to carry the bottle with the strap in
this configuration. A user can also intertwine another object
through the strap in this configuration in order to suspend the
bottle 20 for the other object and leaving their hands free. The
strap 180 can be pivoted to either side (see Arrows P) in this
arrangement to expose and provide access to the spout assembly
32.
[0068] In an alternative example as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the
carrying strap 180 can be configured to loop over a user's belt or
the like. In this example, both ends 182 and 184 of the strap 180
are snapped over the same connector 202. The strap in this
configuration can be suspended from a belt or other device for easy
hands-free transport. FIG. 6 shows the similarly arranged strap
180, but pivoted downward and out of the way so that a user can
access the spout to drink from the bottle.
[0069] FIG. 11 illustrates yet another arrangement of the strap 180
for which the disclosed example is well suited. In this example,
the strap ends 182 and 184 are mounted to the opposed connectors
200 and 202 using the inner most regions 192 of the respective
openings 186 and 188 of the strap. Employing the strap in this
arrangement can retain the stopper 36 in its closed configuration
to assist in preventing leaks while the bottle is transported or
stored.
[0070] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the structure and configuration of the strap 180 and
connectors 200 and 202 can vary and yet fall within the spirit and
scope of the present invention. The strap openings can be sized and
configured to provide an insert and removal region that is large
enough for free insertion and removal of the connector heads. The
openings can also be configured to provide a region that is small
enough so that the connector heads cannot slip through that region.
Tapered regions can also be provided in the strap openings that
permit forcible movement of the connector from one region to
another in the strap openings without actually removing the strap
from the connectors. Other configurations and strap arrangements
are also possible.
[0071] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the two body
sections 42 and 44 in the disclosed example will be held together
relatively tightly by the gasket 70 and the close tolerance fit of
the various components. When a user wishes to separate the two body
sections for cleaning, it may be difficult to break the
liquid-tight seal at the seam or joint 46. As shown in FIGS. 3 and
12, one example of a separation feature includes a separation tab
230 that projects upward from the upper end 26 of the body 22. In
this example, the separation tab 230 projects upward from the male
section 44. In order for a user to separate the two body sections,
they can apply opposing forces with their fingers against the
separation tab 230 and the neck 34, which is carried on the female
body section 42 in the disclosed example. A prying force can be
applied between the separation tab 230 and neck 34 to assist in
breaking the seal and separating the body sections.
[0072] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate another example of a device for
assisting in separating the body sections 42 and 44. As shown in
the drawings, this device can be used in conjunction with the
separation tab 230, or as a replacement for such a tab. In this
example, the upper bolt or fastener 90 is replaced by a slightly
modified bolt or fastener 240. In this example, the bolt or
fastener 240 is in the form of a jack bolt. The jack bolt 240 has a
proximal shaft 102 and a threaded distal shaft 106, similar to the
prior described bolt 90. However, in this example the bolt 240 also
includes an annular flange circumventing the bolt between the shaft
portions 102 and 106. A groove 244 is created between the
projection 242 and the proximal shaft portion 102. The bolt 240
described herein also includes a modified head 104, illustrating
one alternative example of a non-round shaped head that can be used
to loosen or tighten the bolt 240.
[0073] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, the jack bolt 240 is received
through the opening 92 and the guide tube 94 in the male body
section 44. The distal end of the guide tube 94 in this example
includes an interior surface with an inward radially projecting rib
250. When the jack bolt 240 is installed as shown in FIGS. 13 and
14, the rib 250 is loosely received in the groove 244 in the jack
bolt. Thus, the jack bolt is retained loosely attached to the male
body section 44. The bolt 240 is free to rotate so that the bolt
can be threaded into the receiver 96 on the mating female body
section 42 as previously described.
[0074] The rib 250 and the groove 244 are loosely interlocked so
that, as the fastener 240 is screwed or unscrewed, the male body
section 44 is drawn toward or away from, respectively, the female
body section 42 without additional force applied by the user. Thus,
the jack bolt 240 performs the separating function simply by
loosening the bolt 240 relative to the receiver 96. When the body
22 is assembled, the jack bolt 240 can also assist the user in
assuring that the two body sections 42 and 44 are properly joined
and sealed because the fastener will draw the male body section 44
toward the female body section 42 by virtue of the loosely
interlocked rib 250 and groove 244.
[0075] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the
art, the means, structures, and methods for separating the two body
sections of a bottle assembly 20 constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the present invention can vary considerably and yet
fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. A number
of different mechanisms and devices can be employed on various
parts of the assembly to assist the user in either assembling or
separating the body sections. In the disclosed example of FIGS.
12-14, the lower fastener 91 can be considered to be the fill bolt,
as it can be removed without separating the two body sections in
order to permit filling the bottle assembly interior. Once
installed, the bolt 240 will tend to remain fixed to the male body
section 44 and thus will not be readily removable. In order to
install and remove the bolt as needed, the openings 220 in the
guide tube 94 can extend all the way to the distal end of the tube.
This can permit the separated segments of the tube to splay
outward, allowing the bolt 240 to be inserted and the rib 250 to
seat in the groove 242. Removal of the bolt can be done in
reverse.
[0076] Although certain beverage containers have been described
herein in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure,
the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the
contrary, this patent covers all embodiments of the teachings of
the disclosure that fairly fall within the scope of permissible
equivalents.
* * * * *