U.S. patent application number 11/946594 was filed with the patent office on 2009-05-28 for bottle and valve for holding and dispensing multiple substances.
Invention is credited to David Carl Jones.
Application Number | 20090134110 11/946594 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40668817 |
Filed Date | 2009-05-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090134110 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones; David Carl |
May 28, 2009 |
BOTTLE AND VALVE FOR HOLDING AND DISPENSING MULTIPLE SUBSTANCES
Abstract
The present embodiments relate to a bottle capable of holding
and selectively dispensing at least two different substances. The
bottle comprises an outer container having a reservoir adapted to
receive a first substance, and an inner container having a
reservoir adapted to receive a second substance. When assembled,
the inner container is removably disposed within a portion of the
outer container. The bottle further comprises a valve having a
first configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and
outer containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow
from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container,
and a third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer
container and inhibit flow from the inner container. Tactile
feedback is provided to the user to know when the valve moves from
one configuration to another.
Inventors: |
Jones; David Carl;
(Germantown, TN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRINKS HOFER GILSON & LIONE
P.O. BOX 10395
CHICAGO
IL
60610
US
|
Family ID: |
40668817 |
Appl. No.: |
11/946594 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/6 ;
215/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3227
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/6 ;
215/200 |
International
Class: |
B65D 1/04 20060101
B65D001/04; B65D 51/00 20060101 B65D051/00 |
Claims
1. A bottle comprising: an outer container having an upper portion,
a lower portion, and an upstanding body therebetween, wherein the
outer container comprises a reservoir adapted to receive a first
substance; an inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive
a second substance, wherein the inner container is removably
disposed within a portion of the outer container; and a valve
having a first configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner
and outer containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow
from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container,
and a third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer
container and inhibit flow from the inner container.
2. The bottle of claim 1 wherein the inner container comprises a
pliable material adapted to contract when the second substance is
dispensed.
3. The bottle of claim 2 wherein a portion of the inner container
comprises a generally accordion shape.
4. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising a lid coupled to a
nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with respect to
the lid.
5. The bottle of claim 4 wherein the lid comprises at least one
threaded member adapted to engage a threaded member disposed on the
upper portion of the outer container.
6. The bottle of claim 4 wherein the nipple comprises an upper
flange configured to limit downward movement of the nipple with
respect to the lid, a lower flange configured to limit upward
movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, and at least one
external ridge disposed between the upper and lower flanges,
wherein the external ridge facilitates vertical stability of the
nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between
maximum upper and lower nipple positions.
7. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising a gate member having an
upper portion, a lower portion, and a lateral section disposed
therebetween, wherein the lower portion of the gate member is
configured to be removably coupled with the inner container using a
threaded engagement.
8. The bottle of claim 7 wherein a nipple is disposed substantially
concentrically within the upper portion of the gate member, wherein
an annular space is formed between the nipple and the gate
member.
9. The bottle of claim 8 wherein the gate member further comprises
a surface comprising at least one side aperture, and wherein the
nipple further comprises at least one external ridge adapted to
block the side aperture when the valve is in the first
configuration and the third configuration to inhibit flow from the
inner container.
10. A method of using a bottle, the method comprising: providing an
outer container having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an
upstanding body therebetween, wherein the outer container comprises
a reservoir adapted to receive a first substance; providing an
inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive a second
substance within a portion of the outer container; and providing a
valve of comprising a first configuration to inhibit flow from the
inner and outer containers, a second configuration to permit flow
from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container,
and a third configuration to permit flow from the outer container
and inhibit flow from the inner container.
11. The method of claim 10 wherein the inner container comprises a
pliable material, the method further comprising causing the pliable
material to contract when the second substance is dispensed.
12. The method of claim 10 further comprising: providing a lid
coupled to a nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with
respect to the lid; and securing the lid to the upper portion of
the outer container using a threaded engagement.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the nipple comprises an upper
flange, a lower flange, and at least one external ridge disposed
between the upper and lower flanges, the method further comprising:
using the upper flange to limit downward movement of the nipple
with respect to the lid; using the lower flange to limit upward
movement of the nipple with respect to the lid; and using the at
least one external ridge to facilitate vertical stability of the
nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between
maximum upper and lower nipple positions.
14. A bottle comprising: an outer container having an upper
portion, a lower portion, and an upstanding body therebetween,
wherein the outer container comprises a reservoir adapted to
receive a first substance; an inner container having a reservoir
adapted to receive a second substance, wherein the inner container
is removably disposed within a portion of the outer container; and
a valve adapted to selectively dispense and inhibit flow from the
outer container, and further adapted to selectively dispense and
inhibit flow from the inner container, wherein the inner container
comprises a pliable material adapted to contract when the second
substance is dispensed from the inner container.
15. The bottle of claim 14 wherein the valve has a first
configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and outer
containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow from the
inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a
third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer container
and inhibit flow from the inner container.
16. The bottle of claim 14 wherein a portion of the inner container
comprises a generally accordion shape.
17. The bottle of claim 14 further comprising a lid coupled to a
nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with respect to
the lid.
18. The bottle of claim 17 wherein the nipple comprises an upper
flange configured to limit downward movement of the nipple with
respect to the lid, a lower flange configured to limit upward
movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, and at least one
external ridge disposed between the upper and lower flanges,
wherein the external ridge facilitates vertical stability of the
nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between
maximum upper and lower nipple positions.
19. The bottle of claim 14 further comprising a gate member having
an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lateral section disposed
therebetween, wherein the lower portion of the gate member is
configured to be removably coupled with the inner container, and
wherein a nipple is disposed substantially concentrically within
the upper portion of the gate member, such that an annular space is
formed between the nipple and the gate member.
20. The bottle of claim 19 wherein the gate member further
comprises a surface comprising at least one side aperture, and
wherein the nipple further comprises at least one external ridge
adapted to block the side aperture when the valve is in a first
configuration and a third configuration to inhibit flow from the
outer container.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present embodiments relate generally to a bottle, and
more specifically, to a bottle capable of holding and selectively
dispensing at least two different substances.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Bottles typically comprise a single container for holding a
substance, such as a fluid, and may comprise a lid, aperture and/or
other opening for dispensing the substance. In some situations, it
may be desirable to store two or more separate substances within a
single bottle. For example, various baby bottles are known that
have a first compartment for holding a first substance, and a
second compartment for holding a second substance, such as liquid
medicine. It may become desirable to keep the first and second
substances entirely separate, and/or mix them together shortly
before dispensing the mixture through the opening of the
bottle.
[0003] Still other bottles that are capable of holding first and
second substances employ a rotating lid comprising a single nozzle
disposed around the perimeter of the lid. In such devices, a first
compartment holding the first substance may be disposed about 180
degrees apart from a second compartment holding the second
substance. The lid of the bottle then may be rotated
circumferentially about 180 degrees in order to move the nozzle
from registry with the first compartment into registry with the
second compartment to dispense their respective substances.
[0004] One drawback associated with such bottles is that it may be
time consuming and/or difficult to switch between dispensing the
first substance and the second substance. In certain instances, the
bottle may need to be manually manipulated using both hands in
order to rotate the lid with respect to the bottle to place the
nozzle into proper alignment with the desired compartment. In other
cases, the lid may need to be removed entirely, again using both
hands, to extract the desired first or second substance from the
bottle. Such complex, time-consuming and manually intensive efforts
may not be well suited for active individuals or athletes. For
example, bicyclists, drivers or other individuals may wish to
selectively obtain the two different substances in the bottle
during their intense activities without requiring the use of both
hands.
[0005] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an easy-to-use
bottle system that allows multiple substances to be dispensed from
the bottle in a convenient, easy-to-use manner.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present embodiments relate to a bottle capable of
holding and selectively dispensing at least two different
substances. In a first embodiment, the bottle comprises an outer
container having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an
upstanding body therebetween. The outer container comprises a
reservoir adapted to receive a first substance. The bottle further
comprises an inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive
a second substance. When assembled, the inner container is
removably disposed within a portion of the outer container.
[0007] The bottle further comprises a valve configured to
facilitate dispensing of multiple substances from the inner and
outer containers. During use, the valve has a first configuration
adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and outer containers, a
second configuration adapted to permit flow from the inner
container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a third
configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer container and
inhibit flow from the inner container. Therefore, by moving the
valve between first, second and third configurations, the first and
second substances may be selectively dispensed from their
respective containers. Tactile feedback is provided to the user to
know when the valve moves from one configuration to another.
[0008] In one embodiment, a portion of the valve comprises a lid
coupled to a nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with
respect to the lid. The lid may be secured to the upper portion of
the outer container, for example, using a threaded engagement. The
nipple comprises an upper flange configured to limit downward
movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, a lower flange
configured to limit upward movement of the nipple with respect to
the lid, and at least one external ridge disposed between the upper
and lower flanges. The external ridge facilitates vertical
stability of the nipple with respect to the lid in at least one
position between maximum upper and lower nipple positions.
Therefore, the nipple may be held in a desired position, and the
risk of inadvertently moving the nipple is reduced. Moreover, the
at least one external ridge provides tactile feedback to the user
regarding the positioning of the nipple.
[0009] The bottle may further comprise a gate member having an
upper portion, a lower portion, and a lateral section disposed
therebetween. The lower portion of the gate member is configured to
be removably coupled with the inner container, for example, using a
threaded engagement. An annular space is formed between a portion
of the nipple and the gate member. The gate member comprises a
surface having at least one aperture that may be placed in
communication with the inner container. The nipple further
comprises at least one external ridge adapted to block the aperture
when the valve is in the first configuration and the third
configuration. In effect, when the external ridge of the nipple
covers the aperture of the gate member, flow from the inner
container may be inhibited.
[0010] The inner container of the bottle preferably comprises a
pliable material adapted to contract when the second substance is
dispensed. Since the inner container itself contracts, there may be
no separate moving parts disposed within the inner container. In
one embodiment, a portion of the inner container comprises a
generally accordion shape adapted to be contracted. In an
alternative embodiment, the inner container may comprise a pliable
bag or pouch that may be contracted.
[0011] Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the
invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in
the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed
description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the
invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The invention can be better understood with reference to the
following drawings and description. The components in the figures
are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the
figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts
throughout the different views.
[0013] FIG. 1 is an elevated front perspective view of a bottle
provided in accordance with a first embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view taken along line A--A of
FIG. 4 and showing the bottle in a first configuration.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view taken along line B--B of
FIG. 2, illustrating the bottle in the first configuration while
rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG.
3.
[0017] FIGS. 5A-5B are, respectively, a side-sectional view of an
upper portion of the bottle of FIGS. 1-4 in a first configuration,
and a side-sectional view of the bottle rotated approximately 90
degrees from the position shown in FIG. 5A.
[0018] FIGS. 6A-6B are, respectively, a side-sectional view of an
upper portion of the bottle of FIGS. 1-4 in a second configuration,
and a side-sectional view of the bottle rotated approximately 90
degrees from the position shown in FIG. 6A.
[0019] FIGS. 7A-7B are, respectively, a side-sectional view of an
upper portion of the bottle of FIGS. 1-4 in a third configuration,
and a side-sectional view of the bottle rotated approximately 90
degrees from the position shown in FIG. 7A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a bottle
capable of holding and dispensing at least two different substances
is described. Bottle 20 generally comprises outer container 30,
inner container 50, lid 70 and nipple 90, as shown in FIGS.
1-4.
[0021] Outer container 30 comprises reservoir 37, which is adapted
to receive a first substance, such as water, a sports drink, or any
other substance, as set forth below. Outer container 30 may
comprise any suitable exterior configuration. For example, in one
embodiment, outer container 30 comprises a generally upstanding
body having lower portion 32, upper portion 34, and contoured
section 33 disposed therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Contoured
section 33 may be adapted to be grasped by a human hand to assist
in gripping and/or squeezing bottle 20. Outer container 30 further
comprises a lower end 35, and an upper end defined by upper
engaging portion 39, as shown in FIG. 3. As will be explained in
further detail below, upper engaging portion 39 is configured to
removably engage lid 70, and inner container 50 is adapted to be
disposed at least partially within the confines of outer container
30.
[0022] Outer container 30 may comprise any suitable material and
size. Solely for illustrative purposes, reservoir 37 of outer
container 30 may contain approximately 20-24 fluid ounces in
volume, and the upstanding body of outer container 30 may be shaped
to fit within a standard water bottle cage, e.g., disposed on a
bicycle. Outer container 30 may be constructed from a durable, yet
lightweight material, such as a semi-transparent low-density
polyethylene.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, features of inner container 50 are
shown. Inner container 50 may comprise an suitable material and
configuration adapted to dispense a second substance in accordance
with the embodiments described herein. However, in a preferred
embodiment, inner container 50 comprises a pliable material. Inner
container 50 comprises reservoir 52, which is adapted to receive a
second substance, such as a carbohydrate refueling supplement, gel,
shot, liquid, or any other substance. In the embodiment shown,
reservoir 52 of inner container 50 may be configured to contain
about 2-6 fluid ounces in volume of the second substance, although
a greater or lesser amount may be contained.
[0024] In one embodiment, inner container 50 comprises a pliable
material having a lower end 54, an upper engaging portion 56, and
an accordion shape having a plurality of angled segments 55
disposed therebetween, as best seen in FIGS. 3-4. Angled segments
55 facilitate compression of inner container 50, which allows the
entirety of the structure to contract or shorten in length upon
dispersal of the second substance, as explained in greater detail
below.
[0025] In this embodiment, inner container 50 may comprise a
material similar to the material used for outer container 30, such
as a pliable polyethylene, but inner container 50 preferably is
more pliable than outer container 30. Notably, in this embodiment,
there are no additional or moving parts disposed within, or coupled
to, inner container 50 for dispensing the second substance.
[0026] Alternatively, inner container 50 may comprise a pliable
bag-shaped or pouch-shaped container. In this embodiment, the bag
or pouch is adapted to contain a second substance, such as an
energy gel, shot, or any other substance. When a suction force is
imposed upon the bag or pouch via nipple 90, or when outer
container 30 is squeezed, the pliable features of the bag or pouch
may allow contraction of the inner container to dispense the second
substance through a valve of bottle 20, as set forth in greater
detail with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B, below. In yet another
embodiment, inner container 50 may comprise a substantially
cylindrical shape, i.e., without angled segments 55 formed therein.
Still further inner container shapes may be employed to perform the
functions described herein.
[0027] In a still further alternative embodiment, inner container
50 may comprise a substantially cylindrical tubular member having a
syringe member adapted for movement therein upon squeezing of
bottle 20. The syringe member may be loaded in a lower position,
then contents may be introduced into the upper portion of the
container, and the syringe member may move upwards to facilitate
dispensing of the contents of the inner container. The syringe
member may be removable from the substantially cylindrical tubular
member for cleaning.
[0028] In accordance with one aspect, bottle 20 comprises a valve
having first, second and third configurations, as will be explained
in detail below with respect to FIGS. 5-7. In one embodiment, the
valve comprises at least portions of lid 70, nipple 90 and gate
member 110, which may be coupled together as explained below to
permit movement of the valve between the first, second and third
configurations.
[0029] Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, further features of lid 70
will be described in greater detail. Lid 70 comprises an upper
vertical portion 72, as best seen in FIG. 2, a lower vertical
portion 75, as shown in FIG. 3, and a laterally extending region 79
disposed therebetween. Lower vertical portion 75 extends in a
circumferential direction and preferably comprises an inner
diameter slightly greater than an outer diameter of upper engaging
portion 39 of outer container 30. In use, lower vertical portion 75
preferably comprises internal threading 77, which is adapted to
releasably mate with external threading 40 of upper engaging
portion 39 of outer container 30, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In this
manner, lid 70 is releasably engaged with outer container 30.
[0030] A circumferential gasket 89 may be disposed between lid 70
and engaging portion 39 of outer container 30, as shown in FIG. 3.
Gasket 89 may comprise any suitable material adapted to provide a
fluid-tight seal, such as silicone rubber, and may be disposed in a
recessed groove formed in a lower surface of laterally extending
region 79 of lid 70. When assembled, gasket 89 inhibits leakage of
bottle 20 by reducing or eliminating fluid flow from reservoir 37
of outer container 30 through lower vertical portion 75 of lid
70.
[0031] Referring still to FIGS. 3-4, further features of nipple 90
are shown. Nipple 90 comprises an upright member having upper and
lower regions. The upper region of nipple 90 comprises upper flange
92, which comprises an outer diameter greater than an outer
diameter of upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as best seen in
FIGS. 2-3. The lower region of nipple 90 comprises lower flange 98,
as seen in FIG. 3. As will be explained in further detail below,
upper flange 92 and lower flange 98 limit the maximum downward and
upward movement of nipple 90, respectively.
[0032] Bottle 20 still further comprises gate member 110, which is
coupled to lid 70 and nipple 90 as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Gate member
110 preferably comprises a lower vertical portion 126, a lateral
section 117, and an upright portion having multiple diameters, as
best seen in FIG. 4 and explained in further detail below. Lateral
section 117 of gate member 110 is disposed to abut lower region 142
of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 4.
[0033] Lower vertical portion 126 preferably comprises an inner
diameter slightly greater than an outer diameter of upper engaging
portion 56 of inner container 50. In use, lower vertical portion
126 preferably comprises internal threading 125, which is adapted
to releasably mate with external threading 57 of upper engaging
portion 56 of inner container 50, as shown in FIG. 3. In this
configuration, inner container 50 is releasably secured to gate
member 110. Advantageously, by employing a threaded connection, the
likelihood of inadvertently dislodging inner container 50 may be
reduced. However, in an alternative embodiment, a snap-fit or
frictional engagement may also be employed.
[0034] When bottle 20 is fully assembled, as shown in FIGS. 3-4,
inner container 50 is held substantially steady with respect to
outer container 30. Various components of bottle 20 work together
to maintain the stability of inner container 50 with respect to
outer container 30. More specifically, lower vertical portion 75 of
lid 70 is engaged with outer container 30, as explained above, and
upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70 surroundingly engages the
upright member of nipple 90. Nipple 90 is at least partially
sandwiched between lid 70 and gate member 110, as shown in FIGS.
3-4. Since lid 70 is held substantially rotationally steady in the
assembled state, then nipple 90 also is held substantially
rotationally steady. Moreover, gate member 110 is held
substantially rotationally steady with respect to nipple 90 and lid
70, in part because lower region 142 of lid 70 abuts lateral
section 117 (see FIG. 4) to reduce movement of gate member 110.
Finally, since inner container 50 is securely coupled to gate
member 110, inner container 50 ultimately is held substantially
steady with respect to outer container 30.
[0035] Bottle 20 may become unassembled by unscrewing lid 70 from
outer container 30. At this time, lid 70, nipple 90 and gate member
110 remain coupled together, with inner container 50 being coupled
to gate member 110. Inner container 50 then may be unscrewed from
engagement with gate member 110. Therefore, inner container 50 and
outer container 30 are fully disassembled from the remaining
components of bottle 20. Outer container 30 and inner container 50
may be removed to be cleaned and/or refilled before subsequent
assembly of bottle 20. Advantageously, in this embodiment, no
additional parts, such as a plunger or syringe, are employed and
required to be cleaned.
[0036] Referring still to FIGS. 3-4, further features of nipple 90
that have an impact upon operation of bottle 20 are described.
Nipple 90 preferably comprises first, second and third external
ridges 95-97, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-7
below. External ridges 95-97 preferably are disposed around the
entire circumference of nipple 90 and spaced apart from one
another, for purposes described with respect to FIGS. 5-7 below.
Nipple 90 further preferably comprises first and second internal
ridges 102 and 103, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4. Internal
ridges 102 and 103 also are spaced apart from one another, but need
not span the entire circumference of nipple 90. As will be set
forth in greater detail below, internal ridges 102 and 103 are
configured to selectively engage aperture 115 formed in the upright
portion of gate member 110 to selectively inhibit and permit flow
of the second substance from inner container 50 through aperture
115.
[0037] Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a method of using bottle 20 to
selectively dispense first and second substances is described. As
noted above, a first substance may be disposed in reservoir 37 of
outer container 30. The first substance may be poured into
reservoir 37 before lid 70 is coupled to outer container 30, and
may contain approximately 20-24 ounces of any suitable fluid. As
will be apparent, outer container 30 may be dimensioned to contain
a greater or lesser amount of fluid.
[0038] Further, prior to assembly, the second substance is placed
into reservoir 52 of inner container 50. As noted above, any
suitable second substance may be used, such as a fluid,
carbohydrate gel, and so forth. After a desired amount of the
second substance is disposed within reservoir 52, inner container
50 then may be securely coupled to gate member 110, as explained
above. Once the desired substances are placed in reservoirs 37 and
52, and inner container 50 has been securely coupled to gate member
110, lid 70 may be coupled to outer container 30, as described
above, to provide a fully assembled bottle 20 having at least
partially full reservoirs 37 and 52.
[0039] Bottle 20 generally comprises three modes, as shown in FIGS.
5-7. In the mode shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the valve comprises a first
configuration that inhibits flow from both outer container 30 and
inner container 50. In the first configuration, nipple 90 is pushed
maximally downward such that upper flange 92 abuts upper vertical
portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 5A. Flow from outer
container 30 is inhibited because lower end 105 of nipple 90 is in
sealing engagement with sealing segment 114 of gate member 110, as
shown in FIG. 5B. Therefore, fluid communication between reservoir
37 and annular space 121 between nipple 90 and gate member 110 is
inhibited.
[0040] Further, when the valve is in the first configuration, flow
of the second substance from inner container 50 is inhibited
because upper internal ridge 102 of nipple 90 is aligned with side
aperture 115 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 5B. Since side
aperture 115 is the only exit pathway for the second substance,
flow of the second substance is inhibited.
[0041] In the first configuration, when nipple 90 is pushed
maximally downward, second external ridge 96 is disposed just
beneath corner segment 82 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
5A. First, second and third external ridges 95-97 each comprise
outer diameters that are slightly greater than an inner diameter
formed at corner segment 82 of lid 70. Therefore, in order to move
nipple 90 in an upward direction, the frictional resistance that
corner segment 82 imposes upon second external ridge 96 must be
overcome. Further, the frictional resistance to move internal ridge
102 out of engagement with side aperture 115 must be overcome.
These frictional forces may be overcome by intentional actuation of
nipple 90, i.e., by exerting a sufficient force to pull nipple 90
upward. Due to the functional forces provided by the internal and
external ridges of nipple 90, inadvertent movement of nipple 90
with respect to lid 70 may be reduced or eliminated.
[0042] Advantageously, since the valve comprises a completely
"closed" position in the first configuration, bottle 20 is
significantly less likely to inadvertently discharge fluid at an
undesired time from both of the containers. Moreover, since the
bottle comprises a completely closed position, the valve may be
less likely to retain the substances of the inner and outer
containers. Such substances, e.g., a carbohydrate gel, may be more
likely to create a growth medium for bacteria if the bottle did not
comprise the completely closed position shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.
[0043] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, a second configuration of the
valve is shown in which the valve is configured to permit flow from
inner container 50 through aperture 141 of nipple 90, while
inhibiting flow from outer container 30. As noted above, in order
to move the valve from the first configuration to the second
configuration, a user may pull nipple 90 in an upward direction
until the frictional force provided by corner segment 82 acting
upon second external ridge 96 is overcome, and the frictional force
required to move first internal ridge 102 out of engagement with
side aperture 115 is overcome. Once these frictional forces are
overcome, the user may hear a single click and/or receive tactile
feedback sufficient to know that nipple 90 has moved to a second
position. It should be noted that the user may overcome the
resistance required to move the nipple between positions manually
or using his or her teeth.
[0044] In the second configuration of the valve, nipple 90 is
pulled upward one degree such that upper flange 92 is separated
from upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 6A. At
this time, aperture 141 of nipple 90 is spaced apart from the upper
end of gate member 110, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. Flow from outer
container 30 remains inhibited because lower end 105 of nipple 90
remains in sealing engagement with sealing segment 114 of gate
member 110, as shown in FIG. 6B. Therefore, fluid communication
between reservoir 37 and annular space 121 is inhibited.
[0045] However, when the valve is in the second configuration, flow
of the second substance from inner container 50 is permitted
through nipple 90, since neither first internal ridge 102 nor
second internal ridge 103 of nipple 90 is aligned with side
aperture 115 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 6B. An open space
between internal ridges 102-103 becomes in registry with side
aperture 115. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6B, the second
substance flows through side aperture 115, into the annular space
121 between nipple 90 and gate member 110, and is dispensed through
aperture 141 of nipple 90.
[0046] As mentioned above, the pliability of inner container 50
allows the inner container to contract upon squeezing of outer
container 30, or alternatively, to contract when a suction force is
applied through aperture 141 of nipple 90. If inner container 50
comprises the accordion-shaped compartment shown, then inner
container 50 may contract by having lower end 54 move towards upper
engaging portion 56 (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, if inner container
50 comprises a pliable bag or pouch, the bag or pouch may contract
upon squeezing outer container 30 or providing a suction force
through nipple 90.
[0047] It should be noted that when nipple 90 is moved into the
second position, third external ridge 97 abuts corner segment 82 of
lid 70, and first external ridge 95 is disposed just above upper
surface 133 of upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in
FIG. 6A. Since the diameters of first and third external ridges 95
and 97 are slightly greater than the diameters of upper surface 133
and corner segment 82 of lid 70, respectively, the valve will
remain securely disposed in the second configuration. In order to
move nipple 90 in an upward or downward direction, the frictional
resistance imposed upon first and third external ridges 95 and 97
must be overcome. As noted above, the provision of such internal
ridges may reduce or eliminate inadvertent movement of nipple 90
with respect to lid 70.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, a third configuration of the
valve is shown in which the valve is configured to dispense a
substance from outer container 30 and inhibit flow from inner
container 50. In order to move the valve from the second
configuration to the third configuration shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, a
user may pull nipple 90 in an upward direction, manually or using
teeth, until the frictional force provided by corner segment 82
acting upon third external ridge 97 is overcome. Once the
frictional force is overcome, the user may hear another click
and/or receive tactile feedback sufficient to know that the valve
has moved to the third configuration.
[0049] In the third configuration, nipple 90 is pulled upward to a
second degree, such that lower flange 98 of nipple 90 abuts corner
segment 82 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 7A. This engagement defines
the maximum upward movement of nipple 90. At this time, second
external ridge 96 is disposed just above upper surface 133 of upper
vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 7A. Since the
diameter of second external ridges 96 is slightly greater than the
diameter of upper surface 133, nipple 90 will remain securely
disposed in the third configuration. In order to move nipple 90 in
a downward direction, i.e., back towards the first or second
configuration, the frictional resistance imposed upon second
external ridge 96 by upper segment 133 must be overcome.
Advantageously, inadvertent movement of nipple 90 may be reduced or
eliminated.
[0050] When the valve is in the third configuration, flow of the
second substance from inner container 50 is inhibited because lower
internal ridge 103 of nipple 90 is placed in registry with side
aperture 115 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 7B. Since side
aperture 115 is the only exit pathway for the second substance,
flow of the second substance is inhibited.
[0051] However, when the valve is in the third configuration, flow
of the first substance from reservoir 37 of outer container 30
through aperture 141 of nipple 90 is permitted, as illustratively
depicted by the directional arrows in FIG. 7B. More specifically,
lower end 105 of nipple 90 is raised to a height such that the
lower portion of nipple 90 is no longer in sealing engagement with
sealing segment 114 of gate member 110. Therefore, fluid
communication between reservoir 37 and annular space 121 is
permitted, as depicted in FIG. 7B. With nipple 90 in the fully
upraised position, fluid may flow annularly between nipple 90 and
gate member 110, exiting though aperture 141 of nipple 90.
[0052] The pliability of outer container 30 allows the outer
container to contract upon squeezing, thereby urging fluid through
aperture 141 when the valve is in the third configuration shown in
FIGS. 7A-7B. Alternatively, when a suction force is applied through
aperture 141 of nipple 90, the first substance in reservoir 37 may
be drawn through nipple 90.
[0053] Advantageously, when the valve of bottle 20 is moved between
the first, second and third configurations described in FIGS. 5-7,
in each instance a palpable and/or audible clicking feature is
provided so that the user may ascertain the position of the nipple.
Therefore, it will be clear to the user whether the first substance
or the second substance will be dispensed.
[0054] In one exemplary method of use, bottle 20 is suitable for
use during high intensity activities, including but not limited to
riding a bicycle, running, or driving. A user may wish to use water
as the first substance disposed in outer container 30, while the
second substance disposed in inner container 50 may comprise a
carbohydrate energy gel. In this example, the user may selectively
dispense either the water or the carbohydrate energy gel from
bottle 20 by selectively positioning nipple 90, as explained above.
Advantageously, the user need not carry a separate water bottle and
a separate package of the carbohydrate energy gel. Further, since
the user may actuate nipple 90 using his or her teeth, only one
hand is required to hold the bottle while the valve is switched
between its multiple configurations.
[0055] Furthermore, it should be noted that bottle 20 does not
employ a one-way valve to dispense substances from the inner
container and outer container. Such one-way valves may be more
likely to retain a substance, such as a carbohydrate gel, and
increase the likelihood of bacteria growth. Still further, the
design of bottle 20 does not permit simultaneous dispersal of
substances from outer container 30 and inner container 50, which
may lead to confusion on the part of the user as to actual amounts
of substances dispersed from each container.
[0056] Moreover, since inner container 50 is pliable, in the event
that bottle 20 is dropped, the pliability may reduce the likelihood
that inner container 50 will dislocate from engagement with gate
member 110. Further, the provision of contoured section 33 of outer
container 30 in close proximity to inner container 50 may reduce
lateral movement of inner container 50 during use, which may reduce
the likelihood of dislocating inner container 50. Moreover, by
providing a threaded engagement between inner container 50 and gate
member 110, as opposed to a snap-fit connection, the likelihood of
inner container 50 dislocating and mixing its contents with
reservoir 37 of outer container 30 may be reduced.
[0057] In an alternative embodiment, bottle 20 may comprise two
separate nipples, For example, nipple 90 may be placed in placed in
fluid communication with inner container 50, and moved between open
and closed positions to selectively disperse the second substance
from inner container 50. An additional nipple (not shown) may be
coupled to a peripheral region of lid 70 and placed in fluid
communication with reservoir 37 of outer container 30 to
selectively disperse the first substance from outer container
30.
[0058] While various embodiments of the invention have been
described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible
within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is
not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and
their equivalents. Moreover, the advantages described herein are
not necessarily the only advantages of the invention and it is not
necessarily expected that every embodiment of the invention will
achieve all of the advantages described.
* * * * *