U.S. patent application number 12/589131 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for two-part bottle.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEATTLE SPORTS CO., INC.. Invention is credited to Michael W. Moore.
Application Number | 20110011823 12/589131 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43464554 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110011823 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Moore; Michael W. |
January 20, 2011 |
Two-part bottle
Abstract
The bottle comprises two sub-containers coupled one on top of
the other. The end of the bottom sub-container opposite from the
coupled end forms the base, while the coupled end forms a
wide-mouth container design with an opening large enough to allow
for ice cubes or adult fingers to effectively clean the inside. The
end of the top sub-container opposite from the coupled end forms a
narrow-mouth container design with an opening narrow enough for the
drinking comfort of a child. The top and bottom sub-containers when
uncoupled can transform to either two sub-containers for drinking,
or a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container
for holding liquid. A band made of a flexible material is encased
around the exterior of the bottle to improve the function of the
bottle, facilitate labeling, and buffer clanking noises and damage
when the bottle is placed next to a solid surface.
Inventors: |
Moore; Michael W.; (Seattle,
WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MOORE W. MOORE
3217 WEST SMITH STREET #1
SEATTLE
WA
98199
US
|
Assignee: |
SEATTLE SPORTS CO., INC.
Seattle
WA
|
Family ID: |
43464554 |
Appl. No.: |
12/589131 |
Filed: |
October 19, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61270970 |
Jul 15, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
215/316 ;
215/387 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2266
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/316 ;
215/387 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/00 20060101
B65D041/00; B65D 83/00 20060101 B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A bottle to hold a liquid for human consumption, comprising: a
top sub-container comprising a female threaded narrow-mouth
container design at an end and a male threaded wide-mouth container
design at an opposite end, wherein the top sub-container is made of
a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption; a
bottom sub-container comprising a female threaded wide-mouth
container design at an end that couples with the male threaded end
of the top sub-container and a closed wide-mouth container design
at an opposite end that forms a base of the bottle, wherein the
bottom sub-container is made of a material that is safe to hold the
liquid for human consumption; and a cap made of a material that
seals the top sub-container and is safe when in contact with the
liquid for human consumption comprising a male threaded section at
an end that couples with the female threaded end of the top
sub-container and an end opposite the threaded end with
indentations on its edge to accommodate average size adult fingers,
wherein when the cap is coupled with the top sub-container and the
top sub-container is simultaneously coupled with the bottom
sub-container, the cap, the top sub-container, and the bottom
sub-container collectively form the bottle to hold the liquid for
human consumption.
2. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a removable middle
sub-container made of an insulating material that is safe when in
contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption,
which couples within the bottom sub-container while the top
sub-container couples on top of the middle sub-container, wherein
the middle sub-container comprising a set of female threads
adjacently above a set of male threads at an end that couples to
the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the male
threads of the top sub-container thread into the set of female
threads of the middle sub-container and the set of male threads of
the middle sub-container thread into the female threads of the
bottom sub-container.
3. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a removable handle
component made of an insulating material that is safe when in
contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption,
which couples in between the top sub-container and the bottom
sub-container, wherein the handle component comprising a set of
female threads adjacently above a set of male threads at an end
that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively,
such that the male threads of the top sub-container thread into the
set of female threads of the handle component and the set of male
threads of the handle component thread into the female threads of
the bottom sub-container.
4. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising: a band encased around
the exterior of the bottle, wherein the band is made of a flexible
material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the
liquid for human consumption, and wherein the band facilitates
labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the exterior of
the bottle.
5. The bottle of claim 4, wherein the female threaded end of the
top and bottom sub-containers has a rolled out rim design, and the
male threaded end of the top sub-container and cap comprises a
washer to further seal the coupling of the top sub-container with
the bottom sub-container and the cap with the top sub-container,
respectively.
6. The bottle of claim 5, wherein the narrow-mouth is a container
design opening wide enough for the drinking comfort of an average
child.
7. The bottle of claim 6, wherein the wide-mouth is a container
design opening narrow enough to allow for average size ice-cubes or
average size adult fingers to clean the inside of the bottle
without use of a cleaning brush.
8. An apparatus for holding a liquid for human consumption,
comprising: a top sub-container comprising a first means at an end
to couple with a cap and a second means at an opposite end to
couple with a bottom sub-container, wherein the top sub-container
is made of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human
consumption; the bottom sub-container comprising a first means at
an end that couples with the second means of the top sub-container,
wherein the bottom sub-container is made of a material that is safe
to hold the liquid for human consumption; and the cap made of a
material that seals the top sub-container and is safe when in
contact with the liquid for human consumption comprising a first
means at an end that couples with the first means of the top
sub-container and an end opposite the first means with indentations
on its edge to accommodate average size adult fingers, wherein when
the cap is coupled with the top sub-container and the top
sub-container is simultaneously coupled with the bottom
sub-container, the cap, the top sub-container, and the bottom
sub-container collectively form the apparatus to hold the liquid
for human consumption.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising: a removable middle
sub-container made of an insulating material that couples within
the bottom sub-container while the top sub-container couples on top
of the middle sub-container, wherein the middle sub-container
comprising a first set of means adjacently above a second set of
means at an end that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers,
respectively, such that the second means of the top sub-container
couple into the first set of means of the middle sub-container and
the second set of means of the middle sub-container thread into the
first means of the bottom sub-container.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a removable handle
component made of an insulating material that couples in between
the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container, wherein the
handle component comprising a first set of means adjacently above a
second set of means at an end that couples to the top and bottom
sub-containers, respectively, such that the second means of the top
sub-container thread into the first set of means of the handle
component and the second set of means of the handle component
thread into the first means of the bottom sub-container.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising: a band encased
around the exterior of the apparatus, wherein the band is made of a
flexible material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth
or the liquid for human consumption, and wherein the band
facilitates labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the
exterior of the apparatus.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first means of the top
and bottom sub-containers has a rolled out rim design, and the
second means of the top sub-container and the second set of means
of the cap comprises a washer to further seal the coupling of the
top sub-container with the bottom sub-container and the cap with
the top sub-container, respectively.
13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first means of the top
sub-container has a narrow-mouth design opening wide enough for the
drinking comfort of an average child.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first means of the
bottom sub-container has a wide-mouth design opening narrow enough
to allow for average size ice-cubes or average size adult fingers
to clean the inside of the apparatus without use of a cleaning
brush.
15. A method of making a bottle to hold a liquid for human
consumption, comprising: carving a female threaded narrow-mouth
container design at an end of a top sub-container, carving out a
male threaded wide-mouth container design at an opposite end of the
top sub-container, and constructing the top sub-container of a
material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption;
carving a female threaded wide-mouth container design at an end of
a bottom sub-container, coupling the female threaded end of the
bottom sub-container with the male threaded end of the top
sub-container, carving a closed wide-mouth container design at an
opposite end that forms a base of the bottle, and constructing the
bottom sub-container of a material that is safe to hold the liquid
for human consumption; and constructing a cap of a material that
seals the top sub-container and is safe when in contact with the
liquid for human consumption, coupling a male threaded section at
an end of the cap with the female threaded end of the top
sub-container and constructing indentations on an edge of an end
opposite the threaded end to accommodate average size adult
fingers, wherein when coupling the cap with the top sub-container
and simultaneously coupling the top sub-container with the bottom
sub-container, the cap, the top sub-container, and the bottom
sub-container collectively form the bottle to hold the liquid for
human consumption.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising: constructing a
removable middle sub-container of an insulating material that is
safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human
consumption; coupling the middle sub-container within the bottom
sub-container while coupling the top sub-container on top of the
middle sub-container; and carving a set of female threads
adjacently above a set of male threads at an end of the middle
sub-container that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers,
respectively, such that the male threads of the top sub-container
thread into the set of female threads of the middle sub-container
and the set of male threads of the middle sub-container thread into
the female threads of the bottom sub-container.
17. The method of claim 15 further comprising: constructing a
removable handle component of an insulating material that is safe
when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human
consumption; coupling the handle component in between the top
sub-container and the bottom sub-container; and carving a set of
female threads adjacently above a set of male threads at an end
that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively,
such that the male threads of the top sub-container thread into the
set of female threads of the handle component and the set of male
threads of the handle component thread into the female threads of
the bottom sub-container.
18. The method of claim 17 further comprising: constructing a
rolled out rim design for the female threaded end of the top and
bottom sub-containers; and attaching a washer to the male threaded
end of the top sub-container and cap to further seal the coupling
of the top sub-container with the bottom sub-container and the cap
with the top sub-container, respectively.
19. The method of claim 15 further comprising: encasing a band
around the exterior of the bottle, wherein the band is made of a
flexible material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth
or the liquid for human consumption; and labeling a logo or name on
the band without permanently marking the exterior of the
bottle.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the labeling is any one of
embossing, printing, or etching directly on the band.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 61/270,970, titled "TWO-PART BOTTLE" filed
Jul. 15, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly
incorporated by reference, and the filing date of which is hereby
claimed under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e).
BACKGROUND
[0002] Current bottles that hold liquids for human consumption,
including, but not limited to water, juice, or other beverages
consists of two components, i.e., a one-piece container to hold the
liquid and a stopper or cap to close the opening of the one-piece
container. Some examples of a one-piece container include, but not
limited to a 14 fl. Oz. Coke.RTM. soda pop bottle, a 500 mL
Gatorade.RTM. drink bottle, a 500 mL Aquafina.RTM. purified
drinking water bottle, and a 24 fl. Oz. spring water bottle by
Starbucks.RTM. Coffee. Most one-piece containers are made of
plastic, though some are also made of stainless steel, aluminum, or
glass. Similarly, most stoppers to close the opening of one-piece
containers are made of plastic. The opening of the one-piece
container comes in one of two designs, i.e., a wide-mouth design or
a narrow-mouth design. Both designs have problems. These problems
can be better understood by a review of current bottles.
[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates two exemplary designs of the opening of
the container of current bottles, i.e., a wide-mouth design and a
narrow-mouth design. Bottle 100(A) illustrates an exemplary current
bottle with a wide-mouth container design. The wide-mouth container
design bottle 100(A) has an opening dimension 110 large enough to
allow for standard size ice cubes and average size adult fingers to
effectively clean the inside of the bottle without the use of a
special cleaning brush. The wide-mouth container design bottle
100(A), while easier to clean and load ice cubes into is difficult
to drink from, as the opening dimension 110 does not easily fit
most mouths. Since the opening dimension 110 does not easily fit
most mouths, liquid may spill when a person tries to drink from the
wide-mouth container design bottle 100(A). A way that manufacturers
have tried to resolve the problem of the liquid spilling while
maintaining the wide-mouth container design is by including a
sucking device, for example a straw (not shown) that maybe coupled
within the cap 120. By including a straw, liquid from the bottle
can be dispensed without potentially spilling the liquid, but only
if the liquid is sucked with the aid of the included straw. Another
way that manufacturers have tried to resolve the problem of the
liquid spilling is by narrowing the opening dimension 110 thereby
restricting the opening diameter to a maximum allowed for tolerable
drinking comfort of an average adult. By restricting the opening
diameter, the opening dimension 110 may not be large enough to
allow for standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to
effectively clean the inside of the bottle without the use of a
special cleaning brush. Thus all current bottles with the
wide-mouth container design can either resolve the issue of
drinking comfort or the issue of cleaning with ease and filling
standard size ice cubes, but not all three.
[0004] Bottle 100(B) illustrates an exemplary current bottle with a
narrow-mouth container design. The narrow-mouth container design
bottle 100(B) has an opening dimension 130 that is small enough for
tolerable drinking comfort of even an average child. The
narrow-mouth container design bottle 100(B), while comfortable to
drink from without any special sucking device such as a straw is
not wide enough to allow for standard size ice cubes or average
size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the bottle
without the use of a special cleaning brush.
[0005] Based on the above-described deficiencies associated with
current bottles, there exists a need for a bottle comprising a
container with a mouth design that is narrow enough for the
drinking comfort of even an average child, yet large enough to
allow for standard size ice cubes and average size adult fingers to
effectively clean the inside without the use of a special cleaning
brush. There also exists a need for the bottle to further comprise
a removable insulated sub-container and a removable handle
component. Further, there also exists a need for the bottle to
transform from a container that holds a liquid to either two
sub-containers to drink from, or a first sub-container to drink
from and a second sub-container to hold the liquid. Furthermore,
there also exists a need for a band around the exterior of the
bottle to improve the function of the bottle, to facilitate
labeling the bottle with a logo or name, and to buffer clanking
noises and protect the bottle from damage when the bottle is placed
next to a solid surface.
SUMMARY
[0006] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of
concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in
the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify
key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to
be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject
matter.
[0007] A two-part bottle (hereinafter "bottle") that addresses the
deficiencies associated with current bottles is disclosed. In
accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises two
sub-containers, i.e., a top sub-container and a bottom
sub-container coupled one on top of the other to form a container
to hold a liquid.
[0008] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle
comprises three sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container, a
middle sub-container, and the bottom sub-container coupled together
such that the removable middle sub-container couples within the
bottom sub-container, while the top sub-container couples on top of
the middle sub-container. According to another exemplary
embodiment, the removable middle sub-container is an insulated
sleeve. According to another exemplary embodiment, the middle
sub-container is designed to accommodate a fixed or removable
"sipping" lid.
[0009] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle
comprises two sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container and the
bottom sub-container, and a removable handle component such that
the handle component couples in between the top sub-container and
the bottom sub-container. According to another exemplary
embodiment, the handle component is made of an insulating material.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle component is
designed to accommodate a fixed or removable "sipping" lid.
[0010] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the end of the
bottom sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms
the base of the bottle, while the coupled end forms a wide-mouth
container design with an opening that is narrow enough to allow for
standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to
effectively clean the inside without the use of a special cleaning
brush. It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the
middle sub-container and the handle component both designed to
accommodate the sipping lid, the sipping lid is of a fixed or
removable design to allow for standard size ice cubes or average
size adult fingers. According to another exemplary embodiment, the
end of the top sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end
forms a narrow-mouth container design with an opening that couples
a cap, wherein the opening is wide enough for the drinking comfort
of even an average child.
[0011] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the top
sub-container and bottom sub-container when uncoupled from each
other can transform to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a
first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for
holding liquid.
[0012] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a narrow band
made of a flexible material is encased around the exterior of the
bottle. According to another exemplary embodiment, the band
improves the function of the bottle when the bottle transforms to
either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container
for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the band facilitates
labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the exterior of
the bottle. According to another embodiment, the band buffers
clanking noise and protects the bottle from damage when the bottle
is placed next to a solid surface, especially when the bottle is
made of stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, or glass.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages
of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same
become better understood by reference to the following detailed
description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of two exemplary designs of
the opening of the container of current bottles;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram of an exploded view of an
exemplary bottle, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram of a cross-sectional view of
an exemplary top sub-container coupled to an exemplary bottom
sub-container with an exemplary band encased at the coupling,
according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed
subject matter;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of a transformation of an
exemplary bottle to either two exemplary sub-containers for
drinking, or an exemplary first sub-container for drinking and an
exemplary second sub-container for holding liquid, according to one
or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram of an exploded view of another
exemplary bottle, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter; and
[0019] FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of an exploded view of yet
another exemplary bottle, according to one or more exemplary
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] In the following description, numerous specific details are
set forth to provide a more thorough description of the
illustrative embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be
practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well
known features have not been described in detail so as not to
obscure the invention.
[0021] A two-part bottle that addresses the deficiencies associated
with current bottles is disclosed. In accordance with one exemplary
embodiment, the bottle comprises two sub-containers, i.e., a top
sub-container and a bottom sub-container that are coupled one on
top of the other to form one container to hold a liquid. According
to another exemplary embodiment, the two sub-containers are made of
stainless steel, polypropylene, or some other material that is safe
to hold liquids for human consumption. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the cubic volume of the top sub-container is
the same or different as the bottom sub-container. Accordingly,
according to one embodiment, the cubic volume of the top
sub-container is 200 ml and the cubic volume of the bottom
sub-container is 800 ml.
[0022] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the coupling of
the two sub-containers is accomplished by threading the top
sub-container into the bottom sub-container (or vice-versa). As is
known to one skilled in the art, the threads of the container that
couples into the other container are called "male" threads and the
corresponding threads of the other container are called "female"
threads. FIG. 2 discussed later illustrates the exemplary
embodiment where the male threads of the top sub-container couple
into the female threads of the bottom sub-container. According to
another exemplary embodiment, the sub-container with the female
threads has a rolled out rim design to eliminate sedimentary
deposit to build up when the male threads are coupled into the
female threads. According to another exemplary embodiment, the
rolled out rim design adds to the structural strength of the bottle
by making it difficult for a user to alter the shape of the
sub-container with the female threads. The male threads comprise a
washer or gasket that further seals the coupling of the two
sub-containers. According to another exemplary embodiment, the
coupling of the two sub-containers is achieved by friction fitting
the top sub-container into the bottom sub-container (or vice
versa). It should be noted that the friction fit coupling does not
seal liquid stored in the bottle as effectively as the thread
coupling under certain conditions. Further, it should also be noted
that the two exemplary coupling methods discussed herein are
exemplary of other coupling methods possible, which are equally
within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.
[0023] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary bottle
200, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter. Bottle 200 comprises a cap 205, a top
sub-container 210, and a bottom sub-container 215. The male threads
230 of cap 205 threads into the female threads (not shown) of
narrow-mouth container design of the top sub-container 210. Since
the cap 205 threads into the top sub-container 210, the top
sub-container 210 has a rolled out rim design 220 to eliminate
sedimentary deposit (discussed later) and to add to the structural
strength of the bottle. Also, as discussed later, the cap 205
comprises indentations 245 to accommodate average adult fingers for
easy opening and tight closing of the cap. Also, as further
discussed later, the threaded section of the cap 205 comprises a
washer or gasket 250 that further seals the coupling of the cap 205
with the top sub-container 210.
[0024] Continuing with FIG. 2, the male threads 235 of the top
sub-container 210 threads into the female threads 240 of the
wide-mouth container design of the bottom sub-container 215.
According to one exemplary embodiment, the female threads 240 are
not visible as illustrated at FIG. 2, but rather completely
threaded within the inner surface of the bottom sub-container
leaving the outside surface of the bottom sub-container free of any
thread grooves. As discussed, since the top sub-container 210
threads into the bottom sub-container 215, the bottom sub-container
215 has a rolled out rim design 225 to eliminate sedimentary
deposit. Also, as discussed, the threaded section of the top
sub-container 210 comprises a washer or gasket (see FIG. 3) that
further seals the coupling of the top sub-container 210 with the
bottom sub-container 215.
[0025] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle
comprises three sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container, a
middle sub-container, and the bottom sub-container coupled together
such that the removable middle sub-container couples within the
bottom sub-container, while the top sub-container couples on top of
the middle sub-container. According to another exemplary
embodiment, the middle sub-container has a set of female threads
above a set of male threads (or vice-versa) at the end that couples
to the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container. The coupling
of the middle sub-container within the bottom sub-container is
accomplished by threading the set of male threads (or female
threads) of the middle sub-container into the female threads (or
male threads) of the bottom sub-container, while the coupling of
the top sub-container on top of the middle sub-container is
accomplished by threading the male threads (or female threads) of
the top sub-container into the set of female threads (or male
threads) of the middle sub-container.
[0026] According to another exemplary embodiment, the removable
middle sub-container is an insulated sleeve. In operation, when a
user couples the middle sub-container, usually when the temperature
of a stored liquid has to be maintained for an extended period of
time, the middle sub-container snugly fits within the cavity of the
bottom sub-container. It should be noted that the cubic volume of
the bottom sub-container is marginally reduced when the middle
sub-container is coupled within the bottom sub-container. According
to another exemplary embodiment, the middle sub-container is
designed to accommodate a fixed or removable "sipping" lid. In
operation the sipping lid is accommodated above the set of female
threads (or male threads) of the middle sub-container. If the
sipping lid is fixed, the sipping lid can be flipped open to
accommodate standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers
to effectively clean the inside of the insulated middle
sub-container without the use of a special cleaning brush.
[0027] FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary bottle
500, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter. Bottle 500 comprises a cap 205, a top
sub-container 210, a bottom sub-container 215, and a removable
middle sub-container 510. The male threads 235 of the top
sub-container 205 thread into the set of female threads 520 of the
removable middle sub-container 510, while the set of male threads
530 of the removable middle sub-container 510 tread into the female
threads 240 of the bottom sub-container 215. The sipping lid, if
one is present, is accommodated above the set of female threads
520. As there are several conflicting lines, FIG. 5 does not
illustrate the sipping lid for clarity of design.
[0028] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle
comprises two sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container and the
bottom sub-container, and a removable handle component such that
the handle component couples in between the top sub-container and
the bottom sub-container. According to another exemplary
embodiment, the handle component has a set of female threads (or
male threads) at the end that couples to the top sub-container, and
a set of male threads (or female threads) at the end that couples
to the bottom sub-container. The coupling of the handle component
to the top sub-container is accomplished by threading the male
threads (or female threads) of the top sub-container into the set
of female threads (or male threads) of the handle component, while
the coupling of the handle component to the bottom sub-container is
accomplished by threading the set of male threads (or female
threads) of the handle component into the female threads (or male
threads) of the bottom sub-container.
[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle
component is made of an insulating material. In operation, a user
couples the handle component when the user has a need to transport
the bottle using an alternative method. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the handle component is designed to
accommodate a fixed or removable "sipping" lid. In operation the
sipping lid is accommodated above the set of female threads (or
male threads) of the handle component. If the sipping lid attached
to the bottom and is of a fixed design, the sipping lid can be
flipped open to accommodate standard size ice cubes or average size
adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the bottom
sub-container without the use of a special cleaning brush.
[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary bottle
600, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter. Bottle 600 comprises a cap 205, a top
sub-container 210, a bottom sub-container 215, and a removable
handle component 610. The male threads 235 of the top sub-container
205 thread into the set of female threads 620 of the removable
handle component 610, while the set of male threads 630 of the
removable handle component 610 tread into the female threads 240 of
the bottom sub-container 215. It should be noted that the shape,
size, and design of the "handle" of the handle component is
exemplary of other possible "handle" shapes, sizes, and designs,
which are equally within the spirit and scope of the disclosed
subject matter. The sipping lid, if one is present, is accommodated
above the set of female threads 620. As there are several
conflicting lines, FIG. 6 does not illustrate the sipping lid for
clarity of design.
[0031] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the end of the
bottom sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms
the base of the bottle, while the coupled end forms a wide-mouth
container design with an opening that is narrow enough to allow for
standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to
effectively clean the inside without the use of a special cleaning
brush. According to another exemplary embodiment, the end of the
top sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms a
narrow-mouth container design with an opening that couples a cap,
wherein the opening is wide enough for the drinking comfort of even
an average child. According to another exemplary embodiment, the
cap is "flat" shaped. As is known to one skilled in the art, a flat
shaped cap is a cap that has a horizontal top such that when the
cap is turned upside down and placed on a flat surface, the top of
the cap lays flat with the surface. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates
one exemplary flat shaped cap.
[0032] In accordance with one embodiment, the cap threads into the
end of the top sub-container with the narrow-mouth container design
(or vice versa). For example, FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary
embodiment where the male threads of the cap couple into the female
threads of the top sub-container. According to another exemplary
embodiment, the component, i.e., cap or top sub-container with the
female threads has a rolled out rim design to eliminate sedimentary
deposit to build up when the male threads are coupled into the
female threads. The male threads comprise a washer or gasket that
further seals the coupling of the cap with the top sub-container.
According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap friction fits
into the top sub-container with the narrow-mouth container design
(or vice-versa). It should be noted that the friction fit coupling
of the cap to the top sub-container does not seal liquid stored in
the bottle as effectively as the thread coupling under certain
conditions. Further, it should also be noted that the two exemplary
coupling methods discussed herein with respect to the cap and the
top sub-container are exemplary of other coupling methods, which
are equally within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject
matter. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap is made
of polypropylene or some other material that not only seals the top
sub-container effectively, but also safe when in contact with a
liquid for human consumption. According to another exemplary
embodiment, the cap has indentations on an edge portion opposite
the threaded edge to accommodate average adult fingers for easy
opening and tight closing of the cap. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the cap is further coupled to the top
sub-container via a lanyard.
[0033] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a narrow band
is encased around the exterior of the bottle. According to another
exemplary embodiment, the band is made of a flexible material
including, but not limited to silicone or rubber that is safe when
in contact with a human mouth or liquid for human consumption. FIG.
3 illustrates a cross-sectional view 300 of an exemplary top
sub-container 210 coupled to an exemplary bottom sub-container 215
with an exemplary band 310 encased at the coupling. FIG. 3 also
illustrates a washer or gasket 320 that further seals the coupling
of the top sub-container 210 with the bottom sub-container 215, and
the rolled out rim design 225 of the bottom sub-container 215. It
should be noted that since the band is encased around the exterior
of the bottle, the band could be placed at any position around the
bottle. Accordingly, even though FIG. 3 illustrates the band 310
encased over the rolled out rim design 225 portion of the bottle,
the entire band could be encased just below or above the rolled out
rim design 225 portion of the bottle to eliminate the band 310 from
forming an indentation as illustrated.
[0034] According to another exemplary embodiment, the band improves
the function, as discussed later, of the bottle when the bottle
transforms to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first
sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding
liquid. According to another exemplary embodiment, the band
facilitates labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the
exterior of the bottle with a Sharpie.RTM. either when the bottle
is made of plastic or aluminum, or when the bottle is made of
stainless steel or glass that cannot be indelibly marked on.
Accordingly, the logo or name is embossed, printed, or labeled in
some other way directly on the band. Further, the band and the logo
or name is of a same or different color. Since the band is colored,
the band mimics an identification symbol, which aids in
personalizing the bottle to individual tastes, while improving the
aesthetics of the bottle. According to another embodiment, the band
buffers clanking noise and protects the bottle from damage when the
bottle is placed next to a solid surface, especially when the
bottle is made of, for example, stainless steel, plastic, aluminum,
or glass.
[0035] In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the top
sub-container and bottom sub-container when uncoupled can transform
to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container
for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid.
[0036] In the embodiment where the transformation is to two
sub-containers for drinking (this embodiment is usually practiced
by a pair of users sharing a bottle), the cap is securely coupled
to the top sub-container before the top sub-container is uncoupled
from the bottom sub-container and turned upside down. With the cap
coupled securely, not only will any liquid contained in the top
sub-container after it is turned upside down not leak, but also the
flat shape of the cap will ensure that the upside down top
sub-container can be placed on a flat surface without spilling the
contained liquid. Using the top sub-container as a "goblet", a user
can drink from the goblet. With the top sub-container uncoupled,
another user can now use the bottom sub-container as another
container to drink from. Further, the band is placed on the edge
that has the male threads so that a user does not feel the
uncomfortable grooves of the male threads while drinking.
Furthermore, a user may prefer to use the sub-container with the
band as the band provides a comfortable drinking edge while
ensuring a better "seal" between the user's lips and the
sub-container to avoid spillage.
[0037] In the embodiment where the transformation is to a first
sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding
liquid (this embodiment is usually practiced by a single user), the
cap is securely coupled to the top sub-container before the top
sub-container is uncoupled from the bottom sub-container and turned
upside down. Similarly, the band is placed on the edge that has the
male threads so that a user does not feel the uncomfortable grooves
of the male threads while drinking.
[0038] FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of a transformation of an
exemplary bottle 400 to either two exemplary sub-containers 210 and
215 for drinking, or an exemplary first sub-container 210 for
drinking and an exemplary second sub-container 215 for holding
liquid. FIG. 4 also illustrates a band 410 placed on the edge of
sub-container 210 that has the male threads. Further, FIG. 4 also
illustrates a cap 205 further coupled to the bottle by a lanyard
420.
[0039] The two-part bottle can be further used similar to a
conventional bottle by leaving the top and bottom sub-containers
coupled rather than transforming the top and bottom sub-containers
to two separate sub-containers. But unlike conventional bottles,
the top sub-container can be uncoupled from the bottom
sub-container to easily fill ice and clean without the use of a
special cleaning brush.
[0040] While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and
described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
disclosed subject matter. Thus, while preferred embodiments of a
two-part bottle are described herein, it is to be understood that
the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to
the described methods but rather by the following claims and their
full scope of equivalents.
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