U.S. patent application number 12/985320 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-07 for compartment insert for threaded receptacle.
Invention is credited to David Brock Haynie.
Application Number | 20110163102 12/985320 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44224118 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110163102 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haynie; David Brock |
July 7, 2011 |
Compartment Insert for Threaded Receptacle
Abstract
A compartment insert to be used in conjunction with a
receptacle, such as a water bottle, that when inserted between and
coupled with, the receptacle and its cover or lid, creates an
enclosed, water-tight inner chamber that protrudes into the
receptacle itself, and is suitable for storing contents of various
types (e.g. personal items, snacks, drink mix, pills, electronics)
and for various purposes (e.g. accessibility, convenience,
consolidation of loose items, concealment, protection from
elements, protection from physical wear). A user of the invention
is able to open the receptacle and access its contents by removing
the compartment insert while leaving the lid intact on the
compartment insert and its contents remain sealed. The contents
inside the compartment insert can be accessed by removing the lid
while leaving the compartment insert attached to the receptacle,
sealing its contents inside.
Inventors: |
Haynie; David Brock; (Palo
Alto, CA) |
Family ID: |
44224118 |
Appl. No.: |
12/985320 |
Filed: |
January 5, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61292475 |
Jan 5, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/521 ;
220/259.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/521 ;
220/259.4 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/28 20060101
B65D051/28; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18 |
Claims
1. A compartment insert comprising: a. a cup-like primary
compartment, and b. a coupling on the upper end of the outer
surface of the compartment that replicates the receptacle coupling
in diameter, thickness, and thread dimensions, and c. a protrusion
that extends outwardly from the exterior surface of the
compartment, below the coupling named in b above, and then downward
such that it encircles the compartment itself and contains a second
coupling on the inner surface of the downward protrusion that
engages with the receptacle coupling.
2. A compartment insert, such that when engaged with the coupling
of a receptacle: a. fully seals the receptacle, and b. forms an
interior chamber that extends downward into the neck of said
receptacle, and c. is situated such that the majority of the
compartment's inner volume is below the top of the receptacle.
3. A compartment insert, such that when the compartment insert's
coupling referred to in lb is engaged with the coupling of a
receptacle's lid: a. forms a sealed compartment separate from that
of the receptacle, and b. allows the receptacle to be accessed by
removing the sealed compartment insert without removing the lid and
opening the compartment insert itself.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS: Provisional Application
61292475
FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH: None
SEQUENCE LISTING: None
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of Invention
[0002] The convergence of several societal and recreational trends
has created the need for a compartment insert in reusable water
bottles. These trends include an increased focus on healthy
lifestyles, an increased awareness of the environmental impact of
everyday decisions, a renewed interest in outdoor recreation, a
movement toward lighter weight and multi-use functionality in
outdoor equipment, and an escalation in the use of electronic
devices in outdoor settings (exposed to the elements). Health and
lifestyle trends among other things have led more people to consume
water as opposed to carbonated soft drinks, and in response to an
explosion in discarded plastic water bottles, reusable bottles have
become popular in many urban settings beyond the traditional
outdoor uses of camping, hiking, etc. Also just as more people are
heading into the outdoors in pursuit of outdoor recreation in the
form of hiking, backpacking, camping, etc., they are taking an
increased number of electronic devices such as digital cameras,
cell phones, GPS receivers, two-way radios, LED headlamps,
etc.--all of which would be corrupted by exposure to water
contamination from dirt, or damage from possible impact creating a
need for accompanying water-proof protective cases. Yet, at the
same time, technological advances have pushed consumers to try to
reduce the weight and volume of equipment required for any given
excursion, as they try to go faster and lighter than before--one
way that this is being done is by creating equipment with more than
one use (trekking poles that double as tent poles, sleeping pads
that double as chairs, etc). The compartment insert for water
bottles meets the needs of each of these trends.
[0003] 2. Prior Art
[0004] Several compartments for bottle lids have been developed in
the past. The majority of these are designed for the specific
purpose of keeping two substances separate from one another and
then providing a way to conveniently mix the two through a
mechanical opening or perforation of the separating wall, such as
the two part vessel U.S. Pat. No. 7,584,842. Shih's additive holder
for PET bottles, U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,296 and Hsu's U.S. Pat. No.
6,138,821 offers similar functionality.
[0005] Additionally, many of these lid-related compartment patents
have emphasized the storage and disbursement of pills or
medications with some novel features and functionality--Bender does
this in U.S. Pat. No. 3,446,179 with a timer dispenser as does Muza
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,397,017 with a dispenser.
[0006] Theodore Esau patented a receptacle cap for pills and other
articles (U.S. Pat. No. 7,055,709) that threads onto existing
two-liter soda bottles or disposable water bottles and provides a
compartment above the top of the bottle, by extending the entire
lid assembly vertically in a stacking process.
[0007] Other accessories for water bottles, such as this have been
patented before, such as Goldfarb's bottle lantern attachment, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,086,216. He also notes that dual purpose outdoor
equipment/products are well known and offers U.S. Pat. No.
4,954,075 as an example, which includes a camp stove/lantern
combination that allows for a portable cooking stove to be used as
an illumination device.
[0008] So while a number of related items have been patented in the
past, they have not been able provide the simple yet necessary
functionality that this compartment insert would provide. It is
important that the compartment be contained within the neck or main
body of the water bottle or other container so as to not increase
the space required when space is at a premium in a backpack for
example.
SUMMARY
[0009] In a first manifestation the invention is, in combination, a
receptacle (bottle), cover (lid), and a compartment insert to be
placed between the receptacle and the cover. The receptacle has a
coupling (threads, for example), and an opening from an exterior to
an interior. The opening permits fluid to pass between the fluid
receptacle interior and exterior. The cover has a coupling
co-operative with the fluid receptacle coupling, and prevents fluid
from passing between fluid receptacle interior and exterior when
coupled to the fluid receptacle coupling in a closing coupled
relation. The cover is further removable entirely from the fluid
receptacle coupling, to open the fluid receptacle opening. The
compartment insert removably holds a first composition adjacent the
fluid receptacle and separates the fluid receptacle coupling from
the cover coupling. The compartment insert has a divider wall that
enters into the neck of the receptacle and may extend into the body
of the receptacle, and a first coupling affixed to the divider wall
and co-operative with the fluid receptacle coupling. The divider
wall is cooperative with the fluid receptacle to prevent fluid from
passing between fluid receptacle interior and exterior when the
compartment insert first coupling is coupled to the fluid
receptacle coupling in a closing coupled relation. The first
coupling is further removable entirely from the fluid receptacle
coupling to separate divider wall from fluid receptacle and thereby
open the receptacle opening. A second coupling is affixed to the
divider wall and engages with the cover coupling in a closing
coupled relation to form an enclosed chamber isolated from the
receptacle and primarily encompassed within the neck or body of the
receptacle, and at least partially releasing to open the enclosed
chamber. (See FIGS. 6-10 for the compartment insert and its
combination with a receptacle and lid)
[0010] In a second manifestation, the invention is a compartment
insert that can be used between an existing, third party receptacle
and its lid to cover and cooperate with the coupling on the opening
of the receptacle in a manner that does not allow its contents to
escape (but does not necessarily need to be packaged with the
receptacle--third party receptacles would work). The compartment
insert has a vertical rim extending up from the inner compartment
wall with a coupling on the outside of it (threads) that is equal
in diameter and other features to the coupling of the receptacle,
thus allowing the original receptacle lid to cooperate with the
coupling in a manner that a sealed compartment is created between
the receptacle and its original cover. In order to minimize the
overall vertical height and space occupied by the combined bottle,
compartment insert, and lid, the compartment extends into and is
housed primarily within the neck of the receptacle (as opposed to
extending primarily above the receptacle) but may extend into the
body of the receptacle until it reaches the bottom. The coupling
threads on the compartment insert that engage with the receptacle
are in the inside of a lip that completely surrounds the
compartment, forming a ring that extends outwardly from and
surrounds the compartment. (See FIGS. 1-5 for compartment insert
and FIGS. 6-9 for its interaction with receptacle and lid)
[0011] In a third manifestation, the compartment insert may also be
combined with a cover (lid), of any diameter lesser than or equal
to the diameter of the compartment opening, essentially forming a
compartment and lid. This cover may or may not be attached to the
compartment. (See FIGS. 10-12)
[0012] The compartment insert may be made from opaque or
transparent materials. The compartment (or cup portion) and outer
rim which forms a coupling with the first receptacle may be made
from different materials or the same material.
[0013] The outermost surface of the outer ring (with the inner
coupling that engages with the receptacle opening), may have a
diameter that extends beyond the diameter of the original lid (that
is associated with the bottle or container in question), in all or
part, so as to be more prominent to a person's hand when handling
the receptacle with compartment insert and lid, allowing the user
to receive tactile feedback as to which coupling is being
disengaged (e.g. which threads are being loosened and whether the
receptacle is being opened or the compartment insert).
[0014] The compartment insert may have graded measurement marks
visible on the inside or outside of it to allow it to double as a
measuring cup.
[0015] The bottom of the compartment may be flat, or otherwise
balanced so as to allow the compartment to stand up vertically when
separated from the receptacle and placed on a flat surface.
[0016] The compartment insert may come with a divider that fits
tightly inside the compartment that is permanent or removable and
forms any number of smaller open chambers. There may also be an
insert within the compartment that seals off separately from the
compartment insert with its own lid and is removable. The
compartment insert is fully functional with or without the divider
or sealed divider in place.
[0017] The compartment insert may come with or include protective
foam shaped to fit tightly within the chamber, such that when
portions of the foam are removed that correspond to the size and
shape of objects to be inserted (such as a cell phone or GPS unit),
that the inserted object is prevented from rattling against the
side of the compartment insert.
[0018] Any number of third party products may be packaged or
combined in forms or containers that fit within the compartment
insert. For example, granola bars may be made round or first aid
kits shaped to fill the compartment such that it fits efficiently
within the compartment insert. These products may be combined with
the compartment insert or function independently.
[0019] Operation
[0020] The compartment will couple tightly with the open
receptacle, sealing its contents inside, and at the same time
creating a second open receptacle (compartment or chamber) that
extends into the first receptacle. A lid or cover will then be used
to couple with the threads or coupling extending vertically from
the compartment insert to close the second receptacle and form a
smaller sealed compartment within the first receptacle and only
protruding vertically above the first receptacle (bottle)
sufficiently to allow for threads and space to engage with the
lid.
[0021] A person using a receptacle (to get a drink for example)
that has the compartment insert, may remove the compartment insert
with lid attached to it, without having to disengage the lid from
the compartment insert, and have full access to the receptacle
opening.
[0022] The inserted compartment increases the functionality of
receptacles (water bottles, for example) already in circulation,
and enhances receptacles that are sold with it (receptacle and
insert packaged together) from day one. There are several areas of
application and use: [0023] 1. It will allow users in to enclose
and protect everyday personal effects (such as keys, cash, watches,
cell phones, lip balm, personal ID, gym passes, feminine hygiene
products, makeup, breath enhancers, gum, hair accessories, jewelry,
toiletries, etc) in an easy to access, convenient compartment
within an object (e.g. water bottle) that they would already be
carrying, thereby reducing the number of loose objects that must be
carried, while at the same time concealing the contents from
observers.
[0024] 2. Water bottles (for example) are often allowed on desks
found in work or school settings and could carry school and office
supplies such as pens, pencils, paper clips, rulers, erasers,
pencil sharpeners, art supplies, engineering tools, calculators,
etc.
[0025] 3. It also provides a convenient, protective, water-tight
and easily accessible compartment for outdoor use items--electronic
devices (GPS, cell phones, cameras, batteries, headlamps, radios,
etc), first aid kits, matches, rain gear, compass, knife,
sunscreen, hand sanitizer, insect repellant, dish washing kit,
soap, shampoo, etc.
[0026] 4. It provides a smash proof, water-tight, conveniently
accessible (the water bottle is regularly accessed during hiking,
for example) compartment for storing snacks (such as cookies,
crackers, nuts, candy, gum, dried fruit, etc.), meals (prepared or
dehydrated), or cooking ingredients (backcountry cooking, for
example)--both liquids and solids. Examples of the types of things
that might be stored would include spices, flour, salt and pepper,
marinade, eggs, oil, syrup, peanut butter or jam, beverages of
various types (milk, juice, alcohol, cream, coffee, tea, etc.)
among other things.
[0027] 5. It is also useful for storing powders or additives to be
consumed with or mixed with the water or other liquid inside the
bottle--such as protein powder, powdered drink mix, hot chocolate
powder, drink concentrate, instant oatmeal, dehydrated meals,
concentrated soups, etc. [0028] 6. Another use is for storing water
purifying tablets such as iodine tablets or liquids that when added
to water collected from an unpurified water source, will make the
water safe to drink; having such water purification means available
to each person carrying a water bottle and with them ensures that
even if the group is split up or someone gets lost, they would be
able to purify the water they find. [0029] 7. Finally it offers the
ability to keep things hot or cold without mixing the contents in
the bottle with those in the compartment (for example ice in the
bottle and a substance to be kept cold in the compartment or vice
versa, and in a similar manner with hot items).
[0030] Thus, the insert provides several functions: a compartment
for storing objects; a food or beverage container; an alternative
to water tight protective cases (such as those made by Pelican) for
small gadgets, supplies and equipment; and additionally, when
removed from the bottle, doubles as a cup for drinking, measuring,
or mixing.
DRAWINGS
[0031] FIG. 1--Perspective side view of compartment insert
[0032] FIG. 2--Perspective side view tilted down to allow for
visibility into the interior of the compartment
[0033] FIG. 3--Top view looking down into open compartment insert
(no lid)
[0034] FIG. 4--Perspective side view tilted up to allow for
visibility underneath and inside the coupling ring
[0035] FIG. 5--Cross sectional of side view (FIG. 1) showing inner
threads and angle at top for sealed closure. Detail 1 shows the
angle required for sealed closure specifically.
[0036] FIG. 6--Top view of compartment insert when used with a
receptacle (in this case a water bottle) and a lid. This is the top
view of FIG. 7.
[0037] FIG. 7--Side view of insert compartment in use, placed
between a receptacle and its lid
[0038] FIG. 8--Cross section of side view (FIG. 7) of insert
compartment in use showing interaction of couplings (threads)
between the receptacle and compartment insert and the lid and
compartment insert
[0039] FIG. 9--Cross section of side view showing each of the three
separate pieces (receptacle on bottom, compartment insert in
middle, and lid above)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] FIG. 1--Perspectve side view of compartment insert.
Invention is made of molded plastic and is one piece. Figure shows
the threads on the outside of the upper extension. The upper
extension should essentially replicate the top portion of whatever
receptacle the compartment insert is designed to be used in
conjunction with. Below the upper extension is the exterior of the
outer coupling ring (with threads on the inside and not visible)
showing one iteration of a design with a curved surface (the
X's).
[0041] FIG. 2--Perspective side view tilted down to allow for
visibility into the interior of the compartment. There is a smooth
surface on the interior of the compartment from the top to the
bottom.
[0042] FIG. 3--Top view looking down into open compartment insert
(no lid). This drawing shows a design of the outer coupling ring in
a wave shape (rising and falling curves) that is visible from
above. The interior surface of the compartment is smooth all the
way around.
[0043] FIG. 4--Perspective side view tilted up to allow for
visibility underneath and inside the coupling ring. The threads are
on the inner surface of the outer ring, not on the "cup" or
compartment wall itself.
[0044] FIG. 5--Cross sectional of side view (FIG. 1) showing inner
threads and angle at top for sealed closure. This shows the detail
of the inside of the coupling ring and its connection with the main
compartment or "cup". Entire object is one solid continuous piece
of plastic.
[0045] FIG. 6--Top view of compartment insert when used with a
receptacle (in this case a water bottle) and a lid. The compartment
insert outer ring extends beyond the receptacle lid in places. It
may be completely or only partially visible in this view, depending
on the design used (if all or only part extends beyond the
receptacle lid). This allows for a user to feel which piece (lid or
compartment insert) is being turned (loosened or tightened) without
having to look. If opening the lid, then the user will have access
to the contents of the compartment insert chamber, while the
compartment insert remains attached to the receptacle (bottle) such
that the receptacle's contents are sealed inside. If opening the
compartment insert, then the user will have access to the contents
of the receptacle, while the lid remains attached to the top of the
compartment insert in such a manner that it remains sealed.
[0046] FIG. 7--Side view of insert compartment in use, placed
between a receptacle and its lid. The compartment insert is roughly
the same height as the original lid. Also, ideally the
texture/shape/design of the compartment insert is different than
the original lid. In this view, the receptacle is not transparent,
or the compartment insert would be visible inside the receptacle.
The receptacle may or may not be packaged with the compartment
insert (i.e. the receptacle could be part of the product, or it may
be any third party created receptacle).
[0047] FIG. 8--Cross section of side view (FIG. 7) of insert
compartment in use showing interaction of couplings (threads)
between the receptacle and compartment insert and the lid and
compartment insert. Also showing the manner in which the
compartment insert protrudes into receptacle (length of protrusion
may vary). This also shows the inside of the chamber--that it
extends from the lid down into the neck of the receptacle and
beyond. The thickness of the compartment insert is shown, but may
be of varying thicknesses depending on type of material used and
intended purpose. In most cases, the compartment insert will be
made as thin and light weight as possible, while maintaining
required strength and durability.
[0048] FIG. 9--Cross section of side view showing each of the three
separate pieces (receptacle on bottom, compartment insert in
middle, and lid above). When each of the components is placed
together and the upper component turned in a clockwise direction,
they become attached to one another in such a manner that they seal
the contents of the two respective chambers (receptacle and
compartment insert) inside. When turned counter clockwise, they
detach, opening the respective chambers. This may be done by each
component independently or simultaneously. The lid shown has
threads that interact appropriately with the compartment insert,
such that it seals to form a water tight chamber inside. This lid
may be the lid that corresponds to a third party receptacle, or it
may be a lid that accompanies the compartment insert. The lid may
or may not be attached to the compartment insert or receptacle via
a tether of some sort.
* * * * *