U.S. patent application number 13/764258 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-22 for water bottle with check valve.
The applicant listed for this patent is ARMOND SIMONIAN. Invention is credited to ARMOND SIMONIAN.
Application Number | 20130214007 13/764258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48981508 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130214007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SIMONIAN; ARMOND |
August 22, 2013 |
WATER BOTTLE WITH CHECK VALVE
Abstract
A container system for dispensing fluids is described. The
container comprises a pump to pressurize the internal lumen where
fluid is stored. A check-valve operates to close to permit further
pressurization of the lumen in order to dispense fluid. Once the
desired amount of fluid has been dispensed, the check-valve opens
to vent the lumen to the ambient atmosphere, depressurizing the
bottle and preventing fluid from continuing to dribble out. In some
embodiments the check-valve is situated in the cap, the body, or
in-line with the fluid dispensing conduit. The bottle further
comprises a pump for pressurizing the lumen. The pump can
optionally be electrically, manually, or kinetically driven. The
bottle can optionally include a filtration means to filter
undesirable constituents from the fluid being dispensed.
Inventors: |
SIMONIAN; ARMOND; (Irvine,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SIMONIAN; ARMOND |
Irvine |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48981508 |
Appl. No.: |
13/764258 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61597675 |
Feb 10, 2012 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/189.06 ;
222/209; 222/464.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 51/1644 20130101;
C02F 1/002 20130101; A45F 2003/163 20130101; A45F 3/16
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/189.06 ;
222/464.1; 222/209 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16 |
Claims
1. A bottle for holding a fluid and dispensing the fluid on demand,
comprising: a body having a lumen; and a check-valve configured to
close at or above a first threshold pressure, and further
configured to close at or below a second threshold pressure,
wherein the check-valve is operative to substantially equalize the
lumen pressure and atmospheric pressure when the lumen pressure is
less than the second threshold pressure.
2. The bottle of claim 1, further comprising a cap reversibly
coupled to the body, wherein the cap further comprises an opening
from which the fluid can be dispensed.
3. The bottle of claim 2, wherein the check-valve is disposed at
the cap.
4. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the check-valve is disposed at
the body.
5. The bottle of claim 1, further comprising a straw, wherein the
straw is configured to permit dispensing of substantially all the
fluid in the bottle.
6. The bottle of claim 5, wherein the check-valve is disposed at
the straw.
7. The bottle of claim 1, further comprising a filter, wherein the
filter is configured to filter the fluid prior to the fluid being
dispensed from the bottle.
8. The bottle of claim 7, wherein the check-valve is disposed at
the filter.
9. The bottle of claim 1, further comprising a pump configured to
pressurize the lumen of the bottle.
10. The bottle of claim 9, wherein the pump is operated by at least
one of manual, electric, or kinetic means.
11. The bottle of claim 1, wherein a space in the lumen of the
bottle is pressurized to a lumen pressure, wherein the lumen
pressure is greater than ambient atmospheric pressure.
12. The bottle of claim 11, wherein the check-valve is configured
to close at a threshold pressure that is higher than a first lumen
pressure, and to open at a second threshold pressure that is higher
than the first threshold pressure.
13. The bottle of claim 11, wherein the check-valve is configured
to close at a first threshold pressure that is higher than the
lumen pressure, and to open at a second threshold pressure, wherein
the second threshold pressure is between the lumen pressure and the
first threshold pressure.
14. The bottle of claim 2, wherein the cap couples to the body
using mating threads.
15. The bottle of claims 2, further comprising a spout that extends
from the cap.
16. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the first threshold pressure is
substantially the same as the second threshold pressure.
17. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the first threshold pressure is
greater than the second threshold pressure.
18. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the difference between the first
threshold pressure and second threshold pressure is at least 5 psi
higher.
19. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the first threshold pressure is
lower than the second threshold pressure.
20. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the check-valve is configured to
be manually operated.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/597,675,
filed Feb. 10, 2012, and entitled "Water Bottle Check Valve," the
entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The field of the invention is portable bottles for storing
and dispensing potable fluids.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Portable devices enabling easy transport and consumption of
fluids such as water are very popular. Most commonly, although not
exclusively, these devices are intended for use by those engaged in
exercise, athletics, or any other activity where it is desireable
to stay hydrated during the course of the activity. For ease of
description, this application will refer to such devices as "water
bottles," although the use of the term "water" is not meant to be
limiting to the specific drink that can be carried and consumed
using these devices. Similarly, the term "water" is used to denote
any potable fluid that can be consumed from a portable drinking
device, and thus is not specifically limited to simply mean
H.sub.2O. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a range of
fluids are compatible for transport and consumption using the
present invention, and so the precise nature of the fluid is not
meant to limiting in any way of the scope of the invention.
[0004] In some instances, water bottles can include a filter
system. Filters can be useful to remove sediments from the water.
In some cases, with a sufficiently small pore size filters can be
effective to remove potential pathogens from fluids, typically
bacteria. One disadvantage of filters, however, is that the flow
rate through the filtration medium is generally inversely
proportional to the effective pore size. Thus, the use of finer
filtration medium typically reduces flow rate of any fluid through
the filter.
[0005] When filters are used in water bottles, the effect is
generally to reduce the ease with which water can be sucked or
poured from the bottle. In order to overcome this problem, the
usual approach is to pressurize the internal volume of the water
bottle in order to provide sufficient force to move the fluid
through the filter at an acceptable rate of flow. The problem with
pressurizing the bottle is that when the user is finished drinking
without fully depressurizing the water bottle, the remaining
pressure in the bottle will seek to equalize to atmospheric
pressure. In doing so water continues to move through the filter
out of the bottle and causes dribbling of water out of the spout.
Where the drinking fluid contains components other than water, for
example sugars as in fruit juices, the resulting leakage is very
inconvenient for the user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,188
(Rajan) was a commercial failure because of dribbling from the
spout after pumping was ceased and drinking was completed.
[0006] Rajan and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or
use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or
contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the
definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition
of that term in the reference does not apply.
[0007] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set
forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their
endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include
commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values
should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the
context indicates the contrary.
[0008] Based on the limitation in the prior art, there remains a
need for a water (or other) bottle that when it requires pressure
for movement of water, through a filter for example, doesn't leak
or continue to dribble from the spout when drinking is complete
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The following discussion provides many example embodiments
of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment
represents a single combination of inventive elements, the
inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible
combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment
comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises
elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also
considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or
D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
[0010] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise,
the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling
(in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each
other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional
element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms
"coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.
[0011] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set
forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their
endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include
only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values
should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the
context indicates the contrary.
[0012] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which a bottle has a check-valve that closes at or above
a first threshold, and opens at or below at a second threshold,
thereby equalizing the lumen pressure and atmospheric pressure when
the lumen pressure is below the second threshold.
[0013] In some embodiments, the bottle has removable cap, which has
a spout or other opening from which the fluid can be drank or
otherwise dispensed. The cap can be coupled to the body in any
suitable manner, including for example using mating threads or a
snap-fit.
[0014] In another aspect, the bottle can include a filter, which is
preferably disposed within the lumen of the body of the bottle.
Such filters can advantageously filter the fluid contained in the
lumen prior to exiting the lumen and/or the bottle. The filter can
have different pore sizes to filter out different constituents in
the fluid.
[0015] In yet another aspect, the bottle can include a pump, which,
for example, could be permanently attached or removable from the
body. The pump could also be located at or on the cap, or
integrated into the molded design of the body. It is contemplated
that the pump is used at least primarily to pressurize the lumen.
The pump could also be used to flush the filter.
[0016] The pump may further comprise one or more check valves to
allow air from outside the bottle to enter and pressurize the lumen
while restricting flow of either air or fluid from the lumen to
return through the pump. Conveniently, a check valve can be
disposed in any of a number of locations, including, but not
limited to the cap, the body of the bottle, the straw, or the
filter. The basic principle of operation is based on the function
of the check valve, such that when the user is finished drinking
from the bottle, the remaining higher than atmospheric pressure
remaining in the bottle can be released without dribbling of fluid
from the spout.
[0017] The check valve is configured to remain closed at a first
threshold pressure, which is achieved when the pump is activated.
Closure of the check valve allows pressure to increase inside the
bottle, thereby providing a motive force to push fluid through the
filter and out of the spout. The check valve then opens at a second
threshold pressure, which is lower than the first threshold
pressure. The opening of the check valve releases pressure from the
bottle without a corresponding movement of fluid through the
spout.
[0018] If the check valve is placed in-line of the fluid flow from
the lumen out of the spout, then the check-valve closes at a first
threshold and remains closed. When the pressure in the lumen
increases to a second threshold, then the fluid flows through the
valve out and will exit the spout. When the pressure is reduced to
the first threshold, the check-valve closes and ceases the flow of
fluid through the tube and stops dribbling from the spout.
[0019] Therefore the present invention provides a bottle for
holding a fluid and dispensing the fluid on demand, comprising: a
body having a lumen; and a check-valve configured to close at or
above a first threshold pressure, and further configured to close
at or below a second threshold pressure, wherein the check-valve is
operative to substantially equalize the lumen pressure and
atmospheric pressure when the lumen pressure is less than the
second threshold pressure.
[0020] In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a cap
reversibly coupled to the body, wherein the cap further comprises
an opening from which the fluid can be dispensed.
[0021] In some embodiments the check-valve is disposed at the cap.
In some embodiments, the check-valve is disposed at the body.
[0022] In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a straw,
wherein the straw is configured to permit dispensing of
substantially all the fluid in the bottle. In some embodiments, the
check-valve is disposed at the straw.
[0023] In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a filter,
wherein the filter is configured to filter the fluid prior to the
fluid being dispensed from the bottle. In some embodiments, the
check-valve is disposed at the filter.
[0024] In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a pump
configured to pressurize the lumen of the bottle. In some
embodiments, the pump is operated by at least one of manual,
electric, or kinetic means.
[0025] In some embodiments, a space in the lumen of the bottle is
pressurized to a lumen pressure, wherein the lumen pressure is
greater than ambient atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the
check-valve is configured to close at a threshold pressure that is
higher than a first lumen pressure, and to open at a second
threshold pressure that is higher than the first threshold
pressure. In some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to
close at a first threshold pressure that is higher than the lumen
pressure, and to open at a second threshold pressure, wherein the
second threshold pressure is between the lumen pressure and the
first threshold pressure.
[0026] In some embodiments, the cap couples to the body using
mating threads. In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a
spout that extends from the cap.
[0027] In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure is
substantially the same as the second threshold pressure. In some
embodiments, the first threshold pressure is greater than the
second threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the difference
between the first threshold pressure and second threshold pressure
is at least 5 psi higher. In some embodiments, the first threshold
pressure is lower than the second threshold pressure.
[0028] In some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to be
manually operated.
[0029] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the body
of the water bottle.
[0031] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the cap
of the water bottle.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the
straw of the water bottle.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the
filter of the water bottle.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of
the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the
spout of the water bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and
methods in which a bottle has a check-valve that closes at or above
a first threshold, and opens at or below at a second threshold,
thereby equalizing the lumen pressure and atmospheric pressure when
the lumen pressure is below the second threshold.
[0036] FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body
20 and a cap 30. On one side of the body 20 is a manual pump 10. On
the cap 30 is a spout 40. Connecting the spout 40 to the filter 60
is a straw 50. The manual pump 10 has two integrated check valves,
80 to allow outside air in, and 70 to prevent fluid and air from
returning from the lumen. The check-valve 100 is disposed on the
body 20.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body
20 and a cap 30. On one side of the body 20 is a manual pump 10. On
the cap 30 is a spout 40. Connecting the spout 40 to the filter 60
is a straw 50. The manual pump 10 has two integrated check valves,
80 to allow outside air in, and 70 to prevent fluid and air from
returning from the lumen. The check-valve 100 is disposed on the
cap 30.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body
20 and a cap 30. On one side of the body 20 is a manual pump 10. On
the cap 30 is a spout 40. Connecting the spout 40 to the filter 60
is a straw 50. The manual pump 10 has two integrated check valves,
80 to allow outside air in, and 70 to prevent fluid and air from
returning from the lumen. The check-valve 100 is disposed on the
straw 50.
[0039] FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body
20 and a cap 30. On one side of the body 20 is a manual pump 10. On
the cap 30 is a spout 40. Connecting the spout 40 to the filter 60
is a straw 50. The manual pump 10 has two integrated check valves,
80 to allow outside air in, and 70 to prevent fluid and air from
returning from the lumen. The check-valve 100 is disposed on the
filter 60.
[0040] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body
20 and a cap 30. On one side of the body 20 is a manual pump 10. On
the cap 30 is a spout 40. Connecting the spout 40 to the filter 60
is a straw 50. The manual pump 10 has two integrated check valves,
80 to allow outside air in, and 70 to prevent fluid and air from
returning from the lumen. The check-valve 100 is disposed on the
spout 40.
[0041] In some embodiments, the bottle has removable cap, which can
further comprise a spout or other opening from which the fluid can
be directly consumed or otherwise dispensed. The cap can be coupled
to the body in any suitable manner, including for example using
mating threads or a snap-fit. The means of attaching the cap to the
bottle is not limiting to the scope of the invention.
[0042] The body of the bottle may be manufactured from a variety of
suitable materials. The components can be rigid or flexible, but
will preferably be suitable for holding and dispensing potable
fluids. Such materials can include, but are not limited to,
plastics, thermoplastic (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate),
polymer resin, metal, steel, alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum.
The bottle itself can be of various sizes and volumes, but most
conveniently can be designed to be hand-held. Sizes from 2 fl. oz.
to 50 fl. oz. are typical for bottles intended for hand use, but
bottles designed as larger jugs or containers of greater than 50
fl. oz. and even several gallons in size are also contemplated as
falling within the scope of containers compatible for use with the
present invention. The shape of the bottle or container can be of
various dimensions but in some embodiments will be designed for
easy holding and drinking
[0043] The spout can adopt any of a number of configurations. In
one embodiment, the spout can be configured such that it will pivot
against the body of the cap so as to open and close for use. The
spout can sit in a recess on the cap and be opened and closed, or
may be of pull top design, or other closure designed to provide
access to drink from the bottle. The spout may be made of different
materials, either rigid or flexible, preferably suitable dispensing
potable fluids, including plastic, thermoplastic (polyethylene,
polyethylene terephthalate), polymer resin, metal, steel, alloy,
stainless steel, and aluminum.
[0044] In some embodiments, the bottle can include a filter. The
filter can be disposed in a variety of locations, but preferably
will be placed within the lumen of the body of the bottle. Such
filters can advantageously filter the fluid contained in the lumen
prior to the fluid exiting the lumen and/or the bottle. The filter
can have different pore sizes, and a variety of filter matrices
suitable for filtering various constituents that may be present in
the fluid. These constituents may include heavy metals, volatile
organic compounds, pesticides, chemicals, microorganisms, viruses,
bacteria, chlorides, nitrates, and other materials not desirable,
or which may be potentially dangerous, in potable water.
[0045] The filter selected will generally of such size and
composition as required to perform a desired function, and which
fits into the bottle. In some embodiments the filter can be
designed to be removable and/or replaceable. The filter may use
various filtration media to accomplish its task including carbon,
coconut shell, ceramic, reverse osmosis, ion exchange and other
known filtration media. The filter media also may vary in pore size
from less than 0.1 micron to 2 microns or larger and will vary
based upon the constituent desiring to be filtered as well as the
desired flow rate of the fluid through the filter. In some
embodiments, the filter may comprise a multiple-stage filter, such
as a pre-filter to remove larger caliber impurities, and a finer
filter capable of removing microorganisms. Such filter combinations
are well-known in the art. Generally the pre-filter extends the
service life of the finer filter.
[0046] As smaller pore sizes generally require pressure to move
fluid through the filter, in some embodiments, the bottle can
further comprise a pump. The pump can be configured to be integral
to, or separate from the bottle. For handheld bottles, an integral
pump will be most preferable. The pump can also be conveniently be
located at or on the cap, or integrated into the molded design of
the body. It is contemplated that the pump is used at least
primarily to pressurize the lumen. In some embodiments, the pump
could also be configured to to flush the filter.
[0047] The pump may be manually operated, electric, or kinetically
powered. In embodiments where the bottle is designed to be
handheld, the pump is preferably positioned where the user can
easily activate it while they are holding the bottle. If a manual
pump is provided, then it may be positioned on or integral with the
side of the bottle, or on the cap or other easily accessible area
of the bottle. In some embodiments a depressible actuator will pump
air into the lumen of the bottle when pressed by a user. If
electric or other powered, a pump may be located inside the lumen,
attached to the cap or filter, or attached to or integrated with
the inside wall of the bottle, with a switch located for easy
operation by the user.
[0048] The pump can comprise one or more check-valves to allow air
from outside the bottle to enter and pressurize the lumen while
restricting flow of either air or fluid from the lumen to return
through the pump. The pump is of reasonable size to, if manual,
allow a hand to squeeze and activate the pump, generally from 0.25
to 5 inches in diameter for portable water bottles, but,
regardless, of sufficient size and power to pressurize the lumen to
move water through the filter and out of the bottle.
[0049] A check-valve may be of any durable material including
brass, copper, plastic, vinyl, stainless steel, steel, alloys and
any other materials sufficient to perform its operation. It can be
disposed in any suitable location. For example, the check-valve
could be disposed at the cap, or at the body, at a straw or
connector pipe in the bottle or with the cap, at the spout, or at a
filter. The check-valve may operate by any number of designs
including, ball check valve, diaphragm check valve, swing or
tilting disc check valve, or a lift check valve. The principle of
operation is based on the function that when the user is finished
dispensing fluid from the bottle, the remaining higher than
atmospheric pressure remaining in the lumen of the bottle can be
readily released without dribbling of water from the spout.
[0050] As used herein, the term "at the" should be interpreted
broadly. Thus, having a check-valve "at the cap" should be
interpreted to mean that the check-valve could be included as part
of the cap, inserted into or through a wall of the cap, or disposed
in the cap.
[0051] In some embodiments, the check-valve closes at a first
threshold pressure, which is achieved when the pump is activated.
Generally, the first threshold pressure will be above ambient
atmospheric pressure. The closure of the check-valve allows for the
pressure in the lumen to increase in response to continued
activation of the pump. The increase in lumen pressure is effective
to push water through the filter and out of the spout. As fluid is
dispensed from the bottle, the pressure in the lumen will
decrease.
[0052] The check-valve is configured to open at a second threshold
pressure, which would by nature be lower than the first threshold
pressure, thus venting the lumen of the bottle to the atmosphere,
while substantially preventing movement of fluid through the spout.
In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure can be
substantially the same as the second threshold pressure. In some
embodiments, the first threshold pressure can be higher than the
second threshold pressure, for example, by at least 2 psi, at least
5 psi, at least 10 psi, at least 15 psi, and at least 20 psi. In
some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to be manually
operated such that a user can readily release the pressure in the
lumen of the bottle, again without causing undesired dribbling of
fluid from the spout.
[0053] In some embodiments, the check valve is placed in-line with
the fluid flow from the lumen out of the spout. In these cases, the
operation of the check-valve is somewhat different. For example,
when the pump is activated, lumen pressure increases to a first
threshold pressure, at which point the check-valve closes and
remains closed to permit further pressurization of the lumen of the
bottle. Once a second threshold pressure is achieved, the
check-valve opens permitting flow of fluid through the filter, the
straw and with the fluid eventually exiting the bottle through the
spout. As fluid is dispensed, pressure in the lumen decreases. Once
pressure decreases to below the first threshold the check-valve
again closes at a first threshold and remains closed, stopping flow
through the fluid path and preventing dribbling of fluid from the
spout.
[0054] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the
inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the
following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with
the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent
like components.
[0055] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many
more modifications besides those already described are possible
without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive
subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the
scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the
specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in
the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In
particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be
interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a
non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements,
components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with
other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly
referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one
of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . .
and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element
from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
* * * * *