U.S. patent application number 13/606067 was filed with the patent office on 2013-10-24 for drinks bottle.
This patent application is currently assigned to BROTHER MAX LIMITED. The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan Morris Gold, Daniel Jason Tyler. Invention is credited to Jonathan Morris Gold, Daniel Jason Tyler.
Application Number | 20130277326 13/606067 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46261628 |
Filed Date | 2013-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130277326 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gold; Jonathan Morris ; et
al. |
October 24, 2013 |
Drinks bottle
Abstract
There is provided a drinks bottle comprising an outer bottle
defining a first chamber; receivable wholly or partly within said
outer bottle, an inner bottle defining a second chamber; and
receivable by said outer bottle, a lid defining a first dispensing
outlet and a second dispensing outlet, wherein in a lidded
configuration said first dispensing outlet is in fluid
communication only with said first chamber and said second
dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said second
chamber.
Inventors: |
Gold; Jonathan Morris;
(London, GB) ; Tyler; Daniel Jason; (London,
GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gold; Jonathan Morris
Tyler; Daniel Jason |
London
London |
|
GB
GB |
|
|
Assignee: |
BROTHER MAX LIMITED
London
GB
|
Family ID: |
46261628 |
Appl. No.: |
13/606067 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/10 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/24 20130101;
B65D 81/3227 20130101; B65D 51/1633 20130101; B65D 77/0486
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/10 |
International
Class: |
B65D 21/02 20060101
B65D021/02; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18; B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; B65D 53/02 20060101 B65D053/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 20, 2012 |
GB |
1206979.5 |
Claims
1. A drinks bottle comprising an outer bottle defining a first
chamber; receivable wholly or partly within said outer bottle, an
inner bottle defining a second chamber; and receivable by said
outer bottle, a lid defining a first dispensing outlet and a second
dispensing outlet, wherein in a lidded configuration said first
dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said first
chamber and said second dispensing outlet is in fluid communication
only with said second chamber.
2. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the inner bottle
is receivable to be co-axial with the outer bottle.
3. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the outer and/or
the inner bottle are provided with one or more spacer features
arranged for spacing of the inner bottle relative to the outer
bottle.
4. A drinks bottle according to claim 3, wherein said one or more
spacer features are arranged for spacing the inner bottle in
coaxial fashion with the outer bottle.
5. A drinks bottle according to claim 3, wherein the inner bottle
is provided with a spacer ring arranged for spacing interaction
with a side wall of the outer bottle.
6. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the outer and/or
inner bottle are provided with one or more engagement features
arranged for engaging of the inner bottle relative to the outer
bottle.
7. A drinks bottle according to claim 6, wherein said one or more
engagement features are arranged for engaging the inner bottle in
coaxial fashion with the outer bottle.
8. A drinks bottle according to claim 6, wherein an inner base of
the outer bottle is provided with a first engagement feature
arranged for engagement with a second engagement feature provided
at the outer base of the inner bottle.
9. A drinks bottle according to claim 8, wherein said first
engagement feature is a cavity locating centrally at said inner
base of the outer bottle and said second engagement feature is a
protuberance locating centrally at said outer base of the inner
bottle.
10. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid is
arranged for screw-engagement with the outer bottle.
11. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein either of the
first dispensing outlet or the second dispensing outlet is provided
with a valve.
12. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid defines
one or more mating features for mating relationship with the inner
bottle.
13. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid defines
one or more guide features for guiding fluid from the second
chamber to the second dispensing outlet.
14. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein a seal element is
provided at the interface between the lid and the inner bottle to
provide a sealing relationship there between.
15. A drinks bottle according to claim 14, wherein said seal
element is in the form of a washer or sealing ring.
16. A drinks bottle according to claim 14, wherein one or more
mating features are defined at the seal element for mating
relationship with the lid and/or the inner bottle.
17. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid is
provided with a first vent hole to allow for venting of the outer
bottle chamber and/or a second vent hole to allow for venting of
the inner bottle chamber.
18. A drinks bottle according to claim 17, wherein either said
first or said second vent hole is provided with a one-way valve
arranged only to allow for venting from the relevant chamber in
response to applied pressure.
19. A drinks bottle according to claim 17, wherein the second vent
hole is present and a seal element is provided at the interface
between the lid and the inner bottle to provide a sealing
relationship there between and wherein said seal element is adapted
to allow for reversible sealing of the second vent hole.
20. A drinks bottle according to claim 19, wherein the seal element
is further provided with a one-way valve arranged only to allow for
venting of the inner bottle chamber via the second vent hole in
response to applied pressure.
21. A drinks bottle according to claim 20, wherein said one-way
valve is a slit valve or duck bill valve.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a drinks bottle providing
distinct chambers for separately containing and dispensing plural
liquid contents. In embodiments, the drinks bottle may be
configured as an infant drinks bottle or as a sports drinks
bottle.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0002] Drinks bottles are well known in the art including those
arranged for use in dynamic situations. Specific examples include
drinks bottles that are arranged to be suitable for use by infants
(e.g. toddlers) as they move around the home or outdoors. Other
specific examples include sports drinks bottles that are arranged
to be suitable for use by sportsmen and women in the context of
training or sporting events. Typically, such drinks bottles
comprise a bottle-shaped container defining a chamber, to which is
provided a reversibly removable lid having a dispensing outlet
(e.g. a spout). Charging of the bottle with liquid contents is
achieved by removing the lid and pouring liquid into the chamber.
The lid is then replaced and in use, dispensing of liquid to the
user is via the dispensing outlet.
[0003] It can be desirable for such drinks bottles to comprise two
or more separate chambers, thereby enabling the separate storage of
different liquid contents. Thus, in the context of infant drinks
bottles a first chamber might contain water whilst a second chamber
might contain a fruit juice or squash. The infant may then choose
between drinks. Similarly, in the context of sports drinks bottles
a first chamber might contain water whilst a second chamber might
contain a refreshing (e.g. high energy or isotonic) drink. The
sportsman women may then choose between different drinks at
different points in the sports, training or exercise cycle.
Applicant has appreciated that from a space efficiency standpoint,
it is advantageous that one chamber be arranged to be accommodated
inside the other chamber, but that the utility is provided to allow
for separate dispensing from each chamber. A further advantage of
such a `chamber-within-a-chamber` arrangement is that the contents
of the inner chamber may be frozen such as to act as a `frozen
core` to chill the contents of the outer chamber. During use, the
contents of the inner chamber will defrost over time such that
these may also later be drunk as a second chilled drink.
[0004] Applicant has further appreciated that such a
`chamber-within-a-chamber` arrangement requires careful
configuration in order to effectively allow for separate dispensing
from the outer and inner chambers and to ensure for a stable
arrangement of features during travel or active usage thereof.
[0005] United States patent publication no. US2008/1000866
describes a dual cavity sports bottle in which separate drinks
chambers are arranged to mate together in a spirally intertwined
configuration. Such an arrangement is inevitably difficult to
manufacture.
[0006] United States patent publication no. US2010/1116769
describes a dual chamber bottle, in which separate drinks chambers
are arranged in a side-by-side configuration.
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a drinks
bottle providing different chambers for containing and dispensing
separate liquid contents that has enhanced utility for the
user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a drinks bottle comprising
[0009] an outer bottle defining a first chamber;
[0010] receivable wholly or partly within said outer bottle, an
inner bottle defining a second chamber; and
[0011] receivable by said outer bottle, a lid defining a first
dispensing outlet and a second dispensing outlet, wherein in a
lidded configuration said first dispensing outlet is in fluid
communication only with said first chamber and said second
dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said second
chamber.
[0012] There is provided a drinks bottle, which includes outer and
inner bottles, which respectively define first and second chambers
for separate containment of liquid contents. In preferred
embodiments, the drinks bottle comprises only two chambers (i.e. is
dual-chambered), but alternatives are also envisaged in which more
than two chambers are provided.
[0013] The outer bottle defines a first chamber. The outer bottle
may comprise any suitable bottle shaped container. In embodiments,
the outer bottle has a base from which upwardly extends side
walling, which side walling defines at an end distal from the base
a mouth of said outer bottle. A distinct neck may be defined at the
distal end such that the mouth is defined at the neck. In
embodiments, the side walling comprises a circular or ovular side
wall, which may in embodiments taper away from the base and the
outer bottle mouth is correspondingly circular or ovular. In
embodiments, a defined outer bottle rim may be defined at the mouth
of the outer bottle. In embodiments, the outer bottle shape is
defined around (e.g. is symmetric around) a central outer bottle
axis.
[0014] The inner bottle defines a second chamber. The inner bottle
is arranged for receipt wholly or partly within the outer bottle.
The inner bottle may also comprise any suitable bottle shaped
container. In embodiments, the inner bottle has a base from which
upwardly extends side walling, which side walling defines at an end
distal from the base a mouth of said inner bottle. A distinct neck
may be defined at the distal end such that the mouth is defined at
the neck. In embodiments, the side walling comprises a circular or
ovular side wall, which may in embodiments taper away from the base
and the inner bottle mouth is correspondingly circular or ovular.
In embodiments, a defined inner bottle rim may be defined at the
mouth of the inner bottle. In embodiments, the inner bottle shape
is defined around (e.g. is symmetric around) a central inner bottle
axis. In embodiments, the central inner bottle axis corresponds to
(i.e. is co-axial with) the central outer bottle axis.
[0015] In embodiments, the shape profile defined by the outer and
inner bottles is generally arranged to correspond. That is to say,
in embodiments the shape profile of the inner bottle generally
corresponds to or mirrors that of the outer bottle.
[0016] In embodiments, the outer and/or inner bottles are provided
with features that allow for particular stable orientation of the
inner bottle relative to the outer bottle. In embodiments, the
inner and/or outer bottle are provided with one or more spacer
features arranged for particular spaced orientation of the inner
bottle relative to the outer bottle. In embodiments, the inner
and/or outer bottle are provided with one or more engagement
features arranged for particular engagement of the inner bottle
relative to the outer bottle. Such spacer and/or engagement
features are of utility in ensuring a stable arrangement during
travel and/or active use of the drinks bottle.
[0017] In embodiments, the spacer and/or engagement features are
arranged for retaining (e.g. holding) the inner bottle in coaxial
fashion (i.e. with central inner and outer bottle central axes
corresponding) with the outer bottle.
[0018] In embodiments, the inner bottle is provided with a spacer
ring arranged for interaction with the side wall (e.g. adjacent to
the rim thereof) of the outer bottle. In embodiments, the spacer
ring is arranged to allow for flow of fluid there through and thus,
may be provided with one or more flow apertures or holes
therein.
[0019] In embodiments, the inner base of the outer bottle is
provided (e.g. at a central point thereof) with a first engagement
feature arranged for engagement with a second engagement feature
provided at the outer base of the inner bottle. Any suitable
mutually engageable features are suitable including tongue/groove;
protuberance/cavity and screw-thread engagement type
arrangements.
[0020] The lid is arranged for receipt by the outer bottle. In
embodiments, the lid is arranged to interact in a reversibly
sealable manner (e.g. snap-fit or screw-fit) with the outer bottle
to seal off the mouth thereof. In embodiments, the lid is provided
with engagement features for reversibly engaging with corresponding
engagement features provided to the outer bottle. In embodiments,
the exterior of the side walling of the outer bottle is provided
with a screw-thread for screw-threaded sealing engagement with a
corresponding screw-thread on the lid.
[0021] The lid defines a first dispensing outlet and a second
dispensing outlet. Each dispensing outlet may be in the form of a
spout or other suitable form, which allows for dispensing to the
lips and mouth of a user. Each dispensing outlet (e.g. at a spout
thereof) is suitably provided with a valve means arranged such that
liquid may only be dispensed through the outlet when the valve is
opened. Any suitable valves may be employed including pop-up,
push-up, slide and slit valves.
[0022] When the lid is in place (i.e. in a lidded configuration)
the first dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only (i.e.
exclusively) with the first chamber and the second dispensing
outlet is in fluid communication only (i.e. exclusively) with the
second chamber. The lid is configured to achieve this functional
requirement.
[0023] In embodiments, the lid is configured such as to mate with
the (e.g. rim defining the) mouth of the inner bottle to thereby
allow for exclusive communication of fluid from the second chamber
of the inner bottle to the second dispensing outlet. Thus, one or
more mating features may be defined at the lid such as grooves or
indents for receipt of the rim defining the mouth of the second
chamber of the inner bottle or of a seal element as described
below. In embodiments, the lid defines one or more guide features
such as a skirt for guiding fluid from the mouth of the second
chamber of the inner bottle to the second dispensing outlet.
[0024] In embodiments, the lid is configured such as to mate in
sealing fashion with the (e.g. rim defining the) mouth of the inner
bottle to thereby allow for exclusive communication of fluid from
the second chamber of the inner bottle to the second dispensing
outlet. In embodiments, a seal element is provided at the interface
between the lid and the (e.g. mouth of the) inner bottle to provide
a sealing relationship there between. In embodiments, the seal
element is in the form of a washer or sealing ring such as one
formed of rubber or a rubbery polymer material. In embodiments, one
or more mating features are defined at the seal element such as
grooves or indents for receipt of the rim defining the mouth of the
second chamber of the inner bottle or for mating relationship with
mating features defined at the lid.
[0025] The lid may be provided with one or more vent holes. In
embodiments, a first vent hole is provided to allow for venting of
the outer bottle chamber. In embodiments, a second vent hole is
provided to allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber. In
embodiments, any vent hole is provided with a valve such as a
one-way valve arranged to allow for venting from the relevant
chamber in response to applied pressure. In embodiments, the
one-way valve is responsive to sucking action of the user (e.g. a
slit valve or duck bill valve) at the relevant dispensing
outlet.
[0026] In embodiments, where a second vent hole is provided to
allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber and a seal element is
provided at the interface between the lid and the mouth of the
inner bottle to provide a sealing relationship there between the
seal element may be adapted to allow for sealing of the second vent
hole. In embodiments, the seal element is further provided with a
valve such as a one-way valve arranged to allow for venting of the
inner bottle chamber via the second vent hole in response to
applied pressure. In embodiments, the one-way valve is responsive
to sucking action of the user (e.g. a slit valve or duck bill
valve) at the second dispensing outlet.
[0027] In embodiments, the outer bottle is provided with one or
more handles extending from a lower portion of the outer bottle to
an upper portion thereof. In embodiments, the one or more handles
extend from the base of the outer bottle up and around to the mouth
thereof.
[0028] The drinks bottle herein may be formed of any suitable
materials including plastic materials formed by a suitable moulding
operation such as blow moulding.
[0029] It will be appreciated that any of the elements of the
drinks bottle herein may be manufactured and supplied separately
and /or supplied as a pre-assembly or a kit of parts. The present
invention encompasses all of these separate component parts and any
assemblies thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] The invention will now be described further with reference
to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0031] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a drinks bottle
herein;
[0032] FIG. 2a shows a side view of the drinks bottle of FIG.
1;
[0033] FIG. 2b shows a sectional view of the drinks bottle of FIG.
1 wherein the section is taken along line A-A of FIG. 2a;
[0034] FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the drinks bottle of FIG.
1;
[0035] FIG. 4 shows the inner bottle part of the drinks bottle of
FIG. 1 now provided with a plug for use in freezer storage of the
inner bottle;
[0036] FIG. 5 shows an underside view of an assembly of the lid and
sealing ring of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1;
[0037] FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the lid of the drinks
bottle of FIG. 1;
[0038] FIG. 7 shows an underside view of an assembly of an
alternative lid with vent hole and sealing ring with slit valve for
vent hole for use with a variant of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1;
and
[0039] FIG. 8 shows an underside view of an alternative lid with
vent hole for use with a variant of the drinks bottle of FIG.
1.
[0040] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 3 show different
views of a drinks bottle 1 herein, comprising an outer bottle 10
defining a first chamber 12 and receivable within said outer bottle
10, an inner bottle 20 defining a second chamber 22. The drinks
bottle 1 is provided with a lid 30 that defines inner screw-thread
32 arranged for screw-threaded engagement with outer screw-thread
13 (see FIG. 2b) provided about the upper neck 14 of the outer
bottle 10, which also has open mouth 16 surrounded by rim 15. The
inner bottle also defines neck 24 and open mouth 25 defined by rim
23.
[0041] It may be noted that the shape of the outer bottle 10 is
defined around a central outer bottle axis, which corresponds
essentially to line A-A of FIG. 2a. Correspondingly, the shape of
the inner bottle 20 is also defined around that same axis. That is
to say, the central inner bottle axis is co-axial with the central
outer bottle axis. It will also be noted that at least the lower
shape profile defined by the outer bottle 10 and inner bottle 20
generally corresponds at least in the lower regions thereof.
[0042] The outer bottle 10 and inner bottle 20 are both provided
with features that allow for co-axial orientation of the inner
bottle 20 relative to the outer bottle 10. Thus, the inner bottle
20 is provided with a spacer ring 26 having flow holes 27 therein
arranged for spacing interaction with the inner wall of the upper
neck 14 of the outer bottle 10 (see FIG. 2b). As shown at FIG. 2b,
the inner base of the outer bottle 10 is provided at a central
point thereof with a protuberant engagement feature 18 arranged for
engagement with a cavity engagement feature 28 provided at the
outer base of the inner bottle 20. Overall, the action of both the
spacer ring 26/upper neck of inner bottle 14 and engagement feature
18, 28 interactions is to retain the inner bottle 20 in place along
the central axis (line A-A) of the outer bottle 10.
[0043] The lid 30 is arranged for sealing receipt by the outer
bottle 10. The lid 30 defines a first dispensing outlet 40 and a
second dispensing outlet 45. Each dispensing outlet 40, 45 defines
a spout-like 42, 47 form, which allows for dispensing of fluid
contents to the mouth of a user. Each dispensing outlet 40, 45 is
also provided with a push-up cap 44, 49 such that in combination a
push-up valve 42, 44; 47, 49 is defined at each dispensing outlet
40; 45 arranged such that liquid may only be dispensed through the
outlet when the valve is opened in response to pushing up of the
relevant cap 44, 49. Such push-up valves 42, 44; 47; 49 are well
known for use with sports drinks bottles and other suitable
examples of such valve types are described at United States patent
publication no. US2008/000866.
[0044] In a lidded configuration (see FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b) the first
dispensing outlet 40 is in fluid communication exclusively with the
first chamber 12 of the outer bottle 10 and the second dispensing
outlet 45 is in fluid communication exclusively with the second
chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20. The lid 30 is suitably
configured to achieve this functional requirement of the drinks
bottle 1.
[0045] The lid 30 engages in screw-thread fashion with the outer
bottle 10. As described below, the second chamber 22 of the inner
bottle mates with the lid 30 such that fluid may exit that second
chamber 22 only through the second dispensing outlet 45. In effect,
the fluid contents of the inner 20 and outer 10 bottles are
isolated from each other. Fluid flow from the first chamber 12 of
the outer bottle 10 is thus, exclusively through the first
dispensing outlet 40 under the control of push-up valve 42, 44.
[0046] In more detail, the lid 30 is configured such as to mate via
sealing ring 50 with the rim 23 that defines the mouth 25 of the
inner bottle 20 to thereby allow for exclusive communication of
fluid from second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20 to the second
dispensing outlet 45. FIG. 5 shows an assembly of the lid 30 and
sealing ring 50 and FIG. 6 shows details of the underside of the
lid 30. Thus, in more detail, upper circumferential skirt 52 (see
FIGS. 2b and 3) of the sealing ring 50 is arranged for receipt by
circular groove 34 of the inner part of lid 30 to form the assembly
as shown at FIG. 6 (see also FIG. 2b). In the assembled drinks
bottle 1 (see FIG. 2b) rim 23 of the inner bottle 20 seats in
sealing fashion up against sealing ring 50, which is itself
received in mating fashion by lid 30 by virtue of the interaction
between skirt 52 and groove 34. Fluid flow from the second chamber
22 of the inner bottle 20 is thus, exclusively through the second
dispensing outlet 45 under the control of push-up valve 47, 49.
[0047] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of a lid 130 and
sealing ring 150 that may be used with the drinks bottle 1 of FIGS.
1 to 3. This variant of the lid 130 and sealing ring 150 differs
from the lid of FIGS. 5 and 6 only in that it is configured to
allow for venting of the inner bottle 20.
[0048] In more detail, lid 130 with second dispensing outlet 145 is
thus provided with a vent hole 138, which is configured in use,
allow for venting of the chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20. The
sealing ring 150 is accordingly modified to include a `half moon`
side sealing element 154, which in the lid/sealing ring assembly
locates above the vent hole 138 (see FIG. 7). The sealing ring 150
includes upper circumferential skirt (not visible, but identical to
skirt 52) and `half-moon` side sealing element 154 is also provided
with a `half-moon` shaped skirt (not visible) arranged for receipt
by half-moon groove 135 on lid 130. Thus, the skirts of sealing
ring 150 and its side sealing element 154 interact with
corresponding grooves 134, 135 of the lid in similar fashion to the
groove 34/skirt 52 interaction of lid 30, thereby securing the
sealing ring 150 and side element 154 to the lid 130. The side
sealing element 154 is provided with a slit valve 156 that operates
as a one-way valve for vent hole 138 such as to allow for venting
from the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20 in response to
applied pressure. In use, this one-way slit valve 156 is arranged
to be responsive to sucking action of the user at the second
dispensing outlet 145, thereby enhancing ease of liquid dispensing
from the second dispensing outlet 145.
[0049] FIG. 4 shows the inner bottle 20 provided with a plug 60 for
plugging off of the mouth 25 by interaction with the rim 23
thereof. This plug 60 does not form part of the drinks bottle but
may be provided as an additional feature to accommodate a possible
use scenario involving `frozen` inner bottle 20 contents.
[0050] Thus, in one possible use scenario the inner bottle 20 is
taken and charged with liquid contents. In an optional step, the
plug 60 is then inserted and the plugged inner bottle 20 is placed
in a freezer until frozen. The inner bottle 20 is then placed
inside the outer bottle making sure that the spacer ring 26 correct
locates against the upper neck of inner bottle 14 and the
protuberant engagement feature 18 at the inner base of the outer
bottle 10 engages with the cavity engagement feature 28 at the
outer base of the inner bottle 20. The outer bottle 10 is then
charged with a second fluid and the lid 30; 130 with sealing ring
50; 150 attached (as in FIG. 5 or 7) screwed onto the top of the
outer bottle to give the use configuration of FIGS. 1, 2a and
2b.
[0051] The user may selectively access the liquid contents of the
first 12 and second 22 chambers by means of the first 40 and second
45 dispensing outlets respectively. If the frozen contents option
has been selected, the frozen core acts to chill the contents of
the first chamber 12 of the outer bottle 10. Over time the frozen
core will defrost, thereby eventually providing a further liquid
drink in the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20.
[0052] The application of which this description and claims form
part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any
subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application
may be directed to any feature or combination of features described
therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims
and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or
more of the following claims:
* * * * *