U.S. patent application number 13/476181 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-21 for detachable coupling apparatus for midsection of separable bottle.
The applicant listed for this patent is Young Keun Park. Invention is credited to Young Keun Park.
Application Number | 20130306587 13/476181 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49487699 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130306587 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Park; Young Keun |
November 21, 2013 |
DETACHABLE COUPLING APPARATUS FOR MIDSECTION OF SEPARABLE
BOTTLE
Abstract
Disclosed herein is a detachable coupling apparatus for a
midsection of a separable bottle. The apparatus is configured such
that upper and lower locking portions of a bottle are detachably
coupled to each other by rotating upper and lower bodies in
opposite directions, the upper and lower locking portions being
inclined in a coupling direction. The present invention ensures the
easy coupling for the midsection of the bottle in a single
operation, and prevents unexpected separation of the bottle
particularly when in the coupled state, thus continuously
maintaining excellent watertight performance and stability.
Inventors: |
Park; Young Keun;
(Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Park; Young Keun |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
49487699 |
Appl. No.: |
13/476181 |
Filed: |
May 21, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
215/379 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 11/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
215/379 |
International
Class: |
B65D 8/04 20060101
B65D008/04 |
Claims
1. A detachable coupling apparatus for a midsection of a separable
bottle, wherein the midsection of the bottle comprising an upper
body and a lower body is configured to enable detachable coupling,
the midsection serving as a coupling portion between the upper body
and the lower body being provided with a watertight member for
maintaining water-tightness, the upper body and the lower body
having on respective ends thereof upper and lower watertight
support portions that are in close contact with respective upper
and lower surfaces of the watertight member; the upper body has a
plurality of upper locking portions protruding inwards on a lower
end of an upright flange that extends from the upper watertight
support portion through a first flange, and the lower body has on
an upper end thereof a plurality of lower locking portions
protruding outwards, thus causing the upper and lower bodies to be
detachably coupled to each other as the upper and lower bodies
rotate in opposite directions; the upper and lower locking portions
are formed to be inclined in a coupling direction thereof, at least
either of the upper and lower locking portions have a first sloping
surface inclined in a direction in which the watertight member is
compressed to a predetermined extent in an initial coupling section
of the upper and lower locking portions and a second sloping
surface inclined in a direction in which the compressed watertight
member is restored to a predetermined extent as coupling of the
upper and lower locking portions is further progressed; wherein the
first sloping surface is in continuity with the second sloping
surface; wherein the first sloping surface begins with a first
bottom point and is inclined upwardly from the first bottom point
to a top point where the first sloping surface meets the second
sloping surface, and the second sloping surface is inclined
downwardly from the top point to a second bottom point; and wherein
the top point is positioned to be higher than the first and the
second bottom points, and the second bottom point is positioned to
be higher than the first bottom point.
2. (canceled)
3. The detachable coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 1,
wherein a pressing line of the upper watertight support portion of
the upper body for pressing an upper surface of the watertight
member and a pressing line of the lower watertight support portion
of the lower body for pressing a lower surface of the watertight
member do not align with each other at the same diameter, the
pressing lines being arranged, respectively, at inner and outer
positions of the watertight member in such a way as to be offset
from each other in each radial directions of the upper and lower
bodies.
4. The detachable coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the upper watertight support portion and the upper locking
portion are not connected to each other, and the upper body is
provided with a separate upper coupling to be detachably coupled to
the lower locking portion of the lower body, and the upper coupling
comprises: a second flange locked to a first flange that protrudes
outwards from the upper watertight support portion of the upper
body; an upright flange extending downwards from an outer end of
the second flange to the upper locking portion; and an upper
locking portion extending inwards from a lower end of the upright
flange to be detachably coupled to the lower locking portion.
5. The detachable coupling apparatus as set forth in claim 1,
wherein the lower watertight support portion and the lower locking
portion are not connected to each other, and the lower body is
provided with a separate lower coupling to be detachably coupled to
the upper locking portion of the upper body, and the lower coupling
comprises: a fourth flange locked to a third flange that protrudes
outwards from the lower watertight support portion of the lower
body; an upright flange extending upwards from an outer end of the
fourth flange; and a lower locking portion extending outwards from
an upper end of the upright flange.
6-7. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates, in general, to separable
bottles, such as water bottles, beverage bottles, thermos bottles,
or baby bottles, which contain liquid and are configured to be
separable at a midsection thereof and, more particularly, to a
detachable coupling apparatus for a midsection of a separable
bottle.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Generally, a bottle including a water bottle is a container
in which drinking water is stored, and is configured so that a
mouth is formed on an upper portion thereof to allow water or
liquid to be put into or discharged from the bottle, and a cap or a
plug is provided to open or close the mouth.
[0005] However, such a bottle is problematic in that its mouth is a
lot narrower than its body, so that it is not easy to wash the
interior of the bottle because it should be washed using a dish
sponge or brush provided on an end of a stick like a chopstick, and
hence it is not easy to hygienically use the bottle repeatedly.
[0006] In order to solve the above problem, technologies intended
to detachably couple the midsection of the bottle are disclosed in
Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-1999-0064574, U.M.
Registration No. 20-0288636, U.M. Registration No. 20-0350790, U.M.
Laid-Open Publication No. 20-2009-0003800, etc.
[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing a typically conventional
separable bottle, in which FIG. 1A shows the coupled state of the
water bottle, and FIG. 1B shows the separated state of the water
bottle. Here, the bottle, i.e. the water bottle is configured so
that its midsection is separated into an upper body 11 and a lower
body 12, with separated portions being fastened to each other by
means of an external threaded portion 13 and an internal threaded
portion 14.
[0008] The conventional separable bottle configured as described
above allows its interior to be washed, sterilized or dried after
the bottle has been separated into the upper body 11 and the lower
body 12, as shown in FIG. 1B, when one desires to wash the
interior, thus making it possible for the bottle to be used more
hygienically and cleanly.
[0009] On the one hand, in the case of using the water bottle, the
external threaded portion 13 of the upper body 11 is fastened to
the internal threaded portion 14 of the lower body 12. An O-ring
type packing member is fitted to a separating plane S at which the
external threaded portion 13 engages with the internal threaded
portion 14, thus enhancing the water-tightness of the water
bottle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The aforementioned conventional separable bottle is
problematic in that a threaded fastening structure is employed on
the upper and lower bodies, so that threaded fastening portions of
the upper and lower bodies may become unfastened and loose due to
the shaking of the bottle or the like, and thus watertight
performance may suffer, and water may leak out from the bottle if
the drop in the watertight performance is too large, thus resulting
in reduced product reliability.
[0011] Further, the conventional separable bottle is problematic in
that the upper and lower bodies have the threaded fastening
structure, so that the upper body or the lower body should be
rotated several times in order to completely couple the upper and
lower bodies with each other, and thus considerable effort should
be made to carry out the separation and coupling of the upper and
lower bodies.
[0012] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in
mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object
of the present invention is to provide a detachable coupling
apparatus for a midsection of a separable bottle, capable of
performing the detachable coupling of the midsection of the bottle
in a convenient and easy way in a single operation.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
detachable coupling apparatus for a midsection of a separable
bottle, configured so that the upper and lower bodies constituting
the bottle are not easily unfastened from each other, thus
continuously maintaining excellent watertight performance, and
enhancing the reliability of the bottle.
[0014] In order to accomplish the above objects, the present
invention provides a detachable coupling apparatus for a midsection
of a separable bottle, wherein the midsection of the bottle
comprising an upper body and a lower body is configured to enable
detachable coupling, the midsection serving as a coupling portion
between the upper body and the lower body being provided with a
watertight member for maintaining water-tightness, the upper body
and the lower body having on respective ends thereof upper and
lower watertight support portions that are in close contact with
respective upper and lower surfaces of the watertight member, the
upper body has a plurality of upper locking portions protruding
inwards on a lower end of an upright flange that extends from the
upper watertight support portion through a first flange, and the
lower body has on an upper end thereof a plurality of lower locking
portions protruding outwards, thus causing the upper and lower
bodies to be detachably coupled to each other as the upper and
lower bodies rotate in opposite directions, the upper and lower
locking portions are formed to be inclined in a coupling direction,
at least either of the upper and lower locking portions being
inclined in a direction in which the watertight member is
compressed to some extent in an initial coupling section of the
upper and lower locking portions, at least either of the upper and
lower locking portions being inclined in a direction in which the
watertight member compressed in the initial coupling section is
partially restored as coupling of the upper and lower locking
portions is further progressed in a section following the initial
coupling section, and the watertight member maintains a compressed
state between the upper and lower bodies when the coupling of the
upper and lower locking portions is completed.
[0015] At least either of the upper and lower locking portions may
comprise a stopper to prevent further rotation when the coupling of
the upper and lower locking portions is completed.
[0016] A pressing line of the upper watertight support portion of
the upper body for pressing an upper surface of the watertight
member and a pressing line of the lower watertight support portion
of the lower body for pressing a lower surface of the watertight
member do not align with each other at the same diameter, the
pressing lines being arranged, respectively, at inner and outer
positions of the watertight member in such a way as to be offset
from each other in each radial directions of the upper and lower
bodies.
[0017] Further, the upper watertight support portion and the upper
locking portion may not be connected to each other, and the upper
body may be provided with a upper coupling to be detachably coupled
to the lower locking portion of the lower body, and the upper
coupling may include a second flange rotatably locked to a first
flange that protrudes outwards from the upper watertight support
portion of the upper body, an upright flange extending downwards
from an outer end of the second flange to the upper locking
portion, and an upper locking portion extending inwards from a
lower end of the upright flange to be detachably coupled to the
lower locking portion.
[0018] Furthermore, the lower watertight support portion and the
lower locking portion may not be connected to each other, and the
lower body may be provided with a lower coupling to be detachably
coupled to the upper locking portion of the upper body, and the
lower coupling may include a fourth flange rotatably locked to a
third flange that protrudes outwards from the lower watertight
support portion of the lower body, an upright flange extending
upwards from an outer end of the fourth flange, and a lower locking
portion extending outwards from an upper end of the upright
flange.
[0019] The aforementioned main solutions of the present invention
will be explicitly described in detail with reference to the
following description of the invention or the accompanying
drawings.
[0020] The detachable coupling apparatus for the midsection of the
separable bottle according to the present invention is advantageous
in that it performs the detachable coupling of the midsection of
the bottle in a convenient and easy way in a single operation.
[0021] Further, the present invention is advantageous in that
coupled portions of upper and lower bodies do not easily become
unfastened from each other, thus continuously maintaining excellent
watertight performance, therefore providing high stability and
reliability for a bottle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the
present invention will be more clearly understood from the
following detailed description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0023] FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing a conventional separable
bottle;
[0024] FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view showing a separable
bottle, to which a detachable coupling apparatus according to an
embodiment of the present invention is applied;
[0025] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a detachable
coupling apparatus, i.e. an important part of the present
invention, with the apparatus having been extracted from the bottle
of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 4 is an exploded sectional view of FIG. 3 which is the
important part of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a coupled state of FIG. 3
which is the important part of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating an inclined coupling structure
of an upper locking portion with a lower locking portion in the
present invention;
[0029] FIG. 7 is a detailed view showing portion "A" encircled in
FIG. 5;
[0030] FIGS. 8 to 10 are detailed sectional views showing other
embodiments of important parts of the detachable coupling apparatus
of the present invention; and
[0031] FIGS. 11 and 12 are views illustrating other embodiments of
upper and lower locking portions in the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Hereinafter, the preferred embodiments of the present
invention will be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 7, an embodiment of the present
invention will be described in detail.
[0034] FIG. 2 is an overall perspective view showing a separable
bottle having a detachable coupling apparatus according to the
present invention. In this context, the separable bottle is
essentially configured so that an upper body 20 and a lower body 40
are separated from and then are coupled to each other, thus forming
one bottle.
[0035] The upper body 20 is part of the bottle and is open at upper
and lower ends thereof, and an upper portion of the upper body 20
is gradually narrower than the lower end thereof that is to be
coupled to the lower body 40 as in a general bottle, with a mouth
22 being formed in the upper end of the upper body to allow liquid
to be put into or discharged from the bottle. The mouth 22 is
configured to be open or closed by a cap or a plug 25. Various
known structures for opening or closing bottles may be employed as
a structure for opening or closing the mouth.
[0036] The lower body 40 is preferably closed at a lower portion as
well as a circumferential surface thereof, except for a portion
that is to be coupled to the lower end of the upper body 20.
[0037] Such upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 are fastened to each
other through the coupling structure in such a way as to be
detachable when necessary, for example, when washing the bottle.
The coupling structure of the upper body 20 with the lower body 40
is illustrated in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 and FIG.
7.
[0038] A watertight member 60 is interposed in a coupling portion
between the upper body 20 and the lower body 40 (hereinafter also
referred to as `upper and lower bodies`) to prevent fluid from
leaking out from the bottle. The watertight member 60 is in a
flexible and resilient ring-type structure to be positioned between
the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40, and is preferably made of
rubber or synthetic resin material that is used for conventional
packing.
[0039] Further, the watertight member 60 may be configured to be
mounted between an upper watertight support portion 31 and an upper
locking portion 35 that will be described below. Such a watertight
member 60 may appropriately set its shape depending on the
structure of a mounting space.
[0040] The upper body 20 and the lower body 40 are provided with
upper and lower watertight support portions 31 and 51,
respectively, to support the watertight member 60 while coming into
close contact with upper and lower portions thereof. That is, the
upper watertight support portion 31 is provided on a lower end of
the upper body 20 to make close contact with an upper surface 61 of
the watertight member 60, and the lower watertight support portion
51 is provided on an upper end of the lower body 40 to make close
contact with a lower surface 62 of the watertight member 60. The
upper watertight support portion 31 and the lower watertight
support portion 51 are provided on the upper and lower portions of
the watertight member 60 in such a way that they correspond to each
other.
[0041] Now, a coupling structure provided at the coupling portion
between the upper body 20 and the lower body 40 will be described
in detail.
[0042] A first flange 32 is provided on the lower end of the upper
body 20 and extends from the watertight support portion 31 to
surround the upper surface of the watertight member 60, and an
upright flange 33 extends downwards from an outer end of the first
flange 32, with a plurality of upper locking portions 35 provided
on a lower end of the upright flange 33 in such a way as to
protrude inwards. Here, the method used to form the upper locking
portions 35 may be one in which they are formed on the lower end of
the upper body 20 in such a way as to extend inwards (a method of
using injection molding or casting) or a method in which the lower
end is bent inwards (a method of pressing a sheet material),
etc.
[0043] A plurality of lower locking portions 55 is provided on the
upper end of the lower body 40 in such a way as to protrude
outwards from the lower watertight support portion 51. Here, the
method used to form the lower locking portions 55 may be that of
extending them outwards from the lower watertight support portion
51 provided on the upper end of the lower body 40 or a method of
bending the upper end outwards, etc.
[0044] The upper locking portions 35 and the lower locking portions
55 (hereinafter also referred to as `upper and lower locking
portions`) are formed at regular intervals in circumferential
directions of the upper and lower bodies, respectively. Here, upper
and lower passing portions 37 and 57 are formed in space between
the locking portions provided in the circumferential directions of
the upper and lower bodies, respectively, to permit the locking
portions of one body to pass through the passing portions of the
other body.
[0045] In other words, the upper locking portions 35 are formed at
regular intervals on the lower end of the upper body 20 in such a
way as to protrude inwards. The upper passing portions 37 are
formed between the protruding upper locking portions 35 to allow
the lower locking portions 55 of the lower body 40 to pass
therethrough when the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 are coupled
to or detached from each other. Similarly, the lower locking
portions 55 protrude outwards from the lower watertight support
portion 51 that is provided on the upper end of the lower body 40.
The lower passing portions 57 are formed between the protruding
lower locking portions 55 to allow the upper locking portions 35 to
pass therethrough when the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 are
coupled to or detached from each other.
[0046] The upper body 20 and the lower body 40 are coupled to each
other as follows: if the upper and lower locking portions 35 and 55
are fitted to pass through the corresponding lower and upper
passing portions 57 and 37 using the above-mentioned structure of
the upper locking portion 35 and the lower locking portion 55, and
then either of the upper body 20 or the lower body 40 is rotated in
a coupling direction, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the upper locking
portions 35 move below the lower locking portions 55, so that the
coupling of the upper body 20 with the lower body 40 is
achieved.
[0047] By contrast, when the upper body 20 and the lower body 40
are detached from each other, the upper body 20 and the lower body
40 are rotated in a detaching (unlocking) direction that is
opposite the coupling (locking) direction. In this case, the upper
and lower locking portions 35 and 55 are situated below and above
the corresponding lower and upper passing portions 57 and 37,
respectively. As a result, the upper locking portions 35 are
disengaged from the lower locking portions 55, so that the upper
body 20 is naturally detached from the lower body 40.
[0048] The upper and lower locking portions 35 and 55 coupled to
and detached from each other as described above are inclined in the
coupling direction. At least either the upper locking portions 35
or the lower locking portions 55 are configured to permit easy
coupling and avoid detachment as long as an artificial external
force is not applied thereto.
[0049] In other words, an initial coupling section of the upper and
lower locking portions is inclined (hereinafter referred to as an
`approach sloping surface Sa`) in a direction in which the
watertight member 60 is compressed to some extent. A section
(hereinafter referred to as a `coupling sloping surface Sb`)
following the initial section is inclined in a direction in which
the watertight member 60 compressed in the initial section is
partially restored as the coupling of the upper and lower locking
portions 35 and 55 is further progressed. Although the coupling of
the upper locking portions 35 with the lower locking portions 55 is
completed, the upper and lower watertight support portions 31 and
51 of the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 keep the watertight
member 60 compressed.
[0050] FIG. 5 shows a configuration having the coupling sloping
surface Sb of the upper locking portion 35 and an approach sloping
surface Sa formed in front of the coupling sloping surface.
Although not illustrated in the drawings, the approach sloping
surface Sa may also be formed in front of the coupling sloping
surface Sb of the lower locking portion 55 in the same manner, and
the approach sloping surface Sa may be formed on both the upper and
lower locking portions 35 and 55 as well.
[0051] Further, at least either of the upper locking portion 35 or
the lower locking portion 55 is provided with a stopper 36 to
prevent further rotation once the upper and lower locking portions
35 and 55 have been coupled to each other.
[0052] As long as the stopper 36 prevents the upper and lower
bodies 20 and 40 from rotating any more with respect to each other
when the upper and lower locking portions 35 and 55 have been
coupled to each other, the stopper may be formed on any of coupling
portions of the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 without being
limited to the configuration wherein the stopper is formed on
either of the upper or lower locking portion 35 or 55. For example,
a protrusion serving as the stopper may be formed in the space
between the upper locking portions 35 to catch the lower locking
portion 55, thus preventing further rotation.
[0053] Now, the inclined coupling structure for the upper and lower
locking portions 35 and 55 will be described in detail with
reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.
[0054] In the drawings, reference numeral 35 denotes one of the
upper locking portions of the upper body, and reference numeral 55
denotes one of the lower locking portions of the lower body.
Furthermore, reference numeral 60 denotes an imaginary watertight
member. The reason why the imaginary watertight member is placed on
a side of the upper and lower locking portions 35 and 55 in the
drawing is because it shows a deformation (compression or
restoration) state depending on the coupled state of the upper
locking portion 35 with the lower locking portion 55.
[0055] The deformed state of the watertight member 60 is explained
depending on the position at which the upper locking portion 35 is
coupled with the lower locking portion 55. Here, it is assumed that
the upper surface 61 of the watertight member 60 is not deformed
while maintaining contact with the upper watertight support portion
31.
[0056] The process of coupling the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40
is as follows: if the lower body 40 is rotated (in a direction from
right to left in the drawing) and thus a point P of the lower
locking portion 55 reaches a position S1 of the upper locking
portion 35 in an initial stage, the watertight member 60 is barely
compressed and the lower watertight support portion 51 of the lower
body 40 is put in contact with the lower surface 62 of the
watertight member 60.
[0057] In such a state, if the lower body 40 continues to rotate so
that the point P slides up along the approach sloping surface Sa
from the first position S1 to another position S2, the lower
watertight support portion 51 is also moved up as the result of the
upward movement of the point P, thus compressing the watertight
member 60 in proportion to an upward moving distance of the lower
watertight support portion 51. Consequently, the lower surface 62
of the watertight member 60 is compressed to level L2.
[0058] In such a state, if the lower body 40 is further rotated so
that the point P reaches a position S3, the lower watertight
support portion 51 moves downwards as the point P moves downwards
to some extent, thus causing the watertight member 60 to be relaxed
in proportion to a downward moving distance of the lower watertight
support portion 51. That is, the lower surface 62 of the watertight
member 60 is relaxed to the position of level L3. Although the
watertight member 60 is relaxed to the position of level L3 as
such, it is not in a completely relaxed (restored) state up to
level L1. Hence, the watertight member 60 maintains a compressed
state between the upper watertight support portion 31 and the lower
watertight support portion 51, thus realizing the water-tight
function.
[0059] In the detachable coupling apparatus for the midsection of
the separable bottle according to the present invention configured
as described above, the process of coupling the upper and lower
locking portions 35 and 55 of the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40
will be described in more detail.
[0060] First, when the lower body 40 is rotated relative to the
upper body 20 to couple the upper and lower locking portions 35 and
55 with each other, the lower body 40 should be rotated as
compressing the watertight member 60 to cause the point P of the
lower locking portion 55 to slide up from position S1 to position
S2 of the upper locking portion 35 in the initial stage. To this
end, a momentary strong rotation is required.
[0061] If the lower locking portion 55 continues to rotate after
the point P of the lower locking portion 55 has moved up to
position S2 through such a momentary strong rotation, the
watertight member 60 is expanded (restored) from level L2 to level
L3. A restoring force of the watertight member 60 generated in this
case acts as a force that helps the lower locking portion 55 rotate
to position S3 with ease.
[0062] Accordingly, when the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 are
coupled to each other, a momentary force is applied to perform the
rotation in the initial coupling stage, and subsequently the
restoring force of the watertight member 60 is added, so that the
coupling is easily achieved. Consequently, coupling of the upper
and lower bodies in a manner similar to one-touch coupling is made
possible.
[0063] The stability of using the bottle filled with water where
the upper body 20 is coupled with the lower body 40 will be
described for reference.
[0064] In order to detach the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 from
each other in the separable bottle according to the present
invention, the point P of the lower locking portion 55 which is in
position S3 of the upper locking portion 35 in FIG. 6 should move
upwards to position S2 of the upper locking portion 35 and then
downwards to position S1. However, in order to move upwards from
position S3 to position S2, the rotating force for compressing the
watertight member 60 from level L3 to level L2 should be applied to
the upper body 20 and the lower body 40 simultaneously and
continuously in the same direction (during the movement of the
point P from position S3 to position S2).
[0065] Such a release of the coupling, that is, the unfastening,
may occur only if the bottle is subjected not to a natural external
force but only to an artificial external force i.e. a force
intended to detach the upper and lower bodies from each other. In
other words, the inherent elastic force of the watertight member 60
that is resistant to compression from level L3 to L2 serves to
prevent the separation of the coupling structure of the upper and
lower bodies according to the present invention against the
external force that is unexpectedly and unintentionally
generated.
[0066] As a result, the separable bottle according to the present
invention is not easily detached during use if there is no
intention to detach it, thus improving stability and
reliability.
[0067] FIG. 8 is a detailed sectional view showing another
embodiment of an important part of the detachable coupling
apparatus for the midsection of the separable bottle according to
the present invention.
[0068] In the embodiment of FIG. 8, a pressing line of the upper
watertight support portion 31 of the upper body 20 for pressing the
upper surface of the watertight member 60, and a pressing line of
the lower watertight support portion 51 of the lower body 40 for
pressing the lower surface of the watertight member 60 do not align
with each other, at a same diameter, but the pressing lines are
arranged, respectively, at inner and outer positions of the
watertight member 60 in such a way as to be offset from each other
in each radial directions of the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40.
Preferably, the watertight member 60 has an arc-shaped section to
cover the upper surface of the lower watertight support portion 51
on the inner circumferential surface of the upper end of the lower
body 40.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 8, a diameter d1 of the pressing line of
the upper watertight support portion 31 may be smaller than a
diameter d2 of the pressing line of the lower watertight support
portion 51, and vice versa.
[0070] The aforementioned pressing line means a line connecting a
central portion of each of the upper and lower watertight support
portions 31 and 51 that intensively press the watertight member
60.
[0071] If the diameters of the pressing lines of the upper and
lower watertight support portions 31 and 51, formed at the inner
and outer positions of the watertight member 60, are different from
each other, the compressive force can be more intensively applied
to the watertight member 60 between the two upper and lower
pressing lines, as a result of which an improvement in watertight
performance can be expected.
[0072] That is, the pressing lines (hereinafter also referred to as
`upper and lower pressing lines`) of the upper and lower watertight
support portions 31 and 51 not aligned with each other but offset
from each other move and apply vertical force to the watertight
member 60 in opposite directions, thus compressing the watertight
member 60. In this case, the two upper and lower pressing lines of
the upper and lower watertight support portions 31 and 51 are on
inclined sides.
[0073] Here, the force applied to the watertight member 60 is equal
to the sum of vertical force applied along the upper and lower
watertight support portions 31 and 51 and the force generated in a
lateral direction between the pressing lines. Thus, this results in
increasing compressive force being applied to the watertight member
60, so that better watertight performance is ensured.
[0074] Further, in order to reduce frictional force between the
upper and lower locking portions 35 and 55 when the upper and lower
locking portions 35 and 55 of the present invention are coupled to
or separated from each other, a structure for reducing the contact
area may be formed on at least one of the upper and lower locking
portions. This is configured to reduce the contact area between the
upper and lower locking portions. By way of example, a rib (it is
preferably long in the coupling direction) or a circular
protrusion, which protrudes towards a corresponding locking
portion, may be formed on either of the upper or lower locking
portion.
[0075] As such, if the rib or the circular protrusion formed on
either of the upper or lower locking portion comes into contact
with a corresponding locking portion while the coupling or
separating operation is being carried out, the frictional force
between the upper and lower locking portions can be reduced, and
thus the upper and lower bodies of the bottle can be more easily
coupled to or detached from each other. Further, another method of
reducing the frictional force between the upper and lower locking
portions 35 and 55 is to form a locking portion corresponding to
the locking portion having an approach or coupling sloping surface
Sa or Sb that is configured in a roller fashion.
[0076] Since such a structure for reducing the frictional force may
be carried out by those skilled in the art, it is not illustrated
in the drawings.
[0077] FIGS. 9 and 10 are detailed sectional views showing other
embodiments of an important part of the detachable coupling
apparatus for the midsection of the separable bottle according to
the present invention.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, a portion between the upper watertight
support portion 31 of the upper body 20 and the upper locking
portion 35 is provided with a separate upper coupling 30, which is
locked to the first flange 32 of the upper body 20.
[0079] That is, the upper coupling 30 has a second flange 39 to be
locked to the first flange 32 that extends outwards from the upper
watertight support portion 31 of the upper body 20. An upright
flange 38 extends downwards from an outer end of the second flange
39 to the upper locking portion 35. Further, the upper locking
portion 35 is provided on a lower end of the upright flange 38 in
such a way as to extend inwards, and is detachably coupled to the
lower locking portion 55. The upper coupling 30 should be provided
to perform a free movement in a longitudinal direction of the upper
body 20 as well as a rotation in a circumferential direction of the
upper body 20.
[0080] When one desires to couple the upper and lower bodies 20 and
40 configured as described above, the upper coupling 30 moves
towards the lower body 40, and then the upper coupling 30 or the
lower body 40 is rotated to cause the upper locking portion 35 to
be coupled to the lower locking portion 55 as in the aforementioned
several embodiments, so that the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40
are coupled to each other. Here, since the second flange 39 of the
upper coupling 30 is supported on the first flange 32 of the upper
body 20 as shown in FIG. 9, the upper watertight support portion 31
and the lower watertight support portion 51 press the watertight
member 60 to be put in close contact therewith.
[0081] Herein, only the embodiment in which the upper coupling 30
is provided on the upper body 20 to perform the detachable coupling
of the upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 has been described.
However, by contrast, a lower coupling 50 may be provided on the
lower body 40 to perform the detachable coupling of the upper and
lower bodies 20 and 40, although not illustrated in the
drawings.
[0082] FIG. 10 is a view showing a configuration where a pair of
couplings is employed on a coupling portion of the upper and lower
bodies 20 and 40. The upper body 20 is provided with the upper
coupling 30, and the lower body 40 is provided with the lower
coupling 50, so that the upper and lower couplings 30 and 50 take
part in the detachable coupling in pairs.
[0083] To be more specific, the lower coupling 50 has a fourth
flange 53 that is locked to the third flange 52, with the third
flange 52 extending outwards from the lower watertight support
portion 51 of the lower body 40. An upright flange 54 extends
upwards from an outer end of the fourth flange 53, and a lower
locking portion 55 extends outwards from an upper end of the
upright flange 54.
[0084] The upper coupling 30 is provided in the same configuration
as described above. That is, since the upper coupling 30 is equal
to that of FIG. 9 except that the upright flange 38 becomes shorter
to detachably couple the upper locking portion 35 of the upper
coupling 30 to the lower locking portion 55 of the lower coupling
50, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0085] The upper and lower bodies 20 and 40 configured as described
above are coupled to each other by rotating the upper and lower
couplings 30 and 50 so as to couple the upper and lower locking
portions 35 and 55, with the watertight member 60 being interposed
between the upper watertight support portion 31 and the lower
watertight support portion 51, so that the upper and lower bodies
20 and 40 are consequently coupled to each other. Here, the fourth
flange 53 of the lower coupling 50 is supported on the third flange
52 of the lower body 40 and the second flange 39 of the upper
coupling 30 is supported on the first flange 32 of the upper body
20 so that the lower and upper couplings 50 and 30 are pressed
against and coupled to the lower and upper bodies 40 and 20. Hence,
the upper watertight support portion 31 and the lower watertight
support portion 51 are in close contact with the watertight member
60.
[0086] FIGS. 11 and 12 are views showing other embodiments of the
upper and lower locking portions 35 and 55 to which the upper and
lower bodies 20 and 40 of the present invention are coupled.
[0087] Referring to FIG. 11, a concave depression 35a is formed in
an upper surface of the upper locking portion 35, while a convex
protrusion 55a is formed on a lower surface of the lower locking
portion 55 to be inserted into the depression 35a of the upper
locking portion 35. When the depression 35a and the protrusion 55a
that have been formed, respectively, on the upper locking portion
35 and the lower locking portion 55 completely engage with each
other, the coupling of the upper and lower locking portions 35 and
55 is more reliable.
[0088] Referring to FIG. 12, a locking pin 56 is provided on the
lower locking portion 55 and a pin hole 59 is correspondingly
formed in the upper locking portion 35, so that the locking pin 56
is inserted into the pin hole 59. The locking pin 56 is preferably
subjected to the elastic force of a spring 58.
[0089] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention
have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the
art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and
substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying
claims.
[0090] As described above, the present invention can be usefully
applied to a separable bottle that is deep or small at its mouth,
such as a water bottle, a beverage bottle, or a thermos bottle,
among containers for storing liquids such as drinking water.
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