U.S. patent application number 14/281866 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for fluid container and support bracket therefor.
This patent application is currently assigned to Relaj, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Relaj, Inc.. Invention is credited to Bruce Bernstein, Rebecca Bernstein, Jonathan Marks, David McDonald.
Application Number | 20140252014 14/281866 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43628305 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140252014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bernstein; Bruce ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
FLUID CONTAINER AND SUPPORT BRACKET THEREFOR
Abstract
A fluid container is disclosed for retaining and dispensing a
fluid into the mouth of an individual. The fluid container
comprises a deformable body and defining an exterior surface and an
interior chamber. An output end has an output orifice for
positioning the fluid exterior to the interior chamber. A valve
engages the output orifice for controlling the fluid flowing
through the output orifice.
Inventors: |
Bernstein; Bruce; (Tampa,
FL) ; Bernstein; Rebecca; (Tampa, FL) ;
McDonald; David; (Merrimack, NH) ; Marks;
Jonathan; (Somerville, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Relaj, Inc. |
Tampa |
FL |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Relaj, Inc.
Tampa
FL
|
Family ID: |
43628305 |
Appl. No.: |
14/281866 |
Filed: |
May 19, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12807289 |
Aug 31, 2010 |
8727244 |
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14281866 |
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61277318 |
Sep 23, 2009 |
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61275601 |
Aug 31, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2288 20130101;
A47G 19/2266 20130101; B62J 11/00 20130101; A45F 3/16 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/714 |
International
Class: |
A45F 3/16 20060101
A45F003/16 |
Claims
1. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid into the
mouth of an individual, the fluid container, comprising: a
deformable body extending from an input end to an output end and
defining an exterior surface and an interior chamber, said input
end having an input orifice for positioning the fluid within said
interior chamber, an input closure engaging said input orifice for
sealing said input orifice; said deformable body defining a general
axis of symmetry; said output end having an output orifice for
positioning the fluid exterior to said interior chamber; a valve
engaging said output orifice for controlling the fluid flowing
through said output orifice; said valve defining a general line of
symmetry; and said general axis of symmetry and said general line
of symmetry defining a non-parallel orientation for positioning
said deformable body in a generally vertical position and the mouth
of the individual in a generally horizontal position during
engaging between the mouth and said valve.
2. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said deformable body includes a generally
cylindrical body portion and a generally conical body portion; and
said generally conical body portion coupling said valve to said
generally cylindrical body portion for directing the fluid from
said interior chamber to the valve upon said deformable body in a
generally vertical position and the mouth of the individual in a
generally horizontal position during engaging between the mouth and
said valve.
3. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said deformable body includes a generally
cylindrical body portion and a generally conical body portion; said
generally conical body portion defining a second general axis of
symmetry; and said second general axis of symmetry and said general
line of symmetry defining a generally parallel orientation for
further positioning said deformable body in a generally vertical
position and the mouth of the individual in a generally horizontal
position during engaging between the mouth and said valve.
4. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said deformable body includes a generally
cylindrical body portion and a generally conical body portion; said
generally conical body portion defining a second general axis of
symmetry; said second general axis of symmetry and said general
line of symmetry defining a generally parallel orientation for
further positioning said deformable body in a generally vertical
position and the mouth of the individual in a generally horizontal
position during engaging between the mouth and said valve; and said
generally conical body and said valve extending exclusively above
said deformable body for defining an generally elongated
cylindrical container.
5. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said deformable
body includes a first handling layer and a second handling layer;
said first handling layer and said second handling layer defining
an opposing side orientation for facilitating a frictional
engagement between the individual and said deformable body; and
said deformable body, said first handling layer and said second
handling layer deforming upon the individual applying a compression
force to said first handling layer and said second handling layer
for altering the interior chamber between a first volume and a
second volume.
6. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said exterior surface of said deformable
body includes a first contoured recess and a second contoured
recess; said first contoured recess and said second contoured
recess layer defining an opposing side orientation for facilitating
a conforming engagement between the individual and said deformable
body; said first contoured recess and said second contoured recess
receiving a first handling layer and a second handling layer
respectively; said first handling layer and said second handling
layer defining an opposing side orientation for facilitating a
frictional engagement between the individual and said deformable
body; and said deformable body, said first handling layer and said
second handling layer deforming upon the individual applying a
compression force to said first handling layer and said second
handling layer for altering the interior chamber between a first
volume and a second volume.
7. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said input orifice includes a male
threading; said input closure including a cap defining a
cylindrical outer wall extending from a closure wall; said
cylindrical outer wall including a female threading for threadably
engaging said male threading of said input orifice; and said
closure wall abutting said input orifice for sealing said input
orifice.
8. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said input orifice includes a male
threading; said input closure including a cap defining a
cylindrical outer wall extending from a closure wall; said
cylindrical outer wall including a female threading for threadably
engaging said male threading of said input orifice; said closure
wall abutting said input orifice for sealing said input orifice; a
cylindrical inner wall extending from said closure wall for
positioning within said interior chamber, said cylindrical inner
wall including a female threading; a thermo core having a core
chamber for retaining a thermo fluid and a male threading for
threadably engaging said female threading of said cylindrical inner
wall; and said thermo core maintaining a temperature of the fluid
within the interior chamber of said deformable body.
9. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said valve includes a port plug valve;
said port plug valve having a valve body rotatably engaging within
a cylindrical valve plug; said cylindrical valve plug engaging said
output orifice; said cylindrical valve plug including a plug
chamber interposed between a plug input and a plug passage
traversing said cylindrical valve plug; said valve body including a
valve passage within said valve body; said valve body rotating upon
said cylindrical valve plug for aligning said plug passage with
said valve passage to permit the fluid through said port plug
valve; and said valve body rotating upon said cylindrical valve
plug for separating said plug passage with said valve passage to
terminate the fluid through said port plug valve.
10. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said valve includes a port plug valve;
said port plug valve having a valve body rotatably engaging within
a cylindrical valve plug; said cylindrical valve plug engaging said
output orifice; said cylindrical valve plug including a plug
chamber interposed between a plug input and a plug passage
traversing said cylindrical valve plug; said valve body including a
valve passage within said valve body; said valve body rotating upon
said cylindrical valve plug for aligning said plug passage with
said valve passage to permit the fluid through said port plug
valve; said valve body rotating upon said cylindrical valve plug
for separating said plug passage with said valve passage to
terminate the fluid through said port plug valve; a flexible stem
having a sphincter valve interposed between a valve body cavity and
a discharge cavity; said valve body cavity engaging over said valve
body; said valve body cavity including a stem passage within said
valve body cavity; said stem passage being aligned with said valve
passage to permit the fluid from said port plug valve and into said
valve body cavity; said sphincter valve normally maintaining a
constriction to the fluid being discharged from said flexible stem
absent pressurization of the fluid within said deformable body; a
compressive force applied to said deformable body for pressurizing
the fluid and overcoming said constriction of said sphincter valve
to permit discharge of the fluid from said flexible stem; said
flexible stem defining multiple general lines of symmetry for
altering the angular discharge of the fluid relative to said
deformable body; and a rotation force applied to said flexible stem
causes valve body to rotate.
11. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 1, wherein said valve includes a port plug valve;
said port plug valve having a valve body rotatably engaging within
a cylindrical valve plug; said cylindrical valve plug engaging said
output orifice; said cylindrical valve plug including a plug
chamber interposed between a plug input and a plug passage
traversing said cylindrical valve plug; said valve body including a
valve passage within said valve body; said valve body rotating upon
said cylindrical valve plug for aligning said plug passage with
said valve passage to permit the fluid through said port plug
valve; said valve body rotating upon said cylindrical valve plug
for separating said plug passage with said valve passage to
terminate the fluid through said port plug valve; a flexible stem
having a sphincter valve interposed between a valve body cavity and
a discharge cavity; said valve body cavity engaging over said valve
body; said valve body cavity including a stem passage within said
valve body cavity; said stem passage being aligned with said valve
passage to permit the fluid from said port plug valve and into said
valve body cavity; said sphincter valve normally maintaining a
constriction to the fluid being discharged from said flexible stem
absent pressurization of the fluid within said deformable body; a
compressive force applied to said deformable body for pressurizing
the fluid and overcoming said constriction of said sphincter valve
to permit discharge of the fluid from said flexible stem; said
flexible stem defining multiple general lines of symmetry for
altering the angular discharge of the fluid relative to said
deformable body; a rotation force applied to said flexible stem
causes valve body to rotate; and said flexible stem having a
circular concave structure for improving engagement between said
flexible stem and the mouth of the individual.
12. A fluid container and support bracket for retaining and
dispensing a fluid into the mouth of an individual, the support
bracket mounting to an object, the fluid container and support
bracket, comprising: a deformable body extending from an input end
to an output end and defining an exterior surface and an interior
chamber; said input end having an input orifice for positioning the
fluid within said interior chamber; an input closure engaging said
input orifice for sealing said input orifice; said deformable body
defining a general axis of symmetry; said output end having an
output orifice for positioning the fluid exterior to said interior
chamber, a valve engaging said output orifice for controlling the
fluid flowing through said output orifice; said valve defining a
general line of symmetry; said general axis of symmetry and said
general line of symmetry defining a non-parallel orientation for
positioning said deformable body in a generally vertical position
and the mouth of the individual in a generally horizontal position
during engaging between the mouth and said valve; said input
orifice includes a male threading; said input closure including a
cap defining a cylindrical outer wall extending from a closure
wall; said cylindrical outer wall including a female threading for
threadably engaging said male threading of said input orifice; said
closure wall abutting said input orifice for sealing said input
orifice; said closure wall including a circular groove; a cage
receiving said deformable body for securing the deformable body to
the object; said cage including a concave plate extending between a
first side, a second side, a bottom end and a top end; said first
side and said second side defining a first arcuate arm and a second
arcuate arm respectively; said bottom end defining a mounting hook;
and said first arcuate arm and said second arcuate arm encircling
said deformable body and said mounting hook engaging said circular
groove for retaining said deformable body within said cage.
13. A fluid container and support bracket for retaining and
dispensing a fluid into the mouth of an individual as set forth in
claim 12, wherein said concave plate including a plurality of
elongated grooves; said plurality of elongated grooves defining a
multiple cage height selection, a multiple cage vertical angle and
a multiple cage horizontal angle relative to the object; a fastener
traversing one of said plurality of elongated grooves for coupling
the cage to the object.
14. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid into the
mouth of an individual, the fluid container, comprising: a
deformable body extending from a bottom end to a top end and
defining an exterior surface and an interior chamber, said top end
having an output orifice for positioning the fluid exterior of said
interior chamber; a valve engaging said output orifice for
controlling the fluid flowing through said output orifice; a
flexible nozzle extending from a nozzle input end and a nozzle
output end and defining a nozzle interior channel; said nozzle
input end coupled to said valve for receiving the fluid from said
valve and for causes said valve body to rotate upon a rotation
force applied to said flexible nozzle; said flexible nozzle
defining multiple general lines of symmetry for altering the
angular discharge of the fluid relative to said deformable body; a
sphincter valve coupled within said interior channel of said
flexible nozzle for maintaining a constriction to the fluid being
discharged from said flexible nozzle absent pressurization of the
fluid within said deformable body; and a compressive force applied
to said deformable body for pressurizing the fluid and overcoming
said constriction of said sphincter valve to permit discharge of
the fluid from said flexible nozzle.
15. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said bottom end of said deformable body
having an input orifice for positioning the fluid within said
interior chamber, an input closure engaging said input orifice for
sealing said input orifice; said deformable body defining a general
axis of symmetry; said valve defining a general line of symmetry;
and said general axis of symmetry and said general line of symmetry
defining a non-parallel orientation for positioning said deformable
body in a generally vertical position and the mouth of the
individual in a generally horizontal position during engaging
between the mouth and said valve.
16. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said deformable body includes a
generally cylindrical body portion and a generally conical body
portion; and said generally conical body portion coupling said
valve to said generally cylindrical body portion for directing the
fluid from said interior chamber to the valve upon said deformable
body in a generally vertical position and the mouth of the
individual in a generally horizontal position during engaging
between the mouth and said valve.
17. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said deformable body includes a
generally cylindrical body portion and a generally conical body
portion; said generally conical body portion defining a second
general axis of symmetry; and said second general axis of symmetry
and said general line of symmetry defining a generally parallel
orientation for further positioning said deformable body in a
generally vertical position and the mouth of the individual in a
generally horizontal position during engaging between the mouth and
said valve.
18. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said deformable body includes a
generally cylindrical body portion and a generally conical body
portion; said generally conical body portion defining a second
general axis of symmetry; said second general axis of symmetry and
said general line of symmetry defining a generally parallel
orientation for further positioning said deformable body in a
generally vertical position and the mouth of the individual in a
generally horizontal position during engaging between the mouth and
said valve; and said generally conical body and said valve
extending exclusively above said deformable body for defining an
generally elongated cylindrical container.
19. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said exterior surface of said deformable
body includes a first contoured recess and a second contoured
recess; said first contoured recess and said second contoured
recess layer defining an opposing side orientation for facilitating
a conforming engagement between the individual and said deformable
body; said first contoured recess and said second contoured recess
receiving a first handling layer and a second handling layer
respectively; said first handling layer and said second handling
layer defining an opposing side orientation for facilitating a
frictional engagement between the individual and said deformable
body; and said deformable body, said first handling layer and said
second handling layer deforming upon the individual applying a
compression force to said first handling layer and said second
handling layer for altering the interior chamber between a first
volume and a second volume.
20. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said bottom end of said deformable body
having an input orifice for positioning the fluid within said
interior chamber, an input closure engaging said input orifice for
sealing said input orifice; said input orifice includes a male
threading; said input closure including a cap defining a
cylindrical outer wall extending from a closure wall; said
cylindrical outer wall including a female threading for threadably
engaging said male threading of said input orifice; said closure
wall abutting said input orifice for sealing said input orifice; a
cylindrical inner wall extending from said closure wall for
positioning within said interior chamber, said cylindrical inner
wall including a female threading; a thermo core having a core
chamber for retaining a thermo fluid and a male threading for
threadably engaging said female threading of said cylindrical inner
wall; and said thermo core maintaining a temperature of the fluid
within the interior chamber of said deformable body.
21. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said valve includes a port plug valve;
said port plug valve having a valve body rotatably engaging within
a cylindrical valve plug; said cylindrical valve plug engaging said
output orifice; said cylindrical valve plug including a plug
chamber interposed between a plug input and a plug passage
traversing said cylindrical valve plug; said valve body including a
valve passage within said valve body; said valve body rotating upon
said cylindrical valve plug for aligning said plug passage with
said valve passage to permit the fluid through said port plug
valve; and said valve body rotating upon said cylindrical valve
plug for separating said plug passage with said valve passage to
terminate the fluid through said port plug valve.
22. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said flexible nozzle having a circular
concave structure for improving engagement between said flexible
nozzle and the mouth of the individual.
23. A fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid as set
forth in claim 14, wherein said valve includes a port plug valve;
said port plug valve having a valve body rotatably engaging within
a cylindrical valve plug; said cylindrical valve plug engaging said
output orifice; said cylindrical valve plug including a plug
chamber interposed between a plug input and a plug passage
traversing said cylindrical valve plug; said valve body including a
valve passage within said valve body; said valve body rotating upon
said cylindrical valve plug for aligning said plug passage with
said valve passage to permit the fluid through said port plug
valve; said valve body rotating upon said cylindrical valve plug
for separating said plug passage with said valve passage to
terminate the fluid through said port plug valve; said valve body
defining a valve body exterior surface; said cylindrical valve plug
defining a cylindrical valve plug exterior surface; said valve body
exterior surface including a plurality of first alignment steps and
a plurality of first grasping steps; said cylindrical valve plug
exterior surface including a plurality of second alignment steps
and a plurality of second grasping steps; said plurality of first
alignment steps and said plurality of second alignment steps
facilitating visually inspection whether said port plug valve is in
an open position for permitting the fluid through said port plug
valve or a closed position for terminate the fluid through said
port plug valve; and said plurality of first grasping steps and
said plurality of second grasping steps facilitating grasping of
said valve body and said cylindrical valve plug respectively for
rotating said valve body relative to said cylindrical valve
plug.
24. (canceled)
25. (canceled)
26. (canceled)
27. (canceled)
28. (canceled)
29. (canceled)
30. (canceled)
31. (canceled)
32. (canceled)
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to containers and more particularly
to the retaining and dispensing of a fluid from a fluid
container.
[0003] 2. Background of the Invention
[0004] Proper hydration is necessary in the transportation of body
nutrients, facilitating digestion, and the elimination of waste
products. Hydration is crucial when one is involved in exercise of
all types. Lubrication of joints and body temperature regulation
are facilitated by proper hydration. Sustained exercise such as
running and bicycling can easily result in loss of a few percent of
body weight due to sweating. This results in a drop in blood
volume, causing the heart to work harder, which can lead to
dizziness, muscle cramps fatigue, and in some extreme cases heat
exhaustion or heat stroke.
[0005] Runners and bicyclists must therefore be especially
concerned about maintaining proper hydration regimens while
pursuing their activities. The primary concern to the runner is the
ability to hydrate while maintaining eye contact with the ground
surface and other objects. The primary concern to the bicyclist is
the ability to hydrate while maintaining eye contact with the
ground surface and concentrating on riding and controlling the
bicycle. A few of the many requirements of a hydration bottle
include the ability of the runner and the rider to drink without
tilting the head or taking his eyes off the road, thereby
maintaining better aerodynamic positioning; easy opening and
closing of the container, and controlling the temperature of the
hydration fluid. Some examples of the attempts of the prior art to
solve these problems include the following.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 2,710,108 to Zarra discloses beverage
containers, and more particularly to an improved beverage flask or
bottle which can be opened or closed by a simple movement of one
hand.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 3,840,153 to Devlin discloses a drinking
utensil including a container having flexible walls and a conduit
extending into the container. A valve is applied to the conduit to
control the flow of a beverage which is dispensed when a pressure
is applied to the flexible walls of the container. A capsule that
contains a refrigerant is insertable in the container to keep the
liquid contents of the container cool. The capsule is removable
from the utensil for freezing the refrigerant.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,812 to Rowe discloses an apparatus
installed on a bicycle to permit the rider to drink water or other
liquid while riding. The apparatus comprises an extensible drinking
straw which communicates with a water bottle. In a preferred form,
the straw is a flexible tube coiled in a retracting reel mounted on
the upper horizontal bar of the bicycle frame, with the water
bottle mounted below the saddle. A form of retracting reel is shown
which requires no rotating seal, but permits the flexible tubing to
remain in one continuous length. An alternative form comprises a
length of retractile coiled tubing in a lidded container mounted
within reach of the rider. Another form employs a telescoping
drinking straw of rigid tubing.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,244,477 to Seel discloses a container for a
potable liquid in the form of an elongated cylinder having a screw
cap with two holes secured to the top of the cylinder. The cylinder
is double walled and includes an insulating material disposed
between the two walls. A drinking straw passes from the liquid
through one of the holes, forms a loop outside the container, and
the outer end of the straw is insertable into the second hole. An
annular sealing ring is provided in each hole so that the straw
fits snugly in the two holes in a manner such that the loop can
serve as a handle for carrying the container.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 4,274,566 to Rowe discloses an improvement in
the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 4,095,812, and relates to an apparatus
installable on a bicycle or other vehicle to enable the rider to
drink water or other liquid while riding and without distracting
his attention. A flexible drinking tube is retained on an improved
retracting reel mechanism in a housing preferably attached to the
upper horizontal frame member of a bicycle. The tube is continuous,
with no rotary joints. The fixed inner end of the flexible tube is
connected to a rigid or semi-rigid supply tube which extends into a
water bottle mounted separately from the reel housing. In the
improved retracting reel mechanism, the flexible drinking tube
passes around two spaced sheaves. One sheave is guided for
displacement in translation against the urging of a tension spring.
When the rider pulls out the mouthpiece end of the drinking tube,
this sheave moves linearly in the manner of a block-and-tackle to a
degree, e.g., half the extension of the drinking tube. When the
mouthpiece is released, the spring, via this sheave, automatically
retracts the drinking tube. The axis of the other sheave is
preferably fixed at an angle to permit the tube to clear the frame
member. A check valve at the submerged end of the supply tube
operates to keep the tubing system full of liquid.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,345,704 to Boughton discloses a bottle mount
and a bottle for bicycles comprising a mount for attachment to the
bicycle. The mount has a concave surface that is a segment of a
surface of revolution of a substantially straight line of not more
than about 180 degrees in circumferential extent and a bottle
having an external surface that is complementary to a concave
surface of the mount. The concave surface of the mount and the
complementary surface of the bottle have hook and loop cloth
fastener elements affixed to them. A beverage in the bottle is
discharged through a valved dispenser that is designed to be opened
using the teeth.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,386,721 to Shimano discloses a fixture for
mounting a water bottle on a bicycle frame which is provided with a
fixing member fixed to the frame and a support member. The fixing
member is provided with a pair of skirts which contact with both
lateral sides of the water bottle supported by the support member
and with both lateral sides of the frame, to cover gaps produced
between the water bottle and the frame.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,638 to Shimano discloses a water-bottle
mounted along the bicycle frame. The body is of a block-like shape
and thin, a pair of side walls extends longitudinally and
vertically. The interval between the outer surfaces of side walls
gradually decreases from the front surface portion to the rear
surface portion, and the rear surface portion is formed in a
circular arc smaller in a curvature than the surface of a circular
are of the frame, so that the body is formed to be streamlined
together with the frame.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,077 to Rucker discloses a liquid
container having a container body provided with an open top. A slot
extends through the side wall of the container body, and a liner of
liquid absorbing material surrounds the outer surface of the
container body and covers the slot. A top cover is removably
mounted on the container body in covering relationship to the open
top thereof, the top cover having a liquid outlet which the liquid
in the container can be removed therefrom. The top cover has a leg
depending therefrom and movable into and out of closing
relationship to the slot so that liquid from the container body can
be adjustably allowed to pass through the slot from the container
body and into contact with the inner surface of the liner. When the
ambient air and the container move relative to each other,
evaporative cooling occurs which causes the liquid in the container
body to be cooled.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,629,098 to Eger discloses a portable liquid
dispenser suitable for use by persons while performing an activity
comprising a thermally-insulated container for liquids having a
fastener for releasably attaching the same for access by the user.
A single flexible dispensing tube having a pair of parallel
longitudinal passages is connected at one end connected to the
filling cap of the container and at the other end to a dispensing
valve for discharging liquids from the container. The container is
pressurized by a compressible bulb sealed end around the distal end
of the dispensing tube in communication with the interior of the
container through one longitudinal passage in the tube. A check
valve is disposed in the air inlet of the fitting and another check
valve is disposed in the air inlet of the dispensing valve which
cooperate with the bulb to force air into the container. A number
of compressions of the bulb forces air into the container to
pressurize the liquid therein which flows through the other
longitudinal passage on demand of the user by pressing a plunger on
the dispensing valve.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,032 to Tsay discloses a portable thermos
bottle with retractable suction tube. The bottle comprises a case,
a cup cover, an inner cover with a sliding slot, a slide block
capable of sliding up and down on the sliding slot. A spiral reel
is fitted in the inner cover and has a helical groove, a projecting
helical rib, an upper journal and a holed lower journal. Two coiled
springs are fitted on the upper and lower journals. A flexible
sucker has one end coming out of the slide block and another
extending through the lower journal hole into the bottle so that it
is easier to suck the liquid or beverage in the bottle with the
retractable suction tube.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,815,635 to Porter discloses a water supply
apparatus utilized in conjunction with a bicycle to enable a rider
to receive either a spray of cooling water or a stream for drinking
purposes. A diaphragm-type pump supplies the water. Plural
reservoirs enable a plurality of liquids to be transported and
utilized, such as water for cooling the rider and a sucrose
solution for energy.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,781 to Shumick, et al. discloses a
runner's portable water supply. The supply comprises a water bottle
with a special cap and sipping tube. The sipping tube is curved and
only slightly flexible so that it can be bent, but retains its
shape if the wearer does not bend it. The cap fits into the bottle
neck in a liquid tight coupling and has a first interior surface
slideably mating with the tube in a substantially liquid tight
coupling and has a second interior tunnel permitting gas to enter
the bottle but deflecting liquid so that liquid cannot splash out
of the bottle. The bottle is coupled to a selected part of the
wearer's body with the upper end of the tube near the wearer's
mouth and the lower end of the tube near the bottom interior
surface of the bottle. Air flows into the bottle as liquid is
sipped out. The bottle need not be held.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 4,911,339 to Cushing discloses a liquid
dispensing apparatus, suitable for mounting on a bicycle. The
apparatus safely provides the rider of the bicycle a way to refresh
himself without having to stop and dismount the bicycle. In a
preferred embodiment, the apparatus generally includes a
cylindrical housing containing a supply of liquid. The liquid is
dispensed through an unrestricted length of flexible tubing,
leading from the housing to a nozzle which is disposed on the
handle bars of the bicycle. A pleated bellows is disposed at the
bottom of the housing and forms a chamber for holding compressed
air. Each inward stroke of the bellows forces air into the chamber
so as to hold the contents under pressure. Adjacent the nozzle, and
integrally connected thereto is a hand operated valve which, in its
normal state is closed. Depressing the valve forces the liquid out
of the container, through the tubing and nozzle, to the rider.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,364 to Solomon discloses an improved cap
and straw assembly for use with a water bottle or the like, wherein
a bottle cap of the type having a poppet valve is equipped with a
drinking straw for facilitated dispensing or drinking of a beverage
from the bottle. The poppet valve includes a valve member adapted
for movement to a position defining an open outlet port through
which the bottle contents can be dispensed. The drinking straw has
an upper end carried by the cap in surrounding relation to the
outlet port, and a lower end terminating within the bottle near a
bottle wall thereof. When the valve member is open, the straw
permits the beverage to be sucked through the straw and poppet
valve, thereby permitting beverage dispensing without requiring
bottle inversion.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,024,358 to Reichert, et al. discloses a
liquid bottle efficiently carried by a bicycle having a tubular
frame. The frame includes a forwardly extending first tube
projecting forwardly from near the seat to the steering column, and
a second tube projecting downwardly and rearwardly from the
steering column at an angle alpha. relative to the first tube and
toward the pedal rotor bearing. The two tubes define an upright
frame plane that extends forwardly. The liquid bottle apparatus has
substantially flat, relatively narrow, opposite side walls which
are substantially parallel and adapted to extend in parallel
relation to the frame plane when the bottle is positioned between
the first and second tubes. The bottle has a forwardly elongated
upper side adapted to extend parallel to and beneath the first
tube. The bottle has a forwardly and upwardly elongated lower side
adapted to extend parallel to and above the second tube. A first
snap connector integral with the bottle and projecting above the
upper side thereof is provided to snap connect to the first tube,
and a second snap connector integral with the bottle and projecting
forwardly and downwardly below the lower side thereof is provided
to snap connect to the second tube. A duct means extends within the
bottle interior and to the upper exterior of the bottle so that a
bicyclist can insert the upper end of the duct means into his mouth
to withdraw liquid from the bottle while riding. The external body
of the bottle is made of a suitable FDA approved foamed plastic to
provide such bottle with thermal-insulating properties
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,709 to Neugent discloses an articulated
expandable cage for a bicycle water bottle including two clamp
parts. One clamp part can be pivoted and displaced with respect to
the other to enlarge the clamp opening for reception of the
oversize bottom of a bottle having an intermediate section that is
snugly received by the clamp when the two clamp parts are moved
together. The oversize bottle bottom is too large to pass through
the closed clamp opening, but the bottle can be removed by tilting
it to pivotally and translationally separate the two clamp parts
against the action of a closing spring.
[0023] U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,705 to Lynd, et al. discloses a bottle
and drinking tube assembly for dispensing of liquids. The bottle
has an open top body formed from a resilient plastic material and
is adapted to be collapsed upon application of moderate hand
pressure and a cap for closing the top through which the bottle is
filled. An aperture is formed in the cap for receiving an elongated
drinking tube that extends to the bottom of the bottle and has an
end exterior of the bottle from which the liquid is discharged. A
fluid seal is formed between the cap and tube. A selectively
operable venting valve is also provided in the cap to alternatively
permit airflow into the bottle enabling the user to sip the liquid
through the tube or to prevent fluid outflow from the bottle when
the bottle is collapsed to forcibly expel liquid through the
tube.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,065,909 to Pino, et al. discloses a cover
for an open standard beverage can, or a container of similar end
configuration, including a cap having an outlet passage and a vent,
and a valve received in the cap with a snap-in assembly. The valve
has a tubular lever that can be put in communication with the
outlet passage to form a mouthpiece. Under this condition, the
valve also opens the vent.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 5,104,016 to Runkel discloses a drinking
system for a rider of a bicycle characterized by inflatable bladder
with suitable conduit and valves for conveying the potable beverage
stored in the inflatable bladder to the drinker on the bicycle so
the bicycle rider can drink a potable beverage without having to
stop the bicycle. Also disclosed are specific preferred
embodiments.
[0026] U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,956 to Tarng-Lin discloses a nursing
bottle having a nipple to be connected with an extension hose. It
includes a nipple which is able to be connected with an extension
hose and extend through a fixing component and a bottle cap into
the bottle. A grip jaw is provided on the fixing component which
will be contracted in a reception trough or hole on the top of the
bottle while the fixing component is screwed on the bottle cap to
tightly grip the extension hose. The length of the extension hose
is able to be adjusted to extend out of the bottle to facilitate
the nursing bottle to be used in offering the nipple to the baby or
child for sucking and placing the bottle at a distance and without
the need of the nurser or the baby or child having to hold the
bottle.
[0027] U.S. Pat. No. 5,105,958 to Patton discloses a water bottle
and support assembly for a golf bag including a retainer bracket, a
hanger strap and retaining belt for mounting the retainer bracket
on the golf bag, and a water bottle supported by the bracket. The
retainer bracket has a front surface provided with a vertically
extending dovetail groove, and the water bottle has a corresponding
dovetail tongue thereon sized to fit within the groove, so that the
bottle can be easily and quickly installed or removed.
[0028] U.S. Pat. No. 5,109,995 to Lou discloses a beverage serving
set comprising a drinking straw and beverage container combination
wherein the drinking straw is L-shaped having long and short parts,
and the container has a guiding structure for maintaining the long
part vertical in the container and the short part parallel to the
lid of the container. The long part is slidable and rotatable in
the guiding structure which may be an adapter depending from the
lid or a guiding tube attached to the container wall. A clip is
provided on the lid to securely hold the short part of the straw
for storage, and in addition a cap may be provided at the clip for
capping the end of the short part of the straw.
[0029] U.S. Pat. No. 5,115,952 to Jenkins discloses a container
clamped to a forward bicycle frame member and containing at least
one liquid replacer, a container cap having one tube inserted
therein and extending interiorly of the container to the bottom
thereof. The one tube is positioned within said cap so that the
tube interior end is positioned within the container to maximize
the intake of the liquid positioned within the container. The tube
extends from the container to and through a clamp on the bicycle
handlebars. The tube terminates above the handlebars in a
mouthpiece which aids in drawing the at least one liquid from the
container by the cyclist. In a multiple compartment container a
multiplier way valve connects the tubes within the container to the
single tube extending from the container to the mouthpiece.
[0030] U.S. Pat. No. 5,119,978 to Kalamaras, et al. discloses a
drinking reservoir for a bicycle and the like consisting of a
housing having at least one compartment for storing a drinkable
liquid therein. A mechanism is provided for securing the housing to
a portion of the bicycle and another mechanism is provided for
extracting the drinkable liquid from the at least one compartment
in the housing so that a cyclist can consume the drinkable liquid
contained therein without removing his hands from the control of
the bicycle. A straw and a tube extend from the compartment
enabling the cyclist to drink liquid through the straw and to blow
into the tube to spray liquid out of the straw to cool off,
alternately. One embodiment allows for rapid emptying and cleaning
with a brush that can be easily brought into contact with an entire
internal surface of the compartment when inserted therein.
[0031] U.S. Pat. No. 5,150,815 to Saklad discloses a drink
container having spaced apart transparent shells with the
intervening space containing a liquid and floatable and sinkable
objects. A cap and cover on the container open top are rotatable
between a drinking position where a sipping straw extends upwardly
for use and a non-drinking position where the straw is moved within
the cover and pinched off to prevent leakage.
[0032] U.S. Pat. No. 5,158,218 to Wery discloses a pressurized
fluid dispensing device for storing and dispensing pressurized
fluid, such as water, to athletes during the performance of their
particular activity, particularly endurance events such as a
bicycle tour, biathlon, triathlon and the like. The pressurized
fluid dispensing device may be mounted to the frame of a bicycle
between the vertical and diagonal supports above the center bracket
or crank assembly to provide as low as possible center of gravity.
The device includes a support cage, fluid vessel, tubing and an
actuatable valve. The fluid vessel may be pressurized and slidingly
inserted into the support cage to supply fluid through the tubing
to the valve. A check valve extends from the bottom of the vessel
which is sealingly engageable with a recess formed in the bottom of
the support cage through which the fluid may flow. The actuatable
valve is actuated to dispense fluid by being bitten. In addition,
the actuatable valve may be actuated by hand to spray fluid
therefrom to refresh the rider.
[0033] U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,308 to Endre discloses a curved food
container having a cylindrical body portion, a curved extension
portion and a mouth portion. The mouth is covered by a removable
closure in order to retain the contents. The body portion includes
an indentation for positioning, orienting and securing the
container to a holder attached to a bicycle frame such that the
mouth of the container extends away from the indentation and
frame.
[0034] U.S. Pat. No. 5,249,702 to Topp, et al. discloses a beverage
container including a cylindrical container formed with a mounting
bracket fixedly secured to a wall of the container for securement
to a support plate portion. The support plate portion includes a
mounting head received within the bracket. A modification of the
invention includes a lid structure arranged to receive the cylinder
formed with a matrix of apertures directed therethrough. A
saturated sponge includes a nutrient fluid contained therewithin to
permit the nutrient fluid to be directed into a surrounding
drinking fluid within the container. A plurality of such nutrient
cylinders are arranged for mounting within an associated support
container arranged for transport by an individual in association
with the drinking container of the invention.
[0035] U.S. Pat. No. 5,251,777 to McMahon discloses a bottle and
bracket apparatus including a mounting plate and a device for
fixing the mounting plate to a rail. A bracket is provided for
supporting a bottle with the bracket being mounted to the mounting
plate in a manner enabling rotation and selective fixing of the
bracket at various angular positions. A bottle is provided for both
preventing selection of the various angular positions when the
bottle is supported by said bracket and for containing a
liquid.
[0036] U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,541 to Chen discloses a cap locking
device for a water bottle comprising a bottle cap threadably
closing an inner bottle, a push button and a nipple pusher. The
bottle cap is shaped like a shell head having a diametric opening,
a tubular post in the opening for a nipple fixed on top of a
drinking tube extending vertically in the inner bottle to fit
therein. A push button is pivotally fitted in one side portion of
the opening and the liftable nipple pusher is pivotally fitted in
another side portion of the opening. The liftable nipple pusher is
pushed down to close the opening or raised up to open the opening
by pushing the push button for the nipple exposed for sucking the
content of the inner bottle contained in an outer bottle.
[0037] U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,858 to Hollander discloses a
recreational water bottle system which including a primary vessel
for holding liquids, a watertight cap having a bottle tube
extending therethrough into the primary vessel, a drinking tube for
delivering liquids to a user, and an oversleeve adapter disposed
between the bottle tube and the drinking tube for passing liquids
and for selectively holding the bottle tube and the drinking tube
in structural alignment. The system is adapted to be selectively
mounted onto the frame of a bicycle or onto the body of an athlete,
or used as a hand held sport bottle.
[0038] U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,860 to Paczonay discloses an apparatus
for dispensing liquid into the mouth of a bicyclist. The apparatus
includes a container with a flexible wall, an adjustable holder for
holding the container on a bicycle, a liquid delivery tube
extending from the container, and at least one compressor arm
actuatable by the bicyclist for compressing the container wall and
forcing liquid into the liquid delivery tube. Valves connected to
the liquid delivery tube prevent back flow of liquid in the
direction of the container.
[0039] U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,231 to Iodice discloses a multi-purpose
plastic bottle for adult personal care use in containing and
dispensing liquid. The bottle has a generally cylindrical shape and
tubular segments that define an aperture through the bottle so that
it may be easily grasped by an adult. The bottle has a screw-type
cap whereby its opening may be selectively closed or opened for
dispensing liquid from the bottle.
[0040] U.S. Pat. No. 5,326,006 to Giard, Jr. discloses a plastic
bottle and bottle holder for mounting on bicycles. The holder has
an enclosure section with pincer arms which encircle the bottle and
cooperate with grooves in the bottle to releasably retain the
bottle on the bicycle.
[0041] U.S. Pat. No. 5,337,918 to Wang discloses a water bottle
including a container, a cap mounted to an upper end of the
container and has two holes therein, and a cover which is mounted
around the cap and is rotatable between first and second positions.
When the cover is in the first position, a straw mounted on the cap
is hidden inside the cover while the holes are blocked. When the
cover is in the second position, the straw is rotated to extend
through an opening in the cover and the holes are open to allow
continuous suction of the user.
[0042] U.S. Pat. No. 5,353,955 to Kaufman, et al. discloses unitary
beverage containers including a main body defining a container
volume. A flexible conduit or straw is fluidly connected at a
proximal end with the volume adjacent the bottom or top of the main
body. The conduit or straw also includes a distal end which is
preferably in the form of some shape of hollow mouthpiece having a
central aperture therein with the mouthpiece is located adjacent
the top of the main body. A connection or closing mechanism
removably attaches a hollow member to the distal end of the
flexible straw or conduit and closes the aperture of the distal
end. The mechanism includes a short hollow bridge extending from
the aperture at the distal end of the flexible straw or conduit
which is broken during removal of the hollow member to uncover the
aperture prior to use. The hollow member is otherwise isolated
fluidly from the container volume. A indentation in which the
mouthpiece and hollow member are received is provided at the top. A
second attaching mechanism in some embodiments removably attaches
the flexible straw or conduit to the main body.
[0043] U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,142 to Holmes discloses a
mouth-pressurized drinking bag comprising a collapsible inner
bladder for holding a beverage, such as water. A long tube has a
proximal end communicably attached to the lowest portion of the
bladder, and a distal end extending away from the dispenser. A
closure clamp is disposed near the distal end of the tube. A highly
elastic outer case substantially and snugly surrounds the bladder.
The bladder can be filled through a funnel temporarily disposed at
the distal end of the tube. The filled bladder can be pressurized
by blowing air through the tube, so that the bladder and the
elastic outer case are expanded. After the bag is filled and
pressurized, the clamp is closed. When a drink is desired, the
clamp is released so that the beverage will be automatically forced
by the pressurized inner bladder to flow outwardly through the tube
and to the user's lips.
[0044] U.S. Pat. No. 5,388,172 to Brody discloses a molded plastic
container top having an upper surface from which extends an
extensible dispensing tube with a liquid dispensing orifice. The
orifice is closed by a removable closure in the form of a cap-like,
hollow, open-ended body. A plug is formed integrally with the upper
surface and extends upwardly therefrom. Extending upwardly from the
plug is an integral, cylindrical, rod-like stopper extension. In
the preferred embodiment, the plug is axially fluted, with three
radial vanes, dimensioned to be received into the interior of the
closure to retain the closure thereon with a frictional fit. The
stopper extension is dimensioned to be received within dispensing
orifice with a fluid-tight fit, so as to provide an alternative
closure for the orifice when the dispensing tube is extended to
bring the orifice into the proximity of the stopper extension. The
maximum thickness of the vanes is less than or equal to the
thickness of the top at the upper surface, so that the formation of
the plug does not leave a significant "sink mark" on the underside
of the top, opposite the plug. The ratio of the maximum thickness
of the vanes to the thickness of the top at the upper surface is
advantageously in the range of about 1:3 to about 3:4, with a
specific preferred embodiment having a ratio of about 2:3. Other
ratios, less than or equal to 1:1, should provide satisfactory
results, depending on the type of material used, and the thickness
of the top at the upper surface.
[0045] U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,836 to Faulds discloses a combination
unit of at least one canister and a mount. The novel mount includes
at least two laterally-spaced apart a base for securement to a
selected surface. The base includes at least two laterally-spaced
part angularly-upwardly-projecting support arms projecting from the
base, and an upper, pivotally mounted, resiliently-sprung, e.g.
spring biased lid. The receptacle is provided with two
laterally-spaced apart depression slots which are adapted to mate
with the two laterally-spaced apart support arms. A dispensing
opening in the receptacle is adapted to be sealed automatically
upon fitment of the receptacle with respect to the mount by
actuated pivoting of the lid with respect to the mount by contact
of a surface on the receptacle with a depending lever on the
lid.
[0046] U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,389 to Kaufman, et al. discloses a
unitary beverage container including a main body defining a
container volume. A flexible straw is fluidly connected at a
proximal end with the volume adjacent the bottom of the main body.
The flexible straw also includes a distal end in the form of a
hollow mouthpiece having a central aperture therein with the
mouthpiece is located adjacent the top of the main body. In many
configurations of the mouthpiece, the mouthpiece includes a
cylindrical base portion from which levers extend. An attaching
mechanism removably attaches the mouthpiece of the flexible straw
to the top of main body and closes the aperture of the mouthpiece.
The attaching mechanism includes a short hollow bridge extending
from the aperture at the distal end of the flexible straw which is
broken during removal of the flexible straw to uncover the aperture
prior to use. The hollow bridge is connected to a hollow chamber
which is attached to the top. A concavity in which the mouthpiece
is received is provided at the top. The hollow chamber is
permanently attached in some embodiments and removably attached in
others. Various different configurations of the mouthpiece are
provided for use with the various embodiments.
[0047] U.S. Pat. No. 5,484,128 to Franco, Sr. discloses a beverage
retaining apparatus for attachment to a part of a structure. The
part has a part outer surface and a certain outer surface shape and
size, including a beverage retaining vessel having a vessel wall
and a bracket for fitting around the part. The bracket includes a
part encompassing member having an inner member surface and sized
so that the inner member surface is larger than and spaced apart
from the part outer surface. A deformable gripping material is
provided for filling the space between the inner member surface and
the part outer surface and for deforming to fit the certain shape
and size of the part outer surface, and an interconnection
structure for connecting the vessel to the bracket. The
encompassing member preferably includes a strap member having two
strap ends and being longitudinally bent end to end to form a loop
configuration for encompassing the part outer surface. The
interconnection structure preferably removably connects the vessel
to the bracket. The interconnection structure preferably includes a
channel recessed into the vessel wall having a channel open end,
and a projection extending from the encompassing member and sized
for sliding axial insertion into the channel through the channel
open end, where the channel laterally surrounds the projection to a
sufficient extent for the channel to retain the projection against
lateral removal of the projection from the channel.
[0048] U.S. Pat. No. 5,497,920 to Moeller, et al. discloses a
sports bottle including a generally cylindrical hollow vessel
having a liquid chamber formed therein and a closed end bottom. The
generally cylindrical vessel further defines a reduced diameter
neck portion and an upper chamber terminating in an upwardly facing
mouth. The upper chamber supports a porous antisplash element
preferably formed of a coarse porous foam material plastic or the
like. An elongated tubular straw extends from the bottom surface
within the vessel upwardly through the neck portion and through the
antisplash element and beyond the mouth to form an upwardly
extending end which receives a flexible mouth tube which is
preferably curved toward the user when the sports bottle is secured
to a conventional bicycle. In alternate embodiments, the antisplash
element within the upper chamber of the vessel is formed of a
plurality of tubular members defining passages therethrough and
grouped together to form a generally cylindrical multipassage
combination. In still further alternate embodiments, a flexible
planar member having a plurality of flexible generally triangular
segments is secured to the mouth portion of the vessel to provide
an antisplash element. In a still further alternate embodiment, a
generally planar valve member is pivotally supported within the
mouth portion of the vessel and is pivoted to an open position as
liquid is poured into the vessel mouth.
[0049] U.S. Pat. No. 5,513,762 to Janani discloses a drinking
container such as a water bottle with a pair of telescoping straws,
one of which is attached to a lid for the container and the other
of which is threaded on a nut mounted on the lid for longitudinally
sliding the second straw in the first straw when the nut is rotated
and blocking an airway when the second straw is retracted.
[0050] U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,948 to Lin discloses a beverage
container with a rotatable dome and an extendable drinking upper
straw. The container comprises an open ended body closed by a
removable cap, upper straw means linearly movably fitted on the
cap, a dome rotatably fitted on the cap for rotation movement
relative to the cap, and link means for translating the rotational
movement of the dome into the linear movement of the upper straw
means on the cap. The rotation of the dome causes the upper straw
means to linearly move on the cap between a first position wherein
the tube section of the upper straw means extends through the
lateral opening of the cap and the elongate slot of the dome and is
in liquid communication with the nipple of the cap, and a second
position wherein the tube section of the upper straw means is
withdrawn within the dome and is not in liquid communication with
the nipple of the cap.
[0051] U.S. Pat. No. 5,582,320 to Lin discloses a beverage
container including a rotatable cover and an automatically
extendable drinking straw. The container includes an open ended
body closed by a removable cap. A cover is fit onto the cap and is
rotatable to a drinking position where a first straw section
extends in an inclined manner upwardly through a yoke on the cap
and a slot on the cover. The cover also may be rotated to a
non-drinking position where the first straw section is moved within
the cover and is pinched off to prevent leakage. The slot on the
cover is closed by a curved member projecting from the top surface
of the cap. A second straw section extends downwardly from the cap
into the beverage container body
[0052] U.S. Pat. No. 5,624,064 to McGee, Jr. discloses a
fluid-holding container and a member for mounting the container to
an object. The fluid-holding container is formed to have a concave
bottom portion and sidewalls connected to the bottom portion. At
the center of the bottom portion, a channel extends into the
interior of the fluid-holding container. The channel is adapted to
engage with a securing post of a mounting member. The mounting
member includes a base portion that is attached to the object. The
distance between the sidewalls and the center axis of the
fluid-holding container is substantially equal to the distance
between the center of the securing post and the base portion, thus
assuring a secure attachment of the container to the mounting
member. The present invention is suitable for use in mounting a
water bottle to a bicycle.
[0053] U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,471 to Green discloses a removable top
for use with drinking bottles having a first opening with a pop-up
valve and a second opening for receiving a straw. This allows the
user to either drink directly through the pop-up valve, or through
a straw inserted through the straw opening with the pop-up valve
serving as a vent. A removable cap can be used to seal the straw
opening when it is not in use. The cap is tethered by a flexible
strap to a ring around the base of the pop-up valve. The cap can be
secured to a detent in the top for temporary storage when it is not
being used to cover the straw opening. In one embodiment, the top
is domed with the pop-up valve located at the top of the dome. The
straw opening passes through a second raised collar extending
upward to an elevation substantially in line with the base of the
collar around the central opening. The detent is formed in the top
surface of a third raised collar that also extends upward to an
elevation substantially in line with the base of the collar around
the central opening. This embodiment allows the cap to be easily
rotated between the straw opening and the detent for storage.
[0054] U.S. Pat. No. 5,676,285 to Vinarsky discloses a sports
bottle accessory to be coupled to the sports bottle when the cap
for the bottle is connected in place to close the bottle. The
accessory has a ring structure suited to fit around the fill
opening neck and be trapped in place under the closure cap when
secured on the bottle, or via a connection with the closure cap
itself. A hook formed off of accessory and open generally toward
the bottle bottom is sized to be fitted over exercise equipment, to
allow the bottle to be suspended vertically upright from exercise
equipment within reach of the exerciser. A flexible accessory web
overlies the side of the bottle below the cap, and clip means
coupled to the web spaced from the cap can releasably hold a towel
or the like relative to the bottle.
[0055] U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,525 to Barro discloses a flask holder
for bicycles having a shape and dimensions equivalent to known
flask type holders. A first part is formed by a length of metal rod
bent in a U shape, and two longitudinal tracks which are parallel,
between which a plate is welded for fixture to the bicycle. A
second part, also made of a metal rod bent such as to form an arced
track, from ends of which two longitudinal tracks depart
perpendicularly. The lower ends of the longitudinal tracks,
respective of the first part and the second part, are
interconnected by a special elastic element such as a helix spring
or the like. The second part can be spread for inserting and/or
removing a flask which, when inserted, is gripped by the second
part which is biased against the flask by elastic element
[0056] U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,368 to Bekkedahl discloses a liquid
dispensing apparatus installed on a bicycle for use by a person
operating the bicycle or a liquid dispensing apparatus installed on
a person for use by a person operating inline skates. In the
preferred embodiment a carbonated drink in a container is shaken by
the bouncing of the bicycle while moving which pressurizes the
container. A tube leading from the container to a mouthpiece allows
a person to take a drink. Another embodiment provides a pumping
bulb to supply the pressure while a third embodiment uses a
co.sub.2 cartridge to supply the pressure. Another installation
shows a person using inline skates. The inline skate installation
uses a carbonated drink in a container being shaken by the skater
to supply the pressure which forces the liquid to the mouthpiece
thereby allowing a person using inline skates to take a drink.
[0057] U.S. Pat. No. 5,788,134 to Matic, Jr. discloses a liquid
carrying apparatus for use on a bicycle frame. The frame has a base
and first and second frame members operatively interconnected
adjacent the base. The apparatus comprises a liquid holding tank
including frame-member-confronting sides. The tank is designed to
be directly anchored to the first and second frame members. The
tank is operatively connected to a hose. The base includes a hose
holder that grips the hose adjacent its said second end, the holder
having a user manipulable handle sized to receive and encircle a
finger of a rider's hand, and a handlebar clasp which is oriented
so as to be removably attachable to the handlebar.
[0058] U.S. Pat. No. 5,878,898 to Shefflin discloses an overcap
assembly for a fluid container, such as a baby bottle, protects the
nipple, or other fluid dispenser, from contamination and from
leaking when the overcap is in the protective, covering position.
The overcap has an opening in its top through which the nipple
extends once a lid has been removed and the overcap has been
shifted from a stable protective position surrounding the nipple to
a stable enabling position exposing the nipple for use without
removing the overcap from the collar. The lid is preferably
tethered, hinged or otherwise connected to the overcap.
[0059] U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,774 to Bethune discloses an exercise
fluid bottle which contains a liquid nourishment and which is used
by a user during a strenuous physical activity. The exercise fluid
bottle includes an integral container formed out of a plastic
material and a dispensing cap for retaining and dispensing the
liquid nourishment. The integral container has a first portion
which is a hollow cylinder with an enclosed end and a partially
enclosed end and a second portion which is a hollow cylinder with
an enclosed end and a partially enclosed end. The integral
container also has a handle portion which is a hollow cylinder
which has corrugated ribbing axially aligned therewith so that the
user can more comfortably grip the exercise fluid bottle and which
is disposed adjacent to the partially enclosed ends of the first
and second portions. The dispensing cap is fluidly and mechanically
coupled to the enclosed end of the first portion. Each of the first
and second portions has a first groove of a first diameter, which
is equal to the diameter of a ski pole in order to receive the ski
pole and a second groove of a second diameter, which is equal to
the diameter of a boom of a wind-surfing apparatus in order to
receive either the frame pipe or the boom. A VELCRO strap fixedly,
but detachably, couples the exercise fluid bottle to either the ski
pole or the boom.
[0060] U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,882 to Siegel discloses a squeezable,
insulated drink bottle including a flexible, semi-rigid, plastic
beverage container that fits inside of and in spaced relationship
to a flexible, semi-rigid plastic housing. An inwardly oriented
flange around a top opening of the housing locks into a groove
under a cover shoulder of the beverage container. Recesses in the
housing facilitate gripping of drink bottle.
[0061] U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,433 to Russell, et al. discloses a
container closure including an access, which can receive a drinking
straw, which is able to be folded down into a groove by the pivotal
movement of member, which closes off the drinking straw by engaging
it across an upstanding flange or projection.
[0062] U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,444 to Sugg discloses a consumable
beverage dispenser having a collapsible beverage container, a valve
assembly, and a flexible tube or straw. The collapsible beverage
container has at least one opening and the valve assembly is
secured to the container at the opening. The valve assembly
includes a flexible diaphragm disposed across the flow path such
that beverage flow is permitted only outwardly from the container.
The flexible tube extends outwardly from the valve assembly. When a
user exerts sucking action on the end of the flexible tube,
beverage is made to flow from the container out through the one-way
valve assembly and into the flexible tube. As beverage is
withdrawn, the container collapses and, when the user stops
drinking, the flexible diaphragm closes to prevent air and back
flow from entering the container. In one embodiment, the flexible
tube is slidable within the valve assembly between an open and a
closed position. In the closed position, the flexible tube secures
the flexible diaphragm to the valve seat and thereby prevents fluid
flow through the valve assembly. In the open position, the flexible
tube is spaced from the flexible diaphragm and thus beverage can
flow through the valve assembly and out through the flexible tube
in response to sucking action exerted on the end of the flexible
tube by a user.
[0063] U.S. Pat. No. 6,176,146 to Betras discloses a container
having first and second hollow chambers attached to a top. The
first chamber has a helical surface that can be placed adjacent to
a corresponding helical surface of the second chamber. The top can
include a pair of apertures for receiving a straw such that one
aperture resides above each chamber. A straw can be placed into one
of the apertures when one desires to drink from the container. The
drinking container can further include an attachment device for
better attaching the helical chambers.
[0064] U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,413 to Tung discloses a water
bottle-straw assembly comprising a screw-threaded cap base
including a lift-lower cap attached at one side thereof and a
through hole in which a suction base is inserted. The suction base
has a protruding suction end having a valve and a flange providing
an air guiding groove. A straw is inserted into the suction base
and a flexible tube is telescopically connected to the lower end of
the straw to allow use with containers of varying sizes.
[0065] U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,283 to Terrana, et al. discloses a
bottle, preferably made of plastic, including a body of generally
cylindrical external configuration and a clip joined to the body.
The body has a closed lower end and an open upper end adapted to
receive a cap. The clip is disposed within the cylindrical external
configuration of the body and is spaced from a wall of the body by
a slot having an open slot end disposed along the exterior of the
bottle by which part of a support structure is insertable between
the clip and the body wall to support the bottle upon the support
structure.
[0066] U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,997 to Smerdon. Jr. discloses a fluid
storage and delivery system for bicyclists. In the preferred
embodiment, the fluid is contained in a collapsible fluid container
adapted to be removably inserted within the sides of a first
support bracket mounted to the bicycle down tube frame member and a
second support bracket mounted to the seat tube frame member. A
conduit for delivering liquid to a cyclist extends from an inlet
end within the fluid container to an outlet end accessible to the
cyclist and may include a check valve at its inlet end. The conduit
may also include a disconnection means to allow the conduit to be
disconnected at the outlet side of the fluid container. Preferably
the disconnection means is a quick disconnect tube connector with a
flow shut-off capability oriented at the inlet side of the
connection, so as to provide a seal against leakage from the fluid
container when the connectors are disconnected. The support
brackets have sides defining an open space between the sides and a
central mounting plate to which the sides are attached, with the
mounting plate having a series of apertures along its length and
adapted for fastening the mounting plate to the threaded openings
customarily used for mounting water bottle cages to bicycle seat
and down tube frame members. A molded container adapted to be held
within the sides of the support bracket is also disclosed.
[0067] U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,928 to Hirota, et al. discloses a straw
comprising a cylindrical plug member having an opening at a top
thereof, and a straw member which vertically extends through a
bottom portion of the plug member and which is retractable in the
longitudinal direction of the straw member. The straw is adapted to
fit the plug member with a top of a mouth of a beverage container
so as to retain in a state where the straw is inserted into the
beverage container. The straw is also adapted to allow a top of the
straw member to be protruded from the mouth of the beverage
container by extending the straw member and to allow the top of the
straw member to be contained within the plug member by retracting
the straw member so as to attach a cap of the beverage
container.
[0068] U.S. Pat. No. 6,860,404 to Duqueroie discloses a device for
dispensing a fluid product including a reservoir configured to
contain a fluid product and air, a spray orifice associated with
the reservoir, and a dip tube. The reservoir may include at least
one deformable zone having a predetermined threshold resistance to
deformation. The deformable zone may be configured to deform in
response to pressure exerted on the deformable zone so as to cause
the product to be sprayed out from the orifice. When pressure
exerted on the deformable zone is less than a threshold pressure
P.sub.s sufficient to overcome the predetermined threshold
resistance to deformation of the deformable zone, the internal
volume of the reservoir is not substantially reduced.
[0069] U.S. Pat. No. 6,929,135 to Hajianpour discloses a bottle
holding a beverage including a straw and stopper combination that
is moved into a deployed position within the neck of the bottle
after the cap of the bottle is removed. In this position, an air
path through the stopper provides for air flow into the bottle when
suction is applied through the straw. When suction is not applied,
the air path is closed by a flexible member of the stopper, so that
the beverage cannot leak outward through the air path or through
the straw.
[0070] U.S. Pat. No. 6,953,135 to Litton et al. discloses a liquid
delivery apparatus for a bicycle including a container adapted to
contain a liquid and a tube having a first end and a second end.
The container is releasably mountable to a selected one of a seat
rail and a seat post of the bicycle. The container has a first
opening and a second opening. The first opening is adapted to
receive a liquid and is disposed above a normal liquid level line
of the liquid when present in the container. The second opening is
disposed below the normal liquid level line. The first end of the
tube is attachable to the container in fluid communication with the
second opening. The liquid when present in the container is
delivered to a mouthpiece attached to the second end of the
tube.
[0071] U.S. Pat. No. 7,140,509 to Yang discloses a suction hose
stop valve of a water bag comprising a holder having a central
passage, a swivel cap and a suction hose penetrating through the
central passage. A retaining member is provided on both sides of
the central hole. A locking bolt is provided in front and rear of
the holder, and a hole in the swivel cap admits penetration of the
suction hose for delivery the water. A press tab on each side of
the hole is in the swivel cap, and a locking trough at lower edge
of the press tab engages the retaining member to bend the suction
hose to prevent delivery of water.
[0072] U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,382 to Cezeaux discloses a hydration
system for carrying readily dispensable fluids, such as water. A
removable cap having an annular valve covers a container. A
flexible tube is disposed through the center of the annular valve
and extends generally to near the bottom of the container. A bite
valve is attached to the end of the tube that is external to the
container. When the annular valve is closed, the hydration system
is substantially closed, preventing fluid loss. When the annular
valve is opened, an air channel is created that allows air to enter
the container, facilitating the flow of fluid from the container
through the flexible tube. The annular valve may be a poppet-type
valve having a valve stem that is movable between the closed
position and the open position. The hydration system is
sufficiently compact to be utilized with narrow-mouthed
bottles.
[0073] U.S. Pat. No. 7,320,410 to Ver Hage discloses a removable
cap assembly including a cap having a curved side wall having an
inner surface and an outer surface. A top portion extends from the
curved side wall, a boss extends perpendicularly from the top
portion. The boss has a bottom and a top, a first circumferential
rib extending perpendicularly from the top of the boss and a second
circumferential rib extending perpendicularly from the bottom of
the boss. The boss and rib defining an opening in the cap, the
opening has a width and a height. A stopper is dimensioned to seal
the opening, the stopper has a hole therein configured to allow a
fluid to flow therethrough. The stopper is maintained in the cap by
the boss and second circumferential rib, the stopper includes a
disc shaped base. A cylindrical wall portion extends from the base,
a first groove in the base surrounding the wall portion. The first
groove is dimensioned to receive the bottom of the boss and a
second circumferential groove at a bottom of the wall dimensioned
to receive the second circumferential rib.
[0074] U.S. Pat. No. 7,331,489 to Glynn, et al. discloses a liquid
metered dispensing squeeze bottle including: a squeezable container
having an opening for dispensing liquid therefrom at one end and a
bottom at the other end. A nonflexible trap chamber of a
predetermined volume, connected to the opening of the container, a
dip tube, and a one way valve at the bottom of the dip tube. There
is an inlet leg that freely rotates around the bottom of the dip
tube and a drive mechanism, such as a counterweight or a float, to
assure that the leg extends into an air pocket when the container
is tilted for liquid squeeze dispensing.
[0075] United States Patent Application 2002/0030059 to Hirota, et
al. discloses a straw comprising a straw member having an outer
straw portion and an inner straw portion. The outer and inner straw
portions are telescopingly fitted with each other. The inner straw
portion includes an elastic upper section, and a cylindrical plug
member has an opening at the upper end thereof. The inner straw
portion is retained in the beverage container by mounting the plug
member to the upper end of a mouth of the beverage container. The
upper section of the inner straw portion is bent by pressing with a
beverage container cap so as to attach the beverage container cap
to the beverage container. The upper end of the inner straw portion
is protruded from the upper end of the plug member by detaching the
beverage container cap. A combination of straw and beverage
container cap is also provided which can store the upper end of the
inner straw portion, which protrudes from the upper end of the plug
member. The straw storing portion is formed in a top plate of the
cap of the beverage container to attach the cap of the beverage
container.
[0076] United States Patent Application 2003/0102318 to Lee
discloses a spout assembly having a plurality of fluid passages so
as to enable easy and convenient drinking of liquid beverages
contained in the container through an associated straw and easily
dispense the liquid beverages into another container. The spout
assembly includes a main body coupled on a top of a container, a
fluid spout assembly having a first fluid passage through which the
liquid beverage can flow out of the container in a state where the
container is inclined and a second fluid passage through which the
liquid beverage can be socked in a state where the container
vertically stands; and a cap coupled to the fluid spouting
assembly. The fluid spout assembly can be folded on a folding
portion or be elected so that the user can drink or dispense the
liquid beverages.
[0077] United States Patent Application 2005/0279792 to Batchelor
discloses a machine for automatic water to biker. The bike rider
only has to lean in to an extended small hose that is attached to
the front and center of the bike, then can still focus on riding
while depressing the button and the water will be pumped into his
mouth, and water spayed on his face if he so desires a cooling of
water instead of a drink.
[0078] United States Patent Application 2006/0086758 to Coles
discloses a hydration system. One embodiment of the present
invention relates to a universal hydration system for drinking
fluid from an independent container. The universal hydration system
includes a tube and a cap configured to couple with an independent
container. The tube extends through the cap in a leak resistant
manner and is disposed within the interior of the independent
container. The other end of the tube may be coupled to a tube cap
of some sort including a bite valve or a cover, or may be left
exposed. The cap is coupled to the independent container using the
independent container's coupling system. Additional caps configured
for coupling to various containers may also be included with the
system. In addition, the additional caps may be stored on the tube
so as to create a one piece universal hydration system. Likewise,
the full length of the tube can be extended into the container for
storage purposes. Additional embodiments may also include the
ability to pressurize the independent container via some form of
pump and valve system.
[0079] United States Patent Application 2006/0131255 to Blondeel
discloses a drinking element with passage for cooperation with a
beverage container. The element comprises a coupling part for
engaging an opening in the beverage container; an engaging part
located at a distance from the coupling part, dimensioned so as to
be enclosed by the lips of a user, and a passage opening provided
through the coupling part and the engaging part for passing
beverage from the beverage container through the drinking element
to the user. The coupling part is designed to be fastened in and/or
over the opening of a beverage container while forming a
liquid-tight sealing between the drinking element and the beverage
container.
[0080] United States Patent Application 2006/0186076 to Shiloni
discloses a bottle cap, and a method for making it. The bottle cap
includes a cap member having internal screw threads adapted for
sealing engagement with a neck of a beverage bottle and a
bi-directional tubing coupler integrally formed with the cap
member. The tubing coupler includes a first coupling element for
coupling a first tube inside the bottle and includes a second
coupling element coupling a second tube outside the bottle, to
permit drinking of a beverage from inside the bottle through the
tubes and the tubing coupler.
[0081] United States Patent Application 2007/0012740 to Montgomery
discloses an aerodynamic fluid holder for accepting fluid packs,
such as water bottles, for mounting onto a bicycle is provided.
According to one embodiment, the fluid holder comprises a first
side, a second side, a stem, and a top. The first side can be
connected to the second side along a lower edge and along a bow to
define a hull. The stem can be connected to the hull at a distal
end of the fluid holder and the top can be connected to the stern
and the sides to define a cavity. One or more fluid packs can be
housed within the cavity. The top has at least one aperture to
accept at least one fluid pack.
[0082] United States Patent Application 2007/0034594 to Doucet
discloses a vented bottle or bottle cap that typically includes two
one-way valves. The first one-way valve vents the bottle while
fluid exits the bottle, and the second one-way valve prevents
spillage. The vented bottle or bottle cap may be configured for use
with a conventional sports bottle, a conventional soft drink or
water bottle, or a specially designed bottle with a vent tube near
the bottom of the bottle. The vented bottle cap may also be used in
conjunction with a pouch system that allows a user to fill a pouch
with fluid while the pouch is securely supported within the bottle.
In this manner, a user can carry pouches, such as foil or plastic
pouches, with desired ingredients, such as a water purifying
chemical, a flavor ingredient, electrolytes, medicines and so
forth. A pump may be used to deliver water from a water supply into
the pouch while the pouch is supported within the bottle.
[0083] United States Patent Application 2007/0062973 to Sochacki
discloses a water bottle or liquid container that reduces
aerodynamic drag. The liquid container comprises a surface with a
plurality of dimples. The dimples comprises a number of different
sized and shaped dimples.
[0084] United States Patent Application 2007/0175852 to Hage
discloses a removable cap assembly having a cap with a curved side
wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A top portion
extends from the side wall. A boss extends perpendicularly from the
top portion in the shape of an inverted trapezoid, where the boss
has a bottom and a top. A first circumferential rib extends
perpendicularly from the top of the boss. A stopper is dimensioned
to seal the opening, having an inverted trapezoidal shape
complementary to the boss. The stopper is maintained in the cap by
the inverted trapezoid shape of said boss. The stopper includes a
disc shaped base, a cylindrical wall portion extending from the
base, a first groove in the base surrounding the wall portion
dimensioned to receive the bottom of the boss. An appliance member
is adapted to be positioned within the hole and extending through
the opening.
[0085] United States Patent Application 2007/0278273 to Hollis
discloses an athletic hydration system for cyclists which includes
up to four containers having inverted fluid-filled bottles
contained therein. The containers are placed either within the
frame of a bicycle or at the rear of the bicycle behind the bicycle
seat. A system of valves determines whether a cyclist drinks from
one, two, three or all four fluid-filled bottles simultaneously.
The athletic hydration system is hygienic, versatile and flexible,
and provides adequate hydration over extended periods of time in
which quick removal and installation of hydration products are
possible by the cyclist while maintaining the speed, cadence and
aerodynamic posture of the cyclist.
[0086] United States Patent Application 2008/0116238 to Tseng
discloses a kettle holder including an elongated plate adapted to
be mounted on a bicycle frame. A holding arm integrally extends
from one side of the elongated plate to be vertical to a
longitudinal axis of the elongated plate for engagement with one
side of a kettle. A helix arm integrally extends from the other
side of the elongated plate to be opposite to the holding arm. The
helix arm has a bend formed on a free end thereof so that a
receiving space is defined among the holding arm, the helix arm and
the bend for receiving therein the kettle. The helix arm is able to
deform to provide clamping force for engagement with the kettle and
when the kettle is removed, the helix arm returns to its original
position.
[0087] United States Patent Application 2008/0237233 to Choi et al.
discloses drink bottles, or drink containers with cap assemblies
that include a drink spout. In some embodiments, the drink spout is
pivotally coupled to a base of the cap assembly. In some
embodiments, the drink spouts include mouthpieces, including
self-sealing mouthpieces. In some embodiments, the cap assembly
includes a handle, which may include at least one guard for the
drink spout and/or mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the drink
containers include a manual on/off valve. In some embodiments, the
dispensing spout includes a mount for the mouthpiece and/or
cooperates with the cap to provide a manual on/off valve to
selectively restrict flow of drink fluid from the drink container
regardless of the drink spout's and/or mouthpiece's configuration.
In some embodiments, the drink containers include a drink tube
extending from external of the drink containers and/or an air
return system.
[0088] Although the aforementioned prior art have contributed to
the development of the art of bicyclist hydration, none of these
prior art patents have solved the needs of this art.
[0089] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide an improved apparatus for easier drinking from the
invention and enabling more aerodynamic positioning of the runner
or bicyclist.
[0090] Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
apparatus enabling the runner or bicyclist to drink from the
invention without tilting his head or taking his eyes off the
ground.
[0091] Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
apparatus that is simple for the operator to use.
[0092] Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
apparatus that enables the operator to maintain a grip on the
invention, even when wet from condensation.
[0093] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed
as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features
and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results
can be obtained by modifying the invention within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the
invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention,
the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in
addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0094] The present invention is defined by the appended claims with
specific embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the
purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to a
fluid container for retaining and dispensing a fluid into the mouth
of an individual. The fluid container comprises a deformable body
extending from bottom end to a top end and defines an exterior
surface and an interior chamber. The deformable body defines a
general axis of symmetry. The top end has an output orifice for
positioning the fluid exterior to the interior chamber. A valve
engages the output orifice for controlling the fluid flowing
through the output orifice. The valve defines a general line of
symmetry.
[0095] In one embodiment, the general axis of symmetry and the
general line of symmetry define a non-parallel orientation for
positioning the deformable body in a generally vertical position
and the mouth of the individual in a generally horizontal position
during engaging between the mouth and the valve.
[0096] In another embodiment, the general axis of symmetry and the
general line of symmetry define a parallel orientation for
positioning the deformable body in a generally vertical position
and the mouth of the individual in a generally horizontal position
during engaging between the mouth and the valve.
[0097] In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the
deformable body includes a generally cylindrical body portion and a
generally conical body portion. The generally conical body portion
defines a second general axis of symmetry. The second general axis
of symmetry and the general line of symmetry define a generally
parallel orientation for further positioning the deformable body in
a generally vertical position and the mouth of the individual in a
generally horizontal position during engaging between the mouth and
the valve.
[0098] In one embodiment of the invention, the valve includes a
port plug valve. The port plug valve has a valve body rotatably
engaging within a cylindrical valve plug. The cylindrical valve
plug engages the output orifice. The cylindrical valve plug
includes a plug chamber interposed between a plug input and a plug
passage traversing the cylindrical valve plug. The valve body
includes a valve passage within the valve body. The valve body
rotates upon the cylindrical valve plug for aligning the plug
passage with the valve passage to permit the fluid through the port
plug valve. The valve body rotates upon the cylindrical valve plug
for separating the plug passage with the valve passage to terminate
the fluid through the port plug valve. A flexible stem has a
sphincter valve interposed between a valve body cavity and a
discharge cavity. The valve body cavity engages over the valve
body. The valve body cavity includes a stem passage within the
valve body cavity. The stem passage is aligned with the valve
passage to permit the fluid from the port plug valve and into the
valve body cavity. The sphincter valve normally maintains a
constriction to the fluid being discharged from the flexible stem
absent pressurization of the fluid within the deformable body. A
compressive force is applied to the deformable body for
pressurizing the fluid and overcoming the constriction of the
sphincter valve to permit discharge of the fluid from the flexible
stem. The flexible stem defines multiple general lines of symmetry
for altering the angular discharge of the fluid relative to the
deformable body. A rotation force applied to the flexible stem
causes valve body to rotate.
[0099] In another embodiment of the invention, the input orifice
includes a male threading. The input closure includes a cap
defining a cylindrical outer wall extending from a closure wall.
The cylindrical outer wall includes a female threading for
threadably engaging the male threading of the input orifice. The
closure wall abuts the input orifice for sealing the input orifice.
The closure wall includes a circular groove. A cage receives the
deformable body for securing the deformable body to the object. The
cage includes a concave plate extending between a first side, a
second side, a bottom end and a top end. The first side and the
second side define a first arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm
respectively. The bottom end defines a mounting hook. The first
arcuate arm and said second arcuate arm encircle the deformable
body and the mounting hook engages the circular groove for
retaining the deformable body within the cage.
[0100] In another embodiment of the invention, a flexible nozzle
having a circular taper structure for propelling the fluid in a jet
flow. The flexible nozzle has a circular groove for grasping and
supporting said flexible nozzle with the teeth of the individual.
The interior channel of the flexible nozzle includes a taper
channel structure for propelling the fluid in a jet flow. The
interior channel wall includes a plurality of conical channels for
creating a vortex flow of the fluid within the interior channel and
increasing the jet flow. The flexible nozzle is constructed from a
transparent polymeric material for indicating the cleanliness of
said flexible nozzle.
[0101] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description that follows may be better understood so that
the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.
Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the
specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis
for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the
same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized
by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do
not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0102] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0103] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of a fluid
container of the present invention;
[0104] FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1;
[0105] FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 1;
[0106] FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 1;
[0107] FIG. 5 is a rear view of FIG. 1;
[0108] FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6-6 in FIG. 4;
[0109] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;
[0110] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 3;
[0111] FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating a flexible
container having a general axis of symmetry (A), a valve having a
general line of symmetry (B), and a generally conical body having a
second general line of symmetry (C);
[0112] FIG. 10 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 8 illustrating a
fluid exiting the fluid container and a flexible stem having a
first general vector of symmetry (D);
[0113] FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the
flexible stem having a second general vector of symmetry (E);
[0114] FIG. 12 is a view similar to FIG. 10 illustrating the
flexible stem having a third general vector of symmetry (F);
[0115] FIG. 13 is an exploded view of FIG. 4;
[0116] FIG. 14 is a top view of a valve body;
[0117] FIG. 15 is a bottom view of FIG. 14;
[0118] FIG. 16 is a sectional view along line 14-14 in FIG. 14;
[0119] FIG. 17 is a top view of a cylindrical valve plug;
[0120] FIG. 18 is a side view of FIG. 17;
[0121] FIG. 19 is a sectional view along line 19-19 in FIG. 18;
[0122] FIG. 20 is a side view of a flexible stem;
[0123] FIG. 21 is a bottom view of FIG. 20;
[0124] FIG. 22 is a sectional view along line 22-22 in FIG. 21;
[0125] FIG. 23 is a view similar to FIG. 7 illustrating a bottom
view of a cap;
[0126] FIG. 24 is a sectional view along line 24-24 in FIG. 23;
[0127] FIG. 25 is a side view of a thermo core;
[0128] FIG. 26 is a bottom view of FIG. 25;
[0129] FIG. 27 is a sectional view along line 27-27 in FIG. 25;
[0130] FIG. 28 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 4;
[0131] FIG. 29 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 8 illustrating a port
plug valve in a closed position;
[0132] FIG. 30 is a sectional view along line 30-30 in FIG. 28;
[0133] FIG. 31 is a view similar to FIG. 28 illustrating a
rotational force applied to the flexible stem for rotating the port
plug valve;
[0134] FIG. 32 is a view similar to FIG. 29 illustrating the port
plug valve in an open position;
[0135] FIG. 33 is a sectional view along line 33-33 in FIG. 31;
[0136] FIG. 34 illustrates the container inserted into a cage
located on a bicycle;
[0137] FIG. 35 is a view similar to FIG. 34 illustrating the
container removed from the cage and the container is in a general
vertical position and a mouth of the individual is in a general
horizontal position for permitting the individual's head to remain
horizontal while receiving fluid from the container;
[0138] FIG. 36 is a view similar to FIG. 8 illustrating the mount
of the individual compressing and bending the flexible stem into
the second general vector of symmetry (E) wherein the container is
in a general vertical position and a mouth of the individual is in
a general horizontal position for permitting the individual's head
to remain horizontal while receiving fluid from the container;
[0139] FIG. 37 is a view similar to FIG. 36 illustrating a rotation
force applied to the container for rotating the port plug
valve;
[0140] FIG. 38 is a view similar to FIG. 37 illustrating a
compressive force applied to the container for discharging the
fluid into the mount of the individual;
[0141] FIG. 39 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 38 illustrating the
fluid traversing the port plug valve and a sphincter valve;
[0142] FIG. 40 is a top view of a cage for retaining the container
to an object;
[0143] FIG. 41 is a front view of FIG. 40;
[0144] FIG. 42 is a side view of FIG. 40;
[0145] FIG. 43 is a top view of a cage coupling bar;
[0146] FIG. 44 is a front view of FIG. 43;
[0147] FIG. 45 is a sectional view along line 45-45 in FIG. 44;
[0148] FIG. 46 is a view similar to FIG. 40 illustrating the
container positioned adjacent to the cage;
[0149] FIG. 47 is a view similar to FIG. 46 illustrating a force
applied to the container to cause the container to displace a first
arcuate arm and a second arcuate arm;
[0150] FIG. 48 is a view similar to FIG. 47 illustrating the
container fully engaged within the cage wherein the first arcuate
arm and the second arcuate arm apply a compressive force the
container;
[0151] FIG. 49 is a sectional view along line 49-49 in FIG. 34;
[0152] FIG. 50 is a sectional view along line 50-50 in FIG. 49;
[0153] FIG. 51 is a view similar to FIG. 50 illustrating the
container rotated one hundred and eighty degrees (180 degrees);
[0154] FIG. 52 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 51;
[0155] FIG. 53 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 51;
[0156] FIG. 54 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of a
fluid container of the present invention;
[0157] FIG. 55 is a top view of FIG. 54;
[0158] FIG. 56 is a front view of FIG. 54;
[0159] FIG. 57 is a side view of FIG. 54;
[0160] FIG. 58 is a rear view of FIG. 54;
[0161] FIG. 59 is a sectional view along line 59-59 in FIG. 57;
[0162] FIG. 60 is a bottom view of FIG. 54;
[0163] FIG. 61 is a sectional view along line 61-61 in FIG. 56;
[0164] FIG. 62 is a view similar to FIG. 61 illustrating the second
embodiment of the flexible container having a general axis of
symmetry (A), a valve and a flexible nozzle having a general line
of symmetry (B), and a generally conical body having a second
general line of symmetry (C);
[0165] FIG. 63 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 62 illustrating the
fluid exiting the fluid container and the flexible nozzle having a
first general vector of symmetry (D);
[0166] FIG. 64 is a view similar to FIG. 63 illustrating the
flexible nozzle having a second general vector of symmetry (E);
[0167] FIG. 65 is a view similar to FIG. 63 illustrating the
flexible nozzle having a third general vector of symmetry (F);
[0168] FIG. 66 is an exploded view of FIG. 57;
[0169] FIG. 67 is a top view of a valve body;
[0170] FIG. 68 is a bottom view of FIG. 67;
[0171] FIG. 69 is a sectional view along line 69-69 in FIG. 67;
[0172] FIG. 70 is a top view of a cylindrical valve plug;
[0173] FIG. 71 is a side view of FIG. 70;
[0174] FIG. 72 is a sectional view along line 72-72 in FIG. 70;
[0175] FIG. 73 is a side view of a flexible nozzle;
[0176] FIG. 74 is a bottom view of FIG. 73;
[0177] FIG. 75 is a sectional view along line 75-75 in FIG. 73;
[0178] FIG. 76 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 57;
[0179] FIG. 77 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 61 illustrating a
port plug valve in a closed position;
[0180] FIG. 78 is a sectional view along line 78-78 in FIG. 76;
[0181] FIG. 79 is a view similar to FIG. 54 illustrating a
rotational force applied to the valve body and/or the flexible
nozzle for rotating the port plug valve into an open position;
[0182] FIG. 80 is a top view of FIG. 79;
[0183] FIG. 81 is a front view of FIG. 79;
[0184] FIG. 82 is a view similar to FIG. 76 illustrating a
rotational force applied to the valve body and/or the flexible
nozzle for rotating the port plug valve into an open position;
[0185] FIG. 83 is a view similar to FIG. 77 illustrating the port
plug valve in an open position;
[0186] FIG. 84 is a sectional view along line 84-84 in FIG. 82;
[0187] FIG. 85 is a view similar to FIG. 83 illustrating the
container in a general vertical position with the port plug valve
in an open position and a sphincter valve preventing the fluid from
dispensing from the container;
[0188] FIG. 86 is a view similar to FIG. 85 illustrating the fluid
expanding the sphincter valve for permitting the fluid to be
dispensed from the container only upon a compressive force applied
to the container;
[0189] FIG. 87 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of a
fluid container of the present invention;
[0190] FIG. 88 is a top view of FIG. 87;
[0191] FIG. 89 is a front view of FIG. 87;
[0192] FIG. 90 is a side view of FIG. 87;
[0193] FIG. 91 is a rear view of FIG. 87;
[0194] FIG. 92 is a sectional view along line 92-92 in FIG. 90;
[0195] FIG. 93 is a bottom view of FIG. 87;
[0196] FIG. 94 is a sectional view along line 94-94 in FIG. 89;
[0197] FIG. 95 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 94 illustrating the
fluid exiting the fluid container and a flexible nozzle having a
first general vector of symmetry (D);
[0198] FIG. 96 is a view similar to FIG. 95 illustrating the
flexible nozzle having a second general vector of symmetry (E);
[0199] FIG. 97 is a view similar to FIG. 95 illustrating the
flexible nozzle having a third general vector of symmetry (F);
[0200] FIG. 98 is an exploded view of FIG. 90;
[0201] FIG. 99 is a top view of a valve body;
[0202] FIG. 100 is a bottom view of FIG. 99;
[0203] FIG. 101 is a sectional view along line 101-101 in FIG.
99;
[0204] FIG. 102 is a top view of a cylindrical valve plug;
[0205] FIG. 103 is a side view of FIG. 102;
[0206] FIG. 104 is a sectional view along line 104-104 in FIG.
102;
[0207] FIG. 105 is a side view of a flexible nozzle;
[0208] FIG. 106 is a bottom view of FIG. 105;
[0209] FIG. 107 is a sectional view along line 107-107 in FIG.
105;
[0210] FIG. 108 is a top view of an integral one-piece unit
including a sphincter valve and a gasket;
[0211] FIG. 109 is a side view of FIG. 108;
[0212] FIG. 110 is an sectional view along line 110-110 in FIG.
108;
[0213] FIG. 111 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 90;
[0214] FIG. 112 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 94 illustrating a
port plug valve in an open position;
[0215] FIG. 113 is a sectional view along line 113-113 in FIG.
111;
[0216] FIG. 114 is a view similar to FIG. 87 illustrating a
rotational force applied to the valve body and/or the flexible
nozzle for rotating the port plug valve into a closed position;
[0217] FIG. 115 is a top view of FIG. 114;
[0218] FIG. 116 is a view similar to FIG. 111 illustrating a
rotational force applied to the valve body and/or the flexible
nozzle for rotating the port plug valve into a closed position;
[0219] FIG. 117 is a view similar to FIG. 112 illustrating the port
plug valve in a closed position;
[0220] FIG. 118 is a sectional view along line 118-118 in FIG.
116;
[0221] FIG. 119 is a view similar to FIG. 112 illustrating the
container in a general vertical position with the port plug valve
in an open position and the sphincter valve preventing the fluid
from dispensing from the container;
[0222] FIG. 120 is a view similar to FIG. 85 illustrating the fluid
expanding the sphincter valve for permitting the fluid to be
dispensed from the container only upon a compressive force applied
to the container;
[0223] FIG. 121 is a view of the fluid container of FIG. 87 with
the flexible nozzle of FIG. 96 with an individual grasping the
fluid container with his hand and the flexible nozzle positioned in
the mouth of the individual for permitting the individual's head to
remain horizontal while receiving fluid from the container; and
[0224] FIG. 122 is a view of the fluid container of FIG. 87 with
the flexible nozzle of FIG. 97 with the individual grasping the
fluid container with his teeth for permitting the individual's head
to remain horizontal.
[0225] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
throughout the several Figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
[0226] FIGS. 1-13 and 36-39 illustrate a first fluid container 10
for retaining and dispensing a fluid 12 into the mouth 14 of an
individual 16. The fluid container 10 comprises a deformable body
30 extending from a bottom end 48 and a top end 49 and defining an
exterior surface 36 and an interior chamber 38. The bottom end 48
may include an input end 32 and the top end 49 may include an
output end 34. The input end 32 has an input orifice 40 for
positioning the fluid 12 within the interior chamber 38. An input
closure 42 engages the input orifice 40 for sealing the input
orifice 40. The output end 34 has an output orifice 44 for
positioning the fluid 12 exterior to the interior chamber 38. A
valve 46 engages the output orifice 44 for controlling the fluid 12
flowing through the output orifice 44. The deformable body 30
includes a generally cylindrical body portion 50 and a generally
conical body portion 52. The generally conical body portion 52
couples the valve 46 to the generally cylindrical body portion 50.
The generally conical body portion 52 directs the fluid 12 from the
interior chamber 38 to the valve 46 upon the deformable body 30
positioned in a generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of
the individual 16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during
engaging between the mouth 14 and the valve 46.
[0227] As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 36-38, the deformable body 30
defines a general axis of symmetry 60 labeled "A" that extends from
the input end 32 to the output end 34. The valve 46 defines a
general line of symmetry labeled "B". The general axis of symmetry
60 and the general line of symmetry 62 define a non-parallel
orientation 64 for positioning the deformable body 30 in a
generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual
16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engagement between
the mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container 10.
Furthermore, the generally conical body portion 52 defines a second
general axis of symmetry 66 labeled "C". The second general axis of
symmetry 66 and the general line of symmetry 62 define a generally
parallel orientation 68 for further positioning the deformable body
30 in a generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the
individual 16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engaging
between the mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container
10.
[0228] Both the general line of symmetry 62 and the second general
axis of symmetry 66 form an acute angle 70 with the general axis of
symmetry 60. Furthermore, the overall length 72 of the valve 46 and
overall length 74 of the generally conical body portion 52 are
substantially less than the overall length 76 of the generally
cylindrical body portion 50. The acute angle 70 and overall lengths
72, 74 and 76 provide for the generally conical body 52 and the
valve 46 extending exclusively above the deformable body 30 for
defining a generally elongated cylindrical container 78.
[0229] FIGS. 35-39 illustrate the individual 16 positioned upon a
bicycle 20. By positioning the deformable body 30 in a generally
vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual 16 in a
generally horizontal position 56 during engagement between the
mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container 10, the individual
16 will more easily be able to completely empty the fluid 12 from
the fluid container 10. The generally vertical position 54 and
generally horizontal position 56 also alleviates the individual 16
from tilting the head 22 backwards in order to consume the fluid
12. The fact that the head 22 of the individual is retained within
a horizontal position provides both an improved aerodynamic
positioning of the head of the individual who is riding a bicycle
and permits the individual to retain a front visual view.
[0230] As seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 13 and 35-38, the exterior surface 36
of the deformable body 30 may include a first contoured recess 80
and a second contoured recess 82. Preferably, the first contoured
recess 80 and the second contoured recess layer 82 define an
opposing side orientation 84 for facilitating a conforming
engagement between the hand 22 of the individual 16 and the
deformable body 30.
[0231] The first contoured recess 80 and the second contoured
recess 82 may receive a first handling layer 90 and a second
handling layer 92 respectively. Similarly, the first handling layer
90 and the second handling layer 92 define an opposing side
orientation 84 for facilitating a frictional engaging between the
hand 22 of the individual 16 and the deformable body 30. As seen in
FIG. 38, the deformable body 30, the first handling layer 90 and
the second handling layer 62 deform upon the individual 16 applying
a compression force 94 to the first handling layer 90 and the
second handling layer 92 for altering the interior chamber 38
between a first volume 96 and a second volume 98.
[0232] The construction of the flexible body 30 may include a
polymeric material having a transparent or nontransparent property.
Preferably, the flexible body 30 is structured from transparent
polypropylene having a BPA free construction. The first handling
layer 90 and the second handling layer 92 may be over-molded to the
flexible body 30 and maybe constructed from a soft silicone.
[0233] As best seen in FIGS. 8, 9, 13, the input orifice 40 of the
deformable body 30 includes a male threading 100. The input closure
42 includes a cap 102 defining a cylindrical outer wall 104
extending from a closure wall 106. The cylindrical outer wall 104
includes a female threading 108 for threadably engaging the male
threading 100 of the input orifice 40. The closure wall 106 abuts
the input orifice 40 for sealing the input orifice 40. A cap o-ring
109 may be positioned between closure wall 106 and the input
orifice 40 for preventing linkage of the fluid 12. Preferably, the
cap 102 has a cap diameter 110 and the flexible body 30 has a body
diameter 112 that are equivalent. The equivalent diameters 110 and
112 permit the cap 102 to be easily rotated relative to the
flexible body 30 and to permit through cleaning of the interior
chamber 38. The closure wall 106 may further include a circular
groove 114 that will be discussed in more detail below.
[0234] The cap 102 may include a cylindrical inner wall 120
extending from the closure wall 106 for positioning within the
interior chamber 38. The cylindrical inner wall 120 includes a
second female threading 122.
[0235] A thermo core 130 has a core chamber 132 for retaining a
thermo fluid 134 and a second male threading 136 for threadably
engaging the second female threading 122 of the cylindrical inner
wall 120. The thermo core 130 is inserted into the interior chamber
38 upon the cap 102 being threadably engaged with the male
threading 100. The thermo fluid 134 may include an alcohol and
water gel 138 or other substance that may be inserted within the
thermo core 130. The thermo core 130 is capable of being threadably
removed from the cap 102 and placed within a cold environment for
reducing the temperature of the thermo fluid 134. Thereafter, the
thermo core 130 be threadably engaged within the cap 102 for
retaining the fluid 12 within the fluid container 10 cold.
[0236] As best seen in FIGS. 9-19, 30-32 and 36-39 the valve 46 may
include a port plug valve 150. The port plug valve has a valve body
152 shown in FIG. 14-16 rotatably engaging within a cylindrical
valve plug 154 shown in FIG. 13-15. The cylindrical valve plug 154
is inserted into the output orifice 44. The cylindrical valve plug
154 includes a plug groove 156 for receiving the output orifice 44.
A plug step 158 in positioned past the output orifice 44 for
preventing the cylindrical valve plug 154 from withdrawing from the
output end 34. The cylindrical valve plug 154 has a plug chamber
160 interposed between a plug input 162 and a one or more plug
passage(s) 164 traversing the cylindrical valve plug 154. The
cylindrical valve plug 154 further includes a plug shoulder 166, a
plurality of plug stops 168 and a plug cover 170.
[0237] The valve body 152 has an interior valve bore 180 traversing
from an input aperture 182 and an output aperture 184. The valve
body 152 includes one or more valve passage(s) 186 within the
interior valve bore 180. The valve body 152 further includes a stem
lip 188, a valve body shoulder 190, and a plurality of valve body
stops 192.
[0238] The interior valve bore 180 of the valve body 152 is
positioned around the cylindrical valve plug 154. The valve body
shoulder 190 of the valve body 152 is impressed over the plug
shoulder 166 of the cylindrical valve plug 154 for locking the
valve body 152 to the cylindrical valve plug 154. A valve O-ring
194 may be positioned between the plug shoulder 166 and the valve
body 152.
[0239] As seen in FIGS. 32, 33, 38 and 39, the valve body 152
rotates upon the cylindrical valve plug 154 for aligning the one or
more plug passage 164 with the one or more valve passage 186 to
permit the fluid 12 through the plug chamber 160 to one or more
plug passages 164, to one or more valve passage 186 of the port
plug valve 150 defining an open valve 200. As seen in FIGS. 29, 30,
36 and 37, the valve body 152 rotates upon the cylindrical valve
plug 154 for separating the one or more plug passage 164 with the
one or more valve passage 186 to terminate the fluid 12 through the
port plug valve 150 defining a closed valve 202. A first plug stop
168 contacts with a first valve body stop 192 for terminating
rotation of the valve body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve
plug 154 in the open position 200. A second plug stop 168 contacts
with a second valve body stop 192 for terminating rotation of the
valve body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 in the
closed position 202.
[0240] As shown in FIGS. 9-13 and 20-22, the valve 46 may further
include a flexible stem 210. The flexible stem 210 has a sphincter
valve 212 interposed between a valve body cavity 214 and a
discharge cavity 216. The flexible stem 210 further includes a
lower stem lip 218. The flexible stem 210 is secured to the valve
body 152 by having the valve body cavity 214 engaging over the
valve body 214. The lower stem lip 218 is inserted into the valve
body shoulder 190 for locking the flexible stem 210 to the valve
body 152. The valve body cavity 214 includes one or more stem
passage(s) 220 within the valve body cavity 214. The one or more
stem passage(s) 220 are aligned with the one or more valve
passage(s) 186 to permit the fluid 12 to traverse from the port
plug valve 150 to the valve body cavity 214.
[0241] The sphincter valve 212 normally maintains a constriction
222 as shown in FIGS. 8, 9, 22, 29, 36 and 37 to the fluid 12 being
discharged from the flexible stem 210 absent pressurization of the
fluid 12 within the deformable body 30. As such, even if the valve
body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 is the closed
position 202, the sphincter valve 212 will resist discharging the
any fluid 12 from the flexible stem 210. A compressive force 224 as
shown in FIGS. 10-12, 38 and 39, is applied to the deformable body
30 for pressurizing the fluid 212 and to overcome the constriction
222 of the sphincter valve 212 to permit discharge of the fluid 12
from the flexible stem 210.
[0242] As seen in FIGS. 10-12, the flexible stem 210 may be bent in
a plurality of directions for defining multiple general lines of
symmetry 230 including a first stem line of symmetry 232 shown in
FIG. 10 labeled "D", a second stem line of symmetry 234 shown in
FIG. 11 labeled "E" and a third stem line of symmetry 236 shown in
FIG. 12 labeled "F". The flexible stem 210 alters the angular
discharge "D", "E" and "F" and numerous other angles of the fluid
12 relative to the deformable body 30. More specifically, as shown
in FIGS. 36-38, the flexible stem 210 facilitates directing the
fluid 12 from the port plug valve 150 to the mouth 14 of the
individual 16 upon the deformable body 30 positioned in a generally
vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual 16 in a
generally horizontal position 56 during engaging between the mouth
14 and the valve 46.
[0243] The flexible stem 210 may be constructed from silicon or
other flexible materials. Preferably, the flexible stem 210 is
over-molded to the valve body 152 for further securing the flexible
stem 210 to the valve body 152. As such, as seen in FIG. 31 if the
hand 22 of the individual 16 grasps the flexible stem 210 and
applies a stem rotational force 240, the flexible stem 210 causes
the valve body 152 to rotate. In addition, as seen in FIGS. 36-38,
if the individual 16 utilizes the mouth 14 to compress against the
flexible stem 210 and the hand 22 of the individual 16 grasps the
deformable body 30 and applies a body rotational force 242 the
flexible stem 210 causes the valve body 152 to rotate.
[0244] As best seen in FIGS. 20-21 and 36-39, the flexible stem 210
may include a circular concave structure 250 for improving
engagement between the flexible stem 210 and the mouth 14 of the
individual 16. In addition, the circular concave structure 250
assists in preventing the flexible stem 210 from kinking upon
itself during bending in a plurality of directions for defining
multiple general lines of symmetry 230.
[0245] FIGS. 34, 35, 40-53 illustrate a cage 270 incorporating the
subject invention for engaging with the deformable body 30. The
cage 270 may be secured to an object 272. The object may include a
bicycle 20 but also may include movable and non-movable objects.
The cage 270 includes a concave plate 274 extending between a first
side 276, a second side 278, a bottom end 280 and a top end 282.
The first side 276 and the second side 278 define a first arcuate
arm 284 and a second arcuate arm 286 respectively. The bottom end
280 defines a mounting hook 288 and the top end 282 defines a
stabilizing hook 290. The concave plate 274 may include a plurality
of elongated grooves 292 for mounting the concave plate 274 in
multiple cage height selections 294, a multiple cage vertical
angles 296 and a multiple cage horizontal angles relative to the
object 272. More specifically, the concave plate 274 may be secured
to the object 272 by a mounting plate 300 having a top contour side
302 and a bottom contour side 304 for conforming to a bicycle frame
306. A frame fastener 308 traverses through the mounting plate 300
for securing the bottom contour side 304 to the bicycle frame 306.
A plate fastener 310 traversing one of the plurality of elongated
grooves 292 for coupling the cage 270 to the mounting plate
300.
[0246] FIGS. 46-53, illustrate the process in which the concave
plate 274 engages with the fluid container 10. An engaging force
312 is applied to the container 10 to cause the container to apply
a displace force 314 to the first arcuate arm 284 and the second
arcuate arm 286. Upon the container 10 fully abutting the concave
plate 274, the first arcuate arm 284 and the second arcuate arm 286
retract against the deformable body 30 due to a pre-tension force
316 within the retracts first arcuate arm 284 and the second
arcuate arm 286. The pre-tension force 316 applies a compressive
force 318 against the container 10 for resisting removal of the
container 10 from the cage 270. To further secure the container 10
to the cage 270, the mounting hook 288 engaging within the circular
groove 114 as shown in FIGS. 50 and 53 and the stabilizing hook 290
is compressed into the either the first handling layer 90 or the
second handling layer 92. FIGS. 51 and 51 demonstrate that the
container 10 may be inserted into the cage 270 in a plurality of
angled orientations 320 relative to the cage 270 and still be
securely coupled.
[0247] FIGS. 54-86 illustrate a second fluid container 350 for
retaining and dispensing a fluid 12 into the mouth 14 of an
individual 16. The fluid container 350 comprises a deformable body
30 extending from a bottom end 48 and a top end 49 and defining an
exterior surface 36 and an interior chamber 38. The bottom end 48
may include an input end 32 and the top end 49 may include an
output end 34. The input end 32 has an input orifice 40 for
positioning the fluid 12 within the interior chamber 38. An input
closure 42 engages the input orifice 40 for sealing the input
orifice 40. The output end 34 has an output orifice 44 for
positioning the fluid 12 exterior to the interior chamber 38. A
valve 46 engages the output orifice 44 for controlling the fluid 12
flowing through the output orifice 44. The deformable body 30
includes a generally cylindrical body portion 50 and a generally
conical body portion 52. The generally conical body portion 52
couples the valve 46 to the generally cylindrical body portion 50.
The generally conical body portion 52 directs the fluid 12 from the
interior chamber 38 to the valve 46 upon the deformable body 30
positioned in a generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of
the individual 16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during
engaging between the mouth 14 and the valve 46.
[0248] As best seen in FIGS. 62 and 36-38, the deformable body 30
defines a general axis of symmetry 60 labeled "A" that extends from
the input end 32 to the output end 34. The valve 46 defines a
general line of symmetry labeled "B". The general axis of symmetry
60 and the general line of symmetry 62 define a non-parallel
orientation 64 for positioning the deformable body 30 in a
generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual
16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engagement between
the mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container 10.
Furthermore, the generally conical body portion 52 defines a second
general axis of symmetry 66 labeled "C". The second general axis of
symmetry 66 and the general line of symmetry 62 define a generally
parallel orientation 68 for further positioning the deformable body
30 in a generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the
individual 16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engaging
between the mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container
10.
[0249] Both the general line of symmetry 62 and the second general
axis of symmetry 66 form an acute angle 70 with the general axis of
symmetry 60. Furthermore, the overall length 72 of the valve 46 and
overall length 74 of the generally conical body portion 52 are
substantially less than the overall length 76 of the generally
cylindrical body portion 50. The acute angle 70 and overall lengths
72, 74 and 76 provide for the generally conical body 52 and the
valve 46 extending exclusively above the deformable body 30 for
defining a generally elongated cylindrical container 78.
[0250] FIGS. 35-39 illustrate the individual 16 positioned upon a
bicycle 20. By positioning the deformable body 30 in a generally
vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual 16 in a
generally horizontal position 56 during engagement between the
mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container 10, the individual
16 will more easily be able to completely empty the fluid 12 from
the fluid container 10. The generally vertical position 54 and
generally horizontal position 56 also alleviates the individual 16
from tilting the head 22 backwards in order to consume the fluid
12. The fact that the head 22 of the individual is retained within
a horizontal position provides both an improved aerodynamic
positioning of the head of the individual who is riding a bicycle
and permits the individual to retain a front visual view.
[0251] As seen in FIGS. 61, 62 and 66, the exterior surface 36 of
the deformable body 30 may include a first contoured recess 80 and
a second contoured recess 82. Preferably, the first contoured
recess 80 and the second contoured recess layer 82 define an
opposing side orientation 84 for facilitating a conforming
engagement between the hand 22 of the individual 16 and the
deformable body 30.
[0252] The first contoured recess 80 and the second contoured
recess 82 may receive a first handling layer 90 and a second
handling layer 92 respectively. Similarly, the first handling layer
90 and the second handling layer 92 define an opposing side
orientation 84 for facilitating a frictional engaging between the
hand 22 of the individual 16 and the deformable body 30. As seen in
FIG. 38, the deformable body 30, the first handling layer 90 and
the second handling layer 62 deform upon the individual 16 applying
a compression force 94 to the first handling layer 90 and the
second handling layer 92 for altering the interior chamber 38
between a first volume 96 and a second volume 98.
[0253] The construction of the flexible body 30 may include a
polymeric material having a transparent or nontransparent property.
Preferably, the flexible body 30 is structured from transparent
polypropylene having a BPA free construction. The first handling
layer 90 and the second handling layer 92 may be over-molded to the
flexible body 30 and maybe constructed from a soft silicone.
[0254] As best seen in FIGS. 61, 62 and 66, the input orifice 40 of
the deformable body 30 includes a male threading 100. The input
closure 42 includes a cap 102 defining a cylindrical outer wall 104
extending from a closure wall 106. The cylindrical outer wall 104
includes a female threading 108 for threadably engaging the male
threading 100 of the input orifice 40. The closure wall 106 abuts
the input orifice 40 for sealing the input orifice 40. A cap o-ring
109 may be positioned between closure wall 106 and the input
orifice 40 for preventing linkage of the fluid 12. Preferably, the
cap 102 has a cap diameter 110 and the flexible body 30 has a body
diameter 112 that are equivalent. The equivalent diameters 110 and
112 permit the cap 102 to be easily rotated relative to the
flexible body 30 and to permit through cleaning of the interior
chamber 38. The closure wall 106 may further include a circular
groove 114 that will be discussed in more detail below.
[0255] The cap 102 may include a cylindrical inner wall 120
extending from the closure wall 106 for positioning within the
interior chamber 38. The cylindrical inner wall 120 includes a
second female threading 122.
[0256] A thermo core 130 has a core chamber 132 for retaining a
thermo fluid 134 and a second male threading 136 for threadably
engaging the second female threading 122 of the cylindrical inner
wall 120. The thermo core 130 is inserted into the interior chamber
38 upon the cap 102 being threadably engaged with the male
threading 100. The thermo fluid 134 may include an alcohol and
water gel 138 or other substance that may be inserted within the
thermo core 130. The thermo core 130 is capable of being threadably
removed from the cap 102 and placed within a cold environment for
reducing the temperature of the thermo fluid 134. Thereafter, the
thermo core 130 is threadably engaged within the cap 102 for
retaining the fluid 12 within the fluid container 10 cold.
[0257] As best seen in FIGS. 61-72, 76-86 and 36-39 the valve 46
may include a port plug valve 150. The port plug valve has a valve
body 152 shown in FIG. 67-69 rotatably engaging within a
cylindrical valve plug 154 shown in FIG. 70-72. The cylindrical
valve plug 154 is inserted into the output orifice 44.
[0258] As best seen in FIGS. 61 and 66, the top end 49 of the
second fluid container 350 includes a cylindrical neck 352 having
plurality of neck threads 354 and a neck plate 356 extending above
the cylindrical neck 352. The cylindrical valve plug 154 includes a
valve threaded bore 370 for threadably engaging the neck threads
354 and securing threaded surface a receiving the output orifice
44. A neck plate 356 abuts a circular sealing rib 372 of the
cylindrical valve plug 154 for preventing fluid from traversing
between the fluid container 10 and the cylindrical valve plug
154.
[0259] The cylindrical valve plug 154 has a plug chamber 160
interposed between a plug input 162 and a one or more plug
passage(s) 164 traversing the cylindrical valve plug 154. The
cylindrical valve plug 154 further includes a plug shoulder 166, a
plurality of plug stops 168 and a plug cover 170.
[0260] The valve body 152 has an interior valve bore 180 traversing
from an input aperture 182 and an output aperture 184. The valve
body 152 includes one or more valve passage(s) 186 within the
interior valve bore 180. The valve body 152 further includes a stem
lip 188, a valve body shoulder 190, and a plurality of valve body
stops 192.
[0261] The interior valve bore 180 of the valve body 152 is
positioned around the cylindrical valve plug 154. The valve body
shoulder 190 of the valve body 152 is impressed over the plug
shoulder 166 of the cylindrical valve plug 154 for locking the
valve body 152 to the cylindrical valve plug 154. A valve O-ring
194 may be positioned between the plug shoulder 166 and the valve
body 152.
[0262] As seen in FIGS. 83 and, 84, the valve body 152 rotates upon
the cylindrical valve plug 154 for aligning the one or more plug
passage 164 with the one or more valve passage 186 to permit the
fluid 12 through the plug chamber 160 to one or more plug passages
164, to one or more valve passage 186 of the port plug valve 150
defining an open valve 200. As seen in FIGS. 77 and 78, the valve
body 152 rotates upon the cylindrical valve plug 154 for
positioning a valve body closure wall 381 over the one or more plug
passage 164 to terminate the fluid 12 through the port plug valve
150 defining a closed valve 202. A first plug stop 168 contacts
with a first valve body stop 192 for terminating rotation of the
valve body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 in the
open position 200. A second plug stop 168 contacts with a second
valve body stop 192 for terminating rotation of the valve body 152
relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 in the closed position
202.
[0263] As shown in FIGS. 54-58, 79-82, the valve body 152 defines a
valve body exterior surface 380 including a plurality of first
alignment steps 382 and a plurality of first grasping steps 383.
Similarly, the cylindrical valve plug 154 defines a cylindrical
valve plug exterior surface 386 including a plurality of second
alignment steps 388 and a plurality of second grasping steps 389.
The plurality of first alignment steps 382 and the plurality of
second alignment steps 388 facilitating visually inspection whether
the port plug valve 150 is in an open position 200 as shown in
FIGS. 79-86 for permitting the fluid through the port plug valve
150 or a closed position 202 as shown in FIGS. 54-58 and 76-78 for
terminate the fluid through the port plug valve 150. The plurality
of first grasping steps 383 and the plurality of second grasping
steps 389 facilitate grasping of the valve body 152 and the
cylindrical valve plug 154 respectively for rotating said valve
body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154.
[0264] As best seen in FIGS. 61-66 and 73-77, a flexible nozzle 211
is coupled to the valve 46. The flexible nozzle 211 extends from a
nozzle input end 226 to a nozzle output end 228 and defines a
nozzle interior channel 227 and a nozzle interior wall 229. The
flexible nozzle 211 has a sphincter valve 212 coupled within the
nozzle interior channel 227 adjacent to the nozzle input end 226.
The flexible nozzle 211 further includes a lower stem lip 218. The
flexible nozzle 211 is secured to the valve body 152 by having the
valve body cavity 214 engaging over the valve body 214. The lower
stem lip 218 is inserted into the valve body shoulder 190 for
locking the flexible nozzle 211 to the valve body 152.
[0265] The sphincter valve 212 normally maintains a constriction
222 as shown in FIG. 85 to the fluid 12 being discharged from the
flexible nozzle 211 absent pressurization of the fluid 12 within
the deformable body 30. As such, even if the valve body 152
relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 is the open position
200, the sphincter valve 212 will resist discharging the any fluid
12 from the flexible stem 210. A compressive force 224 as shown in
FIGS. 63-65, 86, is applied to the deformable body 30 for
pressurizing the fluid 212 and to overcome the constriction 222 of
the sphincter valve 212 to permit discharge of the fluid 12 from
the flexible stem 210.
[0266] As seen in FIGS. 63-65, the flexible nozzle 211 may be bent
in a plurality of directions for defining multiple general lines of
symmetry 230 including a first stem line of symmetry 232 shown in
FIG. 63 labeled "D", a second stem line of symmetry 234 shown in
FIG. 64 labeled "E" and a third stem line of symmetry 236 shown in
FIG. 65 labeled "F". The flexible nozzle 211 alters the angular
discharge "D", "E" and "F" and numerous other angles of the fluid
12 relative to the deformable body 30. More specifically, as shown
in FIGS. 36-38 and 63-65, the flexible nozzle 211 facilitates
directing the fluid 12 from the port plug valve 150 to the mouth 14
of the individual 16 upon the deformable body 30 positioned in a
generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual
16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engaging between
the mouth 14 and the valve 46.
[0267] The flexible nozzle 211 may be constructed from silicon or
other flexible materials. Preferably, the flexible nozzle 211 is
over-molded to the valve body 152 for further securing the flexible
nozzle 211 to the valve body 152. As such, as seen in FIGS. 79 and
82 if the hand 22 of the individual 16 grasps the flexible nozzle
211 and applies a nozzle rotational force 240, the flexible nozzle
211 causes the valve body 152 to rotate. In addition, as seen in
FIGS. 36-38 and 63-65, if the individual 16 utilizes the mouth 14
to compress against the flexible nozzle 211 and the hand 22 of the
individual 16 grasps the deformable body 30 and applies a body
rotational force 242 the flexible nozzle 211 causes the valve body
152 to rotate.
[0268] As best seen in FIGS. 73-74 and 36-39, the flexible nozzle
211 may include a circular concave structure 250 for improving
engagement between the flexible nozzle 211 and the mouth 14 of the
individual 16. In addition, the circular concave structure 250
assists in preventing the flexible nozzle 211 from kinking upon
itself during bending in a plurality of directions for defining
multiple general lines of symmetry 230.
[0269] FIGS. 34, 35, 40-53 illustrate a cage 270 incorporating the
subject invention for engaging with the second fluid container 350.
The cage 270 may be secured to an object 272. The object may
include a bicycle 20 but also may include movable and non-movable
objects. The cage 270 includes a concave plate 274 extending
between a first side 276, a second side 278, a bottom end 280 and a
top end 282. The first side 276 and the second side 278 define a
first arcuate arm 284 and a second arcuate arm 286 respectively.
The bottom end 280 defines a mounting hook 288 and the top end 282
defines a stabilizing hook 290. The concave plate 274 may include a
plurality of elongated grooves 292 for mounting the concave plate
274 in multiple cage height selections 294, a multiple cage
vertical angles 296 and a multiple cage horizontal angles relative
to the object 272. More specifically, the concave plate 274 may be
secured to the object 272 by a mounting plate 300 having a top
contour side 302 and a bottom contour side 304 for conforming to a
bicycle frame 306. A frame fastener 308 traverses through the
mounting plate 300 for securing the bottom contour side 304 to the
bicycle frame 306. A plate fastener 310 traversing one of the
plurality of elongated grooves 292 for coupling the cage 270 to the
mounting plate 300.
[0270] FIGS. 46-53, illustrate the process in which the concave
plate 274 engages with the fluid container 10. An engaging force
312 is applied to the container 10 to cause the container to apply
a displace force 314 to the first arcuate arm 284 and the second
arcuate arm 286. Upon the container 10 fully abutting the concave
plate 274, the first arcuate arm 284 and the second arcuate arm 286
retract against the deformable body 30 due to a pre-tension force
316 within the retracts first arcuate arm 284 and the second
arcuate arm 286. The pre-tension force 316 applies a compressive
force 318 against the container 10 for resisting removal of the
container 10 from the cage 270. To further secure the container 10
to the cage 270, the mounting hook 288 engaging within the circular
groove 114 as shown in FIGS. 50 and 53 and the stabilizing hook 290
is compressed into the either the first handling layer 90 or the
second handling layer 92. FIGS. 51 and 51 demonstrate that the
container 10 may be inserted into the cage 270 in a plurality of
angled orientations 320 relative to the cage 270 and still be
securely coupled.
[0271] FIGS. 87-122 illustrate a third fluid container 390 for
retaining and dispensing a fluid 12 into the mouth 14 of an
individual 16. The fluid container 390 comprises a deformable body
30 extending from a bottom end 48 and a top end 49 and defining an
exterior surface 36 and an interior chamber 38. The bottom end 48
may include an input end 32 and the top end 49 may include an
output end 34. The input end 32 has an input orifice 40 for
positioning the fluid 12 within the interior chamber 38. An input
closure 42 engages the input orifice 40 for sealing the input
orifice 40. The output end 34 has an output orifice 44 for
positioning the fluid 12 exterior to the interior chamber 38. A
valve 46 engages the output orifice 44 for controlling the fluid 12
flowing through the output orifice 44. The deformable body 30
includes a generally cylindrical body portion 50 and a generally
conical body portion 52. The generally conical body portion 52
couples the valve 46 to the generally cylindrical body portion 50.
The generally conical body portion 52 directs the fluid 12 from the
interior chamber 38 to the valve 46 upon the deformable body 30
positioned in a generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of
the individual 16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during
engaging between the mouth 14 and the valve 46.
[0272] As best seen in FIGS. 94 and 36-38, the deformable body 30
defines a general axis of symmetry 60 labeled "A" that extends from
the input end 32 to the output end 34. The valve 46 defines a
general line of symmetry labeled "B". The general axis of symmetry
60 and the general line of symmetry 62 define a parallel
orientation 392 for positioning the deformable body 30 in a
generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual
16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engagement between
the mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container 10.
Furthermore, the generally conical body portion 52 defines a second
general axis of symmetry 66 labeled "C". The second general axis of
symmetry 66 and the general line of symmetry 62 define a generally
parallel orientation 68 for further positioning the deformable body
30 in a generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the
individual 16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engaging
between the mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container
10.
[0273] Since both the general line of symmetry 62 and the second
general axis of symmetry 66 are generally parallel orientation 68
with the general axis of symmetry 60, the generally conical body 52
and the valve 46 extending exclusively above the deformable body 30
for defining a generally elongated cylindrical container 78.
[0274] FIGS. 35-39 illustrate the individual 16 positioned upon a
bicycle 20. By positioning the deformable body 30 in a generally
vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual 16 in a
generally horizontal position 56 during engagement between the
mouth 14 and the valve 46 of the fluid container 10, the individual
16 will more easily be able to completely empty the fluid 12 from
the fluid container 10. The generally vertical position 54 and
generally horizontal position 56 also alleviates the individual 16
from tilting the head 22 backwards in order to consume the fluid
12. The fact that the head 22 of the individual is retained within
a horizontal position provides both an improved aerodynamic
positioning of the head of the individual who is riding a bicycle
and permits the individual to retain a front visual view.
[0275] As seen in FIGS. 94, 98 and 114, the exterior surface 36 of
the deformable body 30 may include a first contoured recess 80 and
a second contoured recess 82. Preferably, the first contoured
recess 80 and the second contoured recess layer 82 define an
opposing side orientation 84 for facilitating a conforming
engagement between the hand 22 of the individual 16 and the
deformable body 30.
[0276] The first contoured recess 80 and the second contoured
recess 82 may receive a first handling layer 90 and a second
handling layer 92 respectively. Similarly, the first handling layer
90 and the second handling layer 92 define an opposing side
orientation 84 for facilitating a frictional engaging between the
hand 22 of the individual 16 and the deformable body 30. As seen in
FIG. 38, the deformable body 30, the first handling layer 90 and
the second handling layer 62 deform upon the individual 16 applying
a compression force 94 to the first handling layer 90 and the
second handling layer 92 for altering the interior chamber 38
between a first volume 96 and a second volume 98.
[0277] As seen in FIGS. 87, 89, 90, 91 and 94, the deformable body
30 defines a generally hourglass shape 58 extending from the bottom
end 48 to the top end 49 for preventing the deformable body 30 from
slipping out of a hand of an individual. The construction of the
flexible body 30 may include a polymeric material having a
transparent or nontransparent property. Preferably, the flexible
body 30 is structured from transparent polypropylene having a BPA
free construction. The first handling layer 90 and the second
handling layer 92 may be over-molded to the flexible body 30 and
maybe constructed from a soft silicone.
[0278] As best seen in FIGS. 94, 98, the input orifice 40 of the
deformable body 30 includes a male threading 100. The input closure
42 includes a cap 102 defining a cylindrical outer wall 104
extending from a closure wall 106. The cylindrical outer wall 104
includes a female threading 108 for threadably engaging the male
threading 100 of the input orifice 40. The closure wall 106 abuts
the input orifice 40 for sealing the input orifice 40.
[0279] The input orifice 40 includes a lower container taper seal
464. The cylindrical outer wall 104 includes a cap taper seal 466
for abutting the lower container taper seal 464 upon full
engagement between the cap 102 and the male threading 100. The
lower container taper seal 464 and cap taper seal 466 seal the cap
102 with the input orifice 40 for preventing fluid from linking
from the deformable body 30.
[0280] Preferably, the cap 102 has a cap diameter 110 and the
flexible body 30 has a body diameter 112 that are equivalent. The
equivalent diameters 110 and 112 permit the cap 102 to be easily
rotated relative to the flexible body 30 and to permit through
cleaning of the interior chamber 38. The closure wall 106 may
further include a circular groove 114 that will be discussed in
more detail below.
[0281] The cap 102 may include a cylindrical inner wall 120
extending from the closure wall 106 for positioning within the
interior chamber 38. The cylindrical inner wall 120 includes a
second female threading 122.
[0282] A thermo core 130 has a core chamber 132 for retaining a
thermo fluid 134 and a second male threading 136 for threadably
engaging the second female threading 122 of the cylindrical inner
wall 120. The thermo core 130 is inserted into the interior chamber
38 upon the cap 102 being threadably engaged with the male
threading 100. The thermo fluid 134 may include an alcohol and
water gel 138 or other substance that may be inserted within the
thermo core 130. The thermo core 130 is capable of being threadably
removed from the cap 102 and placed within a cold environment for
reducing the temperature of the thermo fluid 134. Thereafter, the
thermo core 130 is threadably engaged within the cap 102 for
retaining the fluid 12 within the fluid container 10 cold.
[0283] The second male threading 136 of the thermo core 130 has a
concave cap 460 for sealing said thermo fluid 134 within said core
chamber 132 and is positioned within the cylindrical inner wall 120
upon the male threading 136 of said thermo core 130 threadably
engaging the female threading 122 of said cylindrical inner wall
120. The length of the second male threading 136 is less than the
length of the second female threading 122 of the cylindrical inner
wall 120 for the closure wall 106 and the concave cap 460 to define
an expansion area 462 there between for receiving the concave cap
460 that has deformed.
[0284] As best seen in FIGS. 94-104, 111-120 and 36-39 the valve 46
may include a port plug valve 150. The port plug valve has a valve
body 152 shown in FIG. 99-101 rotatably engaging within a
cylindrical valve plug 154 shown in FIG. 102-104. The cylindrical
valve plug 154 is inserted into the output orifice 44.
[0285] As best seen in FIGS. 94-97 and 98, the top end 49 of the
third fluid container 390 includes a cylindrical neck 352 having
plurality of neck threads 354 and a neck plate 356 extending within
the cylindrical neck 352. The cylindrical valve plug 154 includes a
valve threaded bore 370 for threadably engaging the neck threads
354 and securing threaded surface a receiving the output orifice
44. A neck plate 356 abuts a circular sealing rib 372 of the
cylindrical valve plug 154 for preventing fluid from traversing
between the fluid container 10 and the cylindrical valve plug
154.
[0286] The cylindrical valve plug 154 has a plug chamber 160
interposed between a plug input 162 and a one or more plug
passage(s) 164 traversing the cylindrical valve plug 154. The
cylindrical valve plug 154 further includes a plug shoulder 166, a
plurality of plug stops 168 and a plug cover 170.
[0287] The valve body 152 has an interior valve bore 180 traversing
from an input aperture 182 and an output aperture 184. The valve
body 152 includes one or more valve passage(s) 186 within the
interior valve bore 180. The valve body 152 further includes a stem
lip 188, a valve body shoulder 190, and a plurality of valve body
stops 192.
[0288] The interior valve bore 180 of the valve body 152 is
positioned around the cylindrical valve plug 154. The valve body
shoulder 190 of the valve body 152 is impressed over the plug
shoulder 166 of the cylindrical valve plug 154 for locking the
valve body 152 to the cylindrical valve plug 154. A valve O-ring
194 may be positioned between the plug shoulder 166 and the valve
body 152.
[0289] As seen in FIGS. 111-113, the valve body 152 rotates upon
the cylindrical valve plug 154 for aligning the one or more plug
passage 164 with the one or more valve passage 186 to permit the
fluid 12 through the plug chamber 160 to one or more plug passages
164, to one or more valve passage 186 of the port plug valve 150
defining an open valve 200. As seen in FIGS. 116-118, the valve
body 152 rotates upon the cylindrical valve plug 154 for
positioning a valve body closure wall 381 over the one or more plug
passage 164 to terminate the fluid 12 through the port plug valve
150 defining a closed valve 202. A first plug stop 168 contacts
with a first valve body stop 192 for terminating rotation of the
valve body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 in the
open position 200. A second plug stop 168 contacts with a second
valve body stop 192 for terminating rotation of the valve body 152
relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154 in the closed position
202.
[0290] As shown in FIGS. 87-99, and 102, the valve body 152 defines
a valve body exterior surface 380 including a plurality of first
alignment steps 382 and a plurality of first grasping steps 383.
Similarly, the cylindrical valve plug 154 defines a cylindrical
valve plug exterior surface 386 including a plurality of second
alignment steps 388 and a plurality of second grasping steps 389.
The plurality of first alignment steps 382 and the plurality of
second alignment steps 388 facilitating visually inspection whether
the port plug valve 150 is in an open position 200 as shown in
FIGS. 111-113 for permitting the fluid through the port plug valve
150 or a closed position 202 as shown in FIGS. 116-118 for
terminate the fluid through the port plug valve 150. The plurality
of first grasping steps 383 and the plurality of second grasping
steps 389 facilitate grasping of the valve body 152 and the
cylindrical valve plug 154 respectively for rotating said valve
body 152 relative to the cylindrical valve plug 154.
[0291] As best seen in FIGS. 87-91, 94-97, 105-107 and 119-122, a
flexible nozzle 211 is coupled to the valve 46. The flexible nozzle
211 extends from a nozzle input end 226 to a nozzle output end 228
and defines a nozzle interior channel 227 and a nozzle interior
wall 229. The flexible nozzle 211 further includes a lower stem lip
218. The flexible nozzle 211 is secured to the valve body 152 by
having the valve body cavity 214 engaging over the valve body 214.
The lower stem lip 218 is inserted into the valve body shoulder 190
for locking the flexible nozzle 211 to the valve body 152.
[0292] The flexible nozzle 211 has a circular taper structure 400
for propelling the fluid in a jet flow upon the fluid exiting the
flexible nozzle 211. The exterior of the flexible nozzle 211 may
further include a circular groove 402 for grasping and supporting
the flexible nozzle 211 with the teeth of the individual as shown
in FIG. 122. The interior channel 406 of said flexible nozzle 211
includes a taper channel structure 408 for further propelling the
fluid in a jet flow upon the fluid exiting a jet aperture 414 of
the flexible nozzle 211. The interior channel wall may further
include a plurality of conical channels 410 creating a vortex flow
of the fluid within the interior channel 406 and increasing the jet
flow upon the fluid exiting the flexible nozzle 211. The flexible
nozzle 211 may be constructed from a transparent polymeric material
412 for indicating the cleanliness of said flexible nozzle 211. In
addition, the circular taper structure 400 assists in preventing
the flexible nozzle 211 from kinking upon itself during bending in
a plurality of directions for defining multiple general lines of
symmetry 230.
[0293] As best shown in FIGS. 94-98, 108-110, 112, 117, 119 and
120, a sphincter valve 432 and gasket 434 are constructed from an
integral one-piece unit 430. The sphincter valve 432 includes a
sphincter cylindrical body 436 for defining a sphincter chamber
438. The gasket 434 includes a basket bore 440 for defining a
gasket chamber 442. The integral one-piece unit 430 is positioned
between the valve 46 and the cylindrical neck 352. The gasket 434
is compressed between the neck plate 356 circular sealing rib 372
of the cylindrical valve plug 154 for preventing fluid from
traversing between the fluid container 10 and the cylindrical valve
plug 154 and retaining the sphincter valve 432 between said top end
of said deformable body and said valve. The sphincter valve 432
maintains a constriction 222 as shown in FIG. 119 to the fluid
being discharged from the deformable body 30 and into the valve 46
absent pressurization of the fluid within the deformable body 30.
As such, even if the valve body 152 relative to the cylindrical
valve plug 154 is the open position 200, the sphincter valve 432
will resist discharging the any fluid 12 from the flexible nozzle
211. A compressive force applied to the deformable body 30
pressurizes the fluid and overcomes the constriction of the
sphincter valve 432 to permit discharge of the fluid from the
deformable body 30 and into the valve 46. Thereafter, the valve 46
controls the fluid flowing through the flexible nozzle 211.
[0294] As seen in FIGS. 95-97, the flexible nozzle 211 may be bent
in a plurality of directions for defining multiple general lines of
symmetry 230 including a first stem line of symmetry 232 shown in
FIG. 95 labeled "D", a second stem line of symmetry 234 shown in
FIG. 96 labeled "E" and a third stem line of symmetry 236 shown in
FIG. 97 labeled "F". The flexible nozzle 211 alters the angular
discharge "D", "E" and "F" and numerous other angles of the fluid
12 relative to the deformable body 30. More specifically, as shown
in FIGS. 36-38, 63-65 and 121, the flexible nozzle 211 facilitates
directing the fluid 12 from the port plug valve 150 to the mouth 14
of the individual 16 upon the deformable body 30 positioned in a
generally vertical position 54 and the mouth 14 of the individual
16 in a generally horizontal position 56 during engaging between
the mouth 14 and the valve 46.
[0295] The flexible nozzle 211 may be constructed from silicon or
other flexible materials. Preferably, the flexible nozzle 211 is
over-molded to the valve body 152 for further securing the flexible
nozzle 211 to the valve body 152. As such, as seen in FIGS. 114 and
166 if the hand 22 of the individual 16 grasps the flexible nozzle
211 and applies a nozzle rotational force 240, the flexible nozzle
211 causes the valve body 152 to rotate. In addition, as seen in
FIGS. 36-38 and 63-65, if the individual 16 utilizes the mouth 14
to compress against the flexible nozzle 211 and the hand 22 of the
individual 16 grasps the deformable body 30 and applies a body
rotational force 242 the flexible nozzle 211 causes the valve body
152 to rotate.
[0296] FIGS. 34, 35, 40-53 illustrate a cage 270 incorporating the
subject invention for engaging with the third fluid container 390.
The cage 270 may be secured to an object 272. The object may
include a bicycle 20 but also may include movable and non-movable
objects. The cage 270 includes a concave plate 274 extending
between a first side 276, a second side 278, a bottom end 280 and a
top end 282. The first side 276 and the second side 278 define a
first arcuate arm 284 and a second arcuate arm 286 respectively.
The bottom end 280 defines a mounting hook 288 and the top end 282
defines a stabilizing hook 290. The concave plate 274 may include a
plurality of elongated grooves 292 for mounting the concave plate
274 in multiple cage height selections 294, a multiple cage
vertical angles 296 and a multiple cage horizontal angles relative
to the object 272. More specifically, the concave plate 274 may be
secured to the object 272 by a mounting plate 300 having a top
contour side 302 and a bottom contour side 304 for conforming to a
bicycle frame 306. A frame fastener 308 traverses through the
mounting plate 300 for securing the bottom contour side 304 to the
bicycle frame 306. A plate fastener 310 traversing one of the
plurality of elongated grooves 292 for coupling the cage 270 to the
mounting plate 300.
[0297] FIGS. 46-53, illustrate the process in which the concave
plate 274 engages with the fluid container 10. An engaging force
312 is applied to the container 10 to cause the container to apply
a displace force 314 to the first arcuate arm 284 and the second
arcuate arm 286. Upon the container 10 fully abutting the concave
plate 274, the first arcuate arm 284 and the second arcuate arm 286
retract against the deformable body 30 due to a pre-tension force
316 within the retracts first arcuate arm 284 and the second
arcuate arm 286. The pre-tension force 316 applies a compressive
force 318 against the container 10 for resisting removal of the
container 10 from the cage 270. To further secure the container 10
to the cage 270, the mounting hook 288 engaging within the circular
groove 114 as shown in FIGS. 50 and 53 and the stabilizing hook 290
is compressed into the either the first handling layer 90 or the
second handling layer 92. FIGS. 51 and 51 demonstrate that the
container 10 may be inserted into the cage 270 in a plurality of
angled orientations 320 relative to the cage 270 and still be
securely coupled.
[0298] The present disclosure includes that contained in the
appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description.
Although this invention has been described in its preferred form
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way
of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction
and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *