U.S. patent application number 15/685534 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for bottle closure.
The applicant listed for this patent is O2COOL, LLC. Invention is credited to Oliver Breit, Leonard Scott Huff, Eric F. Junkel, Lars Junker, Michael Ksiazek.
Application Number | 20190062006 15/685534 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65436713 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190062006 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Breit; Oliver ; et
al. |
February 28, 2019 |
Bottle Closure
Abstract
A bottle closure includes a base and top portion. The base
portion is attachable to a bottle. The base portion has a first
passageway extending therethrough configured to communicate with a
bottle interior. The top portion is releasably connectable with the
base portion. The top portion is movable relative to the base
portion between open and closed positions. When open, the top
portion is spaced from the base portion to provide access to the
base portion first passageway. When closed, the top portion is in
register with the base portion and covers the base portion first
passageway. The top portion further has a second passageway
extending therethrough and a drink spout in the second passageway.
The drink spout has a portion configured for movement in the second
passageway between open and closed positions. The open position
allows fluid communication through the second passageway and the
closed prevents it.
Inventors: |
Breit; Oliver; (Midvale
Village, HK) ; Junker; Lars; (Tai Kok Tsui, HK)
; Ksiazek; Michael; (Burr Ridge, IL) ; Huff;
Leonard Scott; (Maryville, TN) ; Junkel; Eric F.;
(Mount Prospect, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
O2COOL, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65436713 |
Appl. No.: |
15/685534 |
Filed: |
August 24, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2543/00555
20130101; B65D 2543/00537 20130101; B65D 43/0233 20130101; B65D
11/04 20130101; B65D 2543/00509 20130101; B65D 83/00 20130101; B65D
41/0435 20130101; B65D 25/32 20130101; B65D 2543/00898 20130101;
B65D 2543/00842 20130101; B65D 2543/00277 20130101; B65D 51/00
20130101; B65D 2543/00092 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04; B65D 8/00 20060101 B65D008/00 |
Claims
1. A bottle closure for releasable attachment to a bottle, the
bottle closure comprising: a base portion releasably attachable to
a bottle finish of a bottle, the base portion having a first
passageway extending therethrough and adapted and configured to
communicate with an interior of a bottle when the bottle closure is
releasably attached to the bottle; and a top portion being
releasably connectable with the base portion in a manner such that
the top portion is pivotable relative to the base portion between
an open position wherein the top portion is spaced from the base
portion in a manner to provide access to the base portion first
passageway and a closed position wherein the top portion is in
register with the base portion and covers the base portion first
passageway, the top portion further having a second passageway
extending therethrough, the top portion further having a drink
spout in the second passageway, the drink spout having a portion
movable in the second passageway between an open position allowing
fluid communication through the second passageway and a closed
position preventing fluid communication through the second
passageway.
2. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising a cylindrical intake at least partially defining the
second passageway, the cylindrical intake having a first axial end
and a second axial end opposite the first axial end, the second
axial end being open, the first axial end being adapted and
configured to cooperate with movement of the drink spout to form a
seal when the drink spout is moved to the closed position, the
cylindrical intake having an opening for fluid communication
between the first passageway and the second passageway when the
drink spout is moved to the open position.
3. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 2 wherein the
cylindrical intake opening comprises at least one opening on a
radial wall, the at least one radial wall opening being covered by
the drink spout when the drink spout is in the closed position, the
at least one radial wall opening being uncovered by the drink spout
when the drink spout in the open position.
4. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 2 further comprising
a one way valve positioned within the second passageway and
downstream of the first axial end of the cylindrical intake.
5. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 1, the base portion
further having a lip portion extending radially outward from the
base portion, and the top portion further including a latch adapted
and configured to releasably engage with the lip portion of the
base portion in releasably connecting the top portion with the base
portion.
6. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 1, further
comprising a hinge connection releasably connecting the top portion
with the base portion.
7. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 6 further comprising
a biasing element adapted and configured to bias the top portion
away from the base portion about the hinge connection.
8. The bottle closure in accordance with claim 6, further
comprising a latch opposite the hinge connection.
9. (canceled)
10. A container comprising: a bottle having a bottle finish and a
hollow interior; and a bottle closure comprising: a base portion
releasably attaching to the bottle finish, the base portion having
a first passageway extending therethrough and communicating with
the bottle interior; and a top portion being releasably connectable
with the base portion in a manner such that the top portion is
pivotable relative to the base portion between an open position
wherein the top portion is spaced from the base portion in a manner
to provide access to the base portion first passageway and a closed
position wherein the top portion is in register with the base
portion and covers the base portion first passageway, the top
portion further having a second passageway extending therethrough,
the top portion further having a drink spout in the second
passageway, the drink spout having a portion movable in the second
passageway between an open position allowing fluid communication
through the second passageway and a closed position preventing
fluid communication through the second passageway.
11. The container in accordance with claim 10, further comprising a
cylindrical intake at least partially defining the second
passageway, the cylindrical intake having a first axial end and a
second axial end opposite the first axial end, the second axial end
being open, the first axial end being adapted and configured to
cooperate with movement of the drink spout to form a seal when the
drink spout is moved to the closed position, the cylindrical intake
having an opening for fluid communication between the first
passageway and the second passageway when the drink spout is moved
to the open position.
12. The container in accordance with claim 11 wherein the
cylindrical intake opening comprises at least one opening on a
radial wall, the at least one radial wall opening being covered by
the drink spout when the drink spout is in the closed position, the
at least one radial wall opening being uncovered by the drink spout
when the drink spout in the open position.
13. The container in accordance with claim 11 further comprising a
one way valve positioned within the second passageway and
downstream of the first axial end of the cylindrical intake.
14. The container in accordance with claim 10, the base portion
further having a lip portion extending radially outward from the
base portion, and the top portion further including a latch adapted
and configured to releasably engage with the lip portion of the
base portion in releasably connecting the top portion with the base
portion.
15. The container in accordance with claim 10 further comprising a
hinge connection releasably connecting the top portion with the
base portion.
16. The container in accordance with claim 15 further comprising a
biasing element adapted and configured to bias the top portion away
from the base portion about the hinge connection.
17. The container in accordance with claim 15, further comprising a
latch opposite the hinge connection.
18. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not applicable.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable.
APPENDIX
[0003] Not Applicable.
BACKGROUND
Field of the disclosure
[0004] The present disclosure pertains to a bottle closure for a
liquid container, and more particularly, to a two part bottle
closure providing for selection of one of multiple discharge
openings.
General Background
[0005] Typical bottle closures provide a single type of opening
through which to discharge a liquid. For example, a typical bottle
closure may include a single poppet style drink spout. If a user
desires to discharge a large volume of liquid, this is impeded by
the limited cross section of the poppet style drink spout. If
possible, a user can remove the bottle closure and may be able to
access a larger opening, but this results in the bottle being
separate from the bottle closure. The two parts are clumsy to use.
For example, the user may have to set down the bottle closure on
the ground or another surface which may not be clean in order to
use the bottle, for example, to pour a liquid into a glass or the
like. Further, a user may be more likely to misplace either the
bottle closure or the bottle when the two are separated. There is a
need for a bottle closure that allows for the selection of one of
multiple discharge openings for different uses.
SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more
of the problems set forth above. One aspect of the present
disclosure is a bottle closure for releasable attachment to a
bottle. The bottle closure includes a base portion and a top
portion. The base portion is adapted and configured to releasably
attach to a bottle. The base portion has a first passageway
extending therethrough and is adapted and configured to communicate
with an interior of a bottle. The top portion is releasably
connectable with the base portion such that the top portion is
movable relative to the base portion between an open position and a
closed position. In the open position, the top portion is spaced
from the base portion in a manner to provide access to the base
portion first passageway. In the closed position, the top portion
is in register with the base portion and covers the base portion
first passageway. The top portion further has a second passageway
extending therethrough. The top portion further has a drink spout
in the second passageway. The drink spout has a portion adapted and
configured for movement in the second passageway between an open
position and a closed position. The open position allows fluid
communication through the second passageway. The closed position
prevents fluid communication through the second passageway.
[0007] A further aspect of the present disclosure is a container
including a bottle having a bottle finish and a bottle closure
adapted and configured to be releasably secured to the bottle by
the bottle finish. The bottle closure includes a base portion and a
top portion. The base portion is adapted and configured to
releasably attach to a bottle. The base portion has a first
passageway extending therethrough and is adapted and configured to
communicate with an interior of a bottle. The top portion is
releasably connectable with the base portion such that the top
portion is movable relative to the base portion between an open
position and a closed position. In the open position, the top
portion is spaced from the base portion in a manner to provide
access to the base portion first passageway. In the closed
position, the top portion is in register with the base portion and
covers the base portion first passageway. The top portion further
has a second passageway extending therethrough. The top portion
further has a drink spout in the second passageway. The drink spout
has a portion adapted and configured for movement in the second
passageway between an open position and a closed position. The open
position allows fluid communication through the second passageway.
The closed position prevents fluid communication through the second
passageway.
[0008] Further features and advantages, as well as the structure
and operation of various embodiments disclosed herein, are
described in detail below with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments of the
present disclosure and together with the description, serve to
explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the
drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an exploded
view of a container including a bottle closure having a drink spout
and an accessible port, and including a bottle.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. 1 with
the bottle closure attached to the bottle and a cap of a drink
spout of the bottle closure removed.
[0012] FIG. 3 is perspective view of the container of FIG. 2 with a
top portion of the bottle closure in an open configuration.
[0013] FIG. 4A is a cross section, along line 4A-4A, of the
container of FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of detail area 4B of FIG.
4A.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a container with the bottle
closure coupled to a bottle.
[0016] FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the container shown
in FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is a left side view of the container shown in FIG.
5.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a right side view of the container shown in FIG.
5.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a front view of the container shown in FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a rear view of the container shown in FIG. 5.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a top view of the container shown in FIG. 5.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the container shown in FIG.
5.
[0023] Reference numerals in the written specification and in the
drawings figures indicate corresponding items.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 1-12, a container 15
includes a bottle closure 20 adapted and configured to releasably
attach to a bottle 22 to allow a user access to a hollow interior
of the bottle, for instance, for cleaning the hollow interior of
the bottle or filling the bottle with a liquid. The bottle closure
20 includes a base portion 24 and a top portion 26. The base
portion 24 and top portion 26 may be generally cylindrical to match
the bottle exterior shape for an aesthetically pleasing outward
appearance with a smooth transition to the bottle 22, for instance
as shown in the drawings. In alternative embodiments, the base
portion 24 of the bottle closure 20 may have other shapes or
configurations. For example, and without limitation, the base
portion 24 may be substantially an ovoid cylinder, square prism, or
other shape. In some alternative embodiments, the top portion 26 of
the bottle closure 20 has other shapes or configurations. For
example, and without limitation, the top portion 26 may be
substantially an ovoid cylinder, square prism, or other shape. The
top portion 26 may have a substantially different shape than that
of the base portion 24.
[0025] The base portion 24 may be adapted and configured to
releasably attach to the bottle 22. The base portion 24 may include
a plurality of threads 34 configured to engage with the bottle. In
alternative embodiments, the base 24 may be adapted and configured
to engage with a lip or other feature of the bottle 22. In further
alternative embodiments, the base portion 24 may be permanently
affixed to the bottle 22.
[0026] The bottle closure base portion 24 may be releasably
connected to the bottle closure top portion 26. The base portion 24
may including a first hinge portion 28 and the top portion 26 may
be provided with a second hinge portion 30 configured to be coupled
to the first hinge portion by a shaft 32. In alternative
embodiments, the releasably adjustable connection may include one
or more of: a tether, a latch, a twist lock and a releasable
interference fit between the top portion 26 and the base portion
24. The twist lock is adapted and configured to couple the top
portion 26 to the base portion 24 when the top portion 26 is
rotated in a first direction, and the twist lock is adapted and
configured to release the top portion 26 from the base portion 24
when the top portion is rotated in a second direction opposite to
the first direction. For example, and without limitation, the twist
lock includes a flange on the base portion 24 and a second flange
on the top portion 26 that cooperate as described. In the case of
the interference fit, the top portion 26 and the base portion 24
are dimensioned such that the top portion 26 fits around at least a
portion of the base portion 24 and remains coupled to the base
portion 24. A user can remove the top portion 26 from the base
portion 24 by applying a sufficient force and can couple the top
portion 26 to the base portion 24 by applying an opposite force.
The top and bottom portions of the bottom closure may also be
releasably connectable to each other with a bayonet fitting, a
system of arcuate tabs and slots or latches.
[0027] The base portion 24 may have a first end 38 and a second end
40 axially opposite the first end. The first end 38 may include the
plurality of threads, and the second end may include a lip 42. The
lip 42 may be intermediate of the first end 38 and the second end
40. The lip 42 may be adapted and configured to engage with one or
more portions or features of the top portion 26 to form a seal with
the base portion 24. The base portion 24 may be tapered from the
first end 38 as it extends axially towards the second end 40 such
that the base portion has a first radius at the first end 38 and a
second smaller radius at the second end 40. A first passageway 44
extends through the base portion 24 from the first end 38 to the
second end 40. The base portion 24 further includes a large opening
46 which may be disposed adjacent the lip 42 on the second end 40.
The large opening and the first passageway 44 may be adapted and
configured to be in fluid communication with the hollow interior of
the bottle 22 when the closure is releasably attached to the
bottle. The first passageway 44 provides a user with access to
fluid within the bottle 22. For example, and without limitation, a
user may release the top portion 26 from the base portion 24 to
access the first passageway 44 to drink or pour a liquid from the
bottle 22. For example, and without limitation, a user can pivot
the top portion 26 away from the base portion to access liquid from
the bottle 22 directly through the first passageway 44, for
example, by pouring a liquid from the relatively large opening 46
of the base portion 24 which in the drawings terminates at the lip
42.
[0028] The top portion 26 of bottle closure 20 includes a drink
spout 48 and, optionally, a cap 50 over the drink spout 48. For
example, and without limitation, the drink spout 48 may be a poppet
style drink spout, and the cap 50 may be adapted and configured to
removably cover the drink spout 48. A second passageway 52 may
extend through the top portion 26 from a first end 54 to a second
end 56 of the top portion. The top portion 26 may be tapered from
the first end 54 as it extends axially towards the second end 56
such that the top portion 26 has a first radius at the first end 54
and a second smaller radius at the second end 56. The top portion
26 may further include a seal 58 configured to engage with the base
portion 24. The top portion 26 may include an intake 60, having a
first axial end 62 and a second axial end 64, configured to receive
a liquid from the first passageway 44 of the base portion 24. The
top portion 26 may include a one way valve 66 in fluid
communication with the second passageway 52 and may include at
least one opening 68 on a cylindrical wall 70 of the intake 60. The
second passageway 52 is adapted and configured to be in fluid
communication with the base portion 24 when the top portion 26 is
in the closed position relative to the base portion. For example,
and without limitation, a user may pivot the top portion 26 about
the shaft 32 to close the top portion 26 onto the base portion 24.
This brings the second passageway 52 into fluid communication with
the first passageway 44 through the large opening 46. The user can
then extract liquid from within the bottle 22 through the top
portion 26 via the first passageway 44 in the base portion 24, the
second passageway 52 in the top portion 26, and the drink spout 48.
When a user pivots the top portion 26 about the shaft 32 to open
the top portion 26 and bring the top portion 26 away from the base
portion 24, the second passageway 52 is brought out of fluid
communication with the first passageway 44.
[0029] The seal 58 is adapted and configured to engage with the
base portion 24 to form a seal between the base portion 24 and the
top portion 26. The seal 58 may be a rubber gasket, o-ring, or any
other suitable element or material for forming a re-sealable
connection between the top portion 26 and the base portion 24. The
seal 58 may be generally ring shaped and bound the first passageway
44 and the second passageway 52 when the top portion 26 is closed
onto the base portion 24. In some embodiments, the seal 58 is
adapted and configured to contact the lip 42 of the base portion 24
to form a seal. In alternative embodiments, the seal 58 is adapted
and configured to contact the base portion 24 radially outward from
the lip 42 such that the lip 42 extends through an opening in the
seal 58. The seal 58 may be recessed into the top portion 26. In
still further alternative embodiments, the base portion 24 does not
include a lip 42 and the seal 58 engages with the top surface of
the base portion 24. Alternatively, the top portion 26 may not
include a seal 58.
[0030] The top portion 26 of the bottle closure 20 includes the
intake 60 mounted within the top portion. The intake 60 may at
least partially define the second passageway 52. The intake 60 may
be a generally cylindrical member disposed within the second
passageway 52. The intake 60 may have a first axial end 62 and a
second axial end 64 opposite the first axial end 62. The second
axial end 64 includes the one way valve 66. The one way valve 66
may be a diaphragm check valve. The one way valve 66 is positioned
downstream of the first axial end 62 of the intake 60. In
alternative embodiments, the top portion 26 does not include a one
way valve 66. The intake 60 may have at least one opening 68 on a
cylindrical wall 70 of the intake. In some embodiments, the at
least one opening 68 is nearer the first axial end 62 than the
second axial end 64. In alternative embodiments, the at least one
opening 68 is nearer the second axial end 64 than the first axial
end 62. The drink spout 48 may be adapted and configured to move
axially relative to the intake 60 and may have a running fit with
both the exterior of the intake 60 and at least one interior
surface 72 of the top portion 26. The drink spout 48 may include
one or more flanges 74 that engage with corresponding features 76
of the top portion 26 to limit the movement of the drink spout 48
between fully depressed and fully raised positions. The drink spout
48 may be positioned radially about the intake 60 and may be
adapted and configured to move axially with respect to the intake
60 such that the at least one opening 68 is sealed and unsealed as
the drink spout 48 is depressed and raised respectively. For
example, and without limitation, a user may pull the drink spout 48
upward relative to the first axial end 62 of the intake 60. This
causes the drink spout 48 to unseat from the first axial end 62 and
to unseal the at least one opening 68 of the intake 60 such that a
liquid can be extracted from the hollow interior of the bottle 22
through the drink spout 48. A user may push the drink spout 48
downward relative to the first axial end 62 of the intake 60. This
causes the drink spout 48 to seal the at least one opening 68 of
the intake and prevent fluid flow through the second passageway 52.
The drink spout 48 may be seated against the first axial end 62 of
the intake 60 when in the sealed position. With the top and base
portions in register and the drink spout 48 unseated from the
intake first axial end 62, fluid from the hollow interior of the
bottle 22 may flow from the first passageway 44 through the opening
created by the separation of the drink spout from the intake first
axial end. The fluid may then flow through the at least one opening
68 and through the one way check valve 66 in exiting the drink
spout 48 in flowing through the second passageway.
[0031] The bottle closure 20 may include a biasing member 78. The
biasing member 78 may be adapted and configured to bias the top
portion 26 open and away from the base portion 24. This allows the
top portion 26 to remain in an open configuration relative to the
base portion while a user is accessing liquid from the bottle 22
through the first passageway 44 and the large opening 46. For
example, and without limitation, the biasing member 78 is torsion
spring or a leaf spring. The bottle closure 20 may include a latch
80 adapted and configured to releasably secure the top portion 26
to the base portion 24 in a closed configuration. The latch 80 is
positioned substantially opposite to the adjustable connection,
e.g., the hinge portions 28,30. The latch 80 may be secured to the
top portion 26 and is adapted and configured to engage with a lip
82 positioned on the base portion 24. The combination of the
biasing member 78, the latch 80, and the lip 82 allow for a user to
selectively configure the bottle, for example, (i) use of the drink
spout 48 with the top portion 26 latched closed to the base portion
24, or (ii) use of the large opening 46 in the base portion 24,
with the top portion 26 in an open configuration relative to the
base portion and biased in the direction of the open configuration
by the biasing element 78.
[0032] The bottle closure 20 may include additional features and/or
components. For example, and without limitation, the bottle closure
20 may include a carry loop 84. The carry loop 84 is adapted and
configured to allow a user to carry the bottle closure 20 and any
bottle 22 attached to the bottle closure 20 by threads 34. The
carry loop 84 allows, for example and without limitation, a user to
attach the bottle closure 20 to a backpack or the like using a
suitable fastener (e.g., a snap link fastener, carabiner or the
like). The carry loop 84 is coupled to one or more of the base
portion 24 and the top portion 26. In some embodiments, the carry
loop 84 is coupled to the shaft 32 such that the carry loop 84 is
pivotable about the shaft 32.
[0033] In view of the foregoing, it will be seen that the several
advantages of the disclosure are achieved and attained. The
embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the
principles of the disclosure and its practical application to
thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the
disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as
are suited to the particular uses contemplated. As various
modifications could be made in the constructions and methods herein
described and illustrated without departing from the scope of the
disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the
foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall
be interpreted as illustrative rather than limiting. For example,
the shape of components such as the base portion 24 and top portion
26 may vary, the type and number of drink spouts 48 or other
openings in the top portion 26 may vary, or the like. Thus, the
breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited
by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be
defined only in accordance with the following claims appended
hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *