BACKGROUND
The present invention is generally directed to bottles and, more specifically, to bottles that may be used to filter and/or cool consumable beverages.
Typical sports bottles and the like allow for convenient carrying of beverages for later consumption. However, some beverages become less palatable after extended periods of time due to change in temperature of the beverage therein. Even when temperature changes are not a concern, it is often desired to fill or refill a bottle when away from home. This can be problematic depending on potential impurities in the beverage being added to the bottle.
It may be advantageous to provide a bottle adapted to thermally condition and/or filter consumable beverages that is easy to use; that facilitates transport; and/or that facilitates easy refilling of the beverage from a variety of beverage sources.
SUMMARY
Briefly speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages including a container configured to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage. A lid is detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and is configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout. A filter is located in the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member defines a bore therethrough. The bore is configured to receive a straw therein. The straw has first and second straw ends. The first straw end is configured to detachably engage the filter and the second straw end is configured to detachably engage the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid fluid passageway. When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages including a container configured to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage. A lid is detachably secured to the container to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and is configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout. A filter is located in the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member defines a bore therethrough. The bore is adapted to form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway. The thermal energy storage member has first and second thermal energy storage member ends. The second thermal energy storage member end is detachably engageable with the filter. The first thermal energy storage member end is detachably engageable with the lid so that the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway forms a conduit between the filter and the lid fluid passageway. When the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed a bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages. A container is configured to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity that is configured to hold the consumable beverage and has a cavity base. A lid is detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout. A filter is located in the cavity proximate to the cavity base. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member is engaged with the lid and with the filter. A straw is located in the cavity and is spaced from the thermal energy storage member. The straw has first and second straw ends. The first straw end is engaged with the filter and the second straw end is engaged with the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid fluid passageway. When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages including a container configured to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage and has a cavity base. A lid is detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and is configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout. A filter is located in the cavity proximate to the lid. The filter includes a filter cartridge and a filter housing. The filter cartridge is engaged with the lid and the filter housing is engaged with the filter cartridge. A thermal energy storage member is located in the cavity and is disposed on the filter cartridge. The bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method of providing a customizable bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter water. The method includes the steps of: providing a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container defining a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage; providing a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid defining a lid fluid passageway, the comprising a drinking spout thereon and configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout; positioning a filter in the cavity; locating a thermal energy storage member in the cavity and between the filter and the lid, the thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough, the bore being configured to receive a straw therein, wherein the thermal energy storage member comprises a plurality of thermal energy storage elements that are assembled in a side-by-side manner to extend between one side of the filter and the lid, the thermal energy storage elements being adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in side-by-side positioning relative to each other; and inserting a straw through the bore of the thermal energy storage member and securing the straw to the filter and the lid, wherein when the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage.
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a kit for use with consumable beverages. The kit includes a container configured to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage. A lid is detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and is configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout. A filter is adapted to be located in the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member defines a bore therethrough. The bore is configured to receive a straw therein. The straw has first and second straw ends. The first straw end is configured to detachably engage the filter and the second straw end is configured to detachably engage the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid fluid passageway. When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout. A second thermal energy storage member is configured to substitute for the filter if additional cooling is desired and filtering of the consumable beverage is not desired.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred. It is understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bottle for use with a consumable beverage according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; The bottle includes a container that preferably encloses a filter and a thermal energy storage member to allow consumable beverage to be thermally conditioned (i.e., either heated or cooled) and filtered prior to consumption; It is preferred that the thermal energy storage member is located between the lid and the filter; The lid includes a drinking spout to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage;
FIG. 2 is an exploded partial view of the bottle of FIG. 1 illustrating a lid, a thermal energy storage member, a straw, a filter, and the top of a container; The container defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage; The bottom of the lid includes a tube portion having lateral projections that may be used to form a twist lock connection with the straw; One side of the filter preferably includes a tube portion and lateral projections to form a twist lock connection with the other side of the straw; The thermal energy storage member preferably has a generally conical shape;
FIG. 3 is radial cross-sectional view of the bottle of FIG. 1; The lid may be detachably secured to the bottle via a threaded connection to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway that is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout which may pivot thereon; The filter has first and second filter ends. The first filter end may be located on the one side of the filter for engagement with the straw and the second filter end can be located proximate a base of the cavity. Liquid drawn through the filter defines a filter path that is generally axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the thermal energy storage member; The thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and may be located between the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage member defines a bore therethrough; The bore can be configured to receive a straw therein; The thermal energy storage member has first and second thermal energy storage member ends; The second thermal energy storage member end may be larger than the first end and may be configured to generally approximate an area of one side of the filter; The first thermal energy storage member end is located adjacent the lid and the second thermal energy storage end being located adjacent the one side of the filter; The straw has first and second straw ends, the first straw end being configured to detachably engage the filter and the second straw end being configured to detachably engage the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid fluid passageway; The straw may be detachably engaged to the filter and the lid via first and second twist lock connections; When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle similar to the bottle of FIG. 1 with a second thermal energy storage member substituted for the filter; One preferred kit for use with a consumable beverage includes both the filter and the second thermal energy storage member; It is preferred, but not necessary, that the second thermal energy storage member has an exterior shape generally the same as an exterior shape of the filter to allow the bottle to have substantially the same aesthetic appearance regardless of whether the filter or the second thermal energy storage member is being used; The second thermal energy storage member may include a tube portion and lateral projections (similar to that on the inner surface of the lid) to allow the second thermal energy storage member to twist lock to the straw and/or the thermal energy storage member;
FIG. 5 is a radial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the bottle of the present invention; The thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage member defines a bore therethrough that is adapted to form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway; The thermal energy storage member has first and second thermal energy storage member ends; The second thermal energy storage member end being is preferably detachably engaged with the filter; The first thermal energy storage member end can be detachably engaged with the lid so that the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway forms a conduit between the filter and the lid fluid passageway; When the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout;
FIG. 5A is a radial cross-sectional view of a variant of the second embodiment of the bottle of the present invention which is shown in FIG. 5; The thermal energy storage member may be detachably engaged with the filter without the use of a straw; The engagement can be via a twist lock connection; Any of the twist lock connections shown in this application and in any of the drawings may alternatively be any one of a threaded connection, a snap fit connection, a friction fit, or use any other suitable connection method without departing from the scope of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the thermal energy storage member; the thermal energy storage member may include a plurality of thermal energy storage elements that can be assembled in a side-by-side manner to extend between one side of the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage elements are preferably adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in order of side-by-side positioning relative to each other to allow a customized look to be created for the bottle; the thermal energy storage elements may each bear any one or more of a color, an indicia, an image, and a textured surface to allow for a customized look to be created for the bottle depending on the positioning of the thermal energy storage elements;
FIG. 7 is a radial cross-sectional view illustrating three thermal energy storage elements positioned in a side-by-side manner over a straw which is twist locked on one end to the filter and on the other end to the lid; It is preferred that the stacking order or rotational position of any of the thermal energy storage elements, relative to the straw, can be varied by a user;
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the bottle of the present invention; a filter located in the cavity proximate to the cavity base; A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage member can be engaged with the lid and the filter; A straw may be located in the cavity and spaced from the thermal energy storage member; The straw has first and second straw ends; The first straw end is engaged with the filter and the second straw end is engaged with the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid fluid passageway; The straw and the thermal energy storage member may be generally parallel and both connect to one side of the filter; The filter may include first and second filter ends; The first filter end can be located on the one side of the filter and the second filter end may be located proximate a base of the cavity, such that liquid drawn through the filter is removed from the cavity proximate the cavity base; When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout;
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the bottle of FIG. 8;
FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention; The filter may be located in the cavity proximate to the lid and can include a filter cartridge and a filter housing; The filter cartridge is engaged with the lid and the filter housing is engaged with the filter cartridge; The thermal energy storage member is preferably located in the cavity and disposed on the filter cartridge; The bottle is preferably adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the bottle FIG. 10; The filter used in the bottle may be either a radial flow filter or an axial flow filter or any other suitable filter;
FIG. 12 is another side elevational view of the bottle of FIG. 11 showing the flow of consumable beverage through an axial flow filter; The filter has first and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall; The first cartridge end is located proximate the lid fluid passageway and the second cartridge end is located proximate the thermal energy storage member; The filter may be configured such that consumable beverage enters the housing proximate the lid, flows generally along the cartridge sidewall, into the second cartridge end, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway; and
FIG. 13 is another side elevational view of the bottle of FIG. 11 showing the flow of consumable beverage through a radial flow filter; the filter cartridge has first and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall; The first cartridge end is located proximate the lid fluid passageway and the second cartridge end is located proximate the thermal energy storage member; The filter may be configured such that consumable beverage enters the housing proximate the lid, flows into the filter cartridge generally through the cartridge sidewall, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right,” “left,” “upper,” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the system for use with a consumable beverage and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words above specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Additionally, the words “a” and “one” are defined as including one or more of the referenced item unless specifically stated otherwise.
Referring to FIGS. 1-13, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, preferred embodiments of a bottle for use with a consumable beverage is shown and generally designated as 10. Briefly stated, the bottle 10 preferably includes a container 12 enclosing a thermal energy storage member 46 (further described below) and a filter 70 (further described below) secured within the bottle 10 via convenient twist lock features (or via any suitable securing mechanism or connector) that allows the thermal energy member 46 and/or filter 70 to be easily disengaged or swapped out from either component so that the remaining portions of the bottle 10 can used with beverages while the thermal energy storage member 46 is being heated or cooled or a filter is being exchanged.
While the drawings show twist lock connections, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any other known suitable connection mechanism, such as a fastener, friction fit, snap fit, or the like can be used with any of the connections in the bottle 10 without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the thermal energy storage member 46 and the lid 26 and/or the filter 70 can be a single integral component. Additionally, the bottle 10 can be used with one of multiple interchangeable thermal energy storage members 46 (or combination thermal energy storage members), to avoid delays caused by waiting for a single thermal energy storage member 46 to re-freeze or re-heat prior to continued use of the bottle 10.
The bottle 10 and its component parts are preferably formed from a sturdy, non-reactive, durable material, such as a suitable polymer. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the bottle 10 and its various components can be formed from any materials suitable for use with beverages. The thermal energy storage member 46 preferably contains a gelatinous material 48 that is formed of re-freezable material and/or re-heatable material, such as the non-toxic materials used in gel packs and the like.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the bottle 10 for use with a consumable beverage 48 includes a container 12 having a mouth 14. While it is preferred that the container 12 is part of a sports bottle, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any type of container 12 can be used with the bottle 10 of the present invention. Similarly, while it is preferred that the mouth 14 of the container 12 is generally circularly shaped, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the mouth 14 can have any shape without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The container 12 preferably has at least one thread 16 positioned generally around a substantial portion of a perimeter of the container 12 proximate to the mouth 14 for engaging a lid 16. Alternatively, the container 12 can engage the lid 16 via a snap fit or any other suitable connection without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, the bottle 10 is preferably adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the bottle 10 includes the container 12 which is configured to hold a consumable beverage 98. The container defines a cavity 22 configured to hold the consumable beverage 98. The bottom of the cavity 22 forms a cavity base 24. The container mouth 14 is preferably formed by an upper edge perimeter that forms a lip 18. Surrounding the lip 18 may be a shoulder 20 that is formed by the outer surface of the container 12. While the bottle shown has a generally oblong shape, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the shape of the bottle can vary and include embossments or the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the lid 26 is preferably detachably secured to the bottle 10 to cover the mouth 14. The lid 26 can include a lower edge 36 that may abut the container shoulder 20 when the lid 26 is secured to the container 12. A combination date/time element and gasket 38 may be positioned around the lower edge of the lid 26 to form a fluid seal when the lid 26 is engaged with the container 12. The gasket 38 may be rotateable when the lid 26 is not engaged with the container 12 to allow the date a beverage is placed therein to be memorialized.
The lid 26 may include a handle 28 that extends generally obliquely away from the bottle relative to the base of the bottle 10. The handle 28 preferably has a generally upside down U-shape. The handle 28 may be hollow to reduce weight and simplify carrying. The lower/inner surface of the lid 26 may include a downwardly depending tube portion 40. It is preferred that laterally extending projections 42 are located on the tube portion 40 for use in forming a twist lock connection. It is preferred that the tube portion 40 include a mating surface 44 that is generally annular and configured for abutting engagement with the thermal energy storage member 46
As best shown in FIG. 3, the lid 26 preferably defines a lid fluid passageway 34. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide fluid through the lid 26 to a drinking spout 30. The drinking spout 30 may be located on the lid 26 and secured thereto via a pivot member 32. The drinking spout 30 is configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the container 12. It is preferred, but not necessary that the lid 26 include at least one mating thread for engaging the container 12. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any known method of attaching the lid 26 to the container 12 may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the filter 70 is preferably located in the cavity 22. The filter 70 preferably includes screens 72 along the intake and output portions of the filter 70. The filter 70 may include carbon 76 and/or ceramic 74 and/or any other suitable filter material. Although particular filter construction is shown in FIG. 3, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable type of filter 70 can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The filter 70 can be designed for either radial fluid flow 108 (as shown in FIG. 13) or axial fluid flow 108 (as shown in FIG. 12) of consumable beverage 98 therethrough.
The filter 70 has first and second filter ends 84A, 84B. The first filter end can be located on the one side 82 of the filter 70 that engages the straw 62 and/or the thermal energy storage member 46. The second filter end 84B may be located proximate a base 24 of the cavity 22, such that liquid 98 drawn through the filter 70 defines a filter path that is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis 55 of the thermal energy storage member 46. The one side 82 of the filter 70 preferably includes a tube portion 80 and projections 78 to use as part of a twist lock connection.
Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the thermal energy storage member 46 may be disposed in the cavity 22 and located between the filter 70 and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage member 46 may define a bore 54 therethrough. The thermal energy storage member has a longitudinal axis 55 along which the bore 54 is preferably generally aligned. Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the bore 54 may be configured to receive a straw 62 therein. Alternatively, referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A the bore 54 may be configured to not be used with a straw 62 and to instead form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway 59. The bore 54 may include slots 56 to help form a twist lock connection. That is, the bottle 10 may not include a straw without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 2, the thermal energy storage member may be generally conically shaped 50 with first and second thermal energy storage member ends 52A, 52B. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the second thermal energy storage member end 52B is larger than the first end 52A and is configured to generally approximate an area of one side 82 of the filter 70. The first thermal energy storage member end 52A is preferably located adjacent the lid 26 and the second thermal energy storage end 52B is preferably located adjacent the one side 84 of the filter 70. The first thermal energy storage member end 52A may be configured to abut the mating surface 44 of the lid 26.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the thermal energy storage member 46 may include a plurality of thermal energy storage elements 58 that can be assembled in a side-by-side manner to extend between one side 84 of the filter and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage elements 58 are preferably adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative to the straw 62 and in side-by-side positioning relative to each other. The elements 58 may include different colors, shapes, indicia or images 60. This allows the look of the bottle 10 to be personalized and customized by manipulating the thermal energy storage elements 58 and/or exchanging individual elements 58 using additional elements 58 that are part of a kit or another bottle. Referring to FIG. 5, the thermal energy storage member 46 may include slots 56 to form part of a twist lock connection.
While a preferred configuration of the thermal energy storage member 46 has been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that any configuration can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. Similarly, any suitable connection means between the lid 26, filter 70, and/or straw 62 and the thermal energy storage member 46 can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. As mentioned above, the lid 26 can also be made as a single integral piece with the thermal energy storage member 46 without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the straw 62 has first and second straw ends 66A, 66B. The first straw end 66A may be configured to detachably engage the filter 70 and the second straw end 66B may be configured to detachably engage the lid 26 to create a straw fluid passageway 68 between the filter 70 and the lid fluid passageway 34. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7, the straw 62 may be detachably engaged to the filter 70 via a first twist lock connection and the straw can be detachably engaged to the lid 26 via a second twist lock connection. The straw 62 may include slots 64 to help form part of a twist lock connection. When the straw 62 is engaged with the filter 70 and the lid 26 and the thermal energy storage member 46 is located over the straw, the bottle 10 is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage 98 and the bottle 10 is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity 22, through the filter 70, through the straw fluid passageway 68, through the lid fluid passageway 34, and through the drinking spout 30. While the bottle 10 is shown in the drawings with the filter placed either adjacent to the cap or proximate the cavity base 22, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the filter can be positioned anywhere in or on the bottle without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Referring to FIGS. 5 and 5A, another preferred embodiment of the bottle 10 is disclosed. The thermal energy storage member 46 may be disposed in the cavity 22 and may be located between the filter 70 and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage member 46 can define a bore 54 therethrough that is adapted to form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway 59. The thermal energy storage member 46 has first and second thermal energy storage member ends 52A, 52B. The second thermal energy storage member end 52B may be detachably engaged with the filter 70. The first thermal energy storage member end 52A can be detachably engaged with the lid 26 so that the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway 59 forms a conduit between the filter 70 and the lid fluid passageway 34. When the thermal energy storage member 46 is engaged with the filter 70 and the lid 26, the bottle 10 is preferably adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage 98 and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the cavity 22, through the filter 70, through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway 59, through the lid fluid passageway 34, and through the drinking spout 30.
Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, another preferred embodiment of the bottle 10 is illustrated. The filter 70 can be located in the cavity 22 proximate to the cavity base 24. The thermal energy storage member 46 is disposed in the cavity and can be located between the filter 70 and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage member 46 may be engaged with the lid 26 and with the filter 70.
A straw 62 can be located in the cavity 22 and spaced from the thermal energy storage member 46. The straw 62 has first and second straw ends 66A, 66B. The first straw end 66A can be being engaged with the filter 70 and the second straw end 66B can be engaged with the lid 26 to create a straw fluid passageway 68 between the filter 70 and the lid fluid passageway 34. It is preferred that the straw 62 and the thermal energy storage member 46 are generally parallel and both connect to one side of the filter 70. The filter 70 preferably has the first filter end 84A located on the one side 84 of the filter 70 and the second filter end 84B located proximate a base 26 of the cavity 22, such that liquid/consumable beverage 98 drawn through the filter 70 is removed from the cavity 22 proximate the cavity base 26. The filter 70 may include a straw connector 90 and a thermal energy storage member connector 92 that are formed by a snap fit connection or the like. When the straw is engaged with the filter 70 and the lid 26 and the thermal energy storage member 46 is engaged with the filter 70 and the lid 26, the bottle 10 is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage 98 and the bottle 10 is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the cavity 22, through the filter 70, through the straw fluid passageway 68, through the lid fluid passageway 34, and through the drinking spout 30.
Referring to FIGS. 10-13, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The filter 70 is preferably located in the cavity 22 proximate to the lid 26 and includes a filter cartridge 88 and a filter housing 86. The filter cartridge 88 can be engaged with the lid 26 and the filter housing 86 being engaged with the filter cartridge via a snap fit connection or the like.
Referring to FIG. 12, the flow 108 of consumable beverage 98 through axial flow filter is shown by arrow lines. The filter cartridge 88 has first and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall (which extends between the first and second cartridge ends along the outer surface of the cartridge). The first cartridge end (on which lid connector 94 is located) can be located proximate the lid fluid passageway 34 and the second cartridge end (on which the housing connector 96 is located) may be located proximate the thermal energy storage member. The filter 70 may be configured such that consumable beverage 98 enters the housing 86 proximate the lid 26, flows generally along the cartridge sidewall, into the second cartridge end, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway 34.
Referring to FIG. 13, the flow 108 of consumable beverage through a radial flow filter is shown by arrow lines. The filter cartridge has first and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall (similar to those described above). The first cartridge end can be located proximate the lid fluid passageway 34 and the second cartridge end may be located proximate the thermal energy storage member 46. The filter is preferably configured such that consumable beverage 98 enters the housing 86 proximate the lid 26, flows into the filter cartridge 88 generally through the cartridge sidewall, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway 34.
Referring again to FIGS. 10-13, the thermal energy storage member 46 is preferably located in the cavity 22 and disposed on the filter housing 86. The bottle 10 can be adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage 98 and the bottle 10 can be adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the cavity 22, through the filter 70, through the lid fluid passageway 34, and through the drinking spout 30.
The present invention is also directed to a kit that includes any combination of components shown in FIGS. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 13. Referring to FIG. 4, a second thermal energy storage member 100 may be configured to substitute for the filter if additional cooling is desired and filtering of the consumable beverage is not desired. The second thermal energy storage member 100 may form a fluid passageway 102 and may include a tube portion 104 and projections 106 to form part of a twist lock or other suitable connection. It is preferred that the second thermal energy storage member 100 has an exterior shape generally the same as an exterior shape of the filter 70 to allow the bottle 10 to have substantially the same aesthetic appearance regardless of whether the filter 70 or the second thermal energy storage member 100 is being used.
A preferred embodiment of customizing a bottle according to the present invention is described below. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that generally similar steps and generally similar structural components of the bottle 10 described below should: generally have similar structure, general include similar alternate constructions, and generally operate in a similar manner as that described above, unless stated otherwise. The steps of the method of the present invention can be performed in any order, interchanged with other steps, or omitted, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
One preferred method of the present invention is directed to providing a customizable bottle 10 adapted to thermally condition and filter water. The method includes providing a container 10 configured to hold a consumable beverage 98. A lid is provided that can be detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. A filter is positioned in the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is located in the cavity between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member 46 comprises a plurality of thermal energy storage elements 58 that are assembled in a side-by-side manner to extend between one side 84 of the filter 70 and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage elements 58 can be adjusted in at least one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in side-by-side positioning relative to each other to customize the look of the bottle 10. The elements 58 preferably each bear at least one of a color, an indicia, an image, and a textured surface to allow for a customized look to be created for the bottle depending on the positioning of the thermal energy storage elements 58.
It is recognized by those skilled in the art, that changes may be made to the above described embodiment of the invention without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. For example, any of the connections between components described above can be interchanged with any one of a twist-lock connection, a friction fit, a snap fit, a ball and detent, an interlock, a magnetic connection, a threaded connection, or any other suitable connection without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is intended to cover to all modifications which are within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and the drawings.
Patent Application
20100193462
