Patent Application
20240358145
The invention relates to sleeves and covers for containers such as liquid dispensing containers.
Liquid dispensing containers, such as water bottles, come in a wide variety. While many are cylindrical in shape, the manner in which the bottles are constructed, from the way the bottles open and close, are carried, and are generally utilized may vary greatly. Additionally, the materials from which bottles are made varies as well, with some containers being made from, for example, basic plastics while others have, for example, a double-wall stainless steel design.
These types of containers are also used in a wide variety of situations, from being used by adults working desk jobs to kids at school, to athletes, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts, to name just a few.
Most such containers are made from a rigid material, whether this is comprised of aforementioned plastics, steel, or other similarly suitable materials. While these materials work well for containing the liquid and being durable, they also have disadvantages. For example, they may be damaged easily if dropped, they may be slippery when placed on smooth surfaces, and they can be uncomfortable if they bounce off of a user, for example, if one were to clip such a water bottle to a bag or backpack while walking or hiking.
Container sleeves and/or covers, often made of a form of silicone or other similar materials, have been designed to mitigate many of these issues. However, the sleeves themselves have limited utility, often simply serving as an exterior barrier and lacking any other utilities or functions.
For example, it is common for pet owners, such as dog owners, to carry water bottles while walking or hiking with their dogs. Over long distances or on hot days, dogs may also need water. Additionally, most dog walkers also carry bags to collect waste along the walk or hike.
What is needed, therefore, is a sleeve for a liquid dispensing container that incorporates additional utility forms and features.
The invention of a sleeve that fits over a water bottle and doubles as a drinking bowl for dogs. The sleeve features a strap and slit at the bottom to hold doggy bags. More specifically, the sleeve may be removed from the container, a built-in stand popped out, and used as a dog-drinking bowl. In general, it is exceptional for taking pets hiking and out on other outdoor activities.
The present invention is described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale.
The present invention will now be described more fully in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention should not, however, be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
The sleeve has a main body 10 that is configured in shape and size to surround at least a portion of a body of the container B. In the embodiment shown in illustrations, the main body 10 is substantially cylindrical in shape and configured to fit around a conventional water bottle. The main body 10 generally has a closed sidewall with an open front area 12 where the container B may be inserted.
The main body 12 also has a backside 18 upon which a stand 24 is configured to attach. For example, in the embodiment shown, the stand 24 is attached to the backside 18 in a pivotable and collapsible manner such that it may be collapsed and stowed against the sleeve when not in use and extended into an approximately 90-degree angle relative to the backside when a user wishes to use it. The stand 24 may also be provided in other structural manners, for example it may be configured to be completely detachable. The stand may also be made as an integral part of the main body 18 rather than as a separate component.
More specifically, the collapsible stand 24 is pivotably coupled to an upper portion of the main body 10 where it has a first end 27A and a second end 27B that are each inserted into openings 19A and 19B that are formed as an integral part of the main body 10. When in a collapsed position, the stand 24 fits tightly to the main body 10 so as not to be an obstruction. When the stand 24 is pivoted into its extended position, it supports the main body 10 when the sleeve 100 is placed on its side, with the upper end slightly elevated relative to the lower end. In this configuration, the sleeve acts as a bowl from which, for example, pets may drink. To illustrate this,
A bottom portion of the front area 12 has a lip 14, which extends upward from a bottom 16 of the sleeve, and that secures a lower portion of the container B in the sleeve 100.
The backside 18 of the main body 10 also includes an upper insertion slot 19A and a lower insertion slot 19B for securing a strap 22. In the embodiment shown the insertion slots 19A, 19B, are formed as an integral part of the main body 10. When the strap is attached to the bottle, it may assist the user in holding and carrying the bottle, particularly while hiking or running, where it lessens the burden on a user's grip strength. The strap may be comprised of many materials, such as canvas webbing or a rubber material such as polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. The strap 22 may be configured to be adjustable in length using conventional means, and/or it may be made of an elastic material so as to have a measure of adjustability while maintaining a fixed or near-fixed length. In the case of an elastic strap, it may be attached to fit snuggly along the spine so that it does not interfere when the device 100 is in its bowl configuration and placed on a surface. Conventional securing means are provided on the upper and lower ends of the straps, such as securing tabs that may be inserted into the insertion slots.
A lower extended section 40 is attached to the main body 10 beneath the bottom 16. The lower section has a number of slits 42 that may be used to hold other items, such as doggy bags. For example, in the embodiment shown in
An attachment mechanism 26 secures an upper end of the container B in the sleeve 100. The attachment mechanism 26 may be configured in a number of ways. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, two openings are provided in the upper end of the main body 10 through which a tie 28 or strap 28 is inserted and secured in a conventional manner, for example using cord lock or release toggle 32.
It is understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention. Variations in the construction of the sleeve may be contemplated by one skilled in the art without limiting the intended scope of the invention herein disclosed.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63461668 | Apr 2023 | US |
