METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A RECOVERY MECHANISM IN AN ELASTIC CONTAINER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to fluid containers and relief and recovery mechanisms for responding to changes in the internal volume of an elastic container and changes in the internal pressure within the container.

BACKGROUND

Current water bottles use manual pressure, the force of gravity and a suction action of the user to provide fluid, such as water or sports drink, to the user. Most elastic drinking containers, or water bottles, require the user to squeeze the housing and push the water out through the mouthpiece or drink opening, while the water bottle is inverted, adding the force of gravity to force water out of the bottle. In addition, the user may suck the water out of the bottle. Each of these actions results in negative pressure within the bottle. At some point, the user must stop drinking and allow the bottle to recover its shape and fill with air so as equalize the internal pressure. Once the bottle returns to its approximate original shape, the user may once again squeeze the contents out of the container. For example, this is necessary when a cyclist is riding and needs to get more water out of the bottle.

As described above, the current water bottles do not provide a constant, uninterrupted stream of water to the user, but rather require the user to periodically allow the bottle to recover. During physical exertion, coordination is required to release pressure on the bottle, wait for air to fill, pressure to equalize, and then they may start squeezing again to get more water. This is frustrating, time consuming and awkward. In addition, some bottles have a mouthpiece with a closing mechanism; during the recovery period, the closing mechanism may close. This forces the user to not only to wait for recovery, but also take action to open the cap.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates a water bottle having a recovery mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the various phases of operation and use of prior art elastic container.

FIG. 3 illustrates multiple phases of use for an elastic container, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the multiple phases of use for an elastic container having a recovery mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an elastic container having a recovery mechanism and a recovery assist configuration, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates use of an elastic container having a recovery by a user, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates an elastic container incorporating different materials in the body, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates a multi-chamber container, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates a sensor for a recovery mechanism for an elastic container, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates the cycles of use for an elastic container, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates the cycles of use of a container, according to example embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application details some embodiments of the present invention for a recovery mechanism for an elastic container. The elastic container may be deformed by external pressure and recover when the pressure is reduced or released. The recovery mechanism of the present invention, acts to allow air to enter an elastic container during the recovery stage.

The recovery mechanism is similar to an air relief valve as it allows air to flow into the container. The recovery mechanism is responsive to changes in the internal volume and/or pressure of the container. For an elastic container, applied pressure to the container reduces the internal volume and changes the pressure differential within the container. During a deformation phase, applied pressure deforms the shape of the container. Such as when a user squeezes the container deforming or changing the shape of the container. This applied pressure causes a pressure differential between the internal pressure of the container and external pressure. This pressure differential forces water from the bottle. Deformation may continue until the pressures equalize; at this point, little to no water is forced out from the bottle. At this deformed equalized point, the user will stop squeezing and thus release the applied pressure. During a recovery phase, the elastic container will begin to recover its original shape; this increases the internal volume of the container and creates a recovery differential pressure. The recovery differential pressure results in a vacuum pulling air into the container through the recovery mechanism. The air flow continues until the container returns to its original shape at which point the pressure equalizes.

The present invention is described by way of multiple examples. As used herein, the term for an elastic container may also be referred to as a water bottle or sports bottle, such as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each example elastic container has an original body shape with an opening, such as a mouthpiece for dispensing water, and a recovery mechanism to allow airflow into the container. This original body shape may be deformed when the user squeezes the bottle, by applying manual pressure. As the bottle is an elastic container, the container reverts to its original body shape when the pressure is released. The water bottle is designed such that applied pressure forces water out as the user squeezes.

These are examples provided for clarity of understanding the present invention. These examples do not limit the present invention to a particular shape or use. Features may be described which are particularly applicable to a water bottle and the use thereof. Additionally, the description include water and sports drink as examples of fluids within the elastic container.

In prior art containers, a user will squeeze the elastic container and release the pressure to allow the bottle to recover its original shape. The squeezing action, or applied pressure, deforms the shape of the container, reducing the internal volume, which can no longer contain a given volume of water, and forces the water out through the mouthpiece or opening. The user can drink the water as the container is deformed. When the applied pressure is released, the elastic container returns to its original shape and internal volume, which results in a vacuum within the container. This vacuum, or negative internal pressure, pulls in air to fill the volume left by the dispersed water. In prior art containers, the recovery of the bottle to its original shape, required air to flow in through the mouthpiece, and thus the user could not drink during the recovery phase.

The present invention improves the prior art elastic containers and solves problems associated with their operation. The present invention provides a recovery mechanism on the container to allow air to flow into the bottle during the recovery phase while fluid is dispensed through the mouthpiece by the user's sucking action. This is not possible in prior art containers. According to some embodiments of the present invention, the air flow into the container during recovery satisfies the vacuum created and serves to equalize the pressures on the bottle.

FIG. 1 illustrates a container 100 having a body portion 106 and a top portion 102, such as a cap that connects to the body 106. The container 100 is adapted for storing fluids, such as water. The container 100 is an elastic container composed of a suitable material for storing liquid at a desired range of temperatures, such as a polymer or a combination of materials. The container 100 may be any of a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations. The container 100 may be made of different type materials where the body portion 106 may be a first material and the top portion 102 a different material. The top portion 102 includes a mouthpiece 104, which is an opening to dispense fluid, such as water. The mouthpiece 104 may be any of a variety of shapes, such as a bite piece, a straw, a simple on/off valve, a bi-directional valve, or other means to allow a user to drink fluid. The mouthpiece 104 may have an optional locking mechanism or cap to prevent spills, such as when traveling or not in use. The top portion 102 may be detachable from the body 106 and may be any of a variety of shapes. There are any number of shapes, configurations, designs that may be implemented for dispensing water. For example, cyclists need a bottle that deforms easily to squeeze the water out with minimal effort so as not to interrupt their ride. The body 106 illustrated is approximately cylindrical, but may be any of a variety of shapes. The body 106 is composed of a deformable material to enable the user to adjust the flow of waiter from the container 100, In some embodiments the container 100 has an elasticity to enable ease of use, such as when riding a bicycle or participating in physical activity. The type of material and shape of container 100 is specific to the desired use. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the container 100 has a top, where the mouthpiece is configured, and an opposite side or bottom, where the recovery mechanism is configured.

In operation, a user will deform the body portion 106 by applying pressure or squeezing the container 100. The body portion 106 is reversibly collapsible to deform and return to its original shape. By squeezing the body portion 106, the user may drink water from the container 100 at a controlled rate. Unlike conventional water bottles or sports bottles, the bottle TOO has a bottom portion with a recovery mechanism 110, which acts as an air intake mechanism that allows air to flow into the container 100. The mouthpiece 104 is positioned on the top of the container 100, while the recovery mechanism 110 is positioned on an opposite side of the container, the bottom portion 108.

The recovery mechanism 110 operates in response to changes in pressure levels within the container 100. In some embodiments, the recovery mechanism 110 is activated in response to changes in the differential pressure between the inside of the container and the external atmospheric pressure.

In an original state, the pressure in the container is approximately at equilibrium, as there is little to no internal negative or positive pressure. When there is a positive internal pressure the container 100 disperses the liquid in the container, so that the liquid flows out the mouthpiece 104. When there is a negative internal pressure the elastic container seeks to return to its original shape forming a vacuum that pulls air into the container.

As an example, consider a conventional deformable, elastic sports bottle, where a conventional mouthpiece allows water to flow out at one time and air to flow in at another time. If such a sports bottle has a positive internal pressure, water will flow out of the conventional mouthpiece. Note, depending on the design and pressure conditions, both air and water may flow out of the bottle at the same time, and similarly, air may flow in the mouthpiece. If such a sports bottle bas a negative internal pressure, air will flow in the mouthpiece. This conventional sports bottle will not allow the fluid to expel from the container during the recovery phase. These bottles cannot manage the pressure differential and therefore are forced to interrupt the outflow of water for recovery.

The present invention provides a recovery mechanism 110, and during the recovery phase the pressure within the container 100 forms a vacuum. The recovery mechanism 110 responds to this change in pressure, opens to allow air to fill the container 100 satisfying the vacuum, and enables fluid to continue to dispense or outflow from the container 100 through the mouthpiece 104 if the user so desires via mouth suction. This is occurring during the recovery phase where the container 110 returns to its original shape.

The recovery mechanism 110 may be a valve or any gating module that operates to allow air into the bottle without allowing the contents of the bottle to flow out through the recovery mechanism 110. Typically, the recovery mechanism 110 will close when the pressure within the bottle 100 is in a first range of values and will open when the pressure within the bottle I00 is in a second range of values. The activation pressure to open and allow air inflow is set to within the first range. The activation pressure to close the mechanism and prevent outflow of water is set to within the second range. Some recovery mechanisms may operate based on the volume of the container, wherein they open or close when the volume of liquid in the container is in preset range. For clarity of discussion, a sports bottle (water bottle) is discussed herein, but the present invention has many other applications.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, recovery mechanism 110 is located on the bottom of the bottle 100, and may be positioned for best results for a given bottle shape, use and design, as well as for operation in environmental conditions, such as high pressure, temperature, humidity and so forth, wherein these variables may change the operation and use of the container 100. Some embodiments position the recovery mechanism 110 on a side of the container, wherein there is sufficient differentiation between positions of the mouthpiece 104 and the recovery mechanism 110. This positional differentiation enables the recover mechanism 110 to experience low pressure within the activation range to open, while the mouthpiece experiences high pressure form the water as the user drinks.

Prior art containers engage the mouthpiece 204 to both outflow liquid and intake air at different times. For example, in the prior art container 200 of FIG. 2, a mouthpiece 204 in the top portion 202 dispenses fluid from the container 200 and also allows air to flow into the container 200. In an original state, the bottle 200 is at equilibrium; there is no pressure differential between internal and external conditions, and thus there is no air flow in or water flow out of the container 200. The container 200 has a solid bottom portion 208, which does not allow for air flow in or water flow out of the bottle 200.

The method of use of such a container is illustrated in FIG. 2, a user squeezes the bottle or otherwise starts the flow of water out of the bottle 200. This action is illustrated by the arrows directed toward the center of the bottle 200. Note, usually deformable water bottles are inverted when in use, as the user squeezes the fluid out. The bottle 200 changes from its original shape to a deformed shape in Phase 1. Phase 1 refers to the deformation phase, where external pressure is applied to the container, or bottle in this example. The water line 220 shows the volume of water during Phase 1. The user is drinking from bottle 200 and continues to squeeze, putting external pressure on the bottle 200. During Phase 2 the bottle 200 is further compressed and the water is dispensed through the mouthpiece 204 until the internal bottle volume decreases. Note that the water level 230 may remain at a same position with respect to the level on the bottle 200 as the original state of the bottle 200, while the internal volume is reduced. As the external pressure increases, the water level within the bottle depletes through mouthpiece 204. In other words, the user is able to continue drinking water while squeezing the bottle 200.

At some point in Phase 1, as the internal pressure of the bottle 200 equalizes with the atmospheric pressure, the flow of water from the bottle 200 is interrupted.

This is when the internal pressure is approximately equal with air pressure. At this point, the user stops drinking as it becomes more and more difficult to squeeze water out of the bottle. Note in some bottle configurations, applied pressure beyond this point may exceed the yield strength of the bottle and permanently deform the bottle. Typically, at this point, the user may continue to apply pressure to the bottle 200 but no water flows and it becomes very difficult to continue drinking. This situation is frustrating to an athlete, and in particular to a cyclist as it takes their attention away from their activity to respond to this condition. Athletes need to have a nearly continuous access to fluid, particularly during exertion. This applies to the average person as they engage in physical activities as well, but appears most acute for athletes. The user then stops drinking. As there is not water flowing out of the mouthpiece and there is no suction from the user the internal negative pressure or vacuum draws air into the bottle. The air continues flowing into the bottle through the mouthpiece 204 until the internal pressure equalizes and the vacuum is diminished, no longer drawing air into the bottle. In the conventional bottle 200, the mouthpiece 204 is the point where air enters the bottle 200. In some prior art bottles there is an air relief valve situation at the top of the bottle on the same end as the mouthpiece. These bottles are often not designed for inversion to drink, but rather use a straw. In fact, when the bottle is inverted, any air relief valve will not work due to water pressure.

Continuing with FIG. 2, reaching the approximate elastic deformation limit of the bottle marks the beginning of Phase 2, the recovery phase. During Phase 2, the bottle recovers and returns to its original shape, or approximately its original shape, and this change in volume pulls air into the bottle. As illustrated, the arrows are pushing outward from within the bottle due to the air flowing in and returning the bottle to its original shape. When the pressure equalizes, the bottle is ready for the drinking again. Note, the bottle may reach deformation equalization at different positions based on shape, container material, temperature, weather, strength of the user and so forth. This may be within a range of values or a specific point; similarly, this may be defined by a pressure condition, an elasticity parameter or other way to indicate that it is difficult to continue drinking. In some embodiments this will occur at any point where the internal pressure equalizes with external air pressure. In some embodiments this will occur when the material reaches its approximate elastic limit or yield strength, beyond which the bottle shape will not recover but rather becomes a plastic deformation.

Once the pressure equalizes, the bottle is ready for use. The user enters Phase 3 (not shown) where the user may again exert pressure to squeeze water out of the bottle (similar to the original state). This cycle may be repeated any number of times to get all the water out of the bottle. The squeezing may be supplemented by the force of gravity and/or the user drawing water in through a sucking motion.

The mouthpiece 204 of bottle 200 may be any of a variety of valves or openings, such as a simple two-way binary valve that is either open or closed. When the valve is open, water may flow out of the bottle 200. Phase 1. Similarly, the valve is open for air to flow into the bottle 200 during recovery, Phase 2. The mouthpiece 204 may include a covering or flap to prevent leakage, wherein the covering opens on external pressure from the user to enable water to flow out of the bottle 200, and the covering closes either on manual pressure or in response to an internal negative pressure, or vacuum, to draw air into the bottle 200.

A variety of designs implement this operation with the three phases. There are additional options that keep the drink cold, or make the bottle more comfortable during sports. In these designs, the operation is substantially the same. During Phase 1 the bottle is deformed, the pressure is not equalized and fluid is forced from the bottle. During Phase 2, after the internal pressure h reached an approximate deformation equalization point, which may be referred to as a drinking interruption limit, the deformed shape begins to return to its original shape and air is pulled into the bottle 200, the recovery phase (Phase 2). During this recovery phase, while the bottle 200 returns to its original shape, air flows in and no water flows out. The user cannot drink water from bottle 200 during recovery. The recovery period is inconvenient and disruptive, particularly if you are involved in physical activity or exertion. This period may be short or may be long depending on the configuration, material of the bottle and the use conditions. While riding a bicycle, it is awkward to stop squeezing, wait and then start squeezing again, in order to drink all the water in the bottle. Some bottles have a lock mechanism for the mouthpiece that pulls up to open and pushes down to lock. This mechanism has the further disadvantage that it often shuts as the user stops sucking on the mouthpiece. To reopen requires the user to pull up on the mouthpiece. This may require the user to manually reopen the bottle 200 during Phase 2. After the bottle 200 has recovered and returned to its original shape, the user can once again begin to squeeze water out of the bottle. This is Phase and the user can drink during this phase. In some examples, at, the original state the water is at water level 230 and Phase 2 starts at water level 240.

The present invention solves these and other problems associated with the prior art bottles, by providing a recovery mechanism, such as a dynamic air intake, at one end of the bottle while water is dispensed at an opposing end. There is no disruption to the user, as the water continues to flow out if the user desires to continue drinking. In some embodiments, the recovery mechanism 310 allows the bottle to regain its original shape in Phase 2 while the user can still draw fluid via suction to the mouthpiece.

FIG. 3 illustrates the phases of some embodiments of the present invention, where bottle 300 has a cap 302 with a mouthpiece 304. The bottle 300 has a body 306 and a bottom portion 308. A recovery mechanism is configured in the bottom portion 308. The body 306 is made of an elastic deformable material, where the user may squeeze the bottle 300 and force water out through the mouthpiece. The bottle 300 has a recovery mechanism 310 on the bottom portion 208 of the bottle 300. The water line 320 represents the volume of water in the bottle 300 in the original state. The recovery mechanism 310 may be in a closed state when the bottle is upright or an open state when the bottle is inverted, Embodiments may have additional discrete states in between open and closed, and some embodiments may have continuous states. As the user squeezes the bottle 300, during Phase 1, the water flows out of the bottle 300 through mouthpiece 304 until pressure equilibrium is reached and no more fluid is expelled. The bottle 300 enters Phase 2; whereas its elastic body 306 wants to recover its shape. This causes a pressure differential between the internal pressure of the bottle 304 and the external air pressure. This increases the negative pressure, or vacuum, within the bottle 300. The recovery mechanism 310 responds to this change in pressure by opening to allow air to flow into the bottle 300. According to some embodiments, activation of the recovery mechanism 310, such as to open a valve, when the user stops compressing the bottle, is automatic. In some embodiments, the user may push a button on the side of the bottle to open the recovery mechanism and allow air to flow in; such as where the user is drinking rapidly and wants to start the recovery phase manually. The airflow into the bottle 300 stabilizes the pressure by equalizing the negative pressure enabling water to continue to flow out of the bottle 300 through mouthpiece 304 without interruption via the sucking action of the user. This may be done by a variety of ways by the user, such as to suck on mouthpiece 304 as just mentioned or to squeeze the bottle. The present invention thus provides a mechanism that avoids some of the problems associated with the prior art bottles by enabling the bottle to recover its shape even while dispensing liquid. In this way, the outflow of water and inflow of air occur simultaneously. The user's use is not interrupted substantially and this provides a smooth action for the user to drink and the bottle to recover. Bottle shape recovery is used to equalize the pressure after liquid is forced from the bottle 300.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, once the bottle is deformed during Phase 1, the airflow allows the bottle to return toward its original shape via the shape memory of its elastic quality. In some embodiments, the bottle does not have to return fully to its original shape, but may take any intermediate shape and still allow water to flow from the mouthpiece 304 with little to no interruption. The arrows illustrated show the external pressure, such as applied pressure by the user, during Phase 1.

The recovery mechanism 310, and the recovery mechanism 110, is a unidirectional valve, meaning that it allows airflow into the bottle, but prevents or prohibits water to flow out of the bottle through the recovery mechanism. The unidirectional valve may be any of a variety of valves that operates in response to the internal pressure. When the internal pressure achieves a threshold value, the recovery mechanism enables air to flow into the bottle; at this point, air satisfies the vacuum created by the liquid leaving the bottle.

Continuing with FIG. 3, the recovery mechanism 310 continues to allow air to flow in and effectively replaces the water that was dispensed and/or is being dispensed. The bottle 300 may return to its original state, or take an intermediate shape, without interruption to the flow of water. The water level moves from level 330 to level 340. As illustrated in Phase 2, the elastic properties of the bottle 300 force the bottle to return to its original shape, thus pushing the sides of the body 306 outward to restore the bottle 300 to its original shape as in the original state. The user may continue to push or squeeze the bottle to adjust the water flow without interrupting the flow of water through the mouthpiece 304, as air can enter the bottle 300 via the recovery mechanism 310. This is enabled during the recovery and the air flow is not competing with a single opening, such as mouthpiece 304, as in conventional bottles.

In the embodiments described herein, the recovery mechanism 310 is positioned on the bottom of the bottle; alternate embodiments, however, position the recovery mechanism in other positions depending on the desired function and design. In the present invention, the container has two openings or ports; a first opening for water leaving the bottle and a second opening for air to enter the bottle.

In some embodiments may open the second opening when there is a change in water pressure at the first opening. This may be implemented with a pressure sensors mechanism (not shown) wherein as the water volume reduces in the bottle, the pressure at the first opening is reduced and thus may trigger the second opening to open.

In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 310 is bi-directional allowing air to flow into the bottle when water is not flowing out. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece 304 is unidirectional to let water out of the bottle, while the recovery mechanism 310 is unidirectional to let air into the bottle.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in the original state the bottle 300 is upright; internal and external pressure are equalized so that no water flows out and no air flows in. The bottle 300 is in its original shape, but is deformable by applied external pressure. The bottle 300 may have any of a variety of shapes and configurations, for example, the top portion 302 may be part of the body portion 306 and a bottom cap (not shown) may be provided at the bottom of the bottle 300. In this configuration, the bottle 300 may be easier to clean.

In some embodiments, where a mouthpiece has a locking mechanism (not shown), and when locked closes the opening of the mouthpiece. In this way such a bottle may be inverted and still no water will flow out of the mouthpiece. No water may be sucked from the locked mouthpiece. When such a mouthpiece is locked, the bottle may be inverted and no air will flow into the bottle either as the pressure is equalized. For air to flow in through a recovery mechanism there is a negative pressure differential within the bottle vacuuming air into the bottle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of bottle 400, similar to bottle 300 having a mouthpiece (not shown) at one end of the body 406 and a recovery mechanism 410 (not shown) at the opposite end of the bottle 400. Positioned on or within the body 406 is a recovery-assist band 420 coupled to the body 410. This recovery-assist band 420 may be designed to aid the bottle regain its original shape from its deformed shape. The recovery-assist band 420 may be an elastic material having a more rapid recovery time than the body material. In this way, the recovery-assist band 420 acts to encourage faster recovery of the body 406. The recovery-assist band 420 may be deformed from its original shape, such as when a user squeezes the bottle 400. In some embodiments, the recovery-assist band is not easily deformable, and is positioned to allow the user to squeeze the bottle 400. When applied pressure is released or lessens, the recovery-assist band 420 will tend to return to its own original shape quickly. This puts additional pressure on the body 406 of the bottle 400 adding force to more quickly return the body 406 to its original shape and thus during its deformation phase. As the bottle returns to its original shape the differential pressure increases more rapidly, pulling air into the bottle at a faster rate than the bottle without the recovery-assist band 406. This encourages a more rapid recovery and adds a level of sensitivity to the operation of the bottle 400. In this way, the user may not need to apply as much pressure to drink from the bottle. In some embodiments, the bottle 400 operates in a continuous recovery Phase 2 and the bottle 400 does not necessarily reach the deformation equalization point, but rather differential pressure may trigger Phase 2 and the recovery air flow into the bottle 400. The recovery-assist band 420 thus assists in increasing the speed of recovery. While the recovery-assist band 420 is illustrated at approximately the middle of the body 406, it may be positioned at different locations depending on the bottle configuration, makeup and the bottle use conditions. In some embodiments, multiple recovery-assist bands are configured on the body 406. Recovery-assist mechanisms may take a variety of forms but are designed to assist the bottle recover more quickly.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention incorporating a material that is more rigid and does not deform easily with applied pressure, such as a hard plastic, glass or stainless steel material. The material may be elastic, but with a very short deformation range compared to bottle 300 or other sports/water bottles. The bottle 500 has a top portion 502 with mouthpiece 504. The top portion may be detachable from the body 506, which has a bottom portion 508. A recovery mechanism 510 is positioned apart from the mouthpiece 504 on an opposite or opposing portion of the bottle, hi the illustrated embodiment the recovery mechanism 510 is positioned on the bottom portion 508. Note that the recovery mechanism may be positioned at other positions on the bottle 500 that are separate from the mouthpiece 504 wherein the inward force on the recovery mechanism 510 is greater than the outward force on the recovery mechanism 510, as the outward force acts to close the recovery mechanism 510, such as in the upright position where gravity forces the water to pushes outward on the recovery mechanism and closes it.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the bottle 500 is illustrated in an inverted position. At the original state a water level mark 570 identifies a position on the bottle above which the recovery mechanism is closed and does not draw air into the bottle. The water level mark 570 is illustrated for clarity and may be positioned at a different location on the bottle. In Phase 1, the user begins to drink from the bottle 500 while the water level 520 is above the water level mark 570; water flows out mouthpiece 504 and the user can drink from the bottle 500. As water is dispensed from the bottle 500, the water in the bottle 500 reduces and the water level moves below the water level mark 570 to water level 530. As the water is below the water level mark 570, the bottle 500 may begin Phase 2, wherein the recovery mechanism 510 opens to allow air to enter the bottle 500. The negative internal pressure of the bottle 500 draws the air in through the recovery mechanism 510, In this way, the recovery mechanism 510 acts as a vacuum pressure relief apparatus, such as a valve. While the air is flowing into the bottle 500, the user is able to continue to drink from the bottle 500. The air flow balances the pressure of the bottle 500 so as to equalize with external pressure. Similar to the elastic bottle 300, water removed from the bottle 500 reduces the volume taken by the water forming a vacuum in the bottle 500. In an embodiment such as bottle 500 this negative pressure will quickly make it difficult to drink from the mouthpiece 504. The recovery mechanism 510 will act more quickly to allow an inflow of air to satisfy the vacuum and enable the user to continuously drink from the bottle 500.

The mouthpiece 504 is positioned on the top portion 502 and may be a deformable mouthpiece in a static position or may be a rigid material, such as a flip-top mouthpiece that has an open position and a closed position. The bottle 502 is inverted to enable water to flow through the mouthpiece 502. As in bottle 300 of FIG. 3, when the bottle is inverted gravity forces the water toward the mouthpiece 504, and away from the recovery mechanism 510. The bottle 500 may not deform at all based on the particular material used for the body 506.

Some embodiments of the present invention may have multiple recovery mechanisms positioned around the bottle to increase the speed of airflow into the bottle, or may be positioned to allow consistent air flow, or may positioned to maintain a substantially constant pressure within the bottle. These recovery mechanisms may be a simple one-way valve that responds to the pressure differential created during use of the bottle, or may be triggered by a sensor on the bottle, such as to indicate a water level or when a user manually selects recovery. The particular activation trigger of a recovery mechanism is designed for the configuration, make up and intended use of the bottle or container. In some embodiments, one or more recovery mechanisms provide pressure control according to specific designs, such as where different type valves are used to create a combination recovery.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cyclist using a sports bottle having a recovery mechanism according to embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated, the cyclist is able to drink from the bottle while air is flowing into the recovery mechanism. This makes it easy to use the bottle and does not interrupt drinking until the bottle is substantially depleted of water. Air flows into recovery mechanism 608 positioned on the bottom of bottle 600. The water flows from mouthpiece 602 positioned at the top of the bottle 600. The terms top and bottom are used for clarity and the present invention is not limited thereby.

FIG. 7 illustrates an alternate embodiment, having a container 700 having a body portion made of different materials. In body section 702 a first material is used, which may be elastic. Body section 704 uses a second type of material similar to the first, and having a different elasticity characteristic. Body section 704 includes some patterning to enable easy gripping, or may be designed to guide the user's applied pressure to a specific place on the bottle 700. Body section 706 is a third and different material, such as a non-deformable material. The use and recovery design of the bottle 700 will determine the number of sections, the configuration and the make-up each section. In some embodiments, the body section 706 is a thermal material and is used to keep the liquid cold or hot. In some embodiments, the body section 706 may be a more cost-efficient material. There are a variety of reasons for various designs. While FIG. 7 illustrates a bottle 700 with three sections, there may be two or more sections in alternate embodiments. As in bottle 500, a recovery mechanism 510 is positioned opposite a mouthpiece (not shown).

Throughout the discussion herein the recovery mechanism has been positioned opposite the mouthpiece, however, alternate embodiments may place the recovery mechanism at other positions on the bottle such that the pressure differential opens the recovery mechanism without water flowing out the recovery mechanism. When the mouthpiece and recovery mechanism are on opposite sides of the bottle, this is achieved, but the recovery mechanism may be positioned approximately opposite the mouthpiece, such as on the side of the body near the bottom.

As more and more fluids are available for cyclists to enjoy, there is a need for a bottle that allows personalized drink use. In the bottle of FIG. 8, a drinking container having two separate chambers, 802 and 804, is provided to enable the user to incorporate multiple drink types into the bottle. The bottle 800 includes a divider 850 to separate the two chambers, 802 and 804. The divider 850 may be a detachable member that separates from the bottle body, or may be configured as part of the bottle body and/or bottom 808. Various configurations are possible. As illustrated the two chambers 802 and 804 are approximately the same size, but alternate embodiments these may be different sizes. Each chamber may have a recovery mechanism configured in the bottom of the bottle.

In some embodiments, the chambers may hold liquid at different temperatures enabling the user to have multiple drink temperature options. The chambers may hold different liquids, such as a sports drink in chamber 802 and water in chamber 804. In some embodiments a chamber 860 may be incorporated into the bottle 800, or may replace one of the chambers 802 or 804, to provide another material, such as a concentrated amount of flavor or nutrient. The optional chamber 860 may be used to provide a small amount of antiseptic or other substance, such as related to clean water and so forth. The optional chamber 860 may have a small release mechanism (not shown) to distribute the material into one of more chambers. The material in optional chamber 860 may be liquid or powder.

The bottle 800 has a top portion 806 and a mouthpiece 812. The top portion 806 may include a drink switch mechanism to enable the user to select from which chamber, 802, 804, to drink.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment including a chamber 390 for injecting material into the bottle 300. This chamber may be used for applying chemicals to treat polluted air, or may be adding nutrients to the contents of the bottle, wherein the material may be a powder that is distributed by the inflow of air through the recovery mechanism 310. The chamber 390 may be a replaceable apparatus, that is removed and a new chamber 390 inserted. The chamber 390 may be removable and refillable to refill the material for use. In some embodiments, the chamber 390 may be used to provide fluoride or other oral treatments to the user. Or it may be used to provide vitamins and/or supplements, such as where children are resistant to taking orally they may find this easier as part of their sports drink or water.

FIG. 11 illustrates the use cycle for an elastic container having a recovery mechanism according to some embodiments of the present invention. The process begins when the elastic container is an original state, and the forces on the bottle are at equilibrium. The process then moves to Phase 1 where the user applies external pressure to the bottle, creating a differential pressure between internal and external pressures on the bottle. This is the deformation or deform phase. The process then continues to a deformation equalization point, where the bottle has deformed, fluid has flowed out of the bottle, and the user is still applying pressure to the bottle. It is difficult for the user to continue to deform the bottle and it is difficult for the user to drink. The user then releases the applied pressure and the bottle begins its recovery phase, Phase 2. The recovery phase continues until the pressure equalizes and the bottle has returned to its original shape.

FIG. 10 illustrates a bottle 300 as in FIG. 3, with an attached controller 380 coupled to the recovery mechanism 310 that serves to activate the recovery mechanism. The controller 380 may have multiple applications, such as an on/off to enable the user to control the actuation of recovery. In some embodiments, the controller 380 may enable multiple recovery rates, allowing the user to use a first recovery rate for casual use, and a fast recovery for strenuous activities.

In some embodiments, the recovery mechanism 310 may include a mesh or filter type arrangement to prevent bugs and dirt from entering the bottle. The recovery mechanism 310 may also have a pollution filter to remove smaller particulates or chemicals from the air. Such filters may be removable allowing the user to change the filter when it becomes full of pollutants or dirt.

As described herein a recovery mechanism acts an air intake, an air relief, an air return and so forth. The position of the recovery mechanism is positioned approximately opposite the mouthpiece. During the phases of operation, as discussed with respect to FIG. 10, external applied pressure changes the shape of the bottle reducing the internal volume of the bottle and expelling liquid. This is the typical operation of a conventional sports bottle. Embodiments of the present invention use this pressure differential and the elastic characteristics of the bottle to actuate a one-way valve or mechanism positioned to allow air into the bottle without allowing fluid out of the bottle. The elastic characteristic causes the bottle to return to its original shape when applied pressure is removed. The bottle is deformable, but when fully deformed will not allow the user to drink form the bottle. As the bottle returns to its original shape, recovery, a vacuum is created within the bottle by the pressure differential created. The air flow into the bottle returns the bottle to equilibrium.

The behavior of a specific container may be influenced by the shape of the body, and the use case. There are a variety of shapes that may be used; some of these shapes may result in faster recovery than others.

The present invention is an improvement over conventional elastic water bottles, as incorporating a recovery mechanism positioned approximately opposite the mouthpiece that responds to a pressure differential of the internal and external pressures on the bottle. The various forces acting include a gravitational force as the bottle is inverted, a potential sucking of the user through the mouthpiece forming a negative pressure, pressure due to deformation of the bottle and other pressures from use of the bottle.

The position of the recovery mechanism is approximately opposite the mouthpiece and operates when the bottle is inverted. Unlike some designs, where an air intake is provided on the top of a bottle next to the mouthpiece, the present embodiments of a recovery mechanism are activated when the bottle is inverted or partially inverted, such as for athletic use.

While the present invention allows for a variety of mouthpiece styles, the user may continue to drink from the bottle while it is positioned with the water away from the recovery mechanism to allow continuous drinking while in athletic use. The user may continue to drink while the bottle recovers its shape. In some embodiments, the user maintains a constant applied pressure to the bottle, while the bottle shape remains relatively unchanged as the recovery mechanism continuously allows airflow into the bottle to fill the volume left by the water as it is consumed.

The recovery mechanism may be made of a magnetic material such that it is activated to an open position via the pressure differential at a predetermined threshold but closes by magnetism. Such a design would avoid some of the mold build-up problems associated with conventional bottles. As the mechanism is not plastic, it would prevent mold from building on the valve. The metallic material would be easier to clean than plastic. The recovery mechanism would click on closure providing the user an indication that the mechanism is closed. Metallic materials have finer tolerances, and may be configured to tight specifications, resulting in less leakage.

The drawings of the present application are provided as examples of the present invention and are not necessarily drawn to scale. A variety of shapes and materials may be used to construct a bottle incorporating the teachings of the present invention. Various valves and devices may be used to implement the recovery mechanism, such that air flows into the bottle in response to changes in pressure within the bottle.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A RECOVERY MECHANISM IN AN ELASTIC CONTAINER

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