Pivot Loop for Sport Bottle Lid

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of sport bottles for storing, mixing and dispensing beverages, and especially relates to a lid for such a sport bottle having a fixture for attaching other items such as keys or a gym membership card.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Many different designs, configurations and features of so-called sport bottles are known. Generally, such sport bottles are used for storing, mixing and dispensing beverages, such as various different athletic performance-boosting supplements mixed into water, juice or the like. Thus, such sport bottles are typically used for providing beverages for hydration and replenishing electrolytes, energy, and the like before, during and after a person's participation in athletic events, fitness training and the like. When participating in such activities, a person often does not have pockets yet must carry along certain items such as car keys, a gym membership or access card, or the like. It is often also desirable to be able to carry the sport bottle by clipping and hanging it from a clothing belt, a sport or gym bag, or the like.

For this reason, it has become known to provide a hanging loop or attachment loop or other fixture on the sport bottle lid. Such a loop also provides a convenient finger loop from which the sport bottle may be carried. For example, on the market, Blender Bottle™ brand sport bottles are known to have a movable or pivotable loop. Compared to a fixed rigid loop, such a movable or pivotable loop is more flexible and adaptable for different types of use, but is rather complicated to assemble during the manufacturing process. Also, the pivotable loop remains permanently connected as a closed loop on the bottle lid. It is thus not possible to remove it for cleaning. Also, it is thus not possible to attach keys or a gym card or the like directly to the permanently closed loop, but rather another openable ring such as a carabiner clip must be attached to the loop for in turn attaching other items such as keys or a gym card. The Smart Shake™ brand sport bottles are known to have a carabiner clip attached to the bottle lid for clipping on a gym card or keys or the like. Such a carabiner clip however seems to be an “add-on” or “afterthought” rather than a well-designed component of the sport bottle lid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above, it is an object of one or more of the embodiments of the invention to provide a pivotable loop on a sport bottle lid, which is easy to assemble during manufacturing and/or easy to disassemble and reassemble by the user for cleaning. Another object of an embodiment of the invention is to make the loop openable so that keys or a gym card or the like can be slid directly onto the loop without requiring an intermediate openable carabiner clip or the like. A further object of an embodiment of the invention is to make a pivotable loop for a sport bottle lid more functional and less costly to manufacture in comparison to the prior art. The invention further aims to avoid or overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, and to achieve additional advantages, as apparent from the present specification. The attainment of these objects is, however, not a required limitation of claimed embodiments of the invention.

The above objects have been achieved in an embodiment of the invention directed to a sport bottle lid (15) having a hinge base (11) thereon, a flip cap (1) having a hinge element (3) with a passage (4) for receiving a hinge pin arm (17), and a pivot loop (16) that includes a plastic bail (6) as well as a hinge pin arm (17). The hinge element (3) of the flip cap (1) is positioned to align its pin-receiving passage (4) with holes (12) of the hinge base (11), and then the hinge pin arm (17) of the pivot loop (16) is inserted through the aligned holes (13) and passage (4) of the hinge base (11) and the hinge element (3) of the flip cap (1). One end of the hinge pin arm (17) is preferably permanently connected to the bail (6) of the pivot loop (16), but the other end of the hinge pin arm (17) is preferably not permanently connected to the pivot loop bail (6), but rather either has an unconnected gap there between or a selectively fastenable and releasable juncture.

In particular, the present invention pertains an arrangement comprising a sport bottle lid (15), a flip cap (1), and a pivot loop (16) including a hinge pin arm (17) that hingedly secures a hinge end of the flip cap (1) to a hinge arrangement (11, 12) on the sport bottle lid (15).

The inventive arrangement combines state of the art sport bottle lids with the particular pivot loop (16) in a favourable manner.

In a preferred embodiment, the flip cap (1) is pivoted in the hinge arrangement (11, 12) on the sport bottle lid (15) without requiring the pivot loop (16). Further, the pivot loop (16) comprises the hinge pin arm (17) and a bail (6) extending from the hinge pin arm (17) in form of a loop and is insertable into the arrangement by the hinge pin arm (17) via a hinge post (12) located in a hinge base (11) which is formed on the sport bottle lid (15). Therefor the inventive arrangement serves that the flip cap (1) and the pivot loop (16) can be swivelled independently of each other.

By this embodiment, the pivot loop (16) is independent from the flip cap (1) of the sport bottle lid (15) and can be mounted if needed and demounted if not needed. The known function of a state of the art sport bottle lid is kept while the inventive features are added.

It is particularly preferred when the bail (6) has one open end opposite the connection to the hinge pin arm (17).

This feature combination opens the possibility not only to use the pivot loop (16) for proper handling, but also to secure a key (18) or the like on the sport bottle.

This particular embodiment can further be improved when the open end of the bail (6) comprises a fastening member (10).

This fastening member (10) may be made of rubber or a softer elastic plastic such that a key (18) or the like can be easily added or removed.

In a preferred embodiment, the bail (6) comprises a rubber or softer elastic plastic component (9) within its loop form or on top thereof.

This rubber or softer elastic plastic component (9) serves for a better grip and for a comfortably holding.

In order to more tightly secure the pivot loop (16), the hinge pin arm (17) may comprise a first latching element (17.1) and/or a second latching element (17.2) for engaging with the hinge posts (12).

Therein, the first latching element (17.1) is directed outwards in the form of protrusions, while the second latching element (17.2) is directed inwards in the form of grooves.

In another embodiment, the hinge pin arm (17) is a hollow element having a longitudinal slot.

By this slot, the hinge pin arm (17) is deformable to a certain extent such that the edges of the longitudinal slot can be bent together.

As an alternative embodiment, the hinge pin arm (17) is a two-part element with opposing half shells (17a, 17b).

Therein, both the half shells (17a, 17b) are fixed at the connection point to the bail (6). Also in this embodiment, the edges of the opposing half shells (17a, 17b) can be bent together.

A particular embodiment is an arrangement wherein the bail (6) comprises towards its open end a swivel arm (20) connected to a joint (19).

This particular embodiment is similar to a snap hook, in which the swivel arm (20) can open and close the loop of the pivot loop (16) by turning around the joint (19).

As an alternative to this particular embodiment, the bail (6) comprises towards its open end a thread (21a) with a union sleeve (21b).

Therein, the union sleeve (21b) can open and close the loop of the pivot loop (16) by screwing it up and down on the thread (21a).

Another alternative to this particular embodiment provides an arrangement wherein the bail (6) comprises towards its open end a sliding guide with a connecting sleeve.

Also with the connecting sleeve, the loop of the pivot loop (16) can be opened and closed by sliding up and down on the sliding guide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be clearly understood, it will now be described in connection with example embodiments thereof, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a sport bottle lid 15 having a flip cap 1 and a pivot loop 16 according to an embodiment of the invention, in an assembled condition;

FIG. 2 shows components of the inventive arrangement in a disassembled or exploded view;

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment in a disassembled view,

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the sport bottle lid 15 in a partly disassembled view,

FIG. 5 shows the alternative embodiment of the sport bottle lid 15 of FIG. 4 in another view,

FIG. 6 shows the alternative embodiment of the sport bottle lid 15 of FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 in an assembled condition,

FIG. 7 shows the alternative embodiment of the sport bottle lid 15 of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 in a disassembled or exploded view,

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of a pivot loop 16 having first latching elements 17.1,

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of a pivot loop 16 having second latching elements 17.2,

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a hinge pin arm 17 being a hollow element having a longitudinal slot,

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a hinge pin arm 17 being a hollow element having a longitudinal slot in a compressed condition,

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of a hinge pin arm 17 being a two-part element with opposing half shells 17a, 17b in an open condition and in a compressed condition,

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a pivot loop 16 as a sort of a snap hook in a closed condition,

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of a pivot loop 16 as a sort of a snap hook in an open condition,

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of a pivot loop 16 comprising a thread 21a with a union sleeve 21b in a closed condition, and

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of a pivot loop 16 comprising a thread 21a with a union sleeve 21b in an open condition.

Identical parts have the same reference signs in all figures, but for reasons of clarity not all parts are labelled with reference signs in all figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows an arrangement according to a first embodiment of the invention. A sport bottle lid 15 is adapted to be fastened, for example screwed, onto the open top of a sport beverage botte. This lid 15 itself may have essentially any known configuration and construction. The lid 15 includes a drinking spout 14. To selectively open and close the drinking spout 14, a flip cap 1 includes a closure seal 2 that can be pressed and clicked onto the drinking spout 14 so as to close and seal the drinking spout 14, or can be flipped upwardly in order to open the drinking spout 14. At the opposite end from the closure seal 2, the flip cap 1 includes a hinge element 3 that is pivotally mounted to a hinge base 11 provided on the sport bottle lid 15. A pivot loop 16 is also pivotally mounted to the hinge base 11. The pivot loop 16 includes a bail 6 preferably made of a relatively stiff and rigid yet tough plastic, and a hinge pin arm 17 that will be discussed further in connection with FIG. 2 below. The hinge pin arm 17 can be formed integrally and monolithically of the same plastic together with the bail 6 connected at one end thereof.

In FIG. 1, the right end of the bail 6 is permanently connected to the hinge pin arm 17, but the left end of the bail 6 is open and not connected to the hinge pin arm 17. At this open end, a fastening member 10 is provided, here in the form of an elastic or rubber material muff or cap or cover over the end portion of the free open end of the bail 6. User accessories such as a gym card or keys 18 can be easily slipped over the free open end of the bail 6, by elastically bending the bail 6 slightly away from the hinge base 11 to open the gap at the free unconnected end of the bail 6, by elastically bending the bail 6 slightly away from the hinge base 11 to open the gap at the free unconnected end of the bail 6, and then passing a hole or key ring of the keys 18 over the rubber muff or other fastening member 10. When the free end of the bail 6 is released, it elastically springs back to its original condition in which the gap at the end thereof is closed or nearly closed.

Also, the grippy rubber and preferably expanded diameter of the fastening member 10 relative to the diameter of the plastic bail 6 serves as a retainer or gateway to retain the keys 18 on the bail 6, without allowing the keys 18 to inadvertently slip off of the bail 6. Nonetheless, by purposely pulling the keys 18 over the fastening member 10 and off the free end of the bail 6, it remains easy for the user to remove the keys 18 when it is purposely intended. The bail 6 may additionally be provided with a rubber overlay 9 for grip and for comfortably holding the sport bottle from the bail 6 as a finger carrier loop.

The rubber or softer elastic plastic components 9 and 10 are applied on the harder plastic bail 6 by a two component molding technique.

In this assembled condition, the flip cap 1 and the pivot loop 16 can each independently pivot about the hinge axis provided by the hinge pin arm 17 of the bail 6 cooperating with the hinge base 11 of the sport bottle lid 15. Although being independently pivotable, the flip cap 1 and the pivot loop 16 remain securely fastened to the sport bottle lid 15. Nonetheless, these components can be relatively easily disassembled by the user, for example for cleaning, when desired. Such disassembly will involve pulling the hinge pin arm 17 of the pivot loop 16 out of the hinge base 11, to revert to the disassembled or pre-assembly configuration of loose independent components 1 and 16 as shown in FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the flip cap 1 includes the closure seal 2 at a distal and thereof, and a hinge element 3 at a proximal end thereof. The flip cap 1 is preferably a one-piece plastic component. The hinge element 3 is preferably in the form of a cylindrical tube, having a passage 4 or a hollow space or cannel adapted to receive the hinge pin arm 17 of the pivot loop 16 coaxially therein.

Rather than being a complete closed cylindrical passage 4 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, this passage 4 can alternatively be a longitudinally open or slotted passage that is preferably closed for more than 180° and open for less than 180° about its circumference as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3. Such an open passage (FIG. 3) can be laterally or radially “clicked” onto the hinge pin arm 17, rather than requiring the hinge pin arm 17 to be axially inserted into the end of the passage 4, yet the passage 4 is sufficiently closed in the circumferential direction to ensure a secure “clicked” seating of the hinge element 3 on the hinge pin arm 17. Nonetheless, the closed bore-hole configuration of the passage 4 as illustrated in FIG. 2 is presently preferred as being more secure.

To assemble the components, the hinge element 3 of the flip cap 1 is inserted between the two hinge posts 12 or tabs of the hinge base 11 on the sport bottle lid 15, such that the hinge pin holes 13 of the two hinge posts 12 align axially with the passage 4 of the hinge element 3. Then the hinge pin arm 17 of the pivot loop 16 is pushed axially through the aligned hinge pin hole 13 and passage 4, until a collar groove 8 of the hinge pin arm 17 engages onto a constricted collar 5 forming a constricted neck of the passage 4. This provides sufficient securement of the hinge pin arm 17 in the axial direction to prevent it from inadvertently sliding or falling out of the passage 4, yet allows the arrangement to be purposely disassembled by the user applying sufficient axial pulling force to disengage the collar groove 8 from the constricted collar 5 so as to pull out the hinge pin arm 17 from the hinge element 3 and hinge base 11. To facilitate the insertion of the hinge pin arm 17, it can have a hollow and/or longitudinally slitted tube configuration, so the diameter of the hinge pin arm 17 compresses as it passes through the holes 13, but then expands outwardly elastically, e.g. firmly engage the constricted collar 5 into the collar groove 8. The distal hinge post 12 or tab may have a second hole to receive the hinge pin arm 17 extending therethrough, or simply a depression or a protrusion to engage with the end of the hinge pin arm 17, rather than a second hole 13. The end of the hinge pin and arm 17 the distal hinge post 12 may also engage one another in the manner of the constricted collar 5 and the collar groove 8.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the free end of the hinge pin arm 17 of the pivot loop 16 is preferably provided with a fastening receiver 7, for example in the form of a slot, jaw, dovetail recess, undercut recess, hook, or the like. The fastening receiver 7 merely needs to be shaped in such a manner so as to allow temporary engagement or fastening of a second member, which may selectively be released simply by applying sufficient pulling force. For this, the fastening receiver 7 for example has a constricted neck passing into an enlarged opening, or a hook shape. This fastening receiver 7 can be configured and arranged to serve either of two purposes. In a first embodiment, the fastening receiver 7 clicks onto the distal hinge post 12, e.g. engaging the edge of the hinge pin hole 13 thereof, simultaneously when the collar groove 8 engages the constricted collar 5. In a second alternative embodiment, the hinge pin arm 17 is made longer so that the fastening receiver 7 protrudes axially beyond the distal hinge post 12 so as to be exposed on the opposite side. In this embodiment, the fastening member 10 on the free end of the bail 6 of the pivot loop 16 is configured in a mating configuration (e.g. as a bail or bead or cylinder to “click” into a socket or trough formed by the fastening receiver 7) to be engageable into the fastening receiver 7 simply by pushing, hooking or “clicking” the fastening member 10 into the fastening receiver 7. With this configuration, the preferably D-shaped pivot loop 16 can be selectively closed by fastening the fastening member 10 temporarily into the fastening receiver 7, so as to positively and surely retain keys 18 or other user accessories on the bail 6 of the pivot loop 16. Then, when it is desired to remove the keys 18 or other user accessories, the fastening member 10 is simply pulled or unhooked out of the fastening receiver 7 in order to open the D-shaped bail 6 and allow the keys 18 to be removed.

In a further alternative embodiment, inter alia illustrated in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6 and/or FIG. 7, the arrangement of the hinge posts 12 and the hinge element 3 can be reversed, for example that the hinge end of the flip cap 1 is provided with hinge posts 12 or tabs protruding downwardly while a hinge element 3 having a hinge pin passage 4 therein protrudes upwardly from the sport bottle lid 15 to be received between the hinge posts 12 or tabs of the flip cap 1.

FIG. 8 shows outward-facing first latching elements 17.1 that are flexible and deformable under pressure. These first latching elements 17.1 are designed in such a way that the vertically rising shape makes it easy to insert the hinge pin arm 17 into the device of the flip cap 1 and the sport bottle lid 15. Due to the sharply sloping edge at a 90° angle, it is then firmly locked in place and can no longer be removed from the device, in this case in the opposite direction.

The engagement occurs as soon as this edge is reached and the flexibly mouldable locking elements spring back into their original shape. The fin-like shape, like a shark's fin, also makes it easy to insert the hinge pin arm 17 through the slowly rising shape; the 90° turn means that it is no longer possible to move it in the opposite direction over the 90° sloping edge.

FIG. 9 shows inward-facing second latching elements 17.2, which preferably accommodate matching latching lugs as counter elements, which are attached to the flip cap 1 and/or to the swivelling elements of the sport bottle lid 15.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the pivot loop 16 in which the hinge pin arm 17 is designed as a hollow element and has a slot on one side in the longitudinal direction.

The two opposite edges of the slot can meet when pressure is applied. This allows the diameter x of the hinge pin arm 17 to be reduced. In combination with the first and/or second latching elements 17.1, 17.2, an even better holding effect can be achieved.

FIG. 11 shows the illustration of FIG. 10 in a compressed state with an external force applied when the hinge pin arm 17 is inserted into the device of the sport bottle lid 15 and the flip cap 1. As a result, the diameter of the hinge pin arm 17 becomes smaller, shown here as x−1.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment with two half shells 17a, 17b as a hinge pin arm 17, at the top in the open condition with the diameter x, at the bottom in the compressed condition with the reduced diameter x−1.

The pivot/holding ring can also be a carabiner of suitable shape, preferably made of metal. The carabiner is preferably embodied with an opening element via a hinge to attach possible objects such as a key ring or similar.

These further embodiments are shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, among others, where the pivot loop 16 is designed as a type of snap hook (carabiner). This snap hook is preferably but not exclusively made of metal. In contrast to the more U-shaped loop of an embodiment of the pivot loop 16 described above, this modification has a joint 19 towards the open end, which is connected to a swivel arm 20. This swivel arm 20 can preferably, but not exclusively, be moved inwards. An outward or lateral movement is also possible. In this way, a temporary opening can be created, for example to engage a key 18 or similar.

FIG. 13 shows the closed condition, while FIG. 14 shows an open condition caused by the force F on the swivel arm 20. In particular, the swivel arm 20 has a spring function that places it in the closed condition.

Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16. The pivot loop 16 again forms a temporarily closed condition. A union sleeve 21b is screwed up (open) or down (closed) by means of a thread 21a.

The precision fit of the union sleeve 21b in this embodiment makes it easy to create a temporary opening. A spring function is also preferably provided here, which holds the union sleeve 21b in a closed condition, while the thread 21a serves to lock the open condition.

Another alternative of the particular embodiment in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 is not explicitly shown here. Instead of the thread 21a a sliding guide is provided on which instead of the union sleeve 21b a connecting sleeve is moved up (open) and down (close). This more simple embodiment does not need a screwing action, but allows also for a secure opening and closing, especially when the connecting sleeve is provided with a spring function.

Any individual features disclosed herein, and any combinations of any of such features, represent inventive subject matter that can be the subject of respective claimed embodiments of the invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be appreciated that it is intended to cover all modifications, combinations and equivalents thereof. It should also be understood that the present disclosure includes all possible combinations of any individual features. The abstract of the disclosure does not define or limit the invention, but rather merely abstracts certain features disclosed in the application.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

- 1 flip cap
- 2 closure seal
- 3 hinge element
- 4 passage or hollow space or cannel
- 5 constricted collar
- 6 bail
- 7 fastening receiver
- 8 collar groove
- 9 rubber or softer elastic plastic component
- 10 fastening member
- 11 hinge base
- 12 hinge post or tab
- 13 hinge pin holes
- 14 drinking spout
- 15 sport bottle lid
- 16 pivot loop
- 17 hinge pin arm
- 17
  a half shell
- 17
  b half shell
- 17.1 first latching element
- 17.2 second latching element
- 18 gym card or keys
- 19 joint
- 20 swivel arm
- 21
  a thread
- 21
  b union sleeve

Pivot Loop for Sport Bottle Lid

Information

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Date Filed

Date Published

Inventors

CPC

International Classifications

Abstract

Description

Claims

Priority Claims (1)