Beverage container and carabiner assembly

Abstract

A beverage container and carabiner assembly including a container having a distal end and a proximal end, the container having a cavity therein, the container having a threaded mouth at the proximal end, the mouth in communication with the cavity, a threaded cap having a distal end and a proximal end, the cap having a through-bore therein proximate the proximal end, the cap operatively arranged to threadably and removably engage the threaded mouth of the container, and a carabiner, the carabiner having a proximal section, a distal section, and a clip, the distal section of the carabiner arranged within the through-bore of the cap.

Description

BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND CARABINER ASSEMBLY STATEMENT OF PRIORITY

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 303,906, filed on April 20, 2023. FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a beverage container having a carrying system removably secured in a cap of the container. More specifically, the invention relates to a carrying system which includes a carabiner secured within a cap of a water bottle. BACKGROUND

[0003] Reusable water bottles have become mainstream in recent years, primarily as an effort to reduce waste. Various name-brand companies have developed reusable water bottles with a plurality of features, such as, insulated walls to keep contents hot or cold and varieties of cap arrangements providing different drinking experiences.

[0004] An issue with some water bottles relates to a means for carrying them. Due to their various sizes and shapes, carrying mechanisms have been developed in various configurations. One of these mechanisms is a cap having an integrated handle, typically constructed of the same material and extending therefrom.

[0005] However, these handle solutions are arranged such that a closed loop is formed by the integrated handle, thereby requiring the use of another device to connect the handle to a desirable object, such as a backpack, travel bag, luggage, etc.

[0006] In many arrangements, carabiner clips are used as a connecting element between the integrated handle and the object. Although this solution temporarily cures the abovementioned problem, it also introduces an additional component to the water bottle that can be removed and lost.

[0007] An example of the aforementioned combination is disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2021 / 0147127. The '127 application discloses a fluid container having a lid that is arranged to accept a carabiner therein. The bottle generally includes a vessel, or container having a lid and a magnet thereon. The container includes threads arranged within an inner surface of a mouth of the container that are arranged to removably secure the lid, by way of threads, to the container. The lid further includes a carabiner support with a substantially annular-ring shaped configuration extending from an upper surface thereon, whereas the carabiner support is arranged to accept a carabiner therein. The carabiner can still be removed from the carabiner support.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to create a handle that is more integrally arranged with the cap, i.e., no additional extending components, nor a carabiner that can be removed. U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2019 / 0152655 discloses a container and a cap having a handle integrated into the cap. The cap is disclosed to have a base with a wall arranged to have threading thereon. The base further includes oppositely disposed apertures. The base extends from a terminal end portion. The handle includes a sleeve with oppositely arranged end portions, whereas the end portions are arranged to be seated within apertures, allowing the handle to be rotatably connected to the base of the cap. The configuration does provide a handle but does not utilize a carabiner and is configured as a closed loop.

[0009] Thus, there is a long felt need for a beverage container (e.g., a water bottle) having a cap, where the cap includes an integrated handle, where the handle takes the form of a carabiner and is integrated in a manner where the carabiner cannot be removed from the cap.

[0010] There is also a long felt need for a carabiner and cap combination for a water bottle where the carabiner is integrated therein in such a way that no additional components extend from the cap. SUMMARY

[0011] According to aspects illustrated herein, the present invention generally comprises a beverage container and carabiner assembly including a container having a distal end and a proximal end, the container having a cavity therein, the container having a threaded mouth at the proximal end, the mouth in communication with the cavity, a threaded cap having a distal end and a proximal end, the cap having a through-bore therein proximate the proximal end, the cap operatively arranged to threadably and removably engage the threaded mouth of the container, and a carabiner, the carabiner having a proximal section, a distal section, and a clip, the distal section of the carabiner arranged within the through-bore of the cap.

[0012] The present invention may also generally comprise a carabiner cap combination, the carabiner cap combination having a cap having a first end and a second end, a protrusion extending from the first end, the protrusion having threads arranged on an outer surface, a through-bore disposed therein and proximate the proximal end, and a carabiner, the carabiner having a proximal section, a distal section, and a clip, the distal section of the carabiner arranged within the through-bore of the cap, wherein the carabiner may rotate within the through-bore.

[0013] In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a carabiner cap combination including a cap having a proximal end and a distal end, a protrusion extending from the distal end, the protrusion having threads arranged on an outer surface, a through-bore disposed within the cap, and a carabiner, the carabiner having a proximal section, a distal section, and a clip, the distal section of the carabiner arranged for rotation within the through- bore of the cap.

[0014] In other embodiments, the present invention may include a beverage container and carabiner assembly having a container having a cavity, the container having a threaded mouth in communication with the cavity, a threaded cap having a through-bore therein, the cap operatively arranged to threadably engage the threaded mouth of the container, and a carabiner, a part of which is fixedly secured within the through-bore of the cap.

[0015] In some arrangements, the carabiner of the aforementioned present invention could comprise a frame, the frame having a nose arranged at a first end and a pivot end arranged at a second end, the frame having a spine arranged substantially between the nose and the pivot end, the frame including an arched portion arranged proximate the nose, the frame also including a longitudinal portion proximate the pivot end, and a gate pivotably secured to the pivot end and arranged to engage the nose, wherein the gate and the spine are spaced part at a first length, wherein the arched portion and the longitudinal portion are spaced apart at a second length, whereas the first length is greater than the second length.

[0016] These and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon a review of the following detailed description of the invention, in view of the drawings and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of the present invention in use; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the present invention shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional taken generally along line 3-3 in Figure 1; Figure 4A is a front view of the cap of the present invention shown in Figure 1; Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 4B-4B in Figure 4A; Figures 5A through 5C are right-side views of the cap shown in Figure 4; Figures 6A through 6D are generally taken from DETAIL 6 shown in Figure 3; Figure 7A is a perspective view of a carabiner of the present invention shown in Figure 1; Figure 7B is a front view of the carabiner shown in Figure 7A; Figure 8A is a perspective view of the cap shown of the present invention shown in Figure 1 having an alternative embodiment of a carabiner therein; Figure 8B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8B-8B in Figure 8A; Figure 9A is a perspective view of the carabiner shown in Figure 8A; Figure 9B is a front view of the carabiner shown in Figure 8A; Figure 10A is a perspective of an alternative embodiment of the cap of the present invention shown in Figure 1 having a second alternative embodiment of a carabiner therein; Figure 10B is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 10B-10B in Figure 10A; Figure 11A is a perspective view of the carabiner shown in Figure 10A; and, Figure 11B is a front view of the carabiner shown in Figure 11A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

[0019] Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

[0020] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

[0021] It should be appreciated that the term "substantially" is synonymous with terms such as "nearly," "very nearly," "about," "approximately," "around," "bordering on," "close to," "essentially," "in the neighborhood of," "in the vicinity of," etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term "proximate" is synonymous with terms such as "nearby," "close," "adjacent," "neighboring," "immediate," "adjoining," etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. The term "approximately" is intended to mean values within ten percent of the specified value.

[0022] It should be understood that use of "or" in the present application is with respect to a "non-exclusive" arrangement, unless stated otherwise. For example, when saying that "item x is A or B," it is understood that this can mean one of the following: (1) item x is only one or the other of A and B; (2) item x is both A and B. Alternately stated, the word "or" is not used to define an "exclusive or" arrangement. For example, an "exclusive or" arrangement for the statement "item x is A or B" would require that x can be only one of A and B. Furthermore, as used herein, "and / or" is intended to mean a grammatical conjunction used to indicate that one or more of the elements or conditions recited may be included or occur. For example, a device comprising a first element, a second element and / or a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element.

[0023] Moreover, as used herein, the phrases "comprises at least one of" and "comprising at least one of" in combination with a system or element is intended to mean that the system or element includes one or more of the elements listed after the phrase. For example, a device comprising at least one of: a first element; a second element; and, a third element, is intended to be construed as any one of the following structural arrangements: a device comprising a first element; a device comprising a second element; a device comprising a third element; a device comprising a first element and a second element; a device comprising a first element and a third element; a device comprising a first element, a second element and a third element; or, a device comprising a second element and a third element. A similar interpretation is intended when the phrase "used in at least one of:" or "at least one of" is used herein.

[0024] Adverting now to the drawings. The following description should be taken in view of Figures 1 through 3. Figure 1 illustrates the present invention, carabiner bottle 10 attached to article 2, specifically ring 4 of article 2. Carabiner bottle 10 includes carabiner 60 which allows bottle 10 to be removably secured to an object. Figures 2 and 3 generally illustrate an exploded view of carabiner bottle 10 and a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 3-3 in Figure 1. Carabiner bottle 10 generally comprises container 12, carabiner cap combination 14, and O-ring 16.

[0025] In some arrangements, container 12 includes distal end 18, proximal end 20, body 22, mouth 24, and neck 34. Body 22 has outer surface 26 and inner surface 28. Body 22 extends from distal end 18 proximate proximal end 20, thereby transitioning to neck 34. Neck 34 extends to proximal end 20 and is terminated by mouth 24. Mouth 24 is an aperture within neck 34. Threading 30 is arranged on inner surface 28 within mouth 24 and / or neck 34.

[0026] Container 12 includes plurality of gripping members 32 arranged on body 22. There could also be a plurality of gripping members arranged on neck 34. Specifically, plurality of gripping members 32 extend from, or are within, or a combination thereof, outer surface 26 of container 12, arranged in either, or both, of body 22 and neck 34, preferably disposed between distal end 18 and proximal end 20. In a preferred embodiment, plurality of gripping members 32 are arranged on body 22 and disposed between distal end 18 and neck 34. Plurality of gripping members 32 is shown and discussed further in view of Figures 6A through 6F, infra.

[0027] In some embodiments, container 12 is configured as a double wall insulated stainless steel container. In one embodiment, container 12 is configured as a single wall stainless steel container. It should be appreciated however, that alternative materials may be used in the construction of container 12, such as metal and plastic combinations, plastics, polymers, various different types of metals, etc. As such, those in the art will understand that any suitable material, now known or hereafter developed, may be used in forming container 10 described herein and supra.

[0028] Carabiner bottle 10 also includes O-ring 16, which is arranged to be sandwiched between mouth 24 and / or proximal end 20 when carabiner cap combination 14 is engaged to container 12—thereby providing a water-tight seal between container 12 and carabiner cap combination 14.

[0029] The following description should be taken in view of the aforementioned figures and Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4A generally illustrates a front view of carabiner cap combination 14 and Figure 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of same taken generally along line 4B-4B in Figure 4A. Carabiner cap combination 14 is preferably a singular component having carabiner 60 fixedly secured within a through-bore therein. In some embodiments, carabiner cap combination 14 comprises distal portion 36 and proximal portion 38, whereas distal portion 36 and proximal portion 38 are arranged to be fixedly secured, having carabiner 60 therein, forming cap 14.

[0030] Distal portion 36 of cap 14 generally includes distal surface 40, proximal surface 41, outer surface 43, protrusion 42, and groove 46. Protrusion 42 is arranged to extend from distal surface 40. In a preferred embodiment, protrusion 42 takes a substantially cylindrical configuration that may also have a frustoconical portion arranged at an end of protrusion 42 arranged away from distal surface 40. Threading 44 is arranged on an outside surface of protrusion 42, whereas threading 44 is arranged to threadedly engage threading 30 of container 12. Channel 48 is substantially arranged at least partially within distal surface 40 and preferably takes a circular configuration. Channel 48 is arranged to accept O-ring 16 therein, whereas O- ring 16 is substantially sandwiched within channel 48 when cap 14 is engaged to container 12. O-ring 16 primarily increases the water-tight seal formed by threading 44 and threading 30.

[0031] In some embodiments, first cavity 45 and second cavity 47 are formed at least between proximal surface 41 and distal surface 40, arranged between outer surface 43 and groove 46 (whereas groove 46 is positioned within groove body 46a). In other arrangements, first cavity 45 and second cavity 47 may extend past distal surface 40 and into protrusion 42.

[0032] In some configurations, proximal portion 38 of cap 14 generally includes distal surface 50, proximal surface 52, groove 54, first protruding section 56, and second protruding section 58. First protruding section 56 and second protruding section 58 are arranged to extend from distal surface 50. In some embodiments, first protruding section 56 and second protruding section 58 may also include first cavity 55 and second cavity 57, respectively. Groove 54 is arranged within groove body 54a.

[0033] Carabiner 60 generally includes distal section 62, proximal section 64, connection section 66, and clip 68. Distal section 62 at least includes a straight portion, i.e., a non-bent portion, that at least has a length which is the same as a length of both grooves 46 and 54. In a preferred embodiment, distal section 62 has a length which is greater than a length of both grooves 46 and 54. Distal section 62 extends from opposing ends into clip 68 and connection section 66, whereas clip 68 and connection section 66 extend in a direction away from distal section. Proximal section 64 is joined to the respective ends of clip 68 and connection section 66 that extend away from distal section 62. Carabiner 60 is generally configured to have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0034] In some embodiments, carabiner 60 may include distal section 62, proximal section 64, connection section 66, and clip 68. Distal section 60 may include first end 62a, second end 62b, and pin 62c disposed within an aperture arranged proximate first end 62a. Distal section 62 may also include longitudinal portion 62d, substantially disposed between first end 62a and second end 62b, whereas longitudinal portion 62d includes longitudinal axis LX. Proximal section 64 may include first end 64a and second end 64b. Connecting section 66 may include first end 66a and second end 66b. Clip 68 may include first end 66a, second end 66b, and aperture 68c. In some embodiments, clip 68 may also include locking sleeve 69, which may be threadedly engaged to clip 68 such that rotation there moves locking sleeve in either a direction towards and past first end 66a (i.e., a locked position) or a direction towards second end 66b (i.e., an unlocked position). Second end 62b of distal section 62 is connected to first end 66a of connecting section 66. Second end 66b of connecting section 66 is connected to second end 64b of proximal section 64. First end 64a of proximal section 64 and first end 68a of clip 68 are arranged to have complimentary arrangements, such that first end 68a of clip 68 abuts first end 64a of proximal section, thereby restricting first end 68a from moving in direction D1, i.e., past first end 64a (but can move in direction D2). Clip 68 is rotatably secured to distal section 62 via pin 62c within an aperture of first end 62a of distal section 62 and within aperture 68c of clip 68. In a preferred embodiment, and well known within the art, clip 68 includes a spring mechanism such that first end 68a of clip 68 maintains contact with first end 64a of proximal section 64 until force, generally in direction D2, is imparted on clip 68.

[0035] When cap 14 is assembled, first protruding section 56 and second protruding section 58 of proximal portion 38 are arranged to be at least partially seated within cavities 45 and 47 of distal portion 36, whereas groove 54 and groove 46 thereby form the through-bore of cap 14 which secured holds carabiner 60 therein. In a preferred embodiment, the through-bore (comprised of groove 54 and groove 46) has an internal circumference that is less than an outer circumference of distal portion 62 of carabiner 60—allowing carabiner 60 to rotate within, shown in Figures 5A through 5C.

[0036] The following description should be taken in view of the aforementioned figures and Figures 5A through 5C which generally illustrate a side view of carabiner cap combination 14. As illustrated and discussed supra, carabiner 60 is fixedly secured within the through-bore (comprised of groove 54 and groove 46) of cap 14 such that carabiner may rotate about axis AX of distal section 62 of carabiner 60, shown representatively in Figures 5B and 5C specifically.

[0037] The following description should be taken in view of Figures 2 and Figures 6A through 6D. Figures 6A through 6D illustrate an enlarged portion of container 12 taken generally from DETAIL 6 in Figure 2. As discussed supra, container 12 may include plurality of gripping members 32 disposed on, within, or a combination thereof, outer surface 26. Each of plurality of gripping members 32 may be comprised of at least one of: sinusoidal groove 70 (shown in Figure 6A); sinusoidal protrusion 72 (shown in Figure 6A); annular groove 78 (shown in Figure 6B); annular protrusion 80 (shown in Figure 6B); dome-like protrusion 74 (shown in Figure 6C); and, dome-like indentation 76 (shown in Figure 6D). As such, plurality of gripping members 32 may be comprised of one of the aforementioned configurations or a combination of the aforementioned configurations, e.g., plurality of gripping members 32 may comprise a plurality of sinusoidal grooves 70 and a plurality of sinusoidal protrusions 72 (as shown in Figure 6A), or plurality of gripping members 32 may comprise a plurality of annular grooves 78 and a plurality of annular protrusions 80 (as shown in Figure 6B), or other combinations. As such, various arrangements of the plurality of gripping members, in addition to the coverage of the members on the outer surface of the container (i.e., partially covered, completely cover, etc.) are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0038] The following description should be taken in view of Figures 7A and 7B which generally illustrates an embodiment of a carabiner used in some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, carabiner 100 generally includes frame 102 having spine 104 disposed opposite of gate 112. Frame 102 is terminated by two end sections, nose 106 and pivot end 108. Pivot end 108 includes an aperture therein, where the aperture is arranged to accept pivot pin 110, thereby rotatably securing gate 112 to pivot end 108. In some arrangements, frame 102 includes elongated curve portion 114 which is arranged opposite of longitudinal portion 116, whereas spine 104 connects elongated curve portion 114 and longitudinal portion 116. Longitudinal portion 116 also includes longitudinal axis LX. Carabiner 100 is generally configured to have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0039] Pivot pin 110 could be a rivet, a fixed secured pin, or other like structure, so long as it can rotatably secure gate 112 to pivot end 108.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, gate 112 includes a spring mechanism, or like mechanism, such that gate 112 forcibly contacts nose 106 until force is imparted thereon— allowing gate 112 to move in a direction towards spine 104. In some embodiments, gate 112 could also include a lock, such as a screw-lock which would threadably secure to nose 106, or a twist lock allowing gate 112 to be turned a specific degree to allow gate 112 to be released from nose 106, or a twist and pull lock which requires gate 112 to be twisted and slid down to release gate 112 from nose 106.

[0041] In some embodiments, frame 102 also includes pivot portion 118 which includes pivot end 108 and major arch 120 having angle A1. Pivot portion 118 is the connecting section between pivot end 108 and longitudinal portion 116. Longitudinal portion 116 includes inner face, or surface, 140. Longitudinal portion 116 and spine 104 are connected by first curved portion 122 having major arch 124. Major arch 124 includes angle A2, whereas angle A1 and angle A2 are substantially equal. Spine 104 includes inner face, or side, 138. Spine 104 and elongated curve portion 114 are connected by second curved portion 126 having minor arch 128, whereas minor arch 128 has angle A3. Elongated curve portion 114 includes elongated arch 130 having angle A4. Nose portion 132 includes nose 106 and is connected to elongated curve portion 114. Nose portion 132 includes minor arch 134 having angle A5. Gate 112 also includes inner face 136.

[0042] The distance between inner face 136 of gate 112 (when gate 112 is abutting nose 106) and inner face 138 of spine 104 is length L1. The distance between inner face, or surface 140 of longitudinal portion 116 and elongated arch 130 of elongated curve portion 114 is length L2. Length L1 is greater than length L2. In a preferred embodiment, length L1 and length L2 are in an approximate ratio of five to three, respectively. In other embodiments, length L2 may be approximately 50%-75% of length L1. In a preferred embodiment, length L1 is at least 66% longer than length L1.

[0043] Angle A1 of major arch 120 is substantially equal to angle A2 of major arch 124. Angle A3 of minor arch 128 is substantially equal to angle A5 of minor arch 134. Angles A1 and A2 are less than angles A3 and A5. Angle A4 of elongated arch 130 is greater than angles A3 and A5. Angle A4 of elongated arch 130 is greater than angles A1 and A2.

[0044] It should be noted that gate 112 is substantially equivalent to clip 68. Longitudinal portion 116 is substantially equivalent to distal section 62. Spine 104 is substantially equivalent to connecting section 66. Elongated curve portion 114 is substantially equivalent to proximal section 64. Nose 106 is substantially equivalent to first end 64a. Pivot end 108 is substantially equivalent to first end 62a. Pivot pin 110 is substantially equivalent to pivot pin 110. It also should be appreciated that either carabiner 60 or carabiner 100 may be used in cap 14 of the present invention.

[0045] The following description should be taken in view of the aforementioned figures and their respective description and Figure 8A through 9B. Figure 8A through 9B generally illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of carabiner cap combination 14, carabiner cap combination 200, having an alternative embodiment of carabiners 60 and 100, carabiner 250, therein, and a perspective view and a front view of carabiner 250.

[0046] Carabiner cap combination 200 is preferably a singular component having carabiner 250 (or carabiner 60 or carabiner 100) fixedly secured within a through-bore therein. In some embodiments, carabiner cap combination 200 comprises distal portion 202 and proximal portion 204, whereas distal portion 202 and proximal portion 204 are arranged to be fixedly secured, having carabiner 250 therein, forming Carabiner cap combination 200.

[0047] In some embodiments, distal portion 202 of cap 200 generally includes distal surface 212, proximal surface 213, external surface 210, internal surface 211, and groove 206. In some arrangements, external surface 210, proximate distal surface 212 may have threading (similar to threading 44) arranged thereon. In other arrangements, internal surface 211, proximate distal surface 212 and within cavity 214, may have threading arranged thereon (similar to threading 44)—this arrangement may be configured to correspond to threading 30 of container 12 which may be alternatively arranged on outer surface 26 of mouth 24 of container 12. O-ring channel 216 is arranged within cavity 214 proximate groove 206 and is arranged to accept O-ring 218 therein. Groove 206 includes first outer portion 206a, second outer portion 206b, and inner portion 206c, where first outer portion 206a and second outer portion 206b have a great diameter than inner portion 206c.

[0048] In some arrangements, proximal portion 204 of carabiner cap combination 200 generally includes distal surface 220, proximal surface 222, and groove 208. Plurality of ribs 224 extend from distal surface 220 into groove 208 (i.e., protruding into groove 208). Groove 208 includes first outer portion 208a, second outer portion 208b, and inner portion 208c, where first outer portion 208a and second outer portion 208b have a diameter greater than the diameter of inner portion 208c.

[0049] Grooves 206 and 208, when distal portion 202 and proximal portion 204 are joined, form the through-bore that fixedly and rotatably holds carabiner 250, specifically longitudinal portion 266, therein.

[0050] In some embodiments, carabiner 250 generally includes frame 252 having spine 254 disposed opposite of gate 262. Frame 252 is terminated by two end sections, nose 256 and pivot end 258. Pivot end 258 includes an aperture therein, where the aperture is arranged to accept pivot pin 260, thereby rotatably securing gate 262 to pivot end 258. In some arrangements, frame 252 includes elongated curve portion 264 which is arranged opposite of longitudinal portion 266, whereas spine 254 connects elongated curve portion 264 and longitudinal portion 266. Longitudinal portion 266 includes first outer section 266a, second outer section 266b, and inner section 266c, whereas first outer section 266a and second outer section 266b have a greater diameter than inner section 266c. Longitudinal portion 266 also includes first groove 266d disposed within first outer section 266a and second groove 266e disposed within second outer section 266b. First groove 266d and second groove 266e are annular channels and are arranged to accept first carabiner O-ring 292 and second carabiner O-ring 294 therein, respectively. Longitudinal portion 266 also includes longitudinal axis LX. Longitudinal portion 266 is arranged to have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0051] Pivot pin 260 could be a rivet, a fixed secured pin, or other like structure, so long as it can rotatably secure gate 262 to pivot end 258.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, gate 262 includes a spring mechanism, or like mechanism, such that gate 262 forcibly contacts nose 256 until force is imparted thereon— allowing gate 262 to move in a direction towards spine 254. In some embodiments, gate 262 could also include a lock, such as a screw-lock which would threadably secure to nose 256, or a twist lock allowing gate 262 to be turned a specific degree to allow gate 262 to be released from nose 256, or a twist and pull lock which requires gate 262 to be twisted and slid down to release gate 262 from nose 256.

[0053] In some embodiments, frame 252 also includes pivot portion 268 which includes pivot end 258 and major arch 270 having angle A6. Pivot portion 268 is the connecting section between pivot end 258 and longitudinal portion 266. Longitudinal portion 266 includes inner faces, or surfaces, 290a, 290b, and 290c, arranged on first outer section 226a, second outer section 266b, and inner section 266c, respectively. Longitudinal portion 266 (specifically, second outer section 266b) and spine 254 are connected by first curved portion 272 having major arch 274. Major arch 274 includes angle A7, whereas angle A6 and angle A7 are substantially equal. Spine 254 includes inner face, or side, 288. Spine 254 and elongated curve portion 264 are connected by second curved portion 276 having minor arch 278, whereas minor arch 278 has angle A8. Elongated curve portion 264 includes elongated arch 280 having angle A9. Nose portion 282 includes nose 256 and is connected to elongated curve portion 264. Nose portion 282 includes minor arch 284 having angle A10, whereas angle A10 and A8 are substantially equal. Gate 262 also includes inner face 286.

[0054] The distance between inner face 286 of gate 262 (when gate 262 is abutting nose 256) and inner face 288 of spine 254 is length L3. The distance between inner faces, or surfaces 290a and 290b of first outer section 266a and second outer section 266b of longitudinal portion 266 and elongated arch 280 of elongated curve portion 264 is length L4. Length L3 is greater than length L4. In a preferred embodiment, length L3 and length L4 are in an approximate ratio of five to three, respectively. In other embodiments, length L4 may be approximately 50%-75% of length L3. In a preferred embodiment, length L3 is at least 66% longer than length L4.

[0055] Angle A6 of major arch 270 is substantially equal to angle A7 of major arch 274. Angle A8 of minor arch 278 is substantially equal to angle A10 of minor arch 284. Angles A6 and A7 are less than angles A8 and A10. Angle A9 of elongated arch 280 is greater than angles A8 and A10, and also may be greater than angle A4 of carabiner 100 (shown in Figure 7B). Angle A9 of elongated arch 280 is greater than angles A6 and A7. In some embodiments, angles A8 and A10 may be less than angles A3 and A5 of carabiner 100 (shown in Figure 7B).

[0056] The following description should be taken in view of the aforementioned figures and their respective description and Figure 10A through 11B. Figure 10A through 11B generally illustrate a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a further alternative embodiment of carabiner cap combination 14, carabiner cap combination 300, having a further alternative embodiment of carabiners 60, 100, and 250, carabiner 350, therein, and a perspective view and a front view of carabiner 350.

[0057] Carabiner cap combination 300 is preferably a singular component having carabiner 350 (or carabiner 60, or carabiner 100, carabiner 250) fixedly secured within a through-bore therein. In some embodiments, carabiner cap combination 300 comprises distal portion 302 and proximal portion 304, whereas distal portion 302 and proximal portion 304 are arranged to be fixedly secured, having carabiner 350 therein, forming carabiner cap combination 300.

[0058] In some embodiments, distal portion 302 of cap 300 generally includes distal surface 312, proximal surface 313, external surface 310, internal surface 311, and groove 306. In some arrangements, external surface 310, proximate distal surface 312 may have threading 315 arranged thereon. In other arrangements, internal surface 311, proximate distal surface 312 and within cavity 314, may have threading arranged thereon (similar to threading 44), where distal surface 312 is open to internal cavity 314—this arrangement may be configured to correspond to threading 30 of container 12 which may be alternatively arranged on outer surface 26 of mouth 24 of container 12. O-ring channel 316 is arranged within external surface 310 proximate groove 306 and is arranged to accept O-ring 318 therein. Groove 306 includes first channel 306a, and second channel 306b, which generally have a greater diameter than the rest of groove 306.

[0059] In some arrangements, proximal portion 304 of carabiner cap combination 300 generally includes distal surface 320, proximal surface 322, and groove 308. Plurality of ribs 324 extend from distal surface 220 into groove 208 (i.e., protruding into groove 208), or may be arranged as a plurality of inserts which substantially contact longitudinal portion 366 of carabiner 350 within grooves 306 and 308. Groove 308 includes first channel 208a and second channel 308b, which generally have a greater diameter than the rest of groove 308.

[0060] Grooves 306 and 308, when distal portion 302 and proximal portion 304 are joined, form the through-bore that fixedly and rotatably holds carabiner 350, specifically longitudinal portion 366, therein.

[0061] In some embodiments, carabiner 350 generally includes frame 352 having spine 354 disposed opposite of gate 362. Frame 352 is terminated by two end sections, nose 356 and pivot end 358. Pivot end 358 includes an aperture therein, where the aperture is arranged to accept pivot pin 360, thereby rotatably securing gate 362 to pivot end 358. In some arrangements, frame 352 includes elongated curve portion 364 which is arranged opposite of longitudinal portion 366, whereas spine 354 connects elongated curve portion 364 and longitudinal portion 366. Longitudinal portion 366 includes first radial protrusion 366a and second radial protrusion 366b, whereas radial protrusions 366a and 366b have a greater diameter than the rest of longitudinal portion 366. Longitudinal portion 366 also includes longitudinal axis LX. Longitudinal portion 366 is arranged to have a substantially circular cross-section.

[0062] Pivot pin 360 could be a rivet, a fixed secured pin, or other like structure, so long as it can rotatably secure gate 362 to pivot end 358.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, gate 362 includes a spring mechanism, or like mechanism, such that gate 362 forcibly contacts nose 356 until force is imparted thereon— allowing gate 362 to move in a direction towards spine 354. In some embodiments, gate 362 could also include a lock, such as a screw-lock which would threadably secure to nose 356, or a twist lock allowing gate 362 to be turned a specific degree to allow gate 362 to be released from nose 356, or a twist and pull lock which requires gate 362 to be twisted and slid down to release gate 362 from nose 356.

[0064] In some embodiments, frame 352 also includes pivot portion 368 which includes pivot end 358 and major arch 370 having angle A11. Pivot portion 368 is the connecting section between pivot end 358 and longitudinal portion 366. Longitudinal portion 366 includes inner faces, or surfaces, 390a, 390b, and 390c, arranged on first radial protrusion 366a, second radial protrusion 366b, and the rest of longitudinal portion 366, respectively. Longitudinal portion 366 (specifically, second radial protrusion 366b) and spine 354 are connected by first curved portion 372 having major arch 374. Major arch 374 includes angle A12, whereas angle A11 and angle A12 are substantially equal. Spine 354 includes inner face, or side, 388. Spine 354 and elongated curve portion 364 are connected by second curved portion 376 having minor arch 378, whereas minor arch 378 has angle A13. Elongated curve portion 364 includes elongated arch 380 having angle A14. Nose portion 382 includes nose 356 and is connected to elongated curve portion 364. Nose portion 382 includes minor arch 384 having angle A15, whereas angle A15 and A13 are substantially equal. Gate 362 also includes inner face 386.

[0065] The distance between inner face 386 of gate 362 (when gate 362 is abutting nose 356) and inner face 388 of spine 354 is approximately length L5. The distance between inner faces, or surfaces 390a and 390b of radial protrusions 366a and 366b of longitudinal portion 366 and elongated arch 380 of elongated curve portion 364 is length 64. Length L5 is greater than length L6. In a preferred embodiment, length L5 and length L6 are in an approximate ratio of five to three, respectively. In other embodiments, length L6 may be approximately 50%-75% of length L5. In a preferred embodiment, length L5 is at least 50% longer than length L6.

[0066] Angle A11 of major arch 370 is substantially equal to angle A12 of major arch 374. Angle A13 of minor arch 378 is substantially equal to angle A15 of minor arch 384. Angles A11 and A12 are less than angles A13 and A15. Angle A14 of elongated arch 380 is greater than angles A13 and A15, and also may be greater than angle A4 of carabiner 100 (shown in Figure 7B). Angle A14 of elongated arch 380 is greater than angles A11 and A12. In some embodiments, angles A13 and A15 may be less than angles A3 and A5 of carabiner 100 (shown in Figure 7B). In other embodiments, angles A13 and A15 may be less than angles A8 and A10 of carabiner 250 (shown in Figure 9B).

[0067] It also should be appreciated that any combination of carabiners or caps, as disclosed, may be modified or combined for use with the present invention.

[0068] It should be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims. . REFERENCE NUMERALS 2 Article 4 Ring 10 Carabiner bottle 12 Container 14 Carabiner cap combination 16 O-Ring 18 Distal end 20 Proximal end 22 Body 24 Mouth 26 Outer surface 28 Inner surface 30 Threading 32 Plurality of gripping members 34 Neck 36 Distal portion 38 Proximal portion 40 Distal surface 41 Proximal surface 42 Protrusion 43 Outer surface 44 Threading 45 First cavity 46 Groove 46a Groove body 47 Second cavity 48 Channel 50 Distal surface 52 Proximal surface 54 Groove 54a Groove body 55 First cavity 56 First protruding section 57 Second cavity 58 Second protruding section 60 Carabiner 62 Distal section 62a First end 62b Second end 62c Pin 62d Longitudinal portion 64 Proximal section 64a First end 64b Second end 66 Connecting section 66a First end 66b Second end 68 Clip 68a First end 68b Second end 68c Aperture 69 Locking sleeve 70 Sinusoidal groove 72 Sinusoidal protrusion 74 Dome-like protrusions 76 Dome-like indentations 78 Annular groove 80 Annular protrusion 100 Carabiner 102 Frame 104 Spine 106 Nose 108 Pivot end 110 Pivot pin 112 Gate 114 Elongated curve portion 116 Longitudinal portion 118 Pivot portion 120 Major arch 122 First curved portion 124 Major arch 126 Second curved portion 128 Minor arch 130 Elongated arch 132 Nose portion 134 Minor arch 136 Inner face 138 Inner face 140 Inner face 200 Cap 202 Distal portion 204 Proximal portion 206 Groove 206a First outer portion 206b Second outer portion 206c Inner portion 208 Groove 208a First outer portion 208b Second outer portion 208c Inner portion 210 External surface 211 Internal surface 212 Distal surface 213 Proximal surface 214 Cavity 216 O-ring channel 218 O-ring 220 Distal surface 222 Proximal surface 224 Plurality of ribs 250 Carabiner 252 Frame 254 Spine 256 Nose 258 Pivot end 260 Pivot pin 262 Gate 264 Elongated curve portion 266 Longitudinal portion 266a First outer section 266b Second outer section [Image disponible dans le document PDF, Image available in the PDF document] CPST Doc: 1412-8548-1241.2 310 External surface 311 Internal surface 312 Distal surface 313 Proximal surface 314 Cavity 315 Threading 316 O-ring channel 318 O-ring 320 Distal surface 322 Proximal surface 324 Plurality of ribs 350 Carabiner 352 Frame 354 Spine 356 Nose 358 Pivot end 360 Pivot pin 362 Gate 364 Elongated curve portion 366 Longitudinal portion 366a First radial protrusion 366b Second radial protrusion 368 Pivot portion 370 Major arch 372 First curved portion 374 Major arch 376 Second curved portion 378 Minor arch [Image disponible dans le document PDF, Image available in the PDF document] 1 L1 First length L2 Second length L3 Third length L4 Fourth length L5 Fifth length L6 Sixth length LX Longitudinal axis

Claims

1. A carabiner cap combination, comprising: a cap having a proximal end and a distal end, a protrusion extending from said distal end, said protrusion having threads arranged on an outer surface, said cap having a distal portion having a lower groove arranged therein, said cap having a proximal portion having an upper groove arranged therein, wherein said proximal portion is arranged to be fixedly secured to said distal portion such that said lower groove and said upper groove form a through-bore within said cap and between said proximal and distal ends of said cap, said through-bore having a longitudinal axis and a pair of openings disposed colinearly about said longitudinal axis, said pair of openings arranged on an external surface of said cap; and, a carabiner, said carabiner having a proximal section, a distal section, and a gate, said distal section of said carabiner fixedly and directly secured to said cap within said through- bore, wherein said carabiner is adapted to rotate within said through-bore of said cap.

2. A container having a proximal end and a distal end, said container comprising a mouth arranged at said proximal end, wherein said protrusion of said carabiner cap combination recited in Claim 1 is arranged to be threadedly secured to said mouth of said container, thereby forming a container and carabiner cap combination.

3. The container recited in Claim 2 further comprising an outer surface and a plurality of gripping members arranged on and circumscribing at least a portion of said outer surface of said container.

4. The container recited in Claim 3, wherein said plurality of gripping members are arranged on a portion of said outer surface and disposed between said first end and said second end of said container.

5. The container recited in Claim 4, where each of said plurality of gripping members may comprises at least one of: a plurality of sinusoidal grooves; a plurality of sinusoidal protrusions; a plurality of annular grooves; a plurality of annular protrusions; a plurality of dome-like indentations; and, a plurality of dome-like protrusions.

6. The container and carabiner cap combination recited in Claim 2 further comprising an O- ring arranged to be sandwiched between said mouth of said container and said protrusion of said cap when said cap is engaged to said mouth.

7. The carabiner cap combination recited in Claim 1, wherein said carabiner comprises: a frame comprised of said proximal section of said carabiner and said distal section of said carabiner, said frame having a nose arranged at a first end and a pivot end arranged at a second end, said frame having a spine arranged substantially between said nose and said pivot end, said frame including an arched portion arranged proximate said nose, said frame also including a longitudinal portion proximate said pivot end, said longitudinal portion being a part of the distal section of said carabiner; and, said gate pivotably secured to said pivot end and arranged to engage said nose, wherein said gate and said spine are spaced part at a first length, wherein said arched portion and said longitudinal portion are spaced apart at a second length, whereas said first length is greater than said second length, wherein: said longitudinal portion of said frame is said part of said carabiner secured within said through-bore of said cap.

8. The carabiner recited in Claim 7, wherein said first length is 50-75% longer than said second length.

9. The carabiner recited in Claim 7, wherein said first length is at least 66% longer than said second length.