Multifunctional bottle cap assembly

Abstract

A hydrating bottle includes a fluid container and a cap assembly configured to releasably engage to the fluid container, the cap assembly having first and second spouts that are independently accessible relative to one another. The cap assembly includes a pivot mount having two legs extending from a support member to form a generally U-shaped configuration, the support member defining a channel. The channel of the support member of the pivot mount is configured to receive the first spout and has a cap fixedly disposed to the support member. The second spout includes a pair of lateral tabs on opposite ends thereof that are adapted to engage a pair of tapered wings disposed on a base portion of the cap assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to hydrating and fluid carrying devices, and more particularly to a hydrating bottle having independently operable and / or accessible dual openings relative to each other. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional hydrating devices, such as water bottles, can be used for various purposes in activities such as sports, outdoor, recreational, or other uses. Typically, water bottles are designed for a user to carry water, electrolyte replacement drinks, or any type of liquid, or in some cases, powder or other material. Conventionally, these bottles are formed of plastic and include a cap. Some conventional drinking bottles include a threaded or other bottle neck from which the user drinks the fluid contained in the drinking bottle after removing the cap. Some conventional drinking bottles include a spout or nozzle from which the drinking fluid can be sipped from the drinking bottle without removing the cap of the drinking bottle. Conventional spouts include a straw and rigid spouts having an outlet through which the drinking fluid can flow. Other conventional drinking bottles require the cap to be completely removed to allow access to the drinking fluid from the drinking bottle. SUMMARY

[0003] According to an embodiment, a hydrating bottle is provided. The hydrating bottle includes a fluid container and a cap assembly configured to releasably engage to the fluid container, the cap assembly having first and second spouts independently accessible relative to each other.

[0004] According to another embodiment, a cap assembly is provided. The cap assembly includes a base portion defining a circumferential threaded configuration on an inner surface thereof, first and second spouts disposed on the base portion, and a pivot mount having two legs extending from a support member to form a generally U-shaped configuration, wherein the support member defines a channel configured to receive the first spout.

[0005] According to another embodiment, a drinking bottle is provided. The drinking bottle includes a fluid container and a cap assembly configured to releasably engage to the fluid container, the cap assembly having first and second spouts, wherein the first spout is a non-rotating spout and the second spout is a rotating spout.

[0006] It should be noted that the example embodiments are described with reference to different subject matters. Specifically, some embodiments are described with reference to method type claims whereas other embodiments are described with reference to device type claims. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the above and the following description that, unless otherwise indicated, any aspect or feature described as pertaining to a type of subject matter also pertains to other subject types, in particular, features described in terms of a type of subject matter also pertain to subject matters of other types, even if a specific aspect or feature is not explicitly described in relation to that subject type.

[0007] These and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description, which, by way of illustration, is provided with reference to the following appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The present application will be provided in the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the following drawings wherein:

[0009] Figure 1 A perspective view of a hydrating bottle having dual exit openings according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0010] Figure 2 A perspective view of a removable cap assembly of a hydrating bottle according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 A perspective side view of a removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein a first spout is exposed;

[0012] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein a second spout is exposed;

[0013] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of a removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown; and

[0014] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0015] Throughout the drawings, identical or similar reference signs refer to identical or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] An embodiment according to the present application provides a hydrating bottle having dual openings independently operable and / or accessible with respect to each other.

[0017] ​Personal beverage bottles are becoming increasingly popular and have moved beyond the ordinary beverage bottles packaged with school lunches or in lunchboxes. Gyms are packed with workout members, many of whom bring their own beverage bottles to rehydrate. Hikers, cyclists, walkers, commuters, travelers, and many others carry beverage bottles while doing their work. A growing feature of beverage bottles is the drinking spout or visor, which provides the ability to drink from the bottle without having to completely remove the cap.

[0018] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe drinking bottles and containers suitable for the field of hydrates, and are particularly suitable for portable bottles and similar containers from which a user can selectively drink a drinkable fluid. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention's hydrate bottle includes a first opening or port or spout and a second opening or port or spout. The first spout is fixed to a base portion of a cap assembly, while the second spout is rotatable, movable, or non-fixed. A pivoting mount or base having a support member (which has two legs extending therefrom) allows the user to selectively use either the first or second spout. In other words, the pivoting mount enables independent operation and / or accessibility of the first and second spouts.

[0019] It should be understood that the invention will be described according to the given illustrative architecture; however, other architectures, structures, substrate materials, and process features and steps / blocks may vary within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that, for clarity, certain features may not be shown in all the figures. This is not intended to be construed as limiting any particular embodiment, or illustration, or the scope of the claims.

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view of a hydrate bottle with dual outlets according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] The hydrate bottle 10 includes a bottle body 12 and a removable cap assembly 18. The hydrate bottle 10 may also be referred to as a beverage bottle, beverage container, drinking bottle, and / or drinking vessel. The bottle body 12 may also be referred to as a fluid container defining at least one chamber.

[0022] The cover assembly 18 includes a first spout 22 disposed above or on top of the base portion 20. Figure 3 The first mouthpiece 22 is enclosed within the cap 28. The second mouthpiece 24 is in the closed position, parallel to the top surface of the base portion 20. In the closed position, the opening 23 of the second mouthpiece ( Figure 5) remains inaccessible. The second mouthpiece 24 also includes a tab or protrusion 25 disposed on the second mouthpiece 24. The cap assembly 18 also includes a pivot mount 26 that houses both the first mouthpiece 22 and the second mouthpiece 24. The pivot mount 26 can also be referred to as a base or a pedestal or a support structure.

[0023] The cap assembly 18 is secured to the mouth of the bottle 12 by a threaded connection 19 Figure 6 ) around the mouth of the bottle 12 and a mating thread is formed within the cap assembly 18 such that the cap assembly 18 can be threadably attached to and detached from the bottle 12.

[0024] The bottle 12 can be made, manufactured, molded (e.g., injection molded, cold formed, etc.), or otherwise formed using different materials including, but not limited to, plastic, low density plastic, high density plastic, polycarbonate, polycarbonate that is free of bisphenol-A (or other endocrine disruptor compounds), polyvinyl chloride (“PVC”), stainless steel, wood, aluminum, polyester, co-polyester, or any other type of organic or synthetic material, alloy, or composite. The bottle 12 can be transparent for purposes of describing different features.

[0025] The bottle 12 can be of any suitable material, including metal, plastic, glass, rubber, and combinations thereof, and can be insulated or non-insulated. Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of suitable sizes (i.e., the capacity capable of receiving a drinkable fluid into the fluid container at one time) for the fluid container 12 include 4 ounces, 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, 12 ounces, 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 24 ounces, 32 ounces, 36 ounces, 0.5 liters, 0.7 liters, 1 liter, 1.5 liters, 6-11 ounces, 12-19 ounces, 19-25 ounces, 12-36 ounces, 25-36 ounces, and 10-70 ounces (where these example examples refer to fluid ounces of drinkable fluid that can be poured into an empty fluid container at one time). Containers having different sizes (including sizes that are less than, greater than, or within the illustrative sizes and / or ranges presented above) can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] Further, the bottle body 12 can be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Non-exclusive examples of factors that can (but need not) be considered in selecting a material for the fluid container 12 include durability of the material, the intended potable drink fluid or type of potable drink fluids to be contained in the fluid container 12, the intended useful life or service life of the hydration bottle 10, whether the fluid container 12 is intended to be refilled or otherwise reused, environmental concerns, whether the fluid container 12 is intended to be resistant to collapse during use, whether the fluid container 12 is designed to allow a user to collapse the fluid container 12 inwardly when dispensing fluid therefrom or dispensing a potable drink fluid therefrom, whether the fluid container 12 is designed to be washed in a household dishwasher, etc. In some embodiments, it can be desirable to select a material such that the fluid container 12 will be transparent or at least translucent, such that a user can see the contents of the fluid container 12, or at least the level of potable drink fluid within the fluid container 12, through the wall or wall structure of the fluid container 12.

[0027] Figure 2 A perspective view of a removable cap assembly of a hydration bottle according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. Figure 1 A perspective view of a removable cap assembly of a hydration bottle according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0028] The removable cap assembly 18 can be connected to the straw 21. In one example, the second mouthpiece 24 can be connected to the straw 21. The second mouthpiece 24 in the closed position can be parallel to the axis A-A’ extending through the pivot mount 26.

[0029] The pivot mount 26 can have a substantially or generally U-shaped configuration. The pivot mount 26 extends the entire length or diameter of the base portion 20. The pivot mount 26 encircles or surrounds or encompasses the first mouthpiece 22 and the second mouthpiece 24 such that the first mouthpiece 22 is not visible or covered by the cap 28, while the second mouthpiece 24 remains exposed. The pivot mount 26 is formed above or on top of the base portion 20 of the cap assembly 18. The pivot mount 26 engages the wing 45 as will be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 5 The detailed description.

[0030] Figure 3 A perspective side view of a removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown with the first mouthpiece exposed.

[0031] The pivot mount 26 opens in a flip motion “R1” (or a rotational motion) to expose the first mouthpiece 22. The pivot mount 26 pivots about a point “P”. The point “P” is configured to receive the pin 38 Figure 5 ) to secure the pivot mount 26 to the cap assembly 18. It is contemplated that the cap 28 remains fixedly attached to the pivot mount 26 at all times.

[0032] The first mouthpiece 22 is fixed or non-rotatable. Thus, the first mouthpiece 22 always remains perpendicular to the axis B-B’. The first mouthpiece 22 is a non-rotating mouthpiece, while the second mouthpiece 24 is a rotating or movable mouthpiece. When the first mouthpiece 22 is exposed, the second mouthpiece 24 remains in a closed position. Thus, a person using the cap assembly 18 on the bottle body 12( Figure 1 ) will only access one mouthpiece or opening or port at a time. It is conceivable that the first mouthpiece 22 and the second mouthpiece 24 are independently operable and / or independently accessible. Thus, a user accesses and / or uses one mouthpiece or the other, rather than simultaneously or jointly performing both mouthpieces.

[0033] It is noted that the pivotal mounting 26 moves in a rotational manner over the second mouthpiece 24. In other words, the support member 29( Figure 5 ) with the cap 28 extends directly over the second mouthpiece 24, such that it rests in an inverted position “I”. In the inverted position “I”, the cap 28 and the support member 29 extend beyond the outer edge or outer perimeter of the base 20 of the cap assembly 18. Thus, the flipping motion “R1” is directly over the second mouthpiece 24. In this position, the straw 21 is not accessible, since the second mouthpiece 24 remains in a closed position.

[0034] Figure 4 A perspective side view of a removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown, wherein the second mouthpiece is exposed.

[0035] The pivotal mounting 26 remains in a closed position, i.e. the cap 28 of the pivotal mounting 26 is positioned over the first mouthpiece 22, thereby preventing access to the first mouthpiece. In contrast, the second mouthpiece 24 is flipped via a flipping motion “R2” to allow access to a person using the beverage bottle 10( Figure 1 ). The second mouthpiece 24 is rotated to a position “T”, which is the farthest position the second mouthpiece 24 can be moved to due to the tab 25 contacting the base portion 20. Thus, the tab 25 determines how far the second mouthpiece 24 can be rotated in the right direction. The tab 25 extends beyond the outer edge or outer perimeter of the base portion 20 of the cap assembly 18.

[0036] Thus, when the second mouthpiece 24 is exposed, the first mouthpiece 22 remains in a closed position. In fact, the first mouthpiece 22 is not visible due to the cap 28. Thus, a person using the cap assembly 18 on the bottle body 12( Figure 1 ) will only access one mouthpiece or opening or port at a time. It is conceivable that the first mouthpiece 22 and the second mouthpiece 24 are independently operable and / or independently accessible. Thus, a user accesses and / or uses one mouthpiece or the other, rather than simultaneously or jointly both mouthpieces.

[0037] Thus, in Figure 3 , the user flips the pivot mount 26 in operation to contact the first mouthpiece 22, while in Figure 4 , the user flips the second mouthpiece 24 in operation to access the mouthpiece 24. Thus, when one port is open, the other port remains closed, and vice versa. Furthermore, the pivot mount 26 enables switching between the first mouthpiece 22 and the second mouthpiece 24. For example, when the pivot mount 26 is in the first position Figure 4 , the cap 28 is over the first mouthpiece 22, only the second mouthpiece 24 can be accessed. When the pivot mount 26 is in the second position Figure 3 , in the direction "R1", only the first mouthpiece 22 can be accessed. Thus, the first mouthpiece 22 and the second mouthpiece 24 can be independently operated and / or accessed with respect to each other.

[0038] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view of the removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0039] The exploded view clearly shows the mechanical components of the cap assembly 18 and their inter-relationship.

[0040] The pivot mount 26 defines a support member 29 having a first leg 26a and a second leg 26b extending therefrom. The first leg 26a remains parallel to the second leg 26b. The support member 29 is circular and defines a channel 29'. The distal ends of the first leg 26a and the second leg 26b define an opening or hole 27a. The pivot mount 26 defines a substantially or generally U-shaped configuration. The gasket 34 is configured to enable secure attachment between the support member 29 of the pivot mount 26 and the cap 28.

[0041] The second mouthpiece 24 includes a pair of lateral protrusions 33 on opposite ends thereof. The second mouthpiece 24 has an opening 23. The tab 25 of the second mouthpiece is further visualized. The tab 25 is vertically offset from the pair of lateral protrusions 33.

[0042] The first mouthpiece 22 includes an opening 42 and is fixedly coupled or molded to the top surface of the base portion 20. Adjacent to the first mouthpiece 22 is a pair of wings 45. The wings 45 have a tapered configuration such that the tapered configuration is closer to the first mouthpiece 22. The threaded valve 36 is received within a hole defined between the wings 45. The O-ring seal 32 can be configured to facilitate secure engagement between the second mouthpiece 24 and the threaded valve 36. The lateral protrusions 33 of the second mouthpiece 24 are configured to be received within recesses 47 formed on the inner sidewalls of the wings 45. The recesses 47 are defined in the non-tapered portion of the wings 45. The tapered portion of the wings 45 begins directly adjacent to the recesses 47.

[0043] The tapered wing further includes a hole 27b. The hole 27b is defined at the non-tapered portion of the wing 45. In other words, the hole 27b is defined at the proximal-most end of the wing 45. The hole 27b is a pair of holes configured to receive a pair of pins 38. The pins 38 are configured to couple the pivot mount 26 to the wing 45 such that the second mouthpiece 24 is fixedly engaged to the base portion 20 proximate to the first mouthpiece 22. The pins 38 are received within the hole 27b (of the wing 45) and the hole 27a (of the pivot mount 26). Thus, the pins 38 engage both the hole 27b and the hole 27a.

[0044] Further, the pivot mount 26 receives the first mouthpiece 22 within the channel 29’ of the support member 29, and the legs 26a, 26b directly contact the outer surface or lateral wall of the wing 45. Thus, the second mouthpiece 24 is disposed within or defined within the bounds set by the wing 45. The second mouthpiece 24 does not directly contact the legs 26a, 26b of the pivot mount 26. The wing 45 separates the second mouthpiece 24 from the pivot mount 26. In other words, the wing 45 prevents the second mouthpiece 24 from directly contacting the legs 26a, 26b of the pivot mount 26. It is contemplated that the sidewall of the cap 28 can contact the opening 23 of the second mouthpiece 24.

[0045] Additionally, the seal ring 30 can be positioned within the base 20 of the cap assembly 18 to facilitate engagement between the cap assembly 18 and the bottle body 12 of the beverage bottle 10. Figure 1 ) of the beverage bottle 10.

[0046] The straw 21 can be releasably connected to the base portion 20 such that the straw 21 is accessible via the opening 23 of the second mouthpiece 24.

[0047] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the removable cap assembly according to an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0048] The cap assembly 18 can be engaged to the bottle body 12 Figure 1 ) using various techniques, including but not limited to continuous and discontinuous threads, adhesives, pressure-based coupling mechanisms (e.g., ridges), or others. For example, the cap assembly 18 can be rotated to engage threads (not shown) provided on the bottle body 12 with a threaded slot or groove (hereinafter “slot”) 19, resulting in a seal that can be airtight and water-tight. In some examples, reference to a threaded slot can refer to a thread or set of threads that, when engaged with a corresponding thread or set of threads, creates a seal between two elements, thereby providing an air-tight or water-tight (e.g., airtight) seal in some examples.

[0049] The cross-sectional view further shows the first mouthpiece 22 and its positional relationship with the second mouthpiece 24. The opening 42 of the first mouthpiece is perpendicular to the opening of the second mouthpiece 24.

[0050] Further, the thread 48 of the cap 28 is shown, the thread 48 being configured to securely cover the opening 42 of the first spout 22.

[0051] In other examples, the beverage bottle 10 and the above-described elements can differ in function, structure, shape, design, implementation, configuration, or other aspects, without being limited to the provided description.

[0052] In summary, a hydration bottle or beverage bottle comprising a double opening or double port or double spout is presented. One spout is fixed (or non-rotatable) and the other spout is rotatable (e.g., can be actuated in a flip motion). The first spout is configured to be independently operable and / or accessible with respect to the second spout. In other words, the first spout and the second spout cannot be accessed at the same time (simultaneously or concurrently). Thus, the user can access either the first spout or the second spout. This operation is achieved by a pivotal mount or base. The pivotal mount flips to an open position to allow access to the first spout and flips to a closed position to allow the second spout to be flipped open. The pivotal mount pivots about a pin disposed at the proximal end of a tapered wing. The tapered wing is positioned directly between the second spout and the pivotal mount to prevent direct contact therebetween. The second spout rests within a recess formed on the inner surface of the tapered wing. The first spout is vertically offset from the second spout. The first spout and the second spout are placed or positioned or disposed on a base portion of a lid assembly. The pivotal mount has a substantially or generally U-shaped configuration that is shaped to facilitate independent access to the first spout and the second spout.

[0053] While there have been shown, described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the application, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes of the form and details of the methods illustrated, as well as of structural

[0054] It should also be understood that the example embodiments disclosed and taught herein are susceptible to numerous and various modifications and alternative forms. Accordingly, the use of a singular term, such as, but not limited to, "a," is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Additionally, the use of "primed" designations, such as, but not limited to, "a," "an," and "the," is not intended as limiting of the number of items. Moreover, the nomenclature used herein is provided solely for the purpose of clarity and ease of communication, and is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention. The use of the term "or" is not limited to exclusive "or" unless explicitly indicated, such as, but not limited to, use of "either," "one of," "only one of," or "exactly one of."

[0055] Having described preferred embodiments of a variety of concepts, structures, and techniques as the subject of the present patent, it is now apparent that other embodiments can be used. Modifications can be made to the preferred embodiments and other implementations can be made of the disclosed concepts without departing from the spirit of the underlying inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims be limited to the preferred embodiments described herein, but that all changes and modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced by those claims.

[0056] Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the claims be limited to the described embodiments, but rather that the patent protection afforded the patent extend to all analogous embodiments, modifications and substitutes for the components of the structures and techniques taught hereunder that can be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed inventive subject matter that is defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A hydration bottle comprising: a fluid container; and a cap assembly configured to releasably engage to the fluid container, the cap assembly having first and second spouts independently accessible relative to one another, wherein the cap assembly includes a pivot mount having two legs extending from a support member, the support member defining a channel, the channel of the support member of the pivot mount having a cap fixedly disposed to the support member, a sidewall of the cap being contactable to an opening of the second spout.

2. The hydration bottle of claim 1, wherein, The two legs of the pivot mount form a generally U-shaped configuration.

3. The hydration bottle of claim 2, wherein, The channel of the support member of the pivot mount is configured to receive the first spout.

4. The hydration bottle of claim 2, wherein, The pivot mount pivots directly above the second spout to expose the first spout.

5. The hydration bottle of claim 2, wherein, The second spout is positioned within bounds of the two legs of the pivot mount.

6. The hydration bottle of claim 2, wherein, The second spout includes a pair of lateral projections on opposite ends of the second spout.

7. The hydration bottle of claim 6, wherein, The pair of lateral projections of the second spout are adapted to engage with a pair of tapered wings disposed on a base portion of the cap assembly.

8. The hydration bottle of claim 7, wherein, An outer surface of the pair of tapered wings directly contacts an inner surface of the two legs of the pivot mount.

9. The hydration bottle of claim 8, wherein, The pair of tapered wings define apertures for receiving a pin configured to fixedly attach the pair of tapered wings to the pivot mount.

10. The hydration bottle of claim 1, wherein, The first spout is a non-rotating spout and the second spout is a rotating spout.

11. The hydration bottle of claim 10, wherein, The second spout is connected to a straw extending within the fluid container.

12. A cap assembly comprising: a base portion defining a circumferential threaded configuration on an inner surface of the base portion; first and second spouts disposed on the base portion; and a pivot mount having two legs extending from a support member to form a generally U-shaped configuration, the support member defining a channel, wherein the support member defines a channel configured to receive the first spout, the channel of the support member of the pivot mount having a cap fixedly disposed to the support member, a sidewall of the cap being contactable to an opening of the second spout.

13. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein, The pivot mount pivots directly above the second spout to expose the first spout.

14. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein, The second spout is positioned within bounds of the two legs of the pivot mount.

15. The cap assembly of claim 12, wherein, The second spout includes a pair of lateral projections on opposite ends of the second spout.

16. The cap assembly of claim 15, wherein, The pair of lateral projections of the second spout are adapted to engage with a pair of tapered wings disposed on the base portion of the cap assembly.

17. The cap assembly of claim 16, wherein, An outer surface of the pair of tapered wings directly contacts an inner surface of the two legs of the pivot mount.

18. The cap assembly of claim 17, wherein, The pair of tapered wings define apertures for receiving a pin configured to fixedly attach the pair of tapered wings to the pivot mount.

19. A drinking bottle comprising: a fluid container; and A cap assembly configured to releasably engage to the fluid container, the cap assembly having a first spout and a second spout, wherein the first spout is a non-rotating spout and the second spout is a rotating spout, and the cap assembly includes a pivot mount having two legs extending from a support member, the support member defining a channel, the channel of the support member of the pivot mount having a cap fixedly disposed to the support member, a sidewall of the cap being contactable to an opening of the second spout.

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