Bottle with built-in finger-strengthening mechanism

Abstract

A bottle is disclosed that combines liquid storage with a built-in finger-strengthening mechanism. The bottle includes one or more finger grip plunger built into its main body, each coupled with an elastic component such as a spring to provide compressive resistance for hand or finger exercises. In some embodiments, a cavity prevents liquid from contacting the finger grip plungers. In some embodiments, the bottle includes an external flexible member positioned around the main body and configured to provide resistance when compressed by the user's fingers. The finger grip plunger and flexible member configurations may be used independently or in combination, allowing for adjustable or varied resistance levels. The invention provides a dual-purpose solution for hydration and finger-strengthening exercise in a compact, portable form.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 724,296, filed Nov. 23, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid containers, and more specifically to fluid containers with built-in resistance mechanisms for hand and finger strengthening.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional water bottles are limited in function, typically serving only as fluid containers without supporting other user activities. Individuals seeking to improve hand or finger strength must carry separate exercise tools, such as grip trainers, therapy balls, or resistance rings. These standalone devices, while effective, are often bulky, non-portable, and inconvenient to use in dynamic environments such as offices or during travel.

[0004] Traditional hand exercisers also tend to offer uniform resistance across all fingers and are not easily integrated into objects people already carry daily. Additionally, they often lack multiple strength levels or rehabilitation needs.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a growing need for a compact, multi-purpose solution that enables hydration and finger or hand-strengthening exercises in one device. The present invention addresses this need by incorporating one or more built-in resistance mechanisms, such as finger grip plunger or external flexible members, into a bottle or fluid container, allowing users to train grip strength without sacrificing portability or convenience.SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, a multifunctional exercise bottle comprises a main body including a horizontal pass-through cavity, wherein the main body is configured to hold liquid while preventing the liquid from entering the pass-through cavity. The multifunctional exercise bottle may include one or more finger grip plungers configured through the pass-through cavity of the main body. Each finger grip plunger may comprise a finger pad portion accessible from an exterior of the main body, a rod configured to retain and guide movement of the finger grip plunger through the pass-through cavity. The multifunctional exercise bottle may include and an elastic component configured between an outer wall of the main body and the respective finger pad portion of the finger grip plunger, where the elastic component providing resistance when the finger grip plunger is compressed.

[0007] In some embodiments, compression of the finger grip plunger by a user's finger causes displacement of the finger grip plunger through the pass-through cavity against resistance provided by the elastic component.

[0008] In some embodiments, the elastic component is a spring.

[0009] In some embodiments, each finger grip plunger is configured to correspond to a different finger of a user's hand.

[0010] In some embodiments, the finger grip plunger is configured in either a full-through or partial-through arrangement relative to the main body

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes a stepped profile having at least two steps, a first step configured to limit movement of the finger pad, and a second step configured to limit movement of the elastic component within the pass-through cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the finger grip plunger is secured to the main body with a fastener.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fastener is a nut, and each respective finger grip plunger is secured to the main body by threading one end of the respective rod into the nut positioned opposite the respective finger pad.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multifunctional exercise bottle further comprises one or more grooves on the main body configured to receive a flexible member that secures each respective finger grip plunger to the main body.

[0015] In some embodiments, fastening the finger grip plunger into the nut increases the compression of the elastic component.

[0016] In some embodiments, each respective finger grip plunger is secured to the main body using a flexible member that extends through each respective finger pad.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flexible member comprises a semi-rigid or elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the flexible member includes a honeycomb pattern.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flexible member that secures the finger grip plunger is formed from a material that provides resistance to compression of the finger grip plunger.

[0020] In some embodiments, the resistance of the finger grip plunger is adjustable by replacing the elastic component with another elastic component that provides a different level of resistance.

[0021] In some embodiments, a multifunctional exercise bottle comprises a main body configured to contain liquid, wherein the main body include a vertical recess; and at least one flexible member mounted to an outer surface of the main body, wherein the flexible member is configured to provide resistance to compression by the user's finger.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flexible member comprises a semi-rigid or elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material.

[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible member includes a honeycomb pattern.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a front-side view of the main body of an example embodiment of the multifunctional exercise bottle.

[0026] FIG. 1B illustrates a rear-side view of the main body showing external fasteners.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a finger grip plunger.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the main body, showing housing structure.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, showing the finger grip plunger in a pass-through configuration.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the exercise bottle using a flexible member to secure the finger grip plunger.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the main body showing the housing structure.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the partially-through housing configuration including both an elastic component and finger grip plunger.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative finger grip plunger design configured with an opening for receiving the flexible member.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a flexible member fitted to the finger grip plunger for resistance.

[0035] FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of an alternate multifunctional exercise bottle design with a flexible member, but without a finger grip plunger.

[0036] FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the interior of the embodiment in FIG. 10A.

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the multifunctional exercise bottle in FIG. 10A using a honeycomb pattern flexible member.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.

[0039] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front view (1A) and a rear view (1B) of an example embodiment of multifunctional exercise bottle 100 (e.g., configured to hold liquid) including one or more finger grip plungers 104 (104A-D) and main body 102 (e.g. outer wall). Each finger grip plunger 104(A-D) can correspond to respective fingers of the user. Each finger grip plunger 104 can be secured or mounted to / through main body 102 (e.g. exterior of main body) and corresponds to different fingers of the user. For example, each finger grip plungers 104 may be secured to main body 102 by one or more fasteners 106 (106A-D). The one or more fasteners may be positioned on the opposite side of main body 102 from respective finger grip plungers 104. In some embodiments, fasteners 106 may be a threaded nut or similar attachment that can be attached to the finger grip plunger. However, fasteners 106 may be any configuration that enables plunger 104 to be affixed to main body 102.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of finger grip plunger 104. Finger grip plunger 104 includes a finger pad 210 configured to be pressed by a finger of the user (e.g. displaced). Finger grip plunger 104 also includes rod 208. Rod 208 may be permanently fixed or removably attached to finger pad 210. In some examples, rod 208 may be integrated with finger pad 210. In other examples, rod 208 may be screwed onto finger pad 210 (or removably attached in other manners). Rod 208 may also include, at a distal end from finger pad 210, threading 212 such that rod 208 may be affixed to fastener 106. In other embodiments, fastener 106 may be attached in other manners that do not depart from the invention.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the interior of multifunctional bottle 100. The inner portion of bottle 100 forms a pass-through cavity 314. Pass-through cavity 314 can be oriented horizontally through main body 102. Pass-through cavity 314 enables the finger grip plunger 104 to pass through the interior of main body 102 without coming into contact with any liquid that might be stored or retained in the bottle. One end of the pass-through cavity 314 includes one or more steps 316 (e.g., stepped profile). Each finger grip plunger 104 is limited in movement when finger pad 210 comes into contact with step 316.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of bottle 100 including main body 102 and finger grip plunger 104 in pass-through cavity 314. Cavity 314 includes first end 420 where step 316 is located. Cavity 314 also includes second end 422 on the opposite side of first end 420. Both first end 420 and second end 422 of cavity 314 has opening accessible to the user. Rod 208 is inserted through first end 420 of cavity 314. Rod 208 is configured to retain and guide movement of finger grip plunger 104 through pass-through cavity 314. Threading 212 of finger grip plunger 104 reaches second end 422 of cavity 314 when finger grip plunger is inserted. Step 316 of cavity 314 limits finger grip plunger 104 from being inserted further into cavity 314. After finger grip plunger 104 has been inserted, a user can use a fastener 106 to secure finger grip plunger 104 to bottle 100. Elastic component 418 is placed at first end 420 of cavity 314 between step 316 and finger pad 210. When a user compresses finger pad 210, elastic component 418 provides resistance to the compression of the finger. The resistance can be adjusted by replacing elastic component 418 with a different elastic component with a different level of resistance. Finger grip plunger 104 is placed in cavity 314, which prevents the contents of main body 102 from entering / contacting finger grip plunger 104 inside of cavity 314. Finger grip plunger 104 is guided / retained by cavity 314 where finger grip plunger 104 is secured to main body 100 by fastener 106. Fastener 106 may be configured such that the act of fastening can increase or decrease the compression of elastic component 418 (e.g., tightening or loosening a nut, flexible member, etc.). When finger grip plunger 104 is compressed by user's finger, finger grip plunger 104 is displaced through cavity 314. First end 420 of cavity 314 can include at least one step 316 (e.g. outer wall of the main body) to limit the movement of finger grip plunger 104 and elastic component 418 (e.g., a spring, etc.). Steps 316 are comprised of two different surfaces, in which, in this embodiment, the step with the narrower diameter contains and secures the elastic component 418. Step 316 that is wider in diameter, acts to halt the compression of the finger grip plunger 104 as the surface of the wider step 316 is narrower than finger pad 210.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of multifunctional exercise bottle 500, using flexible member 528 (528 A-D), finger grip plunger 526 (526 A-D), and elastic component 418. In this embodiment, flexible member 528 is an elastic band that secures finger grip plunger 526 to main body 524 and provides resistance when finger grip plunger 526 is compressed. Along main body 524, grooves may be present to secure flexible member 528 to main body 524. Flexible member 528 may be made of a semi-rigid or elastomeric material. Some examples of the material are rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material. In this embodiment, bottle 500 in FIG. 5 does not use fastener 106 to secure the finger grip plunger 526 to main body 524. Finger grip plunger 526 is secured to the main body 524 using flexible member 528. Flexible member 528 passes through opening 736 in finger grip plunger 526 at respective finger pad 740 (in FIG. 7), then continues to wrap around main body 524, securing finger grip plunger 526 to main body 524. Elastic component 418 may be comprised of any material that provides resistance to the user when finger grip plunger 526 is compressed by a user. The resistance can be adjusted by replacing elastic component 418 with a different elastic component with a different level of resistance.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a partial-through cavity 630 of exercise bottle 500. In this embodiment, partial-through cavity 630 extends partially through main body 524 and prevents the contents of the bottle from entering cavity 630. Unlike full-through cavity 314, partial-through cavity 630 opens at one end of cavity 632. Partial-through cavity 630 is closed at second end 634 to prevent contents in main body 524 from flowing into the cavity.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates cross-sectional view of bottle 500 in FIG. 5. Rod 738 of finger grip plunger 526 is inserted at first end 632 of partial-through cavity 630. Partial-through cavity 630 includes one or more steps 316 to limit the movement of finger grip plunger 526. Elastic component 418 is located between finger pad 740, and step 316 of partial-through cavity 630. Once finger grip plunger 526 is inserted into cavity 630, finger pad 740 compresses elastic component 418 when a user applies force at finger pad 740. Finger grip plunger 526 will move towards second end 634 of cavity 630, when force is applied at finger pad 740, however, movement of finger grip plunger 526 will be limited by step 316. Once finger pad 740 contacts step 316, finger grip plunger 526 will not be further pressed into cavity 630.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an example finger grip plunger 526 without threading. Finger grip plunger 526 includes an opening 736, finger pad 740, and rod 738. Rod 738 and finger pad 740 may be designed as one piece or separate pieces that may be attached or detached from each other. If rod 738 and finger pad 740 are separate pieces, rod 738 and finger pad 740 could be coupled through use of a nut and bolt, using threading. Finger grip plunger 526 may include an opening 736 along finger pad 740 such that flexible member 528 may pass through and attach to itself.

[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates flexible member 528 extending through opening 736 with the flexible member 528 closed at clasp 942. Flexible member 528 may also include a clasp 942 in which the flexible member 528 can be secured to main body 524. Flexible member 528 and clasp 942 may be any configuration or design that enables the user to close flexible member 528 in loop around main body 524 and through opening 736. The material comprising flexible member 528 may be cloth bands, rubber, or some similar material that provides resistance to the user when compressed. Clasp 942 enables the user to attached flexible member 528 to itself such that it forms a continuous band around main body 524.

[0048] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example multifunctional exercise bottle 1000. In this embodiment, there is no finger grip plunger 526 / 104 or elastic component 418 to provide resistance. The resistance is only provided by flexible member 1048 (1048 A-B). flexible member 1048 includes finger pad 1046. Flexible member 1048 and finger pad 1046 may be one piece or separate pieces. Flexible member 1048 is affixed to main body 1044 of multifunctional exercise bottle 1000 using, for example, push-in clip mechanism 1050. Push-in clip system 1050 may be a tension fit, mechanical clip, or some other configuration that enables the user to affix flexible member 1048 to main body 1044. Flexible member 1048 may be affixed to main body 1044 by inserting both ends of flexible member 1048 into push-in mechanism 1050. Main body 1044 may include a vertical recess 1052 where flexible member 1048 moves inward towards the center of bottle 1000 when user compresses the finger pad 1046. Flexible member 1048, as with other exercise bottle embodiments, may be comprised of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material that provides resistance when flexible member 1048 is compressed.

[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of multifunctional exercise bottle 1000 in which the flexible member 1154 (1154 A-D) is comprised of a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb pattern of flexible member 1154 may be comprised of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material that provides resistance when flexible member 1154 is compressed. Flexible member 1154 may be affixed to main body 1044 through attachment to the clip-in 1050.

[0050] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.

[0039]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front view (1A) and a rear v...

CROSS REFERENCE OF RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 724,296, filed Nov. 23, 2024, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid containers, and more specifically to fluid containers with built-in resistance mechanisms for hand and finger strengthening.BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional water bottles are limited in function, typically serving only as fluid containers without supporting other user activities. Individuals seeking to improve hand or finger strength must carry separate exercise tools, such as grip trainers, therapy balls, or resistance rings. These standalone devices, while effective, are often bulky, non-portable, and inconvenient to use in dynamic environments such as offices or during travel.

[0004] Traditional hand exercisers also tend to offer uniform resistance across all fingers and are not easily integrated into objects people already carry daily. Additionally, they often lack multiple strength levels or rehabilitation needs.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a growing need for a compact, multi-purpose solution that enables hydration and finger or hand-strengthening exercises in one device. The present invention addresses this need by incorporating one or more built-in resistance mechanisms, such as finger grip plunger or external flexible members, into a bottle or fluid container, allowing users to train grip strength without sacrificing portability or convenience.SUMMARY

[0006] In some embodiments, a multifunctional exercise bottle comprises a main body including a horizontal pass-through cavity, wherein the main body is configured to hold liquid while preventing the liquid from entering the pass-through cavity. The multifunctional exercise bottle may include one or more finger grip plungers configured through the pass-through cavity of the main body. Each finger grip plunger may comprise a finger pad portion accessible from an exterior of the main body, a rod configured to retain and guide movement of the finger grip plunger through the pass-through cavity. The multifunctional exercise bottle may include and an elastic component configured between an outer wall of the main body and the respective finger pad portion of the finger grip plunger, where the elastic component providing resistance when the finger grip plunger is compressed.

[0007] In some embodiments, compression of the finger grip plunger by a user's finger causes displacement of the finger grip plunger through the pass-through cavity against resistance provided by the elastic component.

[0008] In some embodiments, the elastic component is a spring.

[0009] In some embodiments, each finger grip plunger is configured to correspond to a different finger of a user's hand.

[0010] In some embodiments, the finger grip plunger is configured in either a full-through or partial-through arrangement relative to the main body

[0011] In some embodiments, the housing includes a stepped profile having at least two steps, a first step configured to limit movement of the finger pad, and a second step configured to limit movement of the elastic component within the pass-through cavity.

[0012] In some embodiments, the finger grip plunger is secured to the main body with a fastener.

[0013] In some embodiments, the fastener is a nut, and each respective finger grip plunger is secured to the main body by threading one end of the respective rod into the nut positioned opposite the respective finger pad.

[0014] In some embodiments, the multifunctional exercise bottle further comprises one or more grooves on the main body configured to receive a flexible member that secures each respective finger grip plunger to the main body.

[0015] In some embodiments, fastening the finger grip plunger into the nut increases the compression of the elastic component.

[0016] In some embodiments, each respective finger grip plunger is secured to the main body using a flexible member that extends through each respective finger pad.

[0017] In some embodiments, the flexible member comprises a semi-rigid or elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material.

[0018] In some embodiments, the flexible member includes a honeycomb pattern.

[0019] In some embodiments, the flexible member that secures the finger grip plunger is formed from a material that provides resistance to compression of the finger grip plunger.

[0020] In some embodiments, the resistance of the finger grip plunger is adjustable by replacing the elastic component with another elastic component that provides a different level of resistance.

[0021] In some embodiments, a multifunctional exercise bottle comprises a main body configured to contain liquid, wherein the main body include a vertical recess; and at least one flexible member mounted to an outer surface of the main body, wherein the flexible member is configured to provide resistance to compression by the user's finger.

[0022] In some embodiments, the flexible member comprises a semi-rigid or elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material.

[0023] In some embodiments, the flexible member includes a honeycomb pattern.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a front-side view of the main body of an example embodiment of the multifunctional exercise bottle.

[0026] FIG. 1B illustrates a rear-side view of the main body showing external fasteners.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a finger grip plunger.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the main body, showing housing structure.

[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the main body, showing the finger grip plunger in a pass-through configuration.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the exercise bottle using a flexible member to secure the finger grip plunger.

[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates a top view of the main body showing the housing structure.

[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the partially-through housing configuration including both an elastic component and finger grip plunger.

[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative finger grip plunger design configured with an opening for receiving the flexible member.

[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of a flexible member fitted to the finger grip plunger for resistance.

[0035] FIG. 10A illustrates a side view of an alternate multifunctional exercise bottle design with a flexible member, but without a finger grip plunger.

[0036] FIG. 10B illustrates a top view of the interior of the embodiment in FIG. 10A.

[0037] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the multifunctional exercise bottle in FIG. 10A using a honeycomb pattern flexible member.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.

[0039] FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front view (1A) and a rear view (1B) of an example embodiment of multifunctional exercise bottle 100 (e.g., configured to hold liquid) including one or more finger grip plungers 104 (104A-D) and main body 102 (e.g. outer wall). Each finger grip plunger 104(A-D) can correspond to respective fingers of the user. Each finger grip plunger 104 can be secured or mounted to / through main body 102 (e.g. exterior of main body) and corresponds to different fingers of the user. For example, each finger grip plungers 104 may be secured to main body 102 by one or more fasteners 106 (106A-D). The one or more fasteners may be positioned on the opposite side of main body 102 from respective finger grip plungers 104. In some embodiments, fasteners 106 may be a threaded nut or similar attachment that can be attached to the finger grip plunger. However, fasteners 106 may be any configuration that enables plunger 104 to be affixed to main body 102.

[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of finger grip plunger 104. Finger grip plunger 104 includes a finger pad 210 configured to be pressed by a finger of the user (e.g. displaced). Finger grip plunger 104 also includes rod 208. Rod 208 may be permanently fixed or removably attached to finger pad 210. In some examples, rod 208 may be integrated with finger pad 210. In other examples, rod 208 may be screwed onto finger pad 210 (or removably attached in other manners). Rod 208 may also include, at a distal end from finger pad 210, threading 212 such that rod 208 may be affixed to fastener 106. In other embodiments, fastener 106 may be attached in other manners that do not depart from the invention.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the interior of multifunctional bottle 100. The inner portion of bottle 100 forms a pass-through cavity 314. Pass-through cavity 314 can be oriented horizontally through main body 102. Pass-through cavity 314 enables the finger grip plunger 104 to pass through the interior of main body 102 without coming into contact with any liquid that might be stored or retained in the bottle. One end of the pass-through cavity 314 includes one or more steps 316 (e.g., stepped profile). Each finger grip plunger 104 is limited in movement when finger pad 210 comes into contact with step 316.

[0042] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of bottle 100 including main body 102 and finger grip plunger 104 in pass-through cavity 314. Cavity 314 includes first end 420 where step 316 is located. Cavity 314 also includes second end 422 on the opposite side of first end 420. Both first end 420 and second end 422 of cavity 314 has opening accessible to the user. Rod 208 is inserted through first end 420 of cavity 314. Rod 208 is configured to retain and guide movement of finger grip plunger 104 through pass-through cavity 314. Threading 212 of finger grip plunger 104 reaches second end 422 of cavity 314 when finger grip plunger is inserted. Step 316 of cavity 314 limits finger grip plunger 104 from being inserted further into cavity 314. After finger grip plunger 104 has been inserted, a user can use a fastener 106 to secure finger grip plunger 104 to bottle 100. Elastic component 418 is placed at first end 420 of cavity 314 between step 316 and finger pad 210. When a user compresses finger pad 210, elastic component 418 provides resistance to the compression of the finger. The resistance can be adjusted by replacing elastic component 418 with a different elastic component with a different level of resistance. Finger grip plunger 104 is placed in cavity 314, which prevents the contents of main body 102 from entering / contacting finger grip plunger 104 inside of cavity 314. Finger grip plunger 104 is guided / retained by cavity 314 where finger grip plunger 104 is secured to main body 100 by fastener 106. Fastener 106 may be configured such that the act of fastening can increase or decrease the compression of elastic component 418 (e.g., tightening or loosening a nut, flexible member, etc.). When finger grip plunger 104 is compressed by user's finger, finger grip plunger 104 is displaced through cavity 314. First end 420 of cavity 314 can include at least one step 316 (e.g. outer wall of the main body) to limit the movement of finger grip plunger 104 and elastic component 418 (e.g., a spring, etc.). Steps 316 are comprised of two different surfaces, in which, in this embodiment, the step with the narrower diameter contains and secures the elastic component 418. Step 316 that is wider in diameter, acts to halt the compression of the finger grip plunger 104 as the surface of the wider step 316 is narrower than finger pad 210.

[0043] FIG. 5 illustrates an example embodiment of multifunctional exercise bottle 500, using flexible member 528 (528 A-D), finger grip plunger 526 (526 A-D), and elastic component 418. In this embodiment, flexible member 528 is an elastic band that secures finger grip plunger 526 to main body 524 and provides resistance when finger grip plunger 526 is compressed. Along main body 524, grooves may be present to secure flexible member 528 to main body 524. Flexible member 528 may be made of a semi-rigid or elastomeric material. Some examples of the material are rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material. In this embodiment, bottle 500 in FIG. 5 does not use fastener 106 to secure the finger grip plunger 526 to main body 524. Finger grip plunger 526 is secured to the main body 524 using flexible member 528. Flexible member 528 passes through opening 736 in finger grip plunger 526 at respective finger pad 740 (in FIG. 7), then continues to wrap around main body 524, securing finger grip plunger 526 to main body 524. Elastic component 418 may be comprised of any material that provides resistance to the user when finger grip plunger 526 is compressed by a user. The resistance can be adjusted by replacing elastic component 418 with a different elastic component with a different level of resistance.

[0044] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a partial-through cavity 630 of exercise bottle 500. In this embodiment, partial-through cavity 630 extends partially through main body 524 and prevents the contents of the bottle from entering cavity 630. Unlike full-through cavity 314, partial-through cavity 630 opens at one end of cavity 632. Partial-through cavity 630 is closed at second end 634 to prevent contents in main body 524 from flowing into the cavity.

[0045] FIG. 7 illustrates cross-sectional view of bottle 500 in FIG. 5. Rod 738 of finger grip plunger 526 is inserted at first end 632 of partial-through cavity 630. Partial-through cavity 630 includes one or more steps 316 to limit the movement of finger grip plunger 526. Elastic component 418 is located between finger pad 740, and step 316 of partial-through cavity 630. Once finger grip plunger 526 is inserted into cavity 630, finger pad 740 compresses elastic component 418 when a user applies force at finger pad 740. Finger grip plunger 526 will move towards second end 634 of cavity 630, when force is applied at finger pad 740, however, movement of finger grip plunger 526 will be limited by step 316. Once finger pad 740 contacts step 316, finger grip plunger 526 will not be further pressed into cavity 630.

[0046] FIG. 8 illustrates an example finger grip plunger 526 without threading. Finger grip plunger 526 includes an opening 736, finger pad 740, and rod 738. Rod 738 and finger pad 740 may be designed as one piece or separate pieces that may be attached or detached from each other. If rod 738 and finger pad 740 are separate pieces, rod 738 and finger pad 740 could be coupled through use of a nut and bolt, using threading. Finger grip plunger 526 may include an opening 736 along finger pad 740 such that flexible member 528 may pass through and attach to itself.

[0047] FIG. 9 illustrates flexible member 528 extending through opening 736 with the flexible member 528 closed at clasp 942. Flexible member 528 may also include a clasp 942 in which the flexible member 528 can be secured to main body 524. Flexible member 528 and clasp 942 may be any configuration or design that enables the user to close flexible member 528 in loop around main body 524 and through opening 736. The material comprising flexible member 528 may be cloth bands, rubber, or some similar material that provides resistance to the user when compressed. Clasp 942 enables the user to attached flexible member 528 to itself such that it forms a continuous band around main body 524.

[0048] FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an example multifunctional exercise bottle 1000. In this embodiment, there is no finger grip plunger 526 / 104 or elastic component 418 to provide resistance. The resistance is only provided by flexible member 1048 (1048 A-B). flexible member 1048 includes finger pad 1046. Flexible member 1048 and finger pad 1046 may be one piece or separate pieces. Flexible member 1048 is affixed to main body 1044 of multifunctional exercise bottle 1000 using, for example, push-in clip mechanism 1050. Push-in clip system 1050 may be a tension fit, mechanical clip, or some other configuration that enables the user to affix flexible member 1048 to main body 1044. Flexible member 1048 may be affixed to main body 1044 by inserting both ends of flexible member 1048 into push-in mechanism 1050. Main body 1044 may include a vertical recess 1052 where flexible member 1048 moves inward towards the center of bottle 1000 when user compresses the finger pad 1046. Flexible member 1048, as with other exercise bottle embodiments, may be comprised of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material that provides resistance when flexible member 1048 is compressed.

[0049] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of multifunctional exercise bottle 1000 in which the flexible member 1154 (1154 A-D) is comprised of a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb pattern of flexible member 1154 may be comprised of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material that provides resistance when flexible member 1154 is compressed. Flexible member 1154 may be affixed to main body 1044 through attachment to the clip-in 1050.

[0050] While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0038]A detailed description will now be provided. Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims. Each of the inventions will now be described in greater detail below, including specific embodiments, versions and examples, but the inventions are not limited to these embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventions when the information in this patent is combined with available information and technology.

[0039]FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate a front view (1A) and a rear v...

Claims

1. A multifunctional exercise bottle comprising:a main body including a horizontal pass-through cavity, wherein the main body is configured to hold liquid while preventing the liquid from entering the pass-through cavity;one or more finger grip plungers configured through the pass-through cavity of the main body, each finger grip plunger comprising:a finger pad portion accessible from an exterior of the main body, anda rod configured to retain and guide movement of the finger grip plunger through the pass-through cavity; andan elastic component configured between an outer wall of the main body and the respective finger pad portion of the finger grip plunger, the elastic component providing resistance when the finger grip plunger is compressed.

2. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein compression of the finger grip plunger by a user's finger causes displacement of the finger grip plunger through the pass-through cavity against resistance from the elastic component.

3. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein the elastic component is a spring.

4. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein each finger grip plunger is configured to correspond to a different finger of a user.

5. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein the finger grip plunger is configured in either a full-through or partial-through arrangement relative to the main body.

6. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein the cavity includes a stepped profile having at least two steps, with a first step configured to limit movement of the respective finger pad and a second step configured to limit movement of the elastic component within the pass-through cavity.

7. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein each respective rod is secured to the main body by a fastener.

8. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 7, wherein the fastener is a nut, and each respective finger grip plunger is secured to the main body by threading one end of the respective rod into the nut positioned opposite the respective finger pad.

9. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 8, wherein fastening the finger grip plunger into the nut increases the compression of the elastic component.

10. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, further comprising one or more grooves on the main body configured to receive a flexible member that secures each respective finger grip plunger to the main body.

11. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein each respective finger grip plunger is secured to the main body using a flexible member that extends through each respective finger pad.

12. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 10, wherein the flexible member comprises a semi-rigid or elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material.

13. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 10, wherein the flexible member includes a honeycomb pattern.

14. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 10, wherein the flexible member that secures the finger grip plunger is formed from a material that provides resistance to compression of the finger grip plunger.

15. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 1, wherein the resistance of the finger grip plunger is adjustable by replacing the elastic component with another elastic component that provides a different level of resistance.

16. A multifunctional exercise bottle comprising:a main body configured to contain liquid, wherein the main body include a vertical recess; andat least one flexible member mounted to an outer surface of the main body,wherein the at least one flexible member is configured to provide resistance to compression by a finger of a user.

17. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 16, wherein the flexible member comprises a semi-rigid or elastomeric material selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, plastic, thermoplastic polyurethane, or other similar material.

18. The multifunctional exercise bottle of claim 16, wherein the flexible member includes a honeycomb pattern.

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