Improved drinks bottle

Abstract

The invention relates to a bottle for mixing liquids or solids and liquids, eg. for drinks, a method of manufacturing such a bottle, a method of mixing using such a bottle, and a kit for mixing using such a bottle. In more detail, the invention relates to a drinks bottle (10) comprising a main body (2) for containing liquid, the main body (2) comprising at least one side wall (4), an inner surface of the side wall (4) comprising at least one first anti- rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C); movable within the main body (2), a mixing frame (20), the mixing frame having a side wall (22), an outer surface of the side wall comprising at least one second anti-rotation element (22A, 22B, 22C) for co-operating with the at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) to prevent rotation therebetween. When the first and second anti-rotation features are engaged, rotation between the main body and the mixing frame is substantially prevented.

Description

[0001] Improved Drinks Bottle

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates to a bottle for mixing liquids, and / or for mixing solids and liquids, for, for example, drinks, a method of manufacturing such a bottle, a method of mixing using such a bottle, and a kit for mixing using such a bottle.

[0004] Background

[0005] Reusable bottles are well known for drinks with one or two similar ingredients such as water and diluting juice, and also for multiple ingredients of different kinds, e.g. solids and liquids, such as ice and fruit juice, or nutritional powder(s) and water. Drinks bottles for sports drinks, nutritional drinks, slimming drinks, cocktail drinks and the like in particular are well known. Some, drinks use multiple different ingredients that are brought together, e.g. powders such as protein powder, milk powder, other nutritious or flavourful powders etc. together with liquids such as water and / or other ingredients such as fruit juice, fruit pulp and even ice. These can be especially problematic to mix, especially when the mixing vessel is a bottle which also to be used as a drinking vessel. Nevertheless, bottles which combine the ability to mix drinks within, and also be used as drinking vessels, are popular. Further, different ingredients may respond differently to the same mixing mechanisms. Further, different mixing mechanisms may be better suited to mix different ingredients.

[0006] There can be problems in evenly mixing ingredients within such a drinks bottle to provide a smoothly mixed drink. There can be problems in doing so in a hygienic way, and in washing the drinks bottle afterwards, especially hygienically. Lumps of powder, or other ingredients, can remain unmixed and unevenly dispersed in the liquid, rendering the drink unappetising at best, and even undrinkable. Indeed, it may be desirable to add air to drinks during mixing or stirring, and / or to generate foam, to render the drink more appealing. This can be difficult to achieve and can be lost in the transfer from a mixing vessel to a drinking vessel. Unmixed powder can be stuck within component parts and difficult to access during washing.

[0007] Ice or fruit may be initially crushed or pulped before being added to the bottle to aid dispersion within a liquid component. But ice or fruit pulp may require a larger volume than a commensurate amount of liquid, and if a drinks bottle is designed to accommodate this larger volume, then this restricts the remaining volume available for mixing apparatus and / or for other types of drinks. This may restrict or prevent the use of that drinks bottle for mixing other types of drinks, which is undesirable.

[0008] Using one bottle for different purposes e.g. for mixing and carrying nutritious powders and liquid such as water, and also for mixing and carrying similar ingredients, such as waterbased ingredients like fruit juice, cocktails and ice, can therefore be problematic. The first requires a specific mixer apparatus to be used within the main volume of the drinks bottle (to mix the dry powder and liquid), whereas the latter may require a more open volume to accommodate the ingredients, and / or a specific mixing apparatus in the bottle for the water-based ingredients.

[0009] Examples of removable mixing apparatus within drinks bottles are known such as the Blender Bottle available from https: / / www.blenderbottle.com / . Here, a removable spiral of wire shaped into a discrete spherical ball is added to the bottle. The spherical wire ball moves within the internal volume of the bottle when the bottle is agitated. These removable wire balls are easily lost, and what remains is just a normal drinks bottle with no way of mixing ingredients within it. This is undesirable.

[0010] For efficient mixing, especially of nutritious powders and liquid, it is better if the mixing apparatus moves throughout the majority, or most, of the liquid occupied space. Or, conversely, if the mixing apparatus is fixedly positioned within the main volume of the drinks bottle (the main liquid occupying space), it is better if a large portion of all the ingredients being mixed can pass through the mixing apparatus easily. In practice this is difficult to achieve because it is not straightforward to locate a mixing apparatus within a central location of a drinks bottle. For example, holes in the walls of the drinks bottle to attach a mixing apparatus to the correct location may be unhygienic and prone to leaking.

[0011] An example of a mixing component within a drinks bottle is known from GB2591165 BARRIE. Mixing elements which can be fixed in place during use, and yet removed for cleaning, such as that described by BARRIE, are useful. Nevertheless, this relies on having a screw thread or an inner wall of the base of the bottle, which can be complex and expensive to manufacture.

[0012] It is desirable to have an alternative solution which enables a mixing component to be fixed in place at a desired location within a bottle and which does not require the provision of a screw thread manufactured as part of the inwardly facing wall of the bottle. And yet it may also be desirable to provide a drinks bottle that has a mixing component which moves within the bottle such as the Blender Bottle. Currently, these potentially desirable aspects are incompatible.

[0013] GB2521895 - BARRATT describes a drinking vessel with a removable strainer. US2006255035 - LIN describes a protein supplement beverage shaker with a strainer. LIS5911504 - SCHINDLEGGER describes a stirring device for a beverage container US4818114 - GHAVI describes a shaker top for baby bottles, having a removable mixer disc located at the top of the bottle.

[0014] LIS2015283037 - TREJO describes a bottle with an internal mixer.

[0015] US2003179647 - SIMBA describes a drinking vessel with a tilting finger operated vessel stirrer.

[0016] GB2546902 and W02016027052 both to CARRINGTON describe a shaker bottle with separate sections for milk and powder and a mixer mesh ball.

[0017] CA1065846 - SWARTZ describes a 3D mesh in a bottle.

[0018] DE102004054427 - LEMAN describes a horizontal mesh across a bottle container.

[0019] US2013279287 - CERASANI shows a 3-dimensional mixing element extending into a bottle from a lid to facilitate mixing.

[0020] US2010065566 - BACON describes a collapsible stirrer.

[0021] US20150034748 - ORTIZ describes a blending container with a strut and lateral blades spun by pulley mechanism and a handle.

[0022] CA2742236 - ENGHARD describes various lateral structures such as a downwardly depending extendable element (a flat elastic spiral) within a beverage container, to aid mixing.

[0023] US1060419 - BENJAMIN describes a mixing device comprising an upwardly depending coil spring.

[0024] US20080277424 - LARIMER describes a flip top shaker with a strainer within the lid that may be pivoted between first and second positions.

[0025] US20040047231 - COLL describes a mixing device with a grill fixed deep within a container via arms 90 and identifies the problem of locating the mixing device too close to the top of the container.

[0026] US2181612 - SMITH describes a cocktail shaker with a reciprocating strainer.

[0027] US4872764 - MCCLEAN describes a cocktail shaker with motor driven blades on a shaft. WO9707724 - OSTERLUND describes a shaker for the preparation of gruel with a mixing part on a shank at a given distance from the neck.

[0028] US2013010568 BODUM describes a beverage maker having a lockable actuation rod. US2008259723 RHODES describes a pitcher having mixing device.

[0029] US2014269152 VENOT describes a hand mixer. WO2015135664 ROAKS describes a device for improving mixing of a liquid and a powdered substance and a baby bottle comprising the device.

[0030] Thus, examples of the art include removable mixer balls which can be lost, fixed meshes within the bottles may be hard to clean or expensive to manufacture, and motor driven mixing elements which are expensive, heavy and hard to clean.

[0031] The present invention seeks to alleviate one or more of the problems of the art, some of which are described above.

[0032] Statements of the Invention

[0033] In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a drinks bottle comprising: a main body for containing liquid, the main body comprising at least one side wall, an inner (e.g. innermost and / or inwardly facing) surface of the side wall comprising at least one first anti-rotation element; a mixing frame movable within the main body, the mixing frame having a side wall (e.g. an outer, e. g. outermost, side wall), an outer (e.g. outermost and / or outwardly facing) surface of the side wall comprising at least one second anti-rotation element for co-operating (e.g. configured to cooperate, e.g. configured to engage, for example sixed and / or shaped to cooperate / engage) with the at least one first anti-rotation element to prevent rotation therebetween.

[0034] When the first and second anti-rotation features cooperate together, e.g. are engaged together, relative rotation between the main body and the mixing frame is substantially prevented.

[0035] In a further aspect the invention may comprise a drinks bottle comprising: a main body for containing liquid, the main body comprising at least one side wall; a mixing frame movable within the main body; a releasable locking mechanism (19) for releasably locking the mixing frame at at least one predetermined location within the main body; whereby two (e.g. at least two) mixing modes are provided, a first movable mixing mode in which the mixing frame can move within the main body, and a second immovable mixing mode in which the locking mechanism is engaged and the mixing frame cannot move (e.g. cannot move in at least one direction and / or cannot move freely) within the main body. In some embodiments, the drinks bottle: the mixing frame may be configured for at least to-and-fro movement along an axial height of the main body; the releasable locking mechanism may be configured for releasably locking the mixing frame at at least one predetermined location along the axial height of the main body; whereby the two (or more) mixing modes are provided, the first movable mixing mode in which the mixing frame can move, e.g. in one or more directions at least to-and-fro (and in some embodiments also in other directions), along the axial height of the main body, and a second immovable mixing mode in which the locking mechanism is engaged and the mixing frame cannot move, or cannot move freely, in one or more directions at least to-and-fro (and in some embodiments in any other one or more directions) along the axial height of the main body.

[0036] In a further aspect the invention may comprise a method of manufacturing a drinks bottle comprising: providing a drinks bottle as described herein.

[0037] In a further aspect the invention may comprise a method of mixing ingredients, e.g. one or more liquids, and optionally one or more solids e.g. ice and / or powder, using a drinks bottle as described herein comprising: adding ingredients, e.g. one or more liquid, and optionally one or more solids, to the main body; agitating the drinks bottle thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element.

[0038] In a further aspect the invention may comprise a kit comprising: a drinks bottle as described herein; and at least one of the following: instructions for use (e.g. as described herein); a spare mixing frame; a spare mixing element.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be axially movable within the main body, e.g. at least in a first configuration. In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be mounted within the main body, e.g. in a first configuration, in such a way so that it is capable of axial (e.g. reciprocating) motion only, within the main body e.g. with respect the main body and a lid. In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be mounted within the main body, e.g. in a second configuration, so that it is prevented from carrying out axial (e.g. reciprocating) motion within the main body e.g. with respect to the main body and a lid.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be mounted on a (e.g. at least one) rod and is axially movable (e.g. only axially movable) along the rod within the main body, e.g. at least in a first configuration.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be mounted on one or more rods, in a first configuration, so that it is capable of only axial (e.g. reciprocating) motion, along the one or more rods e.g. with respect to the rod or a lid on which the rod is mounted. In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be located (e.g. locked) on one or more rods, in a second configuration, so that it is prevented from carrying out axial (e.g. reciprocating) motion along one or more rods e.g. with respect to the rod or a lid on which the rod is mounted.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, the drinks bottle may comprise a releasable locating (e.g. locking) mechanism for releasably locating (e.g. temporarily locking) the mixing frame at at least one predetermined location along an axial height of the main body e.g. at a predetermined location at which the first and second anti-rotation features (e.g. one or more of each of the first and second anti-rotation features) cooperate theretogether to prevent rotation therebetween.

[0043] Thus, in one or more embodiments, the mixing frame is configured to be fixedly locatable within the main body in a removable manner. In other words, the locating, or locking, in position may be temporary.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the at least one rod may comprise (e.g. part way along and / or at or near a distal end thereof) a first part of the locating (e.g. locking) mechanism, and, the mixing frame may comprise (e.g. at a central portion thereof), a second part of the locating (e.g. locking) mechanism, whereby the mixing frame may be movably mounted on the rod and releasably locatable (e.g. lockable) at a predetermined position thereon using the locating (e.g. locking) mechanism.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the locating mechanism may be configured to be engaged, and / or disengaged, by rotation of the rod with respect to the mixing frame, e.g. to releasably engage and disengage the rod and the mixing frame together. The mixing frame may be prevented from rotation with respect to the main body during such engagement and / or disengagement by the at least one first anti-rotation element engaging with the at least one second anti-rotation element.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the at least one first anti-rotation elements and / or one or more of the at least one second anti-rotation elements extend(s) circumferentially around an inner wall of the main body, or an outer wall of the frame, as appropriate.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, one or more of the at least one first anti-rotation elements and / or one or more of the at least one second anti-rotation elements extend(s) axially along an inner wall of the main body, or an outer wall of the frame, as appropriate, in a direction extending between an upper edge towards a distal end of the main body.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the locating (or the releasable locking) mechanism may comprise, and the first and / or second parts thereof may comprise parts thereof as appropriate, at least one of: a bayonet-style fitting; a slot; an inter-engaging slot and protrusion (e.g. a pin or plate or rib); one or more peripherally (e.g. circumferentially) extending slots on a rod and / or one or more peripherally (e.g. circumferentially) extending protrusions on the mixing frame, or vice versa; a clip; a cam lever; a screw thread (e.g. a first screw thread portion on an inwardly facing surface of a side wall (or integrated side wall) of the main body, and a second, cooperating screw thread portion on an outwardly facing surface of the mixing frame.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the at least one first anti-rotation element and the at least one second anti-rotation element may comprise one or more co-operating, inter-engaging elements, of any suitable size and / or shape, which prevent (e.g. generally or substantially prevent) relative rotation therebetween.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the at least one first anti-rotation element and / or the at least one second anti-rotation element may comprise (e.g. extending generally or substantially vertically along a height of a side wall) at least one of: one or more surface features e.g. of any suitable size and / or shape and / or cross-sectional shape and / or and / or width and / or length; one or more flat surface features e.g. of <1 / 6 or <1 / 5 or <14 or <1 / 3 or <Vz or < % or more of a periphery of main body of a bottle); one or more raised surface features; one or more protrusions; one or more recesses; one or more ribs or rib portions; one or more slots; one or more corners; one or more clamps; one or more clips. In one or more embodiments, at least one first anti-rotation element may comprise a flat e.g. generally or substantially flat (or flatter) portion (e.g. a flatter portion relative to the at least part of the remining circumference) of an inner surface of a side wall, of the main body and / or at least one second anti-rotation element may comprise a flat e.g. generally or substantially flat portion (or flatter) portion (e.g. a flatter portion relative to the at least part of the remining circumference) of an outer surface of a side wall of the frame.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the first anti-rotation element may comprise one or two or three or four or more substantially flat (or flatter) surface portions (e.g. which may be equi-spaced about the periphery of the inner surface of the side wall of the main body) and / or the second anti-rotation element may comprise one or two or three or four substantially flat (or flatter) surface portions (e.g. which may be equi-spaced about the periphery of the outer surface of the side wall of the mixing frame).

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the main body may be generally, or substantially, cylindrical, e.g. about its outer surface and / or in cross-section along at least some of its height. In one or more embodiments, the frame may be generally, or substantially, cylindrical. In one or more embodiments, the main body and / or the side wall of the main body, and / or the inner surface of the side wall of the main body, may have at least one tapered wall portion with at least a tapered inner surface, e.g. getting narrower in an axial direction e.g. towards its base, much like a draught angle. In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the frame, and / or the side wall of the frame, and / or the outer surface of the side wall of the frame, may be tapered, e.g. getting narrower in an axial direction e.g. towards its base, preferably to match the tapering, where provided, of the main body. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the main body and the mixing frame may be frustoconical in cross-section.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the main body may terminate at a proximal end in an upper edge defining an opening; and the drinks bottle may further comprise: a removable (e.g. partially or entirely removable) lid closing the opening, the removable lid comprising: a base portion removably (e.g. partially or entirely removable) located at the upper edge of the main body; a handle portion rotatable with respect to the base portion; and the at least one rod is mounted on the handle portion and rotatable with the handle portion so that the locating mechanism of the mixing frame on the rod can be engaged and disengaged by rotation of the handle portion with respect to the main body.

[0054] In one or more embodiments, in a first unlocked configuration the mixing frame can move within the main body, e.g. axially within the main body, for example, where a rod is provided, it can slide up and down the rod, and in a second locked configuration, the mixing frame is fixedly located in position within the main body. For example, where a rod is provided, it may be fixedly located in a predetermined position part way along the rod, or at a distal end on the rod, e.g. by rotating the rod with respect to the frame to engage / disengage the locating (e.g. locking) mechanism.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, with the cooperating first anti-rotation element and second anti-rotation element engaged, rotating the handle portion with respect to the base portion may rotate the at least one rod with respect to the frame, engaging the first and second parts of the locating mechanism to fix these together (preferably temporarily), so preventing the frame from sliding to-and-fro along the rod, preferably temporarily, thus locating the frame fixedly on the rod.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the frame may be disengaged from the rod by unlocking the locating mechanism (e.g. rotating the rod and frame in the opposite direction e.g. rotating the first and second parts of the locating mechanism in the opposite direction with respect to one another, e.g. when the first and second anti-rotation elements are engaged together, so that the frame can slide along the rod to be repositioned and / or removed).

[0057] Thus, in one or more preferred embodiments the at least one rod and frame are slidably movable, and releasably locatable e.g. releasably fixable or lockable, with respect to each other. This allows the mixing frame and associated mixing element to travel within main body towards a distal end of main body, or be fixedly held within it. The use of antirotation features allows this to happen without a user touching the mixing frame. This assists in preventing contamination of the contents, and / or dirtying fingers with the contents.

[0058] Thus, in one or more embodiments, this switch from one mode, in which the mixing frame can move to-and-fro (e.g. axially along the height of the main body e.g. reciprocating along the rod), to a second mode, in which it is fixedly located at a predetermined axial height of the main body (e.g. fixed in position on the rod, where provided), can be effected simply and easily. In one or more embodiments, this can be provided from operation by a user outside the drinks bottle. Alternatively, and / or in addition, in some embodiments one or more mixing modes may be provided e.g. a single free floating mixing mode, in which a mixing frame can move to-and-fro (e.g. axially along the height of the main body e.g. reciprocating along the rod), optionally only part way along the rod, optionally damped e.g. by one or more springs, optionally without any interlocking features e.g. anti-rotation features or screw thread features. Alternatively, and / or in addition, in some embodiments two, three or four or more mixing modes may be provided, in which the position and / or motion of the mixing frame can be varied e.g. controllably varied, from one mixing modes to the next.

[0059] The mixing element preferably extends across the frame to fill the frame.

[0060] In a first mixing mode, when the mixing frame has been moved e.g. slid along the rod to a desired position, and the locating mechanism is engaged to hold it in that desired position within the main body, the mixing frame, either wholly or partially, partitions the main body so forcing at least some or all of the contents to pass to-and-fro via the frame and associated mixing element, when the bottle is shaken.

[0061] In a(n) (e.g. alternative) second mixing mode, the mixing frame is not fixed and can move within the main body, e.g. axially and / or rotationally, so the mixing frame travels through some or all of the contents e.g. when the bottle is shaken. This can help break up bigger pieces of solid ingredients e.g. of ice and / or powders due to the momentum of the mixing frame in motion. The mixing frame and / or the mesh may be provided with sharp / sharper edges e.g. side wall edges, and / or mesh opening wall edges, which are sharp or sharper to facilitate this.

[0062] Thus, in one or more embodiments, two modes of missing drinks are provided by the bottle, one in which the mixing frame (and associated mixing element) is free to move within the bottle, and one in which the mixing frame (and associated mixing element) is fixedly located in a predetermined location within the mixing bottle. Furthermore, in one or more preferred embodiments, a user can switch between modes by using a handle portion outside the bottle.

[0063] Preferably the at least one rod is provided fixed to, or fixable to, or forms part of, the handle portion. Optionally, indeed, the at least one rod is preferably, at, or associated with, a central location of the handle portion (and preferably also the lid). Optionally, but less preferably, two or more rods may be provided, optionally evenly spaced, about a central longitudinal axis of the drinks bottle.

[0064] Preferably, the side wall of the main body and / or the mixing frame has or have a continuous cross-section which may be generally circular, generally oval or otherwise generally curved. However, these may be square or rectangular or hexagonal etc., but this is less preferred.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the base portion and handle portion of the lid may comprise respective inter-engaging rotatable surface features to facilitate relative rotational motion therebetween. In one or more embodiments, the inter-engaging surface features on each of the base portion and handle portion may comprise one or more of: a) corresponding protrusion(s) and recess(es); b) corresponding cylindrical features and recess(es) for receiving same; c) ball bearings; d) one or more low friction surface(s).

[0066] In one or more embodiments, the handle portion is located within an external periphery of the base portion in a lateral direction. In one or more embodiments, the handle portion of the lid extends above and / or below the base portion of the lid in an axial direction. In one or more embodiments, the handle portion and / or the base portion comprise a recess, or respective recessed portions, for receiving at least a portion of the mixing element and / or frame, when these are in a retracted position.

[0067] The mixing element may be three-dimensional (3D). The mixing element may be one or more of conical, frustoconical, pyramidal, hemispherical, curved, concatenated in 3 dimensions. The mixing element may comprise, or is made of, one or more of: one or more removable, and / or replaceable, sub-elements; an open structure to allow liquid and powder to pass through it; relatively stiff construction; rigid construction; mesh comprising multiple openings; wire; any suitable material (e.g. plastic, plastic coated metal or metal, etc). The mixing element may comprise a rigid mesh with multiple openings defined by rigid side walls e.g. axially extending side walls. At least part of an upper and / or lower edge of at least one side wall of at least one opening may be provided with a sharp edge. The mesh may comprise multiple openings and the multiple openings may vary in lateral dimension.

[0068] The upper edge of the main body and the base portion of the lid may comprise cooperating screw threads for fixedly locating the lid to the main body in a removable manner.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may be mounted on a rod and may be axially movable along the rod (optionally damped with one or more springs) within the main body in the first movable mixing mode and may be fixed e.g. rigidly fixed, to the rod in the second immovable mixing mode.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the at least one rod (may comprise a first part of the releasable locking mechanism; and the mixing frame may comprise, a second part of the releasable locking mechanism; whereby the mixing frame is movably mounted on the rod in the first moveable mixing mode and releasably lockable at at least one predetermined position thereon using the locking mechanism in the second immovable mixing mode.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, the releasable locking mechanism may be configured to be engaged, e.g. locked, and / or disengaged, e.g. unlocked, by rotation of the rod with respect to the mixing frame.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, a side wall (e.g. an inner surface of a (or an integrated) side wall of the main body may comprise at least one first anti-rotation element; and (e.g. an outer surface of) a side wall of the mixing frame may comprise at least one second anti-rotation element configured to interact with the first anti-rotation element to generally or substantially restrict (e.g. prevent) rotation between the main body and the mixing frame. In some embodiments the cooperating first and second anti-rotation elements may each comprise respective cooperating surface features.

[0073] In some embodiments, the first anti-rotation element may comprise three substantially flat surface portions, and / or the second anti-rotation element may comprise three substantially flat portions. In some embodiments, where one or more screw thread portions are provided, e.g. as part of a releasable locking mechanism, one or more or each screw thread portion may be of less than one pitch e.g. < 1 / 6 or <1 / 5 or <14 or <1 / 3 or <Vz of a pitch, or one or more pitch, or 1-2 pitches, or more than 2 pitches.

[0074] In some embodiments, in further aspects, or embodiments, that may provide two (or more) mixing modes, e.g. and when a rod is provided, the drinks bottle may further comprise an alternative, or additional, anti-rotation mechanism, the anti-rotation mechanism comprising at least one resilient member (e.g. one or more springs such as helical mechanical springs, one or more air springs, one or more magnets functioning as magnetic springs) configured to resist rotation of the mixing frame with respect to the lid (12) and / or main body (2).

[0075] In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame may extend across the width of the main body. In some embodiments, the mixing frame may extend across the width of the main body so that the mixing frame engages the side wall. In other embodiments the mixing frame may not extend across the width of the main body (e.g. so their respective side walls do not touch).

[0076] In some embodiments, the main body terminates at a proximal end in an upper edge defining an opening; and the drinks bottle may further comprise: a removable lid (closing the opening, the removable lid comprising: an activation mechanism (e.g. a rotatable or push button, optionally spring loaded, activation mechanism) for activating the releasable locking mechanism.

[0077] In some embodiments, the removable lid may further comprise: an activation mechanism comprising a base portion removably located at the upper edge of the main body, and a handle portion rotatable with respect to the base portion; and the at least one rod may be mounted on the handle portion and rotatable with the handle portion so that the locating mechanism of the mixing frame on the rod can be engaged and disengaged by rotation of the handle portion with respect to the main body. In some embodiments, the activation mechanism may comprise a push button, optionally spring loaded, activation mechanism. In some embodiments, the lid (also known as a cap) may be a single unit. In some embodiments, the activation mechanism may comprise the (e.g. single unit) lid and main body being configured so that affixing e.g. rotating, the lid on to the main body, causes one or more of a first, second or further modes to be activated e.g. the locating, or locking, mechanism of the mixing frame on the rod to be engaged and / or disengaged. Optionally, the activation mechanism may comprise the lid and main body being configured so that further affixing e.g. further rotating (‘e.g. ‘over-locking’ the lid to a further point’, or de-rotating (e.g. unlocking back to a previous point), or otherwise manipulating, the lid on the main body, causes a second mode to be activated (e.g. the other of engaged and / or disengaged of the locating, or locking, mechanism of the mixing frame on the rod).

[0078] In some embodiments, the side walls of the main body may comprise an insert configured to provide an inwardly-facing surface of the main body. In some embodiments, the insert may be removable. In some embodiments, one or more surface feature(s) of the insert may provide first anti-rotation element(s) of the (integrated) side wall of main body or releasable locking elements, such as screw thread portion(s), of the (integrated) side wall of the main body.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, the method of mixing ingredients may comprise: activating the locating mechanism to fixedly locate the mixing frame in the main body of the drinks bottle at a predetermined location; agitating the drinks bottle thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the method of mixing ingredients may comprise: deactivating (e.g. unlocking) the locating mechanism to release the mixing frame to move at least axially within the main body of the drinks bottle; agitating the drinks bottle thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element.

[0081] In one or more embodiments, the method of mixing ingredients may comprise: using a bottle as described herein; and, affixing the base portion of a or the lid to an or the upper edge of the main body so that the frame is located within the main body so their respective anti-rotation features engage to prevent relative rotation therebetween; rotating the handle portion of the lid with respect to the base portion to cause the first and second parts of the locking mechanism to engage and / or disengage (e.g. depending upon the direction of rotation); agitating the drinks bottle thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element.

[0082] In some embodiments, there may be provided a method of mixing ingredients comprising: activating the locating mechanism to fixedly locate the mixing frame in the main body of the drinks bottle at a predetermined location; agitating the drinks bottle thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element.

[0083] In some embodiments, there may be provided a method of mixing ingredients comprising: deactivating the locating mechanism (19) to release the mixing frame (20) to move at least axially within the main body of the drinks bottle; agitating the drinks bottle (10) thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element.

[0084] The lid may further comprise one or more of a mouthpiece, a cover, a carry handle (such as a loop or clip-on structure such as carabiner).

[0085] Several embodiments of the invention are described and any one or more features of any one or more embodiments may be used in any one or more aspects of the invention as described above.

[0086] Brief Description of the Invention

[0087] The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures. In the figures and following description, the same reference numerals refer to the same, or similar, features.

[0088] Figure 1 shows a perspective, partially transparent view of a drinks bottle in an example embodiment of the invention which uses one or more anti-rotation elements.

[0089] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the bottle of Figure 1 in an example embodiment of the invention.

[0090] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show perspective, partially transparent views of a main body, mixing frame, and rod with the mixing frame in, respectively, i) upper, unlocked, ii) lower locked, and iii) lower, unlocked positions with respect to the rod, in an example embodiment of the invention, which uses one or more anti-rotation elements.

[0091] Figures 4A and 4B shows close-up, perspective, partially transparent views, locked and unlocked respectively, of a mixing frame, rod, lid, and main body of a drinks bottle in an example embodiment of the invention which uses one or more anti-rotation elements.

[0092] Figures 5A and 5B show perspective views from below of a mixing frame, rod, and lid in an example embodiment of a further aspect of the invention which uses, as shown in Figure 5B, an additional insert 50, which may for example be used to provide one or more anti-rotation element(s) such as flatter surface portions, or one or more releasable locking element(s) such as screw thread portion(s).

[0093] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C show, in upper and lower figures, respectively, close-up, perspective views and close-up, cross-sectional views of example inserts, similar to that seen in Figure 5B, each with one or more screw thread portion(s) for use as one or more realisable locking element(s) in a releasable locking mechanism.

[0094] Figures 7A and 7B show, respectively, cross-sectional and perspective views of a main body of a bottle with an insert therein such as that in Figure 6C.

[0095] Figures 8A and 8B show, respectively, cross-sectional views, along a line AA’ of Figure 9 from below, of the mixing frame and rod in unlocked and locked positions in an example embodiment, which here may use one or more anti-rotation element(s), in one or more aspects of the invention.

[0096] Figure 9 shows a perspective view from above of a mixing frame, rod, and handle portion of Figures 8A and 8B, and a resilient member, here a mechanical spring, which may be configured to assist in damping the to-and-fro motion of the mixing frame on the rod and / or which may be configured to assist as one or more anti-rotation element(s), in one or more aspects of the invention.

[0097] Figure 10A shows a side, cross-sectional view, Figure 10B a perspective cross-sectional view, and Figure 10C a close-up of the view of Figure 10B without the main body of the bottle, a resilient member, here a mechanical spring, in one or more aspects of the invention.

[0098] Figures 11A and 11 B show cross-sectional elevation views in unlocked and locked positions respectively in an alternative embodiment which uses one or more expandable and / or retractable locking elements, here ball bearings, movable into and out of respective recesses or holes).

[0099] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0100] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any dimensions, and relative orientations, such as lower and higher, inner and outer, above and below, and any directions or locations such as vertical, horizontal, upper, lower, axial, lateral, radial, longitudinal, tangential, central, etc., referred to in this application are used in their normal sense and are within expected structural tolerances and limits for the technical field of this invention, and the apparatus and methods described, and these should be interpreted with this in mind.

[0101] By ‘flat’ or ‘flatter’ portion is meant a part or element or portion of a wall, or of an outer surface of a wall, that is not curved, or is not curved to the same extent and / or in same way as another neighbouring portion of a wall or surface of a wall.

[0102] By ‘anti-rotation feature’ is meant a feature which by itself, or together with another cooperating feature, generally or substantially limits or prevents rotation about one or more axes, usually about one axis of one element with respect to another (e.g. a mixing element with respect to a main body of a bottle, such as with respect to a side wall of a main body, about a longitudinal axis along a height of the bottle).

[0103] By ‘lock’ or ‘lockable’ is meant prevent opening, and / or movement e.g. sliding and / or rotating, and / or slippage, of one element with respect to another (e.g. of a mixing element with respect to a rod).

[0104] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a drinks bottle 10 is shown comprising a main body 2 with an internal volume (not labelled) for receiving and containing drink ingredients and a removable lid 12 for closing main body 2. Lid 12 may be wholly separable from main body 2, or may remain remotely attached to main body 2 e.g. via a strap, string, wire, chain or other flexible attachment means between lid 12 and main body 2. Main body 2 comprises a side wall 4 which terminates at an upper edge 6 defining a wide central opening 8 leading into the internal volume. Side wall 4, here, is a single unit e.g. moulded as one unit. Referring briefly to Figures 5B, 6A, 6B, 6C. 7A and 7B, main body 2, may be provided with an insert 50, which may be removable. The insert 50 is attached to (typically rigidly and optionally non-removably) and contiguous with a side wall 4 of the main body providing an integrated side wall 11. The insert 50 typically cooperates with side wall 4 to provide a continuous inwardly facing surface 5 of the integrated side wall 11 for containing ingredients. Insert 50 can be used to provide anti-rotation element(s), e.g. surface features, such as one or more flatter surface portions 4A, 4B and 4C, on inwardly facing surface 5 of integrated side wall 11, and / or one or more releasable locking element(s) such as screw thread portion(s) on inwardly facing surface 5.

[0105] Typically, drinks bottles are of generally cylindrical cross section although other shapes are possible. Here, main body 2 and its side wall 4 (or integrated side wall 11) are of a generally cylindrical cross section. Upper edge 6 is typically of circular cross-section, as is lid 12. Other shapes are possible.

[0106] It is preferable that a closure mechanism e.g. in the form of circular screw thread features 7 (see Figure 3) is provided at or near upper edge 6 for cooperating with corresponding screw thread features (not shown) on lid 12, whatever the overall cross-sectional shape of main body 2 or bottle 10. Thus, here just below upper edge 6, an external screw thread 7 is shown to which lid 12 is removably affixed by cooperating internal screw thread (not shown) of lid 12. Other cooperating closure or fixing means such as snap fit closures, clip mechanisms, and / or strong friction fit may be used.

[0107] Lid 12 may comprise a mouthpiece feature 30 optionally with a removable (e.g. pivotable) cap. Lid 12 may also comprise an opening (not shown) which may be the mouthpiece or a separate opening with a suitable closure, for receiving liquid and / or solid ingredients (e.g. protein powder, milk powder, fruit pulp, ices, etc). Typically, however, liquid(s) and optionally solid(s) e.g. powder may be added to volume of main body 2, when lid 12 is separated from main body 2. Lid 12 is then secured to main body 2 at upper edge 16 via cooperating screw threads (or other openable fixing means, e.g. clip or snap fit mechanism, strong friction fit, etc.).

[0108] Handle portion 16 is rotatable with respect to base portion 14 also with respect to main body 2 about a central longitudinal axis of drinks bottle 10. Gripping features may be provided about an outer surface of handle portion 16, e.g. on a side wall (see gripping features, which may be ridges or indents or other surface variations.

[0109] Lid 12 comprises a base portion 14 removably fixable to main body 2 as described above and, in preferred embodiments, a handle portion 16 movable, e.g. rotatable, with respect to base portion 14. In some embodiments, a push button 116 may be used (see Figures 11A and 11 B). A locking mechanism (not shown) may also be provided to prevent, temporarily, removal of lid 12 and, in particular, base portion 14 from main body 2. Base portion 14 and handle portion 16 may be of any suitable shape.

[0110] Preferably both base portion 14 and handle portion 16 are generally cylindrical at least about opposing wall(s) thereof, to facilitate relative rotation with respect to one another. There are many ways this rotational (but not translational) motion can be achieved. For example, base portion 14 may comprise a lateral cylindrical projection which locates and travels in a corresponding cylindrical recess of handle portion 16, or vice versa. In addition, or alternatively, multiple similar projections spaced circumferentially and / or axially apart or other rotating mechanisms could be used as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. For example, handle portion 16 may rest on a laterally extending surface of base portion 14 (see Figure 8). Alternatively, handle portion 16 may be clamped between upper edge 6 of side wall 4, and base portion 14 in a manner e.g. a loose manner, to allow for rotational movement but not translational movement of handle portion 16 with respect to base portion 14.

[0111] In use, since base portion 14 is fixedly located (e.g. screw threaded) onto the main body 2, and may be locked (albeit temporarily) with respect to main body 2, this relative rotational arrangement of handle portion 16 on base portion 14 enables handle portion 16 of lid 12 (and anything mounted on it or to it) to rotate with respect to base portion 14 and with respect to main body 2.

[0112] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 in particular, an example arrangement of the internal features of a drinks bottle 10 are shown. Main body 2 comprises a side wall 4 (or 11 see Figure 7A) with a first anti-rotation feature 4A, 4B, 4C on an inwardly facing surface (e.g. on an inwardly facing surface 5 of integrated side wall 11 when an insert is used as in Figure 7A). First anti-rotation feature 4A, 4B, 4C may extend only part way along the inner surface of side wall 4, or may extend from a position close to proximal opening 8 at a proximal (here upper) end of main body 2 (see Figure 4) towards a distal end (e.g. the base) of main body 2 (e.g. to half way down the bottle). Indeed, it may extend to a location close to the base of the main body 2.

[0113] In this preferred example embodiment, one rod 18 is rigidly mounted on lid 12, the rod 18 terminating (in Figure 1 for example) in a frame 20 which may be movable, or movably locatable (e.g. lockable), on rod 18. Frame 20 is also known as a mixing frame, within which a mixing element 22, preferably a three-dimensional (3D) mixing element is provided. The mixing element 22 is shown here as a mesh extending across frame 20, here across a diameter of a generally circular frame 20. The mesh may have relatively wide interstitial spacing and / or relatively strong struts or filaments for breaking up and mixing ingredients. Mesh 22 has openings 39 that preferably extend axially along, as well as laterally across, main body 2. The interstitial spacing of the openings 39 and / or the lateral size and / or the axial extent of the opening themselves within the mesh may vary e.g. from the edges of the mixing element towards the centre. For example, the openings 39 in the mesh 22 may be larger towards the sidewall the main body 2, or vice versa. The side walls of the openings in mesh 24 may terminate in sharp upper and / or lower edges. Frame 20 may be any suitable shape but is preferably generally cylindrical. Frame 20 has an outwardly facing side wall 22 for engaging with the inner surface (see also 5 in Figure 7A) of side wall 4 (see also 11 in Figure 7A) of main body 2. Frame 20, preferably, comprises at least one anti-rotation feature 22A, 22B, 22C, here in this example in the form of flat, or flatter, portions of frame side wall 22. Thus, frame side wall 22 comprises one or more surface features which engage with co-operating surface features of side wall 4 (or 11) of the main body 2. These co-operating features may be flat or flatter portions on frame side wall 22 and main body side wall 4 (or 11), or may be one or more co-operating slots and / or ribs (e.g. axially along the wall) etc. Other surface features may be used to prevent rotation.

[0114] Rod 18 and frame 20 are mounted on handle portion 16 and so, in principle, can be rotated with respect to main body 2, when handle portion 16 is rotated with respect to main body 2. Main body 2 is generally circular, e.g. when viewed from above, but has a side wall 4 (or 11, see Figure 7A) that is shaped, however, to provide anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C, also referred to as anti-rotation elements. The anti-rotation features, here, 4A, 4B, 4C comprise three flatter (e.g. flat) surface portions of main body 2.

[0115] In this case, the flatter portions are formed from the entire thickness of the side wall 4 (or 11 , see Figure 7A), so that the side wall 4 is not completely circular, but rather has, when viewed from above, flat wall portions forming anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C, and circular wall portions in between (unlabelled). Thus, in this example embodiment, side wall 4 has a similar thickness around its periphery, in the flat and the curved sections.

[0116] It will be understood from reading this disclosure, that side wall 4 (or 11 in Figure 7A) may have anti-rotation features, e.g. in the form of latter surface portions 4A, 4B, 4C, only on the inwardly facing surface of side wall 4. In this latter case, the thickness of side wall 4 may vary about its periphery to provide a variation in the internal surface and so provide the anti-rotation features. For example, side wall 4 (or 11) may have a circular outer surface and an inner surface with one or more circular portions, and one or more antirotation feature e.g. flatter surface portions, formed form a variation in the thickness of wall 4 (or 11).

[0117] Thus, the one or more anti-rotation features may be provided on, or as part of, the inwardly facing surface of wall 4 (or 11). They are preferably integral with wall 4 when it is manufactured e.g. moulded, or may be affixed to main body 2 later, to form a part of wall

[0118] 4 e.g. via an insert 50 (see side wall 11 and inwardly facing surface 5 in Figure 7A).

[0119] As an alternative to flat or flatter surface portions, the one or more anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C may be formed of one or more ribs and / or recesses and / or protrusions and / or slots and / or other surface features etc. as would be understood by someone skilled in the art. There may be one or more such anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C, preferably at least two, more preferably three. Preferably there is an odd number. Preferably these are equispaced about a longitudinal axis along the height of the main body 2. So where three are provided, these may be at approximately a 120° angle with respect to one another. Where 5 are provided, the anti-rotation features may be at approximately a 60° angle with respect to one another. Whilst three are preferred, one is sufficient to prevent rotation of mixing frame 20 with respect to wall 4 as will be described later.

[0120] In this preferred embodiment, the anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C are provided by three substantially identical flat surface portions see in Figures 1 to 4, of similar, here the same, height axially up and down the side wall 4, and of similar, here the same, lateral (or angular) extent around the periphery of side wall 4. Further these are interspaced, when viewed from above, with three curved, here circular, wall portions of similar, here the same, height axially up and down the side wall 4, and of similar, here the same, lateral (or angular) extent around the periphery of side wall 4. Indeed, the lateral (e.g. angular) extent of the curved and the non-curved wall portions may be the same, although in the embodiment shown in the Figures, the curved portions are of wider lateral extent than the anti-rotation flat surface portions 4A, 4B, 4C (best seen in Figure 1).

[0121] The inner surface 5 of side wall 4 (or side wall 11 in Figure 7A), or indeed side wall 4 (or 11) itself, may be sloped or tapered, e.g. at an angle to a vertical, when viewed in crosssection from the side. Indeed, preferably one or more of the curved portions and / or one or more of the flat portions 4A, 4B, 4C, may provide a tapered surface, e.g. an angle to the vertical when viewed in cross-section from the side. This is somewhat similar to a draught angle, and indeed, where provided, may function as a draught angle, to facilitate extraction of main body 2 from a mould when injection moulding.

[0122] The tapering where provided is preferably constant. In other words the resultant slope has a constant gradient. The angle of the taper, or slope, may be very small e.g. between 1 to 5°, e.g. 1 to 2°, with respect to the vertical. The tapering can assist with receipt of the mixing frame 20 into the main body 2, and engagement of first anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C in the form of flat surface portions in the inner surface of wall 4, with corresponding second anti-rotation features, 22A, 22B, 22C, in the form of flat surface portions on an outer surface of an outer wall 22 of frame 20.

[0123] Thus, where a taper is provided, the flat surfaces may be at an angle to the vertical, forming flat slopes, at an angle to the vertical.

[0124] Referring to Figure 1 and especially Figure 2, mixing frame 20 comprises an outer wall 22 which extends across, here across a diameter of, a generally circular frame 2 between the internal surface(s) of side wall 4. The outer wall 22 is preferably sized, and / or shaped, to slide down the internal surface of side wall 4 until it reaches a particular level, part-way down wall 4. At this predetermined location, first-anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C of side wall 4 (or integrated side wall 11 when using an insert 50), engage with second antirotation features 22A, 22B, 22C of the outer wall 22 of frame 20 to resist, and indeed to substantially prevent, rotation of mixing frame 20 with respect to main body 2. In some embodiments, rotation may be restricted by an alternative anti-rotation element e.g. in the form of a resilient element such as a spring, as will be described in more detail in relation to Figures 5, 9, 10 and 11.

[0125] Looking at Figure 2 in more detail, a lid 12 for main body 10 is shown having a base portion 14 and a rotatable handle portion 12. Depending from lid 12 at a central location, is a rod 18. This may be rigidly attached e.g. resiliently snap fitted into a suitable recess in the underside of lid 12, and in particular into the underside of handle portion 16, e.g. using a resilient attachment member 23, seen in Figure 3A. Here, resilient attachment member 23 comprises snap-fit resilient prongs with enlarged distal ends which snap outwards into a co-operating recess (not shown) in the handle portion 16. Thus, rod 18 and handle portion 16 are clamped together. Rod 18 may alternatively be integrally formed with handle portion 16 (see rod 18 and handle portion 116 in Figure 10A) and slotted onto base portion 14 of lid 12. Rod 18 is preferably rigid and is here of one integral piece. It may comprise multiple components, preferably rigidly held together.

[0126] Rod 18 is elongate and comprises, in this example, three elongate ribs or wings 18A, 18B, 18C (four in Figures 5A, 8A and 8B). Although three evenly spaced ribs are provided here, one every 120° angle, rod 18 may comprise, none, only one or two, or indeed four or more such elongate features, and / or these may be unevenly spaced about the periphery of rod 18. These elongate ribs may alternatively be provided as recesses. These elongate elements 18A, 18B, 18C function, in essence, as one or more rails along which mixing frame 20 can travel to-and-fro, at least axially along, when not locked in position. Whilst travelling axially along elongate elements, here ribs 18A, 18B, 18C, it is preferred that rotational motion about the longitudinal axis of main body 2, here the same central longitudinal axis as centrally located rod 18, is substantially prevented. Restricting such rotation is not essential but is preferred.

[0127] A centrally located hole 21 is provided within frame 20. The central hole 21 has a corresponding number of slots 40, here three, 21 A, 21 B, 21 C (seen in Figures 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 8A and 8B) for slidably receiving elongate ribs 18A, 18B, 18C (and 18D in Figures 8A and 8B) respectively and facilitating travel along rod 18 whilst optionally, as here, preventing rotation of frame 20 about rod 18. It will be understood that where elongate features on rod 18 are provided as elongate slots or channels instead of protruding wings or ribs 18A, 18B, 18C, hole 21 may be provided with cooperating pins, or other protrusions, that can travel in such slots or channels. Other mechanisms that facilitate travel of frame 20 up and down rod 18 can be envisaged such as wheels or rollers or ball bearings or sliding surfaces etc.

[0128] At the lower distal end of rod 18 is an end plate 27 (seen in Figure 3A). The elongate wings 18A, 18B, 18C terminate just short of end plate 27 to provide, in this example embodiment, three slots or cut outs 28A, 28B, 28C, here, angularly spaced equally, at 120°, from one another. The slots 28A, 28B, 28C may be quite short in a lateral direction being of the same width, or just larger width, as the ribs 18A, 18B,18C.

[0129] The slots 28A, 28B, 28C act as a first part 19-1 of a locking mechanism 19 to provide a gap through which one or more protruding portions 19-2 of a periphery of central hole 21 of frame 20 can pass (see Figures 4A and 4B). Thus, the one or more protruding parts 19-2 are formed from suitably shaped portions of the internal periphery of hole 21. The protruding parts of the periphery of central hole 21 act as one or more second locking parts 19-2 of a locking mechanism 19. These locking protrusions 19-2 can each pass into a respective slot 28A, 28B, 28C, when frame 20 is lined up on rod 18 at a suitable predetermined location, here at the distal end of the rod 18, and then rotated with respect to rod 18. One or more raised stop members 25 (see Figures 4A and 4B) may be provided on the periphery of hole 21 of mixing frame 20, to prevent continued rotation of mixing frame 20 on rod 18.

[0130] It will be understood that the releasable locking mechanism 19 may be provided at a distal end of rod 18 as shown, or part way along it. Indeed, two releasable locking mechanisms 19 may be provided e.g. part way along, or part way along and at an end of rod 18. Thus, two or more sets of slots 28A, 28B, 28C (19-1) and corresponding protrusions 19-2 may be provided on rod 18 to facilitate one, two, or more positions at which mixing frame 20 can be locked.

[0131] The first and second anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C, and 22A, 22B, 22C are located along a height of main body 2 such that, when mixing frame 20 is positioned on rod 18 so that first locking parts 19-1 , here slots 28A, 28B, 28C, are aligned with second locking parts 19-2, here protrusions in the periphery of central hole 21 , the first and second antirotation features 4A, 4B, 4C, and 22A, 22B, 22C are also aligned. This means that when a user holding main body 2 rotates rod 18, mixing frame 20 is prevented from rotating, and, instead, rod 18 rotates relative to mixing frame 20, and the slots 28A, 28B, 28C forming the first part 19-1 of the locking mechanism 19 engage with the protrusions about the periphery of hole 21 forming the second part 19-2 of locking mechanism 19, at least until ribs 18A, 18B, 18C engage stop members 25, where provided.

[0132] Thus, the locking mechanism 19 (119) can be activated, and the mixing frame 20 can no longer slide axially along rod 18. Instead, mixing frame 20 is temporarily fixedly located in position part-way down main body 2 of bottle 10, here in this example, at the end of rod 18. It will be understood adaptions could be made to allow this fixing to occur part way down rod 18, either in addition, or as an alternative, to fixing at the distal end of rod 18. It will further be understood that one or more anti-rotation features may be provided corresponding to each locking position of frame 20 on rod 18.

[0133] To allow axial motion of frame 20 again, a user holds main body 10 and twist the rods 18 in the reverse direction, the protrusions 19-2 slide out of slots 28A, 28B, 28C until elongate ribs 18A, 18B, 18C once again line up with slots 21A, 21 B, 21C in the periphery of central hole 21 , to allow axial to-and-fro motion. The mixing frame 20 is now free again to slide up and down rod 18 (see arrow 200).

[0134] Locking mechanism 19 is here formed of two cooperating parts (each of which may be composed of multiple elements, e.g. three slots 28A, 28B, 28C form 19-1), one (19-1) on rod 18 and one (19-2) on mixing frame 20. In other embodiments, an alternative locking mechanism may be provided, for example, a clip or cam lever may be provided to fix the mixing frame at a location at which the first and second anti-rotation features engage one another. In this and other embodiments, no rod may be provided. In this case, no handle 16 may be needed. As will be described later, a resilient member may also be used as an alternative or additional anti-rotation element, or merely to dampen motion of the mixing frame to-and-fro on the rod (e.g. mechanical spring 60, see Figure 9, or other resilient members, e.g. air spring, or magnetic members which can e.g. repel one other to provide resilience).

[0135] In one or more embodiments, the mixing frame 20 can slide up and down the internal surface of side wall 4, optionally rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the main body over at least part of the axial height of the main body. In other embodiments, the mixing frame may be configured so that it cannot rotate about a longitudinal axis of the main body over most or all of the height of the main body. In some embodiments this may be provided by ribs or slots on rod 18 (where provided) and / or the wall of the main body having antirotation surface features 4A, 4B, 4C along most or all of the height of the main body, in effect functioning as rails, allowing reciprocating axial motion of mixing frame 20 within main body 2, but functioning also as anti-rotation features for mixing frame 20. In this and other embodiments, a separate locking mechanism to hold the mixing frame 20 at a particular location along the axis of main body 2, e.g. a clip or cam lever, or clamp etc., may then be provided.

[0136] In some embodiments, where no rod is present, this may be provided by arranging for the height of the outer wall of the mixing frame, or other dimension of the mixing frame, and / or the height of the anti-rotation features 22A, 22B, 22C on the mixing frame, and / or the height of the anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C of the side wall 4, to be sufficient so that there is not enough room for the mixing frame to rotate either about a longitudinal axis of the main body, or indeed optionally about any other axis, such as a laterally extending axis. This may be achieved by extending the first anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C further axially along the height of side wall, e.g. along most of or all of the height of the side wall of the main body.

[0137] Where a rod is provided, this may be achieved by providing ribs 18A, 18B, 18C on the rod. Indeed, in this or other embodiments the mixing frame 20 and main body 2, or mixing frame and rod 18 where provided, may be configured so that mixing frame 20 cannot rotate about any horizontal (e.g. lateral) axis and / or about any vertical (e.g. longitudinal) axis. Two or more rods may be provided, with suitable adjustments to the design of the lid e.g. laterally spaced across the lid and / or mixing frame 20.

[0138] The co-operating surface features 4A, 4B, 4C and 22A, 22B, 22C may extend from a position close to but axially spaced apart from upper edge 6 (at a proximal or upper end of main body 2), towards a distal end and the base of main body 2. In this and other embodiments these may comprise ‘run in’ or guide features e.g. in the form of raised inter-engaging slots or ridges, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, to facilitate the first surface features 4A, 4B, 4C on the inwardly facing surface of side wall 4 of main body 2 engaging with the second surface features 22A, 22B, 22C on the outwardly facing surface of side wall 22 of frame 20. It will be understood that the extent of the first and second surface features 4A, 4B, 4C and 22A, 22B, 22C axially along the inner surface of wall 4 may be determined by the extent of travel of frame 20 axially within main body 2.

[0139] The frame 20 is typically completely removable from the main body 2 for cleaning etc. Lid base portion 16 may be provided with an opening or recess 3 for receiving, at least partially, mixing element 22 and / or frame 20 when in a fully retracted position e.g. when frame 20 is located at a top portion of rod 18.

[0140] In use, a user adds ingredients, such as liquid, powder, ice, juice, etc. to the internal volume of main body 2 either via opening 8, or via mouthpiece 30, or other opening (not shown). Next, if not already present, lid 12 is screwed onto main body 2 by cooperating screw threads. When the lid unit, now including handle portion 16 and rod 18, is inserted into base portion 14, frame 20 is at liberty to descend along rod 18 into main body 2. The second surface features 22A, 22B, 22C of frame 20 come to rest against and engage with first surface features 4A, 4B, 4C of side wall 4, optionally assisted by guide features described above, if present. The lateral size and / or taper of each may be adjusted to facilitate this and / or a stop may be provided on the inner surface of wall 4.

[0141] Typically, in this initial step, the frame 20 is slidably movable to-and-fro along rod 18. The frame 20, therefore, drops down rod 18 and slides along the inner surface of side wall 4 in a particular orientation such that second surface features 22A, 22B, 22C engage and slide along and are guided by first surface features 4A, 4B, 4C.

[0142] When the frame 20 has descended into main body 2 to a predetermined position, partway along, or entirely along e.g. at the distal end of rod 18, the first and second cooperating surface features 4A, 4B, 4C, and 22A, 22B, 22C co-operate to prevent relative rotation thereof.

[0143] As handle portion 16 is rotated, rod 18 is rotated, however, rotation of frame 20 is prevented by a user holding main body 2. thus, a user’s rotation of handle portion 16, causes rod 18 to rotate. As handle portion 16 continues to rotate, rod 18 also rotates relative to frame 20, causing the locking features 19-1, 19-2 to engage so as to prevent axial (e.g. sliding) motion of frame 20 on rod 18. Frame 20 is prevented from rotating with respect to main body 2 by anti-rotation surface features 4A, 4B, 4C, and 22A, 22B, 22C.

[0144] In some embodiments the side wall of the main body may comprise a, preferably removable (e.g. interchangeable), insert 50 forming at least part of an inwardly facing surface of an integrated side wall 11 of the main body. Referring to Figures 5, 6, and 7, an alternative embodiment with an insert 50 is shown which is particularly advantageous when a screw thread is to be used to facilitate releasably locking the mixing frame at a position along rod 18.

[0145] Figure 5A shows a removable cap 12 with a base portion 114 and a pivotable cap 130. Rigidly, here removably, mounted on base portion 114 is a rod 18 of cruciform crosssection with four elongate ribs along its height. A mixing frame 120 has an outer side wall provided with a releasable locking element 122A, here in the form of a screw thread e.g. of pitch of one quarter. Screw thread portion 122A engages with a corresponding screw thread portion provided on an inner surface of a side wall 4 of main body 2 (not shown), or with a corresponding releasable locking element also in the form of one or more screw thread portions 104 on an insert 50. Typically, insert 50 is contiguous with, and engages closely, with main body 2 to form an integrated side wall 11 and so provide a continuous inwardly facing surface 5 of integrated side wall 11. Releasable locking element 122A (Figure 5A) engages with a corresponding member on the inside of insert 50 in Figure 5B, which may look like any one of the inserts seen in Figures 6A to 6C.

[0146] Indeed, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, one or more locking elements of a first part of a releasable locking mechanism 19 may be provided as screw thread portions 122A, 122B on the outer wall 122 of mixing frame 120. The screw thread portion(s) may (each) be of one pitch or more, but are more preferably less than one pitch, or <1 / 6, or <1 / 5, or <1 / 4 or <1 / 3 or <1 12 or < 3 / 4 pitch. One or more locking elements of a cooperating second part of a releasable locking mechanism 19 may be provided (e.g. as one or more cooperating screw thread portion(s)) on an inwardly facing surface of side wall 4, or as in Figures 5B and 7A, on an inwardly facing surface 5 of an integrated side wall 11 where an insert 50 is provided.

[0147] Thus, in some embodiments, as seen in Figures 5A, 5B, and 6A to 6C, one or more screw thread element(s) 122A, 104A, 104B may be used as parts of a releasable locking mechanism 19 to restrict motion of mixing frame 20,120 to-and-fro along an axial height of the main body of the bottle. Where an insert is provided as shown in figures 5A to 6C, releasable locking elements 104, screw thread portions 104A, 104B on insert 50, and screw thread portions 122A, 122B, on outer surface 122 of mixing frame 120 may be provided. These may be provided as interacting ribs e.g. as part of a rib-shaped element on the inwardly facing surface of insert 50 (and / or on outer surface 122 of mixing frame 120).

[0148] In Figure 6A, a u-shaped raised portion is provided and comprises two vertical ribs 54 separated by a generally horizontal screw thread element 104A, 104B. In Figure 6B, this is provided by a thicker portion of the side wall of insert 50, the outer edges of which provide vertical guide elements 54 between which lies, on a lower surface of the raised surface portion, a screw thread element 104A, 104B. In Figure 6C, this is provided by a z- shaped rib with two vertically offset guide ribs 54, between which lies a rib having a screw thread to provide screw thread elements 104A, 104B.

[0149] When the corresponding screw thread elements 122A, 122B are engaged with screw thread elements 104A, 104B (either on an inner surface of screw thread 50 as shown, or on an inner surface of side wall 2 (not shown)) mixing frame 120 is substantially prevented from moving axially to-and-fro along a height of rod 18. This facilitates two (or more) mixing modes, one (or more) in which mixing frame 20,120 is movable along the axial height of the bottle and, and one (or more) in which it is not.

[0150] Turning now to Figures 8A and 8B, an alternative mixing frame 120 is shown, which may be used in various aspects and / or embodiments described herein. Mixing frame 120 has two flatter outer surface portions 22A, 22B diametrically opposed from one another to prevent rotation when engaged with corresponding portion on an inner surface of a side wall, such as in Figures 1 to 4. However, in some alternative embodiments, the mixing frame may not engage with the main body 2 of the bottle at all as will be described elsewhere.

[0151] In Figures 8A and 8B, a rod 18 of cruciform cross-section having four elongate ribs 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D is shown positioned within central hole 21 of mixing frame 120. Central hole 21 comprises four correspondingly shaped and positioned slots 21A to 21 D (also referred to as slots 140). In Figure 8A, slots 21 A to 21 D are aligned with elongate ribs 18A to 18D and mixing frame 120 is axially movable along rod 18. In Figure 8B, rod 18 has been axially rotated, here 45 degrees, although other angles may be used with respect to slots 21 A to 21 D. This means that protrusion 25 has passed through recesses 28A to 28D (not shown) in the one or more or each rib of rod 18, so restricting axial movement of mixing frame 120 to-and-fro along an axial height of rod 18.

[0152] Referring now to Figure 9, in some embodiments one or more resilient member(s) such as one or more spring(s) 60 may be provided to dampen motion of mixing frame 120 on rod 18. For example, one spring may be used as shown, or one above mixing frame 120 and one below mixing frame 120.

[0153] Further, in some embodiments, where mixing frame 120 does not extend to engage side wall 4 (or 11) of a main body 2, a resilient member 60 may be used as an anti-rotation element to facilitate rotation of rod 18 with respect to mixing frame 120 as will be explained in relation to Figures 10A to 10B. Spring 60 may be configured, as seen in Figures 10A to 10C, e.g. so mounted and sufficiently tensioned, to provide resistance between base portion 114 and mixing frame 120 so that, upon rotation of handle portion 116 (and rod 18), with respect to base portion 114, relative rotation between rod 18 and mixing frame 120 is provided as in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0154] Referring now in more detail to Figures 10A to 10C, a wall portion 114A of base potion 114, here a centrally located, cylindrically shaped downwardly depending wall portion, engages an upper portion of spring 60 about its outer (or inner) periphery. Similarly, a wall portion 125, here a centrally located, cylindrically shaped, upstanding wall portion 125, of mixing frame 120 receives, on an inner (or outer) surface, spring 60. Thus spring 60 connects base portion 114 of lid 12, and mixing frame 120. Thus, spring 60 may function to dampen axial oscillations of mixing frame 120 on lid 12 and may, alternatively or in addition, in some embodiments, prevent relative rotation of mixing frame 120 with respect to base portion 114 of lid 12. Thus, handle portion 116 may be used to rotate rod 18 within wall 125 of mixing frame 120, and relative to mixing frame 120, facilitating locking and unlocking as shown in Figures 8A and 8B. Further this can be can be carried out without providing any cooperating surface features between mixing frame 120 and side wall 4 (or side wall 11 of main body 2), simplifying manufacturing.

[0155] Figures 11A and 11B show yet a further embodiment with an alternative locking mechanism, in which one or more retractable member(s) 70 (e.g. ball bearings or teeth) are located part way down rod 18. Rod 18 is surrounded by a sleeve, here a centrally located, rigid tube 68 with correspondingly positioned apertures 72 to receive at least in part members(s) 70, which extend beyond apertures 72 to block axial motion of mixing frame 220.

[0156] Within tube 68, a cam member 67, here a torus shaped cam member, is provided to receive or engage spring 60 to form a switch (e.g. button) mechanism, for example, a single action, spring-loaded button mechanism, such as are known in the art e.g. in relation to ball point pens. Cam member 67 has a sloped lower surface, a cam surface, which engages with the one or more retractable member(s) 70 when a button 216 is first pressed relative to upper lid portion 214, to contract one or more retractable member(s) 70. Typically, when button 216 is next pressed, this causes cam member to be lowered, and the cam surface pushes out one or more retractable member(s) 70 through corresponding apertures 72 in tube 68. So in one mode, the ball bearings or teeth 70 are displaced when button 216 is depressed causing these to be retracted within cylindrical tube 68 and allowing mixing frame 220 to axially move up and down on cylindrical tube 68. When the button is next pressed or released depending upon the exact mechanism), the ball bearings or teeth are displaced to extend through holes 72 as in Figure 11 B, and so axial movement of mixing frame 220 along cylindrical tube 68 is substantially prevented. The mixing frame and associated mesh are locked in a desired configuration somewhere along the length of rod 18, here at a distal end thereof.

[0157] Referring to the various embodiments described in relation to Figures 1 to 11, once frame 20,120 and mixing element 22 are introduced to the main body 2, mixing can take place by agitation of the drinks bottle 10 by a user. In preferred embodiments, this mixing can happen in two or more modes. One movable mixing mode in which frame 20, 120 is at least axially movable within main body 2, and one immovable mixing mode in which frame 20 is rigidly held in position within main body 2.

[0158] As drinks bottle 10 is agitated, ingredients within main body 2 pass through pervious mixing element 22 from one side to another and back again. The position of the mixing element 22 in frame 20 during agitation may be halfway down main body 2 or indeed at any predetermined position selected by a user along rod 18 at which there is a suitable locking mechanism. Thus, two or more locking mechanisms may be provided.

[0159] Frame 20, 120 is preferably generally cylindrically shaped, having a generally cylindrical outer wall 22 on which the second surface features 22A, 22B, 22C are formed. Frame 20 may have a generally cylindrical inner central opening 21. Opening 21 may be of a different shape as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Opening 21 may be shaped to accommodate a desired mixing element 22. Mixing element 22 may be two dimensional (2D) for example a flat mesh of metal wire and / or plastic filaments, or may be three dimensional (3D) for example a 3D mesh of metal wire and / or plastic filaments.

[0160] Indeed, the mesh itself may be three-dimensional, as shown in the Figures and as described in GB2591165. The mixing element 22 comprises a rigid mesh of multiple interconnected openings 39 delineated by side walls extending axially with respect to main body 2. The side walls 33 may have an axial height ‘h’ of a few millimetres e.g. about 2 to about 5mm. The size and / or shape of the openings 39 and / or their interstitial separations may vary. Mixing element(s) 22 may be interchangeable in frame 20 so that various designs of mixing element may be provided and used with the same frame 20. Alternatively, or in addition various interchangeable frames 20 with differing designs of mixing element 22 can be used with the same lid 12.

[0161] In one or more embodiments, the invention provides a mixing component which can be fixed in place at a desired location within a main body of a bottle. In one or more embodiments, the invention provides a drinks bottle that has a mixing component which moves within the bottle. Previously, these desirable aspects were incompatible but in one or more embodiments, the invention provides both these desirable aspects in one bottle. Further, in preferred embodiments, these aspects can be operated from outside of the bottle. Further, the invention does not necessarily require the provision of a screw thread on the inwardly facing wall of the bottle, although such may be used.

[0162] Variations of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, first and / or second anti-rotation features 4A, 4B, 4C, 22A, 22B, 22C may be continuous need not be. These may be formed of discontinuous features arranged to form anti-rotation features.

[0163] In a further aspect, a free-floating mixing member may be provided. In this aspect a drinks bottle is provided comprising a cap 12, and at least one fixed member (e.g. rod 18) rigidly mounted, or rigidly mountable, to the cap 12, and a movable mixing member (e.g. mixing frame 20,120) is configured to move with respect to the fixed member (e.g. to-and- fro along rod 18) and so with respect to the cap. In this free-floating mixing member embodiment, only one mixing mode is provided, nevertheless this has utility as it is very easy to manufacture. 2 main body

[0164] 4 side wall

[0165] 5 inner surface of side wall

[0166] 4A, 4B, 4C anti-rotation elements e.g. flat or flatter portions of inner surface of side wall 4

[0167] 104 (104A, 104B) releasable locking mechanism e.g. one or more screw thread portions

[0168] 5 inner surface of side wall

[0169] 6 upper edge

[0170] 7 screw thread

[0171] 8 opening

[0172] 9 lip

[0173] 10 drinks bottle

[0174] 11 integrated side wall

[0175] 12 lid

[0176] 14, 114, 114, 214 base portion

[0177] 16, 116 handle portion (216 button)

[0178] 18 rod

[0179] 18A, 18B, 18C, 18D elongate ribs (or recesses) of rod

[0180] 19 locating (e.g. locking) mechanism

[0181] 19-1 first part of locating (e.g. locking) mechanism 19 e.g. slots or cutouts 28A, 28 B, 28C)

[0182] 19-2 second part of locating (e.g. locking) mechanism 19 e.g. protrusion (e.g. protruding or proud portion of central hole 21 of mixing frame 20)

[0183] 20, 120 frame (e.g. mixing frame)

[0184] 21 central opening in frame

[0185] 21 A, 21 B, 21 C slot portions of central opening

[0186] 22, 122 side wall (e.g. outer side wall) of frame 20, 120

[0187] 22A, 22B, 22C anti-rotation elements e.g. flat or flatter portions of outer surface of outer side wall of frame

[0188] 122A releasable locking element, e.g. screw thread (e.g. screw thread portion)

[0189] 23 resilient attachment member (e.g. resilient snap fit member) at top of rod

[0190] 24 mixing element e.g. mesh

[0191] 25 stop member

[0192] 26 lid grip features e.g. ridges and / or recesses and / or surface roughness

[0193] 27 end plate, together with ribs 18A, 18B, 18C, defining slots 28A, 28B, 28C into which protrusion(s) 19-2 can be temporarily received

[0194] 28A, 28B, 28C slots (e.g. recess or cut out), forming a first part 19-1 of a locating mechanism

[0195] 30 mouthpiece and pivotable cap structure, 130 pivotable cap

[0196] 30A mouthpiece (drinking spout), 30B mouthpiece cap, 30C lever

[0197] 31 pivot

[0198] 39 mesh opening (a cell)

[0199] 40, 140 slots in mixing frame

[0200] 50 insert, e.g. removable insert

[0201] 52 external guide element e.g. an elongate protruding rib or elongate recess

[0202] 54 internal guide element

[0203] 60 resilient member, here a mechanical spring, helical mechanical springs (or other resilient member e.g. air spring or magnet spring)

[0204] 67 spring retaining element e.g. recessed ring member

[0205] 68 rod sleeve e.g. along which mixing frame 20 can move to-and-fro

[0206] 70 (119-1) retractable member(s) (e.g. ball bearings or teeth), part of releasable locking mechanism 119

[0207] 72 (119-2) aperture, part of releasable locking mechanisms 119

[0208] 73 gap

[0209] 200 arrow indicating axial to-and-fro motion of mesh along height of elongate rod 18

[0210] 205 arrow indicating direction expandable ring contracts when button pressed

[0211] 210 arrow indicating direction expandable ring expands when button released

Claims

Claims1. A drinks bottle (10) comprising: a main body (2) for containing liquid, the main body (2) comprising at least one side wall (4, 11), an inner surface of the side wall (4, 11) comprising at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C); a mixing frame (20) movable within the main body (2), the mixing frame having a side wall (22), an outer surface of the side wall comprising at least one second anti-rotation element (22A, 22B, 22C) for co-operating with the at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) to prevent rotation therebetween.

2. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 1 in which the mixing frame (20) is axially movable within the main body.

3. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 2 in which the mixing frame is mounted on a rod (18) and is axially movable along the rod within the main body.

4. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 2 or 3 comprising a releasable locating mechanism (19) for releasably locating the mixing frame (20) at at least one predetermined location along an axial height of the main body (2).

5. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 4, when dependent on claim 3, in which the at least one rod (18) comprises a first part (19-1) of the locating mechanism (19); and in which the mixing frame (20) comprises, a second part (19-2) of the locating mechanism (19) whereby the mixing frame (20) is movably mounted on the rod (18) and releasably locatable at a predetermined position thereon using the locating mechanism (19).

6. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 4 or 5, when dependent on claim 3, in which the locating mechanism (19) is configured to be engaged and / or disengaged by rotation of the rod (18) with respect to the mixing frame (20), the mixing frame (20) being prevented from rotation with respect to the main body (2) by the at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) engaging with the at least one second antirotation element (22A, 22B, 22C).

7. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 4 to 6 in which the locating mechanism comprises at least one of: a bayonet-style fitting; a slot; an inter-engaging slot and protrusion (e.g. a pin or plate or rib); one or more peripherally (e.g. circumferentially) extending slots on a rod and / or one or more peripherally (e.g. circumferentially) extending protrusions on the mixing frame, or vice versa; a clip; a cam lever.

8. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which the at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) and the at least one second anti-rotation element (22A, 22B, 22C) comprises co-operating, inter-engaging elements which prevent relative rotation therebetween.

9. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which the at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) and / or the at least one second anti-rotation element (22A, 22B, 22C) comprise at least one of: one or more surface features; one or more flat surface features; one or more raised surface features; one or more protrusions; one or more recesses; one or more ribs; one or more slots; one or more corners; one or more clamps; one or more clips.

10. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which at least one first antirotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) comprises a flat portion of an inner surface of a side wall (4, 11), of the main body (2), and / or, in which at least one second anti-rotation element (22A, 22B, 22C) comprises a flat portion of an outer surface of a side wall (22) of the frame (20).

11. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 8 in which the first anti-rotation element comprises three substantially flat surface portions, and / or the second anti-rotation element comprises three substantially flat portions.

12. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which the main body (4) is generally, or substantially, cylindrical.

13. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which the frame (20) is generally, or substantially, cylindrical.

14. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which the main body, and / or the side wall (4) of the main body (2), and / or the inner surface (5) of the side wall (4, 11) of the main body (2), has at least one tapered wall portion with at least a tapered inner surface.

15. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which at least a portion of the frame (20), and / or the side wall (22) of the frame (20) and / or the outer surface of the side wall (22) of the frame (20), is tapered.

16. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim in which one or both of the main body (2) and the mixing frame (20) are frustoconical in cross-section.

17. A drinks bottle (10) according to any proceeding claim in which the mixing frame (20) extends across the width of the main body (2).

18. A drinks bottle (10) according to any preceding claim, when dependent on claim 3, in which: the main body (2) terminates at a proximal end in an upper edge defining an opening (8), (4A, 4B, 4C); and the drinks bottle (10) further comprises: a removable lid (12) closing the opening (8), the removable lid (12) comprising: a base portion (14) removably located at the upper edge of the main body (2); a handle portion (16) rotatable with respect to the base portion (14); and the at least one rod (18) is mounted on the handle portion and rotatable with the handle portion (16) so that the locating mechanism (19)of the mixing frame on the rod can be engaged and disengaged by rotation of the handle portion (16) with respect to the main body (10).

19. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 18 in which the base portion (14) and handle portion (16) of the lid (12) comprise respective inter-engaging rotatable surface features to facilitate relative rotational motion therebetween.

20. A drinks bottle (10) comprising: a main body (2) for containing liquid, the main body (2) comprising at least one side wall (4, 11); a mixing frame (20, 120) movable within the main body (2); a releasable locking mechanism (19) for releasably locking the mixing frame (20) at at least one predetermined location within the main body (2); whereby two mixing modes are provided, a first movable mixing mode in which the mixing frame (20,120) can move within the main body (2), and a second immovable mixing mode in which the locking mechanism (19) is engaged and the mixing frame cannot move within the main body (2).

21. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 20 in which: the mixing frame (20, 120) is configured for at least to-and-fro movement along an axial height of the main body (2); the releasable locking mechanism (19) is configured for releasably locking the mixing frame (20) at at least one predetermined location along the axial height of the main body (2); whereby the two mixing modes are provided, the first movable mixing mode in which the mixing frame (20,120) can move at least to-and-fro along the axial height of the main body, and a second immovable mixing mode in which the locking mechanism (19) is engaged and the mixing frame cannot moveat least to-and-fro along the axial height of the main body.

22. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 20 or 21 in which the mixing frame (20, 120) is mounted on a rod (18) and is axially movable along the rod (18) within the main body (2) in the first movable mixing mode and is fixed to the rod in the second immovable mixing mode.

23. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 22 in whichthe at least one rod (18) comprises a first part (19-1) of the releasable locking mechanism (19); and in which the mixing frame (20) comprises, a second part (19-2) of the releasable locking mechanism (19) whereby the mixing frame (20) is movably mounted on the rod (18) in the first moveable mixing mode and releasably lockable at at least one predetermined position thereon using the locking mechanism (19) in the second immovable mixing mode.

24. A drinks bottle (10) according to claims 22 or 23 in which the releasable locking mechanism (19) is configured to be engaged and / or disengaged by rotation of the rod (18) with respect to the mixing frame (20).

25. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 20 to 24 in which the releasable locking mechanism comprises at least one of: a bayonet-style fitting; a slot; an inter-engaging slot and protrusion; one or more peripherally extending slots on a rod and / or one or more peripherally extending protrusions on the mixing frame, or vice versa; a clip; a cam lever; a screw thread.

26. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 20 to 25 in which a side wall (4, 11) of the main body (2) comprises at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C); and a side wall of the mixing frame (20, 120) comprises at least one second anti-rotation element. (22A, 22B, 22C) configured to interact with the first anti-rotation element to generally or substantially restrict rotation between the main body and the mixing frame.

27. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 26 in which the at least one first anti-rotation element (4A, 4B, 4C) and / or the at least one second anti-rotation element (22A, 22B, 22C) comprise at least one of: one or more surface features; one or more flat surface features; one or more raised surface features; one or more protrusions;one or more recesses; one or more ribs; one or more slots; one or more corners; one or more clamps; one or more clips.

28. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 20 to 24, further comprising an antirotation mechanism, the anti-rotation mechanism comprising at least one resilient member configured to resist rotation of the mixing frame with respect to the lid (12) and / or main body (2).

29. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 20 to 28 in which the mixing frame (20, 120) extends across the width of the main body (2) so that the mixing frame (20, 120) engages the side wall (4,11).

30. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 20 to 29 in which: the main body (2) terminates at a proximal end in an upper edge defining an opening (8), (4A, 4B, 4C); and the drinks bottle (10) further comprises: a removable lid (12) closing the opening (8), the removable lid (12) comprising: an activation mechanism for activating the releasable locking mechanism (19).

31. A drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 1 to 30 in which the side walls (4) of the main body (2) comprises an insert (50) configured to provide an inwardly-facing surface (5) of the main body (2).

32. A drinks bottle (10) according to claim 31 in which the insert is removable.

33. A method of manufacturing a drinks bottle comprising: providing a drinks bottle according to any of claims 1 to 32.

34. A method of mixing ingredients, using a drinks bottle (10) according to any of claims 1 to 32 comprising: adding ingredients to the main body (2); agitating the drinks bottle (10) thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element (22).

35. A method of mixing ingredients according to claim 34, when dependent on claim 4 or20, comprising: activating the locating mechanism (19) to fixedly locate the mixing frame (20) in the main body of the drinks bottle at a predetermined location; agitating the drinks bottle (10) thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element (22).

36. A method of mixing ingredients according to claim 34, when dependent on claim 4 or 20, or claim 35 comprising: deactivating the locating mechanism (19) to release the mixing frame (20) to move at least axially within the main body of the drinks bottle; agitating the drinks bottle (10) thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element (22).

37. A method according to any of claims 33 to 36 comprising: using a bottle according to any of claims 1 to 20 or 26 to 27; and, affixing a or the base portion of a or the lid (12) to an or the upper edge (6) of the main body (2) so that the frame (20) is located within the main body (4) so respective anti-rotation features engage to prevent relative rotation therebetween; rotating a or the handle portion (16) of the lid (12) with respect to the base portion (14) to cause a or the first (19-1) and a or the second (19-2) parts of the locking mechanism (19) to engage and / or disengage; agitating the drinks bottle (10) thereby mixing the ingredients using the mixing element (22).

38. A kit comprising: a drinks bottle according to any of claims 1 to 32; and at least one of the following: instructions for use; a spare mixing frame (20); a spare mixing element (22, 122).

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