Food or drink container

Abstract

A cap assembly for a container base, the cap assembly comprising: a lid for closing the container base, the lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; and a collar that is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall; wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the container base.

Description

FOOD OR DRINK CONTAINERField of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to parts of a food or drink container but also the entire food or drink container. The invention may also extend to a cap assembly and / or a base assembly of a food or drink container. The invention also relates to a container system incorporating food or drink container parts.Background

[0002] Food and drink containers are ubiquitous. Food storage containers made of plastics, ceramics, stainless steel and glass are found in every household. Food flasks are useful as portable storage units for hot and cold foods. Hydration bottles made of stainless steel, glass, ceramic or plastics keep drinks hot or cold and readily available for the user. Design development in food and drink containers continues to produce novel aesthetic designs to appeal to new market demographics and to keep up with trends. Improving usability in food or drink containers is also an objective for designers.

[0003] For example, larger drinking containers with large ‘chug’ openings are designed for large volume and fast consumption of drink. Tea infusers incorporated into container bases allow users the option of hot or cold tea infused drinks. Flip straw lids are suitable for children as they are easy to drink from and difficult to spill. Constantly changing colour palettes trends and designs seek to maintain consumer interest, brand market share and satisfy consumer needs.

[0004] The present food and drink container has been developed against the above backdrop of continuing designing for consumer acceptance and usability.Summary of the Invention

[0005] In accordance with the present invention there is provided a cap assembly for a container base, the cap assembly comprising:a lid for closing the container base, the lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; anda collar that is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall;wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the container base.P0660WO

[0006] It is intended that the collar be provided as a removable and attachable component on a container in addition to the container base and container lid. In this description, the term ‘container’ preferably refers to a reusable container for holding food or drink. The container with collar finds application more in a small portable container, such as a drink bottle, but could feasibly be equally applicable to a container designed principally for storage rather than portability.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention the collar may attach to the lid or the base. In a preferred embodiment, the collar attaches to the lid.

[0008] The term ‘attachment’ is intended to mean a fastening engagement, such as a mechanical engagement between the collar and the lid and / or the base. By allowing the collar to be removably attachable to the container - and specifically attachable to either the base or the lid - and while the lid can still be secured to close the pouring opening in the base, the collar becomes an accessory component that can be interchangeable. In a further embodiment, the lid and base may be sealingly secured so that the container can be assured of a leakproof connection.

[0009] In an embodiment, the collar locates on an outer surface of the peripheral wall. The collar connection may be provided on an inner surface of the collar. The lid connection may be provided on an outer surface of the peripheral wall. It is, however, understood, that the reverse could also be possible. Namely, the section where the collar and lid releasably attach with each other may be configured so that the lid connection is on an inner surface of the peripheral wall, and the collar connection is provided on an outer surface of the ring body.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment the collar may be attached to a lower edge of the peripheral wall of the lid. Accordingly, the collar appears to be positioned between the lid and the container base, and appears to sit on an upper shoulder of the base, when the cap assembly is secured to the base. In this embodiment, the collar is not attached to the container base.

[0011] The peripheral wall of the lid can be a skirt depending from a perimeter edge of the top part of the lid.

[0012] The cap assembly releasably secures to the container base. In a preferred embodiment, the lid of the cap assembly releasably secures to the container base while also carrying the collar, which is attached to the lid. However, it is understood that the lid does not require theP0660WOcollar to be attached in order to secure to the container base. A securing element on the peripheral wall is used to secure the lid to the container base. The securing element may, for example, be a thread, a bayonette fitting or any other mechanical fastening known to attach lids to container bases. The attachment between the peripheral wall and the opening of the container base can be a sealing attachment so that liquid contents may be stored in the container without leakage. More specifically the peripheral skirt is attachable across an open mouth of the container base to close the container.

[0013] In an embodiment, the collar releasably connects with an inner or outer surface of the peripheral wall, while the container base attaches to the other of the inner or outer surface of the peripheral wall. Accordingly, the peripheral wall of the lid is sandwiched between the mouth of the container base and the collar.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the securing element that secures the lid to the container base is located on an on an inner surface of the peripheral wall. In this embodiment, the lid connection for connecting with the collar is provided on an outer surface of the peripheral wall.

[0015] It is, however, foreseeable, that both the collar and container base could be attached to the same surface of the lid’s peripheral wall. For example, the peripheral wall could support the securing element at a lowermost portion of the outer surface of the wall, such as the outer lower edge of the skirt. In this embodiment, the lid connection to engage with the collar could be provided above the securing element on the peripheral wall. In this way, both the securing element for the container base and the lid connection for the collar are both located on an outer surface of the peripheral wall. In this instance, the peripheral wall may be required to have a longer skirt length than in other embodiments in order to accommodate both the securing element and lid connection on the same surface.

[0016] Where the container is a drinking container, the top part of the lid may be provided with an opening through which contents are dispensed. The opening may be a drinking opening or otherwise a dispensing opening not restricted to drinking. For example, the opening could be a pouring opening through which contents are poured. The opening may simply be a drinking hole, ora shaped pouring or drinking spout, an upward protruding spout, a straw -fixed or bendable - or any other drinking opening usually provided on drinking containers. Alternatively, the container base itself may provide the opening at the container mouth. In this embodiment, the lid does not necessarily have an opening and can simply be a closure lid without anyP0660WOdispensing opening. The top part of the lid would have a closed face and could, for example, simply be a flat continuous surface.

[0017] It is envisaged that the collar may carry an accessory feature. For example, an accessory feature carried by the collar could be a fixed handle, a strap mount, a finger loop, a swivel handle, a magnetic mount, a pouch, or any kind of attachment foreseeably imaginable to assist with carrying the container, or attachable for carrying something with the container.Alternatively, the collar may comprise a ring body without an accessory feature, and instead contribute aesthetically to the cap assembly. For example, the collar may be coloured to match the lid, or coloured to complement the colour of the lid. Since the collar and lid are releasably attachable (and separable), they are also interchangeable. This means that the lid and collar of one container can be interchanged with other lids and collars to provide a variety of options for the user in terms of colour aesthetics, accessories and lid features.

[0018] The ring body of the collar comprises a ring wall defining a ring body opening. The ring body may be a circular band that removably connects with the lid to sit around the peripheral wall.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, the ring body may have a further connecting element to connect with the other of the base or lid so that the collar is connected to both the lid and the base at the same time.

[0020] The lid connection on the lid correspondingly engages with the collar connection so that, together, the lid connection and the collar connection releasably secure together the collar and the lid. The collar connection on the ring body may include one or more connecting elements designed to releasably connect with corresponding connecting elements of the lid connection on the lid’s peripheral wall.

[0021] The connecting elements may comprise multiple connection points. There may be two, three or four connection points, or more depending on the type of connection point and the area dedicated to each connection point on the ring body. The connecting elements may be provided on an outer surface or inner surface of the ring body. Where there are multiple connection points, these could be evenly spaced on the outer or inner surface of the ring body. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element is provided on the inner surface of the ring body for engaging with the peripheral wall.P0660WO

[0022] The connecting element is preferably a mechanical fastener provided on the inner surface of the ring body. The mechanical fastener may be in the form of a screw thread.Alternatively, the mechanical fastener as multiple connection points may be in the form of detents, key tabs, bayonet protrusions or push detents. Any other known mechanical fastener may be employed that is capable of connecting with a complementary mechanical fastener on the peripheral wall of the lid.

[0023] In one embodiment, the connecting elements comprise one or more resilient projections on the collar and a raised edge on the peripheral wall, wherein the resilient projections are configured to releasably interlock with the raised edge. The resilient projections may be tabs, or detents, located on the inside surface of the collar, where the tabs will slightly give under the pressure of the peripheral skirt being forced against them. The raised edge on the peripheral wall may be a continuous or non-continuous bead along the lowermost edge of the peripheral wall. The raised edge acts to force against the resilient projections until enough force is applied to move the raised edge past the projections, at which point the projections will move back to their rest position, apply a holding force to act as a stop against the raised edge and activate connection between the lid and collar. To disengage the lid and collar, sufficient separation force is applied to separate the collar and lid, which force will overcome the holding force of the raised projections against the raised edge.

[0024] Unintentional removal of the lid and collar may be further prevented. For example, the ring wall of the collar may have an inwardly facing perimeter flange defining a flange opening that is smaller than the ring body opening. The perimeter flange may act as an end wall for the lower edge of the peripheral wall to stop the peripheral wall from continuing to push past the raised projections when attaching the collar and the lid.

[0025] In a further embodiment the collar may have a ring insert that is overmoulded or otherwise attached to the inner surface of the ring body. The ring insert includes moulded connecting elements in the form of resilient tabs adapted to engage with the lid’s raised lower edge (on the peripheral skirt wall). The ring insert may also include an alignment interface of the collar, as discussed below.

[0026] The collar may include an alignment interface that specifically aligns the collar in relation to the orientation of the lid and / or base. The alignment interface function may be achieved by using a limiter to limit rotational movement of the collar on the peripheral wall of the lid or base. The limiter may be incorporated in the peripheral wall or the collar.P0660WO

[0027] For example, where the connecting element is a screw thread, the limiter may comprise an accurate screw thread tolerance that completes screw thread engagement between the collar and peripheral wall at a specific desired orientation.

[0028] Further still, rotational orientation may be inherently defined by the connecting element itself, that allows connection between the collar and peripheral wall in only one selected orientation, or a limited number of specific orientations. Such a connection could avoid orientational misalignment experienced when a collar rotationally connects to the peripheral wall. In this instance, connection could be by a press fit engagement in an axial direction of the container, rather than by rotational engagement.

[0029] In another embodiment the collar connects by a linear axial engagement with the peripheral wall of the lid. In one embodiment, the collar is provided with one or more resilient detents against which a complementary surface of the peripheral wall is retained. Locating protrusions on one of the collar or peripheral wall are configured to lock into corresponding recesses on the other of the collar or peripheral wall to prevent rotational movement between the collar and peripheral wall . The locating protrusions may be in the form of tabs.

[0030] Alternatively, the limiter may be a stop projection provided on one of the collar or peripheral wall and a correspondingly engaging notch on the other of the collar or peripheral wall. The limiter functions to prevent further rotation or over engagement.

[0031] In another aspect, there is also provided a drink or food container comprising:a container base; anda cap assembly for a container base, the cap assembly comprising:a lid for closing the container base, the lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; anda collarthat is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall; wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the container base.

[0032] In yet another aspect there is provided a container system, comprising a series of different container bases, a series of different container lids and a series of different collars; wherein a container is formed by securing a selected one from the series of lids to a selectedP0660WOone of the series of bases, and selecting one of the series of collars for releasably attaching to the selected lid, wherein the selected lid and selected collar form a cap assembly comprising:the selected lid for closing the selected container base, the selected lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; andthe selected collarthat is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the selected collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall;wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the selected container base.Brief Description of the Figures

[0033] In order that the invention be more clearly understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments in accordance with the present invention. The ensuing description is given by way of non-limitative example only and is with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a drink bottle in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 2 shows a drink bottle in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 3 is an exploded upper isometric view of a drink bottle of the first embodiment;

[0037] Figure 4 is shows an exploded underneath isometric view of the drink bottle of Figure 3;

[0038] Figure 5 is a side section partial view of an upper part of the drink bottle of Figure 3;

[0039] Figures 6a to 6d respectively illustrate views from an upper isometric, underneath isometric, top and side of a first collar in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0040] Figures 7a to 7d respectively illustrate views from an upper isometric, underneath isometric, top and side of a second collar in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0041] Figures 8a to 8d respectively illustrate views from an upper isometric, underneath isometric, top and side of a third collar in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0042] Figures 9a and 9b are respective upper isometric and underneath isometric views of a first lid in accordance with the first embodiment;P0660WO

[0043] Figures 10a and 10b are respective upper isometric and underneath isometric views of a second lid in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0044] Figures 11a and 11b are respective upper isometric and underneath isometric views of a third lid in accordance with the first embodiment;

[0045] Figure 12 shows a series of interchangeable lids, collars and bases to form a drink bottle of the first embodiment;

[0046] Figure 13 is an exploded isometric view of an upper part of a drink bottle in accordance with the second embodiment; and

[0047] Figures 14a to 14f illustrate examples of collars of the first embodiment with different accessory features.Detailed Description:

[0048] Broadly speaking, disclosed herein are examples of a food or drink container system in which interchangeable parts of a container may be mixed and matched to create a customized container. Specific examples shown relate to drink bottles. The container system has three types of interchangeable parts: lids, bases and accessory collars. All parts are separable and configured to be releasably attachable to each other. The system provides for any one of a series of different bases to be attachable to any one of a series of different lids, and any one of a series of different collars are connectable to any one lid or any one base. A common connecting element between the collars and the lids, or between the collars and the bases allow for collar connection. A common attachment between the lids and bases allow for attachment between the lids and bases.

[0049] The term “container” herein is intended to mean a reusable storage container for food or drink that can be used as a household storage container - such as a pantry container - but is likely to have greater application as a reusable portable container for food and drink, such as a food flask, thermally insulated drink flask, or a drink bottle. In the description that follows, examples of drink bottles will be principally used to explain the invention. However, this is not intended to mean that the scope of the invention should be limited to drink bottles in light of the other examples just mentioned and obvious broader applications.

[0050] Two modes of carrying out an interchangeable container parts system are described herein. Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a drink bottle 20 whereas Figure 2 illustrates aP0660WOsecond embodiment of a drink bottle 200. Each embodiment has a bottle base 21, 210 that is attachable to a bottle lid 22, 220 to close the container base for storing and carrying food or drink. The closure by the lid may form a sealed enclosure. Each embodiment also has a separate collar that is connectable to either the lid or the base. In the first embodiment of Figure 1, the collar is attached to the lid. In the second embodiment of Figure 2, the collar is attached to the base. While simultaneous attachment of the collar to both the lid and the base is not illustrated in this description, it is contemplated that such an attachment could be possible.

[0051] Contemplating briefly a dual connection of the collar to both the lid and base, it is considered that such a connection would require a sealable connection between the collar and the base at one end of the collar, and a sealable connection between the collar and the lid at an opposite end of the collar. In such a configuration, a direct attachment between the lid and base would not be required as the collar would be placed intermediate of the lid and base to form an intermediate and indirect attachment. However, while technically possible, it is considered that having the collar act as an intermediate connection between the lid and base is not as desirable as having a direct connection between the lid and base. One reason is that such a connection would require a higher collar, which may be aesthetically displeasing. Another reason is because where the container is a drink bottle requiring liquid sealing, the intermediate configuration would require two seals to enable a sealed container enclosure (one at each end of the collar at the lid and at the base), whereas a direct connection configuration would only require one seal (between the lid and base), which is economically more attractive and simpler.

[0052] The collar is provided as a separate component which can carry an accessory feature. In other words, the collar can be configured to have multiple forms of functionality. Possible broad groups of accessory applications include carrying means, such as handles, flexible straps and rigid loops, or attachment means by which other items can be attached to the bottle. For example, the collar may be fitted with eyelets to which anything of a suitable size can be attached via a coil tether, such as keys, fobs or decorative / plush toys. The collar itself may function as a gripping surface. Or the collar could be magnetized to attract magnetic materials for decoration or utility attachment. Alternatively, the collar may simply be a decorative component. The functional possibilities of the collar are endless and varied.

[0053] Figures 3 to 12, and 14a to 14f illustrate the first embodiment of Figure 1 in more detail. Figure 13 illustrates the second embodiment in more detail. Similar features between the two embodiments are given the same name but may differ in reference number.

[0054] The first embodiment will now be described in detail.P0660WO

[0055] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate exploded isometric views of drink bottle 20 comprising a base 21 , and a cap assembly 12. The cap assembly comprises a lid 22 and a collar 30. Figure 5 is an axial cross-sectional view (sectioned centrally along bottle’s length) of the upper part of the bottle 20 with lid 22, collar 30 and base 21 all assembled. The base 21 is a closed receptacle defined by a base wall 23 with an upper opening 24, which is the mouth of the base, at an externally threaded neck 25. The neck 25 is encircled by a shoulder 26 that transitions the neck to the base wall 23. An external thread 17 on neck 25 engages with a corresponding internal thread 16 on a peripheral wall of the lid, which is a circular skirt 28 on the lid 22. Accordingly, the corresponding threads 16, 17 comprise a securing element between the lid 22 and the base 21. The lid and base can be directly secured through their corresponding screw threads to form an enclosure in the bottle base for storing food or drink. The enclosure may be sealed where sealing can be achieved by a separate seal such as an O-ring. In the embodiment illustrated, sealing is simply achieved by a tight connection between corresponding threads 16, 17.

[0056] Collar 30 is a separate detachable component including a ring body 31 with a through-opening 35. The collar 30 connects to the lid 22. When the cap assembly comprising the collar and lid is secured to the base, the collar sits above the base shoulder 26 and appears to sit between the base 21 and lid 22. The ring body 31 is a ring wall that encircles the outside of the lower peripheral wall of the lid, namely the lid’s skirt 28, so that an inner surface 32 of the ring body 31 lies adjacent to the outer surface 29 of the peripheral wall 28 (hereinafter referred to as skirt 28). The inner surface of the ring body 31 comprises a connecting element - a collar connection - to connect with the skirt on the lid, and specifically to connect to a corresponding connecting element on the skirt’s outer wall.

[0057] As shown in Figures 9a to 11b, the lid 22 has a top part 27 where the peripheral wall 28 depends from a perimeter edge of the top part 27 forming a skirt. The top part 27 of the lid 22 may be provided with an opening for dispensing, such as a straw or spout, through which beverage or other contents may be dispensed. Alternatively, the top part 27 could be entirely closed to function solely as a closure without any function to dispense. Figures 11a and 11b illustrate the lid without a dispensing function. Various embodiments of the top part of the lid are described further below.

[0058] Where a dispensing opening is provided on the lid 22, and depending on the design of the opening on the lid, the skirt 28 of the lid 22 may be longer than otherwise provided if the skirt did not accommodate the collar. In other words, if the bottle only constituted a base and a lid, without a collar, the skirt would be shorter in length and there would be no provision for carryingP0660WOthe collar 30 on an external surface of the skirt 28. A longer skirt 28 allows for the height of the ring body 31 as well as an attachment with the base body. However, the skirt length will depend on the entire design of the lid including curvature of the top part 27 and any spout features, or other opening, on top part of the lid. It may be that a designer is able to configure a shorter skirt, and even a skirt that is the same height as the height of the collar, so that the top of the skirt is flush with the top of the collar.

[0059] In the first embodiment illustrated, the connection between the collar 30 and the lid 22 comprises a press fit engagement along the ring body’s central axis X (see Figures 3 and 4). The lid 22 is pressed into the collar’s through-opening 35. The connecting element on the collar 30 comprises resilient projections in the form of four resilient detents 33, that are ramped and spaced evenly around the ring body’s inner surface 32. The detents 33 may be formed as cutouts in the inner surface 32 so that the detents can flex into the wall under force. In the example illustrated in Figures 6a to 6d, the detents are formed on a separate component - a ring insert 41 - that is overmoulded onto the inside of ring body 31 to define the inner surface 32. Other known manufacturing techniques may be employed to obtain the same end result of providing resilient detents 33 on the inner surface of the collar.

[0060] An edge lip 34, or bead, on the lowermost part of the lid skirt 28 protrudes slightly radially outwardly of the skirt periphery and forms the complementary connecting element on the lid. Edge lip 34 forms a raised edge designed to interlock with the collar’s resilient detents. The raised edge may be a single continuous edge around the perimeter of the lid skirt, or may be a series or raised edges. Edge lip 34 is designed to slide over detents 33 as the lid is pressed through an upper opening 36 of the collar’s through-opening 35. Once the lip 34 clears the detents 33, a thicker end of the ramped detents (which can also be described as flexible wedges) holds the lip 34 against unintentional removal of the lid until a greater separating force is applied on the lid and collar, which will overcome the holding force of the detents 33. A narrowing flange 37 at a lower opening 38 of the collar, which is inwardly facing from the ring body perimeter towards central axis X, acts as a stop to prevent the lid from continuing to push through the through-opening 35. The opening of flange 37 is smaller than the collar’s through-opening 35. Accordingly, together with the connecting elements and narrowing flange 37, the collar 30 is releasably connected to the lid 22.

[0061] It is understood that while one example of connecting elements between the collar and lid has been described, other mechanical fasteners could be instead used. For example, connecting elements other than press fit engagements include screw thread engagements thatP0660WOrely on rotational engagement, bayonet fittings that rely on a two-directional motion engagement, latch engagements, rotational ratchet engagements, or any other known mechanical connection.

[0062] Also illustrated in the first embodiment, is an alignment interface that ensures that relative rotational positioning of the collar with respect to the lid is correct. In some applications this may be important, for example where the collar carries a handle that should be ergonomically oriented for best placement when the user consumes drink from the lid drinking outlet. The alignment function also prevents relative rotation between the collar and lid once attached.

[0063] The alignment interface includes a limiter to limit rotational movement between the collar and the lid. In the illustrations, the limiter is in the form of alignment elements 40 on the collar and lid. In its broadest form the limiter is a stop projection on one of the collar or peripheral wall and a correspondingly engaging notch on the other of the collar or peripheral wall that limits rotational movement between the two components.

[0064] In the first embodiment the alignment elements 40 comprise a keyed engagement between the adjoining walls of the lid and collar. Raised rectangular tabs 42 spaced around the inner surface 32 of the ring body 31 are configured to engage with corresponding key notches 44 similarly spaced on the external wall 29 of skirt 28. Since the lid 22 is adapted to connect with collar 30 in a press fit, where the lid’s skirt 28 will fit snuggly inside the ring body 31 , the key engagement between the tabs 42 and notches 44 are sufficient to rotationally lock the lid’s engagement with the collar and prevent any turning therebetween.

[0065] While four key tab / notch pairs are shown in the drawings, more or fewer pairs could be used. More or fewer detents could also be provided on the collar’s inner surface. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that the connection element for engaging the collar and lid can also function as an alignment element. For example, the tabs 42 may be designed and configured to also function as resilient detents that in addition to stopping rotational movement, can also flex to allow passage and apply a holding force on the lid lip as the lid engages with the collar in a press fit motion.

[0066] Figures 6a to 6d illustrate one variation 30a of a collar. This is the simplest variation in which the collar 30a is simply a ring body 31 with detents 33 and tabs 42 provided on an inner surface 32. This variation of collar 30 could be suitably used on a bottle 20 aesthetically, where an external surface 39 of the collar may be coloured complementarily to the colours of the lidP0660WOand base. A pattern or brand name could be applied to the external surface 39. Further still, the external surface 39 could be applied with a frictional texture so that the collar 30a could be used as a grip surface.

[0067] The material of the collar 30 may be the same as the material of the base and / or the lid. For example, the lid, base and collar may be made from polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC) or high-density polyethylene (HDPE). While the lids and ring bodies are typically made from an injection moulded or otherwise formed polymer, it is understood that a broader range of materials could be used for the bases, including stainless steel (single, double or triple wall), glass or ceramic. In an alternative, collar 30 may be formed from a material that is different from and contrasts the material(s) of the base and lid. Further still, the collar may comprise overmouldings or coatings, such as thermoplastic elastomers, copolymers, nylon, rubber or silicone. A softer overmoulding or coating material could assist in achieving secure connection between the lid and collar, and with the alignment function.

[0068] Figures 7a to 7d illustrate a second variation 30b of a collar in which a flexible strap handle 46 is pivotally secured through pivot pins 47 to ring body 31. The flexible strap of this collar may be made of silicon, leather or plastics and is suitably used as a pivoting carry handle for the bottle. The material of the flexible strap is likely to be different to the more rigid material of the ring body 31. Detents 33 and tabs 42 are clearly seen on inner surface 32 of the ring body 31.

[0069] Figures 8a to 8d illustrate a third variation 30c of a collar. The third variation collar 30c also has a handle, but in this variation the handle is a square loop rigid handle 49 that is formed with ring body 31 and extends laterally to the side of ring body 31. Detents 33 and alignment tabs 42 are clearly visible. Such a collar with rigid handle would be suitable for use with any bottle where a handle may be useful.

[0070] Figures 9a to 11b illustrate three examples of lids 22 suitable for connection with any of the collars of Figures 6a to 8d. Figures 9a and 9b show a first example lid 22a having a flip spout 51 on a top of the lid 22a and a straw socket 52 on an underside of the lid to which a straw (not shown) may be attached for extending into the bottle base. The internal thread 16 of skirt 28 for attaching the lid to the base can be seen in Figure 9b. The peripheral edge lip 34 of skirt 28 as well as four notches 44 are also visible. Notches 44 are shown interrupting and passing through edge lip 34.P0660WO

[0071] Figures 10a and 10b illustrate a second example lid 22b. Skirt 28 is the same as the skirt of the first example in that it has an internal thread 16, an edge lip 34 for engaging detents 33 on the collar, and four notches 44 for engaging with tabs 42 on the collar 30. This second lid example differs only in the type of drinking opening it has to dispense drink from the bottle. This second example lid 22b has a push-button 54 that releases a sprung flip-up cap 53 pivotally connected to an upper surface of the lid to provide access to a drinking spout (not shown) underneath cap 53. The push-button flip-up cap lid provides an alternative lid option for a bottle.

[0072] Figures 11a and 11b illustrate a possible third example lid 22c, which is a lid in its simplest form. The third example lid merely caps off the same skirt 28 as described above with a planar cap 55. Such a lid 22c would be economical to manufacture and may be an option for less expensive drinking bottle product ranges. The third example lid 22c still has a skirt 28 with an internal thread 16, edge lip 34 and notches 44, so that a collar 30 may be attached to it.

[0073] Any one of the lids 22 illustrated herein can be connected to any one of the collars 30 illustrated herein to form a cap assembly 12. The combination of lids and collars is only limited by the types of lids manufactured with common connecting elements on the skirt, and by the types of collars manufactured with corresponding connecting elements. The cap assembly 12 is attachable to any container base having a compatible attachment means with the lid.

[0074] Figure 12 shows an assortment of different types of lid 22 (at row A) that can be connected to any one of a series of collars 30 (at row B) to form a cap assembly 12, and which can then in turn be attached to any one of a series of bottle bases 21 (at row C) to create a customised bottle 20. All lids are attachable to all bases via a commonly sized and configured attachment. And all lids are connectable to all collars via commonly sized and configured connection elements, namely a collar connection (detents 33) on the ring body that releasably attaches to a corresponding lid connection (edge lip 34) on the lid’s peripheral wall 28. The entire selection of lid options, collar options and base options to create a customised bottle is referred to herein as container system 10.

[0075] At row A, the first, second and third examples lids 22a, 22b and 22c described above are illustrated. Additionally illustrated is a fourth example lid 22d having a square hoop handle 56 fixed directly on top of a closed lid surface. A fifth example lid 22e has a spout opening closable by a tether cap 57 that is tethered to the lid body by a flexible tether 58.

[0076] Row B illustrates the first variation collar 30a, second variation collar 30b and the third variation collar 30c. While row B only illustrates three collar variations with different accessoryP0660WOfeatures (including no accessory features), it is understood that many more accessory feature options are available. Some alternative accessory feature options are described further on in relation to the second embodiment of the drink bottle, however the options are only limited by the imagination and creativity of the designer in designing accessory options carried by the ring body 31.

[0077] Row C illustrates a selection of five bottle bases 21 from infinite ranges of possible bottle base designs. Shown in Row C are bottle bases having different volume capacities, heights, widths and shapes. Base materials may also vary from stainless steel, transparent polycarbonates, other polymers such as HDPE, glass and ceramics. Common to all bases in the container system 10 is the securing element to secure the cap assembly to the base. Namely, the size of the base openings 24 and the attachment configuration (which in Figure 12 is shown as external thread 17) are common to all bases and are compatible with the corresponding attachment configuration on any lid 22 (namely the internal thread 16). In this way, the cap assembly 12, comprising the lid 22 and connected collar 30, can be attached to any one base 21.

[0078] Not all possible options of lid types, collar types or base types are shown in Figure 12. It is understood that many more design and configuration possibilities are available to a designer, which is only limited by the designer’s imagination. Further options for collar designs and accessories are illustrated in Figures 14a to 14f.

[0079] Figures 14a to 14f illustrate possible collar variations for the first embodiment bottle 20, where all variations include a ring body 31 provided with detents d 33 for connecting to the outer surface 29 of the lid’s peripheral wall 28. The variations differ in the accessory features carried by the ring body. The accessory features include a simple collar with no accessory appendages (Figure 14a) and similar accessory features to those seen in Figures 6a, 7a and 8a. Namely, Figure 14b shows an accessory of a flexible strap handle 46 pivotally attached to the ring body 31, while Figure 14c shows a rigid square loop handle 49 formed rigidly to the side (radially) of ring body 31.

[0080] Other accessory features are shown. Figure 14d illustrates a finger loop 59 formed laterally and radially of ring body 31, which could be used as a small finger handle for a bottle.

[0081] Figure 14e shows two metal eyelets 60 connected at opposite sides of the ring body. Any object with a clip or coil tether could be attached to one or both eyelets. For example, a long strap 63 with both ends attached to the eyelets could serve as a shoulder or cross bodyP0660WOstrap for the bottle. Keys on a key chain could be attached, or decorative attachments such as plush toys or keyrings could also be attached as an accessory.

[0082] Figure 14f shows a large ring handle accessory which is a large ring concentrically positioned about the smaller ring body 31 of the collar 30 via four struts 62. This accessory could find use for containers where it is desired to provide easy handling, such as for people with mobility limitations (elderly or disabled) or toddlers.

[0083] Figure 13 illustrates the second embodiment of drink bottle 200 where the collar is attached to the container base rather than to the lid. Similar features of drink bottle 200 are given the same name. Drink bottle 200 comprises bottle base 210, lid 220 and collar 230. As mentioned previously, the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that rather than connecting to the lid 220, the collar 230 connects to the base 210.

[0084] Connection between the base and collar is achieved by providing complementary connecting elements on the base and collar. In the embodiment shown, the connecting part of the base is the neck 225 of the base 210. Specifically, the complementary connecting elements are a screw thread 233 provided on an inner surface 232 of the collar’s ring body 231 , and a complementary screw thread 217 provided externally on the base’s neck 225. The base’s screw thread 217 is an extended, taller thread because not only does thread 217 engage with the collar thread 233, but it also engages with an internal attachment thread 216 of the lid. Accordingly, the collarthen the lid are screwed onto base opening 224, as shown in Figure 13, to configure the bottle 200 illustrated in Figure 2. In this embodiment, collar 230 sits on the shoulder of the bottle base and locates between the base 210 and the lid 220.

[0085] Bottle 200 may or may not comprise an alignment function. An alignment function could be produced by designing the screw thread between the collar 230 and base neck 225 to close tolerance to terminate at the correct desired alignment. Alternatively, a limiter, such as a stop moulded into the thread could be used to define the turning end of rotational engagement of the collar 230 on the base 210.

[0086] While a number of examples of container types, including lid, base and collar types, have been illustrated and discussed, it is reasonable that many more other options are conceivable within the scope of the invention.

[0087] For example, in this description the collar has been mainly described as positioned between the lid and base. However, it is completely foreseeable that the collar could beP0660WOconnected to other parts of the base or lid. In one embodiment the collar may be locatable on top of the lid rather than on a lower part of the lid. The collar could be formed with a screw or press fit connection with the top of the lid. In this instance, the connection between the collar and top of the lid would need to be designed to bear the load of a full bottle from the top. In the currently described embodiments, where the collar is sandwiched between the base and lid, the press fit and screw engagements are sufficient to carry the load because the lid is also attached to the base at the same location where the collar is wedged between the base and lid.

[0088] The present container system with interchangeable lids, bases and collars provides users with unique customizable options for food and drink containers. Different colours, textures and patterns are foreseeable which add to the experience of mixing and matching colours as well as preferred lid types, base volumes and accessory mounts on the collars. The system is scalable in that new collars, lids and bases can be added to the system, all of which would be compatible with existing collars, lids and bases via the common connecting elements between the lids and collars or bases and collars, and via the common attachment elements between the lids and bases.

[0089] It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

[0090] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, namely, to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[0091] It is to be understood that the aforegoing description refers merely to preferred embodiments of invention, and that variations and modifications will be possible thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the ambit of which is to be determined from the following claims.P0660WO

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A cap assembly for a container base, the cap assembly comprising:a lid for closing the container base, the lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; anda collar that is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall;wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the container base.2 The cap assembly claimed in claim 1, wherein the collar locates on an outer surface of the peripheral wall.3 The cap assembly claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the collar connection is provided on an inner surface of the ring body and the lid connection is provided on an outer surface of the peripheral wall.4 The cap assembly claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral wall is a skirt depending from a perimeter edge of the top part of the lid.5 The cap assembly claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the peripheral wall is provided with a securing element to secure the lid to the container base.6 The cap assembly claimed in claim 5, wherein the securing element sealingly secures the lid to the container base.7 The cap assembly claimed in claim 5 or 6, wherein the securing element is located on an inner surface of the peripheral wall and the lid connection is provided on an outer surface of the peripheral wall.8 The cap assembly claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar connection and lid connection comprise one or more releasably interlocking connecting elements.9 The cap assembly claimed in claim 8, wherein the connecting elements comprise one or more resilient projections on the collar and a raised edge on the peripheral wall, wherein the resilient projections are configured to releasably interlock with the raised edge.P0660WO10. The cap assembly claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring body comprises a ring wall defining a ring body opening.

11. The cap assembly claimed in claim 10, wherein the ring wall has an inwardly facing perimeter flange defining a flange opening that is smaller than the ring body opening.

12. The cap assembly claimed in any one of the preceding claims, including an alignment interface between the collar and peripheral wall.

13. The cap assembly claimed in claim 12, wherein the alignment interface comprises a limiter to limit rotational movement between the collar and lid.

14. The cap assembly claimed in claim 13, wherein the limiter is a stop projection on one of the collar or peripheral wall and a correspondingly engaging notch on the other of the collar or peripheral wall.

15. The cap assembly claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collar carries an accessory feature.

16. A drink or food container comprising:a container base; anda cap assembly for a container base, the cap assembly comprising:a lid for closing the container base, the lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; anda collarthat is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall;wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the container base.

17. A container system, comprising a series of different container bases, a series of different container lids and a series of different collars; wherein a container is formed by securing a selected one from the series of lids to a selected one of the series of bases, and selecting one of the series of collars for releasably attaching to the selected lid, wherein the selected lid and selected collar form a cap assembly comprising:the selected lid for closing the selected container base, the selected lid having a top part and a peripheral wall extending from the top part; andP0660WOthe selected collarthat is releasably attached to the peripheral wall, the selected collar comprising a ring body and a collar connection on the ring body for releasably attaching to a corresponding lid connection on the peripheral wall;wherein the cap assembly can be secured to an opening on the selected container base.P0660WO

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