Two-part bottle

The bottle comprises two sub-containers coupled one on top of the other. The end of the bottom sub-container opposite from the coupled end forms the base, while the coupled end forms a wide-mouth container design with an opening large enough to allow for ice cubes or adult fingers to effectively clean the inside. The end of the top sub-container opposite from the coupled end forms a narrow-mouth container design with an opening narrow enough for the drinking comfort of a child. The top and bottom sub-containers when uncoupled can transform to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid. A band made of a flexible material is encased around the exterior of the bottle to improve the function of the bottle, facilitate labeling, and buffer clanking noises and damage when the bottle is placed next to a solid surface.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/270,970, titled “TWO-PART BOTTLE” filed Jul. 15, 2009, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated by reference, and the filing date of which is hereby claimed under 35 U.S.C. §119(e).

BACKGROUND

Current bottles that hold liquids for human consumption, including, but not limited to water, juice, or other beverages consists of two components, i.e., a one-piece container to hold the liquid and a stopper or cap to close the opening of the one-piece container. Some examples of a one-piece container include, but not limited to a 14 fl. Oz. Coke® soda pop bottle, a 500 mL Gatorade® drink bottle, a 500 mL Aquafina® purified drinking water bottle, and a 24 fl. Oz. spring water bottle by Starbucks® Coffee. Most one-piece containers are made of plastic, though some are also made of stainless steel, aluminum, or glass. Similarly, most stoppers to close the opening of one-piece containers are made of plastic. The opening of the one-piece container comes in one of two designs, i.e., a wide-mouth design or a narrow-mouth design. Both designs have problems. These problems can be better understood by a review of current bottles.

FIG. 1 illustrates two exemplary designs of the opening of the container of current bottles, i.e., a wide-mouth design and a narrow-mouth design. Bottle 100(A) illustrates an exemplary current bottle with a wide-mouth container design. The wide-mouth container design bottle 100(A) has an opening dimension 110 large enough to allow for standard size ice cubes and average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the bottle without the use of a special cleaning brush. The wide-mouth container design bottle 100(A), while easier to clean and load ice cubes into is difficult to drink from, as the opening dimension 110 does not easily fit most mouths. Since the opening dimension 110 does not easily fit most mouths, liquid may spill when a person tries to drink from the wide-mouth container design bottle 100(A). A way that manufacturers have tried to resolve the problem of the liquid spilling while maintaining the wide-mouth container design is by including a sucking device, for example a straw (not shown) that maybe coupled within the cap 120. By including a straw, liquid from the bottle can be dispensed without potentially spilling the liquid, but only if the liquid is sucked with the aid of the included straw. Another way that manufacturers have tried to resolve the problem of the liquid spilling is by narrowing the opening dimension 110 thereby restricting the opening diameter to a maximum allowed for tolerable drinking comfort of an average adult. By restricting the opening diameter, the opening dimension 110 may not be large enough to allow for standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the bottle without the use of a special cleaning brush. Thus all current bottles with the wide-mouth container design can either resolve the issue of drinking comfort or the issue of cleaning with ease and filling standard size ice cubes, but not all three.

Bottle 100(B) illustrates an exemplary current bottle with a narrow-mouth container design. The narrow-mouth container design bottle 100(B) has an opening dimension 130 that is small enough for tolerable drinking comfort of even an average child. The narrow-mouth container design bottle 100(B), while comfortable to drink from without any special sucking device such as a straw is not wide enough to allow for standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the bottle without the use of a special cleaning brush.

Based on the above-described deficiencies associated with current bottles, there exists a need for a bottle comprising a container with a mouth design that is narrow enough for the drinking comfort of even an average child, yet large enough to allow for standard size ice cubes and average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside without the use of a special cleaning brush. There also exists a need for the bottle to further comprise a removable insulated sub-container and a removable handle component. Further, there also exists a need for the bottle to transform from a container that holds a liquid to either two sub-containers to drink from, or a first sub-container to drink from and a second sub-container to hold the liquid. Furthermore, there also exists a need for a band around the exterior of the bottle to improve the function of the bottle, to facilitate labeling the bottle with a logo or name, and to buffer clanking noises and protect the bottle from damage when the bottle is placed next to a solid surface.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A two-part bottle (hereinafter “bottle”) that addresses the deficiencies associated with current bottles is disclosed. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises two sub-containers, i.e., a top sub-container and a bottom sub-container coupled one on top of the other to form a container to hold a liquid.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises three sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container, a middle sub-container, and the bottom sub-container coupled together such that the removable middle sub-container couples within the bottom sub-container, while the top sub-container couples on top of the middle sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the removable middle sub-container is an insulated sleeve. According to another exemplary embodiment, the middle sub-container is designed to accommodate a fixed or removable “sipping” lid.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises two sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container, and a removable handle component such that the handle component couples in between the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle component is made of an insulating material. According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle component is designed to accommodate a fixed or removable “sipping” lid.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the end of the bottom sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms the base of the bottle, while the coupled end forms a wide-mouth container design with an opening that is narrow enough to allow for standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside without the use of a special cleaning brush. It should be noted that in the exemplary embodiment of the middle sub-container and the handle component both designed to accommodate the sipping lid, the sipping lid is of a fixed or removable design to allow for standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers. According to another exemplary embodiment, the end of the top sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms a narrow-mouth container design with an opening that couples a cap, wherein the opening is wide enough for the drinking comfort of even an average child.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the top sub-container and bottom sub-container when uncoupled from each other can transform to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a narrow band made of a flexible material is encased around the exterior of the bottle. According to another exemplary embodiment, the band improves the function of the bottle when the bottle transforms to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid. According to another exemplary embodiment, the band facilitates labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the exterior of the bottle. According to another embodiment, the band buffers clanking noise and protects the bottle from damage when the bottle is placed next to a solid surface, especially when the bottle is made of stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, or glass.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram of two exemplary designs of the opening of the container of current bottles;

FIG. 2 is a pictorial diagram of an exploded view of an exemplary bottle, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 3 is a pictorial diagram of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary top sub-container coupled to an exemplary bottom sub-container with an exemplary band encased at the coupling, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of a transformation of an exemplary bottle to either two exemplary sub-containers for drinking, or an exemplary first sub-container for drinking and an exemplary second sub-container for holding liquid, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;

FIG. 5 is a pictorial diagram of an exploded view of another exemplary bottle, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and

FIG. 6 is a pictorial diagram of an exploded view of yet another exemplary bottle, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a more thorough description of the illustrative embodiments of the invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

A two-part bottle that addresses the deficiencies associated with current bottles is disclosed. In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises two sub-containers, i.e., a top sub-container and a bottom sub-container that are coupled one on top of the other to form one container to hold a liquid. According to another exemplary embodiment, the two sub-containers are made of stainless steel, polypropylene, or some other material that is safe to hold liquids for human consumption. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cubic volume of the top sub-container is the same or different as the bottom sub-container. Accordingly, according to one embodiment, the cubic volume of the top sub-container is 200 ml and the cubic volume of the bottom sub-container is 800 ml.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the coupling of the two sub-containers is accomplished by threading the top sub-container into the bottom sub-container (or vice-versa). As is known to one skilled in the art, the threads of the container that couples into the other container are called “male” threads and the corresponding threads of the other container are called “female” threads. FIG. 2 discussed later illustrates the exemplary embodiment where the male threads of the top sub-container couple into the female threads of the bottom sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the sub-container with the female threads has a rolled out rim design to eliminate sedimentary deposit to build up when the male threads are coupled into the female threads. According to another exemplary embodiment, the rolled out rim design adds to the structural strength of the bottle by making it difficult for a user to alter the shape of the sub-container with the female threads. The male threads comprise a washer or gasket that further seals the coupling of the two sub-containers. According to another exemplary embodiment, the coupling of the two sub-containers is achieved by friction fitting the top sub-container into the bottom sub-container (or vice versa). It should be noted that the friction fit coupling does not seal liquid stored in the bottle as effectively as the thread coupling under certain conditions. Further, it should also be noted that the two exemplary coupling methods discussed herein are exemplary of other coupling methods possible, which are equally within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary bottle 200, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Bottle 200 comprises a cap 205, a top sub-container 210, and a bottom sub-container 215. The male threads 230 of cap 205 threads into the female threads (not shown) of narrow-mouth container design of the top sub-container 210. Since the cap 205 threads into the top sub-container 210, the top sub-container 210 has a rolled out rim design 220 to eliminate sedimentary deposit (discussed later) and to add to the structural strength of the bottle. Also, as discussed later, the cap 205 comprises indentations 245 to accommodate average adult fingers for easy opening and tight closing of the cap. Also, as further discussed later, the threaded section of the cap 205 comprises a washer or gasket 250 that further seals the coupling of the cap 205 with the top sub-container 210.

Continuing with FIG. 2, the male threads 235 of the top sub-container 210 threads into the female threads 240 of the wide-mouth container design of the bottom sub-container 215. According to one exemplary embodiment, the female threads 240 are not visible as illustrated at FIG. 2, but rather completely threaded within the inner surface of the bottom sub-container leaving the outside surface of the bottom sub-container free of any thread grooves. As discussed, since the top sub-container 210 threads into the bottom sub-container 215, the bottom sub-container 215 has a rolled out rim design 225 to eliminate sedimentary deposit. Also, as discussed, the threaded section of the top sub-container 210 comprises a washer or gasket (see FIG. 3) that further seals the coupling of the top sub-container 210 with the bottom sub-container 215.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises three sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container, a middle sub-container, and the bottom sub-container coupled together such that the removable middle sub-container couples within the bottom sub-container, while the top sub-container couples on top of the middle sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the middle sub-container has a set of female threads above a set of male threads (or vice-versa) at the end that couples to the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container. The coupling of the middle sub-container within the bottom sub-container is accomplished by threading the set of male threads (or female threads) of the middle sub-container into the female threads (or male threads) of the bottom sub-container, while the coupling of the top sub-container on top of the middle sub-container is accomplished by threading the male threads (or female threads) of the top sub-container into the set of female threads (or male threads) of the middle sub-container.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the removable middle sub-container is an insulated sleeve. In operation, when a user couples the middle sub-container, usually when the temperature of a stored liquid has to be maintained for an extended period of time, the middle sub-container snugly fits within the cavity of the bottom sub-container. It should be noted that the cubic volume of the bottom sub-container is marginally reduced when the middle sub-container is coupled within the bottom sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the middle sub-container is designed to accommodate a fixed or removable “sipping” lid. In operation the sipping lid is accommodated above the set of female threads (or male threads) of the middle sub-container. If the sipping lid is fixed, the sipping lid can be flipped open to accommodate standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the insulated middle sub-container without the use of a special cleaning brush.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary bottle 500, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Bottle 500 comprises a cap 205, a top sub-container 210, a bottom sub-container 215, and a removable middle sub-container 510. The male threads 235 of the top sub-container 205 thread into the set of female threads 520 of the removable middle sub-container 510, while the set of male threads 530 of the removable middle sub-container 510 tread into the female threads 240 of the bottom sub-container 215. The sipping lid, if one is present, is accommodated above the set of female threads 520. As there are several conflicting lines, FIG. 5 does not illustrate the sipping lid for clarity of design.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the bottle comprises two sub-containers, i.e., the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container, and a removable handle component such that the handle component couples in between the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle component has a set of female threads (or male threads) at the end that couples to the top sub-container, and a set of male threads (or female threads) at the end that couples to the bottom sub-container. The coupling of the handle component to the top sub-container is accomplished by threading the male threads (or female threads) of the top sub-container into the set of female threads (or male threads) of the handle component, while the coupling of the handle component to the bottom sub-container is accomplished by threading the set of male threads (or female threads) of the handle component into the female threads (or male threads) of the bottom sub-container.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle component is made of an insulating material. In operation, a user couples the handle component when the user has a need to transport the bottle using an alternative method. According to another exemplary embodiment, the handle component is designed to accommodate a fixed or removable “sipping” lid. In operation the sipping lid is accommodated above the set of female threads (or male threads) of the handle component. If the sipping lid attached to the bottom and is of a fixed design, the sipping lid can be flipped open to accommodate standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside of the bottom sub-container without the use of a special cleaning brush.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an exemplary bottle 600, according to one or more exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. Bottle 600 comprises a cap 205, a top sub-container 210, a bottom sub-container 215, and a removable handle component 610. The male threads 235 of the top sub-container 205 thread into the set of female threads 620 of the removable handle component 610, while the set of male threads 630 of the removable handle component 610 tread into the female threads 240 of the bottom sub-container 215. It should be noted that the shape, size, and design of the “handle” of the handle component is exemplary of other possible “handle” shapes, sizes, and designs, which are equally within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. The sipping lid, if one is present, is accommodated above the set of female threads 620. As there are several conflicting lines, FIG. 6 does not illustrate the sipping lid for clarity of design.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the end of the bottom sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms the base of the bottle, while the coupled end forms a wide-mouth container design with an opening that is narrow enough to allow for standard size ice cubes or average size adult fingers to effectively clean the inside without the use of a special cleaning brush. According to another exemplary embodiment, the end of the top sub-container that is opposite from the coupled end forms a narrow-mouth container design with an opening that couples a cap, wherein the opening is wide enough for the drinking comfort of even an average child. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap is “flat” shaped. As is known to one skilled in the art, a flat shaped cap is a cap that has a horizontal top such that when the cap is turned upside down and placed on a flat surface, the top of the cap lays flat with the surface. For example, FIG. 2 illustrates one exemplary flat shaped cap.

In accordance with one embodiment, the cap threads into the end of the top sub-container with the narrow-mouth container design (or vice versa). For example, FIG. 2 illustrates the exemplary embodiment where the male threads of the cap couple into the female threads of the top sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the component, i.e., cap or top sub-container with the female threads has a rolled out rim design to eliminate sedimentary deposit to build up when the male threads are coupled into the female threads. The male threads comprise a washer or gasket that further seals the coupling of the cap with the top sub-container. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap friction fits into the top sub-container with the narrow-mouth container design (or vice-versa). It should be noted that the friction fit coupling of the cap to the top sub-container does not seal liquid stored in the bottle as effectively as the thread coupling under certain conditions. Further, it should also be noted that the two exemplary coupling methods discussed herein with respect to the cap and the top sub-container are exemplary of other coupling methods, which are equally within the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap is made of polypropylene or some other material that not only seals the top sub-container effectively, but also safe when in contact with a liquid for human consumption. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap has indentations on an edge portion opposite the threaded edge to accommodate average adult fingers for easy opening and tight closing of the cap. According to another exemplary embodiment, the cap is further coupled to the top sub-container via a lanyard.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, a narrow band is encased around the exterior of the bottle. According to another exemplary embodiment, the band is made of a flexible material including, but not limited to silicone or rubber that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or liquid for human consumption. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view 300 of an exemplary top sub-container 210 coupled to an exemplary bottom sub-container 215 with an exemplary band 310 encased at the coupling. FIG. 3 also illustrates a washer or gasket 320 that further seals the coupling of the top sub-container 210 with the bottom sub-container 215, and the rolled out rim design 225 of the bottom sub-container 215. It should be noted that since the band is encased around the exterior of the bottle, the band could be placed at any position around the bottle. Accordingly, even though FIG. 3 illustrates the band 310 encased over the rolled out rim design 225 portion of the bottle, the entire band could be encased just below or above the rolled out rim design 225 portion of the bottle to eliminate the band 310 from forming an indentation as illustrated.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the band improves the function, as discussed later, of the bottle when the bottle transforms to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid. According to another exemplary embodiment, the band facilitates labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the exterior of the bottle with a Sharpie® either when the bottle is made of plastic or aluminum, or when the bottle is made of stainless steel or glass that cannot be indelibly marked on. Accordingly, the logo or name is embossed, printed, or labeled in some other way directly on the band. Further, the band and the logo or name is of a same or different color. Since the band is colored, the band mimics an identification symbol, which aids in personalizing the bottle to individual tastes, while improving the aesthetics of the bottle. According to another embodiment, the band buffers clanking noise and protects the bottle from damage when the bottle is placed next to a solid surface, especially when the bottle is made of, for example, stainless steel, plastic, aluminum, or glass.

In accordance with one exemplary embodiment, the top sub-container and bottom sub-container when uncoupled can transform to either two sub-containers for drinking, or a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid.

In the embodiment where the transformation is to two sub-containers for drinking (this embodiment is usually practiced by a pair of users sharing a bottle), the cap is securely coupled to the top sub-container before the top sub-container is uncoupled from the bottom sub-container and turned upside down. With the cap coupled securely, not only will any liquid contained in the top sub-container after it is turned upside down not leak, but also the flat shape of the cap will ensure that the upside down top sub-container can be placed on a flat surface without spilling the contained liquid. Using the top sub-container as a “goblet”, a user can drink from the goblet. With the top sub-container uncoupled, another user can now use the bottom sub-container as another container to drink from. Further, the band is placed on the edge that has the male threads so that a user does not feel the uncomfortable grooves of the male threads while drinking. Furthermore, a user may prefer to use the sub-container with the band as the band provides a comfortable drinking edge while ensuring a better “seal” between the user's lips and the sub-container to avoid spillage.

In the embodiment where the transformation is to a first sub-container for drinking and a second sub-container for holding liquid (this embodiment is usually practiced by a single user), the cap is securely coupled to the top sub-container before the top sub-container is uncoupled from the bottom sub-container and turned upside down. Similarly, the band is placed on the edge that has the male threads so that a user does not feel the uncomfortable grooves of the male threads while drinking.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial diagram of a transformation of an exemplary bottle 400 to either two exemplary sub-containers 210 and 215 for drinking, or an exemplary first sub-container 210 for drinking and an exemplary second sub-container 215 for holding liquid. FIG. 4 also illustrates a band 410 placed on the edge of sub-container 210 that has the male threads. Further, FIG. 4 also illustrates a cap 205 further coupled to the bottle by a lanyard 420.

The two-part bottle can be further used similar to a conventional bottle by leaving the top and bottom sub-containers coupled rather than transforming the top and bottom sub-containers to two separate sub-containers. But unlike conventional bottles, the top sub-container can be uncoupled from the bottom sub-container to easily fill ice and clean without the use of a special cleaning brush.

While illustrative embodiments have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter. Thus, while preferred embodiments of a two-part bottle are described herein, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not limited to the described methods but rather by the following claims and their full scope of equivalents.

Claims

1. A bottle to hold a liquid for human consumption, comprising:

a top sub-container comprising a female threaded narrow-mouth container design at an end and a male threaded wide-mouth container design at an opposite end, wherein the top sub-container is made of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption;
a bottom sub-container comprising a female threaded wide-mouth container design at an end that couples with the male threaded end of the top sub-container and a closed wide-mouth container design at an opposite end that forms a base of the bottle, wherein the bottom sub-container is made of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption; and
a cap made of a material that seals the top sub-container and is safe when in contact with the liquid for human consumption comprising a male threaded section at an end that couples with the female threaded end of the top sub-container and an end opposite the threaded end with indentations on its edge to accommodate average size adult fingers, wherein when the cap is coupled with the top sub-container and the top sub-container is simultaneously coupled with the bottom sub-container, the cap, the top sub-container, and the bottom sub-container collectively form the bottle to hold the liquid for human consumption.

2. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising:

a removable middle sub-container made of an insulating material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption, which couples within the bottom sub-container while the top sub-container couples on top of the middle sub-container, wherein the middle sub-container comprising a set of female threads adjacently above a set of male threads at an end that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the male threads of the top sub-container thread into the set of female threads of the middle sub-container and the set of male threads of the middle sub-container thread into the female threads of the bottom sub-container.

3. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising:

a removable handle component made of an insulating material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption, which couples in between the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container, wherein the handle component comprising a set of female threads adjacently above a set of male threads at an end that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the male threads of the top sub-container thread into the set of female threads of the handle component and the set of male threads of the handle component thread into the female threads of the bottom sub-container.

4. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising:

a band encased around the exterior of the bottle, wherein the band is made of a flexible material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption, and wherein the band facilitates labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the exterior of the bottle.

5. The bottle of claim 4, wherein the female threaded end of the top and bottom sub-containers has a rolled out rim design, and the male threaded end of the top sub-container and cap comprises a washer to further seal the coupling of the top sub-container with the bottom sub-container and the cap with the top sub-container, respectively.

6. The bottle of claim 5, wherein the narrow-mouth is a container design opening wide enough for the drinking comfort of an average child.

7. The bottle of claim 6, wherein the wide-mouth is a container design opening narrow enough to allow for average size ice-cubes or average size adult fingers to clean the inside of the bottle without use of a cleaning brush.

8. An apparatus for holding a liquid for human consumption, comprising:

a top sub-container comprising a first means at an end to couple with a cap and a second means at an opposite end to couple with a bottom sub-container, wherein the top sub-container is made of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption;
the bottom sub-container comprising a first means at an end that couples with the second means of the top sub-container, wherein the bottom sub-container is made of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption; and
the cap made of a material that seals the top sub-container and is safe when in contact with the liquid for human consumption comprising a first means at an end that couples with the first means of the top sub-container and an end opposite the first means with indentations on its edge to accommodate average size adult fingers, wherein when the cap is coupled with the top sub-container and the top sub-container is simultaneously coupled with the bottom sub-container, the cap, the top sub-container, and the bottom sub-container collectively form the apparatus to hold the liquid for human consumption.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising:

a removable middle sub-container made of an insulating material that couples within the bottom sub-container while the top sub-container couples on top of the middle sub-container, wherein the middle sub-container comprising a first set of means adjacently above a second set of means at an end that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the second means of the top sub-container couple into the first set of means of the middle sub-container and the second set of means of the middle sub-container thread into the first means of the bottom sub-container.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:

a removable handle component made of an insulating material that couples in between the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container, wherein the handle component comprising a first set of means adjacently above a second set of means at an end that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the second means of the top sub-container thread into the first set of means of the handle component and the second set of means of the handle component thread into the first means of the bottom sub-container.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising:

a band encased around the exterior of the apparatus, wherein the band is made of a flexible material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption, and wherein the band facilitates labeling a logo or name without permanently marking the exterior of the apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the first means of the top and bottom sub-containers has a rolled out rim design, and the second means of the top sub-container and the second set of means of the cap comprises a washer to further seal the coupling of the top sub-container with the bottom sub-container and the cap with the top sub-container, respectively.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first means of the top sub-container has a narrow-mouth design opening wide enough for the drinking comfort of an average child.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first means of the bottom sub-container has a wide-mouth design opening narrow enough to allow for average size ice-cubes or average size adult fingers to clean the inside of the apparatus without use of a cleaning brush.

15. A method of making a bottle to hold a liquid for human consumption, comprising:

carving a female threaded narrow-mouth container design at an end of a top sub-container, carving out a male threaded wide-mouth container design at an opposite end of the top sub-container, and constructing the top sub-container of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption;
carving a female threaded wide-mouth container design at an end of a bottom sub-container, coupling the female threaded end of the bottom sub-container with the male threaded end of the top sub-container, carving a closed wide-mouth container design at an opposite end that forms a base of the bottle, and constructing the bottom sub-container of a material that is safe to hold the liquid for human consumption; and
constructing a cap of a material that seals the top sub-container and is safe when in contact with the liquid for human consumption, coupling a male threaded section at an end of the cap with the female threaded end of the top sub-container and constructing indentations on an edge of an end opposite the threaded end to accommodate average size adult fingers, wherein when coupling the cap with the top sub-container and simultaneously coupling the top sub-container with the bottom sub-container, the cap, the top sub-container, and the bottom sub-container collectively form the bottle to hold the liquid for human consumption.

16. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

constructing a removable middle sub-container of an insulating material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption;
coupling the middle sub-container within the bottom sub-container while coupling the top sub-container on top of the middle sub-container; and
carving a set of female threads adjacently above a set of male threads at an end of the middle sub-container that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the male threads of the top sub-container thread into the set of female threads of the middle sub-container and the set of male threads of the middle sub-container thread into the female threads of the bottom sub-container.

17. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

constructing a removable handle component of an insulating material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption;
coupling the handle component in between the top sub-container and the bottom sub-container; and
carving a set of female threads adjacently above a set of male threads at an end that couples to the top and bottom sub-containers, respectively, such that the male threads of the top sub-container thread into the set of female threads of the handle component and the set of male threads of the handle component thread into the female threads of the bottom sub-container.

18. The method of claim 17 further comprising:

constructing a rolled out rim design for the female threaded end of the top and bottom sub-containers; and
attaching a washer to the male threaded end of the top sub-container and cap to further seal the coupling of the top sub-container with the bottom sub-container and the cap with the top sub-container, respectively.

19. The method of claim 15 further comprising:

encasing a band around the exterior of the bottle, wherein the band is made of a flexible material that is safe when in contact with a human mouth or the liquid for human consumption; and
labeling a logo or name on the band without permanently marking the exterior of the bottle.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the labeling is any one of embossing, printing, or etching directly on the band.

Patent History
Publication number: 20110011823
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 19, 2009
Publication Date: Jan 20, 2011
Applicant: SEATTLE SPORTS CO., INC. (Seattle, WA)
Inventor: Michael W. Moore (Seattle, WA)
Application Number: 12/589,131
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Cap Type (215/316); Drinking Device (215/387)
International Classification: B65D 41/00 (20060101); B65D 83/00 (20060101);