PORTABLE HAND-HELD LIQUID CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention is directed to a portable hand-held liquid container including a base, a body, a shoulder, a neck and a finger-engaging element which are configured as one piece to together define a unitary hollow reservoir for receiving liquid, and which are in fluid communication with each other to maximize the volume of the reservoir; and a closure removably attachable to seal the container.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a portable hand-held liquid container for multipurpose use.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The benefits of physical activity have been widely recognized, with many people regularly engaging in various forms of physical exercise and fitness. However, exercise or physical activity produces heat and causes the body to lose fluids through perspiration and exhalation. Unless fluid losses are replaced by drinking, perspiration causes progressive depletion of circulating blood volume, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can impair both physical and mental performance, and can be potentially fatal.

Various devices have been developed to assist athletes in replenishing liquids in the body to remain properly hydrated. However, prior art devices are prone to causing irritation or injury (for example, chafing), restricting circulation in the limbs to which they are attached, or having attachments which do not sufficiently secure to the body. Such devices may also be cumbersome, bulky or inconvenient to carry such that those engaging in physical activities may forego carrying a container, thus leading to dehydration and related health problems. Water stations are often provided for runners along a course; however, a runner might require hydration well before reaching a water station, or prefer an alternate beverage.

Accordingly, there is thus a need in the art for improved devices and methods for supplying hydration or liquid refreshment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a hand-held liquid container for multipurpose use.

In one aspect, the invention comprises a hand-held liquid container comprising a finger-engaging element which defines a plurality of openings configured to receive a user's fingers.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a body which comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the front and rear walls merging at their edges with the side walls, and the first side wall having a width substantially less than the width of the second side wall. In one embodiment, the body is substantially cylindrically-shaped comprising curved front, rear, and side walls. In one embodiment, the body is substantially rectangular-shaped comprising curved front and rear walls and relatively planar side walls.

In one embodiment, the shoulder comprises opposed side walls extending upwardly from the body, and being inclined relative to each other to merge with the neck. In one embodiment, the base is substantially horizontal. In one embodiment, a heel couples the base to the side wall.

In one embodiment, the finger-engaging element defines closed apertures adapted to receive fingers of a hand therethrough, the finger-engaging element being defined by the front and rear walls and extending through the body, such that cavities are formed between the first side wall and the apertures, and between each individual aperture.

In one embodiment, the body comprises a substantially round wall. In one embodiment, the body is substantially round. In one embodiment, the body is substantially ovoid.

In one embodiment, the finger-engaging element comprises a plurality of open apertures adapted to receive fingers of a hand therethrough, such that cavities are defined between each neighboring aperture.

In one embodiment, the base is substantially curved or tapered. In one embodiment, a heel couples the base to the finger-engaging element. In one embodiment, the shoulder comprises a smooth circumferentially continuous surface which transitions into the neck. In one embodiment, the neck provides an opening to the body and supports a finish configured to accept the closure. In one embodiment, the container further comprises a plurality of collapsible joints.

Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in view of the description, which follows. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described by way of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying simplified, diagrammatic, not-to-scale drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container of the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a top view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container without a closure.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container without a closure.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the portable hand-held liquid container of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 6 is a perspective front view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container of the present invention.

FIG. 7A is a top view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container of the present invention.

FIG. 7B is a top view of one embodiment of the portable hand-held liquid container of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the portable hand-held liquid container of FIG. 6 in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a portable hand-held liquid container for multipurpose use.

When describing the present invention, all terms not defined herein have their common art-recognized meanings. To the extent that the following description is of a specific embodiment or a particular use of the invention, it is intended to be illustrative only, and not limiting of the claimed invention. The following description is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that are included in the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.

The present invention comprises a portable hand-held liquid container (1). The container (1) is configured to store and dispense a variety of liquids. As used herein, the term “liquid” broadly refers to any kind of flowable material such as water, mineral water, sports drink, slush drink, carbonated beverage, and medicine. With the exception of a closure as described herein, the container (1) is of one-piece construction, and is entirely hollow to maximize the volume of liquid contained therein and to create an unobstructed inner liquid reservoir. All parts of the container (1) are thus in fluid communication with each other.

The invention will now be described having reference to the accompanying figures. The container (1) is shown generally in the Figures to include a base (10a, 10b), a body (12), a shoulder (14), a neck (16) and a finger-engaging element (18) which are configured as one piece to together define a unitary hollow reservoir (22) for receiving liquid. These components are in fluid communication with each other to maximize the volume of the reservoir (22). A closure (20) is removably attachable to seal the container (1).

In one embodiment, the base (10a) is substantially horizontal. As used herein, the term “horizontal” means a plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the horizon. The term “vertical” means a plane that is at a right angle to the horizontal plane. As shown in FIG. 1, a substantially horizontal base (10a) provides a relatively flat surface for the container (1) to rest on any underlying support surface while being filled with liquid, or displayed on a level surface in a retail outlet. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the base (10a) may include an indented or inwardly depressed center portion and a circumferential encircling portion to improve stability.

In one embodiment, the base (10b) is substantially curved or tapered. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that a tapered round-bottomed container (1), as shown in FIG. 6, may be more esthetically-pleasing or preferred for transport or storage in a standard bottle cage or netting pocket for example, on a gym bag or backpack.

The body (12) of the container (1) comprises walls which project upwardly from the base (10a, 10b) and define the internal liquid reservoir (22) and the finger-engaging element (18). In one embodiment, the body (12) comprises a front wall (24), a rear wall (26), a first side wall (28), and a second side wall (30) (FIGS. 1, 3 and 4). At one edge, the front and rear walls (24, 26) merge with the first side wall (28). At the other edge, the front and rear walls (24, 26) merge with the second side wall (30). The first side wall (28) has a width substantially less than the width of the second side wall (30) in order to contour to the palm of the user, and to define a gripping portion around which the user's fingers can curl. In one embodiment, the body (12) of the container (1) is substantially cylindrically-shaped comprising curved front, rear, and side walls (24, 26, 28, 30) (FIG. 2A).

The container (1) of the present invention is not limited to containers having the shape or configuration illustrated. In one embodiment, the body (12) of the container (1) may be substantially rectangular-shaped comprising curved front and rear walls (24, 26), and substantially planar side walls (28, 30) (FIG. 2B).

In one embodiment, the body (12) of the container comprises a relatively round wall (32) (FIG. 6). In one embodiment, the body (12) is substantially round (FIG. 7A). In one embodiment, the body (12) is substantially ovoid (FIG. 7B).

The finger-engaging element (18) comprises apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) adapted to receive the fingers of the user's hand therethrough to provide manual support for the container (1). Each aperture (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) engages an individual finger. In one embodiment, first, second, third and fourth apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) are provided to correspond with the index, middle, ring, and little fingers respectively, of the user's hand.

The apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) are sized to substantially conform to the size of the user's fingers. In one embodiment, the sizes of the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) may be roughly adapted from standard US and Canadian ring size charts for adult women and men. For women, the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) may range in size from about 6 to about 8 (i.e., corresponding to an inside diameter ranging from about 16.51 mm to about 18.14 mm, and an inside circumference ranging from about 51.9 mm to about 57 mm). For men, the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) may range in size from about 9 to 11 (i.e., corresponding to an inside diameter ranging from about 18.95 mm to about 20.57 mm, and an inside circumference ranging from about 59.5 mm to about 64.6 mm). For children, the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) may range in size from about 3 to about 5 (i.e., corresponding to an inside diameter ranging from about 14.07 mm to about 15.70 mm, and an inside circumference ranging from about 44.2 mm to about 49.3 mm). In one embodiment, the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) may be manufactured in a variety of sizes which can be indicated, for example, as extra-small, small, medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large. The user may thus try a selection of apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) having pre-determined sizes to choose the best fit before purchase. If desired, a more personalized fit can be achieved using the embodiment of the finger-engaging element (18) shown in FIG. 6 as further described below.

As visible in the Figures, the finger-engaging element (18) is integrally formed with the hollow body (12) of the container (1). This configuration allows the liquid to occupy the hollow portions of the container (1) which surround the finger apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d), thereby maximizing the liquid-holding capacity of the container (1).

In one embodiment, the finger-engaging element (18) comprises closed finger apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d). As shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, the finger-engaging element (18) comprises a plurality of closed finger apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) defined by the front and rear walls (24, 26) and extending through the body (12) of the container (1). The liquid may thus occupy the body (12) of the container (1), the cavity of the container (1) between the first side wall (28) and the finger apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d), and the cavities between each individual neighboring aperture (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d).

Finger sizes are prone to change with exercise, temperature, medication, weight changes, water-retention, pregnancy, menstrual cycle, time of day, work performed, and other factors. In one embodiment, the finger-engaging element (18) comprises open finger apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d). As shown in FIG. 6, the finger-engaging element (18) comprises a plurality of recessed apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) and curved ridges (36) for receiving and accommodating the user's fingers. As visible in particular from FIG. 8, the ridges (36) are flexible, thus capable of contracting or widening to accommodate any changes in finger size. Further, the ridges (36) act as grips to secure the fingers. The ridges (36) can extend the amount of time a user can employ the container (1) in relative comfort. In this configuration of container (1), the liquid may occupy the body (12) of the container (1), the cavities between each individual neighboring aperture (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d), and the cavities within the ridges (36).

A heel (38) curves upward from the base (10a, 10b) to the finger-engaging element (18). The heel (38) comprises the portion of the container (1) where the body (12) begins to curve into the base (10a, 10b), namely the transition zone between the horizontal plane of the base (10a, 10b) and the vertical plane of the body (12). In one embodiment, the heel (38) couples the base (10a) to the side wall (28) (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the heel (38) couples the base (10b) to the finger-engaging element (18) (FIG. 6).

The shoulder (14) extends inwardly between the point of change in vertical tangency of the body (12) and the neck (16). In one embodiment, the shoulder (14) comprises opposed side walls (40) which extend upwardly from the body (12) and are inclined relative to each other to merge with the neck (16) (FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3 and 4). In one embodiment, the shoulder (14) comprises a smooth circumferentially continuous surface which transitions into the neck (FIG. 6). As used herein, the term “smooth” indicates the absence of any demarcation between portions of the container (1).

The rim (42) comprises the extreme upper surface of the container (1), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The neck (16) comprises a constricted portion of the container (1) which projects upwardly above the shoulder (14) and below the rim (42). As used herein, the term “constricted” means that the size of the neck (16) is substantially less than the internal cross-sectional area of the shoulder (14). The neck (16) provides an opening (44) to the internal reservoir (22) of the container (1) to enable filling of the container (1) with fluid. The neck (16) supports a finish (46) which is configured to accept a closure (20). In one embodiment, the finish (46) comprises external threads for engaging mating internal threads of a closure (20). Finishes (46) having other closure engaging features and geometries can be used as are well known in the art. The neck (16) and closure (20) may be positioned substantially at the center (48) of the container (1) (i.e., the intersection of axes A and B as shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 7A and 7B), but any suitable position including offset from center is considered within the scope of the invention.

Any closure (20) which controls the flow of liquid from the body (12) of the container (1) may be suitable, and may include an opening for allowing liquid flow and a closing for preventing liquid flow. In one embodiment, the closure (20) is a pull-push closure or “sports cap” (FIGS. 5 and 8). The pull-push closure (20) is opened by pulling the top portion (50) upward to allow the fluid to flow from the container (1), and is closed by pushing the top portion (50) downward to seal the fluid in the container (1). Opening and closing of the pull-push closure (20) can be achieved by the user applying force by hand, teeth or lips. In one embodiment, the closure (20) is a bite valve. Bite valves can be used as are well known in the art, and are ideal as mouthpieces for personal hydration systems used in high performance activities. Bite valves provide fluid regulation through the action of the user biting the valve which is normally closed, but deforms under pressure to allow liquid flow. Various bite valves have been designed to include one or more slits, internal pistons, plungers, and similar elements (see for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,085,349 to Fawcett, issued Feb. 4, 1992; U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,207 to Paczonay, issued Feb. 11, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 7,267,245 to Yang, issued Sep. 11, 2007; and U.S. Pat. No. 7,334,707 to Hoskins, issued Feb. 26, 2008).

Various designs of closures (20) can be used with the container (1) including, but not limited to, snap or flip top caps, caps incorporating valves, pullout spouts, nipples for infants, and mouth-operable spouts for the elderly and infirmed. Closures (20) may also be provided with tamper evident features and dust-free caps. The closure (20) is formed from any durable, fluid impermeable materials appropriate for use with dispensing liquids for consumption including, but not limited to, plastics such as for example, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, and polypropylene. The closure (20) is removable to enable filling or emptying the container (1) with fluid.

The dimensions are not essential to the invention and are dictated by the size of the user's fingers. The dimensions of the container (1) may be increased or decreased as may be required to satisfy any particular design objectives; for example, the container (1) may be made available in a variety of dimensions to correspond with different hand sizes, such as, for example, children or adults, women or men. In one embodiment, the container (1) ranges from about two to about three inches in diameter, and about two to about three inches in height. In one embodiment, the container (1) has a volume ranging from about 125 ml to about 250 ml, preferably about 150 ml to about 225 ml, and most preferably about 175 ml to about 200 ml.

The container (1) is formed of a material such as metal, plastic, or other suitable material including, but not limited to, stainless steel, high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, and the like. Such materials are durable, lightweight, and are relatively inexpensive. In one embodiment, the container (1) is formed of polyethylene terephthalate. Polyethylene terephthalate is a clear, transparent plastic which allows the user to observe or inspect the amount of fluid within the container (1). In one embodiment, the container (1) comprises fluid level indicia corresponding to the volume of fluid contained therein, and displayed on any outer surface of the container (1) to provide the user with means to monitor or control the amount of liquid consumed.

The container (1) of the present invention may be reused or recycled. In one embodiment, the container (1) comprises a plurality of collapsible joints such as accordion elbows or pleats so as to enable one or more portions of the container (1) to be folded or crushed to facilitate recycling.

The container (1) may be formed by a blow molding process including, but not limited to, extrusion blow molding, injection blow molding, stretch blow molding, and other processes known in the art which create hollow items. Briefly, the material (for example, plastic) of which the container (1) is to be formed is melted and formed into a parison, namely a hollow tube having an opening at one end to allow entry of pressurized gas (for example, air). The parison is loaded onto a stand and encircled by two sides of a container-shaped mold. The pressurized gas is blown into the perform to expand and press it against the sides of the mold cavity to form the shape of the container (1). The pressure is held until the material cools. Once the material has hardened, the two halves of the mold are separated, and the finished container (1) is released. Blow molding is a relatively simple and rapid process for producing the container (1).

As shown in the Figures, the container (1) is molded as a single, integral unit combining the base (10a, 10b), the body (12), the shoulder (14), the neck (16), and the finger-engaging element (18). The closure (20) is manufactured separately as a component which is removably attachable to the container (1).

The container (1) may also be insulated to maintain the liquid at a specified temperature and to minimize the thermal exchange effects between the user's hand and the container (1). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, insulated containers generally comprise a double wall construction to provide an insulating thermal layer, and having foam or a vacuum present between the walls.

FIGS. 5 and 8 show embodiments of the container (1) in use. The closure (20) is removed from the neck (16) of the container (1) which is then filled with a desired volume of liquid. Depending upon the volume of the liquid, the reservoir (22), including the cavities defined by the finger-engaging element (18), may be filled partially or fully as desired. The closure (20) is secured onto the neck to seal the container (1). The user passes her fingers through the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d) of the finger-engaging element (18), with the index finger being inserted into the first aperture (34a) proximate to the closure (20), the middle finger in the second aperture (34b), the ring finger in the third aperture (34c), and the little finger in the fourth aperture (34d) distal to the closure (20) to provide manual support for the container (1). The closure (20) is positioned accessible to the user. The first side wall (28) of the container (1) rests transversely within the palmar digital flexion crease of the hand. Although FIGS. 5 and 8 show the container (1) worn by a right-handed user, it is within the scope of the present invention that the container (1) may be used by a left-handed user with equal ease.

The container (1) is supported by the fingers, the knuckles and the back of the user's hand. This positioning does not interfere with body motions and does not restrict the usefulness or movement of other areas of the hand. The user's thumb and fingers can relax on the other side of the container (1), or may manipulate other articles (for example, a baby, stroller handle, cell phone, music player) without the inconvenience of the user needing to maintain a constant grip on the container (1). The user can easily consume the liquid by opening or closing the closure (20) to dispense the liquid using the hand, teeth, or lips. The container (1) cannot be easily displaced or dislodged except by purposeful removal by the user. The user may grasp the container (1) and exert sufficient force to remove her fingers from the apertures (34a, 34b, 34c, 34d).

The container (1) of the present invention may be used in a variety of situations and in various ways. Typically, the container (1) may be used to provide liquid for consumption during various activities including, but not limited to, walking, hiking, running, camping, boating, bike riding, skating, touring, and shopping. The container (1) conveniently may be used without stopping the activity. The container (1) also functions as a hand weight for exercising the hands, arms and shoulders, with the weight of the container (1) being reduced as the fluid is consumed. Further, the user may choose to use either a single container (1) or a pair of containers (1). A pair of containers (1) may be used to supply extra replenishment during intense activities such as, for example, marathon running. If intended for use as hand weights, the containers (1) may be filled with equal amounts of liquid to facilitate development of a symmetrical upper body physique. Further, the container (1) may serve as a personal hand-held protection device which resembles and functions similarly to “brass knuckles” in attacking an assailant or blocking attacks by the assailant. Use of the container (1) is not limited to only active individuals. The container (1) may be useful for elderly or infirmed individuals requiring a liquid diet or flowable medicine.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications, adaptations and variations of the foregoing specific disclosure can be made without departing from the scope of the invention claimed herein.

Claims

1. A portable hand-held liquid container comprising:

a) a base, a body, a shoulder, a neck and a finger-engaging element which are configured as one piece to together define a unitary hollow reservoir for receiving liquid, and which are in fluid communication with each other to maximize the volume of the reservoir; and

b) a closure removably attachable to seal the container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the body comprises one or more walls which project upwardly from the base and define the reservoir and the finger-engaging element.

3. The container of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall, the front and rear walls merging at their edges with the side walls, and the first side wall having a width substantially less than the width of the second side wall.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the body is substantially cylindrically-shaped comprising curved front, rear, and side walls.

5. The container of claim 3, wherein the body is substantially rectangular-shaped comprising curved front and rear walls and relatively planar side walls.

6. The container of claim 3, wherein the shoulder comprises opposed side walls extending upwardly from the body, and being inclined relative to each other to merge with the neck.

7. The container of claim 3, wherein the base is substantially horizontal.

8. The container of claim 3, wherein a heel couples the base to the side wall.

9. The container of claim 3, wherein the finger-engaging element comprises closed apertures adapted to receive fingers of a hand therethrough, the finger-engaging element being defined by the front and rear walls and extending through the body, such that cavities are defined between the first side wall and the apertures, and between each individual aperture.

10. The container of claim 2, wherein the body comprises a substantially round wall.

11. The container of claim 10, wherein the body is substantially round.

12. The container of claim 10, wherein the body is substantially ovoid.

13. The container of claim 10, wherein the finger-engaging element comprises a plurality of open apertures adapted to receive fingers of a hand therethrough, such that cavities are defined between each neighboring aperture.

14. The container of claim 10, wherein the base is substantially curved or tapered.

15. The container of claim 10, wherein a heel couples the base to the finger-engaging element.

16. The container of claim 10, wherein the shoulder comprises a smooth circumferentially continuous surface which transitions into the neck.

17. The container of claim 1, wherein the neck provides an opening to the body and supports a finish configured to accept the closure.

18. The container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of collapsible joints.