Drinks bottle

Abstract

There is provided a drinks bottle comprising an outer bottle defining a first chamber; receivable wholly or partly within said outer bottle, an inner bottle defining a second chamber; and receivable by said outer bottle, a lid defining a first dispensing outlet and a second dispensing outlet, wherein in a lidded configuration said first dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said first chamber and said second dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said second chamber.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a drinks bottle providing distinct chambers for separately containing and dispensing plural liquid contents. In embodiments, the drinks bottle may be configured as an infant drinks bottle or as a sports drinks bottle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Drinks bottles are well known in the art including those arranged for use in dynamic situations. Specific examples include drinks bottles that are arranged to be suitable for use by infants (e.g. toddlers) as they move around the home or outdoors. Other specific examples include sports drinks bottles that are arranged to be suitable for use by sportsmen and women in the context of training or sporting events. Typically, such drinks bottles comprise a bottle-shaped container defining a chamber, to which is provided a reversibly removable lid having a dispensing outlet (e.g. a spout). Charging of the bottle with liquid contents is achieved by removing the lid and pouring liquid into the chamber. The lid is then replaced and in use, dispensing of liquid to the user is via the dispensing outlet.

It can be desirable for such drinks bottles to comprise two or more separate chambers, thereby enabling the separate storage of different liquid contents. Thus, in the context of infant drinks bottles a first chamber might contain water whilst a second chamber might contain a fruit juice or squash. The infant may then choose between drinks. Similarly, in the context of sports drinks bottles a first chamber might contain water whilst a second chamber might contain a refreshing (e.g. high energy or isotonic) drink. The sportsman women may then choose between different drinks at different points in the sports, training or exercise cycle. Applicant has appreciated that from a space efficiency standpoint, it is advantageous that one chamber be arranged to be accommodated inside the other chamber, but that the utility is provided to allow for separate dispensing from each chamber. A further advantage of such a ‘chamber-within-a-chamber’ arrangement is that the contents of the inner chamber may be frozen such as to act as a ‘frozen core’ to chill the contents of the outer chamber. During use, the contents of the inner chamber will defrost over time such that these may also later be drunk as a second chilled drink.

Applicant has further appreciated that such a ‘chamber-within-a-chamber’ arrangement requires careful configuration in order to effectively allow for separate dispensing from the outer and inner chambers and to ensure for a stable arrangement of features during travel or active usage thereof.

United States patent publication no. US2008/1000866 describes a dual cavity sports bottle in which separate drinks chambers are arranged to mate together in a spirally intertwined configuration. Such an arrangement is inevitably difficult to manufacture.

United States patent publication no. US2010/1116769 describes a dual chamber bottle, in which separate drinks chambers are arranged in a side-by-side configuration.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a drinks bottle providing different chambers for containing and dispensing separate liquid contents that has enhanced utility for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a drinks bottle comprising

an outer bottle defining a first chamber;

receivable wholly or partly within said outer bottle, an inner bottle defining a second chamber; and

receivable by said outer bottle, a lid defining a first dispensing outlet and a second dispensing outlet, wherein in a lidded configuration said first dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said first chamber and said second dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said second chamber.

There is provided a drinks bottle, which includes outer and inner bottles, which respectively define first and second chambers for separate containment of liquid contents. In preferred embodiments, the drinks bottle comprises only two chambers (i.e. is dual-chambered), but alternatives are also envisaged in which more than two chambers are provided.

The outer bottle defines a first chamber. The outer bottle may comprise any suitable bottle shaped container. In embodiments, the outer bottle has a base from which upwardly extends side walling, which side walling defines at an end distal from the base a mouth of said outer bottle. A distinct neck may be defined at the distal end such that the mouth is defined at the neck. In embodiments, the side walling comprises a circular or ovular side wall, which may in embodiments taper away from the base and the outer bottle mouth is correspondingly circular or ovular. In embodiments, a defined outer bottle rim may be defined at the mouth of the outer bottle. In embodiments, the outer bottle shape is defined around (e.g. is symmetric around) a central outer bottle axis.

The inner bottle defines a second chamber. The inner bottle is arranged for receipt wholly or partly within the outer bottle. The inner bottle may also comprise any suitable bottle shaped container. In embodiments, the inner bottle has a base from which upwardly extends side walling, which side walling defines at an end distal from the base a mouth of said inner bottle. A distinct neck may be defined at the distal end such that the mouth is defined at the neck. In embodiments, the side walling comprises a circular or ovular side wall, which may in embodiments taper away from the base and the inner bottle mouth is correspondingly circular or ovular. In embodiments, a defined inner bottle rim may be defined at the mouth of the inner bottle. In embodiments, the inner bottle shape is defined around (e.g. is symmetric around) a central inner bottle axis. In embodiments, the central inner bottle axis corresponds to (i.e. is co-axial with) the central outer bottle axis.

In embodiments, the shape profile defined by the outer and inner bottles is generally arranged to correspond. That is to say, in embodiments the shape profile of the inner bottle generally corresponds to or mirrors that of the outer bottle.

In embodiments, the outer and/or inner bottles are provided with features that allow for particular stable orientation of the inner bottle relative to the outer bottle. In embodiments, the inner and/or outer bottle are provided with one or more spacer features arranged for particular spaced orientation of the inner bottle relative to the outer bottle. In embodiments, the inner and/or outer bottle are provided with one or more engagement features arranged for particular engagement of the inner bottle relative to the outer bottle. Such spacer and/or engagement features are of utility in ensuring a stable arrangement during travel and/or active use of the drinks bottle.

In embodiments, the spacer and/or engagement features are arranged for retaining (e.g. holding) the inner bottle in coaxial fashion (i.e. with central inner and outer bottle central axes corresponding) with the outer bottle.

In embodiments, the inner bottle is provided with a spacer ring arranged for interaction with the side wall (e.g. adjacent to the rim thereof) of the outer bottle. In embodiments, the spacer ring is arranged to allow for flow of fluid there through and thus, may be provided with one or more flow apertures or holes therein.

In embodiments, the inner base of the outer bottle is provided (e.g. at a central point thereof) with a first engagement feature arranged for engagement with a second engagement feature provided at the outer base of the inner bottle. Any suitable mutually engageable features are suitable including tongue/groove; protuberance/cavity and screw-thread engagement type arrangements.

The lid is arranged for receipt by the outer bottle. In embodiments, the lid is arranged to interact in a reversibly sealable manner (e.g. snap-fit or screw-fit) with the outer bottle to seal off the mouth thereof. In embodiments, the lid is provided with engagement features for reversibly engaging with corresponding engagement features provided to the outer bottle. In embodiments, the exterior of the side walling of the outer bottle is provided with a screw-thread for screw-threaded sealing engagement with a corresponding screw-thread on the lid.

The lid defines a first dispensing outlet and a second dispensing outlet. Each dispensing outlet may be in the form of a spout or other suitable form, which allows for dispensing to the lips and mouth of a user. Each dispensing outlet (e.g. at a spout thereof) is suitably provided with a valve means arranged such that liquid may only be dispensed through the outlet when the valve is opened. Any suitable valves may be employed including pop-up, push-up, slide and slit valves.

When the lid is in place (i.e. in a lidded configuration) the first dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only (i.e. exclusively) with the first chamber and the second dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only (i.e. exclusively) with the second chamber. The lid is configured to achieve this functional requirement.

In embodiments, the lid is configured such as to mate with the (e.g. rim defining the) mouth of the inner bottle to thereby allow for exclusive communication of fluid from the second chamber of the inner bottle to the second dispensing outlet. Thus, one or more mating features may be defined at the lid such as grooves or indents for receipt of the rim defining the mouth of the second chamber of the inner bottle or of a seal element as described below. In embodiments, the lid defines one or more guide features such as a skirt for guiding fluid from the mouth of the second chamber of the inner bottle to the second dispensing outlet.

In embodiments, the lid is configured such as to mate in sealing fashion with the (e.g. rim defining the) mouth of the inner bottle to thereby allow for exclusive communication of fluid from the second chamber of the inner bottle to the second dispensing outlet. In embodiments, a seal element is provided at the interface between the lid and the (e.g. mouth of the) inner bottle to provide a sealing relationship there between. In embodiments, the seal element is in the form of a washer or sealing ring such as one formed of rubber or a rubbery polymer material. In embodiments, one or more mating features are defined at the seal element such as grooves or indents for receipt of the rim defining the mouth of the second chamber of the inner bottle or for mating relationship with mating features defined at the lid.

The lid may be provided with one or more vent holes. In embodiments, a first vent hole is provided to allow for venting of the outer bottle chamber. In embodiments, a second vent hole is provided to allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber. In embodiments, any vent hole is provided with a valve such as a one-way valve arranged to allow for venting from the relevant chamber in response to applied pressure. In embodiments, the one-way valve is responsive to sucking action of the user (e.g. a slit valve or duck bill valve) at the relevant dispensing outlet.

In embodiments, where a second vent hole is provided to allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber and a seal element is provided at the interface between the lid and the mouth of the inner bottle to provide a sealing relationship there between the seal element may be adapted to allow for sealing of the second vent hole. In embodiments, the seal element is further provided with a valve such as a one-way valve arranged to allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber via the second vent hole in response to applied pressure. In embodiments, the one-way valve is responsive to sucking action of the user (e.g. a slit valve or duck bill valve) at the second dispensing outlet.

In embodiments, the outer bottle is provided with one or more handles extending from a lower portion of the outer bottle to an upper portion thereof. In embodiments, the one or more handles extend from the base of the outer bottle up and around to the mouth thereof.

The drinks bottle herein may be formed of any suitable materials including plastic materials formed by a suitable moulding operation such as blow moulding.

It will be appreciated that any of the elements of the drinks bottle herein may be manufactured and supplied separately and /or supplied as a pre-assembly or a kit of parts. The present invention encompasses all of these separate component parts and any assemblies thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described further with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a drinks bottle herein;

FIG. 2a shows a side view of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b shows a sectional view of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1 wherein the section is taken along line A-A of FIG. 2a;

FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows the inner bottle part of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1 now provided with a plug for use in freezer storage of the inner bottle;

FIG. 5 shows an underside view of an assembly of the lid and sealing ring of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows an underside view of the lid of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows an underside view of an assembly of an alternative lid with vent hole and sealing ring with slit valve for vent hole for use with a variant of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 8 shows an underside view of an alternative lid with vent hole for use with a variant of the drinks bottle of FIG. 1.

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 3 show different views of a drinks bottle 1 herein, comprising an outer bottle 10 defining a first chamber 12 and receivable within said outer bottle 10, an inner bottle 20 defining a second chamber 22. The drinks bottle 1 is provided with a lid 30 that defines inner screw-thread 32 arranged for screw-threaded engagement with outer screw-thread 13 (see FIG. 2b) provided about the upper neck 14 of the outer bottle 10, which also has open mouth 16 surrounded by rim 15. The inner bottle also defines neck 24 and open mouth 25 defined by rim 23.

It may be noted that the shape of the outer bottle 10 is defined around a central outer bottle axis, which corresponds essentially to line A-A of FIG. 2a. Correspondingly, the shape of the inner bottle 20 is also defined around that same axis. That is to say, the central inner bottle axis is co-axial with the central outer bottle axis. It will also be noted that at least the lower shape profile defined by the outer bottle 10 and inner bottle 20 generally corresponds at least in the lower regions thereof.

The outer bottle 10 and inner bottle 20 are both provided with features that allow for co-axial orientation of the inner bottle 20 relative to the outer bottle 10. Thus, the inner bottle 20 is provided with a spacer ring 26 having flow holes 27 therein arranged for spacing interaction with the inner wall of the upper neck 14 of the outer bottle 10 (see FIG. 2b). As shown at FIG. 2b, the inner base of the outer bottle 10 is provided at a central point thereof with a protuberant engagement feature 18 arranged for engagement with a cavity engagement feature 28 provided at the outer base of the inner bottle 20. Overall, the action of both the spacer ring 26/upper neck of inner bottle 14 and engagement feature 18, 28 interactions is to retain the inner bottle 20 in place along the central axis (line A-A) of the outer bottle 10.

The lid 30 is arranged for sealing receipt by the outer bottle 10. The lid 30 defines a first dispensing outlet 40 and a second dispensing outlet 45. Each dispensing outlet 40, 45 defines a spout-like 42, 47 form, which allows for dispensing of fluid contents to the mouth of a user. Each dispensing outlet 40, 45 is also provided with a push-up cap 44, 49 such that in combination a push-up valve 42, 44; 47, 49 is defined at each dispensing outlet 40; 45 arranged such that liquid may only be dispensed through the outlet when the valve is opened in response to pushing up of the relevant cap 44, 49. Such push-up valves 42, 44; 47; 49 are well known for use with sports drinks bottles and other suitable examples of such valve types are described at United States patent publication no. US2008/000866.

In a lidded configuration (see FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b) the first dispensing outlet 40 is in fluid communication exclusively with the first chamber 12 of the outer bottle 10 and the second dispensing outlet 45 is in fluid communication exclusively with the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20. The lid 30 is suitably configured to achieve this functional requirement of the drinks bottle 1.

The lid 30 engages in screw-thread fashion with the outer bottle 10. As described below, the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle mates with the lid 30 such that fluid may exit that second chamber 22 only through the second dispensing outlet 45. In effect, the fluid contents of the inner 20 and outer 10 bottles are isolated from each other. Fluid flow from the first chamber 12 of the outer bottle 10 is thus, exclusively through the first dispensing outlet 40 under the control of push-up valve 42, 44.

In more detail, the lid 30 is configured such as to mate via sealing ring 50 with the rim 23 that defines the mouth 25 of the inner bottle 20 to thereby allow for exclusive communication of fluid from second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20 to the second dispensing outlet 45. FIG. 5 shows an assembly of the lid 30 and sealing ring 50 and FIG. 6 shows details of the underside of the lid 30. Thus, in more detail, upper circumferential skirt 52 (see FIGS. 2b and 3) of the sealing ring 50 is arranged for receipt by circular groove 34 of the inner part of lid 30 to form the assembly as shown at FIG. 6 (see also FIG. 2b). In the assembled drinks bottle 1 (see FIG. 2b) rim 23 of the inner bottle 20 seats in sealing fashion up against sealing ring 50, which is itself received in mating fashion by lid 30 by virtue of the interaction between skirt 52 and groove 34. Fluid flow from the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20 is thus, exclusively through the second dispensing outlet 45 under the control of push-up valve 47, 49.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show a second embodiment of a lid 130 and sealing ring 150 that may be used with the drinks bottle 1 of FIGS. 1 to 3. This variant of the lid 130 and sealing ring 150 differs from the lid of FIGS. 5 and 6 only in that it is configured to allow for venting of the inner bottle 20.

In more detail, lid 130 with second dispensing outlet 145 is thus provided with a vent hole 138, which is configured in use, allow for venting of the chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20. The sealing ring 150 is accordingly modified to include a ‘half moon’ side sealing element 154, which in the lid/sealing ring assembly locates above the vent hole 138 (see FIG. 7). The sealing ring 150 includes upper circumferential skirt (not visible, but identical to skirt 52) and ‘half-moon’ side sealing element 154 is also provided with a ‘half-moon’ shaped skirt (not visible) arranged for receipt by half-moon groove 135 on lid 130. Thus, the skirts of sealing ring 150 and its side sealing element 154 interact with corresponding grooves 134, 135 of the lid in similar fashion to the groove 34/skirt 52 interaction of lid 30, thereby securing the sealing ring 150 and side element 154 to the lid 130. The side sealing element 154 is provided with a slit valve 156 that operates as a one-way valve for vent hole 138 such as to allow for venting from the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20 in response to applied pressure. In use, this one-way slit valve 156 is arranged to be responsive to sucking action of the user at the second dispensing outlet 145, thereby enhancing ease of liquid dispensing from the second dispensing outlet 145.

FIG. 4 shows the inner bottle 20 provided with a plug 60 for plugging off of the mouth 25 by interaction with the rim 23 thereof. This plug 60 does not form part of the drinks bottle but may be provided as an additional feature to accommodate a possible use scenario involving ‘frozen’ inner bottle 20 contents.

Thus, in one possible use scenario the inner bottle 20 is taken and charged with liquid contents. In an optional step, the plug 60 is then inserted and the plugged inner bottle 20 is placed in a freezer until frozen. The inner bottle 20 is then placed inside the outer bottle making sure that the spacer ring 26 correct locates against the upper neck of inner bottle 14 and the protuberant engagement feature 18 at the inner base of the outer bottle 10 engages with the cavity engagement feature 28 at the outer base of the inner bottle 20. The outer bottle 10 is then charged with a second fluid and the lid 30; 130 with sealing ring 50; 150 attached (as in FIG. 5 or 7) screwed onto the top of the outer bottle to give the use configuration of FIGS. 1, 2a and 2b.

The user may selectively access the liquid contents of the first 12 and second 22 chambers by means of the first 40 and second 45 dispensing outlets respectively. If the frozen contents option has been selected, the frozen core acts to chill the contents of the first chamber 12 of the outer bottle 10. Over time the frozen core will defrost, thereby eventually providing a further liquid drink in the second chamber 22 of the inner bottle 20.

The application of which this description and claims form part may be used as a basis for priority in respect of any subsequent application. The claims of such subsequent application may be directed to any feature or combination of features described therein. They may take the form of product, method or use claims and may include, by way of example and without limitation, one or more of the following claims:

Claims

1. A drinks bottle comprising

an outer bottle defining a first chamber;

receivable wholly or partly within said outer bottle, an inner bottle defining a second chamber; and

receivable by said outer bottle, a lid defining a first dispensing outlet and a second dispensing outlet, wherein in a lidded configuration said first dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said first chamber and said second dispensing outlet is in fluid communication only with said second chamber.

2. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the inner bottle is receivable to be co-axial with the outer bottle.

3. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the outer and/or the inner bottle are provided with one or more spacer features arranged for spacing of the inner bottle relative to the outer bottle.

4. A drinks bottle according to claim 3, wherein said one or more spacer features are arranged for spacing the inner bottle in coaxial fashion with the outer bottle.

5. A drinks bottle according to claim 3, wherein the inner bottle is provided with a spacer ring arranged for spacing interaction with a side wall of the outer bottle.

6. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the outer and/or inner bottle are provided with one or more engagement features arranged for engaging of the inner bottle relative to the outer bottle.

7. A drinks bottle according to claim 6, wherein said one or more engagement features are arranged for engaging the inner bottle in coaxial fashion with the outer bottle.

8. A drinks bottle according to claim 6, wherein an inner base of the outer bottle is provided with a first engagement feature arranged for engagement with a second engagement feature provided at the outer base of the inner bottle.

9. A drinks bottle according to claim 8, wherein said first engagement feature is a cavity locating centrally at said inner base of the outer bottle and said second engagement feature is a protuberance locating centrally at said outer base of the inner bottle.

10. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid is arranged for screw-engagement with the outer bottle.

11. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein either of the first dispensing outlet or the second dispensing outlet is provided with a valve.

12. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid defines one or more mating features for mating relationship with the inner bottle.

13. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid defines one or more guide features for guiding fluid from the second chamber to the second dispensing outlet.

14. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein a seal element is provided at the interface between the lid and the inner bottle to provide a sealing relationship there between.

15. A drinks bottle according to claim 14, wherein said seal element is in the form of a washer or sealing ring.

16. A drinks bottle according to claim 14, wherein one or more mating features are defined at the seal element for mating relationship with the lid and/or the inner bottle.

17. A drinks bottle according to claim 1, wherein the lid is provided with a first vent hole to allow for venting of the outer bottle chamber and/or a second vent hole to allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber.

18. A drinks bottle according to claim 17, wherein either said first or said second vent hole is provided with a one-way valve arranged only to allow for venting from the relevant chamber in response to applied pressure.

19. A drinks bottle according to claim 17, wherein the second vent hole is present and a seal element is provided at the interface between the lid and the inner bottle to provide a sealing relationship there between and wherein said seal element is adapted to allow for reversible sealing of the second vent hole.

20. A drinks bottle according to claim 19, wherein the seal element is further provided with a one-way valve arranged only to allow for venting of the inner bottle chamber via the second vent hole in response to applied pressure.

21. A drinks bottle according to claim 20, wherein said one-way valve is a slit valve or duck bill valve.