WATER BOTTLE HAVING A LINER

The disclosure includes a liquid storage container comprising a shell having an inner portion and a liner that extends into the inner portion of the shell. In some embodiments, the shell extends into an inner portion of the liner. Accordingly, either the shell or the liner can each be arranged and configured to retain liquid. Furthermore, the liner and/or shell can be arranged and configured to be detached from each other to thereby allow a user to more easily and effectively clean the various surfaces of the liquid storage container.

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Description
BACKGROUND Field

The present invention relates generally to bottles, and more particularly to bottles that are easy to wash.

Description of Related Art

People use bottles to store liquids, such as water, juice, and coffee. Unfortunately, bottles can be difficult to clean and can accumulate residue and contaminants, such as mold, fungi, and bacteria, on the various surfaces over time. Thus, there is a need for a bottle that is easy to clean.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure includes a liquid storage container (also referred to as a “bottle”) that includes a shell having an open end for receiving liquid within an inner portion of the shell, a closed end located opposite the open end, and a sidewall that extends between the open end and the closed end. The liquid storage container can also include a liner that extends into the inner portion of the shell. The liner can thereby be arranged and configured to retain liquid. As well, the liquid storage container can include a lid removably attached to the open end of the shell. The lid can be arranged and configured to prevent liquid from spilling from the inner portion.

In some embodiments, the liner is arranged and configured to retain at least one of a frozen liquid and a boiling liquid. In some embodiments, the shell and lid are rigid, and the liner is flexible. The shell, liner, and lid can be constructed of silicone.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the liner is arranged and configured to be detached from the inner portion of the shell. In this regard, the liner and other surfaces of the liquid storage container may be cleaned more easily and effectively.

Even still, in some embodiments, the liquid storage container may include an O-ring disposed between the lid and the open end of the shell. The lid can be threadably attached to the open end of the shell and the O-ring can substantially seal the liquid storage container so that the contents don't spill from the inner portion of the shell and liner.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage container includes a plurality of holes that extend through the sidewall of the shell. The holes can be sized and shaped to allow liquid to evaporate from between the shell and liner. The plurality of holes can be arranged in at least one of a checkerboard pattern and a random pattern. At least two holes of the plurality of holes can define different shapes from each other.

In several embodiments, the liquid storage container further comprises a strap that couples the lid to the shell such that when the lid is removed from the open end of the shell the lid is still coupled to the shell. In some embodiments, the liquid storage container further includes a latch that securely couples the lid to the shell, and a button configured to release the latch from the lid so that the lid is able to pivot, via the strap, with respect to the shell.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the liquid storage container further comprises at least one hole that extends through the closed end of the shell. The at least one hole can be arranged and configured to receive at least one human finger to push up on the liner to thereby move the liner with respect to the shell.

Even still, in some embodiments, when the lid is attached to the open end of the shell the lid is arranged and configured to move between a normal position and a vacuum position. When the lid is in the normal position the lid and liner are not under vacuum, and when the lid is in the vacuum position the lid and liner are under vacuum. When the lid is in the normal position a center portion of the lid is located closer to the closed end than a center portion of the lid in the vacuum position.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage container includes a handle attached to the sidewall. The handle can be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a human hand.

The disclosure also includes a liquid storage container including a rigid shell having a first open end, a second open end located opposite the first open end, and a sidewall that extends between the first open end and the second open end. The liquid storage container can also include a lid removably coupled to the first open end of the rigid shell. When the lid is coupled to the shell the lid prevents liquid from spilling. The liquid storage container can include a liner having an open end and a closed end located opposite the open end. The liner can be arranged and configured to slideably receive the rigid shell through the open end.

In some embodiments, the liner is arranged and configured to retain liquid along the closed end. As well, in some embodiments, the liner comprises a ring that extends from the top end. The ring can be arranged and configured to receive the lid and thereby securely couple the lid to the liquid storage container.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, the lid is threadably coupled to the first open end of the shell, and when the lid is threadably decoupled from the shell, the lid is still coupled to the liquid storage container via the ring.

Even still, in some embodiments, the liquid storage container further comprises a bottom cap that slideably couples to the second open end of the rigid shell. Accordingly, when the bottom cap is slideably coupled to the second open end, the bottom cap is arranged and configured to retain liquid.

In several embodiments, the liquid storage container further includes a first locking mechanism disposed along the sidewall of the shell, and a second locking mechanism disposed along a side portion of the liner. The second locking mechanism can be arranged and configured to lockably receive the first locking mechanism to securely couple the shell to the liner. In some embodiments, the liner comprises a locking channel that slideably receives the first locking mechanism and allows the first locking mechanism to slide into a locked position with respect to the second locking mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, the invention. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout similar embodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a liquid storage container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the liquid storage container from FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the liquid storage container from FIG. 1 with a liner detached from a shell of the liquid storage container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up view of the dashed circle as shown in FIG. 2, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates another liquid storage container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates the liquid storage container from FIG. 5 with a lid in an open position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of the dashed circle as shown in FIG. 5, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom-up view of the liquid storage container from FIG. 1, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates another liquid storage container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top-down view of the liquid storage container from FIG. 9, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 illustrates another liquid storage container, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates the liquid storage container from FIG. 11 with a lid in an open position, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a liquid storage container without a liner and bottom cap, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates another liner including a ring, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates another liner with an optional wider base, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 16 illustrates a shell having an optional bottom cap, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 17 illustrates a cutaway view of a lid and a shell, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cutaway view of a liner, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 19 illustrates a cutaway view of the shell from FIG. 17 coupled to the liner from FIG. 18, according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although certain embodiments and examples are disclosed below, inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses, and to modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, the scope of the claims appended hereto is not limited by any of the particular embodiments described below. For example, in any method or process disclosed herein, the acts or operations of the method or process may be performed in any suitable sequence and are not necessarily limited to any particular disclosed sequence. Various operations may be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that may be helpful in understanding certain embodiments; however, the order of description should not be construed to imply that these operations are order dependent. Additionally, the structures, systems, and/or devices described herein may be embodied as integrated components or as separate components.

For purposes of comparing various embodiments, certain aspects and advantages of these embodiments are described. Not necessarily all such aspects or advantages are achieved by any particular embodiment. Thus, for example, various embodiments may be carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other aspects or advantages as may also be taught or suggested herein.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

  • 10—Liquid storage container
  • 12—Shell
  • 14—Open end
  • 16—Inner portion
  • 18—Closed end
  • 20—Sidewall
  • 22—Liner
  • 24—Lid
  • 26—O-ring
  • 28—Threads
  • 30—Strap
  • 32—Strap
  • 34—Latch
  • 36—Plurality of holes
  • 38—At least one hole
  • 40a—Normal position
  • 40b—Vacuum position
  • 42—Center portion of lid
  • 44—Handle
  • 46—First open end (shell)
  • 48—Second open end (shell)
  • 50—Open end (liner)
  • 52—Closed end (liner)
  • 53—Optional wide base
  • 54—Bottom cap
  • 56—Ring
  • 58—First locking mechanism
  • 60—Second locking mechanism
  • 62—Locking channel

INTRODUCTION

The human body depends on water to survive. Every cell, tissue, and organ in your body needs water to function properly. For example, your body uses water to maintain its temperature, remove waste, and lubricate joints—water is essential for good health. As such, people often carry bottles filled with water and other fluids in order to stay properly hydrated and nourished.

In addition, people often use bottles for various other purposes, like carrying foods, such as soup, casserole, chili, and the like. However, one of the problems with conventional bottles is that they can easily accumulate residue and contaminants and can be difficult to clean. Accordingly, the present disclosure describes a bottle or liquid storage container capable of carrying any type of fluid or food, while also being easy to clean.

Liquid Storage Container Embodiments

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a liquid storage container 10a that includes a shell 12a having an open end 14a (as shown in FIG. 2) for receiving liquid within an inner portion 16a and a closed end 18a (bottom of bottle) located opposite the open end 12a. The shell 12a also includes a sidewall 20a that extends between the open-end 14a and the closed end 18a. In some embodiments, the shell 12a is constructed of rigid material, such as plastic, metal, wood, resin, hard silicone, and any rigid natural material. However, in some embodiments, the shell 12a is constructed of flexible material, such as silicone.

The liquid storage container 10a can also include a liner 22a that extends into the inner portion 16a of the shell 12a. The liner 22a can be arranged and configured to retain liquid and food of any type. In order to more easily clean the liner 22a and the other surfaces of the liquid storage container 10a, the liner 22a can be completely detached from the shell 12a whereby the liner 22a is removed from the shell 12a, as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, the liner 22a can be pulled out and away so that the liner 22a extends away from the inner portion 16a of the shell 12a. Stated differently, the liner 22a may be turned inside out and pulled out of the shell 12. In doing so, the user can gain access to almost any surface of the liquid storage container 10a, if not every surface, so that such surfaces may be easily and thoroughly cleaned. In some embodiments, the liner 22a is arranged and configured to be completely removed (i.e. decoupled) from the shell 12a. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the liner 22a is constructed of flexible material, such as silicone, and able to be easily removed from the shell 12a. In some embodiments, the liner 22a is constructed of any rigid material mentioned in this disclosure.

The liquid storage container 10a may also include a lid 24a that can be removably coupled to the open-end 14a of the shell 12a. The lid 24a can be arranged and configured to securely attach to the shell 12a. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the lid 24a and the shell 12a can include features such as first threads 28a (located on the lid 24a) and second threads 28b (located on the shell 12a) to securely couple the lid 24a and the shell 12a together. In this regard, the lid 24a can be threadably coupled to the shell 12a. It should be appreciated that the lid 24a can be arranged and configured to prevent the contents of the liquid storage container 10a, such as liquid and/or food, from spilling or leaking from the liquid storage container 10a. In many embodiments, the lid 24a is constructed of any rigid material mentioned in this disclosure.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage container 10a can be configured to retain and/or carry any type of liquid and/or food. (It should be appreciated that liquid and food can be referred to as “content” or “contents.”) Accordingly, the components of the liquid storage container 10a, such as the shell 12a and the liner 22a, can be arranged and configured to retain at least one of a frozen content (down to −50° F.) and a boiling content (up to 500° F.).

Furthermore, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, some embodiments of the liquid storage container include features to help substantially seal the liquid storage container 10a so that the contents (e.g. water, juice, milk, and the like) do not leak out or spill. For example, the liquid storage container 10a can include an O-ring 26a disposed between the lid 24a and the open-end 14a of the shell 12a. In this regard, when the lid 24a is threadably attached to the open-end 14a of the shell 12a, the compressive force between the lid 24a and the shell 12a can press down onto the O-ring 26a to thereby seal the inner portion 16a of the shell 12a and thus prevent contents from spilling.

Now with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5, embodiments of the liquid storage container 10a, 10b can include a plurality of holes 36a, 36b that extend through the sidewall 20a, 20b of the shell 12a, 12b. The holes 36a, 36b can be sized and shaped to allow liquid to evaporate from between the shell 12a, 12b and liner 22a, 22b. The plurality of holes 36a, 36b can be arranged in a variety of patterns, sizes, shapes, number of holes, and the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of holes 36a, 36b can be arranged in a checkerboard pattern. As shown in FIG. 5, the plurality of holes 36a, 36b can even be arranged in a random pattern. In the random pattern, at least two holes of the plurality of holes 36a, 36b can define different shapes from each other and the holes can be randomly placed and sized with respect to each other.

As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the liquid storage container 10b can also include features that securely couple the lid 24b to the shell 12b. For example, in some embodiments the container 10b includes a strap 32 that couples the lid 24b to the shell 12b such that when the lid 24b is removed from the open end 14b of the shell 12b the lid 24b is still coupled to the shell 12b, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

With additional reference to FIG. 7, to further assist in securely coupling the lid 24b to the shell 12b, the liquid storage container 10b can include a latch assembly 33 that securely couples the lid 24b to the shell 12b. The latch assembly 33 can include latches located on both the lid 24b and the shell 12b that mechanically interfere with each other to thereby retain a secure couple between the lid 24b and the shell 12b. The container 10b can also include a button 34 configured to release the latch 33 from the lid 24b. In some embodiments, the button 34 can be coupled to the portion of the latch assembly 33 located on the shell 12b such that when the button 34 is pressed inward towards the inner portion 16 of the container 10b the latch 33 on the shell 12b slides away with respect to the latch 33 on the lid 24. In this manner, the portion of the latch 33 on the shell 12b is released from the portion of the latch 33 on the lid 24b to thereby decouple the lid 24b from the shell 12b. The lid 24b may thereby be able to pivot, via the strap 32, with respect to the shell 12b.

With reference to FIG. 8, to assist the user in detaching the liner 22a from the shell 12a, the container may include at least one hole 38 that extends through the closed end 18a of the shell 12a. The at least one hole 38 may be arranged and configured to receive at least one human finger to push up on the liner 22a. In this regard, the user may insert her/his finger into the at least one hole 38 and then push the liner 22a up towards the open end 14a of the shell 12a to allow the liner 22a to be detached from the shell 12a so that the user may clean the liner 22a.

In some embodiments, the liquid storage container 10c includes features to assist the user in carrying the container 10c. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the container 10c includes a handle 44 attached to the sidewall 20c of the shell 12c. It should be appreciated that the handle 44 can be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a human hand so that the user may be able to more easily carry the container 10c.

With continued reference to FIG. 9, the liquid storage container 10c can include a moveable lid 24c that allows the user to adjust the pressure of the inner portion 16 of the container 10c. In this regard, the moveable lid 24c can be arranged and configured to move between a normal position 40a and a vacuum position 40b. As such, when the lid 24c is in the normal position 40a the lid 24c and liner 22c are not under vacuum. However, if the user pulls up on the center the portion of the lid 42, then the lid 24c may move to the vacuum position 40b. Accordingly, when the lid 24c is in the vacuum position 40b, the lid 24c and liner 22c may be under vacuum. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, when the lid 24c is in the normal position, a center portion of the lid 42 is located closer to the closed end 18 than a center portion of the lid 42 when the lid is in the vacuum position 40b.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, embodiments of the liquid storage container 10 can also be arranged and configured to swap the position of the shell 12 and the liner 22. In this regard, the position of the shell 12 and liner 22 can be interchanged. As further illustrated in FIG. 13, the liquid storage container 10d can include a rigid shell 12d having a first open end 46, a second open end 48 located opposite the first open end 46, and a sidewall 20d that extends between the first open end 46 and the second open end 48. The container 10d can also include a lid 24d removably coupled to the first open end 46 of the rigid shell 12d. It should be appreciated that the lid 24d can be removably coupled to the rigid shell 12d via a threadable connection, friction fit, and the like. FIG. 14 shows that the container 10d can also include a liner 22d having an open end 50 and a closed end 52 located opposite the open end 50.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 11 and 14, the liner 22d can be arranged and configured to slideably receive the rigid shell 12d such that the liner 22d substantially surrounds the rigid shell 12d. Specifically, the open end 50 of the liner 22d can slideably receive the rigid shell 12d. In this manner, the rigid shell 12d can slide into the liner 22d until the rigid shell 12d contacts the closed end 52 of the liner 22d whereby the rigid shell 12d is held in place against the liner 22d. Because some embodiments of the rigid shell 12 include a second open end 48, the closed end 52 of the liner 22d can be arranged and configured to retain liquid along the closed end 52.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 11-14 can also include features to securely couple the lid 24d to the liner 22d. With specific reference to FIG. 14, the liner 22d can include a ring 56 that extends from the top portion of the liner 22d. The ring 56 can be arranged and configured to receive the lid 24d and thereby securely couple the lid 24d to the liner 22d. As further shown in FIG. 12, when a user unthreads the lid 24d from the rigid shell 12d to decouple the lid 24d from the rigid shell 12d, the lid 24d can still be coupled to the liquid storage container 10d by the ring 56. In this manner, the lid 24d can hang next to the liner 22d, via the ring 56, while the user accesses the inner portion of the container 10d.

The liner 22d can also include features to help stabilize the liner 22d, and thereby the entire liquid storage container 10d from tipping over, when it is stood upright on an object such as a table. As shown in FIG. 15, the liner 22d can include an optional wide base 53, as depicted by the broken lines in FIG. 15. The optional wide base 53 can define any diameter wider than the diameter of the closed end 52 of the liner 22d, as shown in FIG. 14. Additionally, the optional wide base 53 can define any shape, such as squared edges, curved or rounded edges (as shown in FIG. 15), and the like.

Because embodiments described herein are intended to provide users easier and more effective ways to clean the surfaces of the liquid storage container 10, various surfaces of the container 10 can thereby be removed to make accessibility that much easier. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 16, the rigid shell 12d can include a bottom cap 54 that can be slideably removed from the rigid shell 12d so that the bottom inner surfaces of the shell 12d can be accessed and cleaned with increased efficacy. When the bottom cap 54 is slideably coupled to the bottom edge of rigid shell 12d, the bottom cap 54 can thereby retain liquid so that it does not spill from the shell 12.

As illustrated in FIGS. 17-19, the liquid storage container 10 can even be arranged and configured to include features that securely (or lockably) couple the shell 12 to the liner 22. As shown in FIG. 17, the shell 12e can include a first locking mechanism 58 disposed along the sidewall of the shell 12e. Accordingly and with reference to FIG. 18, the liner 22e can include a second locking mechanism 60 disposed along a side portion of the liner 22e. The second locking mechanism 60 can be arranged and configured to lockably receive the first locking mechanism 58 to securely couple the shell 12e to the liner 22e.

As shown in FIG. 19, some embodiments of the liner 22e also include a locking channel 62 that slideably receives the first locking mechanism 58. In this regard, the locking channel 62 can allow the first locking mechanism 58 to slide into a locked position with respect to the second locking mechanism 60 and securely (or lockably) couple the shell 12e to the liner 22e.

Interpretation

For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “substantially” should be understood to mean for the most part or to a great or significant extent. Additionally, the phrase “liquid storage container” may also be referred to as a “bottle”, “water bottle”, and the like.

None of the steps or limitations described herein is essential or indispensable. Any of the steps or limitations can be adjusted or modified. Other or additional steps and/or limitations can be used. Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example in this specification can be combined or used with or instead of any other portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devices disclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, or example. The embodiments and examples provided herein are not intended to be discrete and separate from each other.

The section headings and subheadings provided herein are nonlimiting. The section headings and subheadings do not represent or limit the full scope of the embodiments described in the sections to which the headings and subheadings pertain. For example, a section titled “Topic 1” may include embodiments that do not pertain to Topic 1 and embodiments described in other sections may apply to and be combined with embodiments described within the “Topic 1” section.

The various features and processes described above may be used independently of one another, or may be combined in various ways. All possible combinations and subcombinations are intended to fall within the scope of this disclosure. In addition, certain method, event, state, or process blocks may be omitted in some implementations. The methods, steps, and processes described herein are also not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks, steps, or states relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described tasks or events may be performed in an order other than the order specifically disclosed. Multiple steps may be combined in a single block or state. The example tasks or events may be performed in serial, in parallel, or in some other manner. Tasks or events may be added to or removed from the disclosed example embodiments. The example systems and components described herein may be configured differently than described. For example, elements may be added to, removed from, or rearranged compared to the disclosed example embodiments.

Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or steps are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or steps are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-ended fashion, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations and so forth. Also, the term “or” is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense) so that when used, for example, to connect a list of elements, the term “or” means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Conjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, and Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to convey that an item, term, etc. may be either X, Y, or Z. Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z to each be present.

The term “and/or” means that “and” applies to some embodiments and “or” applies to some embodiments. Thus, A, B, and/or C can be replaced with A, B, and C written in one sentence and A, B, or C written in another sentence. A, B, and/or C means that some embodiments can include A and B, some embodiments can include A and C, some embodiments can include B and C, some embodiments can only include A, some embodiments can include only B, some embodiments can include only C, and some embodiments can include A, B, and C. The term “and/or” is used to avoid unnecessary redundancy.

While certain example embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A liquid storage container, comprising:

a shell having an open end for receiving liquid within an inner portion of the shell, a closed end located opposite the open end, and a sidewall that extends between the open end and the closed end;
a liner that extends into the inner portion of the shell, wherein the liner is arranged and configured to retain liquid; and
a lid removably attached to the open end of the shell, wherein the lid is arranged and configured to prevent liquid from spilling from the inner portion.

2. The liquid storage container of claim 1, wherein the liner is arranged and configured to retain at least one of a frozen liquid and a boiling liquid.

3. The liquid storage container of claim 1, wherein the shell and lid are rigid, and the liner is flexible.

4. The liquid storage container of claim 3, wherein the shell, liner, and lid are constructed of silicone.

5. The liquid storage container of claim 3, wherein the liner is arranged and configured to be detached from the inner portion of the shell.

6. The liquid storage container of claim 1, further comprising an O-ring disposed between the lid and the open end of the shell, wherein the lid is threadably attached to the open end of the shell.

7. The liquid storage container of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of holes that extend through the sidewall of the shell, wherein the holes are sized and shaped to allow liquid to evaporate from between the shell and liner.

8. The liquid storage container of claim 8, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged in at least one of a checkerboard pattern and a random pattern, and wherein at least two holes of the plurality of holes define different shapes from each other.

9. The liquid storage container of claim 1, further comprising a strap that couples the lid to the shell such that when the lid is removed from the open end of the shell the lid is still coupled to the shell.

10. The liquid storage container of claim 9, further comprising a latch that securely couples the lid to the shell, and a button configured to release the latch from the lid so that the lid is able to pivot, via the strap, with respect to the shell.

11. The liquid storage container of claim 9, further comprising at least one hole that extends through the closed end of the shell, wherein the at least one hole are arranged and configured to receive at least one human finger to push up on the liner.

12. The liquid storage container of claim 1, wherein when the lid is attached to the open end of the shell the lid is arranged and configured to move between a normal position and a vacuum position,

wherein when the lid is in the normal position the lid and liner are not under vacuum, and when the lid is in the vacuum position the lid and liner are under vacuum, and
wherein when the lid is in the normal position a center portion of the lid is located closer to the closed end than a center portion of the lid in the vacuum position.

13. The liquid storage container of claim 1, further comprising a handle attached to the sidewall, wherein the handle is sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of a human hand.

14. A liquid storage container, comprising:

a rigid shell having a first open end, a second open end located opposite the first open end, and a sidewall that extends between the first open end and the second open end;
a lid removably coupled to the first open end of the rigid shell, wherein when the lid is coupled to the shell the lid prevents liquid from spilling; and
a liner having an open end and a closed end located opposite the open end, wherein the liner is arranged and configured to slideably receive the rigid shell through the open end.

15. The liquid storage container of claim 14, wherein the liner is arranged and configured to retain liquid along the closed end.

16. The liquid storage container of claim 14, wherein the liner comprises a ring that extends from the top end, and wherein the ring is arranged and configured to receive the lid.

17. The liquid storage container of claim 16, wherein the lid is threadably coupled to the first open end of the shell, and wherein when the lid is threadably decoupled from the shell, the lid is still coupled to the liquid storage container via the ring.

18. The liquid storage container of claim 14, further comprising a bottom cap that slideably couples to the second open end of the rigid shell, wherein when the bottom cap is slideably coupled to the second open end, the bottom cap is arranged and configured to retain liquid.

19. The liquid storage container of claim 14, further comprising a first locking mechanism disposed along the sidewall of the shell, and a second locking mechanism disposed along a side portion of the liner, wherein the second locking mechanism is arranged and configured to lockably receive the first locking mechanism to securely couple the shell to the liner.

20. The liquid storage container of claim 19, wherein the liner comprises a locking channel that slideably receives the first locking mechanism and allows the first locking mechanism to slide into a locked position with respect to the second locking mechanism.

Patent History
Publication number: 20180201408
Type: Application
Filed: Jan 13, 2017
Publication Date: Jul 19, 2018
Inventors: Kyle Vaughan (Baltimore, MD), KC Wayman (New Windsor, MD)
Application Number: 15/406,633
Classifications
International Classification: B65D 23/02 (20060101); B65D 43/02 (20060101); B65D 43/16 (20060101); B65D 53/02 (20060101);