Mountable Drinking Device

Abstract

A drink system comprising a platform configured to extend between supporting members. The drink system comprises a body configured to traverse a plane between the two supporting members when attached to the platform, the body comprising an interior space configured to store liquid. The drink system optionally comprises a tube to draw the liquid from the body. The tube comprising a first portion configured to fit within the body and a second portion configured to extend outside the body. The drink system optionally includes a clip configured to attach to the second portion of the tube for placement of the tube relative to a user to draw the liquid from the body.

Description

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 62/721,187, filed Aug. 22, 2018, and is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

There are various circumstances in which it is desirable to provide a user of a piece of furniture, such as a bed, access to drinkable fluids (e.g., liquids). For example, when a person is bedridden, either due to illness or infirmity, he or she may not be able to leave the bed to get a drink. In other cases, one may simply desire the convenience of having a drink near the bed. For instance, if one has issues with nighttime dehydration or dry mouth and often needs a drink in the middle of the night, it would be desirable to be able to access that fluid without having to leave the bed.

Although one can simply place a drink system on a nightstand next to his or her bed, not every user may be able to access it. For example, infirm users may not be able to reach over to grasp the container and/or may not be able to manipulate it to drink from it. When the user can access the container, it is still possible to accidentally knock the container over, particularly when the individual has just awoken from sleep and is groggy. While some containers have been developed that clamp onto hospital bed rails to provide easier access to fluids and prevent container knock over, none have been designed for use with a conventional bed that does not include such rails.

In view of the above discussion, it can be appreciated that it would be desirable to have an alternative drink system that can be mounted to a piece of furniture, such as a bed.

SUMMARY

One or more embodiments provide a drink system for connecting to one or more supporting members (e.g., a furniture piece). For instance, the drink system comprises a platform configured to extend between supporting members. The drink system comprises a body configured to traverse a plane between the two supporting members when attached to the platform. The body comprising an interior space configured to store liquid. The drink system optionally comprises a tube to draw the liquid from the body. The tube comprises a first portion configured to fit within the body and a second portion configured to extend outside the body. The drink system optionally includes a clip or arm configured to attach to the second portion of the tube for placement of the tube, relative to a user, to draw the liquid from the body.

One or more embodiments provide a method for use of a drink system described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a drink system in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2A illustrates a drink system connecting to two supporting members in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2B illustrates a flow diagram for use of a drink system in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates a platform in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 illustrates a lid in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 illustrates a drink system in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 illustrates a drink system in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7A illustrates a drink system with a pressurized mechanism and interior compartment in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 7B illustrates a pressurized mechanism in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 illustrates a drink system with a liner and interior compartment in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a portion of a drink system in one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a drink system 11 that can be mounted to a piece of furniture, such as a sofa, chair, or bed (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2).

As is shown in FIG. 1, the drink system 11 generally includes a body 12 (e.g., a container) and a platform 15. It may also include a lid 13, a drinking tube 14, a clip 17 and/or other positional devices. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 12 is a unitary component comprising multiple walls generally orthogonal to a bottom of the body 12 that together forms an open-topped container that defines an interior space in which fluid can be stored. In one or more other embodiments, the lid 13 is integrated into the body such that the body forms a closed-topped container. The container may have multiple walls (e.g., double) for insulation, have an outside layer of neoprene or other material that may enhance visual design or act as insulation. The walls, and therefore the body 12, can be constructed of a metal (e.g., gold), glass, or polymeric material or another material (e.g., material to match the design of furniture for attachment).

In the illustrated embodiment, the lid 13 is generally planar and attaches to the top of the body 12 to close off its open top. Like the body 11, the lid 13 can be constructed of a metal, glass, polymeric material, or another material (e.g., material to match the design of the furniture). The material may be the same or different as the body 12. For instance, the lid 13 and the body 12 may both be insulated, or the lid 13 may be opaque and the body 12 transparent. The lid 13 may be or comprise a screw cap. The lid 13 may be a disposable lid. The lid 13 may contain a lip (e.g., an interior lip 46 shown in FIG. 4) to provide an airtight seal. A similar lip may be provided around the edge of the lid 13 where the lid 13 comes in contact with the body 12. The lid 13 may cover various portions of the top of the body 12 independently. For instance the lid 13 could have chamfered or rounded edges, and may have a lock to connect to the body 12. In one or more embodiments, the lid 13 comprises other components (e.g., an insulation component, a component to regulate temperature electronically, or one or more compartments). Alternatively, the body 12 may not have a lid 13, and the body may be one piece or enclosed.

In one or more embodiments, an opening 16 is provided through the lid 13 to enable the passage of the drinking tube 14 (or a straw) into the interior space of the body 12 once the lid has been attached to the body 12. Magnets, supporting rods, gaskets and/or other sealing elements can be provided on the body 12, the lid 13, or both to provide an airtight seal between the body and the lid. In addition, a releasable locking mechanism can be integrated into the body, lid, or both to better secure the lid to the body. Such a mechanism could, for example, provide for a snap fit between the body and the lid.

In one or more embodiments, there may be additional walls or additional materials to insulate the body 12. The walls, and therefore the body 12, may be disposable, washable, and reusable, may have custom designs, prints, logos, or colors, and may have lines or markers on the walls to indicate the amount of fluid (e.g., a liquid) in the container. The body 12 may also have an attached timer (not shown) to indicate when the user should drink water. Alternatively or additionally, the body 12 may be connected to a water line, and the timer is used to automatically fill the body 12 with water at an appropriate time.

The interior space in which fluid can be stored in body 12 may contain plastic, an insulated material, a blend of thermoplastic polymers, an anti-bacterial or antiviral material or mechanism, a disposable material or a biomaterial to maintain the quality of the stored fluid.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example configuration for a tube 14 (e.g., a drinking tube or straw). The tube 14 can comprise of an elongated flexible and/or rigid tube that has a mouthpiece provided at one of its ends. The drinking tube or mouthpiece may be made out of different materials such as plastic, paper, antibacterial materials or antiviral materials. Provided in the mouthpiece is an outlet through which fluid can pass. In some embodiments, the tube is made of a translucent or transparent polymeric material and the mouthpiece is designed to prevent the unintentional passage of fluid through the outlet. In some embodiments, no fluid can pass through the outlet without an affirmative action on the part of the user, such as the user sucking on the mouthpiece. In some embodiments, the tube 14 may include mechanical or electrical parts to be heated, cooled, or to filter water. The tube 14 may also be custom shaped, contain a valve to limit the amount of water that passes through the tube, or contain a mechanism to counteract the curve of a straw automatically or mechanically (e.g., rigid components). The tube 14 may have a mechanism, such as an enlarged portion or ribbed component, so that a user may not pull the straw completely through the top of the container. This mechanism will help prevent a user from unintentionally removing the tube 14. As a tube 14 may be curved during shipment or storage of the product, the ability to have a more straightened straw in whole or in part may be important to the user experience.

In some embodiments, a clip 17 attaches to the drinking tube, to provide additional attachment to the bed or other furniture. The clip 17 may be made out of plastic, metal, wood, an adhesive material, or velcro, and contain magnetic components. The clip may take on different shapes such as a butterfly clip or a pin. The clip may also contain components allowing it to orient itself automatically to stay in the optimal position (e.g., a weight or magnet), or detect how much force to exert on the bed sheet without producing a wrinkle on the sheet.

FIG. 2A illustrates the drink system of FIG. 1 connecting to two supporting members. In this case the supporting members comprise a first supporting member 20 (e.g., a bed or box spring) and a second supporting member 22 (e.g., a mattress with a fitted sheet). The drink system 11 includes the platform 15 configured to extend between the two supporting members. The body 12 is configured to traverse a plane between the two supporting members when attached to the platform. The body 12 comprises an interior space configured to store fluid. The drink system 11 includes the tube 14. The tube 14 is configured to draw the fluid from the body 12. The tube 14 includes a first portion configured to fit within the body (not shown) and a second portion configured to extend outside the body (shown). A clip 17 is configured to attach to the second portion of the tube 14 for placement of the tube 14 relative to a user 24 to draw the fluid from the body 12.

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the platform 15 extends outward from an inner side of the body 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the platform 15 comprises a thin, substantially planar platform 15 that can be physically sized and configured for insertion underneath a mattress or cushion of a piece of furniture. The platform 15 is therefore a type of mounting element for mounting the platform to the furniture. For example, when the drink system 11 is intended for use with a bed as shown in FIG. 2A, the platform 15 can be adapted to be inserted between a top mattress (e.g., second supporting member 22) and a bottom mattress or a box spring (e.g., first supporting member 20). In this case, the top mattress is a supporting member in that it supports the top of the platform 12 and prevents the drink system 11 from following over. It also supports a user 24. In this case, the bottom mattress is a supporting member in that it supports the bottom of the platform 12. It also supports user 24 and second supporting member 22. Other supporting members are also possible (e.g., a weighted object like books on top of a night stand, a chair cushion on top of a chair frame, etc).

As is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the platform 15 can be generally rectangular and can extend from the body 12 in a direction that is generally normal to the surface of the inner side. The platform 15 can have a top planar surface and a bottom planar surface that are substantially parallel to each other such that the platform has a substantially uniform thickness.

The platform 15 may also contain other elements (not shown in this example). For instance, the platform 15 may contain a mechanism to grip onto surfaces such as the bed spring, a spring or other mechanism to increase friction, or a rubber component to cover sharp corners.

The platform 15 may be rectangular, rounded, and/or custom shaped to fit furniture. The platform 15 may also contain rectangular, rounded, or chamfered components and be adjustable manually or automatically, weighted, or contain magnets to attach to body 12. In this example, the body 12 is attached to the platform through a cut oval opening 26 as shown in FIG. 2, but the body 12 could also be attached through other structures or custom made holes.

Once the drink system 11 has been mounted in the manner described above, it can be used as a source of fluids for a user 24 sitting or lying on the bed. The drink system 11 could also plug into the wall or contain battery components (e.g., to power a filtration system or a heater or cooler mechanism to regulate the temperature of the water). The drink system 11 mounted in the manner described above may also have a sleeve made out of different materials such as silicon or a polymeric material, to cover the drink system or platform.

As noted above, the drink system 11 is not limited to use with a bed. For example, the drink system 11 could instead be used with another piece of furniture, such as chair or sofa. In those cases, the platform 15 can be wedged between a seat cushion and the frame of the chair or sofa. More generally, the drink system 11 can be used in any situation on which the platform 15 can be wedged between two members including furniture outside of the house

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, in one or more embodiments, the platform 15 has an opening 26 in a planar surface of the platform 15 in the plane between the two supporting members. Additionally, or alternatively, the platform 15 comprises an opening 26 sized to fit a cross-section of the body 12 in the plane between the two supporting members. The body 12 is configured to fit within the opening 26 with a major axis of the body perpendicular to the planar surface. Additionally, or alternatively, a cross-section of the platform 15 in the plane between the two supporting members is rectangular with one or more rounded corners (e.g., exterior corner 23 and interior corner 21). As shown in FIG. 2A exterior corners 23 may be curved to prevent injury from objects or people that may move around the furniture). Interior corners 21 may be useful for sliding the platform 15 in between supporting members. The curvature may not be the same on all corners. For example, exterior corner 23 has a greater curvature that interior corner 21.

In one or more embodiments, the platform 15 and body 12 are made of a rigid material and the tube 14 is made of a positional material. For instance, as shown the tube 14 may have one or more flexible portions 28.

In one or more embodiments, the platform 15, as shown in FIG. 2, is configured for insertion into furniture or is for a furniture piece (e.g., first supporting member 20). The supporting member 20 comprises a top edge and a lateral edge. The platform 15 is configured to be supported by the supporting member 20 at the top edge. The platform 15 comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is positioned above the top edge of the first supporting member 20, and the second portion extends laterally outward from the lateral edge of the first supporting member 20. The body 12 is supported at the second portion of the platform (e.g., in the opening 26). In one or more embodiments, the clip 17 is configured to attach the tube 14 to a member (e.g., second supporting member 22) supported by the top edge of the first supporting member 20.

FIG. 2B illustrates a method 200 for use of a drink system (e.g. drink system 11) in one or more embodiments.

The method 200 comprises an operation 201, for placing, under a weighted object (e.g., a second supporting member 22), a first portion of the platform (e.g., platform 15) configured for placement between a furniture piece (e.g., first supporting member 20) and the weighted object. In one or more embodiments, placing the platform comprises sliding the first portion of the platform under the weighted object.

The method 200 comprises an operation 202, for inserting, into a receptacle of the platform, a body that forms an interior space configured to store a fluid. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2A, a second portion of the platform 15 extends from an edge of first supporting member 20 in a plane between the first supporting member 20 and the second supporting member 22. In one or more embodiments, inserting the body comprises inserting the body such that the body is secured in the second portion of the platform. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2A, the second portion of platform 15 comprises an opening 26, and the body 12 is inserted through the opening 26.

The method 200 comprises an operation 203 for positioning, relative to the body, a tube for drawing the fluid from the body such that a first open end of the tube is within the body and a second open end of the tube is outside the body. The tube is positioned relative to the weighted object for a user to draw the fluid from the body. For instance, positioning the tube could comprise inserting the tube in an opening of the body and/or lid. Additionally or alternatively, positioning the tube comprises bending the tube to a fixed position proximate to the user as shown in FIG. 2A. Additionally or alternatively, positioning the tube comprises clipping with a clip the tube to the weighted object or the user. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2A, the clip 17 is clipped to the weighted object that comprises a bed sheet of the second supporting member 22. The clip 17, as shown, is attached to the tube 14 in a portion of the tube outside the body 12.

The method 200 may comprise more or less operations. For example, the method 200 optionally comprises an operation 204 to open a lid of a body of the drinking system and/or an operation 205 to fill the interior space with fluid. One or more of these operations 204 and 205 can happen before or after the body is inserted into the receptacle. For instance, it may be useful to move the body 12 to a sink and fill the body 12 with water. The body 12 can then be placed in the receptacle of a platform 15. Alternatively or additionally, the drink system 11 may comprise a component (not shown) to connect to a water supply. A user or control mechanism is used to fill the interior from the water supply (e.g., within the lid 13 or body 12).

FIG. 3 illustrates a platform 15 in one or more embodiments. In this example, the platform 15 is comprised of a rigid material and has an opening 34. A flexible material 32 (e.g., rubber) is attached to the platform 15 and extends around the opening 34. The flexible material 32 is configured to conform around the body 12. This flexible material 32 may be used to cover sharp edges of the platform 15 or to help the body 12 fit more snuggly within the opening. In one or more embodiments, one or more portions 36 of the platform 15 may be cut-out. This may be a useful tool to reduce the weight or material costs of the platform 15. It may also be useful to enhance the visual aesthetics of the platform 15 (e.g., by cutting out a distinctive design).

As shown here a platform 15 can be detached from a body (e.g., to fill the body 12 with fluid or clean the body 12).

FIG. 4 illustrates a removable lid 13 in one or more embodiments. The removable lid 13 can be attached to a body to close an opening (e.g., of the body 12). The removable lid 13 comprises one or more openings (e.g., openings 40 and 42) configured to provide access to the interior space of a body. For instance, as shown in FIG. 4 there is an opening 40 configured and sized to allow a tube (e.g. tube 14) to pass through the opening 40 of the removable lid 13. The tube is reciprocally configured and sized to pass through the opening 40. Additionally, or alternatively, the removable lid 13 comprises an opening 42 configured to allow access to the interior space of a body by a user (e.g., to pour in fluid or access interior compartments). In one or more embodiments, the openings may have a cover (e.g., cover 44 to protect the openings). For instance, it may be useful to have a cover prevent dirt or dust from entering the body 12 when connected to a furniture piece or during non-use. In one or more embodiments, the lid 13 comprises a lip 46 to provide an airtight seal (e.g., to prevent fluid from leaving the body 13). Alternatively or additionally, the lip 46 may provide a seal sufficient to prevent larger matter (e.g., dirt or dust) from entering the body 12.

Although a particular configuration for the drink system has been illustrated and described in FIG. 1, it is noted that alternative shapes are possible, including bodies with rectangular, cylindrical or circular configurations, or custom shaped to fit furniture or varied amounts of water. FIGS. 5 and 6, for instance, show alternative designs for components of a drink system 11.

FIG. 5 shows a drink system 50 according to an alternative design. In one or more embodiments, components of a drinking system 11 are interchangeable with other components (e.g., other types of tubes, fluid containers, lids, clips, platforms). In this case a body 53 is inserted in the opening of the platform 15 and comprises a lid 13. The body 53 in FIG. 5, has fewer walls than shown with respect to body 13, giving the overall body 53 a more rectangular or box shape and the top of the container is configured to fit the more rounded lid 13. The body 53 also has one or more optional lips 55 configured for a user to insert a finger and lift the lid 13 (e.g. user 24 or a caregiver to user 24). In FIG. 5, the tube 52 comprises a pattern of flexible and rigid components for increasing the positional quality of the tube 52. For instance, the tube 52 comprises one or more rigid sections 57 that may or may not be grooved (e.g., to provide ribbing support). Additionally or alternatively, the tube 56 comprises one or more semi-rigid or flexible sections (e.g., corrugated or pleated sections 56 and 54) which are capable of positioning the tube 52. One or more sections may have greater capacity for flexing then others. For example, sections 54 comprise a collapsible pleating allowing them greater flexing then sections 56. In this particular example, there are three collapsible pleating sections 54A-C to provide three bends. Section 54B bends in the interior of the body 53, which may be useful, for example, to keep the tube 52 within the body 53 or position the tube 52 toward remaining fluid in the body 53. Section 54A bends outside the body 53, which may be useful for positioning the tube 52 towards a user (e.g. user 24), for example, by positioning the tube 52 around supporting members or other objects associated with the supporting members. Section 54C bends outside the body 53, but proximate to a mouth-piece end of the tube 52. This may be useful for positioning the tube 52 proximate to the mouth of the user. As shown in FIG. 5 the collapsible pleating sections 54A and 54B can be surrounded by rigid sections 57, the rigid sections 57 terminated in pleating sections 56.

FIG. 5 also shows an alternative clip 51 with a wider clamp (e.g., to increase surface area with an object to which to attach the clip 51). As with clip 17, the clip 51 is attached to the tube 52 for positioning the tube 52. For instance, the tube 52 attaches to the clip 51 by sliding through holes in the handle of the clip 51.

In one or more embodiments, a platform 15 contains a mechanism to grip onto surfaces such as the bed spring, a spring or other mechanism to increase friction. The platform may also contain a rubber component to cover sharp corners. The top surface and/or the bottom surface of the platform can be provided with frictional elements, such as a platform constructed of metal, glass, wood, memory foam, a chevron element repeating n times, or polymeric material that help anchor the platform once it has been inserted into a piece of furniture.

FIG. 6 illustrates an exploded view of an alternative drink system 60 in one or more embodiments in which the platform 62 contains frictional elements 64. FIG. 6 also shows an alternative mechanism for attaching a platform to a body. In this case, platform 62 contains an edge 68 (e.g., a ridge or bar) that connects to a grooved portion 61 of body 66. For example, the body 66 is inserted into the platform 62 by sliding the body across edge 68 of the platform 62. The platform 62 then supports the body 66 at a fixed location along the edge 68 of the platform 62. Alternatively, the body 66 could comprise a bar section that attaches to a grooved portion of the platform 62. In this example, the body 66 is rectangular in shape and has a lid 63 with only one opening 65 for passage of a tube 67. The tube 67 comprises or is attachable to an arm 69 to position the tube 67. For instance, the arm 69 may be flexible in one or more sections for positioning a rigid tube.

In one or more embodiments, drink systems described herein include additional features or components. For instance, in one or more embodiments, a drink system comprises a compartment in fluid communication with the interior space of the body and sized to hold objects. For example, the objects may be designed to remove components from the fluid or add components to the fluid (e.g., a water purifier, a component to disperse electrolytes or dissolvable tablets and nutrients, and/or a compartment to keep ice, fruit, or other objects for water enhancement). Additionally, or alternatively, a drink system described herein further comprises a pressurized mechanism to apply pressure on the fluid as fluid is drawn through the tube. Additionally or alternatively, the drink system comprises electrical components (e.g., a timer), components to guide cords or tubes, a battery component, a body or container to hold other fluids, an electrical charging station component, or a bedside table.

FIG. 7A illustrates a drink system 70 with an example pressurized mechanism and interior compartment.

The body 12 comprises a compartment 74 in fluid communication with the interior space and sized to hold objects designed to remove components from the fluid or add components to the fluid. For instance, in the example shown in FIG. 7A, the compartment 74 comprises fruit for flavor enhancement. A vent 76 is shown to provide passage by the fluid but prevent the objects inside the component from exiting. The body 12 may include an opening (not shown) from the exterior of the body to access the compartment. Alternatively or additionally, the compartment 74 can be accessed by an opening in the interior of the body, for instance the vent 76 may be removable to allow insertion of objects into the compartment.

FIG. 7A also comprises a pressurized mechanism to apply pressure on the fluid as fluid is drawn through the tube. In this example, the pressurized mechanism includes a plate 78 configured to press down on the fluid as fluid is drawn through the tube 14. In this example an alternative lid 72 provides or is attachable to a check valve 71 that pulls air into an upper portion of the body 12 formed above the plate 78 when air is drawn through the tube 14. The check valve 71 prevents the air from escaping when air is not drawn through the tube 14. This mechanism increases air within the upper portion applying pressure on the plate 78. FIG. 7B shows a schematic of the check valve 71. Other mechanisms are possible to aid in moving fluid through the tube 14 (e.g., a mechanical pump or automatic pump).

In one or more embodiments, the drinking system described herein may include an anchor or deflector or other mechanism to keep, hold, or direct a tube to stay in a body or to stay towards the bottom of a body or in place so it can best access fluids. For instance, in one or more embodiments, the body 12 comprises a channel 73 to direct the tube 14 to a particular opening in the body 12 or lid 72. In the example, shown in FIG. 7A, the channel 73 ensures that the straw stays out of the path of the plate 78. Alternatively a channel or opening could be provided through the plate 78 (e.g., to route the tube 14 through an opening in the lid 72).

In one or more embodiments, the outside container of a body described herein may be clear, opaque, or custom designed. FIG. 8 illustrates a transparent or translucent drink system 80 where a liner and interior compartment 82 are visible. In this example, embodiment the outside container is clear to allow for visual display of the objects inside the body. In this example, the outside container contains a body compartment 82 for holding objects in fluid connection with the water. In this example configuration the body compartment 82 is configured to attach or be reachable via the lid 13. For instance, the container may be a water purifier and hold a filter or filter material. Alternatively or additionally, the container holds objects for water enhancement as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the outside container of a body described herein may also be flexible, rigid, or contain a removable liner or insert. Additionally, or alternatively the interior space of a body may also consist of an inner body that may match the shape of the outer container, but may also be custom made or sized to hold different amounts of water. FIG. 8, for instance, shows an example of a container with a rigid body 12 and a flexible removable liner 84. The liner 84 is positioned within the interior space of the body. The liner 84 is configured to prevent the fluid from contacting the body 12. A liner, in one or more embodiments, may be disposable (such as a plastic bag) or reusable. The purpose of this liner may be to hold fluids directly. For instance, the liner 84 is configured to attach to the top of the body 12 or lid 13 with a tube 14 resting within the liner 84 for holding fluids. Additionally or alternatively, the purpose of the liner is to hold another container (e.g., a body compartment or layered compartments to change the amount of water held in the body).

In one or more embodiments, the body 12 is configured to visually display a volume of fluid remaining in the body. For instance, when a glass or polymeric material is used, the body 12 can be transparent or translucent to provide a visual indication of the fill level of the body 12. FIG. 8, for instance, shows lines or markings on the side to indicate the amount of fluid in the body 12. The lines or markings allow reading of the amount of fluid in the container for visual inspection (e.g., by a user or caregiver of the user of the drink system 80). In this case, because there is a liner utilized, the markings increase in number as they go from the top of the body to a bottom portion and our positioned at the bottom of particular liner. Alternatively the markings could increase in number from the bottom (e.g., if no liner is used).

In one or more embodiments, it may be difficult for a user to view a body described herein (e.g. markings on the body). In these cases, it may be preferred to have one or more alternative indicators of water quality or quantity. For example, a drink system described herein may comprise an electronic device with voice command components to indicate how much water is left in the body or if the body requires cleaning (e.g., a touchscreen or mobile device application could provide updates on how much water is left in a tank of a drink system). In one or more embodiments, the drink system comprises a biometric component to measure water quality or an indicator to indicate how much water is left or to remind the user to drink water (e.g., an LED indicator).

FIG. 9 illustrates a body 94 for use in a drink system described herein. In one or more embodiments, a body described herein may have one or more ridges (e.g., ridge 90 and ridge 92). The purpose of the ridges may be for design and/or stability reasons. In this example, the ridges 90 and 92 are provided on the bottom of the body 94 to increase the stability of the body 94 when resting on a surface (e.g., when detached from the platform 15 for filling with fluid). In this example, the ridges are configured to follow a shape of an outline of the bottom of the body 94 but offset from an edge of the body 94. For instance, ridge 90 has a curved shape and ridge 92 has a rectangular shape.

Claims

1. A method for drinking liquid comprising:

placing, under a weighted object, a first portion of the platform configured for placement between a furniture piece and the weighted object;

inserting, into a receptacle of the platform, a body that forms an interior space configured to store a liquid; and

positioning, relative to the body, a tube for drawing the liquid from the body such that a first open end of the tube is within the body and a second open end of the tube is outside the body, wherein the tube is positioned relative to the weighted object for a user to draw the liquid from the body.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein:

a second portion of the platform extends from an edge of the furniture piece in a plane between the furniture piece and the weighted object; and

inserting the body comprises inserting the body such that the body is secured in the second portion of the platform.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein:

the receptacle comprises an opening in the second portion; and

inserting the body comprises inserting the body through the opening.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein inserting the body comprises:

sliding the body across an edge of the platform; and

supporting, by the platform, the body at a fixed location along the edge of the platform.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the weighted object comprises a cushion or mattress of the furniture piece; and

placing the platform comprises sliding the first portion of the platform under the cushion or the mattress.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises:

opening a lid of the body; and

filling the interior space with liquid.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein positioning the tube comprises inserting the tube in an opening of the body and bending the tube to a fixed position proximate to the user.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the tube comprises a clip attached to the tube in a portion of the tube outside the body; and

positioning the tube comprises clipping with the clip the tube to the weighted object or the user.

9. A drink system for connecting to two supporting members, the drink system comprising:

a platform configured to extend between the two supporting members;

a body configured to traverse a plane between the two supporting members when attached to the platform, the body comprising an interior space configured to store liquid;

a tube to draw the liquid from the body, the tube comprising a first portion configured to fit within the body and a second portion configured to extend outside the body; and

a clip configured to attach to the second portion of the tube for placement of the tube, relative to a user, to draw the liquid from the body.

10. The drink system of claim 9, wherein:

the platform has an opening in a planar surface of the platform in the plane between the two supporting members; and

the body is configured to fit within the opening with a major axis of the body perpendicular to the planar surface.

11. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the platform comprises an opening sized to fit a cross-section of the body in the plane between the two supporting members.

12. The drink system of claim 11, wherein the platform comprises a first rigid material and the opening comprises a second flexible material attached to the platform and extending around the opening, the flexible material configured to conform around the body.

13. The drink system of claim 9, wherein a cross-section of the platform in the plane between the two supporting members is rectangular with rounded corners.

14. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the platform and body are made of a rigid material and the tube is made of a positional material.

15. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the body comprises a compartment in liquid communication with the interior space and sized to hold objects designed to remove components from the liquid or add components to the liquid.

16. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the body is configured to visually display a volume of liquid remaining in the body.

17. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the system further comprises a pressurized mechanism to apply pressure on the liquid as liquid is drawn through the tube.

18. The drink system of claim 9, further comprising a liner or insert positioned within the interior space of the body, the liner or insert configured to prevent the liquid from contacting the body.

19. The drink system of claim 9, wherein:

the body comprises a removable lid configured to close an opening of the body;

the removable lid comprises one or more openings configured to provide access to the interior space of the body; and

the tube is configured to pass through the one or more openings of the removable lid.

20. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the platform is configured for insertion into furniture.

21. The drink system of claim 9, wherein the platform is detachable from the body.

22. A drink system for a furniture piece, the furniture piece comprising a top edge and a lateral edge, the drink system comprising:

a platform configured to be supported by the furniture piece at the top edge, the platform comprising a first portion and a second portion, the first portion positioned above the top edge of the furniture piece, and the second portion extending laterally outward from the lateral edge of the furniture piece; and

a body with an interior space configured to store liquid, the body supported at the second portion of the platform.

23. The drink system of claim 22, further comprising:

a tube to draw the liquid from the body, the tube comprising a first portion within the interior space of the body and a second portion extending outside the body; and

a clip attached to the second portion, the clip configured to attach the tube to a member supported by the top edge of the furniture piece.