REUSABLE LIQUID CONTAINER WITH STORAGE COMPARTMENT

Abstract

This invention provides a multi-use container that provides for liquids storage along with dry storage. In one embodiment, the container comprises a drinking bottle removably attached to a storage container that is shaped so as to be integrated with the drinking bottle when attached. The storage container is capable of housing various eating and transport accessories, for example, a reusable utensil, straw, and carrying bag. The storage container may also house other accessories, such as personal hygiene or medical accessories, e.g., a cloth face mask and hand sanitizer. In one ore more embodiments, the storage container is interchangeable.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to the Provisional U.S. patent application No. 62/984,910 entitled “Reusable Water Bottle With Utensil and Bag Storage Compartment,” filed Mar. 4, 2020.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO A “SEQUENCE LISTING,” A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Millions of tons of plastic end up in the ocean each year. Plastic drinkware, utensils, and other single-use plastic items used in the food and beverage industry are prime culprits of this pollution. Solutions to address single-use drinkware and utensils are a vital need. However, many non-plastic or re-usable alternatives are not satisfactory.

The inventive solution herein meets the need of providing a wholistic approach to re-usable food and drink accessories, including transport. As described herein, the invention comprises a plurality of reusable accessories housed inside a reusable liquid container, which may preferably be used as a drink bottle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the Improved Reusable Liquid Container with Storage Compartment, which may be embodied in various forms. It is to be understood that in some instances, various aspects of the invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the invention. Therefore, the drawings may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the disassembled container.

FIG. 2 is a side view of one embodiment of the disassembled container.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 4 is a detailed explode view of one embodiment of the container.

FIG. 5A is a front view of one embodiment of the assembled container.

FIG. 5B is a cutaway view of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A shows the storage cup with one embodiment of cut outs for accessories.

FIG. 6B shows the side view of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 6C shows details of the cutaway view shown in FIG. 6D.

FIG. 6D shows a cutaway view of one embodiments of the storage cup with storage compartment.

FIG. 7 is the isometric view of one embodiment of the container assembled.

FIG. 8 is the isometric view of one embodiment of the storage cup with accessories.

FIG. 9 shows one embodiment of the accessories.

BACKGROUND

Single-use plastics are used across the globe, leading to millions of tons of single-use plastics being disposed of Much of this waste makes its way into the environment, specifically waterways and oceans. This pollution wreaks havoc on aquatic ecosystems and harms tourism.

The four most common single-use plastics are: plastic water bottles, plastic bags, plastic straws, and plastic utensils (such as forks, spoons and knives). Many cities and states are seeking, through regulation and incentive programs, to reduce pollution by eliminating such single-use plastic accessories. For example, some businesses and restaurants offer paper or wooden straws, while many do not use any straws at all. While paper straws do offer some relief from single-use plastic straws, they—like other recycled material eating utensils or food containers—become soggy and unwieldy after even short-term use. The manufacturing process for these items likewise creates its own environmental issues.

Some businesses charge consumers for plastic bags in an attempt to reduce plastic bag usage. However, consumers may be unwilling to pay the charge for the convenience. And these types of fees disproportionately affect persons of low income.

There is also the issue of forming new habits in consumers. Unless a consumer makes the conscience decision to seek out re-usable alternatives, there is no driving force to create new habits. The products currently on the market do not provide the convenient and holistic solution needed to form new consumer habits.

Although there is an obvious trend of environmentalism and a trend to move toward reusables, current reusable products are not convenient to carry because they are bulky and awkward, do not perform as well as their single-use alternatives, and/or are cost prohibitive. Thus, a new solution is needed that allows the consumer to forego any of the un-satisfactory alternatives being proffered by retailers and restaurants in favor of a consumer-driven, convenient, and cost-effective solution. This application presents embodiments of a product that resolves many of these problems by providing users with options to interchange the accessories connected to the container through the removably attached cup.

Although some prior art have attempted to address this need by creating multi-function thermos, cups, etc., none provide a holistic solution. For instance, although some prior art may provide for a multi-use container with an attachable utensil, such does not address the consumer's need to carry any accompanying meal prep or food items out-side of the contents of the thermos. They also do not address the versatility provided by this solution. Moreover, this type of solution only addresses either the food transport or drink transport, never both. That is, the thermos or containers of the prior art can only carry one item inside. Whereas the current invention can accommodate a liquid in the container and any foodstuff in the carrying bag. The bag component stored within the container can be used for carrying groceries or items in a retail setting.

Additionally, in one or more embodiments, the instant solution includes an interchangeable cup. The user may connect one cup with the utensils for every-day use, connect a separate cup with first aide when embarking on outdoor activities, connect a separate cup with personal hygiene and medical items like hand sanitizer, a face mask, or make up cloths, and/or connect a separate cup with child care items like wipes and a pacifier. In other embodiments, the cup remains unchanged, but the insert within the cup can be interchanged for the same purpose. Thus, this solution provides a replacement for not only throw-away water bottles and utensils, but also for bulky or multiple carrying bags.

This invention combines a reusable liquids container with reusable accessories (e.g., a straw, utensils), including a reusable bag, together into one product that can be easily carried around by consumers.

In the preferred embodiment, the invention comprises a container for holding water, a lid, one or more storage compartments that allow for proper storage of a straw, bag and one or more utensils. This embodiment of the invention is especially useful because of the popularity of reusable water bottles. By using a product that a consumer is generally familiar with—reusable water bottles—the invention bridges the gap between reusable and single-use plastic utensils, straws, and bags. Thus, the consumer is encouraged to envision a wholistic approach and to form new, wholistic habits.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described with specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope of claims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies.

FIGS. 1-5 depict an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the reusable container 0 comprises a lid 1, optional sealing ring 2 (shown in FIG. 4), liquids container 4, accessories 6 (shown in FIG. 4), and storage cup 9 with various storage compartment 8 (shown in FIG. 4) configurations. FIGS. 5A and 5B show the assembled container and a cutaway view of the assembled container, depicting the storage compartments and accessories inside.

The liquids container 4 may comprise any container suitable to hold liquid or semiliquid materials. In one or more embodiments, the liquids container 4 is made of metal, steel, double-walled/insulated metal/steel, plastic or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, the liquids container 4 comprises silicone or rubber. In other embodiments still, the liquids container 4 comprises a flexible, but resilient material so that the liquids container 4 may be compressed for storage.

The liquids container 4 is connected at one end to the lid 1 and at the other to the storage cup 9.

The liquids container 4 may be any suitable shape, including cylindrical. It may be tapered towards the end that connects to the lid 1. In one or more embodiments, the liquids container 4 may have cut outs which roughly correspond to a user's hand, and/or may be otherwise indented or shaped to accommodate a user's grip.

The liquids container 4 is suitably sized to mimic a consumer water bottle. For example, the liquids container 4 may be between 5 and 10 inches tall and 2 to 5 inches wide. However, these measurements are illustrative only. In other embodiments, the liquids container 4 is larger, for example 11 to 14 inches tall and 6 to 8 inches wide. In other embodiments, it may be preferable to have a “mini” or “compact” liquids container 4 so that the dimensions would be between 3 to 5 inches tall and 1 to 2 inches wide. The dimensions are suitably selected to store enough liquid to address the typical hydration needs of a user.

At the end that connects to the lid 1, the liquids container 4 may comprise a series of ridges or threading, or other type of fastening mechanism that correspond with the lid 1. In one or more embodiments, there may also be a sealing ring 2 that ensures that the liquids container 4 is airtight. The sealing ring is show in FIG. 4.

The lid 1 may be made of any suitable material as known in the art, including plastic, rubber, silicone, metal, steel or any combination thereof. The lid 1 may be solid, feature a straw, or other mechanism used to consume the liquid within the liquids container 4 without detaching or unscrewing the lid 1. In one or more embodiments, an integrated or none-integrated straw is inserted through the lid 1 where part of the straw is always inside the liquids container 4 and part of the straw extends through the lid 1. One embodiment comprises an integrated straw. In this embodiment, the straw may have a folding piece that is built into the lid 1 that a user would unfold to use the straw and drink the liquid inside the liquids container 4 without detaching or unscrewing the lid 1.

In one or more embodiments, the lid 1 comprises a flip-up mechanism that reveals the bottom portion of the lid 1, from which the user could drink the liquid. The part of the lid 1 that the user drinks the liquid from, could be: a straw type device, a squirting type device, an open hole or any other liquid-dispensing device known in the art.

In one or more embodiments, the lid 1 may feature a carrying device, handle, clip or strap at the top of the lid 1 for the user to carry their water bottle. This handle or carrying device could be shaped like a water droplet, oval, circle, square, triangle or any other shape known in the art. As operably shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the lid 1 comprises a hook 1a.

The liquids container bottom forms a barrier between the liquids in the liquids container 4 and the contents of storage cup 9 and the storage compartment 8 located therein.

As shown, a storage cup 9, which houses the storage compartment 8, is connected at or near the bottom of the liquids container 4. It is preferred, although not required in all embodiments, that the storage cup 9 be fully removable from the liquid container 4. In such an embodiment, the fittings or other attachment means for the storage cup should be operatively positioned to allow the liquids container to stand when the cup is removed. In the depicted embodiment, for example in FIGS. 1 and 8, the storage cup 9 is removably connected to the liquids container 4 with a click and lock mechanism 10. However, any other friction fit, or structural fit as known in the art may be used, for example, threads.

As shown in FIGS. 6a-c and FIG. 8, the storage compartment 8 is housed within the storage cup 9. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the storage cup 9 is shaped to removably attach to the liquids container 4. In one embodiment, the storage compartment 8 is an integral part of the storage cup 9, while in others, the storage compartment may be removably and/or interchangeably inserted into the storage cup. In other embodiments, the storage cup 9, is a hollow, open semi-rounded shape. In one or more embodiments, the storage cup 9 may be a tapered shape, or some other shape as desired.

Preferably, the storage cup 9 is shaped so as to allow the container 0 to remain upright on a relatively flat surface.

The storage cup 9 may be made of any suitable material. It may be made of the same materials as the liquids container 4 or lid 1. It may also be made of a different material than the liquids container 4 and lid 1. The bottom of the storage cup 9 may suitably comprise a non-slip material.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 9 show the storage compartment 8 hidden when the storage cup 9 is assembled with the liquids container 4. This embodiment also shows the compartment 8 being an integrated part of the cup 9. This creates a sleek and desirable silhouette for the product. The storage compartment 8 within the storage cup 9 may be made of any suitable material, including plastics or metals. It may be made of the same materials as the liquids container 4 or lid 1. It may also be made of a different material than the liquids container 4 and lid 1. The storage compartment 8 maybe made of semi-rigid, but resilient material such that it may be manipulated by the user to accept various sizes of accessories.

Turning to FIGS. 6A-D, the depicted storage cup 9 with storage compartment 8 comprises a plurality of cut outs 7a-e. The number and size of the cutouts 7a-e may vary depending on consumer interest, weight limitations, and accessories. The depicted embodiment features three cut outs 7c-e, which are shaped so as to house specific accessories 6a-c, namely, a foldable spork, knife, spoon, and/or fork 6c, straw and/or chopsticks 6b, and carrying bag 6a. In other embodiments, the cutouts are shaped uniformly. In other embodiments, the cutouts are shaped to accommodate any type of accessory, including universal shapes for consumer pre-purchased accessories and/or those that come packaged with the reusable container 0.

FIG. 9 shows typical accessories 6a-e. In the depicted embodiment, the accessories comprise a spork, knife, spoon, and/or fork 6c-e, straw and/or chopsticks 6b, and carrying bag 6a. Note that the straw 6b may be designed to withdraw liquids from the liquids container 4; however, it is also suitably designed to be used with a separate liquids container, such as a can of soda or glass of juice.

Any number of accessories can be used with the reusable container 0 so long as they fit within the storage cup 9 with the storage compartment 8. FIG. 8 shows one such configuration of the storage compartment with comprise a spork, knife, spoon, and/or fork 6c-e, straw and/or chopsticks 6b, and carrying bag 6a stored. It may be advantageous in various embodiments to employ cut outs 7 that are optimally sized for specific accessories as such would reduce noise and rattling when the bottle is in motion. In one or more embodiments, the cut outs may be sized to friction fit an accessory.

In one or more embodiments, the storage cup 9 and/or the storage container 8 may be interchangeable. In such an embodiment, different shapes of the storage compartment 8 are applied for various storage cups 9. For example, cutouts may be shaped and sized to accommodate accessories for a first aide kit (e.g., bandages, alcohol wipes, and pain reliver). Another example is a storage cup 9 designed for baby accessories, e.g., wet wipes and a pacifier. Another example still is a storage cup 9 for personal hygiene or medical accessories, e g , hand sanitizer, a cloth mask or face covering, deodorant, make-up wipes, etc. The storage cup 9 and cutouts 7a-e are sized to accommodate the specific accessories in these embodiments. In other embodiments, the storage cup 9 and cutouts 7a-e are sized to universally allow for any number of accessories selected by the user.

To use the reusable container 0, a user removes the storage cup 9 from the liquids container 4 to reveal the storage compartment 8 and its contents. The user may then remove the accessories 6a-c and then re-attach the storage cup 9. The user may also leave the storage cup 9 unattached and use the liquids container 4 as a simple water bottle.

The user may wish to remove the bag accessory only and place foodstuff in the bag, along with the reusable container 0 for transport or to aide in grocery shopping

When the user is finished using one or more of the accessors 6a-e that they removed from the storage compartment 8, they can simply detach the storage cup 9 again and place the accessories 6a-e back in their designated cutouts 7a-e.

Not only will the designated cutouts 7a-e keep the items secure, fastened and complete with the container 0, but will also keep each of the accessories 6a-e clean and prevent them from touching one another.

The user may also interchange the storage cups 9 as desired in the same manner.

For the purpose of understanding the Improved Reusable Liquid Container with Storage Compartment, references are made in the text to exemplary embodiments of an Improved Reusable Liquid Container with Storage Compartment, only some of which are described herein. It should be understood that no limitations on the scope of the invention are intended by describing these exemplary embodiments. One of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that alternate but functionally equivalent components, materials, designs, and equipment may be used. The inclusion of additional elements may be deemed readily apparent and obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. Specific elements disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one of ordinary skill in the art to employ the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-use container comprising:

a. a liquids container with a lid and a bottom opposing the lid;

b. a storage cup that is removably attached to said liquids container at or near the bottom of the liquids container such that the contents of said liquids container does not contact the contents of said storage cup;

wherein said storage cup comprises one or more cutouts shaped to store at least one accessory.

2. The multi-use container of claim 1 wherein said cup further comprises a storage container and wherein said cutouts are shaped by the outer and inner walls of said storage container.

3. The multi-use container of claim 2 wherein said storage container is housed completely within the perimeter of said cup.

4. The multi-use container of claim 1 or claim 2 comprising a plurality of cutouts, wherein each cutout is shaped to accommodate the storage of at least one accessory chosen from the group consisting of: a reusable utensil, a carrying bag, a reusable straw, a bandage, a cloth face mask, a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a package of wet wipes.

5. The multi-use container of claim 1 wherein said lid is secured to said liquids container with corresponding threads.

6. The multi-use container of claim 1 wherein the threads on the liquid container are positioned to allow the liquids container to stand when the cup is detached from the liquid container.

7. The multi-use container of claim 1 wherein said cup is removably attached to said liquids container through a click and lock mechanism.

8. The multi-use container of claim 5 wherein said cup is interchangeable.

9. The multi-use container of claim 2 wherein said storage container is removable from said cup.

10. A water bottle with a storage compartment comprising:

a. a water container comprising a lid and a bottom;

b. a cup removably connected to said water container;

c. a storage compartment housed within said cup;

wherein said storage compartment comprises a plurality of cutouts and wherein each cutout is shaped so as to friction fit an accessory.

11. The water bottle with a storage compartment of claim 10 comprising three or more cutouts and wherein one cutout is shaped so as to fit a reusable straw or chopsticks therein, a second cutout is shaped to fit therein an accessory selected from the group consisting of a spork, a knife, a fork, and a spoon, and a third of said cutouts is shaped so as to fit a carrying bag therein.

12. A multi-use portable container comprising a lid removably attached to a liquids container, and a cup removably attached to the other end of said liquids container, said cup comprising three cutouts, each cutout shaped to securely hold a specific accessory, said specific accessories consisting of a carrying bag, a foldable utensil, and a foldable straw, and wherein said lid comprises a hook and a sealing ring, and wherein said liquids container comprises a bottom that forms a fit with said cup.