DRINK BOTTLE SLEEVE WITH MAGNETIC ACCESSORIES AND POWER BANK SYSTEM

Abstract

A system and method for attaching personal items to a water bottle using a sleeve incorporating a combination of embedded magnets, pivotable smartphone retainer, and a battery power bank.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to provisional application 63/438,385, filed Jan. 11, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention generally relates to drink bottle sleeves, in particular to such sleeves equipped with various accessories and electrical systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Reusable water bottles are ubiquitous, and use of vacuum insulated stainless steel bottles has grown in popularity due to their ability to keep liquids at desired temperatures longer. Over 1.75 million vacuum insulated water bottles (sizes 22 oz-40 oz) are sold every year by the two most popular brands on Amazon alone, while approximately a combined 500,000 bottle caddies and protective sleeves/boots are sold in tandem. (Source: Jungle Scout).

Various existing water bottles or bottle sleeves on the market include integrated features such as LED lights, Bluetooth speakers, or water purification systems, etc. However, these bottles or accessories have limited utility and these various features often lack streamlined integration.

Accordingly, improvements are sought in a more full-featured, streamlined bottle accessory sleeve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

While the way that the present invention addresses the disadvantages of the prior art will be discussed in greater detail below, in general, the present invention provides a drink sleeve presenting magnetic accessory holders (key and phone holders), as well as a battery power pack for wired/wireless charging a mobile phone and other electronic devices. Powerful permanent magnets embedded in the sleeve for attaching accessories offer a convenient alternative to dropping keys and phones on the floor at the gym. Additionally, a phone support may be positionable to allow selection of phone viewing angles, effectively making the drink bottle a phone stand.

One aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a sleeve for a drinking bottle composed of some type of polymer such as polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoset urethane, or silicone. The sleeve includes a built-in compartment for retaining a tracking device such as an Apple® AirTag/Samsung® Smart Tag. A band/ring anchor is integrated into the sleeve for the purpose of holding accessories.

One aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a water bottle sleeve with a magnetic system for securing accessories to a water bottle. The sleeve can be insert molded or overmolded to embed accessory magnets on/in the sleeve. Accessory magnets can be neodymium magnets such as N45/N52, or other suitably powerful magnets. Thin metal/magnet strike plates can be attached to accessories, e.g., using adhesive pads or glue, to then magnetically attach the accessory to magnets on/in the sleeve.

One aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a drink container sleeve with a hinge component for positioning a mobile device on the sleeve on the drink container. In some cases, the base of the hinge is overmolded into the sleeve. In some cases, the base of the hinge is detachable from the sleeve. In some cases, the hinge is a friction/torque hinge to allow maintaining a phone position over a range of deployed positions. In some cases, the hinge is a friction/frictionless hinge propped up by a collapsible wedge.

One aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a sleeve with a MagSafe component or smartphone retainer for securing a mobile device. In some cases, the MagSafe component or smartphone retainer is embedded in the sleeve via insert molding or overmolding processes or onto a hinge. In some cases, the sleeve includes wireless charging capability for mobile devices. In some cases, a thin metal/magnet circular strike plate uses adhesive/glue on one side to attach to a mobile device, while the other side attaches to the MagSafe or smartphone retainer on the sleeve.

One aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a drink container sleeve with a rechargeable power bank. The power bank is embedded into the sleeve using an insert molding or overmolding process. Alternatively, the power bank may be detachable from the sleeve. The power bank may be used to power/recharge some mobile devices via the MagSafe component or smartphone retainer. The power bank may be used to power/recharge some devices via USB-C/(latest tech) outputs. In some cases, the power bank may be wirelessly charged itself. The power bank may be used to power an LED light system presented on the sleeve. In some cases, the LED system is insert molded or overmolded into the sleeve.

One aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a water bottle sleeve presenting permanent magnets (neodymium) thereon to secure metal surfaces associated with keys, Bluetooth cases, phones, and the like. The magnets temporarily secure cell phones, keys, and other accessories attached via metallic/magnetic strike plates placed directly on cell phones/cellphone cases, key chains, earbud cases, etc. A Band/Ring Anchor can be provided to secure non-magnetic or non-metal objects like sunglasses that are not conducive to magnetic/metallic strike plates being attached to them.

In some embodiments the magnets are positioned away from the liquid dispensing portion of the bottle so that retained objects do not interfere with drinking. In some embodiments, the magnets are positioned away from the liquid dispensing portion of the bottle so that retained accessories do not interfere with drinking.

In various embodiments, the magnets comprise high-strength rare-earth magnets.

Another aspect of the invention features, in some embodiments, a positionable cell-phone mount comprising a retained magnet movable on at least one of a hinge and a pivot. The moveable magnet can extend out when needed to provide better phone viewing angles. In some embodiments, the phone mount includes an Apple MagSafe attachment surface or smartphone retainer. The MagSafe component or smartphone retainer on the sleeve will be able to pivot out at least 40° on a hinge/fulcrum allowing people the ability to use their water bottle as a phone stand and offer a pleasant viewing angle in portrait or landscape mode.

In some embodiments, the phone mount also comprises a wireless charger powered by a battery power pack retained within the sleeve.

In some embodiments, the sleeve presents a high-grip surface for ease of holding during movement and exercise. In some embodiments, the sleeve is transparent/translucent or pigmented with color.

Another advantage of the present invention is the various possibilities for the placement of retained objects without interfering with gripping or drinking from the bottle.

Thus, the present invention provides a convenient means for securing common personal objects to a sleeve about a water bottle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout the Figures.

FIGS. 1-23 illustrate different views of various embodiments of a water bottle sleeve (“sleeve”) for accessory-attachments.

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a sleeve according to one embodiment having a MagSafe or smartphone retainer for holding a smartphone, presented thereon in a stowed position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a right side view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 relative to the front smartphone retainer, showing a magnet housing point for retaining ferrous objects and strike plates;

FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 showing two magnet housing points for retaining ferrous objects/strike plates and a band/ring anchor for retaining non-magnetic and non-metal objects;

FIG. 4 illustrates a top view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 showing positioning of the embedded magnet housing points relative to the front smartphone retainer and band/ring anchor;

FIG. 5 illustrates a left side view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 relative to the front smartphone retainer, showing a magnet housing point for retaining ferrous plates/objects;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 showing the left embedded magnet housing point and smartphone retainer;

FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 showing the right embedded magnet housing point and ring anchor;

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective exploded view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 showing the phone/circular strike plate and accessory strike plates relative to their corresponding magnets on the sleeve;

FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 with the smartphone retainer in a deployed position;

FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 with the smartphone retainer supporting a phone in a deployed position;

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 with the smartphone supported in a landscape position;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 with the smartphone retainer in the stowed position and a keychain strike plate attached to the left accessory magnet;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 having personal objects (e.g., keys and ear bud case) secured by the accessory magnets and the band/ring anchor supporting a pair of sunglasses;

FIG. 14 illustrates a perspective bottom rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 1 showing the shock absorbing bumper and tracking device compartment at the bottom of the sleeve;

FIG. 15 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the sleeve taken along the front center of the sleeve in FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 illustrates a rear view of a sleeve according to one embodiment having a power bank located at the bottom of the sleeve for charging smartphones and other electronic devices, while also showing an additional MagSafe or circular magnet array component for retaining MagSafe accessories such as MagSafe wallets;

FIG. 17 illustrates a perspective rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 16 showing the relative positioning of the smartphone retainer, embedded magnet housing points, and power bank;

FIG. 18 illustrates a perspective rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 16 showing cable charging of electronic devices;

FIG. 19 illustrates a perspective view of a sleeve according to one embodiment having an LED array located at the bottom of the sleeve;

FIG. 20 illustrates a perspective rear view of the sleeve of FIG. 19 showing the LED array;

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded view of the sleeve of FIGS. 1, 16, and 19 showing the magnetic system;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exploded view of the sleeve of FIGS. 1, 16, and 19 showing the sleeve assembly; and

FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded view of the sleeve of FIGS. 1, 16, and 19 showing the electrical assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of exemplary embodiments of the invention only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description is intended to provide a convenient illustration for implementing various embodiments of the invention. As will become apparent, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the elements described in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth herein. It should be appreciated that the description herein may be adapted to be employed with alternatively configured devices having different shapes, components, attachment mechanisms and the like and still fall within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

In the following description, certain terminology is used to describe certain features of one or more embodiments of the invention. For example, the terms “magnets” or “magnetic points” as described herein may include, but is not necessarily limited to, a neodymium permanent magnet. The sleeve, smartphone retainer, band/ring anchor and other components may be constructed using a wide variety of materials and methods.

With reference to FIGS. 1-23, various embodiments of water bottle sleeves are shown with various accessories.

Combinations of the following components are integrated into the sleeve in various embodiments:

• • Bottle Sleeve
  • Band/Ring Anchor
  • Tracking Device Compartment
  • Shock Absorbing Bumper
  • Air Pressure Equalizing Vents
  • Magnet Housing
  • Strike Plate Channel
  • Smartphone Retainer
  • Circular Strike Plate Channel
  • Friction/Torque/Spring Hinge
  • Circular Magnet Array
  • Accessory Magnets
  • Phone/Circular Strike Plate
  • Accessory Strike Plate
  • Keychain Strike Plate
  • Power Bank
  • USB-C (latest tech) Input/Outputs
  • Wireless Charging Electromagnetic Induction Coil
  • LED Array

An embodiment of a bottle sleeve assembly in accordance with the present disclosure is indicated by reference numeral 100 in FIGS. 1-20 and 22. As best seen in FIG. 22, bottle sleeve assembly 100 integrates two systems: a magnet system 200 as seen in FIG. 21 and an electrical system 300 as seen in FIG. 23.

As seen in FIG. 22, bottle sleeve assembly 100 comprises a bottle sleeve 102 with a band/ring anchor 104 integrated into the rear upper portion of the sidewall of the bottle sleeve 102. An integrated tracking device compartment 106 is located at the bottom center of bottle sleeve 102 and is accessible from inside bottle sleeve 102. A shock absorbing bumper 108 that rings the bottom of the bottle sleeve 102 is configured to help protect a bottle in the event of a drop or fall. To facilitate the equalization of air pressure inside/outside of bottle sleeve 102 while inserting/removing a bottle, air pressure equalizing vents 110 are defined at a bottom portion of bottle sleeve 102. Located on the left and right sidewalls of the bottle sleeve 102 are integrated magnet housings 112 that retain accessory magnets 204 used to attach accessory strike plates 208 to bottle sleeve 102. Magnet housings 112 contain a strike plate channel 114 at the forefront for better receiving and holding accessory strike plates. Located on the front sidewall of bottle sleeve 102 is a smartphone retainer 116 that houses the circular magnet array 202 and a wireless charging electromagnetic induction coil 306 (as seen in FIG. 23). Smartphone retainer 116 contains a circular strike plate channel 118 located at the forefront for better receiving and holding a phone/circular strike plate 206. Smartphone retainer 116 is connected to bottle sleeve 102 via a friction/torque/spring hinge 120.

As seen in FIG. 21, bottle sleeve 102 incorporates a magnet system 200 consisting of various magnets and strike plates that are magnetically attracted to each other. A circular magnet array 202 that is embedded in smartphone retainer 116 is used to attract phone/circular strike plate 206 that fits within a circular strike plate channel 118. Phone/circular strike plate 206 has an adhesive backed side that attaches to a smartphone or smartphone case. Accessory magnets 204 embedded in accessory magnet housing 112 are used to attract accessory strike plates 208 or keychain strike plates 210. Accessory strike plates 208 have an adhesive backed side that attach to various accessories such as earbud cases.

As seen in FIG. 23, an electrical system 300 contains a power bank 302 within the bottom portion of bottle sleeve 102 that is used to wirelessly charge smartphones through the wireless charging electromagnetic induction coil 306 embedded in smartphone retainer 116. Power bank 302 can also charge electronic devices via cables (as seen in FIG. 18) through the USB-C (or latest) input/outputs 304 located on the bottom portion of the bottle sleeve 102 and a power the LED array 308 also located on the bottom portion of bottle sleeve 102 (also seen in FIGS. 19 & 20).

As seen in FIGS. 16-18 and 20, in one embodiment of the bottle sleeve 102, a circular magnet array 202 can integrate into bottle sleeve 102 to hold MagSafe accessories such as MagSafe wallets that normally attach to smartphones but would be prevented from doing so when the smartphone is placed on smartphone retainer 116.

As seen in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5, the placement of the integrated magnet housings 112 and band/ring anchor 104 is toward the top of bottle sleeve 102.

As seen in FIG. 4, using a friction/torque/spring hinge 120 as a reference to 0° on bottle sleeve 102, integrated band/ring anchor 104 is centered at 180°, while two magnet housings 112 are positioned equidistant on either side of a friction/torque/spring hinge 120 at 110° and 250° respectively. Smartphone retainer 116 is centered at 0° on a friction/torque/spring hinge 120.

As seen in FIG. 8, smartphone retainer 116 is able to accept a phone/circular strike plate 206 which is able to spin within the circular strike plate channel 118. The magnet housings 112 are able to accept accessory strike plates 206 within strike plate channel 114 which help maintain a fixed position while attached.

As seen in FIG. 9, smartphone retainer 116 is able to pivot out to at least 40° degrees from bottle sleeve 102 using friction/torque/spring hinge 120.

As seen in FIGS. 10-11, when a smartphone is attached to the phone/circular strike plate 206 (not shown) via the adhesive backed side as intended, the smartphone is then able to attach and rotate on smartphone retainer 116, allowing the smartphone to spin into portrait or landscape mode. Friction/torque/spring hinge 120, connected to bottle sleeve 102 and smartphone retainer 116, allows an attached smartphone to pivot out at least 40° with consistent tension or resistance, letting users set their viewing angle anywhere within the deployment spectrum without the weight of the heaviest smartphones (approx. 12 oz/340 g) collapsing friction/torque/spring hinge 120 back on itself.

As seen in FIGS. 6-7, smartphone retainer 116 is able to be stowed within the bottle sleeve 102 allowing for a sleek and streamlined design when no smartphone or accessories are attached to bottle sleeve 102.

As seen in FIGS. 12-13, when an accessory such as an earbud case is attached to an accessory strike plate 208 (not shown) via the adhesive backed side as intended, that accessory is then able to attach to magnet housings 112 on bottle sleeve 102. Accessories that are able to attach to a keyring are able to attach to bottle sleeve 102 via keychain strike plate 210. For some accessories such as sunglasses that are not conducive to having strike plates attached to them, band/ring anchor 104 allows for the retention of the accessory on bottle sleeve 102.

As seen in FIGS. 14-15, the bottom of bottle sleeve 102 defines a tracking device compartment 106 accessible through the inside of the sleeve for helping track a lost or stolen bottle sleeve 102. A shock absorbing bumper 108 rings the bottom of bottle sleeve 102 to help protect a bottle during a drop or fall.

As seen in FIG. 1, bottle sleeve assembly 100 comprising bottle sleeve 102 with smartphone retainer 116 in stowed position and magnet housing 112 on left and right sidewall of bottle sleeve 102.

It is understood that any process now known or later developed for forming the sleeve, magnets, anchors, and battery pack and other components may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention provide a protective water bottle sleeve with embedded magnet/non-magnetic anchor points and wireless charger with an onboard power bank.

Finally, while the present invention has been described above with reference to various exemplary embodiments, many changes, combinations and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, the various components may be implemented in alternative ways. These alternatives can be suitably selected depending upon the particular application or in consideration of any number of factors associated with the operation of the device. In addition, the techniques described herein may be extended or modified for use with other types of devices. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sleeve for a drinking bottle comprising:

a polymeric sleeve body comprising at least one of polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoset urethane, and silicone;

a compartment defined in the sleeve body to retain a tracking device; and

a hinge presented on the sleeve body and configured to support a mobile telephone; and

a band/ring/anchor integrated into the sleeve body to retain everyday carry accessories.

2. The sleeve of claim 1, wherein a portion of the hinge is integrated into the sleeve body by one of insert molding and overmolding.

3. The sleeve of claim 2, wherein a base of the hinge is detachable from the sleeve body.

4. The sleeve of claim 2, wherein the hinge comprises one of a friction hinge and a torque hinge.

5. A water bottle sleeve comprising:

a polymeric sleeve body; and

a magnetic system to retain everyday carry accessories integrated into the sleeve body by one of insert molding and overmolding.

6. The water bottle sleeve of claim 5, wherein the magnetic system comprises one of magnets embedded into sleeve body.

7. The water bottle sleeve of claim 5, comprising a thin ferrous strike plate and magnetic strike plate attachable on a first side to embedded magnets and on a second side to everyday carry accessories.

8. The water bottle sleeve of claim 5, wherein a strike plate integrates a keychain to attach to magnets embedded in body sleeve.

9. The water bottle sleeve of claim 5, further comprising a circular magnet array presenting a wireless electromagnetic induction coil configured to charge a mobile device.

10. The water bottle sleeve of claim 9, wherein the circular magnet array is one of insert molded and overmolded embedded into one of the sleeve body and the hinge.

11. The water bottle sleeve of claim 9, further comprising a thin ferrous circular strike and circular magnetic strike plate attachable on a first side to a circular magnet array and on a second side to a mobile device.

12. A water bottle sleeve comprising:

a polymeric sleeve body; and

a rechargeable power bank associated with the polymeric sleeve body and configured to power one or more accessories associated with the water bottle sleeve.

13. The water bottle sleeve of claim 12, wherein the power bank is one of insert molded and overmolded into the polymeric sleeve body.

14. The water bottle sleeve of claim 12, wherein the power bank is detachable from the sleeve polymeric sleeve body.

16. The water bottle sleeve of claim 12, wherein the power bank is configured to power one or more mobile devices via a circular magnet array with wireless electromagnetic induction coil.

17. The water bottle sleeve of claim 12, wherein the power bank is configured to power one or more mobile devices via USB-C.

18. The water bottle sleeve of claim 12, wherein the power bank is wirelessly chargeable.

19. The water bottle sleeve of claim 13, further comprising an LED array and wherein the power bank is configured to power the LED array.