Abstract:
A sectionalized fluids container formed of one or more segments, threadedly engaged together, with a bottom closure secured to the bottom of the container, to seal it, and a top upper closure or cap securing with the top most segment, to form the fluids container. A double venting arrangement may be provided within the container, and allows for the entrance of ambient air when the container is inverted, during drinking, to prevent the formation of any vacuum therein. A drinking spout may be applied to the cap of the container, to facilitate its usage.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This non-provisional patent application claims priority to the non-provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/122,779, filed on Oct. 29, 2014, which claims priority to the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 62/284,408, filed on Sep. 29, 2015, which claims priority to the provisional application having Ser. No. 62/230,082, filed on May 27, 2015, and also claims priority to the continuation-in-part on patent application having Ser. No. 14/120,758, filed Jun. 24, 2014; which is a continuation of patent application having Ser. No. 13/065,411, filed on Mar. 22, 2011; which is a non-provisional of the provisional patent application having Ser. No. 61/340,993, filed on Mar. 25, 2010. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention generally relates to a fluids container, and more specifically, to a container that is both segmented, and which segments can be threadedly engaged into the formation of the container, each segment possessing additional indicia, coloration, or any other decoration that may be desired, while at the same time, the container can be fully vented to facilitate the dispensing of its fluids for consumption. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A variety of sports bottles, flasks, nursing bottles, and a variety of other containers have long been available in the art. There are many patents that show a variety of containers that can hold fluids, for dispensing, as desired and required. For example, various types of flasks and hot cups are readily available for holding hot beverages, such as coffee, tea, or the like, and incorporate an integral spout through which the beverage can be dispensed. Standard water bottles that are sold upon the market, incorporate a variety of spout-like means, some even incorporating a closure valve, which when elevated, opens the container for drinking, but that when lowered, shuts off its valve, to curtail any further dispensing. 
         [0004]    Nursing bottles have been available for eons in the art. Even nursing bottles that are vented, or even double vented, have been available. For example, the United States patent to the inventors herein, U.S. Pat. No. 5,779,071, shows a nursing bottle with an air venting structure. The venting structure is a double vent, for allowing venting of the interior of the bottle, as its contents are being consumed. 
         [0005]    Another double vented bottle for facilitating the delivery of its fluid contents during consumption can be seen in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,796, also entitled a “Nursing Bottle with an Air Venting Structure”. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,828,165, entitled “Fully Vented Wide Rimmed Nursing Bottle With Contoured Vent Tube” shows another means for venting of a bottle containing a fluid for consumption. 
         [0007]    In a similar design, another patent listing of the inventors herein shows a single piece vent structure for a fluids container, being a nursing bottle, is shown in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,365, entitled “Fully Vented Nursing Bottle With Single Piece Vent Tube”. 
         [0008]    A further bottle that is vented can be seen in the U.S. Pat. No. 8,146,759, entitled “Fully Vented Wide Rimmed Nursing Bottle With Canted Vent Tube”. 
         [0009]    A further U.S. Pat. No. 8,579,130, discloses the “Fully Vented Wide Rim Nursing Bottle with Single Piece Vent Insert”. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,757,406, discloses a further modification to a fully vented wide rimmed nursing bottle. 
         [0011]    Various other prior art patents do disclose designs for particularly bottles, such as the disposable collapsible beverage bottle shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,310,068. 
         [0012]    A baby bottle and milk storage assembly can be seen in the United States patent to Yaniv, U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,439. This provides a baby bottle apparently with a separate milk storage assembly that keeps these foods or liquids separate for storage purposes. 
         [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,364, to Asadi, shows a nursing bottle assembly. This nursing bottle also has a bottom or lower chamber in its structure. Apparently it is for holding a nipple, or the like. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,292,099, shows a compartmentalized baby bottle, which is a dual chambered bottle. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,501,468, shows a bottle with a lower compartment, identified as a “Culturing Cells in a Compartmentalized Roller Bottle.” 
         [0016]    Finally, the patent to Arspamer, et al, patent U.S. Pat. No. 8,807,360, shows a taper-evident bottle and closure having vents. 
         [0017]    These are examples of known prior art relating to containers, their dispensing, and their venting. In addition, the prior art shows the application of indicia to sports bottles, and related containers, to add to their attractiveness. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]    This invention primarily relates to a segmented container. In addition, it relates to a vented container, that delivers its contents, without aeration. 
         [0019]    This invention also contemplates the formation of a sports bottle, or related container, where the main embodiment of the container can be made in sections, that may be threadedly or otherwise fastened together, to form a cylindrical body, such as through a bayonet lock, pressure fit, or the like, in order to form the entire segmented container. There are many reasons for forming the container as a segmented vessel, primarily, it allows for the container to be opened, where its various sections may be unfastened, and allows for very easy cleaning of the interior of the entire container, particularly of those locations which previously were inaccessible to application of a cleaning apparatus, after consumption of its fluid contents. As stated, the various segments of the container principally will be threadedly engaged together, into a tight fluidic seal, to form the segmented aspects of the container body, in preparation for application of a drink, if not just water. Furthermore, the upper part of the container will include a threadedly engaged lid, and the bottom of the container will include a threadedly engaged bottom closure, when assembling the container for holding a fluid. 
         [0020]    There may be various seals that interengage between the various sections, particularly when threaded together, in the formation of the overall container. 
         [0021]    Another aspect of this invention is that the container may include a double vented structure, that allows for venting of any accumulated vacuum within the bottom of the container, during fluid consumption, and particularly when it is inverted during a drinking session. The venting structure vents the air in the now-elevated bottom of the container, and does not require air bubbles to be raised through the fluid, during consumption, which has a tendency to aerate the fluid, and lessens the consumption of substantial liquids. This aspect of the invention has been thoroughly explored in the prior patents to one of the inventors herein, that analyzes the benefits of avoiding aeration of the consumed fluids, particularly when fed as a formula to an infant, as explained therein. While aerated fluid may not appear to be of a substantial concern to an athlete, or others, when drinking water or other fluids from a vessel, they still desire to receive one hundred percent of the fluids, without air bubbles entrained therein, to provide for a complete dosage of the fluid as it is consumed. In the prior art, since air is ingested after mixing in the fluid, the stomach distends and may push the diaphragm upwardly, thus compressing the lung volume, and decreasing the efficiency of breathing, which particularly effects the athlete in athletic events. 
         [0022]    A further and substantial benefit of the current invention is that the various segments of the container or vessel may be made to different colorations, so that the sections may be selectively and individually picked by the purchaser, for formation into the overall container, and the colors picked may be the school colors which is an enticement to the purchaser to select this sectionalized fluids container, over others. Other types of indicia, sayings, trademarks, or any other type of print material may be applied to the various sections, in order to add to the identification of the container, and its personalized interest to the user. 
         [0023]    Structurally, the segmented container of this invention includes various sections that are threadedly or otherwise engaged together. There is a bottom closure, that threadedly engages into the bottom segment of the container. There is a cap or lid, that threads onto the upper end of the sectionalized container. The lid may incorporate a spout, for drinking, or it may have one of those valved closure means, as known in the art, which when pulled up, opens the closure valve and allows consumption of its contents, but that the valve when depressed, enters into closure, and prevents the dispensing of the container contents, as during nonusage. The size of the container may be adjusted by using more or less segments. 
         [0024]    It is, therefore, one of the principal objects of this invention to provide a sectionalized fluids container for holding water or other liquids for consumption. 
         [0025]    A further object of this invention is to provide a closure valve for a sports bottle, that may be partially opened, or fully opened, to regulate the quantity of discharge of its contents, during consumption or usage. 
         [0026]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a sports bottle whose container is sectionalized, to allow for an assembly of a container that may be to varying sizes or lengths, at the desire of its purchaser, for holding that quantity of a liquid desired or required. 
         [0027]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a spout upon a container, that is double vented, in order to control the discharge of its fluids, without substantial aeration. 
         [0028]    Another object of this invention is to provide a container for fluids that is fully vented. 
         [0029]    Another object of this invention is to provide a vented container that is very easy for cleaning in a hygienic fashion. 
         [0030]    Still another object of this invention is to eliminate contamination of a sports bottle by allowing for its cleansing without the use of any utensils. 
         [0031]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a segmented nonleakage liquids container. 
         [0032]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a sectionalized container, that may have indicia, different colors, texture, or the like, upon its external surfaces, to furnish ease of identification by its owner and user. 
         [0033]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a sectionalized container, that can easily be cleaned, and transmit less accidental infection from others during usage. 
         [0034]    Still another object of this invention is to provide an optimal container whose size may be created at the design of its purchaser. 
         [0035]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a segmented container that is easier to use during application. 
         [0036]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a segmented container that is easier to carry during application. 
         [0037]    Still another object of this invention is to provide a segmented container, made up of a series of sections, that are formed with fluidic seals to prevent spillage or leakage during usage. 
         [0038]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a customization of a container to hold a specific amount of liquid, such as a sports bottle, or related type of water or other fluids bottle. 
         [0039]    Yet another object of this invention is to provide a full and continuous venting of a container to allow liquid usage on demand without vacuum formation internally thereof during usage. 
         [0040]    Yet another object of this invention is to allow a container, for the first time, as an all-purpose container, to incorporate complete and continuous venting to accomplish liquid flow on demand, without air contamination. 
         [0041]    As a further summarization, individuals, especially the youth, frequently use containers containing liquids. The liquids are necessary for both nutrition and hydration. Sports bottles are frequently utilized by the athletes, and others. Various containers have been fabricated for holding liquids, and all have suffered from various and numerous problems. 
         [0042]    As previously stated, earlier containers could not be adequately cleaned. Almost all containers opened only from the superior or upper aspects of the container, and these types of containers usually have an integral neck, that makes it difficult to clean the interior, after consumption of its contents, and even sometimes makes it difficult to insert any type of a cleaning utensil, that can fully contact to clean all of the interior surfaces of the container. All of these previous embodiments make it prohibitive or even impossible to adequately clean the container, particularly interiorly, after usage. Bottle brushes are frequently used during the cleaning process. Bottle brushes utilize materials with large surface areas in order to attempt cleaning of the item. Frequently, sponges and bristles are used as the cleaning material. It is well known that these materials quickly harbor and grow multiple types of bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms. This can usually occur at the interior creases, such as along the side wall where it melds into the bottom wall of the container, or also at the upper interior neck portion, as it transitions into the volumetric bottle portion. It is difficult to get a cleaning utensil at these locations. Such microorganisms, as explained, easily contaminate all surfaces that they contact, and generally are extremely resistant to elimination. 
         [0043]    Another problem with previous containers is leakage. Due to its design, the various drinking bottles frequently leak. Also, a frequent problem with current bottles is cross contamination. Very often, a user quickly reaches for a container of liquid and consumes some of the liquid, only to find out that it wasn&#39;t their container, in the first instance. This is a common cause of one user getting an infection from another. The infection may be any type of bacteria, virus, or fungus, as previously explained. This most frequently happens with younger users, and those that are rapidly grabbing for a fluids container, only to pick up the wrong one. 
         [0044]    Another frequent problem with the current art is the container size. Frequently, there are users of multiple ages using the same containers. Also, there is normally only one size of container available to all the users. Commonly, the container that is available is not individualized for the particular user. This is most common with the young user utilizing a container that is significantly too large. This causes a significant amount of inconvenience and poor backpack utilization by the youth. Spillage of the contents of the container is more common by the user in this type of situation. Inappropriate container sizes are very commonly seen in prepared containers of liquid, such as those liquids marketed as a sports drink. 
         [0045]    In addition, as previously reviewed, the current art does not allow for full and continuous venting of the container, such as a sports bottle, with liquid usage on demand, without a vacuum formation. This container allows, for the first time, an all-purpose container, complete and continuous venting to accomplish liquid flow on demand, without air contamination. This is accomplished by utilizing a controllable venting in combination with an optional liquid spout. 
         [0046]    Furthermore, the current art does not allow for customization of the container by the user, as can be accomplished with the current invention. The current containers and prepared sport drinks must be purchased in designs and colors decided by the manufacturers, and are fixed in place. 
         [0047]    Thus, it is very advantageous from the current invention that the potential purchaser can provide for customization of their select container, before purchase of the same, with designs and colors that he/she can select, and not be dictated by the manufacturer. 
         [0048]    These and other objects may become more apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of its preferred embodiments, in view of the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0049]    In referring to the drawings: 
           [0050]      FIG. 1  shows a sectionalized fluids container of this invention; 
           [0051]      FIG. 2  is a top view; 
           [0052]      FIG. 3  is a side view; 
           [0053]      FIG. 4  is an exploded view showing the select components of the sectionalized container; 
           [0054]      FIG. 5  is another exploded view showing the components of the sectionalized container; 
           [0055]      FIG. 6  discloses an exploded view of the container cap, with its double vented structure arrangement internally of the associated container; 
           [0056]      FIG. 7  shows a modification to the vent structure and how it inclines towards the bottom center of the container in which it is applied; 
           [0057]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the lid, and part of its vent structure, showing a valved closure means; 
           [0058]      FIG. 9  shows a further modified sectionalized container, that includes a plurality of the various selections that may be chosen by the user prior to purchase; 
           [0059]      FIG. 10  shows one of the segments of the sectionalized container; 
           [0060]      FIG. 11  shows a cross sectional view of the container lid, and part of its venting structure, the lid having an integral drinking spout with closure; 
           [0061]      FIG. 12  shows a sectional view taken along the line  12  of  FIG. 9 , disclosing how one section threadedly engages within an upper section, and incorporates beveled surfaces that pressure contact into fluid sealing closure when assembled; and 
           [0062]      FIG. 13  provides an exploded view a singular vent tube for use for venting the sectionalized fluids container of this invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0063]    In referring to the drawings, and in particular  FIG. 1 , therein is shown the sectionalized fluids container  1  of this invention. In this particular instance, the container includes two sections  2  and  3 , that are threadedly engaged together to form the complete body for the container of this invention. A closure  4  is provided at the bottom, and a cover  5  is furnished at the top. All of these components are threadedly engaged together, to form a tight seal, that is fluid leak proof, when forming the container of this invention. Obviously, other means for connection of these components together could be considered, such as a tight bayonet lock, a pressure engagement, or any other means for providing further engagement. 
         [0064]    As can also be noted, there is a vent hole  6  provided through the cover, where the container may be vented for the assembled device. In addition, in this particular instance, there is provided a closure valve  7 , which also functions as a spout, when opened, to allow for the contained fluid within the vessel to be discharged and consumed, upon drinking. 
         [0065]      FIG. 2  provides a top plan view of the container  1 , and it can be seen that there is an aperture  8  through which the contained fluid may be discharged, when the valved closure is opened. 
         [0066]      FIG. 4 , along with  FIG. 5 , furnishes an exploded view showing the various components that make up the container  1  of this invention. As noted, the container includes its two shown sections  2  and  3 , each of which has threaded segments  9  and  10  furnished at their upper ends, and further include, at their bottom ends, the female threads  11  and  12  as can be noted. Thus, for example, when the sections  2  and  3  are to be combined, into a complete vessel, the threads  10  of section  3  threadedly engage within the threads  11  of the section  2 , as can be understood. 
         [0067]    As can also be noted, the bottom closure  4  also includes a series of upwardly extending threads  13 , and these are provided for threaded engagement within the bottom of the section  3 , by threadedly engaging within the female threads  12 , as shown. 
         [0068]    The upper closure or lid  5  of the device includes, in this particular instance, its closure valve  7 , and has a downwardly extending portion  14  in which the valve  7  locates, such that when the closure  7  is forced downwardly, as known in the art, it provides a seal against the valve seat  14 , as noted. In addition, the vent  6  communicates with an inner vent  15 , so as to allow air from outside of the container to enter therein, as to be understood. In addition, there is a concentric sleeve  16  integrally formed with the cap  5 , and this sleeve is designed for receiving the cylindrical portion of the reservoir sleeve  17  of the reservoir vent tube  18  when pressure fitted thereon. Thus, since the reservoir vent tube  18  extends to the bottom, or in proximity with the inner surface  19  of the bottom closure  4 , this allows for air to enter into the container, and into the bottom of the container when it is inverted, as when the user is taking a drink of the fluids from the vessel, during usage. Since the reservoir vent sleeve  17  is greater in diameter than the inner vent tube  15 , the sleeve  17  has a capacity to receive and hold any residue fluid that is located within the reservoir vent tube  18 , when the vessel is inverted, so that little or none of the fluid enters into the inner vent tube  15 , nor does it seep out of the vent port  6 , when the container is inverted, as during drinking. 
         [0069]      FIG. 6  shows a further view of the reservoir vent tube  18 , its reservoir sleeve  17 , and how it is aligned for pressure fitting upon the cap closure sleeve  16 , as previously described. These structures can be further seen in  FIG. 8 , showing the inner vent tube  15  and how it communicates with its vent port  6 , and how the vent sleeve  16  can be engaged by the sleeve  17  of the reservoir vent sleeve and tube. Thus, as stated, there is a capacity for holding any residue fluid within the spacing  19 , as can be noted, when the reservoir sleeve tube  17  is located upon said vent sleeve  16 . This temporarily retains any fluid that was in the reservoir tube  18 , when the container is inverted, and does not allow it to escape out of the channel  20  of the inner vent tube, as can be understood. 
         [0070]    The check valve closure  7  is secured onto the top of the cap  5  and these types of valves  7  are known in the art, such that when it is pulled upwardly, its valve  21  unseats from its valve seat  14 , and allows fluid to flow upwardly and out through the valve spout  7 , through its apertures  22 . These types of valved closures are known in the art. 
         [0071]      FIG. 7  shows a further modification to the reservoir vent tube of this invention, wherein its reservoir vent tube  23  is canted, or slanted inwardly, so as to locate its lower tip  24  proximate centrally of the interior bottom of the container, proximate its lower closure or interior surface  19 , as can be understood. 
         [0072]      FIG. 11  shows a similar type of top closure, as at  25 , and such closure includes a spout  26  which when its cap  27  is opened, allows for drinking of the contained fluid. A living hinge  28  may secure the cap  27  to the exterior to of the top closure  25 . 
         [0073]    Thus, heretofore, a sectionalized container has been described. It is a container that includes two sections, those sections  2  and  3 , in its embodiment, but other configurations for the container have likewise been considered. For example,  FIG. 9  shows a sectionalized container  30  formed of six separate sections  31 - 36 , as can be noted. One of the sections, for example, section  32 , is shown in  FIG. 10 . Each of these sections has an upwardly extending threaded section  37  so that it can be threadedly engaged within the next upwardly adjacent section thereto, which in this particular instance, would be the section  31 , and section  31 , at its lower interior end, has a series of internal female threads, similar to the threads  11  and  12 , as previously explained. In other words, each section has upwardly extending male threads, and inwardly extending lower threads, so that each section may be engaged with another section, or be secured with a bottom closure  38  or a top closure  39  as previously explained. In this particular instance, there may be a drinking spout  40 , of the closure valve type as previously described with respect to the valve  7 , and it may have a vent port  44 , cooperating with the various types of inner vent tubes, such as a vent tube  15 , and a reservoir tube  18 , as previously explained. But, the essence of the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 9  is that it may be constructed of a series of sections, one or more, that are threadedly engaged together, and they may not include any type of venting structure as previously reviewed, but rather, provides a sectionalized fluids container that may be used as a sports bottle, water bottle, or the like. Hence, various of the sections may have different coloration, so that, for example, school colors may be selected by the purchaser, or any other rainbow of colors that may be combined to form the sectionalized container of this invention, and at the preference of the purchaser and user. In the alternative, a defined venting section, as explained, may also be used. 
         [0074]      FIG. 12  shows one method for obtained a fluid tight seal between a pair of sections, when engaged together. This is a section taken along the line  12 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . As can be seen, the wall of the section  35  has its upwardly extending threads, as at  42  and this section is designed for engaging within the section  34 , by threadedly engaging with its internal female threads  43 , as can be noted. It should also be noted that the upward edge of the section  35  is slightly inclined, as at  44 , and is designed for mating with the inclined interior surface  45  of the upper section  34 . Thus, when the two sections are threadedly engaged together, and the two incline surfaces mate together, there is a tendency for the two sections to attempt to slide up upon each other, to form a thorough fluidic seal, and prevent any leakage between any of the combined sections, whether it be the sections  31 - 36 , or their mating within the threads of the upper cap  39 , or when secured with the bottom closure  38 , for the formed container. This is an example as to how these various segments of the container sections are combined together, form a fluidic seal, and the entire container can be filled with a fluid, in preparation for usage by the owner. But, if necessary o-rings may be used between sections to ensure an efficient fluid seal between sections. 
         [0075]      FIG. 13  shows an exploded view of the sectionalized fluids container of this invention. The fluids container  1  includes one, or a pair or more of sections  2  or  3 , with a cover  5  that preferably threadily engages thereon, although other means of securement, such as pressure fit, may be employed. The internal aspects of the spout closure  14  can be noted. It connects with its closure valve  7 , which when opened, provides for drinking of the contents of the container. As noted, there is a singular fine vent tube  46 , which engages within a sleeve  47  integrally formed with the interior of the closure or lid  5 , and which provides the type of vent opening or port, as shown at  6  in  FIG. 1 , and  44  in  FIG. 9 , as previously reviewed. The vent tube  46  has a very fine interior passage throughout its length, so that it provides for venting of air into the container, when inverted, as during drinking, but that when the container is upright, during non usage, the fine passage of the vent tube is sufficiently small that capillary action, surface tension, or adhesive forces that hold fluids until evacuated, and prevents the fluids within the container from migrated upwardly, within the vent tube, as can be determined. Thus, the passage opening through the vent tube is of a very minuscule diameter, just enough to allow air venting, but does not allow the passage of any fluids therein, or through it, particularly when the container is inverted during drinking and imbibing of its fluids. The vent tube extends almost down to the bottom section  4  of the container, so that when the container is inverted, venting at this vicinity can easily take place, and the bottom of the vent tube will then be above the fluids within the inverted container, to allow adequate venting of the interior of the container, during usage. The vent tube may have an internal diameter of approximately 2-3 mm. 
         [0076]    Variations of modifications to the subject matter of this invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the invention as described herein. Such variations, within the spirit of this invention, are intended to be encompassed within the scope of any claims to patent protection issuing herein. The detailed description of the invention, and its depiction in the drawings, are primarily set forth for illustrative purposes only.