SUPPLEMENT DRINKING BOTTLE AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF

Supplement mixing bottles (200) are provided herein. An example bottle includes a tubular body (204) having a plurality of ringed sections (206) that are progressively smaller in diameter from an open end to a bottom end. The bottle includes an agitator ring (100, 300) with static blades (304, 306) and a cap (202).

FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

Embodiments are directed to accessories for drinking containers and, more particularly but not exclusively, supplement agitators for supplement drinking bottles. Additionally or alternatively, embodiments are directed to drinking containers and, more particularly but not exclusively, to supplement drinking bottles.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an agitator ring, comprising: (a) an annular ring body having an outer surface and an inner surface, a diameter of the annular ring being defined relative to a central axis; (b) a plurality of static fins extending from the inner surface towards the central axis; and (c) wherein the outer surface of the annular ring body is configured to mate with a drink container.

According to another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a bottle, comprising: (a) a tubular body having a plurality of ringed sections that are progressively smaller in diameter from an open end to a bottom end; (b) an agitator ring comprising: (i) an annular ring body having an outer surface and an inner surface, a diameter of the annular ring being defined relative to a central axis; (ii) a plurality of static fins extending from the inner surface towards the central axis; and (iii) wherein the outer surface of the annular ring body is configured to mate with an inner surface of the tubular body; and (c) a cap that releaseably couples with the open end of the tubular body.

According to yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a collapsible bottle, comprising: (a) a collapsible and tubular body having a plurality of ringed sections that are progressively smaller in diameter from an open end to a bottom end; (b) an agitator ring comprising: (i) an annular ring body having an outer surface and an inner surface, a diameter of the annular ring being defined relative to a central axis; (ii) a plurality of static fins extending from the inner surface towards the central axis; and (iii) wherein the outer surface of the annular ring body is configured to mate with an inner surface of the collapsible and tubular body; and (c) a cap that releaseably couples with the open end of the collapsible and tubular body.

Some embodiments include a bottle configuration, while other embodiments comprise a cup or any other similar sealed/sealable container. The containers of the present disclosure include rigid, non-collapsible embodiments, as well as deformable, elastic, collapsible embodiments. Some embodiments comprise fixed agitator rings with static blades while other embodiments comprise removable agitator rings.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be understood that like or analogous elements and/or components, referred to herein, may be identified throughout the drawings with like reference characters. It will be further understood that several of the figures are merely schematic representations of the present disclosure. As such, some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various containers that include agitator blades for mixing a fluid within the container with one or more additives, such as protein powders, vitamins, supplements, and so forth. The containers can include bottles, cups, and other vessels that receive and retain a liquid.

In some embodiments, an agitating container of the present disclosure is collapsible and expandable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. According to some embodiments, these containers comprise an agitator.

According to some aspects, an agitator device for these containers is provided. In some embodiments, the agitator device is an agitator ring with protruding blades.

In one embodiment, a container comprises a tubular body having a plurality of ringed sections that are progressively smaller in diameter from an open end to a bottom end. Thus, the container tapers from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the bottom of the container is flared to support the container when sitting on a surface.

The agitator container includes an agitator ring having an annular ring body with an outer surface and an inner surface. A diameter of the annular ring is defined relative to a central axis and the diameter is selected so as to allow the outer surface of the agitator ring to contact an inner surface of the tubular body.

The agitator ring includes a plurality of static fins that extend from the inner surface towards the central axis.

In some embodiments, a cap that releaseably couples with the open end of the tubular body is provided for sealing the agitating container.

These and other advantages will be described in greater detail below with reference to the Figures.

Referring now toFIG. 1A, an example agitator ring100is illustrated. The agitator ring100comprises an annular ring body102and a plurality of agitator elements. In this embodiment, the agitator elements are static fins104A-E. A diameter D of the annular ring body102is defined relative to a central axis C. As mentioned above, the diameter D of the annular ring body102is configured to mate with a container body, as will be described in greater detail below.

The annular ring body102comprises an outer surface or sidewall106and an inner surface or sidewall108. The annular ring body102comprises a thickness (e.g., distance between inner surface108and outer surface106) and a height that are selected according to design requirements.

The plurality of static fins104A-E includes five fins in some embodiments. It will be understood that any number of fins can be selected. The number of fins can be selected based upon the agitation or mixing requirements for the agitator ring100.

In some embodiments, adjacent ones of the plurality of static fins are placed in spaced apart relationship to one another. For example, fin104A is spaced apart from fin104E and1048. The distance between adjacent fins is selectable, in some embodiments.

In one embodiment, each of the plurality of static fins104A-E is an arcuate segment. The size and shape of each of the plurality of static fins104A-E is identical. In other embodiments, the size and shape of the plurality of static fins104A-E are different from one another.

According to some embodiments, the plurality of static fins104A-E are rectangular tabs comprising three linear edges. For example, the fin104B has a first linear edge107A, a second liner edge107B, and a third linear edge107C. The first and third linear edges107A and107C are aligned in parallel with one another. The second or middle linear edge107B has a curvilinear shape.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of static fins104A-E is cantilevered from the inner surface108of the annular ring body102. Each of the plurality of static fins104A-E have a length that is defined by a distance that the plurality of static fins104A-E extend away from the inner surface108of the annular ring body102towards the central axis C.

FIG. 1Billustrates another embodiment of an agitator propeller ring300that has an outer ring having an outer surface106. The agitator ring300includes an annular hub305. In this embodiment, the plurality of agitator elements are a plurality of blades, such as blades304and306, which extend from the outer ring to the annular hub305. The blades304and306are set at an angle to promote agitation of contents within a bottle when the agitator ring300is installed in the bottle, as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10. In some embodiments the blades extend coaxially with and between the outer ring and inner hub and are inclined widthwise at an angle relative to the plane in which the outer ring and inner hub extend circumferentially. Angling of the blades increases the surface area of the blades to which the contents are exposed. When the bottle is shaken, the contents will move across the blades304and306, which induces a mixing of the contents as the contents pass across the blades.

FIG. 2illustrates an example bottle200that incorporates the agitator ring100ofFIG. 1Aor agitator ring300ofFIG. 1B. The bottle200comprises a cap202and a tubular body204. In this embodiment, the tubular body204is a collapsible and tubular body that is fabricated from an elastic material such as silicone. In another embodiment, the tubular body204is non-collapsible.

Any other suitable elastic material can be utilized. The material selected can also include an elastic material that is food grade, in some embodiments.

In some embodiments, the tubular body204is comprised of a plurality of ringed sections206. In one embodiment the plurality of ringed sections, such as ringed section206are progressively smaller in diameter from an open end208(illustrated inFIG. 2covered by the cap202) to a bottom end210.

The ringed section206comprises a downwardly angled section212and an upwardly angled section214which are separated by a grooved section216. These ringed sections are shaped to facilitate collapsing of the tubular body204into a puck or collapsed configuration (seeFIGS. 3 and 4). Each of the ringed sections collapses or nests concentrically based on the varying diameter of the ringed sections.

In some embodiments, the tubular body204comprises a transparent strip240that extends vertically at least partially between the open end208and the bottom end210, providing a view of contents within the bottle200. The tubular body204can also comprise printed indicia242that indicate measured volume within the tubular body204. The printed indicia242extend alongside the transparent strip240. A level of contents viewed through the transparent strip240aligns with the printed indicia to allow the user to determine a volume of contents within the tubular body204.

When the bottle200is at least partially collapsed, as inFIG. 7, any remaining contents within the tubular body204are measurable based on the printed indicia still showing on the tubular body204. Thus, in some embodiments, the transparent strip240is not required and content volume is estimated or measured based on the indicia showing after collapsing of the tubular body204. For example, if the tubular body204has indicia that indicate a total of 20 fluid ounces, if the tubular body204is collapsed half way, the indicia of 10 fluid ounces is viewable, while the indicia of 20 to 10 fluid ounces is hidden due to collapsing of the tubular body204.

In some embodiments, a rigid cup218is associated with the bottom end210. The rigid cup218provides a means for extending the tubular body204from a collapsed to an extended configuration. For example, a user can pull down on the rigid cup218to extend the tubular body204.

The rigid cup218comprises a flared bottom portion220that provides both a stabilizing base to the bottle200and capture point for a user's hand to assist in extending the tubular body204. The flared bottom portion220is also illustrated inFIG. 6.

Referring toFIG. 6, the tubular body204is provided with a securement ring222that is associated with the open end208. In some embodiments, the securement ring222is provided with support tabs, such as support tab224. The agitator ring100ofFIG. 1(or agitator ring300ofFIG. 1B) is configured to fit into the tubular body204, being supported on the support tabs. This configuration is illustrated inFIG. 8.

In some embodiments, the securement ring222is threaded and releaseably receives the cap202thereon.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the cap202and securement ring222cooperate together and comprise a height H. The height H allows for the tubular body204to collapse and nest within the cap202and securement ring222. In one embodiment, the flared bottom portion220extends below the securement ring222when the bottle200is in a collapsed configuration, as inFIG. 3.

In one embodiment, the cap202comprises a loop226that receives, for example, a carabiner. Another view of the loop226is illustrated inFIG. 5.

According to some embodiments, the cap202comprises a secondary cap228that covers a pouring port230. The cap202comprises a ribbed outer peripheral surface232and a threaded inner surface that mates with the tubular body204, and specifically the securement ring222.

Referring now toFIG. 8, the tubular body204ofFIGS. 2-7is illustrated and can be utilized with the agitator ring100ofFIG. 1Aor agitator ring300ofFIG. 1B. The tubular body204is illustrated with securement ring222and the rigid cup218. The support tabs, such as support tab224are disposed below the agitator ring100. In one embodiment, the rigid cup218comprises a rounded surface234that facilitates agitation of the contents of the tubular body204(when the cap202is coupled to the tubular body204).

In some embodiments, the cap202also comprises a rounded surface that complements the rounded surface234of rigid cup218to facilitate agitation. The cap with the rounded surface according to some embodiments is illustrated in perspective and cross-sectional views ofFIGS. 12 and 13. An interior rounded surface219of the underside of the cap is a spherical like surface.

While the embodiment ofFIG. 8contemplates the agitator ring100being releaseably associated with the tubular body204, the agitator ring100can be fixedly attached or integrated into the tubular body204.

In one embodiment, the agitator ring100can compressively engage an inner surface236of the tubular body204. More specifically, the outer surface106of the annular ring body102contacts the inner surface236of the securement ring222of the tubular body204.

In some embodiments, a user can introduce one or more powders or liquids into the bottle or container of the present disclosure. The user seals the cap onto the tubular body (whether the tubular body is collapsible or rigid). The user then agitates the contents of the bottle by shaking. The plurality of static fins of the agitator ring cause the contents to mix thoroughly during the shaking process.

When finished, the user can remove the agitator ring (in embodiments where the agitator ring is not fixed into the tubular body) and collapse the bottle into a collapsed configuration, as illustrated inFIG. 3. In embodiments where the bottle is initially collapsed, the user can first extend the tubular body to any desired length prior to introducing liquids or powders therein.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is embodied as a container such as a canteen and shaker bottle that is constructed to expand to an approximately 20-24 fluid ounce size while being able to collapse into a “puck-like” size. These containers offer a more convenient way to travel with in the event it is not used. As a result, the athlete/fitness enthusiast will also be able to use this bottle as an everyday beverage holder (both cold and hot), as it will not take up valuable space in their gym bag, backpacks and even women's purses. This will allow them to truly have a daily use bottle that fits their everyday active lifestyle. Tactical, first responders, special operations and all military members will also have a way to travel with a collapsible hydration bottle to their deployed location as well as carry it every day as an option making it convenient to pack into their luggage and/or carry it on their person every day.

As mentioned above, some embodiments of containers of the present disclosure are configured or constructed to expand into an approximate 20-24 fluid ounce size bottle and collapsed into a “puck-like” shape as compact as possible for ease of travel use.

A rounded bottom surface, such as a slight oval curve can be utilized to reduce powder build up and make it easier to clean. This also creates a washing mixing motion to allow the powder to mix more effectively. The cap is also slightly rounded on the inside, in some embodiments, to allow powder to flow (minimal crevices). Rubberized large ribbed grips on top and bottle lid to allow for better grip when tightening/loosening in all weather climates. Large threads on the bottle cap can be utilized in some embodiments to prevent cross-threading. Gaskets can be employed on both the cap and secondary cap to prevent leaks. An off center screw on cap allows for ease of use and mitigated spilling.

InFIG. 9, the agitator ring300ofFIG. 1Bis illustrated in combination with a bottle200as inFIGS. 3 and 4. The agitator ring300resides within a space created by the cap202and securement ring222when the bottle200is in its collapsed configuration.

InFIG. 10, the agitator ring300is illustrated as being placed into the securement ring222. To retain the agitator ring300the cap202is threaded onto the securement ring222, capturing the example agitator ring300inside.

In some embodiments, components of the containers are constructed from food grade silicon and allow for hot and frozen beverages. The agitator ring is utilized in some embodiments to mix powdered drinks more efficiently. In some embodiments a replaceable water filter can be substituted in place of the agitator ring to allow consumers to put unfiltered water into the bottle and enjoy filtered water. For example, inFIG. 11an example filter disk400is illustrated as being placed into the securement ring222of a tubular body204of a bottle (such as bottle200ofFIGS. 3 and 4). To retain the example filter disk400the cap202is threaded onto the securement ring222, capturing the example filter disk400inside.

In some embodiments, an agitator ring and filter disk can be utilized in combination. In one embodiment the agitator ring is placed above (closer to the cap) the filter disk. In another embodiment the filter disk is placed above (closer to the cap) the agitator ring.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the present disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.