Abstract:
A container system for dispensing fluids is described. The container comprises a pump to pressurize the internal lumen where fluid is stored. A check-valve operates to close to permit further pressurization of the lumen in order to dispense fluid. Once the desired amount of fluid has been dispensed, the check-valve opens to vent the lumen to the ambient atmosphere, depressurizing the bottle and preventing fluid from continuing to dribble out. In some embodiments the check-valve is situated in the cap, the body, or in-line with the fluid dispensing conduit. The bottle further comprises a pump for pressurizing the lumen. The pump can optionally be electrically, manually, or kinetically driven. The bottle can optionally include a filtration means to filter undesirable constituents from the fluid being dispensed.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/597,675, filed Feb. 10, 2012, and entitled “Water Bottle Check Valve,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]    The field of the invention is portable bottles for storing and dispensing potable fluids. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    Portable devices enabling easy transport and consumption of fluids such as water are very popular. Most commonly, although not exclusively, these devices are intended for use by those engaged in exercise, athletics, or any other activity where it is desireable to stay hydrated during the course of the activity. For ease of description, this application will refer to such devices as “water bottles,” although the use of the term “water” is not meant to be limiting to the specific drink that can be carried and consumed using these devices. Similarly, the term “water” is used to denote any potable fluid that can be consumed from a portable drinking device, and thus is not specifically limited to simply mean H 2 O. Those of skill in the art will recognize that a range of fluids are compatible for transport and consumption using the present invention, and so the precise nature of the fluid is not meant to limiting in any way of the scope of the invention. 
         [0004]    In some instances, water bottles can include a filter system. Filters can be useful to remove sediments from the water. In some cases, with a sufficiently small pore size filters can be effective to remove potential pathogens from fluids, typically bacteria. One disadvantage of filters, however, is that the flow rate through the filtration medium is generally inversely proportional to the effective pore size. Thus, the use of finer filtration medium typically reduces flow rate of any fluid through the filter. 
         [0005]    When filters are used in water bottles, the effect is generally to reduce the ease with which water can be sucked or poured from the bottle. In order to overcome this problem, the usual approach is to pressurize the internal volume of the water bottle in order to provide sufficient force to move the fluid through the filter at an acceptable rate of flow. The problem with pressurizing the bottle is that when the user is finished drinking without fully depressurizing the water bottle, the remaining pressure in the bottle will seek to equalize to atmospheric pressure. In doing so water continues to move through the filter out of the bottle and causes dribbling of water out of the spout. Where the drinking fluid contains components other than water, for example sugars as in fruit juices, the resulting leakage is very inconvenient for the user. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,136,188 (Rajan) was a commercial failure because of dribbling from the spout after pumping was ceased and drinking was completed. 
         [0006]    Rajan and all other extrinsic materials discussed herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
         [0007]    Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
         [0008]    Based on the limitation in the prior art, there remains a need for a water (or other) bottle that when it requires pressure for movement of water, through a filter for example, doesn&#39;t leak or continue to dribble from the spout when drinking is complete 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed. 
         [0010]    As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously. 
         [0011]    Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary. 
         [0012]    The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a bottle has a check-valve that closes at or above a first threshold, and opens at or below at a second threshold, thereby equalizing the lumen pressure and atmospheric pressure when the lumen pressure is below the second threshold. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the bottle has removable cap, which has a spout or other opening from which the fluid can be drank or otherwise dispensed. The cap can be coupled to the body in any suitable manner, including for example using mating threads or a snap-fit. 
         [0014]    In another aspect, the bottle can include a filter, which is preferably disposed within the lumen of the body of the bottle. Such filters can advantageously filter the fluid contained in the lumen prior to exiting the lumen and/or the bottle. The filter can have different pore sizes to filter out different constituents in the fluid. 
         [0015]    In yet another aspect, the bottle can include a pump, which, for example, could be permanently attached or removable from the body. The pump could also be located at or on the cap, or integrated into the molded design of the body. It is contemplated that the pump is used at least primarily to pressurize the lumen. The pump could also be used to flush the filter. 
         [0016]    The pump may further comprise one or more check valves to allow air from outside the bottle to enter and pressurize the lumen while restricting flow of either air or fluid from the lumen to return through the pump. Conveniently, a check valve can be disposed in any of a number of locations, including, but not limited to the cap, the body of the bottle, the straw, or the filter. The basic principle of operation is based on the function of the check valve, such that when the user is finished drinking from the bottle, the remaining higher than atmospheric pressure remaining in the bottle can be released without dribbling of fluid from the spout. 
         [0017]    The check valve is configured to remain closed at a first threshold pressure, which is achieved when the pump is activated. Closure of the check valve allows pressure to increase inside the bottle, thereby providing a motive force to push fluid through the filter and out of the spout. The check valve then opens at a second threshold pressure, which is lower than the first threshold pressure. The opening of the check valve releases pressure from the bottle without a corresponding movement of fluid through the spout. 
         [0018]    If the check valve is placed in-line of the fluid flow from the lumen out of the spout, then the check-valve closes at a first threshold and remains closed. When the pressure in the lumen increases to a second threshold, then the fluid flows through the valve out and will exit the spout. When the pressure is reduced to the first threshold, the check-valve closes and ceases the flow of fluid through the tube and stops dribbling from the spout. 
         [0019]    Therefore the present invention provides a bottle for holding a fluid and dispensing the fluid on demand, comprising: a body having a lumen; and a check-valve configured to close at or above a first threshold pressure, and further configured to close at or below a second threshold pressure, wherein the check-valve is operative to substantially equalize the lumen pressure and atmospheric pressure when the lumen pressure is less than the second threshold pressure. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a cap reversibly coupled to the body, wherein the cap further comprises an opening from which the fluid can be dispensed. 
         [0021]    In some embodiments the check-valve is disposed at the cap. In some embodiments, the check-valve is disposed at the body. 
         [0022]    In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a straw, wherein the straw is configured to permit dispensing of substantially all the fluid in the bottle. In some embodiments, the check-valve is disposed at the straw. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a filter, wherein the filter is configured to filter the fluid prior to the fluid being dispensed from the bottle. In some embodiments, the check-valve is disposed at the filter. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a pump configured to pressurize the lumen of the bottle. In some embodiments, the pump is operated by at least one of manual, electric, or kinetic means. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, a space in the lumen of the bottle is pressurized to a lumen pressure, wherein the lumen pressure is greater than ambient atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to close at a threshold pressure that is higher than a first lumen pressure, and to open at a second threshold pressure that is higher than the first threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to close at a first threshold pressure that is higher than the lumen pressure, and to open at a second threshold pressure, wherein the second threshold pressure is between the lumen pressure and the first threshold pressure. 
         [0026]    In some embodiments, the cap couples to the body using mating threads. In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a spout that extends from the cap. 
         [0027]    In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure is substantially the same as the second threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure is greater than the second threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the difference between the first threshold pressure and second threshold pressure is at least 5 psi higher. In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure is lower than the second threshold pressure. 
         [0028]    In some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to be manually operated. 
         [0029]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the body of the water bottle. 
           [0031]      FIG. 2  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the cap of the water bottle. 
           [0032]      FIG. 3  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the straw of the water bottle. 
           [0033]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the filter of the water bottle. 
           [0034]      FIG. 5  is a side cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention, depicting a check valve disposed on the spout of the water bottle. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0035]    The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a bottle has a check-valve that closes at or above a first threshold, and opens at or below at a second threshold, thereby equalizing the lumen pressure and atmospheric pressure when the lumen pressure is below the second threshold. 
         [0036]      FIG. 1  depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body  20  and a cap  30 . On one side of the body  20  is a manual pump  10 . On the cap  30  is a spout  40 . Connecting the spout  40  to the filter  60  is a straw  50 . The manual pump  10  has two integrated check valves,  80  to allow outside air in, and  70  to prevent fluid and air from returning from the lumen. The check-valve  100  is disposed on the body  20 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body  20  and a cap  30 . On one side of the body  20  is a manual pump  10 . On the cap  30  is a spout  40 . Connecting the spout  40  to the filter  60  is a straw  50 . The manual pump  10  has two integrated check valves,  80  to allow outside air in, and  70  to prevent fluid and air from returning from the lumen. The check-valve  100  is disposed on the cap  30 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 3  depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body  20  and a cap  30 . On one side of the body  20  is a manual pump  10 . On the cap  30  is a spout  40 . Connecting the spout  40  to the filter  60  is a straw  50 . The manual pump  10  has two integrated check valves,  80  to allow outside air in, and  70  to prevent fluid and air from returning from the lumen. The check-valve  100  is disposed on the straw  50 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body  20  and a cap  30 . On one side of the body  20  is a manual pump  10 . On the cap  30  is a spout  40 . Connecting the spout  40  to the filter  60  is a straw  50 . The manual pump  10  has two integrated check valves,  80  to allow outside air in, and  70  to prevent fluid and air from returning from the lumen. The check-valve  100  is disposed on the filter  60 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  depicts an embodiment of a water bottle having a body  20  and a cap  30 . On one side of the body  20  is a manual pump  10 . On the cap  30  is a spout  40 . Connecting the spout  40  to the filter  60  is a straw  50 . The manual pump  10  has two integrated check valves,  80  to allow outside air in, and  70  to prevent fluid and air from returning from the lumen. The check-valve  100  is disposed on the spout  40 . 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, the bottle has removable cap, which can further comprise a spout or other opening from which the fluid can be directly consumed or otherwise dispensed. The cap can be coupled to the body in any suitable manner, including for example using mating threads or a snap-fit. The means of attaching the cap to the bottle is not limiting to the scope of the invention. 
         [0042]    The body of the bottle may be manufactured from a variety of suitable materials. The components can be rigid or flexible, but will preferably be suitable for holding and dispensing potable fluids. Such materials can include, but are not limited to, plastics, thermoplastic (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate), polymer resin, metal, steel, alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum. The bottle itself can be of various sizes and volumes, but most conveniently can be designed to be hand-held. Sizes from 2 fl. oz. to 50 fl. oz. are typical for bottles intended for hand use, but bottles designed as larger jugs or containers of greater than 50 fl. oz. and even several gallons in size are also contemplated as falling within the scope of containers compatible for use with the present invention. The shape of the bottle or container can be of various dimensions but in some embodiments will be designed for easy holding and drinking 
         [0043]    The spout can adopt any of a number of configurations. In one embodiment, the spout can be configured such that it will pivot against the body of the cap so as to open and close for use. The spout can sit in a recess on the cap and be opened and closed, or may be of pull top design, or other closure designed to provide access to drink from the bottle. The spout may be made of different materials, either rigid or flexible, preferably suitable dispensing potable fluids, including plastic, thermoplastic (polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate), polymer resin, metal, steel, alloy, stainless steel, and aluminum. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the bottle can include a filter. The filter can be disposed in a variety of locations, but preferably will be placed within the lumen of the body of the bottle. Such filters can advantageously filter the fluid contained in the lumen prior to the fluid exiting the lumen and/or the bottle. The filter can have different pore sizes, and a variety of filter matrices suitable for filtering various constituents that may be present in the fluid. These constituents may include heavy metals, volatile organic compounds, pesticides, chemicals, microorganisms, viruses, bacteria, chlorides, nitrates, and other materials not desirable, or which may be potentially dangerous, in potable water. 
         [0045]    The filter selected will generally of such size and composition as required to perform a desired function, and which fits into the bottle. In some embodiments the filter can be designed to be removable and/or replaceable. The filter may use various filtration media to accomplish its task including carbon, coconut shell, ceramic, reverse osmosis, ion exchange and other known filtration media. The filter media also may vary in pore size from less than 0.1 micron to 2 microns or larger and will vary based upon the constituent desiring to be filtered as well as the desired flow rate of the fluid through the filter. In some embodiments, the filter may comprise a multiple-stage filter, such as a pre-filter to remove larger caliber impurities, and a finer filter capable of removing microorganisms. Such filter combinations are well-known in the art. Generally the pre-filter extends the service life of the finer filter. 
         [0046]    As smaller pore sizes generally require pressure to move fluid through the filter, in some embodiments, the bottle can further comprise a pump. The pump can be configured to be integral to, or separate from the bottle. For handheld bottles, an integral pump will be most preferable. The pump can also be conveniently be located at or on the cap, or integrated into the molded design of the body. It is contemplated that the pump is used at least primarily to pressurize the lumen. In some embodiments, the pump could also be configured to to flush the filter. 
         [0047]    The pump may be manually operated, electric, or kinetically powered. In embodiments where the bottle is designed to be handheld, the pump is preferably positioned where the user can easily activate it while they are holding the bottle. If a manual pump is provided, then it may be positioned on or integral with the side of the bottle, or on the cap or other easily accessible area of the bottle. In some embodiments a depressible actuator will pump air into the lumen of the bottle when pressed by a user. If electric or other powered, a pump may be located inside the lumen, attached to the cap or filter, or attached to or integrated with the inside wall of the bottle, with a switch located for easy operation by the user. 
         [0048]    The pump can comprise one or more check-valves to allow air from outside the bottle to enter and pressurize the lumen while restricting flow of either air or fluid from the lumen to return through the pump. The pump is of reasonable size to, if manual, allow a hand to squeeze and activate the pump, generally from 0.25 to 5 inches in diameter for portable water bottles, but, regardless, of sufficient size and power to pressurize the lumen to move water through the filter and out of the bottle. 
         [0049]    A check-valve may be of any durable material including brass, copper, plastic, vinyl, stainless steel, steel, alloys and any other materials sufficient to perform its operation. It can be disposed in any suitable location. For example, the check-valve could be disposed at the cap, or at the body, at a straw or connector pipe in the bottle or with the cap, at the spout, or at a filter. The check-valve may operate by any number of designs including, ball check valve, diaphragm check valve, swing or tilting disc check valve, or a lift check valve. The principle of operation is based on the function that when the user is finished dispensing fluid from the bottle, the remaining higher than atmospheric pressure remaining in the lumen of the bottle can be readily released without dribbling of water from the spout. 
         [0050]    As used herein, the term “at the” should be interpreted broadly. Thus, having a check-valve “at the cap” should be interpreted to mean that the check-valve could be included as part of the cap, inserted into or through a wall of the cap, or disposed in the cap. 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the check-valve closes at a first threshold pressure, which is achieved when the pump is activated. Generally, the first threshold pressure will be above ambient atmospheric pressure. The closure of the check-valve allows for the pressure in the lumen to increase in response to continued activation of the pump. The increase in lumen pressure is effective to push water through the filter and out of the spout. As fluid is dispensed from the bottle, the pressure in the lumen will decrease. 
         [0052]    The check-valve is configured to open at a second threshold pressure, which would by nature be lower than the first threshold pressure, thus venting the lumen of the bottle to the atmosphere, while substantially preventing movement of fluid through the spout. In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure can be substantially the same as the second threshold pressure. In some embodiments, the first threshold pressure can be higher than the second threshold pressure, for example, by at least 2 psi, at least 5 psi, at least 10 psi, at least 15 psi, and at least 20 psi. In some embodiments, the check-valve is configured to be manually operated such that a user can readily release the pressure in the lumen of the bottle, again without causing undesired dribbling of fluid from the spout. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, the check valve is placed in-line with the fluid flow from the lumen out of the spout. In these cases, the operation of the check-valve is somewhat different. For example, when the pump is activated, lumen pressure increases to a first threshold pressure, at which point the check-valve closes and remains closed to permit further pressurization of the lumen of the bottle. Once a second threshold pressure is achieved, the check-valve opens permitting flow of fluid through the filter, the straw and with the fluid eventually exiting the bottle through the spout. As fluid is dispensed, pressure in the lumen decreases. Once pressure decreases to below the first threshold the check-valve again closes at a first threshold and remains closed, stopping flow through the fluid path and preventing dribbling of fluid from the spout. 
         [0054]    Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components. 
         [0055]    It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.