Patent Publication Number: US-2003228072-A1

Title: Collapsible bottle container

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] The present invention is directed to a collapsible bottle container. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a collapsible bottle container for supporting and carrying drinking bottles.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002] In many situations it is advantageous for an individual to carry a drinking container when exercising or traveling. For example, water, or sports energy drinks are often carried by runners, hikers or cyclists. However, when not actively drinking from the containers, the individual must store the container for use at a later time. Carrying the container in hand is not only uncomfortable and annoying but it can also be dangerous, particularly in the case of hiking and cycling.  
       [0003] One method used for storing drinking containers while traveling or exercising includes placing the container in a travel bag. Travel bags are commonly used for carrying personal goods and drinking containers when traveling from place to place or when exercising. According to their sizes, shapes, storage volumes, and carrying methods, traveling bags can generally be classified into shoulder bags, waist bags, hand bags, and back packs.  
       [0004] However, one drawback associated with the use of travel bags is that the drink container is usually stored in a position which is difficult to access when running, jogging or cycling. Additionally, travel bags are usually significantly larger than necessary for carrying drinking containers, thus adding unnecessary bulk to the individual.  
       [0005] Some additional advancements include the making of bottle containers specifically for the purpose of carrying beverage containing bottles in an easily accessible manner. However, these containers, although more convenient than standard travel bags, still suffer many of the same drawbacks. For example, when not in use, these bottle containers are difficult to store especially noting the limited space for storage on runners and hikers.  
       [0006] The present invention looks to overcome the drawbacks of the prior art and provide for a small lightweight collapsible bottle container that is easily storable and configured to both provide easy access to and stable support of the bottle.  
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0007]FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a collapsible bottle container, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0008]FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a collapsible bottle container from FIG. 1 and a bottle, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0009]FIG. 3 is a front elevation of a collapsible bottle container from FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0010]FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a closed collapsible bottle container from FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0011]FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a closed collapsible bottle container from FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0012]FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a closed collapsible bottle container from FIG. 1, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;  
     [0013]FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a collapsible bottle container and bottle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and  
     [0014]FIG. 6 is a front elevation of a closed collapsible bottle container from FIG. 5, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a collapsible bag  10  with expandable storage volume according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The collapsible bag  10  comprises a base  20 , a net region  30 , and a carrying strap  40 .  
     [0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, base  20  is circular in shape when in an open configuration. Base  20 , is preferably constructed of a nylon or vinyl substance, however, this is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, a base  20  constructed of any durable flexible or molded material capable of supporting the weight of a drinking bottle is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, base  20  is provided with a zipper element  22  and a zipper track  24  disposed around its outer circumference. It should be noted that, as illustrated, zipper track  24  is disposed on the outer circumference of base  20 , however, a portion of base  20  also extends inside and above zipper track  24  such that zipper track  24  is entirely supported by base  20 . This allows base  20  to be stitched directly to net region  30  without interference from zipper track  24 , providing additionally stability to container  10 . Zipper element  22  and zipper track  24  can be substituted with any suitable replacement which can be used to close base  20  such as Velcro®, buttons or snaps. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4B, button elements  23  are used to close base  20 . In addition to the configuration pictured in FIG. 4B, button elements  23 , snaps or Velcro closures can also be used at a single closure point as illustrated in FIG. 4C.  
     [0018] It should be noted that this embodiment is intended only as an example of one connection between base  20  and net region  30 , and is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, net region  30 , base  20  and zipper track  24  may all meet a single seam. Any similar container  10  having a circular base  20  having a circumferential zipper track  24  and a similar attached net region  30  is within the contemplation of the present invention. For the purposes of illustration, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 showing net region  30  connected to a portion of base  20  extending past the outer circumference zipper track  24  will be used to demonstrate this embodiment.  
     [0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, net region  30  is cylindrical in shape connected at a bottom end  32  to base  20 , and is open and unattached at a top end  34 . Net region  30  is preferably constructed of a flexible lightweight material such as nylon, however this is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any material used to construct a similar net region for a bottle container, having a lightweight, durable and flexible construction is within the contemplation of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that container  10  may use any similar bottle bag in place of net region  30 , provided it is collapsible and storable within the base. As such, the bottle bag can be a net region, as used for example through the application, or it can be constructed of a solid sheet using similar materials such as nylon. It may also be constructed of a flexible insulating material to maintain the temperature of the liquid contained in the table for a longer period of time.  
     [0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, an elastic closure ring  36  is disposed along the edge of top end  34  of net region  30  so as to provide additional stability to container  10 . In this configuration, container  10  can securely hold a bottle, which is inserted through elastic closure ring  36 , down through net region  30  to base  20 , such that the top of the bottle extends upward beyond closure ring  36 , accessible to the user for drinking.  
     [0021] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, carrying strap  40  is attached at two portions along the circumference of base  20  in positions located opposite from one another. As illustrated, strap  40  is stitched directly to the portion of base  20  located inside and above zipper track  24 . Alternatively, as discussed above, in the event base  20  does not maintain such a portion located inside and above zipper track  24 , strap  40  may be directly stitched to base  20  along the outer circumference zipper track  24 .  
     [0022] After attachment, strap  40  extends from base  20  upwards along opposite sides of net region  30 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, as strap  40  extends upwardly along opposite sides of net region  30 , strap  40  is periodically attached directly to net region  30  so as to add stability in supporting a bottle held in container  10  along the entire longitudinal axis of the bottle. Alternatively, strap  40  may be continuously attached at intervals along net region  30 . In either of these configurations, because strap  40  is attached to both base  20  and along the entire longitudinal axis of net region  30 , additional stability is added to container  10 , limiting unwanted movement of the bottle contained therein.  
     [0023] After reaching the top end  34  of net region  30 , both sides of strap  40  extend upward, loop around forming a single strap  40 , creating a shoulder strap. As illustrated in FIG. 1, strap  40  maintains a standard adjustment clip  42 , useful in extending and shortening strap  40  based on a desired length by the user.  
     [0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when open, container  10  forms a collapsible bottle support with strap  40 . In use, a user places the desired drinking bottle through elastic closure ring  36  down through net region  30  to base  20  such that the bottle is held securely in net region  30  with the opening of the bottle extending beyond the top of closure ring  36 . In this configuration, the bottle is supported along its longitudinal axis by opposite sides of strap  40  which extends along net region  40 .  
     [0025] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4A, collapsible bottle container  10  can be stored in a small compact manner when not in use. Net region  30  and strap  40 , being of a lightweight construction are folded and placed in the center of base  20 . After net region  30  and strap  40  are compressed, base  20  is folded upwardly on two sides about a fold axis  21  defined by a diameter, for example the axis extending from the location of zipper  22 , directly across the center point of circular base  20  to a point directly opposite zipper  22 , as illustrated in FIG. 3. When folded along axis  21 , two semi-circular regions  27  and  28  are formed by the two halves of base  20  formed by the folding such that the material of net region  30  and strap  40  are contained between these two regions. After substantially all of the material of net region  30  and strap  40  are contained between regions  27  and  28  of base  20 , zipper element  22  is moved along zipper track  24 , so as to close net region  30  and strap  40  between regions  27  and  28 , as illustrated in FIG. 4A.  
     [0026] In this configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 4A, after zipper element  22  is moved all the way across zipper track  24 , all of net region  30  and strap  40  are enclosed within regions  27  and  28  of base  20 . Thus, when closed, base  20  of collapsible bottle container  10  forms a compact container for net region  30  and strap  40 . Thus, when not in use, collapsible bottle container  10  is compact and self contained, easily capable of being stored in an athlete or traveler&#39;s pocket for deployment and use at a later time.  
     [0027] For example, in on embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 4A the closed collapsible drinking container is compactly stored when closed in the dimensions of 4″ inches long, 2″ inches tall and 1.5″ inches thick. These dimensions are provided only as an example, and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Similar collapsible drinking containers, with similar components which maintain comparable compact dimensions when closed are within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0028] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a collapsible bag  100  with expandable storage volume according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The collapsible bag  100  comprises a base  200 , a net region  300 , and a carrying strap  400 .  
     [0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 1, base  200  comprises a bottom portion  210  and a lid portion  215 . Both lid and bottom portion  215  and  210  are cylindrical in shape when in an open configuration. Base  200 , is preferably constructed of a nylon or vinyl substance, however, this is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, a base  200  constructed of any durable flexible or molded material capable of supporting the weight of a drinking bottle is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0030] As illustrated in FIG. 5, base  200  is provided with a zipper element  220  and a zipper track  240  disposed around its outer circumference, configured to connect upper and lower portions  210  and  215  in a closed position (FIG. 6). It should be noted that, as illustrated, zipper track  240  is disposed on the outer circumference of base  200 .  
     [0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, zipper compartment  500  is provided attached to the underside of bottom portion  210  of base  200 . Zipper compartment  500  remain to be opened and closed via a zipper compartment element  505  which extends around the outer circumference of both zipper compartment  500  and the under side of bottom portion  210  of base  200 . When closed, zipper compartment  500  is formed in a similar cylindrical form to that of the rest of base  200 . When open, zipper compartment  500  provides additional storage space for items such as mirrors, keys or first aid supplies.  
     [0032] In another embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, a zipper pouch  510  is provided attached to the top side of lid portion  215  of base  200 . Zipper pouch  510  is configured to be opened and closed via a zipper pouch element  515  which extends across a diameter of upper portion  215  of base  200 . Zipper pouch  510  provides additional storage space for the user.  
     [0033] It should be noted that zipper pouch  510  and zipper compartment  500  on container  100  are intended only as examples of possible additions to the base form of container  100 . Any similar additional storage compartments added to a similar container  100  is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, net region  300  is cylindrical in shape connected at a bottom end  320  to bottom portion  210  of base  200  and is open and unattached at a top end  340 . Net region  300  is preferably constructed of a flexible lightweight material such as nylon, however this is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Any material used to construct a similar net region for a bottle container, having a lightweight, durable and flexible construction is within the contemplation of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be noted that container  100  may use any similar bottle bag in place of net region  300 , provided it is collapsible and storable within the base. As such, the bottle bag can be a net region, as used for example through the application, or it can be constructed of a solid sheet using similar materials such as nylon.  
     [0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, lid portion  215  of base  200  is connected to net region  300  such that when opening and closing container  100  via zipper element  220  and zipper track  240 , net region  300  is held in position relative to lid portion  215  of base  200  making it is easier to configure net region  300  and strap  400  between lid portion  215  and bottom portion  210  of the closed base  200 . Additionally, the attachment of net region  300  to lid portion  215  of base  200  adds stability to the bottle contained within container  100  by providing additional lateral support for the bottle. However, it should be noted that this is in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. For example, a similar container  100  having similar features where an upper portion  215  of base  200  is not attached to net region  300  is also within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, a draw string closure ring  370  is disposed along the edge of top end  340  of net region  300  so as to provide additional stability to container  100 . In this configuration, container  100  can securely hold a bottle, which is inserted through draw string closure ring  370 , down through net region  300  to bottom portion  210  of base  200 , such that the top of the bottle extends upward beyond draw string closure ring  370 , accessible to the user for drinking.  
     [0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, carrying strap  400  is attached at two points along the circumference of bottom portion  210  of base  200  in positions located opposite from one another. As illustrated, strap  400  is stitched directly to bottom portion  210  of base  200  located inside zipper track  24 .  
     [0038] After attachment, strap  400  extends from bottom portion  210  of base  200  upwards along opposite sides of net region  300 . In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, as strap  400  extends upwardly along opposite sides of net region  300 , strap  400  is periodically attached directly to net region  300  so as to add stability in supporting a bottle held in container  10  along the entire longitudinal axis of the bottle. Alternatively, strap  400  may be continuously attached at intervals along net region  300 . In either of these configurations, because strap  400  is attached to both bottom portion  210  base  200  and along the entire longitudinal axis of net region  300 , additional stability is added to container  100 , limiting unwanted movement of the bottle contained therein.  
     [0039] After reaching the top end  340  of net region  300 , both sides of strap  400  extend upward, loop around forming a single strap  400 , creating a shoulder strap. As illustrated in FIG. 5, strap  400  maintains a standard adjustment clip  420 , useful in extending and shortening strap  400  based on a desired length by the user.  
     [0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 5, when open, container  100  forms a collapsible bottle support with strap  400 . In use, a user places the desired drinking bottle through draw string closure ring  370  down through net region  300  to base  200  such that the bottle is held securely in net region  300  with the opening of the bottle extending beyond the top of draw string closure ring  370 . In this configuration, the bottle is supported along its longitudinal axis by opposite sides of strap  400  which extends along net region  400 .  
     [0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in FIG. 6, collapsible bottle container  100  can be stored in a small compact manner when not in use. Net region  300  and strap  400 , being of a lightweight construction are folded and placed in the center of bottom portion  210  of base  200 . After net region  300  and strap  400  are compressed, lid portion  215  of base  200  is folded downward about a fold region  201 . When folded over fold region  201 , lid and lower portions  210  and  215  of cover  200  are converged such that the material of net region  300  and strap  400  are enclosed between them. After substantially all of the material of net region  300  and strap  400  are contained between lid and lower portions  210  and  215  of base  200 , zipper element  220  is moved along zipper track  240 , so as to close net region  300  and strap  400  between lid and lower portions  210  and  215 , as illustrated in FIG. 6.  
     [0042] In this configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 6, after zipper element  220  is moved all the way across zipper track  240 , all of net region  300  and strap  400  are enclosed within lid and lower portions  210  and  215  of base  200 . Thus, when closed base  200  of collapsible bottle container  100  forms a compact container for net region  300  and strap  400 .  
     [0043] As such, a collapsible container for storing bottles is provided which is not only lightweight, durable and sturdy, but also is self contained and collapsible to be stored within its own base. Thus, when not in use, collapsible bottle container  100  is compact and self contained, easily capable of being stored in an athlete or traveler&#39;s pocket for deployment and use at a later time.  
     [0044] For example, in on embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 6 the closed collapsible drinking container is compactly stored when closed in the dimensions of 4″ inches in diameter and 1.5″ inches thick. These dimensions are provided only as an example, and are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Similar collapsible drinking containers, with similar components which maintain comparable compact dimensions when closed are within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0045] It should be noted that some of the features included in described embodiments are interchangeable with one another. For example the elastic closure ring  36  of container  10  may be exchanged with the draw string closure ring  370  of container  100  and vise versa. Additionally, compartment cover  500  attached to the under side of bottom portion  210  of base  200  from container  100  may be added to the bottom side of base  20  of container  10 . Likewise, zipper pouch  510  located on the back side of lid portion  215  of base  210  on container  100  could be added to the under side of base  20  of container  10 . This list is in no way intended to limit the scope of the interconnection possibilities contained in the present invention. Any such components described above in the various embodiments that can be used in similar fashion in a different embodiment is within the contemplation of the present invention.  
     [0046] While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes or equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore, to be understood that this application is intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.