Patent Publication Number: US-11649097-B2

Title: Bottle system with a storage container

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     Various personal, liquid-dispensing containers and related covers or lids have been fabricated and sold over many decades. In the present day, such devices are often referred to generically as “water bottles,” though they frequently contain liquids other than water, or simply “bottles.” For many years, these personal, liquid-dispensing containers and their associated covers or lids, or water bottles, have been designed to meet the particular needs of the users during their various events and activities. For example, water bottles have been specifically designed for running, cycling, hiking, rock climbing, driving an automobile, attendance at sporting events, and the like. People carrying a water bottle with them often carry other articles separately during their events, travels, and activities. Given the prevalence of persons carrying multiple articles, a multiple-purpose, liquid-dispensing container with a lid would be beneficial to reduce the number of articles carried separately. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Some embodiments are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a bottle system with a storage container, according to one of the devices described herein. 
         FIG.  2    is a side view of the lid and the storage container of the bottle system shown in  FIG.  1    with the storage container removed. 
         FIGS.  3  and  4    are perspective views of the lid and storage container shown in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    is a cross-sectional view of the storage container shown in  FIG.  2    taken along line  5 - 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     One potential way to provide a multiple-purpose, liquid-dispensing container with a lid (that is, a bottle) includes associating a separate storage container with the bottle. The storage container might be used to retain a variety of articles, such as door keys, medication, drink flavoring, jewelry, etc. The lid of a bottle presents a possible use as both a structure to seal liquid within the liquid container and to retain articles within the lid separately from the liquid. Lids may be designed to retain articles within a void inside the lid and to provide selective access to the articles through a door, hatch, etc.  FIGS.  1 - 5    show one of the devices described herein implementing such a concept. 
     In  FIG.  1   , a bottle system  10  includes a liquid container  12  configured to store liquid therein and a lid  14  configured to releasably engage with liquid container  12 . As the term is used herein, a structure that “releasably engages” with another structure refers to the capability of the structures to engage selectively and to release selectively from engagement when desired by the user. Accordingly, lid  14  selectively seals liquid inside liquid container  12  when engaged with liquid container  12 . Bottle system  10  also includes a storage container  16  inserted into lid  14 . By the mechanisms described herein, storage container  16  maybe inserted into lid  14 , releasably engaged with lid  14 , and removed from lid  14  to access a compartment  20  within storage container  16 . While  FIGS.  1 - 5    show one example of mechanisms accomplishing the described functions, other mechanisms may be suitable for accomplishing similar functions in keeping with the descriptions herein. 
       FIGS.  2 - 5    show further detail of storage container  16  and lid  14 , including how they cooperate one with the other. Lid  14  includes a slot  40  formed in the lid through which storage container  16  may be inserted. Upon sufficient insertion, a retainer  26  engages the lid and releasably retains storage container  16  in association with lid  14 . In addition to providing a cavity (not shown), wherein storage container  16  may be inserted, and sealing liquid within liquid container  12 , lid  14  additionally forms a barrier that separates storage container  16  from liquid when liquid is present in liquid container  12 . 
     Lid  14  includes a top piece  60  with slot  40  formed therethrough and a bottom piece attached to top piece  60 . In  FIGS.  2 - 4   , a threadwall  62  is shown as one example of a suitable bottom piece. Threadwall  62  has external threads  64  thereon. In such case, bottle system  10  may include internal threads (not shown) on liquid container  12  complementary to external threads  64  of threadwall  62 . As such, the combination of external threads  64  and internal threads (not shown) provide a threaded releasable engagement between lid  14  and liquid container  12 . Although the example of a bottom piece shown in  FIGS.  2 - 4    provides a threaded engagement, other forms of releasably engaging structures may be used to accomplish the same functions described herein for lid  14 . 
     In  FIGS.  2 - 4   , top piece  60  is shown as a separate element from threadwall  62 , but attached together by adhesive, welding, or other attachment mechanisms or methods. As such, top piece  60  and threadwall  62  may be formed from different materials, whether in color, composition, or both. However, it will be appreciated from the additional description herein that top piece  60  may be formed integrally with threadwall  62  or some other form of a bottom piece. For example, the two pieces may be formed from the same material in common, such as by injection molding. 
     Although not expressly shown in  FIGS.  1 - 5   , it is implicit from the interaction of storage container  16  with lid  14  that a cavity exists within lid  14  between top piece  60  and threadwall  62  (the bottom piece). Slot  40  opens into the cavity and storage container  16  is received into the cavity when inserted through slot  40 . The cavity may be just large enough to accommodate the portion of storage container  16  inserted into lid  14  through slot  40 . Instead, the cavity could be much larger. 
     For example, top piece  60  and the bottom piece (e.g., threadwall  62 ) could be formed of merely an exterior wall of a thickness sufficient to provide structural support while much of the volume of lid  14  is occupied by the cavity. In such case, one might consider that additional storage volume potentially exists within lid  14  but outside storage container  16  to the extent that storage container  16  may retain articles within lid  14  when inserted through slot  40 . Although, extraneous articles placed within the potential extra storage space in lid  14  could interfere with inserting storage container  16  and engaging with lid  14 . Consequently, placing articles within compartment  20  would be the more beneficial. 
     Storage container  16  includes a frame  24  that provides structural support for other elements of storage container  16 . For example, a back wall  58  is attached to frame  24 . Attachment may occur through the use of adhesive, welding, or other attachment mechanisms or methods or integrally forming back wall  58  with frame  24 . A door  34  is positioned opposite back wall  58  when door  34  is closed. Compartment  20  is defined at least partially by back wall  58 , door  34 , and a part of frame  24 . Door  34  selectively opens to reveal compartment  20  and selectively closed to retain articles when articles are present in compartment  20 . 
     In the example device of  FIGS.  1 - 5   , a transom  56  further defines compartment  20  by extending between opposite sides of frame  24 . As the term is used herein, “transom” refers to a transverse strut between side members, such as between parallel or nearly parallel side members of a frame. 
     Also, door  34  attaches to frame  24  with a hinge  36 . A variety of forms for hinge  36  may be used to attach door  34  to frame  24  in a manner that permits door  34  selectively to open to reveal compartment  20  and selectively to close to retain articles in compartment  20 . One example includes a “living hinge.” As the term is used herein, “living hinge” refers to a thin flexible hinge or flexure bearing connecting two features. The living hinge may be made from the same material as two rigid pieces that it connects and, in that sense, may be referred to as an “integral living hinge”, but integrality is otherwise not a requirement herein. Accordingly, hinge  36 , whether a living hinge or another form of hinge, may be formed separately from door  34  and frame  24  and used to connect the two components after formation. Instead, door  34 , hinge  36 , and frame  24  may be formed at the same time from the same material in common, providing an integral living hinge. 
     Storage container  16  further includes a handle  22  as another part of frame  24 . Handle  22  extends above lid  14  when storage container  16  is inserted through slot  40  in lid  14  and releasably engaged with lid  14 . Handle  22  has a position and a surface area that, in combination, permit a user to grasp handle  22  and remove storage container  16  from slot  40 . Additionally, handle  22  has a strength that supports the weight of bottle system  10  when filled with liquid and storage container  16  is inserted through slot  40  in lid  14  and releasably engaged with lid  14 . The releasable engagement with lid  14  may also have sufficient strength to support the weight of bottle system  10  when filled with liquid. As such, handle  22  is convenient for removing/replacing storage container  16  from/in lid  14  as well as for carrying bottle system  10 . In  FIGS.  1 - 5   , the portion of frame  24  that provides handle  22  is defined by transom  56 . The portion of frame  24  above transom  56  provides handle  22  while the portion of frame  24  below transom  56  defines compartment  20 . 
     Transom  56  also establishes a location for a recess  52  that receives an extension  50  from a grip  38  on door  34 . As the terms are used herein, a “grip” or a “retainer” refers to a device for grasping or holding one feature to another feature and includes a snap, catch, clip, clasp, hook, like structures, and other structures. As the term is used herein, a “snap” refers to a catch or fastening that closes or locks with a click and includes features provided with a spring or with parts that fit tightly into each other. 
     In operation, when door  34  of storage container  16  in  FIG.  4    moves from the open position to the closed position in  FIG.  5   , extension  50  slides over a bevel  59  of transom  56  and drops into recess  52 , retaining door  34  in the closed position. Relying upon accurate tolerances of design and construction, the action of extension  50  sliding over bevel  59  may slightly bend grip  38  upward to induce a spring-like tension such that extension  50  snaps into place upon reaching recess  52 . Inducing spring-like tension in grip  38  to seat extension  50  in recess  52  more securely retains door  34  in a closed position since the same bending in grip  38  would be induced to open door  34 . Consequently, grip  38  is shown with a raised profile above transom  56  enabling a user to apply sufficient force to overcome the spring-like tension and open door  34 . 
     Storage container  16  also includes a ledge  54  extending from back wall  58  as a protection of grip  38 . As apparent from the profiles shown in  FIG.  5   , ledge  54  decreases the likelihood of accidentally bumping grip  38  and accidentally opening door  34 . As the term is used herein, “ledge” refers to a raised or projecting edge or molding added to protect or check. 
     Bottle system  10  also includes a mechanism that releasably engages storage container  16  to lid  14 . The mechanism may include a rim  42  defining slot  40  in lid  14  in combination with a retainer  26  attached to frame  24  of storage container  16 . A recess  28  formed in retainer  26  releasably engages rim  42  of lot  40 . Thereby, recess  28  selectively retains storage container  16  when storage container  16  is inserted through slot  40 .  FIGS.  1 - 4    show one example of a rim/retainer mechanism. 
     Rim  42  of slot  40  includes two longitudinal edges  44  between which compartment  20  passes when inserted through slot  40 . Also, rim  42  includes two lateral edges  46  between which compartment  20  passes when inserted through slot  40 . As the terms are used herein, “longitudinal” refers to a feature of or relating to the lengthwise dimension, while “lateral” refers to a feature of or relating to the side, as in the sides or ends of a longitudinal feature. 
     Retainer  26  includes a spring-loaded tab  30 . As the term is used herein, a “tab” refers to a short flap, loop, projection, detent, or other feature projecting from an object to facilitate its identification or grasping. As the term is used herein, “spring-loaded” refers to a feature in which a load or force is applied by means of spring tension or compression. As the term is used herein, a “spring” refers to an elastic body or device that recovers its original shape when released after being distorted. 
     In  FIGS.  1 - 4   , retainer  26  is shown formed integrally with a spring  32  that attaches tab  30  and recess  28  to frame  24 . By depressing tab  30  toward frame  24 , the user may move recess  28  closer to frame  24  and out of engagement with lateral edge  46  of rim  42 . With selection of a suitable material, spring  32  recovers to its original position when tab  30  is released. In that sense, tab  30  of retainer  26  is spring-loaded. While  FIGS.  1 - 4    show retainer  26  attached integrally to frame  24  with spring  32 , it will be appreciated that the devices described herein encompass different mechanisms for a retainer attached to a frame and a recess formed in the retainer that releasably engages a lid. 
     For the example in  FIGS.  1 - 4   , retainer  26  also includes a forward edge  70  of recess  28  and a rearward edge  72  of recess  28 . Recess  28  is between forward edge  70  and rearward edge  72 . Recess  28  releasably engages one of lateral edges  46  of rim  42  when storage container  16  is inserted sufficiently through slot  40 . During insertion of storage container  16 , forward edge  70  approaches lateral edge  46 , depressing spring  32  until lateral edge  46  seats into recess  28 . Rearward edge  72  may then prevent continued insertion of storage container  16  through slot  40 . To remove storage container  16 , a user may depress tab  30 , permitting disengagement of recess  28  from lateral edge  46  sufficiently to allow forward edge  70  to pass by lateral edge  46  while removing storage container  16 .  FIGS.  1 - 4    show two retainers  26 , one each on opposite sides of frame  24 . Although two retainers are included, the positioning of retainers  26  permits a user to depress both retainers  26  simultaneously with one hand and remove storage container  16  from lid  14 . 
     Devices and Methods 
     The discoveries described herein identify a number of solutions that may be implemented in devices and methods also described herein. Multiple solutions may be combined for implementation, enabling still further devices and methods. The inventors expressly contemplate that the various options described herein for individual devices and methods are not intended to be so limited except where incompatible with other devices and methods. The features and benefits of individual devices herein may also be used in combination with methods and other devices described herein even though not specifically indicated elsewhere. Similarly, the features and benefits of individual methods herein may also be used in combination with devices and other methods described herein even though not specifically indicated elsewhere. 
     Device A includes a bottle system having a liquid container with a reservoir therein and a lid that releasably engages with the liquid container and, thereby, selectively seals the reservoir when engaged with the liquid container. A slot is in the lid. A storage container inserts through the slot and, thereby, releasably engages the lid when inserted through the slot. The lid forms a barrier that separates the storage container from liquid when liquid is present in the reservoir. 
     Additional features may be implemented in Device A. By way of example, the lid may include a top piece with the slot formed therethrough, a bottom piece attached to the top piece, and a cavity within the lid between the top piece and the bottom piece. The slot may open into the cavity and the storage container may be received into the cavity when inserted through the slot. Also, the bottom piece may be a threadwall having external threads thereon. The bottle system may further comprise internal threads on the liquid container that are complementary to the external threads of the threadwall and provide a threaded, releasable engagement between the lid and the liquid container. 
     The storage container may include a frame, a back wall attached to the frame, a door opposite the back wall when the door is closed, and a compartment defined at least partially by the back wall, the door when closed, and a part of the frame. The door may selectively open to reveal the compartment and selectively close to retain articles when articles are present in the compartment. The door may be attached to the frame with a hinge. 
     The storage container may include a frame and a handle as a part of the frame. The handle may extend above the lid when the storage container is inserted through the slot in the lid and releasably engaged with the lid. The handle may have a position and a surface area that, in combination, permit a user to grasp the handle and remove the storage container from the slot when released. The handle may have a strength that supports the weight of the bottle system when the reservoir is filled with liquid and the storage container is inserted through the slot in the lid and releasably engaged with the lid. 
     The lid may include a rim defining the slot in the lid. The storage container may include a frame, a retainer attached to the frame, and a recess formed in the retainer. The recess may releasably engage the rim of the slot, thereby, selectively retaining the storage container when inserted through the slot. The rim of the slot in the lid may include two longitudinal edges between which the compartment passes when inserted through the slot and two lateral edges between which the compartment passes when inserted through the slot. The retainer may include a spring-loaded tab, a forward edge of the recess, and a rearward edge of the recess. The recess may be between the forward edge and the rearward edge and may releasably engage one of the two lateral edges of the rim when the storage container is inserted through the slot. Depression of the spring-loaded tab may permit disengagement of the recess from the rim. 
     The described additional features of Device A may also be implemented in other devices and methods herein. 
     Device B includes a bottle system having a liquid container with a reservoir therein and a lid that releasably engages with the liquid container and, thereby, selectively seals the reservoir when engaged with the liquid container. The lid includes a top piece with a slot formed therethrough, a bottom piece attached to the top piece, and a cavity within the lid between the top piece and the bottom piece, the slot opening into the cavity. The bottle system also has a storage container that inserts through the slot and, thereby, releasably engages the lid when inserted through the slot. The storage container includes a frame, a back wall attached to the frame, a door opposite the back wall when the door is closed, and a compartment defined at least partially by the back wall, the door when closed, and a part of the frame. The door selectively opens to reveal the compartment and selectively closes to retain articles when articles are present in the compartment. The lid forms a barrier that separates the storage container from liquid when liquid is present in the reservoir. The storage container is received into the cavity when inserted through the slot. 
     Additional features may be implemented in Device B. By way of example, the bottom piece may be a threadwall having external threads thereon. The bottle system may further include internal threads on the liquid container that are complementary to the external threads of the threadwall and provide a threaded, releasable engagement between the lid and the liquid container. The door may attach to the frame with a hinge. 
     The storage container may include a handle as another part of the frame, the handle extending above the lid when the storage container is inserted through the slot in the lid and releasably engaged with the lid. The handle may have a position and a surface area that, in combination, permit a user to grasp the handle and remove the storage container from the slot when released. The handle may have a strength that supports the weight of the bottle system when the reservoir is filled with liquid and the storage container is inserted through the slot in the lid and releasably engaged with the lid. The releasable engagement with the lid may have a strength that supports the weight of the bottle system when the reservoir is filled with liquid. 
     The lid may include a rim defining the slot in the lid. The storage container may include a retainer attached to the frame and a recess formed in the retainer. The recess may releasably engage the rim of the slot, thereby, selectively retaining the storage container when inserted through the slot. 
     The rim of the slot in the lid may include two longitudinal edges between which the compartment passes when inserted through the slot and two lateral edges between which the compartment passes when inserted through the slot. The retainer may include a spring-loaded tab, a forward edge of the recess, and a rearward edge of the recess. The recess may be between the forward edge and the rearward edge and may releasably engage one of the two lateral edges of the rim when the storage container is inserted through the slot. Depression of the spring-loaded tab may permit disengagement of the recess from the rim. 
     The storage container may include another retainer attached to the frame on a side of the storage container opposite the retainer and another recess formed in the other retainer. The other recess may releasably engage the rim of the slot, thereby, selectively retaining the storage container when inserted through the slot. 
     The described additional features of Device B may also be implemented in other devices and methods herein. 
     Device C includes a bottle system having a liquid container with a reservoir therein and a lid that releasably engages with the liquid container and, thereby, selectively seals the reservoir when engaged with the liquid container. The lid includes a top piece with a slot formed therethrough, a bottom piece attached to the top piece, a cavity within the lid between the top piece and the bottom piece, and a rim defining the slot in the lid. The slot opens into the cavity. The bottle system includes a storage container that inserts through the slot and, thereby, releasably engages the lid when inserted through the slot. The storage container includes a frame, a back wall attached to the frame, a door opposite the back wall when the door is closed, and a compartment defined at least partially by the back wall, the door when closed, and a part of the frame. The door selectively opens to reveal the compartment and selectively closes to retain articles when articles are present in the compartment. The storage container includes a handle as another part of the frame. The handle extends above the lid when the storage container is inserted through the slot in the lid and releasably engaged with the lid. The handle has a position and a surface area that, in combination, permit a user to grasp the handle and remove the storage container from the slot. The storage container includes a retainer attached to the frame and a recess formed in the retainer. The recess releasably engages the rim of the slot, thereby, selectively retaining the storage container when inserted through the slot. The lid forms a barrier that separates the storage container from liquid when liquid is present in the reservoir. The storage container is received into the cavity when inserted through the slot. 
     Additional features may be implemented in Device C. By way of example, the rim of the slot in the lid may include two longitudinal edges between which the compartment passes when inserted through the slot and two lateral edges between which the compartment passes when inserted through the slot. The retainer may include a spring-loaded tab, a forward edge of the recess, and a rearward edge of the recess. The recess may be between the forward edge and the rearward edge and may releasably engage one of the two lateral edges of the rim when the storage container is inserted through the slot. Depression of the spring-loaded tab may permit disengagement of the recess from the rim. 
     The described additional features of Device C may also be implemented in other devices and methods herein. 
     In compliance with the statute, the embodiments have been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the embodiments are not limited to the specific features shown and described. The embodiments are, therefore, claimed in any of their forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 
     
       
         
           
               
             
               
                   
               
               
                 TABLE OF REFERENCE NUMERALS FOR FIGURES 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
               
            
               
                   
                 10 bottle system 
                 30 tab 
                 50 extension 
               
               
                   
                 12 liquid container 
                 32 spring 
                 52 recess 
               
               
                   
                 14 lid 
                 34 door 
                 54 ledge 
               
               
                   
                 16 storage container 
                 36 hinge 
                 56 transom 
               
               
                   
                 20 compartment 
                 38 grip 
                 58 back wall 
               
               
                   
                 22 handle 
                 40 slot 
                 59 bevel 
               
               
                   
                 24 frame 
                 42 rim 
                 60 top piece 
               
               
                   
                 26 retainer 
                 44 longitudinal edges 
                 62 threadwall 
               
               
                   
                 28 recess 
                 46 lateral edges 
                 64 threads 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 70 forward edge 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 72 rearward edge