Patent Description:
It is recommended that a person drink at least <NUM> of water a day. Many types of bottles exist to facilitate such a daily intake of water. However, such bottles are often very large and cumbersome to store or take on the go. Furthermore, such bottles often do not allow for hygienic sharing of water between persons, thereby encouraging transfer of germs and bacteria when shared.

<CIT> discloses a thermos having multiple hermetical heat preservation structures and a glass liner easy to disassemble and assemble. The thermos includes a bottle cap, a fixing cap, a water seal piece, a seal ring, the glass liner and a bottle body, wherein when the bottle body and the bottle cap are connected in a matching manner, the water seal piece and a bottle opening of the glass liner are matched hermetically.

The present description will be understood more fully when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of various examples of compound bottles. The description is not meant to limit the compound bottles to the specific examples. Rather, the specific examples depicted and described are provided for explanation and understanding of compound bottles. Throughout the description the drawings may be referred to as drawings, figures, and/or FIGs.

Compound bottles, as disclosed herein, will become better understood through a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples of the various embodiments of compound bottles. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations; however, for the sake of brevity and clarity, all the contemplated variations may not be individually described in the following detailed description. Those skilled in the art will understand how the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered and not depart in substance from the scope of the appended claims.

A conventional disposable water bottle may include a thin unified body with a single cap disposed at an opening or spout of the bottle. Conventional reusable water bottles may include a rigid body with a lid and a corresponding cap.

However, conventional systems do not offer the ability to carry multiple bottles in a compound or nested arrangement. Conventional systems require additional space if additional bottles are to be carried or stored. This consumes a relatively high amount of space and becomes difficult to carry multiple bottles to support multiple users or provide structure to carry multiple fluids.

Implementations of compound bottles described herein may address some or all of the problems described above. A compound bottle according to the invention as disclosed in claim <NUM> includes an interior portion compatible to be inserted into an exterior portion and to secure the interior portion with the exterior portion to reduce an overall package size of the compound bottle. Tops couple to ends of the joined interior and exterior portion to facilitate carriage and storage. The compound bottle may function as a single bottle in a compound arrangement and separate to form two independent bottles.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a compound bottle, according to an embodiment. Embodiments of the compound bottle provide a compact arrangement of multiple bottles needing the space of a single bottle for storage and carriage.

The compound bottle <NUM> is a compound container configured to contain a liquid. For example, the compound bottle <NUM> may be capable of carrying potable water. The compound bottle <NUM> includes an interior portion <NUM> nestable within an exterior portion <NUM>.

The interior portion <NUM> defines an interior space <NUM>. The interior portion <NUM> includes an interior wall <NUM>, an interior top end <NUM>, and a bottom end <NUM>. The interior wall <NUM> has a cylindrical geometry extending between the bottom end <NUM> and the interior top end <NUM>. The interior top end <NUM> may extend from the interior wall <NUM> to form an opening in an end of the interior portion <NUM>. The bottom end <NUM> forms a closed end of the interior portion <NUM> opposite the interior top end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interior portion may have a volume between <NUM> liters and <NUM> liters. In other embodiments, the interior portion <NUM> has a volume of approximately <NUM> liters. In some embodiments, the interior portion <NUM> may have more or less volume.

The compound bottle <NUM> includes a first top <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> is sized for placement at an opening <NUM> formed in the interior top end <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> couples to the interior portion <NUM> to form a leak resistant joining. The first top <NUM> and the interior portion <NUM> may include a seal, gasket, or so forth to resist leaking. In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> and the interior portion <NUM> may be secured to one another via threads, lips, clips, magnets, friction fit, or so forth.

The interior portion <NUM> nests into the exterior portion <NUM>. The exterior portion <NUM> may couple to the interior portion <NUM> via threads, clips, or other connections. In some embodiments, the interior portion <NUM> may be sized to form a gap between the interior portion <NUM> and the exterior portion <NUM>. The gap may extend around the side walls of the interior portion <NUM> and may extend across the bottom end <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the exterior portion <NUM> may include a second cap <NUM> attached to a bottom end of the exterior portion <NUM>. The second cap <NUM> may be coupled to threads or other structures positioned proximate the bottom end of the exterior portion <NUM>. The second cap <NUM> may be sized to couple to the bottom end of the exterior portion <NUM> and to the opening of the exterior portion <NUM> and/or the interior top end <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an interior portion <NUM> of the compound bottle <NUM> of <FIG> with a first top <NUM>, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide a versatile multi-bottle system with interchangeable parts.

In some embodiments, the interior portion <NUM> is compatible with the first top <NUM> to fit the first top <NUM> to form a water container. The interior top end <NUM> is formed in the interior portion <NUM> to be opposite the bottom end <NUM>. The interior top end <NUM> may interface with the first top <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> has a geometry matching a geometry of the interior portion <NUM> at the interior top end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the combination of the interior portion <NUM> and the first top <NUM> forms a water container with the exterior portion <NUM> in place on the interior portion <NUM> or with the exterior portion <NUM> removed.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a first top <NUM> of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide a flexible top for covering a compound bottle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> includes a first vertical segment <NUM> extending downward around the interior top end <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first vertical segment <NUM> has corresponding sixth threads <NUM> for mating with a of fifth thread <NUM> of the interior top end <NUM>. The number of the sixth threads <NUM> may be the same or different for the first vertical segment <NUM> and the interior top end <NUM>. The first vertical segment <NUM> may have a first end 65a and a second end 65b. The first end 65a may be flush with the opening <NUM> of the interior top end <NUM>. The second end 65b may extent to, or just short of, the exterior wall <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>. An angled segment <NUM> may extend upward from the first vertical segment <NUM> and inward. The angled segment <NUM> may be disposed at an angle of <NUM>° to <NUM>° with respect to a horizontal axis x-x. The angled segment <NUM> may have a first end 75a and a second end 75b. The first end 75a may leads from the first end 65a of the first vertical segment. The second end 75b may be coupled to a second vertical segment <NUM>. The second vertical segment <NUM> may have a first end 80a that extends upward from the angled segment <NUM> and may terminate with a second end 80b. The second vertical segment <NUM> may include one or more threads <NUM>. The first top <NUM> also includes an opening <NUM> formed by the second vertical segment <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first vertical segment <NUM>, the second vertical segment <NUM>, and the angled segment <NUM> are coaxial.

In some embodiments, the components of the first top <NUM> may have a uniform thickness. In other embodiments, one or more of the components of the first top <NUM> may have different thicknesses. In some embodiments, the thickness of one or more of the components of the first top <NUM> may vary along a length of position on the respective component. In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> is a single unified structure. In other embodiments, the first top <NUM> may be composed of multiple components that are joined mechanically, chemically, or otherwise to form the first top <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first top <NUM> may be constructed of a plastic, metal, composite, or other synthetic or natural material or combination of synthetic and/or natural materials. The first top <NUM> may be constructed by printing, molding, extruding, milling, or so forth.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an interior top end <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide a compound bottle <NUM> having an interior top end <NUM> which facilitates the nesting of multiple water storage portions.

In some embodiments. the exterior wall <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM> has a diameter <NUM> that is narrower than a diameter <NUM> of the interior top end <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the diameter <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, the diameter <NUM> of the interior top end <NUM> ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>. Furthermore, the exterior wall <NUM> may include fourth thread <NUM>. A transition segment <NUM> may be included which extend upward and outward from the exterior wall <NUM> to the interior top end <NUM>. The transition segment <NUM> may be disposed at an angle ranging from <NUM>° to <NUM>° with respect to the horizontal axis x-x. The interior top end <NUM> includes the opening <NUM> and may further include the fifth thread <NUM>, with which the sixth threads <NUM> of the first vertical segment <NUM> of the first top <NUM> may be aligned to mate.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a first cap <NUM> of the first top <NUM> of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide an intuitive and decipherable system for nesting bottles to reduce package size and provide flexibility.

In some embodiments, the compound bottle <NUM> includes a first cap <NUM> for placement over the first top <NUM>. the first cap <NUM> may include an interior space <NUM> with threads <NUM> for mating with the at least one thread <NUM> of the second vertical segment <NUM> of the first top <NUM>. In some embodiments, the thread <NUM> is located on an interior vertical segment <NUM> extending downward within the interior space <NUM> of the first cap <NUM>, along the second vertical segment <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interior vertical segment <NUM> includes a first segment 116a and a second segment 116b. The second vertical segments <NUM> of the first top <NUM> may be positioned within the first segment 116a and second segment 116b. In some embodiments, the first segment 116a is longer than the second segment 116b. The first cap <NUM> may extend downward on the periphery to be flush with the first end 65a of the first vertical segments of the first top <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first cap <NUM> may be constructed of a similar or disparate material from the first top <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first cap <NUM> may include an insulating material. The insulating material may make up a portion or an entirety of the first cap <NUM>. For example, an insulating material may be applied to an exterior or interior of the first cap <NUM>, may be incorporated into a layer of the first cap <NUM>, may make up the entire first cap <NUM>, or may be a removable or nonremovable component of the first cap <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first cap <NUM> may include a sealing element to resist leaking or seepage. The sealing element may be disposed in the first cap <NUM> at or near the first segment <NUM> to interface with the opening <NUM> of the compound bottle <NUM>. The sealing element may take the form of a gasket, O-ring, washer, or so forth.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of an exterior portion of the bottle of <FIG> with a second top, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide a system which requires the storage space of a single bottle while providing the liquid capacity of multiple bottles.

The exterior portion <NUM> includes an exterior wall <NUM>, an exterior bottom closed end <NUM>, and an exterior top end <NUM>. The exterior portion <NUM> forms an interior space <NUM>. The interior space <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> allows for holding a liquid. The size of the exterior top end <NUM> may allow for insertion of the interior portion <NUM>, with the interior bottom closed end <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM> adjacent the exterior bottom closed end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM>. The exterior top end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> includes an opening <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the exterior portion <NUM> has a volume ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. In other embodiments, the exterior portion <NUM> has a volume of <NUM>. In some embodiments, the exterior portion <NUM> is form-fitted around the interior portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the exterior wall <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> has a diameter <NUM> ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. The exterior top end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> may have a diameter <NUM> ranging from <NUM> to <NUM>. In some embodiments, the geometry of the exterior portion <NUM> may be greater or less than the examples provided herein.

In some embodiments, the fitment of the exterior portion <NUM> with the interior portion <NUM> may form an insulating layer. The insulating layer may be formed with air disposed between the interior portion <NUM> and the exterior portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the insulating layer may be a separate material or void disposed in the interior portion <NUM> and/or the exterior portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the insulating layer may be removable or may be non-removably disposed in one or both of the interior portion <NUM> and the exterior portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of the exterior portion of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide an intuitive system for nesting the compound bottle <NUM> to reduce package size and provide flexibility in use and deployment.

In some embodiments, a diameter <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> may be equal to the diameter <NUM> of the exterior top end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> may include third thread <NUM> disposed near the exterior bottom closed end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM>. The top end of <NUM> the exterior portion <NUM> may include interior second threads <NUM> for mating with the fourth thread <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM>, as well as exterior first thread <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic diagram of a second cap of the second top of <FIG>, according to an embodiment. Embodiments may provide a bottle system with interchangeable tops and caps.

The compound bottle <NUM> includes a second top <NUM>. The second top <NUM> is placed around the exterior bottom closed end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> while the interior portion <NUM> may be within the interior space <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> in a stored position. The second top <NUM> is placed around the exterior top end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> while the interior portion <NUM> is removed from the interior space <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> to allow for a liquid to be stored within the interior space <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> in a containing position. In some embodiments, the second top <NUM> includes first vertical segment <NUM> extending downward. The first vertical segment <NUM> may include a corresponding thread <NUM> for mating with one or both of the third thread <NUM> towards the exterior bottom closed end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> and the first thread <NUM> of the exterior top end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM>. The number of third thread <NUM> on either side of the exterior bottom closed end <NUM> may be the same or different. In some embodiments, the number of third thread <NUM> corresponds to the number of eighth thread <NUM> of the first vertical segment <NUM> and/or the number of exterior first thread <NUM> of the exterior top end <NUM>. Alternatively, the eighth thread <NUM> may be threads for mating with a corresponding thread (in place of the third thread <NUM>) towards the exterior bottom closed end <NUM> while the exterior portion <NUM> is not in use for the potable liquid, and for mating with a corresponding thread (in place of the exterior first thread <NUM>) of the exterior top end <NUM> while the exterior portion <NUM> is in use for the potable liquid. The first vertical segment <NUM> may have a first end 180a and a second end 180b. The first end 180a may be flush with the opening <NUM> of the exterior top end <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM>. The second end 180b may stop along a portion of the exterior wall of the exterior portion <NUM>. An opposing oblique segment <NUM> may extend upward from the first vertical segment <NUM> and together. The opposing oblique segment <NUM> may be disposed at an angle ranging from <NUM>° to <NUM>° with respect to the horizontal axis x-x. The opposing oblique segment <NUM> may have a first end 190a and a second end 190b. The first end 190a may lead from the first end 180a of the first vertical segment <NUM>. The second end 190b segues into a second vertical segment <NUM>. The second vertical segments <NUM> may have a first end 195a that extends upward from the opposing oblique segments <NUM> and terminates at a second end 195b. The second vertical segments <NUM> may include at least one thread <NUM>. The second top <NUM> may include an opening <NUM> within the second vertical segment <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic of a second cap of the second top of <FIG>, according to an exemplary embodiment. Embodiments may provide a secure closure for containing a fluid and provide structure for accessing the fluid within the compound bottle <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the compound bottle <NUM> includes a second cap <NUM> for placement over the second top <NUM>. The second cap <NUM> may form an interior space <NUM> and may include one or more threads <NUM> for mating with a thread <NUM> of the second vertical segment <NUM> of the second top <NUM>. The threads <NUM> may be aligned with or staggered from each other. The threads <NUM> may be likewise aligned with or staggered from each other. In some embodiments, the thread <NUM> is located on an interior vertical segment <NUM> extending downward within the interior space <NUM> of the second cap <NUM>, along the second vertical segment <NUM>. In some embodiments, the interior vertical segment <NUM> includes a first segment 216a and a second segment 216b. The second vertical segment <NUM> may be insertable between a respective first segment 216a and a second segment 216b. In some embodiments, the first segment 216a is longer than the second segment 216b. The second cap <NUM> may be flush with the first end 180a of the first vertical segments <NUM> of the second top <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the interior portion <NUM> has a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. A diameter <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM> may range between <NUM> and <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> may have a thickness ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> may have a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The interior space <NUM> may have a diameter ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The interior top end <NUM> may have a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The transition segments <NUM> may extend along a vertical length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the interior portion <NUM> has a length of <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> of the interior portion <NUM> may be <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>. The interior space <NUM> may have a diameter of <NUM>. The interior top end <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>. The transition segments <NUM> may extend along a vertical length of <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> each have a diameter ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> may each have a thickness ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> may each extend vertically within a range between <NUM> and <NUM>. The interior spaces <NUM> and <NUM> may each have a diameter ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The first segments 116a and 216a of the interior vertical segments <NUM> and <NUM> may each have a length ranging from <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> each have a diameter of <NUM>. The first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> may each have a thickness of <NUM>. The first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> may each extend vertically <NUM>. The interior spaces <NUM> and <NUM> may each have a diameter of <NUM>. The first segments 116a and 216a of the interior vertical segments <NUM> and <NUM> may each have a length of <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the exterior portion <NUM> has a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> may range between <NUM> and <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> may have a thickness ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the exterior portion <NUM> has a length of <NUM>. The diameter <NUM> of the exterior wall <NUM> of the exterior portion <NUM> may be <NUM>. The exterior wall <NUM> may have a thickness of <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the first top <NUM> and the second top <NUM> respectively, the first vertical segments <NUM>, <NUM> have a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The oblique segments <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>. The second opposing vertical segments <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length ranging between <NUM> and <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the first top <NUM> and the second top <NUM> respectively, the first opposing vertical segments <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>. The oblique segments <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>. The second vertical segments <NUM>, <NUM> may have a length of <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the various fifth thread <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be notches for mating with corresponding threads. The first cap <NUM> and the second cap <NUM> may have a thread for mating with a corresponding thread of, respectively, the first top <NUM> and the second top <NUM>.

The compound bottle <NUM> may be made from a material that is both durable and dishwasher safe. The compound bottle <NUM> may be made from metal (e.g., steel, aluminum) or a hard, reusable plastic (e.g., HDPE, PP), or a combination thereof. This may allow the compound bottle <NUM> to be reusable, and thus environmentally friendly. In some embodiments, one person can drink from the interior portion <NUM>, while a second person can drink from the exterior portion <NUM>. This may allow for hygienic sharing of the compound bottle <NUM>. If one person alone drinks from both the interior portion <NUM> and the exterior portion <NUM>, they obtain the full volume of the bottle <NUM>, which in one instance ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>, and in a more specific instance is <NUM>. The compact design of the bottle <NUM> allows for saving space during storage and while in transit.

A feature illustrated in one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature illustrated in another of the figures. Similarly, a feature described in connection with one of the figures may be the same as or similar to a feature described in connection with another of the figures. The same or similar features may be noted by the same or similar reference characters unless expressly described otherwise. Additionally, the description of a particular figure may refer to a feature not shown in the particular figure. The feature may be illustrated in and/or further described in connection with another figure.

Elements of processes (i.e., methods) described herein may be executed in one or more ways such as by a human, by a processing device, by mechanisms operating automatically or under human control, and so forth. Additionally, although various elements of a process may be depicted in the figures in a particular order, the elements of the process may be performed in one or more different orders without departing from the scope of the invention as discloses in the appended claims.

The foregoing description sets forth numerous specific details such as examples of specific systems, components, methods and so forth, in order to provide a good understanding of several implementations.

Related elements in the examples and/or embodiments described herein may be identical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity and clarity, related elements may not be redundantly explained. Instead, the use of a same, similar, and/or related element names and/or reference characters may cue the reader that an element with a given name and/or associated reference character may be similar to another related element with the same, similar, and/or related element name and/or reference character in an example explained elsewhere herein. Elements specific to a given example may be described regarding that particular example. A person having ordinary skill in the art will understand that a given element need not be the same and/or similar to the specific portrayal of a related element in any given figure or example in order to share features of the related element.

It is to be understood that the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other implementations will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. The scope of the present implementations should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims.

The foregoing disclosure encompasses multiple distinct examples with independent utility. While these examples have been disclosed in a particular form, the specific examples disclosed and illustrated above are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerous variations are possible. The subject matter disclosed herein includes novel and non-obvious combinations and sub-combinations of the various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed above both explicitly and inherently. Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite "a" element, "a first" element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claims is to be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neither requiring nor excluding two or more of such elements.

Claim 1:
A compound bottle comprising:
an exterior portion (<NUM>) comprising:
an exterior wall (<NUM>) having a cylindrical geometry;
an exterior top end (<NUM>) coupled to the exterior wall; and
an exterior bottom closed end (<NUM>) coupled to the exterior wall to close an end of the exterior wall opposite the exterior top end;
an interior portion (<NUM>) configured to nest within the exterior portion, wherein
the interior portion comprises:
an interior wall (<NUM>) having a cylindrical geometry smaller in diameter than the exterior portion;
an interior bottom closed end (<NUM>) coupled to the interior wall to close an end of the interior wall; and
an interior top end (<NUM>) coupled to the interior wall to be opposite the interior bottom closed end; and
a first top (<NUM>) configured to close the interior top end of the interior portion to form an interior space (<NUM>) within the interior portion, the first top comprising
a first opening (<NUM>) to allow access to the interior space within the interior portion; and
a second top (<NUM>) comprising a second opening, wherein the second top is configured to:
engage with the exterior bottom end of the exterior portion in a stored position; and
engage with the exterior top end of the exterior portion in a containing position in which the interior portion is removed from the interior space of the exterior portion to allow for a liquid to be stored within the interior space of the exterior portion.