DRINKING BOTTLE AND METHOD OF DRINKING

Abstract

A drinking bottle, a drinking system and a method of drinking are provided. The drinking bottle comprises: a container for containing liquid therein; a handle for lifting the container; and a coupling mechanism rotatably coupling the handle to the container; wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged to provide limited rotation of the handle relative to the container between a first position in which the handle extends above the container, and a second position in which the handle is rotated to extend out to the side of the container; and wherein the handle is formed of a resilient material and is arranged to substantially maintain its shape during use so that the container depends from a distal end thereof.

Claims

1. A drinking bottle, comprising: a container for containing liquid therein; a handle for lifting the container; and a coupling mechanism rotatably coupling the handle to the container; wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged to permit rotation of the handle relative to the container between a first position in which the handle extends above the container, and a second position in which the handle is rotated to extend out to a side of the container; and wherein the handle is formed of a resilient material and is arranged to substantially maintain its shape during use so that the container depends or hangs from a distal end of the handle.

2. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is a loop.

3. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle is rotatable by between 60° and 120° between the first position and the second position.

4. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mass of the container is sufficient to effect rotation of the container by the coupling mechanism.

5. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises two rotation mechanisms between which the handle extends.

6. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 5, wherein at least one of the two rotation mechanisms comprises: a first rotation portion fixed relative to the container and a second rotation portion fixed relative to the handle, wherein the first and second rotation portions are configured such that they can rotate relative to each other within a permitted rotation range and are prevented from rotating relative to each other beyond the permitted rotation range.

7. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second rotation portions each comprise a respective abutment portion, which abutment portions are rotated into contact when the handle is rotated to the second position.

8. A drinking bottle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rotation mechanisms are fixed to a collar about the container.

9. A drinking system comprising the drinking bottle as claimed in claim 1, and a sports glove, wherein the handle is sized to receive at least a portion of the sports glove.

10. A method of drinking from a drinking bottle, the method comprising: gripping a handle of the drinking bottle and lifting the drinking bottle thereby; rotating the handle relative to a container of the drinking bottle from a first position to a second position; tipping the container using the handle in the second position; and drinking a liquid from the container.

11. A method as claimed in claim 10, further comprising wearing sports gloves, preferably boxing gloves, while lifting the drinking bottle.

12. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein gripping the handle to lift the drinking bottle comprises orienting a palm of a user in an upward direction.

13. A method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the drinking bottle further comprises a coupling mechanism rotatably coupling the handle to the container; wherein the coupling mechanism is arranged to permit rotation of the handle relative to the container between a first position in which the handle extends above the container, and a second position in which the handle is rotated to extend out to a side of the container; and wherein the handle is formed of a resilient material and is arranged to substantially maintain its shape during use so that the container depends or hangs from a distal end of the handle.

14. A drinking bottle according to claim 2, wherein the loop has a width of greater than 15 cm.

Description

FIGURES

[0055] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] FIG. 1 shows a front view of a drinking bottle with a handle in a first position;

[0057] FIG. 2A shows a side view of the drinking bottle of FIG. 1;

[0058] FIG. 2B shows a side view of the drinking bottle with the handle in a second position;

[0059] FIG. 3 shows a disassembled view of a coupling mechanism showing a first rotation portion;

[0060] FIG. 4A shows a disassembled view of the handle showing a second rotation portion;

[0061] FIG. 4B shows a disassembled view of the handle showing the second rotation portion;

[0062] FIG. 5A shows a rotation mechanism while the handle is in the first position;

[0063] FIG. 5B shows a rotation mechanism while the handle is in the second position;

[0064] FIG. 6A shows a front view of the coupling mechanism while the handle is in the second position;

[0065] FIG. 6B shows a front view of the coupling mechanism while the handle is in the first position;

[0066] FIG. 7A shows a user gripping the drinking bottle while wearing boxing gloves;

[0067] FIG. 7B shows a user drinking from the drinking bottle while wearing boxing gloves;

[0068] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of an embodiment of the device according to the present invention with the carrier in an axially extending position;

[0069] FIG. 9 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 8;

[0070] FIG. 10 shows an isometric view of the embodiment of the container of the embodiment of the device as shown in FIG. 8;

[0071] FIG. 11 shows a reverse isometric view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 8;

[0072] FIG. 12 shows an exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 8; and

[0073] FIG. 13 shows a reverse exploded isometric view of the embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 12.

DESCRIPTION

[0074] FIG. 1 shows a drinking bottle 1 according to the present invention. The drinking bottle 1 comprises a container 2, a handle 4 and a lid 6. The drinking bottle 1 is in an upright orientation, i.e. an orientation for containing liquid in the container 2. The handle 4 is in a first position in which the handle 4 extends above the container 2.

[0075] The container 2 is for containing liquid therein. The container 2 comprises a body 8 and a base 10. The lid 6 is coupled to the container 2 to seal liquid within the container 2. The lid 6 comprises a suction valve mechanism 12 formed within the lid 6 so as to enable a user to drink liquid from the container 2 by applying suction to the lid 6 with their mouth. The base 10 is located below the lid 6 while the container 2 is in the upright orientation. The base 10 of the container 2 is wider than the body 8 so as to provide improved stability of the drinking bottle 1 when located on a surface in the upright orientation.

[0076] The handle 4 is rotatably coupled to the container 2 by a coupling mechanism 14. The coupling mechanism 14 comprises two rotation mechanisms 16 located on opposing circumferential sides of the container 2. The handle 4 extends between the rotation mechanisms 16 and forms a loop. The handle 4 is formed of a resilient material and thus, as shown, it holds its shape while in the first position. The handle 4 is therefore ready to receive a portion of a hand or glove therethrough.

[0077] The rotation mechanisms 16 are fastened to a collar 18 which is arranged around the container 2. The collar 18 is held in place by the lid 6. The rotation mechanisms 16 will be described in more detail later.

[0078] FIGS. 2A and 2B show the drinking bottle 1 with the handle 4 in two different orientations. FIG. 2A shows the handle 4 in the first position in which the handle extends above the container 2. FIG. 2B shows the handle 4 in a second position in which the handle 4 is rotated to extend out to the side of the container 2. The handle 4 can be moved between the first and second positions by rotation of the handle 4. This rotation is permitted and limited by the coupling mechanism 14 (e.g. by the rotation mechanisms 16). The handle 4 is permitted to rotate around an axis which is orthogonal to an axis A of the container 2.

[0079] The first and second positions of the handle 4 depicted in FIGS. 2A and 2B are extreme orientations, i.e. they show the handle 4 at its limits of rotation. As shown, the difference in orientation of the handle 4 between FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B is about 90 degrees. Thus the range of rotation in this example is restricted to about 90 degrees.

[0080] The rotation of the handle 4 is limited because of the configuration of the coupling mechanism 14, and specifically the rotation mechanisms 16. Each rotation mechanism 16 comprises a first rotation portion 16a and a second rotation portion 16b. These will be described in more detail below. For illustrative purposes, the configuration of the rotation mechanisms 16 will be described first by showing the rotation mechanisms 16 when the drinking bottle 1 is in a disassembled state, in which the handle 4 is not coupled to the container 2, and then by showing the rotation mechanisms 16 when the drinking bottle 1 is in an assembled state, in which the handle 4 is coupled to the container 2.

[0081] FIG. 3 shows the first rotation portion 16a of one of the rotation mechanisms 16 of the drinking bottle 1 when the handle 4 has been removed (i.e. when the handle 4 is not coupled to the drinking bottle 1). The first rotation portion 16a is fixed to the collar 18, and the collar 18 is located around the container 2. The collar 18 is held in place, i.e. prevented from moving axially with respect to the container 2, by the lid 6. The collar 18 may also be prevented or inhibited from rotating in a circumferential direction with respect to the container 2 by friction, e.g. friction caused by the lid sandwiching the collar 18 between the lid 6 and the container 2. Thus, the first rotation portion 16a is fixed relative to the container 2.

[0082] The first rotation portion 16a includes an abutment portion 20. The abutment portion 20 is a protrusion that extends outwards away from the container 2. The first rotation portion 16a is substantially circular in shape. The protrusion 20 extends approximately 180 degrees around the circumference of the first rotation portion 16a. The abutment portion 20 includes first and second abutment surfaces 20a, 20b, located at each end of the abutment portion 20 respectively. As will be described in more detail later, the interaction of the abutment portion 20 with a corresponding abutment portion 24 of the second rotation portion 16b (shown in FIG. 4A) provides the restriction on the permitted rotation range of the handle 4 relative to the container 2.

[0083] FIG. 4A shows the second rotation portion 16b of one of the rotation mechanisms 16 of the drinking bottle 1 when the handle 4 has been removed (i.e. when the handle 4 is not coupled to the drinking bottle 1). The second rotation portion 16b is fastened to one end of the handle 4 by a fastener 22, which in this example is a screw.

[0084] The second rotation portion 16b includes an abutment portion 24. The abutment portion 24 is a protrusion that extends outwards from the handle 4. The second rotation portion 16b is substantially circular in shape. The protrusion extends approximately 90 degrees around the circumference of the second rotation portion 16b. The abutment portion 24 includes first and second abutment surfaces 24a, 24b, located at each end of the abutment portion 24 respectively.

[0085] FIG. 4B shows the second rotation portion 16b with a bearing 26 located therein. When the drinking bottle 1 is in an assembled state, the bearing 26 is located between the first rotation portion 16a and the second rotation portion 16b so as to enable easy relative rotation therebetween.

[0086] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B show how the coupling mechanism 14, specifically the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b of the rotation mechanisms 16, are configured to prevent the handle 4 from being rotated beyond the first and second positions.

[0087] FIGS. 5A and 5B show the interaction between the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b that prevent the handle 4 from being rotated beyond the second position.

[0088] In FIG. 5A the handle 4 is in the first position. The second abutment surfaces 20b, 24b of the respective abutment portions 20, 24 of the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b are not in contact, i.e. not in abutment with each other. In FIG. 5B the handle 4 is in the second position. The second abutment surfaces 20b, 24b of the respective abutment portions 20, 24 of the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b are in contact, i.e. in abutment with each other. Thus, rotating the handle 4 from the first position to the second position rotates the second abutment surfaces 20b, 24b into contact, and further rotation beyond the second position is prevented by the abutment of the second abutment surfaces 20b, 24b.

[0089] FIGS. 6A and 6B show the interaction between the first and second rotation portions that prevent the handle from being rotated beyond the first position.

[0090] In FIG. 6A the handle 4 is in the second position. The first abutment surfaces 20a, 24a of the respective abutment portions 20, 24 of the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b are not in contact, i.e. not in abutment with each other. In FIG. 6B the handle 4 is in the first position. The first abutment surfaces 20a, 24a of the respective abutment portions 20, 24 of the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b are contact, i.e. in abutment with each other. Thus, rotating the handle 4 from the second position to the first position rotates the first abutment surfaces 20a, 24a into contact, and further rotation beyond the first position is prevented by the abutment of the first abutment surfaces 20a, 24a.

[0091] Thus, the abutment portions 20, 24 are rotated into contact when the handle is rotated to the first position and to the second position. In between these positions, the abutment portions 20, 24 are not in contact.

[0092] Therefore, as has been described with reference to FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, rotation of the handle 4 relative to the container 2 is limited by the configuration of the abutment portions 20, 24 of the first and second rotation portions 16a, 16b.

[0093] FIGS. 7A and 7B show how the configuration of the drinking bottle 1 of the present invention enables a user 28 to operate (i.e. drink from) the drinking bottle 1 while wearing a boxing glove 30.

[0094] In FIG. 7A, the drinking bottle 1 is located on a surface and the handle 4 is in the first position, extending upwards. The boxing glove 30 is inserted into the loop of the handle 4 by the user 28. The relatively large width of the loop 4 enables the glove 30 to be inserted despite the large size of the glove 30. The user 28 is then able to lift the drinking bottle 1 using the handle 4 while wearing the boxing glove 30, without having to remove the glove 30 to grip the bottle 1.

[0095] In FIG. 7B, the container 2 is in a tilted orientation (an upended position in which the base 10 is higher than the lid 6) which allows the user 28 to drink from the drinking bottle 1. The handle 4 is in the second position.

[0096] It can be seen that the resilience of the handle 4 means that the handle 4 substantially maintains its shape during use, both in the first position, which allows the user 28 to easily grip the handle 4 even while wearing gloves 30, and in the second position, which (in combination with the limited rotation of the handle 4 provided by the coupling mechanism 14) allows the user 28 to upend the drinking bottle 1 using the handle 4.

[0097] The invention therefore provides a drinking bottle with a reconfigurable handle that automatically transitions between a first position and a second position in order to simplify the process of drinking for a user. The rotation of the handle from a position in which the drinking bottle is easy to initially grip (i.e. the first position) to a position in which the drinking bottle can be upended in order to drink (i.e. the second) is achieved automatically as a consequence of the coupling mechanism connecting the handle to the container.

[0098] Another drinking bottle 199 will be described herein with reference to FIGS. 8-13.

[0099] The present invention relates to a container carriage device, comprising in use a carrier and a container, for example a bottle; more particularly but not exclusively a carrier for a bottle adapted to allow use of the bottle whilst wearing boxing gloves.

[0100] Increasing numbers of people in many societies seek enjoyment as well as exercise in boxing or martial arts. It is an effective aerobic exercise regime for both sexes, either in contact or non-contact embodiments.

[0101] During all forms of exercise it is always advisable to maintain hydrated for purposes of effective exercise as well as general wellbeing, replacing lost fluids.

[0102] However it can be problematic, particularly when partaking in boxing exercise, to maintain hydrated, on account particularly of the boxing gloves where these are being worn.

[0103] These will make it very difficult to manipulate or hold or carry water bottle or containers or this sort. Consequently the user will be forced to remove the gloves for use of the bottle or container. Furthermore this is liable to result in lower levels of hydration for the user given the inconvenience of using the bottle, as well as transporting it.

[0104] The present invention arose in order to overcome problems suffered by existing devices.

[0105] With reference to FIGS. 8-13 there is shown an embodiment of the device 199 generally comprising container carriage device 102 comprising a container, and a carrier, wherein the carrier is arranged to extend from one or more securement locations on the side of the container 102 and one or more securement locations is arranged to enable the container to rotate with reference to the carrier.

[0106] The carrier in the pictured embodiment includes a strap 101.

[0107] The strap is relatively rigid laterally and longitudinally so as to provide a rigid U template for placing around a large circumference item such as the boxing glove.

[0108] The strap is secured to the container at the pivot means or pivots 103 so as to allow rotation of the carrier around the container 102. The container comprises an elongate bottle with an indentation in one side, and a carrier channel in the other side.

[0109] In particular reference to the pictured embodiment the embodiment comprises a bottle container 102.

[0110] This bottle 102 comprises a thermoplastics bottle in transparent or partly opaque material, so as to allow viewing of the contents. The material may comprise polyethylene or similar.

[0111] The bottle comprises a top 104 and a bottom 109. The bottom is substantially flat, and the top comprises a displaceable lid 105. The bottle narrows at the indentation in profile, so as to provide a narrower profile for gripping by a boxing glove. The base is widened to provide greater stability.

[0112] The bottle comprises an overmould sleeve 108 in the indentation in an elastomer such as silicone, so as to aid in holding, particularly increasing friction against a boxing glove surface. The overmould comprises raised and lowered parts to provide friction.

[0113] The carrier comprises an elongate U-shaped strap 101 formed in a substantially inelastic flexible plastics material extending from two ends arranged to be inserted into a base 131, which base 131 comprises a U-shaped thermoplastics clip with pivots 103 at either end. The strap 101 comprises plural indications 111 on one face extending along a length from the ends.

[0114] These indications relate to boxing glove sizing so as to set the carrier for an appropriate sizing before use.

[0115] The base 131 snapfits onto the bottle, sitting securely in a semi-circular channel 113 in the bottle. In this way the base 131 is supported and held within this channel 113.

[0116] The pivots 103 are attached to the clip 131 by two push fit pins to allow flexibility in the clip whilst stopping the pivots from moving.

[0117] The pivot is pivoted on a central axis aligned to the centre of the bottle when the clip is fitted for an even centre of gravity.

[0118] A spring ball plunger holds a pivot ratchet in position and will only retract when enough turning force is applied such that it will hold the bottle in position when it is being drunk from.

[0119] The spring ball plunger pushes into holes in the pivot space every 90 degrees to allow the strap to sit securely in four different positions.

[0120] The ratchet slots into the ridges in the strap, securely holding the strap at different heights.

[0121] The strap 101 is lateral loops 107 by the pivots 103.

[0122] On the reverse face the straps 101 comprise a laterally serrated face 110 to provide an engagement fit with the pivots 103.

[0123] The carrier is thereby enabled to pivot on the pivots through at least 90 degrees, such that the carrier may extend orthogonally from the axis of the container, and/or extend axially from the container in a second position.

[0124] The bottle has a lid 104 formed of screw top 105 formed of an opaque and/or coloured plastics material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The lid has a pop-up spout 106 so as to be operable without hands.

[0125] In use the user will:

[0126] Pick the bottle up by hooking the strap under the rim of their glove with the strap.

[0127] Push on the base of the bottle to turn it 90 degrees, this will stay in place once it has turned. In this way the carrier is on the opposite side of the bottle to the channel, and opposing the indentation and grip sleeve.

[0128] Lift the bottle to the mouth to drink, the valve will ensure the bottle is watertight until it is drunk from.

[0129] When the user has finished drinking s/he may be able to easily rotate the carrier through 90 degrees so as to allow the embodiment to be placed on a flat surface ready for later usage.

[0130] The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0131] The following clauses recite features the invention the may or may not presently be claimed, but which may serve as basis for a future amendment or divisional application:

[0132] 1. A container carriage device comprising a container, and a carrier, wherein the carrier is arranged to extend from one or more securement locations on the side of the container and one or more securement locations is arranged to enable the container to rotate with reference to the carrier.

[0133] 2. A device according to clause 1 wherein the container is a thermoplastics bottle.

[0134] 3. A device according to clause 1 or 2 wherein the container comprises a grip sleeve.

[0135] 4. A device according to any preceding clause wherein the container comprises a lid with a suction valve.

[0136] 5. A device according to any preceding clause wherein the carrier comprises a strap.

[0137] 6. A device according to clause 5 wherein the strap is inelastic.

[0138] 7. A device according to clause 5 or 6 wherein the strap comprises adjustment means.

[0139] 8. A device according to clause 7 wherein the adjustment means comprises indications relating to boxing glove sizes.

[0140] 9. A device according to any preceding clause wherein the container comprises a channel for receipt of a base for the carrier.

[0141] 10. A device according to clause 9 wherein the channel is on an opposing side to the container of an indentation arranged for receipt of a boxing glove.

[0142] 11. A device according to clause 10 wherein the indentation is provided with a grip surface.

[0143] 12. A carrier for a device according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0144] 13. A container for a device according to any of the preceding clauses 1 to 11.