CN220555457U - reusable bottle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application provides a reusable bottle comprising: a body comprising a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly and away from the base, the at least one sidewall defining an interior of the reusable bottle, and an opening disposed and positioned opposite the base; a cap configured to be coupled to an opening of a reusable bottle, the cap comprising an outer surface; a pump coupled to the cap, the pump comprising an attachment mechanism to which the bag is coupleable, and wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the button; and wherein the additive composition is provided to the interior of the reusable bottle when the button is pressed.

Description

reusable bottle

Cross-references to related applications

none.

Technical field

The present application relates generally to a system for flavoring a fluid, and more particularly to a pump system configured to introduce flavoring agent to water in a reusable water bottle.

Background technique

Consumers often drink from reusable bottles "on the go." To refill bottles, consumers typically use tap water obtained from sinks, drinking fountains, refrigerators, or other similar appliances. However, many consumers dislike the taste of tap water obtained from these sources, especially if the tap water is unfiltered. Additionally, since many consumers drink tap water over the course of a full day, they are tired of the taste of tap water. As a result, many consumers have turned to flavoring their tap water with flavor enhancers, often in reusable bottles.

Unfortunately, current methods for flavoring water are inconvenient for consumers. Typically, consumers must flavor the water using flavor enhancers in flavor pouches provided separately from the bottle. In order to use the flavor pouch, the consumer must place the pouch over the opening in the top of the reusable bottle and squeeze the flavor pouch to add the flavor enhancer to the water. When consumers add flavor enhancers, there is a risk that the flavor enhancers may be spilled or sprayed onto another object. This is particularly problematic for consumers because many flavor enhancers include reactive dyes that can stain an object if the flavor enhancer is spilled on it. Additionally, because the flavor pouch is not coupled to the reusable bottle, the consumer must keep track of the pouch and may not have the pouch with them when the consumer wishes to add flavor enhancer to the water bottle. Finally, if the consumer wishes to add additional flavor to the water after mixing the flavor enhancer with the water, the consumer must reopen the bottle and add more flavor enhancer from the bag, thereby increasing the risk of spilling the beverage and/or flavor enhancer .

Utility model content

The present application overcomes many of the disadvantages and limitations of prior art devices discussed above. The application described includes several embodiments of a reusable bottle that includes a pump configured to add or dose at least one additive ingredient to a fluid within the reusable bottle. Preferably, the fluid within the bottle is water and the additive ingredient added to the fluid is a flavoring agent (eg, flavored syrup or flavored concentrate).

The reusable bottle may be provided in the form of a body coupled with a removable cap. An additive housing configured to retain additive ingredients may be coupled to the removable cover via a pump. The additive housing may be a substantially hollow three-dimensional structure that may hold an additive bag or container filled with at least one additive ingredient. The pump may be actuated via a button, knob or switch positioned and positioned on the outer surface of the cover. Preferably, the pump is activated via a push button. When the button is first pressed, air can be expelled from the pump, creating a partial or substantially complete vacuum that draws additive ingredients into a chamber within the pump. Subsequent pressing of the button can increase the pressure within the pump and actuate the one-way valve in the outlet of the pump. When the one-way valve is actuated and moves to the open position, additive ingredients can flow out of the pump and into the bottle. Once the additive ingredients have been added to the bottle, the additive ingredients can be mixed with the fluid via diffusion. Alternatively or additionally, the user may stir (eg, by shaking) the bottle to create a flavored fluid.

The pump may include a hinge configured to rotate the additive housing toward and away from the pump, thereby allowing a user to more easily access the interior of the additive housing. When the user wishes to clean the pump, the user can rotate the additive housing away from the pump, thereby creating an opening between the additive housing and the pump. When an opening is created, the user can use tools or cleaning solutions to clean the inside of the pump. For example, when the pump is submerged in the cleaning solution and an opening has been established, the interior of the pump can be exposed to the cleaning solution.

In one aspect, a reusable bottle is provided, comprising: a body including a base, at least one side wall extending upwardly and away from the base, and an opening disposed and positioned opposite the base, the at least one side wall defining a reusable bottle. an interior of a reusable bottle; a cap configured to be coupled to an opening of the reusable bottle, the cap including an outer surface; and a pump coupled to the cap, the pump including an attachment mechanism to which the bag can be coupled , and wherein the pump is in fluid communication with the button; and wherein when the button is depressed, the additive ingredient is provided to the interior of the reusable bottle.

In another aspect, a bottle is provided, comprising: a body defining an interior configured to retain a fluid; a cap coupleable to an opening provided in the body; a pump coupled to the cap, the pump including a hinge mechanism and an attachment mechanism configured to be coupled to the additive housing; and wherein the additive housing is rotatable toward and away from the body via actuation of the hinge mechanism.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a reusable bottle constructed in accordance with the teachings herein in a closed configuration;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of the reusable bottle of Figure 1 in an open configuration;

Figure 3 is a side view of the additive housing of the bottle of Figure 1 coupled with a pump;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an additive container configured to be retained within the additive housing of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the additive housing and pump of Figure 3, taken along line 3-3, with the pump in a first closed configuration;

Figure 6 is a second cross-sectional view of the additive housing and pump of Figure 3, taken along line 3-3, with the pump in a second open configuration;

Figure 7 is a third cross-sectional view of the additive housing and pump of Figure 3, taken along line 3-3, with the pump in a third configuration;

Figure 8 is a fourth cross-sectional view of the additive housing and pump of Figure 3, taken along line 3-3, with the pump in a fourth configuration; and

Figure 9 schematically illustrates a method for providing additive ingredients to bottles.

While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description presented herein are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments disclosed, but rather are intended to cover the scope within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. all modifications, equivalents and substitutes within the scope.

Detailed ways

The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout. In illustrating the features of the present application, the proportional relationships of elements have not necessarily been maintained in the drawings for clarity.

Figure 1 shows a bottle 5 and an additive housing 10 which retains additive ingredients that can flavor the fluid in the bottle 5. Advantageously, when the additive housing 10 is used, it can be secured within the bottle 5 as described further herein. Generally, additive ingredients may include substances, agents, or solutions that may modify the flavor or taste of the fluid with which the additive ingredient is mixed. Additionally, instead of or in addition to flavoring the fluid, the additive ingredient may be a solution that provides vitamins, minerals, or nutrients to the fluid. Example additive ingredients include, but are not limited to, concentrated tea solutions, concentrated soda syrups, natural or artificially flavored sweeteners, vitamin solutions, mineral solutions, and the like. Additionally, in some embodiments, additive housing 10 may include a combination of additive ingredients or multiple additive ingredients.

The bottle 5 may consist of a body 15 and a cap 20 releasably attached to the body 15 . The body 15 may be provided in the form of a hollow cylinder with side walls 17 extending upwardly from the base 19 so that the bottle 5 may contain a fluid (eg water, tea and/or soda). The body 15 may be composed of elastic waterproof material, such as plastic material and/or stainless steel. The body 15 may also have a top 25 to which the cover 20 may be attached. In alternative embodiments, the bottle 5 may have an almost unlimited number of known and reasonably foreseeable alternative shapes and configurations.

Cover 20 may be provided in the form of a cylinder, although other shapes are foreseen. Furthermore, the cover 20 may be provided as a unitary member or as multiple parts coupled to each other. For example, the cover 20 may be provided with a cap member 27 capable of pivoting outwardly and away from the base 30 of the cover 20 . When attached to the top 25, the lid 20 may help prevent liquid from spilling from the bottle 5 when the bottle 5 is in use or otherwise tipped over. The diameter of the cover 20 may be substantially the same as the top 25, or slightly larger than the top 25, such that the cover 20 may be attached to the top 25 by screwing the cover 20 onto the top 25, by a friction fit, or by a method understood by those skilled in the art. Other methods. Similarly, cover 20 may be removed from top 25 via a twisting or pulling motion. When the cap 20 is removed from the bottle 5, the user can fill the bottle 5 with the desired fluid.

The cap 20 may also include a handle 35 that assists the user in carrying the bottle. The handle 35 may be shaped so that a user can easily grasp the handle 35 with her hands or fingers. For example, the handle 35 may extend away from the cover 20 and be U-shaped, although other shapes and locations for the handle 35 are envisioned.

Although other shapes for the additive housing 10 are foreseen, the additive housing 10 may be provided in the form of a substantially hollow cylinder. The diameter of the additive housing 10 is smaller than the diameter of the main body 15 so that the additive housing 10 can be stored inside the bottle 5 . After the additive component within the additive housing 10 has been exhausted, or when the user wishes to use a new additive component, the user can remove the additive housing 10 from the bottle 5 and replace the additive housing 10 with a new housing Or refill the additive housing 10 with additive ingredients.

Additive ingredients may be introduced into the fluid within bottle 5 via pump 40 . Pump 40 may be coupled to additive housing 10 and cap 20 , and pump 40 may provide additive ingredients to interior 42 of bottle 5 via outlet 45 of pump 40 . Once introduced into the interior 42, the additive ingredients may mix with the fluid within the bottle 5 via diffusion, or the additive ingredients may actively mix with the fluid (eg, by the user shaking and/or swirling the bottle 5).

When the user wishes to remove the drink from the bottle, the user can move the cap member 27 to its open position as shown in Figure 2. When cap member 27 is in the open position, lid 20 may be in an open configuration. The cap member 27 may be rotatably connected to the base 30 of the cover 20 by a pin member 50 , although the use of other connection mechanisms (eg, threaded members) is envisioned. Pin member 50 may allow cap member 27 to rotate or hinge upward and away from cover 20 . Once the cap member 27 is in the open position, the user has access to the opening 55 in the cap 20 so that the user can drink from the bottle 5 .

The user can also actuate the connection 60 to release the latch 65 of the cap member 27 so that the cap member 27 can be placed in the open position. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the connection 60 may be provided as a button (as shown), or the connection 60 may be provided as a knob or switch. The latch 65 may be a small tab disposed and positioned close to or adjacent the outer edge 70 of the cap member 27 . Furthermore, the latch 65 may be sized and shaped such that when the cap member 27 is closed, the latch may be received into a complementary groove 75 provided in the recess 80 of the cap member 27 . Therefore, when the cap member 27 is closed, the latch 65 may prevent the cap member 27 from traveling upward, thereby securing the cap member 27 in the closed position. In other embodiments, latch 65 may not be included, and the user may simply apply upward force to cap member 27 to open lid 20. In such embodiments, the cap member 27 may be frictionally engaged with the cover 20 to maintain the cap member 27 in the closed position.

The connector 60 may be disposed and positioned on the outer surface 85 of the cover 20 . The connector 60 is preferably sized so that the user can press or engage the connector 60 with a finger when the user wishes to drink from the bottle. Additionally, the connector 60 may be positioned so that the user can depress or engage the connector 60 when the user is holding the bottle in preparation for drinking from the bottle. When the user pushes the connector 60 into the cover 20 , the latch 65 can move out of the complementary groove 75 , releasing the cap member 27 . The user can then rotate the cap member 27 upward and away from the opening 55 . In some embodiments, cap member 27 may be biased to rotate upward and away from opening 55 when cap member 27 is released from latch 65 without user intervention (eg, via a spring).

Throat member 90 can direct fluid out of bottle 5 and through opening 55 when cap member 27 is in the open position. Although other shapes for the throat member 90 are envisioned, the throat member 90 may be formed in the shape of an open cylinder with side walls extending upwardly from the base 30 of the cover 20 . When the user wishes to drink from the bottle 5 , the user can tilt the bottom of the bottle 5 upward so that the fluid flows through the opening 55 formed in the throat member 90 and out of the bottle 5 .

Cap member 27 may further include a sealing member 95 disposed and positioned on interior surface 96 of cap member 27 . The sealing member 95 may be provided as a substantially circular portion 97 extending outwardly and away from the inner surface 96 of the cap member 27 . Furthermore, the circular portion 97 may substantially surround the post 99 . Post 99 and rounded portion 97 of sealing member 95 may comprise plastic material, rubber material, copolyester, or other similar materials known in the art. The sealing member 95 and post 99 may extend into and/or substantially surround the throat member 90 when the cap 20 is placed in the closed configuration, thereby helping to prevent fluid flow through the throat member 90 . In some embodiments, sealing member 95 may be provided as an overmolded sealing member that may seal an opening in a bottle such that the bottle is placed in a closed configuration, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17/812,626, Its contents are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Cover 20 may further include a button 100 disposed and positioned on top surface 105 of base 30 . Although other forms and locations for button 100 are envisioned, button 100 may be provided as a generally cylindrical member that projects upwardly from aperture 110 in base 30 and away from top surface 105 . The height of button 100, measured upward from top surface 105, may be less than the height of throat member 90. Therefore, when the cap member 27 is closed, the button 100 may not be pressed by the cap member 27. In some embodiments, cap member 27 may include a recess (not shown) within interior surface 96 that is configured to receive button 100 when cap member 27 is closed. The recess may be configured to help prevent cap member 27 from engaging button 100 . As will be described further herein, when button 100 is depressed, a dose of additive ingredient may be provided to interior 42 of bottle 5 via outlet 45 (see Figure 1). Additionally, the user may press button 100 multiple times to deliver more than one dose of the additive ingredient to interior 42 .

In alternative embodiments, button 100 may be provided as a knob, a switch, or another similar actuation mechanism known in the art. For example, if the button 100 is instead provided as a knob, the user can twist or turn the knob to deliver a dose of the additive ingredient to the interior 42 . As an additional example, if button 100 is instead provided as a switch, the user may move the switch to the "on" position to deliver additive ingredients to interior 42 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate other methods for delivering doses of additive ingredients to interior 42 .

As provided in FIG. 3 , button 100 may be in fluid communication with additive housing 10 via pump 40 . More specifically, button 100 may be coupled to chamber 125 of pump 40 , which in turn is coupled to additive housing 10 . Although other forms of chamber 125 are foreseen, chamber 125 may be provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical body including threads 135 disposed and positioned on outer surface 137 of chamber 125 . Threads 135 may be coupled to corresponding threads provided in bore 110 of cover 20 (not shown) such that pump 40 may be coupled to cover 20 . For example, chamber 125 (and thus pump 40) may be attached or attached to cover 20 via a twisting motion. In embodiments where threads 135 are not provided, chamber 125 may be secured in cover 20 via a friction fit or other means understood by those skilled in the art.

The pump 40 may also be provided with a port 140 that couples the additive housing 10 to the chamber 125 . Port 140 may be in fluid communication with additive housing 10, outlet 45, and chamber 125 such that when button 100 is depressed, fluid is ejected from pump 40 via outlet 45. Although other forms for the port 140 are envisioned, the port 140 may be provided as a substantially dumbbell-shaped member with the same size or different sized ends.

Port 140 and chamber 125 may be selectively coupled to each other via a securing member (eg, locking mechanism 145). The locking mechanism 145 may include a first tab 150 extending outwardly and away from the port 140 and a second tab 155 extending outwardly and away from the handle 160 of the chamber 125 . Although other forms for the handle 160 are foreseen, the handle 160 may be a thin L-shaped member coupled to or provided as part of the bottom 165 of the chamber 125 . The handle 160 may be disposed and positioned proximate the first tab 150 when the pump 40 is in the closed configuration. Therefore, when the pump 40 is in the closed configuration, the first tab 150 may be positioned over the second tab 155 and the tabs 150, 155 may abut or engage each other. When protrusions 150, 155 abut one another, relative movement of chamber 125 and port 140 in the upward and downward directions may be substantially prevented.

To open the locking mechanism 145 , the user may apply a force to the pull handle 160 that is directed outward and away from the port 140 . When this force is applied to the pull handle 160, the pull handle 160 may begin to move away from the port 140, and the tabs 150, 155 may no longer abut or otherwise engage each other. Once the protrusions 150, 155 no longer abut one another, the locking mechanism 145 can be disengaged and the user can disengage the chamber 125 from the port 140 to place the pump 40 in the open configuration.

To facilitate placing the pump 40 in the open configuration, the pump 40 may be provided with a hinge mechanism 170 . The hinge mechanism 170 may be provided in a form that is substantially similar in structure and function to the pin member 50 (described herein with reference to FIG. 1 ), or the hinge mechanism 170 may be provided in a different form. The hinge mechanism 170 may assist the user in opening the pump 40 when the locking mechanism 145 is disengaged. For example, once locking mechanism 145 is disengaged, the user can grasp port 140 or additive housing 10 , apply force to port 140 or additive housing 10 in a clockwise direction, and move port 140 away from chamber 125 . Pump 40 may be in the open configuration when a gap (not shown) is created between port 140 and chamber 125 . As will be understood by those skilled in the art, different methods of opening the pump 40 may be used if the port 140, the additive housing 10, and/or the locking mechanism 145 are provided in different forms or in different positions relative to each other.

When the pump 40 is in the open configuration, the user has access to the interior of the pump 40 (as shown and described more clearly below with respect to Figures 5-8). Therefore, when the pump 40 is in the open configuration, the user may have easier access to the interior of the chamber 125 and/or port 140. This may allow the user to clean the interior of chamber 125 and/or port 140 as desired.

Turning to Figure 4, additive container 175 is shown. The additive container 175 may have a body 180 which is substantially provided in the form of a hollow rectangular prism, although other forms for the body 180 are foreseen. The body 180 may be configured to hold the additive ingredients before they are drawn into the pump 40 . Additionally, body 180 may include a flexible material (eg, a plastic material) such that body 180 may bend or otherwise deform when body 180 is inserted into additive housing 10 .

Prior to coupling additive container 175 to pump 40 (not shown), body 180 may be filled with a predetermined volume of additive ingredient. The predetermined volume may be about 10 mL to about 50 mL. For example, the predetermined volume of additive ingredient may be at least about 10 mL, or at least about 20 mL, or at least about 30 mL, or at least about 40 mL, or at least about 50 mL. Preferably, the predetermined volume of additive ingredients is about 25 mL.

Additive ingredients may be provided in predetermined concentrations. In some cases, the predetermined concentration may be calculated as the ratio between the amount of additive ingredient and the total volume of fluid that can be placed in bottle 5 (not shown). For example, approximately 1 mL of additive ingredient may be added to bottle 5 capable of holding a total volume of fluid of approximately 550 mL. In other cases, the predetermined concentration may be calculated by the amount of additive ingredient that is provided to a defined amount of fluid to produce a flavored fluid beverage. For example, about 1 mL of an additive ingredient may be added to about 100 mL of water to create a flavored beverage. (For example, when comparing the amount of additive ingredient to a defined amount of fluid) The predetermined concentration of the additive ingredient may range from about 1:25 to about 1:300. For example, the predetermined concentration of the additive ingredient may be no greater than about 1:300, or no greater than about 1250, or no greater than about 1:200, or no greater than about 1:150, or no greater than about 1:100, or no greater than about 1 :50. As an additional example, the predetermined concentration of additive species may be from about 1:150 to about 1:200.

The body 180 may be coupled to a connection throat 185 configured to place the body 180 in fluid communication with the pump 40 . Additive ingredients may be provided from body 180 to pump 40 via connection throat 185 . Although other forms for the connection throat 185 are envisioned, the connection throat 185 may be provided as a substantially hollow cylindrical member extending upwardly and away from the body 180 . Additionally, connection throat 185 may include an outer surface 190 having threads 195 that may be coupled to corresponding threads provided on pump 40 (not shown). Threads 195 may help facilitate coupling of additive container 175 (and additive housing 10 ) to pump 40 .

In some embodiments, additive container 175 may be configured as a disposable container. In such embodiments, once the additive ingredients are substantially or completely depleted, the user may decouple the additive container 175 from the pump 40 via known methods. After removing the exhausted additive container 175 from the pump 40 , the user may couple a new additive container (containing a fresh supply of additive ingredients) to the pump 40 . In other embodiments, additive container 175 may be reusable. In such embodiments, after the additive ingredients are substantially or completely depleted, the user may decouple the additive container 175 from the pump 40 via known methods. The user may then reload or refill the depleted additive container 175 with additional additive ingredients. For example, the user may fill depleted additive container 175 with a predetermined volume of additive ingredient. After refilling the additive container 175 with the additive ingredients, the user may then re-couple the additive container 175 to the pump 40 .

In some cases, the user may wish to change the additive composition incorporated into bottle 5 before the additive container 175 is depleted. In this case, the user may decouple the additive container 175 from the pump 40 and replace the additive container 175 with a new additive container 175 that includes a different additive composition.

Turning next to FIG. 5 , chamber 125 may be provided with a cavity 200 , which may occupy substantially all or a portion of the interior volume of chamber 125 , and whose shape may substantially mirror the shape of chamber 125 . The first spring 205 may be sized and shaped such that the first spring 205 may be substantially retained within the cavity 200 . The first spring 205 may be positioned and configured to exert an upwardly directed force on the button 100 such that after the user stops pressing the button 100, the first spring 205 biases the button 100 toward the position shown in FIG. 5 .

The cavity 200 may be provided with an upper portion 210 and a lower portion 215 in fluid communication with each other. Upper portion 210 may include a partial or continuous taper such that the diameter of cavity 200 decreases from upper portion 210 to lower portion 215 . Alternatively, the diameter of upper portion 210 may be substantially constant. In some cases, upper portion 210 may have its largest diameter proximate button 100 and its smallest diameter proximate lower portion 215, with a gradient between them. In some embodiments, first spring 205 may have substantially the same diameter as the smallest diameter of upper portion 210 , or a diameter slightly larger than the smallest diameter of upper portion 210 , and/or first spring 205 may have a diameter that is larger than the diameter of lower portion 215 . diameter. In such embodiments, first spring 205 may remain substantially within upper portion 210 .

Button 100 may be configured to prevent fluid from flowing out of aperture 110 . For example, button 100 may include a flexible flange member 216 coupled to outer edge 217 of hole 110 . The flexible flange member 216 may be a sheet of material that extends outwardly and away from the body 218 of the button 100 , although other shapes for the flexible flange member are envisioned. Flexible flange member 216 may be composed of flexible plastic, polymer, rubber, or similar materials known in the art. Specifically, flexible flange member 216 may substantially seal bore 110 to prevent fluid from flowing through bore 110 . Additionally, the flexible flange member 216 may allow the body 218 of the button 100 to move into or out of the chamber 125 when the button 100 is actuated.

When button 100 is depressed, upper portion 210 may be configured to substantially retain body 218 of button 100 and may provide additive ingredients from additive container 175 to lower portion 215 (see Figure 4). In alternative embodiments, cavity 200 may not be provided with portions 210, 215 as described herein. In such embodiments, cavity 200 may be configured to receive both button 100 and additive ingredients when button 100 is actuated.

Port 140 may be provided with a compartment 220 in fluid communication with additive housing 10 and chamber 200 . Compartment 220 may abut lower portion 215 of cavity 200 when pump 40 is in a closed configuration (as shown). Compartment 220 may be partially or continuously tapered from lower portion 215 toward additive housing 10 . For example, compartment 220 may include a fluid conduit 225 that has a smaller diameter than other portions of compartment 220 . When the additive housing 10 is coupled to the pump 40, the fluid conduit 225 may be positioned proximate or adjacent to the additive housing 10 and provide a fluid flow path for the additive ingredients.

A ball valve 230 may be provided within compartment 220 to help prevent undesired flow of additive ingredients into pump 40 (eg, when button 100 is pressed). For example, when button 100 is pressed and bottle 5 is in an upright position, gravity may cause ball 235 of ball valve 230 to move to a first position where ball 235 abuts fluid conduit 225 . When the ball 235 is in the first position, fluid flow through the fluid conduit 225 and into the upper chamber 237 of the compartment 220 may be substantially or completely prevented. As understood by those skilled in the art, ball 235 may be composed of a metallic material (eg, steel or stainless steel) or a plastic material (eg, polyvinyl chloride). The diameter of the ball 235 may be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the fluid conduit 225 to help prevent the ball 235 from moving into the fluid conduit 225 and to help prevent the ball 235 from moving into the fluid conduit 225 when the ball 235 abuts the fluid conduit 225 . To prevent fluid from flowing into the upper chamber 237. Additionally, protrusions 240 may extend into compartment 220 and limit the diameter of compartment 220 to a value less than the diameter of ball 235 , thereby helping to prevent ball 235 from traveling upward and into upper chamber 237 .

Still referring to FIG. 5 , outlet 45 may be in fluid communication with additive housing 10 via chamber 200 and compartment 220 . Although other forms for the outlet 45 are foreseen, the outlet 45 may include a body 242 provided as a cylindrical member having a bore 245 extending therethrough. Borehole 245 may be in fluid communication with an environment provided outside of pump 40 (eg, interior 42 of bottle 5). The outlet 45 may therefore be a fluid channel via which the additive composition can be provided by the pump 40 to the external environment.

Flow valve 250 may be disposed and positioned within bore 245 and may regulate the flow of fluid into and out of outlet 45 . Flow valve 250 may be configured to substantially prevent fluid from flowing out of pump 40 when button 100 is depressed, and to allow fluid to flow from pump 40 when button 100 is depressed. For example, if the additive ingredient is within pump 40, outlet 45 may hold the additive ingredient within pump 40 until button 100 is pressed. Additionally, flow valve 250 may be configured to substantially prevent fluid from flowing into pump 40 . Flow valve 250 may be provided in the form of a needle valve, ball check valve, swing check valve, swash plate check valve, nozzle check valve, or other similar valve known or foreseeable in the art. Preferably, the flow valve 250 is provided as a one-way valve that allows fluid to flow through the flow valve 250 in one direction, ie from the pump 40 to the external environment.

The flow valve 250 may be provided with a valve member 255 that helps prevent bidirectional fluid flow through the flow valve 250 . Generally, movement of the valve member 255 can place the flow valve 250 into an open configuration that allows fluid to flow out of the outlet 45 or a closed configuration that prevents fluid from flowing out of the outlet 45 . The valve member 255 may include a plug 260 provided as a generally cylindrical member extendable across the first outlet conduit 265 . When plug 260 abuts first outlet conduit 265 , fluid may be substantially prevented from flowing out of pump 40 . Valve member 255 may further include a stem 270 extending outwardly from plug 260 . Rod 270 may extend into spring housing 275 provided within bore 245 .

The spring housing 275 may be provided in the form of a rectangular prism. Spring housing 275 may include apertures 280 and a second outlet conduit 285 provided on opposite sides of spring housing 275 . A gap 287 may be provided between the hole 280 and the second outlet conduit 285 . However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other forms and shapes for spring housing 275 other than those described herein are contemplated. The openings in spring housing 275 provided by bore 280 and second outlet conduit 285 may be substantially the same size, or bore 280 and first outlet conduit 285 may be different sizes. For example, second outlet conduit 285 may provide a smaller opening in spring housing 275 than bore 280 .

Spring housing 275 may also include a second spring 290 that is substantially retained within void 287 . The second spring 290 may have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the second outlet conduit 285; therefore, the second spring 290 may not extend through the second outlet conduit 285. The second spring 290 may extend through the hole 280 such that the second spring 290 may abut or engage the flow valve 250 . For example, the second spring 290 may wrap around the stem 270 and extend to the plug 260 such that the second spring 290 may exert a force on the valve member 255 (ie, on the plug 260). When button 100 is depressed, the force exerted on valve member 255 by second spring 290 may help flow valve 250 remain in the closed configuration, as shown.

Figures 5-8 together illustrate an example process in which pump 40 may provide a dose of an additive ingredient to bottle 5. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the process described herein may be repeated to provide additional doses of additive ingredients to bottle 5 . Furthermore, if components of pump 40 change, the steps of the processes described herein may be adapted in a foreseeable manner. Furthermore, the steps of the process may be performed in alternative orders and/or may include additional or fewer steps than those described herein.

The additive housing 10 may be attached to the pump 40 prior to using the pump 40 to introduce additive ingredients into the bottle 5 . As shown in Figure 5, after the additive housing 10 is coupled to the pump 40, but before the button 100 is pressed, the pump 40 may be in the first configuration. In the first configuration, fluid may be substantially prevented from flowing (1) out of the additive housing 10 and into the pump 40 and (2) out of the outlet 45 . For example, in a first configuration, ball 235 and valve member 255 may prevent fluid flow through fluid conduit 225 and first outlet conduit 265, respectively.

Turning to Figure 6, when button 100 is pressed, pump 40 may transition to the second configuration. Before button 100 has been pressed for the first time, cavity 200, compartment 220 and outlet 45 may be substantially filled with air. When button 100 is depressed (i.e., after sufficient downwardly directed force has been applied to button 100 to overcome the force exerted on button 100 in an upward direction by first spring 205 ), body 218 of button 100 may Move down and into cavity 200. As button 100 moves into chamber 200, the air in pump 40 will be compressed, thereby increasing the pressure inside pump 40. In turn, force will be exerted on the plug 260 of the valve member 255. Once the pressure inside pump 40 reaches or exceeds the first threshold, the force exerted on flow valve 250 by the air pressure within pump 40 may overcome the force exerted on valve member 255 by second spring 290 . Next, the valve member 255 may begin moving toward the second outlet conduit 285 . When the valve member 255 moves toward the second outlet conduit 285 and the flow valve 250 is opened, at least one gap 295 may be created between the flow valve 250 and the inner wall 300 of the outlet 45 . Due to the increased pressure within the pump 40, when the flow valve 250 is open, air can flow through the at least one gap 295, out of the second outlet conduit 285 and into the surrounding environment (eg, the interior 42 of the bottle 5).

Then, as shown in FIG. 7 , button 100 can abut stop 305 within cavity 200 . Once button 100 abuts stop 305, pump 40 will be in the third configuration. Similar to the second configuration, fluid may be discharged from the pump 40 via outlet 45 when the pump 40 is in the third configuration. The stop 305 may be provided in the form of a U-shaped structure including a rod 310 that extends outwardly away from the central body 315 of the stop 305 and toward the inner surface 320 of the cavity 200 . The rod 310 may be coupled to the inner surface 320 or the stop 305 may be provided integrally with the inner surface 320 of the chamber 125 . Additionally, the central body 315 of the stop 305 may be substantially surrounded by the first spring 205 .

The central body 315 of the stop 305 may also include a top surface 325 that abuts the bottom surface 330 of the button 100 after the body 218 of the button 100 has traveled a predetermined distance into the cavity 200 . Once surfaces 325, 330 abut one another, button 100 may be substantially prevented from entering cavity 200.

After the pump 40 is in the third configuration, the maximum volume of fluid may have been expelled from the pump 40 because the button 100 may no longer increase the pressure within the pump 40 and/or displace fluid within the pump 40 . More specifically, when the pump 40 is in the third configuration, the outlet 45 may remain in the open position (i.e., fluid may still flow through the outlet 45 ) until the pressure in the external environment and the air pressure within the pump 40 are equal (i.e., when the pump When the air pressure within 40 reaches the second threshold). Additionally, when the pump 40 is in the third configuration, the ball valve 230 may be in the first position thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the compartment 220 .

Turning now to Figure 8, after air has been expelled from pump 40, and upon pressing button 100, pump 40 can be converted to the fourth configuration. In a fourth configuration, outlet 45 may be closed (ie, fluid may be substantially prevented from traveling through outlet 45 by flow valve 250 ), and ball 235 may be in a second position in which ball valve 230 abuts the protrusion 240. Once button 100 is no longer depressed, the force exerted on button 100 by first spring 205 can cause button 100 to return to the depressed position, thereby increasing the volume of cavity 200 . As the volume of chamber 200 increases, the air within pump 40 can expand, thereby reducing the pressure in pump 40. As the pressure within pump 40 decreases, fluid pressure from the external environment may exert a force on valve member 255 , which force (together with second spring 290 ) presses valve member 255 against first outlet conduit 265 . At the same time, a drop in air pressure within pump 40 may cause an upwardly directed force to be applied to ball valve 230 . Once the air pressure in the pump 40 reaches the third threshold, the upwardly directed force exerted on the ball 235 may exceed the gravitational force acting on the ball 235 and the ball 235 may travel upward in the compartment 220 . As ball 235 travels upward in compartment 220, ball valve 230 can open and additive ingredients can flow from additive housing 10 into pump 40. For example, due to the pressure difference between the additive housing 10 and the pump 40 , the additive ingredients may flow up and around the ball 235 , through the compartment 220 and into the chamber 200 .

To help facilitate the flow of additive ingredients from the additive housing 10 to the pump 40 , the additive housing 10 may include a straw member 350 . Although other shapes for the straw member 350 are envisioned, the straw member 350 may be provided as an elongated hollow cylinder. The straw member 350 may be provided as a component of the additive container 175, the additive housing 10, the lid 20 (not shown), or as a separate component. The straw member 350 may be disposed and positioned in the connecting throat 185 of the additive container 175 and extend downwardly into the body 180 of the additive container 175 (as shown in Figure 4). Thus, the straw member 350 may be in fluid communication with the pump 40 and the additive ingredients within the additive container 175 . When ball valve 230 is open and the pressure within additive housing 10 is greater than the pressure within pump 40 (eg, when the pressure within pump 40 reaches a third threshold), additive ingredients may be drawn from additive container 175 via sipper member 350 Suction into pump 40.

When the additive housing 10 is coupled to the pump 40 , the connection throat 185 may extend into and be received within the bottom 360 of the pump 40 . For example, connection throat 185 may be disposed beneath compartment 220 such that straw member 350 and pump 40 are placed in fluid communication with each other. Connection throat 185 may also include a retaining member 365 configured to facilitate receiving straw member 350 in place within additive housing 10 and/or compartment 220 . Although other forms for retaining member 365 are envisioned, retaining member 365 may be a generally cylindrical member that tapers downwardly into connecting throat 185 . The retaining member 365 may be coupled to the connection throat 185 via adhesive, or the retaining member 365 may be formed from a portion of the connection throat 185 . In other embodiments, without retaining member 365, straw member 350 may be retained in connection throat 185 via a friction fit, adhesive, or other similar means known in the art.

When the additive housing 10 is inserted into the pump 40 via a twisting or turning movement, the threads 195 connecting the throat 185 may couple with corresponding threads 370 disposed and positioned on the base 360 of the pump 40 . However, those skilled in the art will appreciate other methods of coupling pump 40 and additive housing 10 (eg, via a friction fit).

Generally, the amount of additive ingredient added to interior 42 can be determined by the amount of air displaced by button 100 when button 100 is depressed. For example, button 100 may displace about 0.5 mL to about 3 mL of air when button 100 is fully depressed. In some embodiments, button 100 can displace at least about 0.5 mL, or at least about 1 mL, or at least 1.5 mL, or at least about 2 mL, or at most about 2.5 mL, or at least about 3 mL of air when fully depressed. Preferably, button 100 displaces approximately 1 mL of air when fully depressed.

In some cases, button 100 may introduce additive ingredients to interior 42 even when button 100 is not fully depressed. In such cases, button 100 may introduce less than the full volume of additive ingredient to interior 42 (eg, less than about 0.5 mL to about 3 mL of additive ingredient). Advantageously, because the user is able to control the amount of additive ingredient provided each time button 100 is pressed, this may allow the user to calibrate the taste profile of the beverage they produce with the additive ingredient.

In some embodiments, additive container 175 may hold an amount of additive ingredient to provide about ten doses to about fifty doses of additive ingredient when button 100 is fully depressed. For example, additive container 175 may hold sufficient additive ingredient to provide at least about ten doses, or at least about twenty doses, or at least about thirty doses, or at least about forty doses, or at least about fifty doses of the additive ingredient.

The present application provides a method of using a pump, such as pump 40, to provide additive ingredients to a reusable bottle. The method may utilize any of the embodiments of bottle 5, additive housing 10 and pump 40 described herein with reference to Figures 1-8. Furthermore, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the methods provided herein may include additional steps consistent with the teachings disclosed herein or fewer steps than the teachings described herein.

Referring now to Figure 9, a method 500 for providing additive ingredients to bottle 5 is provided. Method 500 may include step 502 of providing a bottle and an additive housing coupled to a pump. Method 500 may also include step 504 of coupling the additive housing to the cap of the bottle, and then coupling the cap to the bottle. Method 500 may further include the step 506 of pressing a button disposed and positioned on the cover to expel air from the pump. Method 500 may also include step 508 of pressing a button to provide a dose of the additive ingredient to the bottle. Step 508 may be repeated to provide additional doses of additive ingredients to the bottle.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that certain aspects of the present application are not limited to the specific details of the examples shown herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other modifications, applications, variations, or equivalents of these details will occur to those skilled in the art. . However, many such alterations, modifications, variations and other uses and applications of the present construction will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and drawings. Furthermore, unless mentioned to the contrary above, it should be noted that all drawings are not to scale. All such alterations, modifications, variations and other uses in applications that do not depart from the spirit and scope of this application are deemed to be covered by this application, which application is limited only by the following claims.

Claims (2)

1. A reusable bottle, comprising:

a body comprising a base, at least one sidewall extending upwardly and away from the base, the at least one sidewall defining an interior of the reusable bottle, and an opening disposed and positioned opposite the base;

a cap configured to be coupled to an opening of the reusable bottle, the cap comprising an outer surface;

a pump coupled to the cap, the pump comprising an attachment mechanism to which a bag can be coupled, and wherein the pump is in fluid communication with a button; and is also provided with

Wherein when the button is pressed, an additive composition is provided to the interior of the reusable bottle.

2. A bottle, comprising:

a body defining an interior configured to hold a fluid;

a cover couplable to an opening provided in the body;

a pump coupled to the cap, the pump comprising a hinge mechanism and an attachment mechanism configured to be coupled to an additive housing; and is also provided with

Wherein the additive housing is rotatable towards and away from the body via actuation of the hinge mechanism.