Water Bottle

Any and all applications for which foreign or domestic priority claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the present application are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57, and Rules 4.18 and 20.6. This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 18/061,343, filed Dec. 2, 2025, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/170,846, filed on Oct. 25, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/906,690, filed Feb. 27, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/654,462, filed Jul. 19, 2017, which is the national phase of International Application No. PCT/US 2012/056642 designating the United States, with an international filing date of Sep. 21, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/537,575, filed Sep. 21, 2011 entitled “Side-fill Bottle Cap”, the entire contents each of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes and made part of this specification.

The present invention generally relates to a water bottle.

In one embodiment, there is a portable, personal apparatus for transporting liquid comprising: a bottle configured to contain liquid, the bottle having a longitudinal axis; a first opening open in a direction generally parallel with the longitudinal axis in a pour position; a first cover coupled to the bottle and configured to close the first opening in a closed position; a second opening open in a direction generally orthogonal with the longitudinal axis in a fill position; and a second cover coupled to the bottle and configured to close the second opening in a storage position, the second cover remaining coupled to the bottle when the second cover is in the fill position. In one embodiment, the bottle has a closed bottom and an open top, the water bottle further comprising: a cap coupled to the open top of the bottle, the cap including the first opening and the second opening.

In a further embodiment the apparatus comprises a filter coupled to the cap and extending into the bottle. In one embodiment, the cap includes a fluid reservoir between the second opening and the filter. In one embodiment, the first opening is only in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir in the storage position through the filter. In one embodiment, the filter includes a closed bottom surface, the bottom surface being at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the first opening is spaced from the longitudinal axis in a first direction and wherein the filter is closed except for a top surface and at least one opening that faces in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. In one embodiment, the filter is configured to reduce at least one contaminant conforming to the NSF/ANSI 42 standard at a given flow rate of approximately 1.9 Lpm to approximately 2.3 Lpm while filling the bottle through the second opening. In one embodiment, an inlet of the filter is generally orthogonal to an outlet of the filter.

In one embodiment, the cap includes a sidewall and an open top, the second opening extends through the sidewall and the first cover is coupled to the open top of the cap. In one embodiment, the second cover is a collar having a window, the collar extending around the sidewall of the cap and configured to be selectively rotated with respect to the cap about the longitudinal axis, the window aligning with the second opening in the fill position. In one embodiment, the cap is threadably coupled to the bottle. In a further embodiment the apparatus comprises a third opening configured to allow ambient air into the bottle when liquid is poured from the first opening. In one embodiment, the third opening is closed when the first cover is in the closed position. In one embodiment, the first opening is spaced from the longitudinal axis and is generally diametrically opposed to the second opening with respect to the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the second cover is a collar configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the first cover is a top cap configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis. In one embodiment, the first cover remains coupled to the bottle when the first cover is in the pour position.

In another embodiment, there is a portable, personal apparatus for transporting liquid comprising: a bottle configured to contain liquid, the bottle having a closed bottom, an open top and a longitudinal axis extending between the closed bottom and open top; a cap coupled to the open top of the bottle and having a top, a bottom, a sidewall and a reservoir, the cap having a channel closed to the reservoir and open through the top and bottom of the cap and a opening extending through the sidewall of the cap and into the reservoir; a filter coupled to the bottom of the cap and extending into the bottle; a first cover coupled to the top of the cap and configured to be selectively operated to uncover the channel in a pour position and close the channel in a closed position; and a second cover coupled to the sidewall of the cap and configured to be selectively rotated about the longitudinal axis relative to the cap to uncover the opening in a fill position and close the opening in a storage position.

Reusable water bottles are used in daily life by people across the world to conveniently carry water. Millions of Americans carry reusable water bottles with them daily. They offer the convenience of bottled water without either the expense or the environmental damage. As more Americans become aware of the 60 million disposable water bottles that end up in landfills every single day, they increasingly look to reusable water bottles to provide an alternative. Existing reusable water bottles are poorly designed to be easily filled from existing tap water sources. For example, if you attempt to fill a bottle from a faucet with a shallow sink, you will be unable to fit the bottle under the flow of the water stream. Similarly, if you attempt to fill a bottle from a water fountain with a slow stream, the angle and bottle mouth geometry will only allow the bottle to partially fill, if at all.

As the environmental and economic cost of bottled water continues to increase and more and more people carry reusable water bottles, people are looking for an improved design to facilitate refilling from various tap water sources.

Existing reusable water bottles require a user to remove the cap and pour water directly into the mouth of the bottle in order to fill the bottle. This design does not allow for filling from shallow sinks or fountains, since the height of the bottle must clear the faucet before it can be filled. This design also requires detaching a cap and separately holding the cap or holding an attachment strap of the cap in such a way so as to avoid touching the cap with surrounding surfaces.

In some embodiments, the bottle cap of the present invention is configured to allow for filling from the side of the bottle in place of or in addition to filling from the top of the bottle. In a preferred, non-limiting embodiment, the reusable water bottle cap of the present invention comprises 1) a side-filling port sealed by a rotating collar and 2) a drink-port that allows for water to exit the bottle without detaching a cap from the bottle.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown ina portable, a personal apparatus for transporting liquid, generally designatedand also referred to as a water bottle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In one embodiment, apparatusis a reusable water bottle used to transport drinking water. In some embodiments, apparatusis configured to filter waterwhile filling apparatuswith potable water(see). However, apparatusmay be used for transporting any potable (e.g., flavored water created by adding waterto a powder or concentrate) or non-potable liquid (e.g., motor oil that may be leaking in a low clearance space) and need not necessarily include a filter. In one embodiment, apparatusincludes a first openingto dispense liquid and a second openingto receive liquid as discussed further below.

Referring to, apparatusincludes a bottlehaving a bottom, a topand sidewallextending between the topand bottomabout a longitudinal axis A. In one embodiment, sidewallis shaped and configured to be held in a single hand of an adult. In one embodiment, sidewallis generally cylindrical. In one embodiment, sidewallis generally cylindrical proximate topand flares out toward and proximate bottomIn one embodiment, a flared sidewallproximate bottomallows for the middle section of bottleto have a smaller diameter for grasping by a user while having a larger bottomIn one embodiment, a larger bottomallows for bottleto hold more liquid and have a more stable base when placed on a generally horizontal surface. In other embodiments, sidewallis cylindrical from topto bottomrectangular, curved, indented or has any other preferred shaped and features.

In one embodiment, bottomis closed and topis configured to receive and dispense the liquid from bottle. In other embodiments, bottomand/or topis configured to receive and dispense the liquid from bottle. In one embodiment, topis open. In one embodiment, topis configured to be closed by a cap. In one embodiment, topis configured to be closed by capand one or more covers coupled to cap. In one embodiment, capis configured to be removed from bottlein order to clean bottle. In one embodiment, capis configured to be removed from bottlein order to replace a filterdescribed in further detail below. In one embodiment, capis threadably coupled to topby threadsIn other embodiments, capis attached to bottle in any preferred way such as friction fit, snap fit and fixably fit.

In one embodiment, bottleis generally rigid. In other embodiments, bottleis flexible to allow liquid to be squeezed from bottle. In one embodiment, bottleis comprised of a polymer. In one embodiment, bottleis comprised of Eastman's Tritan®, a copolyester. In other embodiments, bottleis comprised of any suitable material such as polycarbonate, a biodegradable polylactic acid, polypropylene, polyethylene, glass or metal such as stainless steam. In one embodiment, bottleis free of Bisphenol A (BPA).

With continued reference to, apparatus, in one embodiment, includes a carrying loop. In one embodiment, carrying loopis configured to attach apparatusto a clip such as a carabineer or strap or allow a user to carry apparatususing one or two fingers. In one embodiment, carrying loopincludes a first loopand a second loopIn one embodiment, first loopis configured to attach to top J 2b-ofbottle. In one embodiment, first loopis configured to be sandwiched between capand bottle. In one embodiment, first loopis configured and sized to pass over threadsof bottle. In one embodiment, first loopstretches in order to fit over threadsIn one embodiment, first loopincludes a notchIn one embodiment, notchis configured to engage threadsand allow for carrying loopto be screwed onto and off of bottle. In one embodiment, carrying loopis comprised of a polymer. In one embodiment, carrying loopis comprised of Santoprene®, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In other embodiments, carrying loopis comprised of any suitable material such as other TPEs, polypropylene, or polyethylene.

In one embodiment, second loopis thicker than first loopIn one embodiment, once coupled to bottle, carrying loopis configured to rotate with respect to bottleabout longitudinal axis A such that second loopcan be positioned at any desired radial position with respect to bottle. In other embodiments, carrying loopis fixedly attached to or is integral with bottleand/or cap. In another embodiment, carrying loopis omitted.

Referring to, in one embodiment, capincludes both first openingand second opening. In one embodiment, first openingand second openingare proximate topof bottle. In one embodiment, capincludes a sidewalland an open topIn one embodiment, capincludes a first covercoupled to topIn one embodiment, first coveris coupled to bottleand configured to close first openingin a closed position. In one embodiment, first coveris a top cap configured to be selectively rotated about longitudinal axis A. In one embodiment, first coveris configured to selectively expose and cover first openingwhen first coveris rotated about longitudinal axis A. In one embodiment, first coverincludes a pour openingconfigured to align with first openingin a pour position. In one embodiment, first coverincludes a lipproximate pour opening configured to contour to a user's lips while drinking. In one embodiment, lipis generally smooth. In other embodiments, lipmay be configured to have a spout for pouring. In one embodiment, pour openingincludes a sport top. In one embodiment, first coverincludes a vent openingconfigured to selectively expose and cover a ventfluidly coupled with bottle. In one embodiment, vent openingis configured to be aligned with ventin the pour position.

Referring to, in one embodiment, first coverincludes a plurality of ribs. In one embodiment, ribsare spaced around the periphery of first cover. In one embodiment, ribsare configured to help a user to grip and twist first coverrelative to cap. In one embodiment, first coveris comprised of two materials. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the periphery of first coveris comprised of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the remainder of first cover. In one embodiment, the periphery of first coveris comprised of arlink®, a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In other embodiments, periphery of first coveris comprised of any suitable material such as any TPE, polypropylene, or polyethylene. In one embodiment, the remainder of first coveris comprised of polypropylene. In other embodiments, the remainder of first coveris comprised of any suitable material such as polyethylene, polylactic acid, or polyurethane. In one embodiment, the periphery of first coveris over molded onto the remainder of first cover.

Referring to, in one embodiment, first coverremains coupled to the bottle when first coveris in the pour position. In one embodiment, first coveris twisted a partial rotation about longitudinal axis A to open or expose first openingand twisted back a partial rotation about longitudinal axis A to close and seal first openingto prevent liquid from being poured from first opening. In one embodiment, first coveris removable from cap. In one embodiment, bottlecan be filled by removing first coverfrom cap. In one embodiment, filling bottleby removing first cover, or an opening in first cover, allows for bottleto be held generally vertical while filling if, for example, it is desired to keep bottlevertical while filling, the water source has sufficient clearance for a vertical bottleor first coveris already removed. In one embodiment, first coveris generally as wide as the opening of bottle. In one embodiment, first coveris a generally circular. In other embodiments, first coveris rectangle, triangular, oval or any other preferred shape.

In one embodiment, first coveris removable from capin order to fill bottle, clean capand/or replace filter. In other embodiments, only a portion of first covermoves relative to bottleto expose and cover first openingsuch as a hinged lid or a sliding or rotating door. In one embodiment, the bottom of first coverincludes one or more projectionsproximate the periphery of first cover's and extending radially inwardly. In one embodiment, projectionsare configured to be received into slotsof capin a removable or assembly position. In one embodiment, projectionsare slideably received into tracksof capbetween the pour and closed positions. In one embodiment, tracksinclude one or two limit stopsto limit the amount and direction first covercan be rotated relative to cap.

With continued reference to, in one embodiment, the bottom surface of first coverincludes a cap seal. In on embodiment, cap sealis comprised of an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, cap sealis configured to engage a top surfaceof cap. In one embodiment, the size and shape of top surfaceis configured to generally match the shape of sealbetween the pour and closed positions. In one embodiment, cap sealincludes a first pour sealthat extends around the bottom. periphery of pour opening. In one embodiment, first pour sealforms a seal with a first areaof top surface′around first openingbetween capand.first coverin the pour position. In one embodiment, cap sealincludes a second pour sealproximate the first pour sealIn one embodiment, second pour sealforms a seal with a second area of top surfacebetween capand first coverin the closed position. In one embodiment, cap sealincludes a vent sealproximate vent opening. In one embodiment, vent sealforms a seal with a third areaaround ventbetween capand first coverin the pour position. In one embodiment, vent sealforms a seal with a fourth areaproximate ventbetween capand first coverin the closed position. In other embodiments, cap sealis provided on top surfaceof cap.

In one embodiment, cap sealonly substantially projects from. the bottom surface of first coverto minimize the drag along top surfaceof capwhen rotating first coveropen and closed relative to cap. In one embodiment, thinning the material on the bottom of first coverimproves the moldability. In some embodiments, the thicker sections of cap sealrequire more resin, fill slower, and take longer to manufacture.

Referring to, in one embodiment, capincludes a second cover. In one embodiment, second coveris coupled to bottleand configured to close second openingin a storage position (See). In one embodiment, second coveris configured to expose or open second openingin a fill position (See). In one embodiment, second coverremains coupled to bottlewhen second opening I°6 is in the fill position. In one embodiment, second coveris a collar configured to be selectively rotated about longitudinal axis A with respect to cap. In other embodiments, second openingincludes a plug or a hinged or sliding door. In one embodiment, second coveris a generally cylindrical sleeve. In other embodiments, second coveris rectangle, triangular, oval or any other preferred shape in cross section.

In one embodiment, second coverincludes an open window. In one embodiment, windowaligns with second openingin the fill position. In one embodiment, windowis generally square. In other embodiments, windowand second openingare circular, ovular, square or any other preferred shape. In one embodiment, windowis generally the same size and shape as second opening. In other embodiments, windowand second opening are different sizes and/or shapes as each other. In one embodiment, windowis approximately 2 cm tall and 2.5 cm wide.

Referring to, in one embodiment, second coverincludes a plurality ofribs. In one embodiment, ribsare configured to help a user to grip and twist second coverrelative to cap. In one embodiment, at least a portion of second coveris comprised of a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the remainder of second cover. In one embodiment, second coveris comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. In other embodiments, second coveris comprised of any suitable material such as copolyester, polycarbonate, or styrene-acrylonitrile.

Referring to, in one embodiment, second coverincludes one or more projections. In one embodiment, projectionis configured to be received in grooveof cap. In one embodiment, projectionalign with and can slide axially into and out of groovein the storage position. In one embodiment, second coveris configured to be removed from capin order to clean between capand second cover. In one embodiment, second coveris fixedly coupled with capin the axial direction. In one embodiment, projectionsnap fit into and out of groovewhen second coveris rotated relative to capto indicate when second openingis in the fill or storage positions. In one embodiment, second coverincludes two projectionsso that a projectionsnap fits into grooveproximate first openingin both the fill and storage positions. In one embodiment, capincludes one or more stops projecting from sidewallto limit the amount that second coverrotates relative to cap. In one embodiment, a user can feel and/or hear when second coveris moved into the fill or storage position without having to look at apparatus. In one embodiment, sidewallof capincludes indiciavisible through windowin the storage position. In one embodiment, indiciaincludes graphics, text and/or color to indicate that apparatusis in the storage position. In one embodiment, indiciaindicates how to move second coverrelative to capand into the fill position.

Referring to, in one embodiment, second coverincludes indiciaand first coverincludes indiciato indicate the position of first coverrelative to second cover. In one embodiment, indicia,indicate when first coveris in the pour and closed positions. In one embodiment, indicia,indicate when first coveris in the removable or assembly position.

Referring to, in one embodiment, capincludes a fill sealsurrounding second opening. In one embodiment fill sealis comprised of an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, fill sealis configured to prevent liquid from entering between second coverand cap. In one embodiment, fill sealforms a seal with the interior surface of second coverto close second openingin the storage position. In one embodiment, fill sealforms a seal with the interior surface of second coverextending around the perimeter of windowin the fill position. In one embodiment, capincludes a fill ventin fluid communication with vent. In one embodiment, second coverincludes a vent groovethat is in fluid communication with fill ventin the fill position. In one embodiment, vent grooveand fill ventare configured to fluidly couple the interior of bottlewith the ambient air so that air within bottlecan vent to atmosphere as the bottleis filled with water. In one embodiment, the air within bottlevents through vent grooveand out between the second coverand the first coverduring filing even if first coverhas closed vent. In one embodiment, fill sealextends around fill vent.

Referring to, in one embodiment, capincludes a filter. In one embodiment, filteris configured to filter out particulates and chemicals from the incoming water. In one embodiment, filterincludes activated carbon. In one embodiment, filteris a fast flow filter. In one embodiment, filteris configured to reduce at least one contaminant conforming to the NSF/ANSIstandard at a given flow rate of at least 0.5 Lpm while filing bottlethrough second opening. In one embodiment, filteris configured to reduce at least one contaminant conforming to the NSF/ANSIstandard at a given flow rate of approximately 1.9 Lpm to approximately 2.3 Lpm while filing bottlethrough second opening. In one embodiment, filteris configured to reduce at least one contaminant conforming to the NSF/ANSIstandard at a given flow rate of at least 0.5 Lpm while filing bottlethrough the top of cap. In one embodiment, the filter is configured to reduce at least one contaminant conforming to the NSF/ANSIstandard at a given flow rate of approximately 1.9 Lpm to approximately 2.3 Lpm while filing bottlethrough the top of cap. In one embodiment, filteris similar to the filters disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012/0055862 which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In one embodiment, filteris coupled to capand extends into bottle. In one embodiment, filteris removably coupled to cap. In one embodiment, filteris keyed to cap, so that filtermay only be coupled to capin one configuration. In one embodiment, filterincludes one or more projectionsconfigured to engage with one or more indentsin cap. In one embodiment, a topis configured to be opened or removed from the remainder of filterin order to replace the filter media. In one embodiment, topincludes tabsused to release topIn one embodiment, tabs, similar to or in place of projections, are keyed with corresponding indentsin cap.

Referring to, in one embodiment, filterhas at least one opening on topfor receiving incoming water to be filtered and has one or more openingsfor dispending filtered water into bottle. In one embodiment, one or more openingsextend through a sidewallproximate bottomof filter. In one embodiment, filteris closed except for topand openings. In one embodiment, bottomis closed. In one embodiment, openings(e.g., the outlet of filter) are generally orthogonal to top(e.g., the inlet of filter). In other embodiments, openingsare radially spaced around the perimeter of sidewalland/or extend through bottomIn one embodiment, filterincludes indiciafor measuring the filtered water in bottleas discussed further below.

Referring to, in one embodiment, capforms a reservoir. In one embodiment, capis configured to allow water to completely fill reservoirwhen apparatusis horizontal. In one embodiment, reservoiris configured to contain unfiltered water entering second openingand before going through filter. In one embodiment, unfiltered water may enter second openingfaster than filtercan filter the water. In one embodiment, some unfiltered water may remain in reservoir after apparatusis in the storage position.

Referring to, in one embodiment, first openingis open (e.g., dispenses liquid from bottle) in a direction C generally parallel with longitudinal axis A in the pour position and first coveris configured to close or seal first opening(e.g., prevents dispending liquid from bottlethrough first opening) in the closed position. In one embodiment, second openingis open (e.g., receives liquid into bottle) in a direction B generally orthogonal with longitudinal axis A in the fill position and second overis configured to close or seal second opening(e.g., not receive liquid into bottlethrough second opening) in the storage position. In one embodiment, first openingis an opening on the top of apparatus. In one embodiment, first opening is an opening on the top of cap. In one embodiment, second openingis an opening on the side of apparatus. In one embodiment, second openingis an opening in sidewallof cap. In one embodiment, first openingis axially spaced from longitudinal axis A a distance and direction D. In one embodiment, second openingis axially spaced from longitudinal axis A a distance and direction E. In one embodiment, first openingis generally diametrically opposed with second openingwith respect to longitudinal axis A. In one embodiment, openingsin filteropen in a direction F. In one embodiment, direction F is generally opposite to direction D so that first openingis generally diametrically opposed to openingsin filter. In one embodiment, second opening, openingsin filterand ventare all generally on the same side of apparatus.

Referring to, in an exemplary use, first coveris placed into the closed position by aligning indicia,. Second coveris then placed into the fill position. In one embodiment, windowis aligned with second openingto expose second openingin the fill position. In one embodiment, apparatusis tilted under a water sourcesuch that waterenters second opening. In one embodiment, apparatusis tilted to be generally horizontal while filling. In one embodiment, apparatusis tilted during filling such that bottomis slightly lower than cap. In one embodiment, apparatusis tilted during filling to be approximately 5 degrees to approximately 25 degrees relative to horizontal with bottombeing vertically lower than cap. In one embodiment, waterenters reservoirand begins to flow through filerand into bottle. In one embodiment, if unfiltered waterentering second openingis more than the amount of filtered waterentering bottle, unfiltered waterwill collect in reservoir. In one embodiment, the air within bottleis vented out through a third opening or ventthat extends through capbut bypasses reservoir. In one embodiment, the user can watch the filtered waterfill in the bottle through the transparent bottle. In one embodiment, the user can align the top of the water within bottle with indiciaon filter so that apparatusis not over filled. In one embodiment, once the top of filtered waterreaches indiciaor another desired amount, the user positions second coverinto the storage position to close second opening. In one embodiment, user can set apparatusdown or otherwise position apparatusin a vertical position. In one embodiment, any water remaining in reservoirwill continue to filter down into bottle. In one embodiment, bottomof filteris at an oblique angle with respect to longitudinal axis A in order to drain any water within filterinto bottle.

Referring to, in one embodiment, when the user is ready to drink from apparatus, first coveris positioned in the open position to open or expose first opening. In one embodiment, the user tilts the bottomof bottleup to pour the filtered waterwithin bottleout of first opening. In one embodiment, first openingis a channel or tube that extends through cap. In one embodiment, first openingbypasses reservoir. In one embodiment, first openingis only fluidly coupled to reservoirin the storage position through filter. In one embodiment, openingsare positioned on the opposite side of first openingand configured such that the amount of waterfiltered back through filterand into reservoirduring pouring of waterfrom first openingis reduced. In one embodiment, ambient air flows back into bottlethrough ventas filtered wateris poured through first opening. In one embodiment, after pouring the filtered waterfrom first opening, the user can store the remaining filtered waterin bottleby closing first openingand vent.

Apparatusmay have additional configurations to achieve similar functions as the embodiments above. For example, second openingmay be positioned proximate bottomof bottlewhile first openingis positioned proximate topof bottle. In such an example, bottomof bottlemay be opened similar to topof bottle. In another embodiment, reservoirand filtermay be contained within a cartridge proximate bottomand opened via a locking sliding window. In another embodiment, second covermay slid in the axial direction to open and close second opening.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”.