CA2899783A1

CA2899783A1 - Water bottle with self defense features

Info

Publication number: CA2899783A1
Application number: CA2899783A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Asmin Kumar
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-01-31
Filing date: 2015-08-06
Publication date: 2016-07-20
Also published as: AU2015230833A1; US20150259096A1

Abstract

A multi-utility water bottle comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a lid member removably attached to the body. The water bottle comprises a filtration unit and fruit or vegetable infusion system within a water storing compartment. The water bottle body or the lid member, is configured to comprise self-defense tools including a knife, a striking hammer and a loud alarm. The water bottle further comprises emergency utility tools including a flashlight and a location tracking or navigation device.

Description

WATER BOTTLE WITH SELF DEFENSE FEATURES
CROSS REFRENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 14/600,575 filed January 20, 2015, and entitled "Bottle for Consumable Liquids with Self Defense Features", owned by the assignee of the present application and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to the field of portable liquid containers. More specifically, relates to travel bottles including water bottle comprising self-defense features and emergency or survival utilities.
BACKGROUND
The human body is comprised of roughly 60% water by volume. Water helps carry nutrients throughout the body, flush waste products from the body, regulate body temperature and assist in digestion, among other functions. While the human body can go many days without food, a person will die from dehydration after only a few days without water.
Access to potable water or energy liquids may be uncertain, especially during traveling, participating in sports activities or routine commuting, hence it is prudent to carry drinkable water in a portable liquid container such as water bottle.
Re-usable liquid containers made of high density plastic materials such as HDPE, enabled easy carrying of potable water or consumable liquids such as energy drinks.
Water bottles or travel bottles are commonly used consumer products. Modern water bottles come in a plurality of shapes and sizes, with a plurality of features, limited only by the imagination of the designers and the needs of the consumers.

Self-defense products are another popular category of consumer goods. As with water bottles, self-defense products also come in a plurality of shapes and sizes and incorporated with additional features to help a person fend off potential attackers or alert others if external help is needed. Self-defense products may include a whistle, pepper spray or other lacrimation spray container, blunt surface and knife. Many self-defense products are comprised of relatively small designs. While smaller designs lead to more portable products, there are many practical disadvantages to smaller sized devices, namely quick accessibility and ease of use. For example, the smaller size of the self-defense equipment poses difficulty in timely accessing especially when placed among other items of similar shapes and sizes. In addition, many popular self-defense devices feature safety mechanisms that may be compromised by the movement of the device in a purse or bag and during accidentally discharge.
In addition to self-defense tools, emergency tools such as navigational instruments, flash light, alarms and the like, may come in handy when navigating through unknown territory or lost in .a remote area. For example, navigation tool and flash light helps in finding a path to safety in the event of a kidnapping, abduction, or similar circumstance involving a threat to personal safety. Furthermore, geolocation trackers facilitates tracking the movement of an object or a person.
Therefore, there is a need in the art to develop a commonly used consumer product such as a travel bottle incorporated with self-defense features and emergency tools.
SUMMARY
The present invention relates to a multi-utility water bottle comprising a substantially cylindrical body and a lid member removably attached to the body. The water bottle comprises a hollow compartment for storing water or consumable fluids. The compartment comprises a filtration unit for purifying the bottle contents. The body comprises an inner

2 chamber for holding fruits or vegetables, the inner chamber comprises a plurality of openings and is disposed within the water storing compartment for infusing the water with nutrients from fruits or vegetables. The body and the lid member is configured to comprise a cutting tool, an illuminating device, a sound alarm, and a tracking device. In an embodiment, the cutting tool may comprise a knife, the illuminating device may comprise a flashlight and the tracking device may comprise a location tracking device such as a GPS tracker device. One of the objectives of the present invention is to provide additional self-defense features to a popular consumer product already in use by many consumers.
In an embodiment, the water bottle of the present invention further comprise self-defense tools including a striking hammer made of metal and reflective strips fixed along the length of the water bottle body for enhancing visibility in dark. The water bottle also comprises shoulder strap mount on lateral sides of the lid member and a clip for attaching the bottle to a support for carrying and for holding the bottle while not in use. A sipper attached to the top surface of the lid member, the sipper is in communication with a straw extending till the bottom of the body.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of the water bottle.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the water bottle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
In a broad embodiment, the present invention generally relates to a travel bottle designed for holding consumable liquids. The travel bottle or water bottle, of the present invention is a multi-utility bottle, incorporated with self-defense, emergency utilities, alerting, and/or navigation mechanisms, for use under distress or emergency situations.

3 One of the preferred embodiments of the present invention relates to utilizing an impact-resistant and lightweight material, such as plastic or stainless steel, for making the water bottle. Since many types of materials are suitable for the product, alternative embodiments may encompasses any other material that suits the scope and spirit of the invention. Molds can be utilized to create the individual parts of the water bottle, which would be one of the easiest and cost-effective manner to manufacture the water bottle, though other embodiments of the invention may encompasses any other method for creating the individual parts of water bottle that would be suitable to the scope and spirit of the invention.
The water bottle can be made in different sizes and shapes. For example, the bottles can be made with a capacity of 0.5 liter to 2.5 liter range, as users may prefer different container volumes for carrying water or energy drinks during activities such as running, hiking, commuting and the like. In addition to variations in size, shape and materials used, the water bottle may contain an insulating element to keep hot beverages hot and cold beverages cold.
According to an embodiment, the water bottle of the present invention comprises a shape which is generally cylindrical in design. Users may wish for alternative shapes depending on their specific hydration needs and also based on their aesthetic and ergonomic needs.
Alternative embodiments of the present invention may utilize a variety of shapes and designs, including but not limited to an extruded rectangular design or generally box-shaped design for the water bottle. Also within the scope and spirit of this invention, the water bottle may include other features, such as reflective tape; straws; variations on lid designs; hooks, straps, or other attachment point features for clipping, securing, or holding the bottle; and/or carrying straps.
Referring to the top perspective view of the water bottle, as shown in Fig. 1, the water bottle 100 comprises a lid 110 removably attached to the bottle body 120 and is configured to be

4 easily removed when a user wishes to refill the bottle body 120 with water or liquid. The bottle body 120 comprises a hollow compartment to hold and store liquid. The hollow compartment may comprise a filtration unit for purifying the water or fluid present in the compartment. The filtration unit may comprise activated carbon filters, membrane filters, and the like. The bottle body 120 may comprise an inner chamber for holding fruits or vegetables, the inner chamber comprises a plurality of openings and is disposed within the hollow compartment for infusing the water with nutrients from fruits or vegetables.
The lid 110 may be attach to the bottle body 120 in different ways. In an embodiment, the water bottle comprise internal threads on the lid 110 and external threads on the bottle body 120 to facilitate a screw-on type attachment. Alternative embodiments of the present invention may utilize different attachment mechanisms, such as snap closures, and other similar mechanisms for providing a watertight seal between the lid 110 and bottle body 120.
In an embodiment, the lid 110 is formed as a single piece of material or may comprise two or more units assembled together to form a closure.
The bottle body 120 further comprises a plurality of compartments accessible from the exterior of the bottle body 120. In another embodiment, the water bottle 100 may comprise one or more compartments protruding into the interior hollow space of the bottle body 120.
The water bottle 100 comprise an attachment feature 102 either on the lid 110 or on the bottle body 120, using which the user may clip the bottle 100 to a support material or travel gear when not in use. The attachment feature 102 may comprise a clip or similar means of attachment and may encompass a variety of different shapes, designs and materials.
Still referring to Fig. 1, the lid 110 may be designed in many different ways that may include features to allow the user to drink from the bottle 100 without having to remove the lid 110 from the body 120. In an embodiment, the bottle 100 may comprise a sipper 130 attached to

5 the lid 110, the sipper 130 is in communication with a straw extending into the bottle body 120. The straw carries water from the bottle body 120 to the sipper 130. In an embodiment, the sipper 130 can be folded towards the planar surface of the lid 110 when not in use and easily unfolded to a sipping position, perpendicular to the lid planar surface. Alternative embodiments may include lid and bottle body designs with a variety of leak-proof mechanisms commonly used in drinking apparatus.
The water bottle 100 may comprise an alerting device, such as a sound alarm 104. Alerting devices may include electronic sound/noise generating mechanisms including but not limited to buzzers, personal alarms and loud alarms. In an embodiment, the sound alarm 104 may comprise a button for activation, for instance the alarm can be activated under distress or emergency situations for seeking help. In another embodiment, the alerting device may comprise a whistle, which can be folded in place into a recess on the top exterior of the lid 110. The whistle may be used for signaling others in times of distress, or whenever desired by the user.
The lid 110 may further comprise a location tracking device 106 such as a GPS
tracker, using which the location of the water bottle 100 or the user carrying the water bottle 100 can be tracked. In an embodiment, the tracking device 106 may be incorporated in the bottle body 120. In an exemplary embodiment, if lost in an unknown territory, the specific location of a person carrying the water bottle 100 can be tracked using signals emitted from the tracking device 106 and external help such as emergency response teams or law enforcement officials can be sent to rescue that person.
The bottle further comprise a striking device 108, such as a metal frame hammer fixed to the lid 110. The striking device 108 may be constructed of stainless steel, or any other dense and rigid material suitable for its designed purpose. The lid 110 may comprise shoulder strap

6 mount 107 for attaching shoulder straps to the water bottle 100, the shoulder straps can be used for easy carrying of the water bottle 100.
FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the water bottle 100, the bottle body 120 comprise a plurality of compartments for holding self-defense and/or emergency utility or survival tools. An impact base 140, is held in place with the impact base attachment point 142 at the bottom of the bottle body 120. The impact base 140 may be designed as a striking plate for self-defense or utility, such as breaking a car's window when the user is trapped inside a car. The impact base 140 may be constructed of stainless steel, or any other dense and rigid material suitable for its designed purpose. In a preferred embodiment, the impact base 140 is attached to the bottle body 120 by the impact base attachment point 142 comprising a snap lock mechanism and is designed to firmly stay shut when engaged with the impact base attachment point 142, but readily swing free when the impact base attachment point 142 is disengaged.
In an embodiment, the bottom of the bottle body 120 may comprise a hollow channel holding a cutting tool 122 such as a knife or cutting blade, for use as a self-defense weapon. In an embodiment, the user may remove the knife 122 from the hollow channel to use the knife in a customary fashion. The cutting tool 122 may comprise a hook member for pulling the tool out of the channel. In an embodiment, the cutting tool 122 may be released by a spring mechanism upon opening the impact base 140 at the bottom of the bottle body 120.
Alternatively, the cutting tool 122 may comprise a pocket knife, wherein a handle part of the knife is fixed inside the channel and the blade portion is released out, extending beyond the bottle body 120, upon actuation by a spring mechanism. The knife blade may be straight, serrated, or a combination of the two, and can be made from metal, ceramic, or any other material suitable for its designed purpose. The knife shares similar dimensions to utility and pocket style knives currently on the market and may range depending on the size and

7 dimensions of the water bottle 100 and jurisdictional compliance requirements for concealed knife types and lengths.
The bottle body 120 may also comprise a hollow channel or compartment holding an illuminating device 124 such as a flash light. The illuminating device 124 may comprise a LED flashlight with a hook member attached at rear end for accessing the flashlight and removing the light from its respective channel. In an alternative embodiment, the flash light can be released from the compartment by a spring actuated mechanism. For example, when the user wishes to access the illuminating device 124, the user disengages the impact base attachment point 142, causing the spring to expand, pushing the illuminating device 124 outward and causing the impact base 140 to swing open. Alternative embodiments of the present invention allow for the illuminating device 124 to be stored within the bottle body 120 and released using a variety of different mechanisms and methods, including detachable mechanisms, while remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention.
A reflective strip 126 is attached to at least one side of the bottle body 120 for identifying the water bottle 100 under dark conditions. In an example, the reflective strip 126 can be incorporated with fluorescent and/or phosphorescent materials. The bottle body 120 further comprise a grip 128 made of recessed or raised surfaces, for firmly holding the water bottle 100.
The water bottle 100 of the present invention may further comprise other self-defense tools including Taser gun or stun guns. Since certain type of self-defense weapons are not legal in some states / countries, the self-defense features of the water bottle 100 can be chosen based on the local laws, while remaining within the scope and spirit of the invention.
In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have been described.
However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made

8 without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below.
Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present teachings.
The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims including any amendments made during the pendency of this application and all equivalents of those claims as issued.
Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "has", "having,"
"includes", "including," "contains", "containing" or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
An element proceeded by "comprises ... a", "has ... a", "includes ... a", "contains ... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises, has, includes, contains the element. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms "substantially", "essentially", "approximately", "about" or any other version thereof, are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.
The terms "coupled" and "linked" as used herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly and not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is "configured" in a

9 certain way is configured in at least that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not listed. Also, the sequence of steps in a flow diagram or elements in the claims, even when preceded by a letter does not imply or require that sequence.

10

Claims

What is claimed is

1. A water bottle comprising:
a substantially cylindrical body and a lid member removably attached to the body, wherein the body or the lid member, is configured to comprise: a cutting tool;
an illuminating device; a sound alarm; and a tracking device.

2. The water bottle of claim 1, further comprises a compartment for storing a consumable liquid.

3. The water bottle of claim 1, further comprises an attachment clip.

4. The water bottle of claim 1, further comprises a striking tool.

5. The water bottle of claim 1, further comprises a fruit or vegetable infusion chamber.

6. The water bottle of claim 1, wherein the cutting tool comprises a knife.

7. The water bottle of claim 1, wherein the illuminating device comprises a flashlight.

8. The water bottle of claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises a global positioning system (GPS) tracker.

9. The water bottle of claim 1, further comprises a reflective strip along the substantial length of the body.

10. The water bottle of claim 1, further comprises a filtration unit.