CN209988371U

CN209988371U - Bottle, portable container and apparatus for storing and transporting substances

Info

Publication number: CN209988371U
Application number: CN201822085203.1U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 法博德·戴拉米安; 大卫·雅各布森; 凯尔·路易斯; 凯文·普米尔扎伊
Original assignee: Amy Dimensional Co Ltd
Current assignee: Amy Dimensional Co Ltd
Priority date: 2017-12-12
Filing date: 2018-12-12
Publication date: 2020-01-24
Anticipated expiration: 2028-12-12
Also published as: CN109911402A; US20200140135A1; CN211469341U; US20180162582A1; CN211469341U9; WO2019118587A1; CN209988371U9

Abstract

The present application relates to bottles, portable containers and apparatus for storing and transporting substances. Bottles and containers and methods of use have been disclosed. In one aspect, a bottle includes a body including a first end forming a first aperture and a second end forming a second aperture. The first hole has a first diameter and the second hole has a second diameter. The first diameter may be greater than the second diameter. The vial also includes a first cap removably coupled to the first end of the body and a second cap removably connected to the second end of the body.

Description

Bottle, portable container and apparatus for storing and transporting substances

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. patent application serial No. 15/839,328, filed on 12/2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to containers for holding and transporting products, such as liquid, solid, or powder products.

Background

Supplements (e.g., protein powders) are used before, during, and after training. Transporting these supplements in plastic bags can cause difficulties during transport as well as during mixing of the supplements for consumption. In addition, a shake or mix bottle can be used to preserve a portion of the protein powder to which water or beverage is added prior to consumption. Among other problems, shake or mix bottles are bulky and inconvenient to carry.

SUMMERY OF THE UTILITY MODEL

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a container for holding and transporting a product (e.g., a liquid, solid, or powder product).

In a first aspect, a bottle is disclosed. The bottle includes: a body including a first end forming a first bore and a second end forming a second bore, the first bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter; a first cap removably coupled to the first end of the body; and a second cap removably coupled to the second end of the body.

In a second aspect, a portable container is disclosed. The portable container includes: a hollow body comprising a base portion comprising a base aperture, the base aperture defining a first diameter, a finish portion comprising a finish aperture, the finish portion defining a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a transition section positioned between and connecting the base portion and the finish portion; a base cap removably connected to the base portion to cover the base aperture; a finish cap (finish cap) removably attached to the finish portion to cover the finish aperture; and a carrier removably connected to the bottle cap.

In a third aspect, an apparatus for storing and transporting a substance is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a body including opposing first and second ends, the first end including a first male mating section and the second end including a second male mating section, the first male mating section defining a first opening and a first outer diameter and the second male mating section defining a second opening and a second outer diameter; a first cap comprising a first female mating section configured and dimensioned to removably receive the first male mating section such that the first cap covers the first opening, the first female mating section defining a third outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter; a second cap comprising a second female mating section configured and dimensioned to removably receive the second male mating section such that the second cap covers the second opening, the second female mating section defining a fourth outer diameter that is greater than the second outer diameter; and a carrier configured and dimensioned to be removably connected to any of the body, the first cap, and the second cap.

Drawings

The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying drawing figures. It should be emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of an example of a dual cap container (dual cap container) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an underside view of the second cap of the embodiment of fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a dual cap container according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

The figures and the following description relate to embodiments by way of illustration only. It should be noted that from the following description, alternative embodiments of the structures and methods disclosed herein will be readily recognized as viable alternatives that may be employed without departing from the principles of what is claimed.

Embodiments according to the present disclosure include portable and miniature dual cap containers or bottles suitable for containing products (also referred to as substances or materials). In some embodiments, the portable and miniature containers have only a single cap (i.e., a single top cap and a corresponding single top opening or a single bottom cap and a corresponding single bottom opening) at either end, rather than having a two-cap configuration. Portable and miniature dual cap containers can be used to carry several or different quantities of product. For example, portable and miniature dual cap containers may be sized to hold one, two or more servings of product and 30 grams, 60 grams or more grams of product. The product may be purchased in individual servings or may be purchased in bulk containers, which are inconvenient and impractical to carry. For example, the product may be a supplement including, but not limited to, protein powder, whey powder, organic powder, all natural powder, vegetarian powder, nutritional powder, pre-exercise powder, nutritional food, nutritional liquid, and vitamins. The protein powder may be purchased in multiple serving (e.g., 50 serving) vats or containers having a heavy (e.g., 3.5 pounds) weight.

Shake bottles, mix bottles, stir bottles, and the like (collectively referred to herein as shake bottles) may be used to carry at least one serving of a product. Shaker bottles typically have a capacity of 16 ounces, 20 ounces, 28 ounces, 32 ounces or more or less. Thus, they are more portable than, for example, 3.5 pound vats or containers. A typical use of a shake bottle may be that one person pours at least one serving (e.g., two spoons or 30 grams) of a supplement powder (e.g., whey protein powder) into the shake bottle using a spoon; the person carries the shake bottle to the gym; after training, the person adds water or another liquid (e.g., milk) to the shake flask, tightly closes the lid, and shakes the shake flask to mix the powder with the liquid to form a meal or nutritional mix that is consumed. After the person consumes the mixture, the shake flask can be cleaned. The shaker jar may include a stir ball that aids in mixing and may prevent the supplement powder from clumping during mixing.

A number of disadvantages are associated with shaking the bottle. Shaking the bottle is cumbersome and inconvenient. Shaking caps can easily break during shaking, resulting in leakage and splatter. Shaking the bottle may tend to retain the scent when not immediately cleaned. Even with immediate cleaning, it can be difficult to remove powder deposits that accumulate on the bottom and other corners of the shake flask. Other disadvantages are associated with shaking the bottle. For example, drinking from a shake bottle may be suboptimal due to the large top cap and spout area, and the stir ball may be difficult to clean and may be easily lost.

Thus, the method and system according to the present disclosure provide a portable container (also referred to as a "bottle" or "container") with a carrying device that does not exhibit the above-mentioned disadvantages. The portable container may be small enough to fit into a pocket, or may be easily and efficiently carried on a carrying device (e.g., a key chain) attached to the portable container. The container may be held or attached to a bag (e.g., an exercise bag) or an article of clothing (e.g., a belt loop) via a key chain. Containers according to the present disclosure may be used to carry a small quantity of product, such as a serving of protein powder. Such containers are portable and miniature, have a double cap, and include a key chain, which may be optional. The design of the container may be shaped to have a similar design to a vat or container. The container can include a number of pieces, including, but not limited to, a main hollow body (also referred to as a "body"), a bottom cap coupled to a bottom end of the main hollow body, and a top cap coupled to a top end of the main hollow body (which is opposite the bottom end). An optional key fob (e.g., a safety fob key fob) can be coupled to any one of the main hollow body, the top cap, and the bottom cap.

A removable top cap or a removable bottom cap or both may also be optional. For example, the container may include a single removable top cap having a wider mouth (i.e., a "wide mouth" or "wider mouth" opening) top opening that allows the user to fill the bottle with the supplement powder and pour the supplement powder back into another bottle (e.g., a shake bottle) using the same wider mouth top opening. In another example, the container may include a single removable top cap having a funnel-sized top opening that allows a user to fill the bottle with the supplement powder and insert the container through the funnel-sized top opening into a water or beverage bottle opening to funnel the supplement powder out of the container and into the water or beverage bottle. In another example, the container may include a single removable bottom cap having a wider mouth bottom opening that allows the user to fill the bottle with the supplement powder and pour the supplement powder back into another bottle (e.g., a shake bottle) using the same wider mouth bottom opening. In this example, the container may still have a top cap that is fixed and may not be removed (e.g., unscrewed). In another example, the container may include a single removable bottom cap having a funnel-sized bottom opening that allows a user to fill the bottle with the supplement powder and to insert the container into the water or drink bottle opening via the funnel-sized bottom opening to funnel the supplement powder out of the container and into the water or drink bottle. In this example, the container may still have a top cap that is fixed and may not be removed (e.g., unscrewed). In another example, the container does not include any removable caps, and is shaped like a miniature refill container with a top cap that includes a carrying device (e.g., a security fob).

The container includes a first opening at one end (e.g., bottom end) for receiving a product. For example, the first opening can scoop one or more portions of powder from another bulk container into the container. That is, when the bottom cap of the container is removed (e.g., unscrewed), the body of the container (more specifically, the bottom end of the body) may be used to scoop product into the body for storage and transportation. The bottom cap can then be reattached to the first opening to secure the product within the container. Thus, the container eliminates the need for a separate scoop, such as the scoop used as described above with respect to a shake bottle. The first opening may be closed with a different type of mating structure (e.g., a bottom cap) and via a different attachment mechanism (e.g., threaded connection, clamping, etc.) that seals the first opening. The seal may be hermetic.

The container includes a second opening at an opposite end (e.g., top end) of the one end for transferring or releasing the product into another container or bottle (e.g., a mixing container, a water bottle, a soda bottle, etc.). The second opening may be formed in a portion of the container (e.g., a spout portion), also referred to as a finish portion, formed in the container adjacent to where the container is coupled to the top cap. In other words, the top cap may conceal the spout portion of the main body when the top cap is coupled to the main body. The mixing container may be, for example, a disposable or recyclable standard water bottle, which may be found in various grocery markets. As such, the second opening of the container may be substantially similar in size to the opening of the receiving bottle (e.g., water bottle) and slightly smaller in size (e.g., one or more microns smaller) than the opening of the receiving bottle (e.g., water bottle) to enable the spout to be inserted into the receiving bottle. The second opening may be at least slightly smaller than the opening of the receiving bottle (also referred to as the mixing container) so that the product can be easily poured into the mixing container without causing any of the product to spill out of the mixing container. For example, if the mixing container is a water bottle with an opening size of 0.75 inches, the second opening of the container may be smaller or equal to 0.75 inches. For example, the second opening may be 0.5 inches to 0.7 inches. It is desirable that the second opening is sized to fit the opening of the mixing vessel. The second opening may be sealed with a cap. The term "substantially" as used herein may include, but is not limited to, variations of about ± 20%.

In some embodiments, the container is a single-cap container (rather than a double-cap container) that includes only a single opening (i.e., either a top opening or a bottom opening, rather than both a top opening and a bottom opening). Thus, in a single-cap container, scooping and emptying of the contents stored within the container is accomplished via the same single opening. The single opening may have various sizes or diameters including, but not limited to, wide mouth size, funnel-shaped opening size, and other sizes.

A typical use of a portable dual cap container comprising a main body, a top cap removably coupled to the main body, and a bottom cap removably coupled to the main body may comprise the steps of: removing the bottom cap to expose the first opening of the main body; using the initially modified dual-cap container (which now includes only the main body and the top cap coupled to the main body because the bottom cap has been removed/separated) as a scoop to scoop a quantity (e.g., a small quantity, at least one serving, more than two servings, etc.) of product (e.g., a supplement powder) from the vat or container into the initially modified dual-cap container for storage and/or transport; resealing the first opening by coupling or reattaching the bottom cap back to the main body to provide a dual cap container in an original form factor; removing the top cap to expose a second opening formed through the spout portion of the main body when the product stored or stored in the original form factor dual cap container is ready for consumption; pouring or releasing or pouring the product from the subsequently modified dual-cap container (now comprising only the main body and the bottom cap coupled to the main body because the top cap has been removed/separated) via the second opening formed by the spout portion into a water or beverage bottle having an opening that is slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the spout portion (i.e., so that the spout portion can be inserted into the opening of the water or beverage bottle) in which the product can be mixed with the liquid of the water or beverage bottle; and resealing the second opening with the top cap to reform the dual cap container in the original form factor for future use.

Fig. 1 is a perspective side view of a dual cap container 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The dual cap container 100 may be configured as a container or as a bottle. The dual cap container 100 is in a closed state. As such, the dual cap container 100 includes a body 102, a shoulder 104 (also referred to as a transition portion), a first cap 106 (also referred to as a bottom cap), and a second cap 108 (also referred to as a top cap). In some embodiments, the dual cap container 100 is a single cap container having only the first cap 106 or the second cap 108. The body 102 may be generally vertical, having a constant outer diameter. The shoulder may have a variable outer diameter and decrease in diameter as the shoulder moves away from the first cap 106 and toward the second cap 108. The body 102 is shown as being circular, but may be shaped in a variety of shapes including, but not limited to, square, rectangular, elongated cylindrical, hexagonal, trapezoidal, and other shapes.

The first cap 106 is removably connected or coupled or attached (e.g., via threaded connection, clamping, snapping, etc.) to the bottom end of the dual cap container 100 adjacent the main body 102. The first cap 106 may serve as a base upon which the dual cap container 100 may rest or stand. The first cap 106 can be removed from the dual-cap container 100 to expose a first opening (also referred to as a first aperture) of the dual-cap container 100. As mentioned above, removing the first opening enables the dual cap container 100 to be used to scoop product (e.g., from a bulk container) into the interior chamber of the dual cap container 100. Since the first cap 106 can serve as a base, the surface of the first cap 106 that can rest on a horizontal surface is closed such that when the first cap 106 is connected to the body 102 and the dual cap container 100 rests on a horizontal surface, the product contained in the dual cap container is retained within the dual cap container 100.

The second cap 108 is removably connected or coupled or attached (e.g., via threading, clamping, snapping, etc.) to a top end of the dual cap container 100 adjacent the shoulder 104. The second cap 108 may be removed to expose a second opening (e.g., the second opening 123 shown in fig. 2) of the dual-cap container 100. The top end of the dual cap container 100 includes a spout portion or finish portion (not shown in fig. 1) that is concealed when the second cap 108 is coupled to the top end of the dual cap container 100. The spout portion or finish portion includes a second opening (also referred to as a second aperture). As mentioned above, the second opening may be used to transfer the product stored within the dual cap container 100 to another container, such as to a mixing container, which may be a water bottle. The product may be transferred to the mixing container by inserting the spout of the dual cap container 100 into the opening or aperture of the mixing container.

The shoulder 104 may include a stop 110. The stopper 110 may be shaped as a ring around the top end of the dual-cap container 100 that engages between the top end of the dual-cap container 100 and the second cap 108 when the second cap 108 is attached. Because the second cap 108 can be coupled to the top end of the dual cap container 100, the stop 110 is optional so that the second cap will engage the shoulder 104 more directly or more tightly. The body 102 and the shoulder 104 of the dual cap container 100 may be formed as one continuous piece. Thus, the dual cap container 100 can comprise a single piece that includes the first cap 106 (i.e., the bottom cap), the continuous piece of the body 102 and shoulder 104, the second cap 108, and the carrying device. As such, shoulder 104 may have the same body diameter as body 102 at point 112. The shoulder 104 may slope inward toward the center of the dual cap container 100 such that the shoulder 104 has a second diameter (closer to the stopper 110 and away from the point 112) that is less than the constant diameter of the body 102. The shoulder 104 is connected to a spout (not shown) with the stop 110 serving as an intermediate structure.

In some embodiments, the dual cap container 100 may include a carrying device 116. The carrying device 116 may include a variety of devices including, but not limited to, a key chain, a security fob key chain, a lanyard, a string, a ring, a metal ring, and any combination thereof. The carrier 116 may be attached to a top surface 118 of the second cap 108. The top surface 118 is the side of the second cap 108 opposite the side that is removably connected to the dual cap container 100 (e.g., via the spout). The top surface 118 includes an outer surface of the second cap 108. The second cap 108 (i.e., top cap) includes an inner surface (not shown) that contacts the spout of the dual cap container 100. The carrier 116 may also be attached to other surfaces of the dual cap container 100, including but not limited to a side surface of the second cap 108, a surface of the body 102, or a surface of the shoulder 104.

The dual cap container 100 may be formed as a micro-sized container. In embodiments that do not include a carrying device 116 (e.g., a safety fob key chain), the dual-cap container 100 can be 2 inches to 4 inches high when the first cap 106 is attached to the body 102 and the second cap 108 is attached to the top end of the dual-cap container 100, where the body diameter can be 1.5 inches to 2 inches. Other dimensions are also possible. In other embodiments, the length of the body and the body diameter of the body 102 may be such that the body 102 has a sufficient volume to hold a desired amount of product (e.g., one or two or more portions of protein powder, pre-exercise powder, etc.). For example, the dual cap container 100 may hold a variety of volumes of supplement powder or other substances, including but not limited to 45 cubic centimeters (cc), 75cc, 90cc, 150cc, 180cc, or other volumes. The size of the container holding 180cc of material will be substantially twice (i.e., twice or 2x or twice) the size of the container holding 90cc of material. Further, the body length of the body 102 may be such that the dual cap container 100 resembles a shake or water bottle (i.e., the length is much longer than the width, and thus the container is not shaped as a miniature refill cartridge), and thus may not only store a product substantially in excess of a desired amount (e.g., one or more servings), but may also store water or other liquid (e.g., milk) that a user desires to mix with the product prior to consumption. The diameter of the opening of the spout may also vary based on the different openings of the receiving means.

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 1. Fig. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the dual cap container 100 of fig. 1. The description of the elements having the same number as those in fig. 1 is omitted.

The first cap 106 includes a first female mating structure 126 (also referred to as an internal mating structure), via which first female mating structure 126 the first cap 106 can be removably connected to the body 102 via the first male mating structure 121 of the body 102. The first female mating structure 126 may include a first set of threads and the first male mating structure 121 may include a set of threads corresponding to the first set of threads. The body 102 includes a shoulder 120 and a first male mating structure 121 (also referred to as an external mating structure). The first cap 106 is removably connected to the body 102 by mating the first female mating structure 126 to the first male mating structure 121. The shoulder 120 is a recess between the first male mating structure 121 and the outer wall of the body 102. In some embodiments, the first male mating structure 121 and the first female mating structure 126 are threaded mating structures. The first female mating structure 126 may be internal threads formed on at least a portion of the inner wall of the first cap 106 (i.e., around the inner circumference of the first cap 106) such that when the first female mating structure 126 is mated with the first male mating structure 121, the outer wall of the first cap 106 and the body 102 are aligned. In some embodiments, the first cap 106 can include a different type of mating structure (e.g., a male mating structure) and the bottom end of the body 102 can include a different type of mating structure (e.g., a female mating structure).

Spout 114 (also referred to as a finish portion) is shown positioned over stopper 110 (also referred to as a collar) and lip 124. The lip 124 abuts a second opening 123 through which the product contained in the dual cap container 100 can be transferred, poured, etc., e.g., into a mixing container. The outer wall of the spout 114 forms a mating structure (e.g., a male mating structure) that may mate with a corresponding mating structure (e.g., a female mating structure) of the second cap 108 to seal or cover the second opening 123. The seal may be hermetic. The stopper 110 includes a first collar side (not shown) and a second collar side 125. The first collar side is connected to the shoulder 104 and the second collar side 125 is connected to the spout 114. The mating structure of the spout 114 may include a threaded section that corresponds to a threaded section of the mating structure of the second cap 108.

Fig. 3 is an underside view of second cap 108 of the embodiment of fig. 1. Fig. 3 depicts a perspective view 310 and a bottom view 320 of the second cap 108. The perspective view 310 shows the inner second cap wall 128, the gap 130, the outer second cap wall 132, and a portion of the bottom surface of the second cap 108. Gap 130 is the area between inner second cap wall 128 and outer second cap wall 132. The inner second cap wall 128 abuts or contains a mating structure (e.g., a female mating structure) of the second cap 108 that receives the spout 114 of the dual cap container 100 (i.e., a male mating structure that receives the spout 114). In some embodiments, the female mating feature of the inner second cap wall 128 includes a threaded feature formed on an inner wall of the inner second cap wall 128 such that the second cap 108 may mate with a threaded feature formed on an outer wall of the spout 114 that serves as a corresponding male mating feature. When the second cap 108 is coupled to the spout 114 of the dual cap container 100, the second cap 108 may rest against or be in close proximity to the stopper 110 or form an airtight seal with the stopper 110. In some embodiments, gap 130 may align outer second cap wall 132 with an outer circumference of second collar side 125. In fig. 3, the portion of the spout 114 shown is not part of the second cap 108. Bottom view 320 shows inner second cap wall 128, gap 130, and outer second cap wall 132.

In some embodiments, a dual cap container according to the present disclosure does not include a stop 110 between the shoulder 104 and the spout 114. As such, the spout 114 is connected to the shoulder 104 at point 112. In some embodiments, the second cap 108 does not include the gap 130. Thus, the second cap 108 has only one wall, rather than separate walls including the inner second cap wall 128 and the outer second cap wall 132.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a dual cap container 400 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The dual cap container 400 may include a similar structure as the dual cap container 100. The description of the elements having the same number as those in fig. 1 is omitted. The dual cap container 400 differs from the dual cap container 100 primarily in that the dual cap container 400 does not include a shoulder member (e.g., shoulder 104 of fig. 1) and does not include a stop (e.g., stop 110). By not including a shoulder feature, the dual cap container 100 forms a straight edge design (i.e., there is a vertical straight edge that aligns the first cap 106, the body 102, and the second cap 108). In the dual cap container 400, the top body side 402 of the body 102 encompasses the side of the body 102 opposite the side that includes the first female mating structures 126 (i.e., the bottom side). The spout 114 is connected to the top body side 402. In some embodiments, the center of the spout 114 is aligned with the center of the top body side 402. Spout 114 includes an opening for releasing the contents of dual cap container 400 into a receiving device. The diameter of the opening may be the same as the diameter of the second opening 123 or may vary. Further, when the second cap 108 is mated with the spout 114, the second cap 108 may rest on the top body side 402, either in intimate contact or forming an airtight seal. In some embodiments, the outer second cap wall 132 may be aligned with the outer circumference of the top body side 402. In other words, they may share the same or similar diameters.

In another embodiment, the portable dual cap container may be an elongated bottle (e.g., the same height and size as the water bottle). Thus, the elongated portable dual cap container may have a capacity of 20 ounces, 28 ounces, 32 ounces. The elongated portable dual cap container may have a larger or smaller volume. In some embodiments, the elongated portable dual cap container may have a downwardly tapered side or have a continuous outer diameter. The elongated portable dual cap container has various shapes including, but not limited to, a cylindrical shape similar to the shape of a shake bottle. The elongated portable dual cap container may include a mixing ball for mixing the stored contents.

The body defines an interior chamber that can store a substance. The bottle may be made of a fluid impermeable material. The material can be a BPA-free and recyclable plastic material (e.g., PET, PETE, HDPE, PVC, LDPE, PP, PS). The material may also be other materials that may be used to store and/or transport food and/or fluids, including but not limited to glass and certain spill resistant fabrics.

An embodiment according to the present disclosure is a bottle. The bottle includes a body including a first end forming a first bore and a second end forming a second bore, the first bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter; a first cap removably coupled to the first end of the body; and a second cap removably coupled to the second end of the body. In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a carrying device removably coupled to the second cap.

The first cap includes a first threaded section and the first end of the body includes a second threaded section, the first and second threaded sections being configured and dimensioned for engagement such that the first cap is attachable to and removable from the first end of the body by rotation. The second cap includes a third threaded section and the second end of the body includes a fourth threaded section, the third and fourth threaded sections being configured and dimensioned for engagement such that the second cap is attachable to and removable from the second end of the body by rotation.

The second end of the body includes a male mating portion defining a second bore and including a fourth threaded section. The male mating portion is removably inserted into the opening of the receiving device to release the substance into the receiving device. The body defines an interior chamber for storing a substance. The bottle is made of a fluid impermeable material. The body includes a main body portion having a constant outer diameter and a transition portion having a variable outer diameter. In some embodiments, the bottle further comprises a stopper configured and dimensioned to engage with the second cap, the stopper positioned between the transition portion of the body and the second aperture. The transition portion includes a first end positioned adjacent the main body portion and a second end positioned adjacent the stop, the transition portion decreasing in outer diameter from the first end to the second end.

The second cap includes an outer ring portion defining a first inner diameter and an inner ring portion defining a second inner diameter, the first inner diameter being greater than the second inner diameter, the inner ring portion including a fourth threaded section. The male mating portion has an outer diameter less than the second inner diameter such that the male mating portion is received by the female mating portion of the inner ring portion, and the stopper has an outer diameter similar to the first inner diameter such that the stopper is substantially flush with the second cap. The second cap includes a receiver configured and dimensioned to mechanically connect to a carrier such that the carrier is attachable to and removable from the receiver, the receiver defining an opening configured and dimensioned to receive the carrier. The carrier includes a security fob key chain coupled to a ring configured and dimensioned to be removably positioned within an opening defined by the receiver to facilitate mechanical connection of the carrier to the receiver.

In some embodiments, the male mating portion defining the second bore does not include the fourth threaded section, but rather it is coupled to an annular wall structure of the male mating portion that surrounds the second end of the body. The second cap does not include an inner ring portion, but only an outer ring portion, which includes the fourth threaded section. The annular wall structure has a diameter slightly smaller than a diameter of the outer ring portion of the second cap such that the annular wall structure and the outer ring portion of the second cap are engageable via complementary threads (threaded) and a fourth thread section.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a portable container. The portable container includes: a hollow body comprising a base portion comprising a base aperture defining a first diameter, a finish portion comprising a finish aperture defining a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a transition section positioned between and connecting the base portion and the finish portion; a base cap removably connected to the base portion to cover the base aperture; a finish cap removably connected to the finish portion to cover the finish aperture; and a carrier removably connected to the bottle cap. The carrying means may be optional. In this embodiment, the base aperture is larger than the mouth aperture. For example, the base aperture may have an opening that is about 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x, etc. of the size of a spout aperture (based on the total volume that may be stored by the portable container) that is sized to fit a standard water or beverage bottle opening (i.e., the spout aperture has a funnel-sized opening). The base aperture may also be substantially similar in size to the spout aperture. For example, the base aperture and the spout aperture may both be "wide mouth" openings, or may both be "funnel-sized" openings. The base aperture may also be smaller than the finish aperture, allowing a user to use the finish aperture to scoop the substance stored within the portable container and funnel the substance stored within the portable container out of the base aperture. The base cap is removably connected to the base portion via threads positioned on an inner circumference of the base cap and an outer circumference of the base portion. The finish cap is removably connected to the finish portion via threads positioned on an inner circumference of the finish cap and an outer circumference of the finish portion. The base cap and finish cap may be removably connected to the base portion and finish portion, respectively, via other mechanisms, including but not limited to snaps and clips.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is an apparatus for storing and transporting a substance. The apparatus comprises: a body including opposing first and second ends, the first end including a first male mating section and the second end including a second male mating section, the first male mating section defining a first opening and a first outer diameter and the second male mating section defining a second opening and a second outer diameter; a first cap comprising a first female mating section configured and dimensioned to removably receive the first male mating section such that the first cap covers the first opening, the first female mating section defining a third outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter; a second cap comprising a second female mating section configured and dimensioned to removably receive the second male mating section such that the second cap covers the second opening, the second female mating section defining a fourth outer diameter that is greater than the second outer diameter; and a carrier configured and dimensioned to be removably connected to any of the body, the first cap, and the second cap. The diameter of the top surface of the first cap is greater than the diameter of the top surface of the second cap.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a bottle comprising: a body comprising a top end forming a top aperture and a bottom end; a top cap removably coupled to the top end of the body; and a carrying device removably coupled to the top cap.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a bottle comprising: a body comprising a top end and a bottom end forming a bottom aperture; a bottom cap removably coupled to the bottom end of the main body; and a carrying device removably coupled to the tip portion.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a single bottom cap container. The single bottom cap container comprises: a hollow body comprising a base portion including a base bore defining a first diameter, a finish portion having a non-removable finish cap, and a transition section positioned between and connecting the base portion and the finish portion; a single bottom cap removably connected to the base portion to cover the base aperture; and a carrier removably connected to the finish cap, the finish cap being non-removable from the finish portion (i.e., the finish portion and finish cap are continuous). The carrying means may be optional. A single bottom cap container allows a substance (e.g., a supplemental protein powder) to be filled into the container and expelled from the container through the same base aperture. The single bottom cap is removably connected to the base portion via threads positioned on an inner circumference of the base cap and an outer circumference of the base portion. The single bottom cap may be removably connected to the base portion via other mechanisms including, but not limited to, snaps and clips.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure is a single top cap container. The single top cap container comprises: a hollow body including a base portion, a finish portion including a finish aperture defining a second diameter less than the first diameter, and a transition section positioned between and connecting the base portion and the finish portion; a single top cap removably connected to the finish portion to cover the finish aperture; and a carrying device removably connected to the single top cap. The carrying means may be optional. A single top cap container allows a substance (e.g., a protein supplement powder) to be filled into the container and expelled from the container through the same finish aperture. The spout aperture may be sized funnel-like (i.e., sized with an opening funnel-like in size) so that the spout aperture may fit a standard water or beverage bottle opening. The mouth-hole may also be sized to have a wider mouth opening that easily allows the container to be filled and emptied from the same top-end opening of the container (i.e., the mouth-hole). The single top cap is removably connected to the finish portion via threads positioned on an inner circumference of the finish cap and an outer circumference of the finish portion. The single top cap may be removably connected to the base portion via other mechanisms including, but not limited to, snaps and clips.

While the disclosure has been described in connection with certain embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is permitted under the law.

Claims

1. A bottle, comprising:

a body including a first end forming a first bore and a second end forming a second bore, the first bore having a first diameter and the second bore having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter;

a first cap removably coupled to the first end of the body; and

a second cap removably coupled to the second end of the body.

2. The bottle of claim 1, further comprising:

a carrying device removably coupled to the second cap.

3. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the first cap comprises a first threaded section and the first end of the body comprises a second threaded section, the first and second threaded sections being configured and dimensioned for engagement such that the first cap is attachable to and removable from the first end of the body by rotation.

4. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the second cap comprises a third threaded section and the second end of the body comprises a fourth threaded section, the third and fourth threaded sections being configured and dimensioned for engagement such that the second cap is attachable to and removable from the second end of the body by rotation.

5. The bottle of claim 4, wherein the second end of the body comprises a male mating portion defining the second bore and comprising the fourth threaded section.

6. The bottle of claim 5, wherein the male mating portion is removably inserted into an opening of a receiving device to release a substance into the receiving device.

7. The bottle of claim 6, wherein the body defines an interior chamber that stores a substance.

8. The bottle of claim 7, wherein said bottle is formed of a fluid impermeable material.

9. The bottle of claim 5, wherein said body comprises a main body portion having a constant outer diameter and a transition portion having a variable outer diameter.

10. The bottle of claim 9, further comprising:

a stop configured and dimensioned to engage with the second cap, the stop positioned between the transition portion of the body and the second aperture.

11. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the transition portion comprises a first end positioned adjacent the main body portion and a second end positioned adjacent the stopper, the transition portion decreasing in outer diameter from the first end of the transition portion to the second end of the transition portion.

12. The bottle of claim 5, wherein the second cap comprises an outer ring portion defining a first inner diameter and an inner ring portion defining a second inner diameter, the first inner diameter being greater than the second inner diameter, the inner ring portion comprising the fourth threaded section.

13. The bottle of claim 12, wherein the male mating portion has an outer diameter that is less than the second inner diameter such that the male mating portion is received by the female mating portion of the inner ring portion, and the stopper has an outer diameter similar to the first inner diameter such that the stopper is flush with the second cap.

14. The vial of claim 2, wherein the second cap comprises a receiver configured and dimensioned to mechanically connect to the carrier such that the carrier is attachable to and removable from the receiver, the receiver defining an opening configured and dimensioned to receive the carrier.

15. The bottle of claim 14, wherein said carrier comprises a safety fob key chain coupled to a ring, said ring being configured and dimensioned to be removably positioned within said opening defined by said receiver to facilitate mechanical connection of said carrier to said receiver.

16. A portable container, comprising:

a hollow body, the hollow body comprising:

a base portion including a base bore defining a first diameter,

a finish portion including a finish aperture defining a second diameter less than the first diameter, an

A transition section positioned between and connecting the base portion and the finish portion;

a base cap removably connected to the base portion to cover the base aperture;

a finish cap removably connected to the finish portion to cover the finish aperture; and

a carrier removably connected to the bottle cap.

17. The portable container of claim 16, wherein the base cap is removably connected to the base portion via threads positioned on an inner circumference of the base cap and an outer circumference of the base portion.

18. The portable container of claim 16 wherein said finish cap is removably connected to said finish portion via threads positioned on an inner circumference of said finish cap and an outer circumference of said finish portion.

19. An apparatus for storing and transporting a substance, comprising:

a body including opposing first and second ends, the first end including a first male mating section and the second end including a second male mating section, the first male mating section defining a first opening and a first outer diameter and the second male mating section defining a second opening and a second outer diameter;

a first cap comprising a first female mating section configured and dimensioned to removably receive the first male mating section such that the first cap covers the first opening, the first female mating section defining a third outer diameter that is greater than the first outer diameter;

a second cap comprising a second female mating section configured and dimensioned to removably receive the second male mating section such that the second cap covers the second opening, the second female mating section defining a fourth outer diameter that is greater than the second outer diameter; and

a carrier configured and dimensioned to be removably connected to any of the body, the first cap, and the second cap.

20. The apparatus for storing and transporting a substance of claim 19, wherein a diameter of a top surface of the first cap is greater than a diameter of a top surface of the second cap.

21. A bottle, comprising:

a body comprising a top end forming a top aperture and a bottom end;

a top cap removably coupled to the top end of the body; and

a carrying device removably coupled to the top cap.

22. A bottle, comprising:

a body comprising a top end and a bottom end forming a bottom aperture;

a bottom cap removably coupled to the bottom end of the main body; and

a carrying device removably coupled to the tip portion.