GB2130996A - A container - Google Patents

Abstract

A cheap, hand held container which can be pre-filled with fluids, can be temporarily sealed for handling and storage, and allows the user to effect quick and simple operation of the seal to release, control and direct delivery of the fluid, consists of a flexible plastics body 1 with an integral drinking/outlet tube 2, and tube retainer 4 for holding the outlet tube in a bent over angle to retain the fluid for temporary handling and storage. When the fluid is required from the container, for example to drink, the outlet tube can be released from the retainer and flow controlled using finger and thumb pressure and directed as required. For long term storage of the fluid the tube end may be heat-sealed, being sheared when temporary storage is required. The container is suitable for use by long-distance runners, walkers, cyclists etc. Other forms of material to hold the outlet tube temporarily in a bent over kinked condition as disclosed. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION A container Background and summary In endurance events requiring prolonged activity of the participants it is necessary to replenish fluid loss by regular intakes of liquid during the competition. Typical events are long distance running, cycling, skiing, motor rallying etc.

This fluid (normally water) should be taken as quickly and easily as possible to reduce to a minimum loss of time and concentration, and spillage must be controlled to minimise discomfort and consequential hazards.

Presently these fluids are offered to competitors at aid stations in a variety of containers including open plastic cups and small screwtop bottles. In cycling events drinks may be offered in a relatively large and expensive flexible plastic container with a screw-on drinks tube which is recovered and subsequently re-used.

The purpose of this invention is to provide a cheap, disposable purpose made container which can be pre-filled, handled and stored at the aid station and allow the competitor, by quick and simple operation, to release and consume the fluid with minimum discomfort and loss of time and concentration.

The bottle/container consists of a flexible bowl with built-in drinking tube to be held for example, between finger and thumb to direct and control the fluid into the mouth.

To facilitate temporary storage at the aid station a seal is provided to prevent fluid loss during handling and storage, for example by means of bending the drinks tube through an angle of approximately 1 70 degrees and restraining the bent tube in that position.

This seal can be easily and quickly released by the competitor and a controlled fluid drink directed into the mouth by squeezing the bottle and drinks tube as required.

The bottle may be produced in various flexible plastic materials by either moulding or part moulding part assembly processes.

Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a disposable drinks bottle, temporarily closed; Figure 2 shows a detail of the bottle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a bottle consisting of fabricated mouldings; Figure 4 shows a further form of bottle temporarily closed; Figure 5 shows a further form of temporary closure; Figure 6 shows a further form of bottle, in two views at right angles; and Figures 7/1 to 7/5 show different designs of tube-retaining tab.

A moulding process will provide for example a bottle as indicated in Figures 1 or 4 or 6 completed in a single moulding operation with the flexible bowl reference item 1 and drinking tube reference item 2 formed as an integral unit. A cavity reference item 3 as in Figure 1 may be provided in the bottle into which the bent drinks tube reference item 2 is inserted and restrained during temporary storage. Alternatively a moulded or fabricated ring or hook reference item 4 may be provided as in Figure 4 to facilitate the restraint. Alternatively a flat tab reference item 4 may be provided as in Figure 6 to facilitate the restraint. The tab may be moulded or punched to one of the designs indicated in Figure 7.

Two planes of weakness are preferably provided in the drinks tube to facilitate ease of location of the tube in the restraining cavity as indicated in Figure 2.

The bottle may be made suitable for long term storage of contents by means of heat sealing this end of the drinks tube after filling.

The bottle may be made ready for temporary storage at the aid station by simply shearing and removing the heat sealed end of the drinks tube when required.

In the part moulded/part assembled design the drinks tube reference item 2 would be first formed.

It is preferably shaped to make it easy to hold and manipulate with one hand, for example as shown in Figure 6 which illustrates a bottle which can be held in one hand, with the index finger across the recessed portion in the top, with the tube and retaining tab so placed that the tube can be pushed clear of the tab by the user's thumb, whereupon the tube will substantially straighten itself into a position enabling the user to drink from it, squeezing the container if necessary to expel the liquid.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to a disposable drinks container for sportsmen and athletes, it is not restricted to such use.

Claims

1. A container for liquids, consisting of a flexible bowl with an outlet tube permanently secured to the bowl.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 of moulded plastics material.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the tube is integral with the bowl.

4. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the tube is a prefabricated element permanently attached to the bowl.

5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least the tube comprises heatsealable material for sealing the container.

6. A container as claimed in any preceding claim including means for temporarily closing the tube.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6 including retaining means for holding the tube closed.

8. A container as claimed in claim 7 in which the retaining means are arranged to hold the tube in a tightly bent condition to close the tube.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8 in which

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (12)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION A container Background and summary In endurance events requiring prolonged activity of the participants it is necessary to replenish fluid loss by regular intakes of liquid during the competition. Typical events are long distance running, cycling, skiing, motor rallying etc. This fluid (normally water) should be taken as quickly and easily as possible to reduce to a minimum loss of time and concentration, and spillage must be controlled to minimise discomfort and consequential hazards. Presently these fluids are offered to competitors at aid stations in a variety of containers including open plastic cups and small screwtop bottles. In cycling events drinks may be offered in a relatively large and expensive flexible plastic container with a screw-on drinks tube which is recovered and subsequently re-used. The purpose of this invention is to provide a cheap, disposable purpose made container which can be pre-filled, handled and stored at the aid station and allow the competitor, by quick and simple operation, to release and consume the fluid with minimum discomfort and loss of time and concentration. The bottle/container consists of a flexible bowl with built-in drinking tube to be held for example, between finger and thumb to direct and control the fluid into the mouth. To facilitate temporary storage at the aid station a seal is provided to prevent fluid loss during handling and storage, for example by means of bending the drinks tube through an angle of approximately 1 70 degrees and restraining the bent tube in that position. This seal can be easily and quickly released by the competitor and a controlled fluid drink directed into the mouth by squeezing the bottle and drinks tube as required. The bottle may be produced in various flexible plastic materials by either moulding or part moulding part assembly processes. Embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a disposable drinks bottle, temporarily closed; Figure 2 shows a detail of the bottle shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a bottle consisting of fabricated mouldings; Figure 4 shows a further form of bottle temporarily closed; Figure 5 shows a further form of temporary closure; Figure 6 shows a further form of bottle, in two views at right angles; and Figures 7/1 to 7/5 show different designs of tube-retaining tab. A moulding process will provide for example a bottle as indicated in Figures 1 or 4 or 6 completed in a single moulding operation with the flexible bowl reference item 1 and drinking tube reference item 2 formed as an integral unit. A cavity reference item 3 as in Figure 1 may be provided in the bottle into which the bent drinks tube reference item 2 is inserted and restrained during temporary storage. Alternatively a moulded or fabricated ring or hook reference item 4 may be provided as in Figure 4 to facilitate the restraint. Alternatively a flat tab reference item 4 may be provided as in Figure 6 to facilitate the restraint. The tab may be moulded or punched to one of the designs indicated in Figure 7. Two planes of weakness are preferably provided in the drinks tube to facilitate ease of location of the tube in the restraining cavity as indicated in Figure 2. The bottle may be made suitable for long term storage of contents by means of heat sealing this end of the drinks tube after filling. The bottle may be made ready for temporary storage at the aid station by simply shearing and removing the heat sealed end of the drinks tube when required. In the part moulded/part assembled design the drinks tube reference item 2 would be first formed. It is preferably shaped to make it easy to hold and manipulate with one hand, for example as shown in Figure 6 which illustrates a bottle which can be held in one hand, with the index finger across the recessed portion in the top, with the tube and retaining tab so placed that the tube can be pushed clear of the tab by the user's thumb, whereupon the tube will substantially straighten itself into a position enabling the user to drink from it, squeezing the container if necessary to expel the liquid. Although the invention has been described above with reference to a disposable drinks container for sportsmen and athletes, it is not restricted to such use. Claims

1. A container for liquids, consisting of a flexible bowl with an outlet tube permanently secured to the bowl.

2. A container as claimed in claim 1 of moulded plastics material.

3. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the tube is integral with the bowl.

4. A container as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the tube is a prefabricated element permanently attached to the bowl.

5. A container as claimed in any preceding claim in which at least the tube comprises heatsealable material for sealing the container.

6. A container as claimed in any preceding claim including means for temporarily closing the tube.

7. A container as claimed in claim 6 including retaining means for holding the tube closed.

8. A container as claimed in claim 7 in which the retaining means are arranged to hold the tube in a tightly bent condition to close the tube.

9. A container as claimed in claim 8 in which the tube has at least one transverse plane of weakness at which it can be preferentially bent to close the tube.

10. A container as claimed in claim 7, 8 or 9 in which the retaining means are adapted to allow quick release of the tube by one or more fingers of a user's hand holding the container.

11. A container as claimed in claim 7, 8, 9 or 10 in which the retaining means is a perforated or hooked tab integral with the bowl.

12. A disposable container for drinks, substantially as herein described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings.