GB2554464A

GB2554464A - Dual-purpose bottle

Info

Publication number: GB2554464A
Application number: GB1616632.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Williams Jack
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-30
Filing date: 2016-09-30
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Anticipated expiration: 2036-09-30
Also published as: GB201616632D0; GB2554464B

Abstract

Disclosed is a bottle 1 with a receptacle 2 suitable for holding drinking fluid, the bottle further comprising a light source 4 and a power source 6. The power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries, and may comprise a kinetically-rechargeable element. The kinetically-rechargeable element may be a linear generator. The bottle may further comprise a closable aperture for accessing the light source and/or power source for maintenance. The bottle may comprise a handle 9, and user-operable switch 8 to control on/off states of the light source. The handle may form part of the receptacle and preferably has an ergonomic shape. Also disclosed is a bottle with a receptacle suitable for holding drinking fluid, the bottle further comprising a fitting for a light source and a fitting for a power source. A method of illuminating an environment using a bottle comprising a light source and a power source is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises steps of providing a drinking fluid for the bottle, and operating the light source to illuminate an environment ahead of the bottle. Preferably the method comprises repeated movement of a bottle that includes a kinetically-rechargeable power source.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Dual-purpose bottle

Abstract Title: Drinking fluid bottle with a light source and power source (57) Disclosed is a bottle 1 with a receptacle 2 suitable for holding drinking fluid, the bottle further comprising a light source 4 and a power source 6. The power source may be one or more rechargeable batteries, and may comprise a kinetically-rechargeable element. The kinetically-rechargeable element may be a linear generator. The bottle may further comprise a closable aperture for accessing the light source and/or power source for maintenance. The bottle may comprise a handle 9, and user-operable switch 8 to control on/off states of the light source. The handle may form part of the receptacle and preferably has an ergonomic shape. Also disclosed is a bottle with a receptacle suitable for holding drinking fluid, the bottle further comprising a fitting for a light source and a fitting for a power source. A method of illuminating an environment using a bottle comprising a light source and a power source is also disclosed, wherein the method comprises steps of providing a drinking fluid for the bottle, and operating the light source to illuminate an environment ahead of the bottle. Preferably the method comprises repeated movement of a bottle that includes a kinetically-rechargeable power source.

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Dual-Purpose Bottle

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a bottle. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a bottle which is a dual-purpose bottle which is also suitable for use as a torch. The invention also relates to a method of illuminating an environment and carrying a drinking fluid.

Background of the Invention

When out walking or running, a person often needs to hold a number of items, such as a water bottle, a phone or music player, a set of keys and a dog's lead. If they are walking or running at night or in the early morning as is popular to fit around a work schedule, a torch may also be required to safely illuminate the path ahead of the runner so they do not fall or get lost, and to allow them to be seen by others. With so many objects often needed on a run, the runner will often resort to carrying a bag or belt to hold some items. Bags and belts, though, can be uncomfortable and inconvenient to wear when exercising. They also do not help for items that must still be handheld, such as a torch or dog lead, or a water bottle which a runner would usually want to be accessible without having to reach into their bag mid-run when they are thirsty.

Some runners may choose to wear a head torch to reduce the number of items that need to be handheld. However, many runners find these uncomfortable, especially in hot conditions, and may consider them unattractive. In addition, a head torch does not provide the same flexibility and ease of use as a regular handheld torch: a wearer must turn their whole head to illuminate something not directly ahead of them, rather than easily manipulating the torch with their hand.

The present invention seeks to mitigate these problems .

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a bottle comprising a receptacle for holding a drinking fluid, wherein the bottle is a dual-purpose bottle suitable for use as a torch and further comprises: a light source for producing a directional light beam for illuminating the environment in a direction ahead of the bottle; and a power source for powering the light source.

Such a bottle allows a user to carry a drink with them when out running, but the integral light source also allows them to use the bottle as a torch, to illuminate the environment in the desired direction when running in the dark in the early morning or at night. The desired direction will usually be ahead of them, in the direction in which they are moving. This allows the user to illuminate and see the path ahead of them, as well as ensuring they are seen clearly by others. The present invention recognises that two items which often need to be carried separately when running can be combined to provide a dual-purpose product, both functions of which can be used simultaneously. The invention thus reduces the number of items the runner needs to carry.

Preferably, the power source comprises one or more rechargeable batteries. Rechargeable batteries are cost effective as they remove the need to replace disposable batteries by allowing the user to simply recharge the existing batteries instead, either by removing the batteries and charging them externally or by plugging the bottle into a charging unit.

The power source may comprise a kineticallyrechargeable power source. This is particularly advantageous as it makes use of the movement of the bottle during normal use: when running, the bottle will naturally be shaken with each step, which can be used to recharge the power source. This reduces the need for charging between uses of the bottle, and allows the torch to be used for longer periods. The kinetic charging may be the sole means of charging the light source, or may act as a supplement to an alternative charging means, such as initially shaking the torch vigorously before use or charging with a mains electrical supply.

The kinetically-rechargeable power source may comprise a linear generator. A linear generator comprises a magnet slideable through a solenoid, the current generated by the sliding being stored, for example, in a rechargeable battery or supercapacitor. Linear generators are known for use in shake torches, and they provide an effective way of powering a torch without the need for replacing batteries or connecting to a mains supply. With conventional shake-torches, though, the user shakes the torch for a period to charge it up, before beginning to use it. The incorporation of this kinetic recharging technology into the dual-function bottles of the present invention is particularly effective as it harnesses the natural movement of a bottle when held by a runner and uses it to provide a useful product which combines two items- a water bottle and a torch - into a single, compact product. The extra effort required by the user to charge the torch is minimised, as it is charged as a consequence of its use in running.

The bottle may further comprise a closable aperture by way of which the light source and/or the power source are accessible for maintenance. This allows the bulbs and/or power source to be accessed for repair or replacement, so that the torch function can still be used when, for example, a bulb breaks, simply by opening the aperture and replacing the bulb.

The on/off state of the light source may be controlled by a dedicated user operable switch. This allows the user to turn the torch on and off as desired, conserving charge when the torch function is not required and readily turning the torch on when it is.

The bottle may comprise a handle. This allows the user to maintain a comfortable and sturdy grip on the bottle when running, whilst accessing the bottle easily for a drink at any point during their run. A handle also allows the user to accurately and consistently point the torch in the right direction, usually ahead of them. Provision of a handle, rather than the user simply holding the body of the bottle as a whole, also prevents the user's hands from obscuring the light output from the light source when in use.

The handle of the bottle may form part of the receptacle. This minimises the bulk of the bottle while still allowing a large volume of water to be held, making the bottle as small as possible and easy to hold in one hand.

The handle (whether or not formed from the receptacle) may have an ergonomic shape to comfortably fit the hand of the user.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a bottle comprising a receptacle for a drinking fluid, wherein the bottle is a dual-purpose bottle suitable for use as a torch and further comprises a fitting for a light source for illuminating the environment ahead of the bottle and a fitting for a power source for powering the light source. Such a bottle has all the advantages described above for the first aspect of the invention, when a light source (such as an LED bulb) and a power source (such as a battery) are installed in their respective fittings.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of illuminating an environment and carrying a drinking fluid. The method comprises the steps of :

a) providing a drinking fluid in a receptacle that is within a dual-purpose bottle; and

b) operating a light source in the bottle to use the bottle as a torch and illuminate a path ahead of the bottle.

Preferably, the method of the third aspect further comprises the step:

c) repeatedly moving the bottle to recharge a kinetically rechargeable power source within the dualpurpose bottle, wherein the power source powers the light source .

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bottle according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a part-sectional view of the bottle of Figure 1, showing schematically the inclusion of the power source.

Figure 3 is a schematic cross section of the bottle of Figures 1 and 2.

Detailed Description

A bottle 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The bottle comprises a receptacle 2 for holding a drinking fluid, and an outlet in the form of a removable sports cap 3 for drinking the contained fluid and refilling the receptacle. The bottle has a flat base, allowing the bottle to stand upright on a surface.

An integral light source providing a torch function is provided by LED bulbs 4 installed along one side of the bottle. The bulbs are fitted behind a transparent protective plastic panel 5.

The bulbs are powered by a kinetically-rechargeable power source 6 shown in Figure 2. The light source and power source are shown only schematically in the Figures. In the embodiment of Figures 1-3, the power source is a rechargeable battery associated with a linear electrical generator comprising a magnet slideable through a solenoid. The battery is rechargeable by the sliding of the magnet through the solenoid.

The bulbs and the power source are contained in a housing 7 sealed from the receptacle interior in a waterproof manner, as shown in Figure 3, such that drinking fluid from the receptacle cannot reach them. The bulbs and battery are also sealed in their housing from the environment such that they are protected from the weather .

The bulbs 4 and power source 6 are accessible for maintenance and replacement by removal of the transparent protective panel from the body of the bottle.

A switch is provided with a button 8 arranged on the exterior of the bottle, by way of which a user can turn the torch on and off.

The receptacle 2 is shaped to form a handle 9, having an ergonomic design to comfortably fit the hand of a user, including channels 10 in which the fingers of a user can comfortably rest. The handle 9 itself comprises part of the receptacle 2, such that drinking fluid is in part held in the body of the handle.

In use, a user fills the receptacle 2 with the desired drinking fluid by way of the outlet, and can turn the torch on as desired by pressing the button 8. The handle 9 and light source are arranged on opposite faces of the bottle 1 such that, when the bottle 1 is held by the handle 9, the light source illuminates the environment ahead of the bottle and the user's hand does not obscure the light source, allowing the user to see the path ahead of them.

As the user runs whilst holding the bottle 1, the repeated shaking motion of the bottle 1 caused by each step causes the magnet of the linear generator to slide back and forth through the solenoid, recharging the battery.

Various modifications are contemplated. The bottle 1 is shown with a sports cap 3, but may have any other reasonable outlet mechanism which will be well known to the skilled person. For example, the bottle 1 may have a screw cap.

- 8 The bottle 1 is shown as being of a generally cuboidal shape with a channel through its centre to define the handle 2. The bottle 1 may alternatively be generally cylindrical in shape, or any other reasonable shape .

The light source may be one or more LED bulbs 4. Alternatively, the light source may be one or more incandescent bulbs. Any other suitable light source may be used.

In some embodiments, the bottle 1 does not have a handle; the user simply holds the bottle 1 as a whole. In some embodiments, the handle is present but does not form part of the receptacle 2.

The light source and power source 6 may be arranged in different configurations. For example, the power source 6 may be positioned in the base of the bottle 1. The light source may not extend across a whole face of the bottle, and may instead be a light source positioned at a single point on the bottle 1. Alternatively, the light source may extend across more than one face of the bottle 1.

The protective transparent panel 5 may not be fully removable. Instead, the protective transparent panel 5 may be openable and connected to the body of the bottle 1 by a hinge along one edge. Alternatively, the transparent protective panel 5 is not openable at all and a closable aperture is provided elsewhere on the bottle 1 to provide access to the light source and/or power source 6. For example, the closable aperture may be a hinged panel. The protective transparent panel may be absent.

Instead of or in addition to a rechargeable battery, a supercapacitor may be used. Instead of a kineticallyrechargeable battery, a regular disposable or rechargeable battery may be used. Where a kineticallyrechargeable power source is used, any appropriate kinetically-rechargeable battery or alternative power source may be used instead of a linear generator arrangement.

Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein.

Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A bottle comprising a receptacle for holding a drinking fluid, wherein the bottle is a dual-purpose bottle suitable for use as a torch and further comprises:

a light source for producing a directional light beam for illuminating the environment in a direction ahead of the bottle; and a power source for powering the light source.

2. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the power source is one or more rechargeable batteries.

3. A bottle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the power source comprises a kinetically-rechargeable power source, such that movement of the bottle causes the power source to recharge.

4. A bottle according to claim 3, wherein the kinetically-rechargeable power source comprises a linear generator .

5. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the bottle further comprises a closable aperture by way of which the light source and/or the power source are accessible for maintentenance.

6. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the on/off state of the light source is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch.

7. A bottle according to any preceding claim, further comprising a handle.

8. A bottle according to claim 7, wherein the handle forms part of the receptacle.

9. A method of illuminating an environment and carrying a drinking fluid, wherein the method comprises the steps of :

providing a drinking fluid in a bottle according to claim 1 operating the light source in the bottle to use the bottle as a torch and illuminate the environment in a direction ahead of the bottle; and repeatedly moving the bottle to recharge the kinetically rechargeable power source.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: Claims searched:

GB1616632.4

1-12

9. A bottle according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the handle has an ergonomic shape.

10. A bottle comprising a receptacle for a drinking fluid, wherein the bottle is a dual-purpose bottle suitable for use as a torch and further comprises:

a fitting for a light source for illuminating the environment ahead of the bottle; and a fitting for a power source for powering the light source .

11. A method of illuminating an environment and carrying a drinking fluid, wherein the method comprises the steps of :

providing a drinking fluid in a bottle according to claim 1; and operating the light source in the bottle to use the bottle as a torch and illuminate the environment in a direction ahead of the bottle.

12. The method according to claim 11 wherein the power source of the bottle comprises a kinetically-rechargeable power source, the method further comprising the step of:

repeatedly moving the bottle to recharge the kinetically rechargeable power source.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows :Claims

1. A bottle comprising a receptacle for holding a drinking fluid, wherein the bottle is a dual-purpose

5 bottle suitable for use as a torch and further comprises:

a light source for producing a directional light beam for illuminating the environment in a direction ahead of the bottle, the bottle being oriented during normal use such that said direction is in front of a user

10 in the direction in which they are moving; and a power source for powering the light source, wherein the power source comprises a kineticallyrechargeable power source, such that movement of the bottle causes the power source to recharge.

CO

2. A bottle according to claim 1, wherein the kinetically-rechargeable power source comprises a linear generator .

20 3. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein the bottle further comprises a closable aperture by way of which the light source and/or the power source are accessible for maintenance.

25 4. A bottle according to any preceding claim, wherein an on/off state of the light source is controlled by a dedicated user operable switch.

5. A bottle according to any preceding claim, further

30 comprising a handle.

6. A bottle according to claim 5, wherein the handle forms part of the receptacle.

7. A bottle according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the handle comprises one or more channels in which the fingers of a user can rest.

8. A bottle comprising a receptacle for a drinking fluid, wherein the bottle is a dual-purpose bottle suitable for use as a torch and further comprises:

a fitting for a light source for illuminating the 10 environment ahead of the bottle; and a fitting for a kinetically-rechargeable power source power source for powering the light source, such that, when fitted, movement of the bottle causes the power source to recharge.