US20190084751A1

US20190084751A1 - Multi-Functional Water Bottle

Info

Publication number: US20190084751A1
Application number: US16/041,333
Authority: US
Inventors: Karl B. Hiatt, JR.; Shaun Alexander; Terry Holker
Original assignee: Sol Fuel LLC
Current assignee: Sol Fuel LLC
Priority date: 2017-07-21
Filing date: 2018-07-20
Publication date: 2019-03-21

Abstract

A multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid has a container having a solar panel, a battery, a lid for opening the container, a middle portion enclosing the container, and a bottom portion; wherein the solar panel charges the battery, which may be used for providing LED lighting or for charging electronic devices.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119 of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/535,719 filed Jul. 24, 2017. The U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/535,719 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to containers. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to multi-function containers used, in part, for carrying water and other beverages.

BACKGROUND

Water containers and bottles have become very common in today's world. People use water containers for reasons ranging from tracking daily liquid consumption, to intense physical training. Many people need to use water containers for outdoor activities, as water is the most important necessity for survival in the outdoors and ready access to it is essential to prevent dehydration. It is important for people doing outdoor activities, including hikers and campers, to have at least one (and preferably many) container of water in their supplies. Many people are concerned with the environmental impact of one-use water bottles because of the potential harm to the environment and to human bodies. Some water bottles contain chemicals, such as Bisphenol A, which mimics estrogen and may be harmful to human bodies. Therefore, reusable water bottles have gained market-share. Reusable bottles for outdoor activities are made from plastics, composites, aluminum, stainless steel, and other materials. The metal water containers are popular because they are durable and may not contain harmful chemicals. However, such bottles are bulky and can be difficult to clean, and usually only provide a method for carrying water.
For campers and hikers, particularly for extended duration camping and hiking, it is often desirable to have several different types of containers and devices for various uses and functions encountered during the activity. Campers and hikers usually carry their gear and equipment on their person, so it is common for equipment and gear to be light-weight, portable, durable, and, when possible, serve multiple uses. This is especially true for strenuous hikes and camping where economizing on the weight is highly important. Therefore, carrying additional containers for water alone can add significant weight and take up precious space. Often times a user is forced to make a decision between what can be packed, and what must be left behind. As a result, often times much needed components are left behind.
Therefore, a need remains for a reusable water bottle that not only stores water, but that combines additional functionalities so that a user can maximize space and weight. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects disclosed herein relates to a multi-functional apparatus comprising a base accommodating at least one battery, wherein the battery is coupled to a port for interfacing with an electronic device, a reservoir coupled to the base, wherein the reservoir is at least partially surrounded by at least one flexible solar panel, wherein the flexible solar panel is electrically coupled to the battery, and a lid portion coupled to the reservoir allowing selective access to the interior of the reservoir wherein the lid further comprises a filter. The A multi-functional apparatus further comprises a light coupled to and powered by the battery wherein the light is removable. The light can be a LED light configured to interact with the reservoir to create a lantern effect when the LED light illuminate a fluid contained within the reservoir. The base stores an electrical device having a circuit board wherein the base houses the electrical device, and the at least one battery within the housing. The port can be a USB port. The lid portion further comprises a filter wherein the filter can be used to filter liquid wherein the filter can be inserted into the reservoir to purify the liquid. The filter can be a standalone filter or a filter attached to the lid.
The base can further comprise a storage container and the lid can further comprise an aperture for receiving a cord and/or carabiner, and a liquid dispenser release button wherein the liquid dispenser release button is pushed to reveal a water dispenser accommodating the user to access a liquid within the reservoir. The multi-functional container apparatus can be made of food grade plastics, metals, rubber, and carbon fibers. The flexible solar panel can be removably attached to the reservoir and/or it can be extendable away from the reservoir. A insulative cover can at least partially surround the reservoir. The base can be removably attached to the reservoir. The port can be selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a micro-USB port, a lightning port and a wireless interface port.
An accessory apparatus for use with a liquid container comprising a flexible solar panel, a battery, and a port for interfacing with an electronic device coupled to the battery; and a connector to connect the accessory apparatus to the liquid container, wherein the connector is a threaded portion configured to interact with an existing threaded portion of the liquid container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the bottom of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid hanging from a tree.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the top-portion of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 9 a side view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 10C is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 11 is multiple views of different aspects of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 12 is multiple views of different aspects of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 13 is a 3D rendering of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
As previously discussed, there remains a need for a reusable water bottle that combines additional functionalities so that a user can maximize space and weight, particularly for campers and hikers who must prioritize what and how much to carry. The multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid disclosed herein seeks to solve the aforementioned problems and others. Although “water” and “water bottle” are used throughout as examples, it will be appreciated that any liquid may be used.
In one embodiment, as generally shown in FIG. 1, a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 100 comprises a container having a lid 102, a middle portion 104, and a bottom portion 106. The lid 102 is removably attachable to the middle portion 104 and the bottom portion 106 is removably attachable to the middle portion 104. When attached, the lid 102 forms a water-tight seal with the middle portion 104. It will be appreciated that the manner of creating the water-tight seal between the lid 102 and the middle portion 104 may vary greatly, using threads, gaskets, or other known methods.
The middle portion 104 comprises a reservoir 122, an LED light 123, a insulative cover 124, a flexible solar panel 125, a para cord 126, and a hanging tab 127. It will be appreciated that the LED light 123 may be either LED or any other light emitting technologies or lights, such as CFL and others. The LED light 123 may be removably attachable to the reservoir 122. The flexible solar panel 125 may function as all, or part, of the insulative cover 124, which may also serve to insulate the liquid in the reservoir 122. Likewise, the flexible solar panel 125 may be permanently attached or removably attached to the insulative cover 124. It will be appreciated that the flexible solar panel 125 may be made from any material or materials that convert sunlight into electrical energy. In other words, the flexible solar panel 125 may convert light into energy, which may be stored in one or more batteries, which may be located in the bottom portion 106, to aid in powering the LEDs 123. In such a manner, a user combines two essential components, namely water and light, reducing the need to carry both a flashlight and a water bottle. This can be important, especially on extended hikes. In one method of use, the user would fill the reservoir 122 with water. The user could then take the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 100 with them while hiking, which reduces gear, and therefore weight, while not compromising on components. For example, the solar panels 125 may be used to charge the LEDs 123, which may be used as a flashlight or camplight. Further, with technology ever increasing, the ability to charge various components (discussed more below) also removes the need to pack charging batteries. Again, precious weight and space saved, which is an improvement over the prior art. Likewise, the combination of water and electrical components has traditionally been discouraged, due to the risks of electrical shock. However, the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 100 overcomes this problem and provides a suitable way to provide hydration to a user, while producing electricity to power lights. It will be appreciated that the reservoir may take any number of shapes, such as rectangular, cylindrical, and others.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the bottom portion 206 is shown as being removably attachable to the reservoir 204. The bottom portion 206 comprises a cover 208 (which may include a gasket or other sealant), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port 210, and an internal battery (not shown). It will be appreciated that while the bottom portion 206 only illustrates a USB port 210, other ports may be used for charging and/or interfacing with other devices, such as cellphones. The bottom portion 206 may be electrically coupled to the solar panels so as to store energy in an internal battery or to provide power to USB port 210.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a method of using a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 300 is shown. For example, a user may extend the cover 304 so that it is not wrapped around the reservoir 306. Once extended, a user may place a hanging tab 302 over a tree branch 390 or other protrusion. If during daylight hours, the user may ensure that the solar panels on cover 304 are facing toward the light, where the light may then power devices or charge the battery in bottom portion 314. During the night, one or more LEDs 308 may illuminate (such as by a user actuating a switch), providing needed light (illustrated as 310) to a campsite (or trail, if hiking).
Referring now to FIG. 4, a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 400 comprises a lid 402, a filter 404, a middle portion having a reservoir 406, a solar panel 408, an electrical device interface 410, and a storage portion 412. The storage portion 412 in this figure contains matches 414, but may be used to store various items, such as first aid items or other necessities. It will be appreciated that a user may need to filter a liquid within the apparatus, such as when using water from a stream. The filter 404 may be a more traditional carbon filter which is readily replaceable. However, the filter 404 may also be a more heavy-duty filter used to purify water when a user does not have access to clean potable water. If a heavy-duty filter is used in the apparatus, the apparatus may include a pump, not shown here, to force the unfiltered water through the filter in order to make the water safe to drink for a user. Such pump may be manually powered or powered through an electric motor. However, any method of filtration known in the art may be used without departing herefrom. It will be appreciated that the electrical device interface 410 may be a plurality of connections for various interfaces with electronic devices, such as USB, micro-USB, lightning ports, or other charging ports. It will be appreciated that the electrical device interface 410 may be configured to provide contactless charging/wireless charging to a variety of electrical devices using known methods. In such an instance, there may not be an external interface, rather, it may be contained within a portion of the apparatus 400.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 500 comprises a lid 502, a filter 504, a liquid container 506 (i.e., reservoir), a solar panel 508, and a bottom portion 510. It will be appreciated that this apparatus may be formed in one unit, or as separate components. In other words, the various components of the apparatus 500, such as the bottom portion 510 and solar panels 508, may not be removable. Further, it will be appreciated that the top portion may form a drinking spout, not shown, or other liquid distribution form.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 600 may be an accessory for being removably coupleable to various water containers. For example, the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 600 may comprise an aperture 602 for connecting to a cord or other strap, a solar panel 604, a water dispenser release button 606, a water dispenser 608, a battery (not shown), LED lights 610, and a filter 612. In other words, a user may remove the lid of a common water container and replace it with the apparatus 600 (such as by using threads). This allows a user to keep their preferred reusable water container, while obtaining several benefits of the present invention, including solar panels, a connection port for charging, LEDs, and a filter. Not all components are required, but the additional components are beneficial to a user.
FIG. 7A illustrates a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 700. In one embodiment, the water container 714 is a standard water container, with the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 700 being an accessory that was threadably coupled to the water container 714. In another embodiment, the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 700 comprises the water container (reservoir) 714 and the lid 720. The top portion 720 comprises an aperture 702 for receiving a cord or carabiner, a solar panel 704, a water dispenser release button 706, a water dispenser 708, a battery (not shown), LED lights 710, and a filter 712. The water container 714 designed to hold water 730 or other liquid. Referring now to FIG. 7B, a battery 716 is shown in the cross-section of the apparatus 720 of FIG. 7A.
Referring now to FIGS. 8-9, a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 800 comprises a compass 802 embedded into a lid 804, a carrying loop 806, a solar panel 808, an LED light 810, a filter 812, a battery (not shown), and a reservoir 814. As illustrated, this embodiment may preferably be shaped like a canteen. FIG. 9 provides a clearer view of the solar panel 808, LED light 810, and lid 804. It will be appreciated that although a compass 802 is embedded into the lid 804, a plurality of components useful for hiking and camping may be embedded either into the lid 804 or other portions of the apparatus 800.
Referring now to FIG. 10, various embodiments of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid are shown. While the form factor may vary, the components may be similar, including filters, attachment loops, LED lights, solar panels, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 11, various embodiments of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid are shown, with modular components coupled in different manners, variations on water dispenser designs, unique placements of solar panels, LED lights, attachment loops, water filters, etc.
Referring now to FIG. 12, various embodiments of a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid are shown, demonstrating a plurality of variations in design and placement of solar panels, LED lights, attachment loops, water filters, etc.
Referring to FIGS. 13-16, a multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 900 may comprise a lid 902, a middle portion having a body 904, and a bottom portion 906. The body 904 may further comprise solar panels 908, battery indication lights 910, and a reservoir 912. The lid 902 may be removably attachable and have a spout 914. The exploded view in FIG. 14 illustrates various, including spout 914, lid 902 with gasket 903, straw 905, filter coupler 907, and a filter 916. The reservoir 912 is receivable within the body 904, and may or may not be removable. The bottom portion 906 includes several components, including a cover 918 for receiving a housing 920 which stores electrical and other components, such as circuit board 922. FIGS. 15-16 illustrate the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid 900 fully-assembled.
It will be appreciated that the water filter shown in various embodiments may be common activated carbon filters or heavy-duty filters or any other type of water filter. It will be appreciated that more heavy-duty filters may require physical or mechanical pumping to create the pressure necessary to properly filter the water to make the water potable.
A plurality of materials may be used to manufacture the apparatuses disclosed above, including food grade plastics, metals, rubbers, carbon fibers, or others. Further, although solar panels have generally been shown, it will be appreciated that any material which converts photons into electrical energy may be used to provide power to the batteries, and the solar panels referred to should not be limited only to photovoltaic cells. Further, while solar panels are used as an example, other means of producing electricity are also contemplated herein, such as hand cranks and other means for using kinetic motion to generate electricity.
While LED lights have been used in a plurality of embodiments, any light emitting technology may be used to provide light to the user.
Therefore, it will be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure that the multi-functional apparatus for carrying liquid solves the need for users to have water and other components in a small, light-weight, and portable configuration, which overcomes several issues in the prior art.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A container apparatus for carry a liquid, the apparatus comprising:

a base accommodating at least one battery, wherein the battery is coupled to a port for interfacing with an electronic device;

a reservoir coupled to the base, wherein the reservoir is at least partially surrounded by at least one flexible solar panel, wherein the flexible solar panel is electrically coupled to the battery;

a lid portion coupled to the reservoir allowing selective access to the interior of the reservoir.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a light coupled to and powered by the battery.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light is removable.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light is an LED light configured to interact with the reservoir to create a lantern effect when the LED light illuminate a fluid contained within the reservoir.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base stores an electrical device having a circuit board wherein the base houses the electrical device, the at least one battery within the housing.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises a filter.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the port is a USB port.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid portion further comprises a filter wherein the filter is used to filter liquid wherein the filter is inserted into the reservoir to purify the liquid.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the filter is a standalone filter or a filter attached to the lid.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the base further comprises a storage container.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises an aperture for receiving a cord and/or carabiner, and a liquid dispenser release button wherein the liquid dispenser release button is pushed to reveal a water dispenser accommodating the user to access a liquid within the reservoir.

12. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein multi-functional container apparatus is made of food grade plastics, metals, rubber, and carbon fibers.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible solar panel is removably attached to the reservoir.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an insulative cover at least partially surrounding the reservoir.

15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the flexible solar panel is the insulative cover.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the base is removably attached to the reservoir.

17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the flexible solar panel is extendable away from the reservoir.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the port is selected from the group consisting of a USB port, a micro-USB port, a lightning port and a wireless interface port.

19. An accessory apparatus for use with a liquid container comprising:

a flexible solar panel, a battery, and a port for interfacing with an electronic device coupled to the battery; and

a connector to connect the accessory apparatus to the liquid container.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the connector is a threaded portion configured to interact with an existing threaded portion of the liquid container.