WO2007058500A1

WO2007058500A1 - Multipurpose drink container and container set containing the same

Info

Publication number: WO2007058500A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/004858
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sang-Tak Park
Original assignee: Sang-Tak Park
Priority date: 2005-11-21
Filing date: 2006-11-17
Publication date: 2007-05-24

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multipurpose drink container which holds a drink, is able to be transported and sold, and can be used as a plaything or exercise apparatus after the drink held therein has been consumed, and a container set including the same. The drink container includes a container body having a mouth and a cap provided to the mouth. The container body has a spherical or hemispherical shape. The container set has a drink container and a connection member for assembling at least two drink containers. The container body has a coupling section to be assembled with the connection member. Two hemispherical container bodies can be assembled using the connection member to form a ball or a dumbbell. The drink container can be utilized as a ball or a dumbbell or for a block game by itself or by being assembled with another drink container.

Description

MULTIPURPOSE DRINK CONTAINER AND CONTAINER SET

CONTAINING THE SAME

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a multipurpose drink container and a container set including the same, and more particularly, to a multipurpose drink container which holds a drink, is able to be transported and sold, and can be used as a plaything or exercise apparatus after the drink held therein has been consumed, and a container set including the same.

[2]

Background Art

[3] In general, a drink container is made of plastic or glass and is transported and sold while it holds a drink such as water, beer, a carbonated drink, an ionized drink, etc.

[4] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional drink container.

[5] Referring to FIG. 1, the conventional drink container includes a container body 1 which holds a drink, and a cap 2 which is provided to the mouth Ia of the container body 1. In the container body 1, the mouth Ia is defined at the upper end of a neck part Ib. The conventional container body 1 generally has a cylindrical configuration such as that shown in FIG. 1, or, in some cases, a polygonal configuration.

[6] However, since the conventional drink container is used only to hold a drink, be distributed, and be sold, it is not used for other purposes.

[7] Once the drink has been consumed, a drink container is separately collected and recycled. Since the drink container is mainly made of plastic, if the drink container is burned, environmental pollution is caused. While it is natural to collect the drink container after use, since the drink container is used only for one purpose of holding a drink after manufacture, a problem is caused in that utilization efficiency of the drink container is deteriorated in consideration of the manufacturing cost thereof.

[8] In country parks and amusement parks and along walkways, there are a lot of drink selling stores. These drink selling stores do not normally sell exercise apparatus. Generally, persons including children may want to take exercise or play soccer, etc. in these places. At this time, since there is no store selling exercise apparatus (such as a soccer ball) and the persons do not have any implement or plaything to take exercise or to play with, the persons cannot but suppress the urge to take exercise or play and return home.

[9]

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[10] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multipurpose drink container which is configured to be used for other purposes, for example as a plaything or exercise apparatus, after the drink held therein has been consumed, thereby improving the utilization efficiency thereof, and a container set including the same.

[H]

Technical Solution

[12] In order to achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drink container including a container body which has a mouth and a cap which is provided to the mouth of the container body, wherein the container body has a spherical or hemispherical shape and is defined with a recess which has a recess sidewall and a recess bottom wall, the mouth of the container body extends upward from an inner end of the recess bottom wall such that an insertion groove is defined between the recess sidewall and the mouth of the container body, and the cap is fitted into the insertion groove to be coupled to the mouth of the container body.

[13] According to another aspect of the present invention, the container body has a coupling section.

[14] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drink container including a container body which has a mouth and a cap which is provided to the mouth of the container body, wherein the container body has a hemispherical shape and is defined with a recess which has a recess sidewall and a recess bottom wall, the mouth of the container body extends upward from the inner end of the recess bottom wall such that an insertion groove is defined between the recess sidewall and the mouth of the container body, and the cap is fitted into the insertion groove to be coupled to the mouth of the container body, and wherein a coupling section is formed in the bottom of the container body such that two hemispherical container bodies can be assembled by coupling each end of a connection member into the coupling section of each container body so as to define a spherical shape.

[15] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drink container including a container body which has a mouth and a cap which is provided to the mouth of the container body, wherein the container body is formed with the mouth at an upper end thereof and has a partially spherical or partially hemispherical shape, and wherein the cap has a cover section which has a rounded shape such that, when the cap is coupled to the container body, the container body has a substantially complete spherical or hemispherical shape, and a locking section which is formed at a center portion of the cover section to be coupled to the mouth.

[16] According to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container set comprising a drink container including a container body which has a mouth and a cap which is provided to the mouth of the container body, wherein the container body has a spherical or hemispherical shape and is formed with a coupling section; and a connection member coupled to the coupling section to allow at least two drink containers to be assembled with each other.

[17] At this time, various patterns can be formed on the surface of the container body.

These patterns can be formed by intaglio, embossing and printing. For example, patterns (for example, the pattern of a soccer ball) for depicting the balls used in various ball games can be formed.

[18]

Advantageous Effects

[19] Thanks to the features of the present invention, the multipurpose drink container according to the present invention can be sold and distributed in a state in which it holds a drink, and after the drink has been consumed, the multipurpose drink container can be used for other purposes. Specifically, the multipurpose drink container can be used as a soccer ball, a volleyball, a dumbbell, a barbell, a part for a block game, a plaything, or exercise apparatus. [20]

Brief Description of the Drawings [21] The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

[22] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a conventional drink container;

[23] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2;

[25] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; [26] FIGs. 5 through 9 are cross-sectional views illustrating various shapes of a connection member which constitutes a container set according to the present invention; [27] FIGs. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating the exemplary use of container sets according to the present invention; [28] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;

[29] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 12;

[30] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another use of a container set according to the present invention;

[31] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[32] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[33] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and

[34] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[35]

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[36] Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

[37] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross- sectional view of FIG. 2.

[38] The drink container 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a container body 10 which has a mouth 12, and a cap 20 which is provided to the mouth 12 of the container body 10. As shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, the container body 10 has a spherical shape, like a ball. Here, the spherical shape is not restricted to a completely spherical shape, but includes a slightly elliptical shape. At this time, in order to ensure that the container body 10 can be appropriately used as a ball, that is, that the container body 10 is not prevented from rolling due to the presence of a projecting mouth, the mouth 12 is retracted into the container body 10. In other words, the mouth 12 is formed to be retracted into the container body 10 so that the distal end of the mouth 12 is substantially flush with the surface of the container body 10.

[39] According to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to ensure that the mouth 12 is retracted into the container body 10 as described above, the container body 10 has an insertion groove 14. The mouth 12 is formed to be positioned in the insertion groove 14. Concretely speaking, the container body 10 is defined with a recess which has a recess sidewall 16 and a recess bottom wall 18. The recess bottom wall 18 perpendicularly extends from the lower end of the recess sidewall 16. The mouth 12 of the container body 10 extends upward from the inner end of the recess bottom wall 18 such that the insertion groove 14 is defined between the recess sidewall 16 and the mouth 12 of the container body 10. An external thread 12a is formed on the circumferential outer surface of the mouth 12 so that the cap 20 can be coupled to and decoupled from the mouth 12. When the cap 20 is coupled to the mouth 12, the cap 20 is fitted into the space, that is, the insertion groove 14, defined between the recess sidewall 16 and the mouth 12. At this time, in order to ensure that the insertion groove 14 is filled with the cap 20, which is coupled to the mouth 12, it is preferred that the outer diameter of the cap 20 be substantially the same as the diameter of the insertion groove 14.

[40] Various patterns 15 can be formed on the surface of the container body 10. These patterns 15 include those which are formed by intaglio, embossing and printing. Instead of the patterns, stickers which are printed with various designs can be attached to the surface of the container body 10. For example, the patterns 15 can be those (for example, a pattern of a soccer ball) which visualize the balls used in various ball games. In FIG. 2, the pattern of a soccer ball is illustrated.

[41] The container body 10 and the cap 20 are preferably made of plastic, for example, polyethyleneterephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyacryl (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and derivatives thereof.

[42] In the first embodiment of the present invention, as the container 100 has the shape of a ball (for example, a soccer ball), after the drink held therein has been consumed, the drink container can be effectively used as a ball for a ball game (for example, a soccer game). In particular, the container can be satisfactorily used by children. At this time, since the container body 10 has the spherical shape, when it is displayed to be sold while accommodating drink, the container body 10 is likely to roll. In consideration of this fact, it is preferred that the container body 10 be seated on a display member D which has the shape of a ring, as shown in FIG. 2.

[43] Hereafter, the second through seventh embodiments of the drink container according to the present invention will be described. In the following descriptions, since the same reference numerals refer to the same component parts performing the same functions, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted, and only the characterizing features of the respective embodiments will be described.

[44] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a drink container in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[45] According to this second embodiment of the present invention, a container 100 has a container body 10 which has a mouth 12, and a cap 20 which is provided to the mouth 12 of the container body 10. The container body 10 is formed with a coupling section 11 so that at least two container bodies 10 can be assembled with each other through their coupling sections 11. Concretely speaking, a connection member 200 (see FIG. 5) can be coupled to the coupling sections 11 of at least two container bodies 10 to assemble the container bodies 10 with each other. Here, as an assembling structure, an internal thread 11a can be formed in the coupling section 11 such that the connection member 200 as shown in FIG. 5 can be threadedly coupled to the internal thread 11a. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 4, the coupling section 11 is defined in the shape of a groove which is recessed into the container body 10.

[46] At least one coupling section 11 can be formed on the bottom wall or the sidewall of the container body 10. Preferably, the coupling section 11 is formed opposite the mouth 12, that is, on the bottom wall of the container body 10.

[47] FIGs. 5 through 9 illustrate various shapes of the connection member which constitutes a container set according to the present invention.

[48] The connection member 200 is used to assemble the drink containers 100, that is, the container bodies 10, with each other, and has an assembling structure for assembling the container bodies 10 with each other. For example, the connection member 200 serves as an assembling element and has a structure in which an external thread 200a is formed on each end of the connection member 200. The connection member 200 can be coupled to the coupling section 11 or to the mouth 12 of the container body 10. The connection member 200 and the container 100 constitute the container set according to the present invention.

[49] Referring to FIG. 5, the connection member 200 has the shape of a rod, and is formed with external threads 200a on both halves thereof. Here, the shape of a rod is to be understood to include the shape of a pipe.

[50] Referring to FIG. 6, while the connection member 200 has the shape of a rod, it may have a structure in which external threads 200a are formed on both ends thereof, excluding a grasping part 210 to be grasped with the hand.

[51] Moreover, the connection member 200 may have various shapes such as of V, Y, + and T, in which a plurality of rods are coupled to each other or to one another, and may be formed with external threads 200a on respective ends thereof. FIG. 7 illustrates a connection member 200 which substantially has the shape of a Y, and FIG. 8 illustrates a connection member 200 which substantially has the shape of a +.

[52] Referring to FIG. 9, while the connection member 200 has the shape of a rod, it comprises an intermediate grasping part 210 and nut-shaped connection parts 220 which are formed on both ends of the grasping part 210. Concretely speaking, the nut- shaped connection parts 220 are integrally formed with the grasping part 210, have an outer diameter greater than the grasping part 210, and are formed with internal threads 200a on the circumferential inner surfaces thereof.

[53] While not specifically limited, the connection members 200 shown in FIGs. 5 through 8 can be coupled to the coupling section 11 of the container body 10 (see FIG. 10), and the connection member 200 shown in Fig. 9 can be coupled to the mouth 12 of the container body 10 (see FIG. 11).

[54] In the present invention, the connection member 200 can be structured to have various shapes in addition to those shown in FIGs. 5 through 9. As long as a connection member can be used to assemble container bodies 10 with each other, it is included in the present invention. Also, the connection member 200 can be made of wood, metal or plastic. Preferably, the connection member 200 is made of hard plastic having high strength.

[55] FIGs. 10 and 11 are cross-sectional views illustrating exemplary use of the container sets according to the present invention. Referring to FIGs. 10 and 11, by assembling the containers 100 and the connection member 200 with each other, a dumbbell is formed.

[56] First, as shown in FIG. 10, in the container sets according to the present invention, by assembling two container bodies 10 as shown in FIG. 4 and one connection member 200 as shown in FIG. 6, a dumbbell is formed to be used as exercise apparatus. At this time, the two ends of the connection member 200 are coupled to the coupling sections 11 of the container bodies 10.

[57] Further, as shown in FIG. 11, by assembling two container bodies 10 as shown in

FIG. 2 and one connection member 200 as shown in FIG. 9, a dumbbell is formed to be used as exercise apparatus. At this time, the two ends of the connection member 200 are coupled to the mouths 12 of the container bodies 10.

[58] Accordingly, in the container sets according to the present invention, by assembling the container sets with one another, the resultant structure can be used for various purposes. For example, when two container bodies 10 and one connection member 200 are assembled with each other, dumbbells, as shown in FIGs. 10 and 11, can be constructed to be used as exercise apparatus. Moreover, by using two or more container bodies 10 and connection members 200, the resultant structure can be used for a block game. Concretely speaking, by using the connection members 200 as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8, the container bodies 10 can be assembled to have a variety of configurations and can be utilized as a part for a block game. Furthermore, when assembling a plurality of container bodies 10 using the connection members 200 into the configuration of a ring, the resultant structure can be utilized as a swimming tube in a swimming pool or in a swimming beach.

[59] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a cross- sectional view of FIG. 12.

[60] According to this third embodiment of the present invention, the drink container 100 includes a container body 10 which has a mouth 12, and a cap 20 which is provided to the mouth 12 of the container body 10. As shown in FIGs. 12 and 13, the container body 10 has a hemispherical shape. Here, the hemispherical shape is not restricted to a completely hemispherical shape, but includes a slightly semi-elliptical shape. The container body 10 is formed with a coupling section 11 for allowing container bodies 10 to be coupled with each other by the connection member 200. At this time, when two container bodies 10 are assembled with each other by coupling the connection member 200 shown in FIG. 5 to the coupling sections 11 thereof, the shape of a ball (see FIG. 14) is obtained. Also, when two container bodies 10 are assembled with each other by coupling the connection member 200 shown in FIG. 6 to the coupling sections 11 thereof, the shape of a dumbbell is obtained.

[61] FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Since the hemispherical container body 10 has a flat bottom surface, when the container 100 is displayed for sale, the drink container 100 can be stably displayed without using the separate display member D.

[62] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another use of a container set according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 14, when the hemispherical drink container 100 and the connection member 200 are assembled with each other, the shape of a (spherical) ball is obtained.

[63] As can be readily seen from FIG. 14, in the container sets according to the present invention, by assembling two hemispherical container bodies 10 as shown in FIGs. 12 and 13 and one connection member 200 as shown in FIG. 5, the configuration of a ball is defined to be used as exercise apparatus for soccer, etc. or as a plaything. Also, by using the connection members 200 as shown in FIGs. 6 through 9, the resultant structure can be used as a dumbbell or a barbell or for a block game.

[64] Meanwhile, the cap 20 can be constructed in a manner such that the height H20 of the cap 20 is equal to or greater than the depth H 14 of the insertion groove 14 defined around the mouth 12.

[65] Concretely speaking, as shown in FIGs. 2 and 3, the height H20 of the cap 20 is determined to be greater than the depth H 14 of the insertion groove 14 so as to allow the cap 20 to be easily coupled to and decoupled from the mouth 12. At this time, the height H20 of the cap 20 can be determined such that the upper end of the cap 20 is exposed out of the container body 10 a sufficient amount to allow the cap 20 to be easily grasped with the hand after being coupled to the mouth 12.

[66] Further, as shown in FIGs. 12 and 13, it is preferred that the height H20 of the cap

20 be substantially equal to the depth H 14 of the insertion groove 14, and that a fitting groove 25 be defined on the upper surface of the cap 20. The fitting groove 25 allows a coin, etc. to be fitted therein. By fitting a coin into the fitting groove 25 and rotating the coin, the cap 20 can be easily coupled to and decoupled from the mouth 12. Moreover, preferably, the upper surface of the cap 20 is slightly rounded, such that the upper surface of the cap 20 is flush with the surface of the container body 10 after the cap 20 is fitted into the insertion groove 14.

[67] Also, it is preferred that the mouth 12 of the container body 10 be formed such that it can be extended out of and retracted into the container body 10.

[68] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[69] According to this fourth embodiment of the present invention, the mouth 12 of the container body 10 can be extended out of and retracted into the container body 10. Here, "extension" means that the mouth 12 can be projected out of the container body 10, and "retraction" means that the mouth 12 can be inserted into the container body 10. Various methods for extending and retracting the mouth 12 can be employed. For example, the mouth 12 can be composed of an outer element (not shown) and an inner element (not shown) which are designed such that the inner element is fixed in a retracted state and the outer element slides on the inner element. Thus, as the outer element slides, it can be extended and retracted.

[70] Further, according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention, the extension and retraction of the mouth 12 are enabled by connecting the container body 10 and the mouth 12 with each other via the recess sidewall 16 and the recess bottom wall 18 and by forming the recess sidewall 16 from soft material. Preferably, both the recess sidewall 16 and the recess bottom wall 18 are made of soft material. Nevertheless, the container body 10 and the mouth 12 are made of hard material.

[71] Concretely speaking, by forming the recess sidewall 16 using soft plastic having predetermined flexibility, or elastic material such as rubber, silicon, or a synthetic resin elastomer derived therefrom, the mouth 12 can be extended out of or retracted into the container body 10. Moreover, it is preferred that the recess sidewall 16 be formed so as to be inclined, as shown in FIG. 15, such that the mouth 12 can be reliably extended and retracted.

[72] In the case where the mouth 12 can be extended and retracted, when taking a drink, a straw can be used, and alternatively, in a state in which the mouth 12 is extended out of the container body 10, the lips can be brought into direct contact with the mouth 12 of the container body 10 to consume the drink held in the container 100.

[73] Also, as shown in FIG. 15, in a state in which the mouth 12 is extended, by coupling the mouth 12 to the coupling section 11 of another container body 10, the container bodies 10 can be assembled with each other without using the connection member 200. In the case where the mouth 12 can be extended and retracted in this way, a plurality of container bodies 10 can be assembled with one another without using the connection members 200. This is advantageous since the containers 100 can be stacked upon one another when transporting or collecting the containers 100.

[74] FIG. 16 is an exploded view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is an exploded view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[75] Referring to FIGs. 16 and 17, the container 100 includes a container body 10 which has a mouth 12, and a cap 20 which is provided to the mouth 12 of the container body 10. The container body 10 has a partially spherical shape. The mouth 12 is projectedly formed on the upper end of the container body 10. The container body 10 has a horizontal surface 10a- 1 (see FIG. 16) or an inclined surface 10a-2 (see FIG. 17). Therefore, the container body 10 has a shape which is a departure from a complete sphere. The mouth 12 projects upward from the center portion of each of the horizontal surface 10a- 1 as shown in FIG. 16 and the inclined surface 10a-2 as shown in FIG. 17. As can be readily seen from FIGs. 16 and 17, the top 20 has a shape such that, when the cap 20 is coupled to the container body 10, the container body 10 has a substantially complete spherical shape. Specifically, the cap 20 has the shape which substantially corresponds to a crescent or an umbrella. Concretely speaking, the cap 20 has a cover section 24 which has a rounded shape such that, when the cap 20 is coupled to the container body 10, the container body 10 has a substantially complete spherical or hemispherical shape, and a locking section 22 which is formed at the center portion of the cover section 24 to be coupled to the mouth 12. The cap 20 can be opened (has no lower plate) or closed (has a lower plate) at the lower end 20a thereof.

[76] When the pattern 15 is formed on the container body 10, the corresponding pattern

15 is also continuously formed on the cap 20.

[77] Furthermore, it is preferred that sliding prevention means 28 be formed on the surface of the cap 20. The sliding prevention means 28 prevents fingers from sliding when opening and closing (rotating) the cap 20, and may comprise grooves, protuberances, or lines. FIGs. 16 and 17 illustrate the case where the sliding prevention means 28 comprises a plurality of grooves 28a.

[78] Referring to FIG. 17, the container body 10 can be formed with the coupling section

11 on the lower end thereof, which is opposite the mouth 12, and can have a flat surface 10b on the lower end thereof which prevents the container body 10 from rolling while it is displayed. At this time, if another cap 20 is coupled to the flat surface 10b, the container body 10 can have a completely spherical shape.

[79] FIG. 18 is an exploded view of a multipurpose drink container in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

[80] In the container 100 according to this seventh embodiment of the present invention, when compared to the fifth embodiment (shown in FIG. 16), the container body 10 has a partially hemispherical shape. As a consequence, in the container 100 according to this seventh embodiment of the present invention, when the cap 20 is coupled to the container body 10, the container body 10 has a completely hemispherical shape. When two containers 100 each having this shape are assembled with each other by the connection member 200, a completely spherical shape is obtained. FIG. 18 illustrates the case where the sliding prevention means 28 comprises a plurality of lines 28b.

[81] In the container 100 according to the present invention, the mouth 12 and the cap 20 basically define a waterproof structure for preventing the drink from leaking outside. This waterproof structure is attained by the material of the mouth 12 and the cap 20, or by a separate sealing member such as a rubber ring fitted around the lower end of the mouth 12, adhesive paper attached to the upper end of the mouth 12, a sealing cap fitted into the mouth 12, and the like.

[82] The drink container 100 according to the present invention, constructed as mentioned above, is distributed and sold while it holds a drink. After the drink has been consumed, the drink container 100 can be utilized for other purposes. Concretely speaking, since the container body 10 itself has the shape of a ball (namely, when the container body 10 is spherical as shown in FIG. 2), or container bodies 10 are assembled with each other to have the shape of a ball (namely, when the container body 10 is hemispherical as shown in FIG. 14), the resultant structure can be used as exercise apparatus or a plaything. Also, by assembling the container bodies 10 with the connection member 200, the resultant structure can be used as a dumbbell, a barbell or a swimming tube, or for a block game.

[83]

Industrial Applicability

[84] The multipurpose drink container according to the present invention can be provided in country parks and amusement parks and along walkways in a state in which it holds a drink, and can be appropriately used by a person who wants to take exercise or play with something in these places.

[85] As is apparent from the above description, the multipurpose drink container according to the present invention can be sold and distributed in a state in which it holds a drink, and after the drink has been consumed, the multipurpose drink container can be used for other purposes. Concretely, the multipurpose drink container can be variously used as a plaything or exercise apparatus, such as a ball, a dumbbell, a barbell, a component element for a block game, a swimming tube, etc., whereby its usefulness is increased.

[86] In the drawings and specification, typical preferred embodiments of the invention have been disclosed and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

[1] A drink container including a container body (10) which has a mouth (12) and a cap (20) which is provided to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), wherein the container body (10) has a spherical or hemispherical shape and is defined with a recess which has a recess sidewall (16) and a recess bottom wall (18), the mouth (12) of the container body (10) extends upward from an inner end of the recess bottom wall (18) such that an insertion groove (14) is defined between the recess sidewall (16) and the mouth (12) of the container body (10), and the cap (20) is fitted into the insertion groove (14) to be coupled to the mouth (12) of the container body (10).

[2] The drink container according to claim 1, wherein the container body (10) has a coupling section (11).

[3] A drink container including a container body (10) which has a mouth (12) and a cap (20) which is provided to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), wherein the container body (10) has a hemispherical shape and is defined with a recess which has a recess sidewall (16) and a recess bottom wall (18), the mouth (12) of the container body (10) extends upward from an inner end of the recess bottom wall (18) such that an insertion groove (14) is defined between the recess sidewall (16) and the mouth (12) of the container body (10), and the cap (20) is fitted into the insertion groove (14) to be coupled to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), and wherein a coupling section (11) is formed on a bottom of the container body (10) such that two hemispherical container bodies (10) can be assembled by coupling each end of a connection member (20) into the coupling section (11) of each container body (10) so as to define a spherical shape.

[4] A drink container including a container body (10) which has a mouth (12) and a cap (20) which is provided to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), wherein the container body (10) is formed with the mouth (12) at an upper end thereof and has a partially spherical or partially hemispherical shape, and wherein the cap (20) has a cover section (24) which has a rounded shape such that, when the cap (20) is coupled to the container body (10), the container body (10) has a substantially complete spherical or hemispherical shape, and a locking section (22) which is formed at a center portion of the cover section (24) to be coupled to the mouth (12).

[5] The drink container according to claim 4, wherein the container body (10) has a coupling section (11).

[6] The drink container according to claim 4, wherein the container body (10) has the partially spherical shape and has a flat surface (10b) on a lower end thereof.

[7] The drink container according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein a height

(H20) of the cap (20) is equal to or greater than a depth (H 14) of the insertion groove (14) which is defined around the mouth (12).

[8] The drink container according to claim 7, wherein the cap (20) is defined with a fitting groove (25) on an upper surface thereof.

[9] The drink container according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, wherein the mouth

(12) can be extended out of and retracted into the container body (10).

[10] The drink container according to claim 9, wherein the recess sidewall (16) is made of a soft material such that the mouth (12) can be extended out of and retracted into the container body (10).

[11] A container set, comprising: a drink container (100) including a container body (10) which has a mouth (12) and a cap (20) which is provided to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), wherein the container body (10) has a spherical or hemispherical shape and is defined with a recess which has a recess sidewall (16) and a recess bottom wall (18), the mouth (12) of the container body (10) extends upward from an inner end of the recess bottom wall (18) such that an insertion groove (14) is defined between the recess sidewall (16) and the mouth (12) of the container body (10), the cap (20) is fitted into the insertion groove (14) to be coupled to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), and a coupling section (11) is formed in the container body (10); and a connection member (200) coupled to the coupling section (11) to allow at least two drink containers (100) to be assembled with each other.

[12] A container set comprising: a drink container (100) including a container body (10) which has a mouth (12) and a cap (20) which is provided to the mouth (12) of the container body (10), wherein the container body (10) is formed with the mouth (12) at an upper end thereof and has a partially spherical or partially hemispherical shape, and a coupling section (11) is formed on a lower end of the container body (10) to be opposite to the mouth (12), and wherein the cap (20) has a cover section (24) which has a rounded shape such that, when the cap (20) is coupled to the container body (10), the container body (10) has a substantially complete spherical or hemispherical shape, and a locking section (22) which is formed at a center portion of the cover section (24) to be coupled to the mouth (12); and a connection member (200) coupled to the coupling section (11) to allow at least two drink containers (100) to be assembled with each other.