WO2009032060A1 - Streamlined quick fill fluid container system - Google Patents

Abstract

In a quick fill fluid container system The present invention comprises a hollow container having a cavity or a reservoir for receiving fluids, preferable water but may be any other kind of fluids which refreshes the user or provides nourishment, reasonably necessary to refresh the user. The container has a generally streamlined shape which generally conforms on at least one side to the shape of a bicycle frame or other structure. The width of the container may be wider than the bicycle frame to permit the holding of more fluid in the cavity or reservoir of the container. The sides of the container and its mounting bracket are constructed to mate with one another in a streamlined fashion so that the resistance to air flow or drag is reduced. A hollow extraction tube is provided for access by the user and includes a mouth piece with a normally closed bite valve which is operated by the user to open the valve to extract water from the container. The container intake port is disposed at any selected fixed angle to the vertical axis of the container to provide a quick fill capability even while underway and the intake port may be rotatable attached to dispose the intake tube at an infinite number of angles.

Description

STREAMLINED QUICK FILL FLUID CONTAINER SYSTEM BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1 ) Field of the invention.

This invention relates to fluid hydration system for bicycle riding. Although described herein as a bicycle hydration system, it may be used in relation to any other conveyance. More specifically, this invention relates to a hollow fluid container which permits rapid insert, and fill either while stationary or while underway and which has a generally streamlined shape. The container intake opening is preferably disposed off center to the vertical axis of the container to facilitate rapid insertion and removal. A hollow, generally flexible extraction tube having a controllable valve permits access to the fluid in the container. A splash resistant structure reduces splashing while filling the container and while underway.

(2) Description of related art

There are numerous examples of related art as typified by the following patents:

U.S. Patent 4,386,721 , issued June 7, 1983 to Shimano. Shimano-1 describes a typical large container water bottle holding frame with skirts on the sides to hold the water bottle in place. No dispensing apparatus is shown. U.S. Patent 4,441,638, issued April 10, 1984 to Shimano. Shimano-2 describes a mounting fixture which is mounted on a bicycle frame which receives a specially designed water bottle. The bottle has a gradually increase in width as it is inserted into the mounting fixture when the width of the bottle has met the mounting fixture width, the bottle was held in place.

U.S. Patent 5,024,358, issued June 18, 1991 to Reichert, et al. The Reichert patent describes a bicycle mounted water bottle which includes a tube or a straw to extract the water by the bicycle rider. The present application includes a tube which may be operated by the user to an opened or closed position but is not a typical water bottle.

U.S. Patent 5,238,160, issued August 24, 1993 to Faulds. Faulds describes a unique fixture bottle combination. The bottle was designed to be held in place with generally vertical gripper flanges on the sides of the mount. In addition, the opening of the bottle was sealed by a cap which operated to close it as it was inserted into the mount and does not provide a quick fill apparatus.

U.S. Patent 5, 326, 124, issued July 5, 1994 to Allemang. The Allemang patent describes a typical water bottle. However, no aerodynamic quality of the bottle itself is discussed nor is any such shape shown. In addition, the Allemang patent further comprises a water pump for expelling the water, which is not claimed in the present invention.

U.S. Patent 5,497,920, issued May 12, 1996 to Moeller, et al. The Moeller patent describes a typically water bottle with a splash suppressing elements added. In fact, different alternative implementations show that manual pour in of the fluid is required in Moeller as opposed to the quick fill of the present invention. U.S. Patent 5,788,134, issued on August 4, 1998 to Matic Jr. Matic describes a water bottle includes an access tube. The tube has a device for the rider to hold and manipulate the tube. It does not describe any sealing device in the extraction tube or elsewhere or any quick fill capability. U.S. Patent 6,145,695, issued November 14, 2000 to Garrigues. Garrigues describes a water container which is pressurized and which has a straw which actuated by a pull valve. No quick fill system is possible with a pressurized system. In addition, a pull valve is also required because the pressure in the system requires a very positive pressure resistant closure. U.S. Patent 6,401 ,997, issued June 11 , 2002 to Smerdon, Jr. Smerdon describes a collapsible water bottle with a dispensing straw. The bottle included a leak control valve mounted in the side of the bottle in the event the straw was removed. Smerdon does not describe any quick fill capability.

U.S. Patent 7,204,382, issued April 17, 2007 to Cezeaux. Cezeaux describes a standard water bottle which includes a bite valve operable by the user to extract fluid from the bottle. Cezeaux does not describe any quick fill capability. None of the Related Inventions teach a streamlined structure, which includes a quick fill capability or splash suppression. In particular, no angled fill capability is described as set forth in the present invention. The present invention satisfies the need for rapid fill of the fluid container while the rider continues to operate the bicycle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present invention comprises a hollow container having a cavity or a reservoir for receiving fluids, preferable water but may be any other kind of fluids which refreshes the user or provides nourishment, reasonably necessary to refresh the user. The container has a generally streamlined shape which generally conforms on at least one side to the shape of a bicycle frame or other structure. The width of the container may be wider than the bicycle frame to permit the holding of more fluid in the cavity or reservoir of the container. The sides of the container and its mounting bracket are constructed to mate with one another in a streamlined fashion so that the resistance to air flow or drag is reduced. A hollow extraction tube is provided for access by the user and includes a normally closed bite valve which is operated by the user to open the valve to extract water from the container. The container intake port is disposed at an angle to the vertical axis of the container to provide a quick fill capability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a view of the container mounted on a bicycle with the extraction tube positioned for use by the user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the container in the mounting bracket with slanted streamlined fairings on the top thereof with the retaining cap, splash resistant gasket, the funnel, and the extraction tube omitted for clarity. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of container without the mounting bracket on the top thereof to show the recess for receiving the mounting bracket.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the container mounting bracket showing the fastener and the fastening tabs which receive the fastener. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an alternate container mounting bracket without the fastening apparatus tabs.

FIG. 4C is a front view of mounting straps using hook and loop connectors.

FIG. 4D is a perspective view showing terminated ends to which the hook loop straps are mounted.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the container mounted in the bracket with flat fairings on the top thereof and includes an exploded view of the retaining cap, splash resistant gasket, and the funnel.

FIG. 6A is an exploded view of an alternate container without the bracket including views of the retaining cap, splash resistant gasket, funnel, a rotatable intake port having a spherical bottom section an alternative cap and receiving port.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the assembled intake port mounted in a rotatable fashion to the receiving port and includes a dotted line representation of the rotated position with the cap in place.

FIG. 6C is a detailed view of the funnel annular ridge, body and base.

FIG. 6D is a perspective view of plurality of stops adjacent the rotatable intake tube.

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the splash resistant gasket showing a plurality of Flanges.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the splash resistant gasket showing a small vent hole for minimizing loss of fluid. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the container with an exploded view of the grommet.

FIG. 8A is a detailed perspective view of the grommet. FIG. 9A is a frontal view of the container of FIG. 8 with the top of the container disposed at an angular disposition to the left relative to the vertical axis of the container, when viewed from the front of the bicycle.

FIG. 9B is a front view of the container of FIG. 8 also showing the top of the container disposed at an angular disposition to the right relative to the vertical axis of the container, when viewed from the front of the bicycle. FIG. 10A is a frontal view of the container of FIG. 5 with the top of the container disposed at an angular disposition to the left relative to the vertical axis of the container, when viewed from the front of the bicycle.

FIG. 10B is a frontal view of the container showing the top of the container disposed at an angular disposition to the right relative to the vertical axis of the container, when viewed from the front of the bicycle.

FIG. 11 is a frontal view of the alternate dual container having tops disposed at angular disposition to the right and left respectively to the vertical axis of the dual cavity container, when viewed from the front of the bicycle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION There are several specific embodiments of the invention. While the specific embodiments are described, it is not intended that the scope of this invention be limited to such embodiments but it is intended that the scope shall be as broad as the claims will allow. In bicycle endurance contests and other events, it is necessary for riders to maintain hydration. This is accomplished by each rider carrying sufficient fluid to provide such hydration or by being provided with fluid along the route.

Spectators, pit crews and others often provide bottles of water to the riders or spray them with water from with hoses as they pass by. The present invention provides a way of providing on board container for fluid which can be replenished by bottle insertion or hose insertion direct into the container as the rider passes by but which can easily be removed after the bottle is empty or the hose reaches its maximum extent. Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 shows a hollow container 1 for receiving and holding fluid in an internal cavity or a reservoir. FIG. 2 shows Container 1 attached to a mounting bracket 12 which is fastened to a bicycle 2 frame member 2a. Mounting bracket 12 is of a generally triangular shape and includes a fastener bracket 19 and fastener tabs 7 which permit securing container 1 to the mounting bracket 12. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an extraction tube 3 is mounted in a generally flexible grommet 10, which is shown in more detail in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A. The extraction tube extends into container 1 to the lowest part of the cavity of the container 1 adjacent the inner surface of the bottom transition portion 16a. The extraction tube 3 may be sufficiently ridged to maintain its shape without support, and may optionally include a flexible bend 4 in the tube. In addition, the tube structure itself may be fabricated to be manually positioned anywhere along its length so that it can be bent into any position or direction and maintain that position. This may be accomplished by providing a bendable wire in the tube as is known in the art or within or adjacent the wall of the tube itself.

Further FIG. 1 shows a bite valve 3a at the top of the extraction tube 3, which permits the user to open the bite valve 3a with his or her teeth and retrieve the fluid in the container 1. The bite valve 3a prevents the fluid from returning down the tube and into the container 1 after use allowing the extraction tube 3 to retain fluid along its length and permits extraction of fluid as needed by the rider without drawing the fluid up the entire length of the extraction tube 3 each time it is used. As shown in FIG. 1 and 2, the upper section of the container 1 includes a streamlined fairing 11 on the top of container 1. The fairing 11 is rounded on the sides 13 thereof and a transition section 14 receives the intake port 8 thereby providing general streamlined characteristics at the top of container 1 to minimize drag. Further the fairing 11 may be slightly rounded on the top or flat.

The fluid intake port 8 has a generally circular throat 9 which communicates with the interior of container 1 and intake port 8 is positioned generally toward the front of faring 11. While water is described as the fluid to be received by the container 1, other fluids such as juice or appropriate sports hydration drinks or any other fluid, which refreshes the user or provides nourishment or refreshment reasonably necessary for the user is to be included within the scope of this invention. Optionally, there may be a plurality of internal cavities in Container 1 each with its own intake port 8 and extraction tube 3. A version of this is shown in frontal view as FIG. 11 A and 11 B having intake ports on either side of container 1. Referring again to FIG. 2, the top of container 1 including the intake port faring 11 curved portion 13 and interfaces section 14 are disposed at an angle from the vertical to the lower portion of the container. Section 5 and 15c are higher on one side of the container 1 than on the other side to set the intake port 8 at an angle to the vertical. This can be dearly seen in FIG 9A₁ 9B, 10A and 10B.

The lower portion of container includes a front curved section 5 having a generally convex shape to provide a streamlined front section. The rear of container 1 has rear curved sections 15a, 15b, and 15c which also have a generally convex shape also to improve streamlining. Transition portions 16a and 16b are also generally convex in shape but are more complex in order to interface with adjacent sections 5, 15a and 15b of the container 1 which are disposed at different angles to one another.

Section 15c and section 5 support transition section 14 at an angle to the vertical relative to the container 1. That is, the top of Container 1 is generally disposed at an angle to the base of the container 1.

Fig. 2 shows a mounting bracket 12, which receives the container 1 and mounts to the bicycle frame 2a. A fastener bracket 19 is attached to the bicycle to securely hold the container 1 in place on the bicycle frame 2a with screws and the like. Further the mounting bracket 12 has a tab 7 for each side of the mounting bracket 12 for receiving a fastener.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the container 1 includes at least one intake port 8, the diameter of which may be extended into curved section 13 as shown in FIG 3. This causes an expansion or bulge 32a in fairing 11 and bulge 32b in curved section 13 to accommodate an expanded diameter of intake port 8; however, the generally rounded or curved section 13 is maintained.

It is noted that FIG. 3 shows the container 1 without the mounting bracket 12 in place. This shows that container 1 is provided with a generally triangular recess 29 surrounding the container which forms ridges 31 a and 31 b and a rear recess 29a for receiving the curved sections 25 of mounting bracket 12. A generally triangular raised section 6 having a ridge 6a generally central to recess 29 engages a corresponding shaped hole 28 in mounting bracket 12. In the preferred embodiment, recess 29 is deep enough to receive the mounting bracket 12 so that it is flush with the sides of the container 1 , however, dependent on the strength and resilience of the material from which the bracket 12 is made other dimensions may be used which may result in the bracket 12 not being flush with the sides of the container 1 but are considered to be within the In FIG. 3 male hook 24a is received by female receptacle 24b of the mounting bracket 12 securing the container 1 to the bracket 12 as shown in FIG. 4. Typical fluid containers are mounted on bicycles in a generally vertical direction along one of the bicycle frame members. These devices are not easily accessible while underway because they are generally positioned under another structural member. In the present invention the top of the container deviates from the vertical to make the intake port 8 of container 1 more accessible from the side. Further, the present invention provides a structure which permits insertion of bottles containing fluid, hoses for delivering fluid or other fluid dispensing apparatus into an intake port 8 disposed to one side or the other of the vertical axis of the body of container 1 and facilitates rapid insertion of fluid dispensing apparatus, quick fill of the container 1 and easy removal of the fluid dispensing apparatus while underway.

The perspective view in FIG. 3 shows the intake port 8 disposed at an angle to the right of the vertical axis of the container 1. The angle of the intake port 8 facilitates insertion of fluid containers such as water bottles, hoses or other fluid providing apparatus to replenish the container 1 from one side or the other of the container 1 by the rider or by others while the bicycle is in motion. This avoids interference of other parts of the bicycle while the filling of the container takes place.

The angle of the intake port 8 of container 1 may be varied as required for the particular application. The present invention utilizes an angel of about 160 degrees in either direction; however, this invention is not restricted to any specific angle. While the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 and 3 are fixed in orientation, an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 6A shows a container having an adjustable intake port 8' which may be positioned vertically or at various angles from the vertical. Thus allowing the intake port 8' to be reoriented into a vertical position after the container 1 is filled.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the general structure of mounting bracket 12 is shown in a perspective view. Fastener tabs 7 are show as having a hole 7a for receiving a fastener such as a screw and nut combination 27 used to fasten the fastener tabs 7 together thereby holding the mounting bracket 12 curved arms 25 on either side of the container 1 securely in the recess 29a thereby securing slanted arms 21 , generally vertical arms 22 and the base 23 securely in position within recessed portion 29.. While a screw and nut combination 27 are shown any type of fastener may be used which may hold the fastener tabs 7 together, Including wing nuts and bolts, clamps, and the like.

Referring to FIG. 4B, an alternative form of mounting bracket 12 is shown where curved arms 25 do not have fastener tabs 7 and simply terminate resting against one another. The alternative form of mounting bracket 12 must be sufficiently resilient that may be opened to receive container 1 but sufficiently stiff so that it closes or snaps in place to hold the container 1 in the recess 29a and the lock 24a and 24b as described above.

Referring to FIG. 4C and 4D another alternative mounting bracket is shown where the curved arms 25 are omitted entirely. The alternative fasting means is shown in FIG. 4C as pair of straps 30a and 30b which may be glued, buckled, snapped or otherwise attached to the side of bracket 12 on either arm 21 or arm 22 or at their place of intersection. Straps 30a and 30b may be releasably attached to one another by use of a hook and loop structure 30c known in the art or by any other releasable fastener, such as snaps, belt buckles and the like.

FIG. 4A₁ FIG. 4B, and FIG. 4D show the fastener bracket 19 is attached to the curved bottom 17 of mounting bracket 12 and includes a fastener slot 18 and screw retaining slots 20a, 20b, and 20c. Referring now to FIG. 5, an exploded view of the container 1 is shown with intake port 8 having a number of screw threads 8a around the circumference thereof for receiving a cap 33. The body of the container 1 is viewed in the vertical position, while the top of the container 1 is viewed in an angled perspective. The throat 9 of intake port 8 receives a funnel 35 having an annular ridge 35a, a base 35b and a chamber 36. The annular ridge 35a prevents the funnel 35 from falling through the throat. The annular ridge 35a of funnel 35 also receives a gasket 34 which includes a plurality of flanges 34a which are disposed radially along the surface of gasket. When a fluid dispensing apparatus is inserted into the funnel, the funnel acts as a guide for the dispensing apparatus into the port 8 of the container 1 and flanges 34a on gasket 34 assist in releasably holding the fluid dispensing bottle, hose or other dispensing apparatus in the funnel 35 and minimize splashing. The gasket 34 further includes a hole 34b in the center thereof to provide a gripping the fluid dispensing apparatus while inserted in the funnel 35. A cap 33 includes internal screw threads to engage the screw threads 8a on the intake port 8 and holds the gasket 34 and the funnel 35 in place on the intake port 8.

Referring to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B an alternate container 1 structure is shown in exploded form, which permits rotation of intake port 8 from the vertical to any other angle from the vertical including to the front and rear of the container as well as to each side. This permits a hose for example to pull free of the container 1 rearwards or at any other angle when it reaches its maximum extent and permits the insertion of bottles or other fluid containers at various angles from the vertical.

As shown in FIG. 6A and section A-A of Fig. 6B, a receiving port 8' having a throat 9' is shown mounted on the container 1. Throat 9' includes a spherical section 26 mounted within the throat 9'. While the spherical section

26 is shown as a separate piece, it may be made integral with the throat 9'. The spherical section 26 receives a hollow sphere 37, having a hole 37a in the bottom thereof. In this embodiment intake port 8 is not attached to the container 1 but is mounted on the hollow sphere 37 and may be made integral therewith. The throat 9 communicates with the interior of the sphere

37. A cap 33' is mounted to a receiving port 8' mounted directly to container 1 and holds the hollow sphere 37 in position against the spherical section 26. Cap 33' has an annular ridge 33a' which also has a spherical section 33a' shaped to interface with the hollow sphere 37 from the top of the sphere 37. At least a portion of the spherical section 33a' must be above the center diameter of the sphere 37 as shown in FIG 6B. When cap 33' is secured to the receiving port 8' the sphere 37 is held in a rotatable position within throat 9'. The cap 33' may be tightened or loosened to adjust the stiffness of rotation of the hollow sphere 37 within the spherical sections 26 and 33a of cap 33' as desired. Optionally a plurality of stops 42 may be mounted on container 1 to limit forward and rearward rotation of the sphere 37 as shown in FIG. 6D. Cap 33, gasket 34 and funnel 35 are similarly secured to intake port 8 as described for FIG. 5. While the disclosed embodiments show cap 33 and cap 33' are intended to be screwed into place on intake ports 8 and 8' respectively, other types of caps such as spring loaded or snap on caps or and the like could also be used and any other caps which permit the securing of either the hollow sphere 37, the gasket 34 and funnel 35 in place are considered to be within the scope of this invention notwithstanding that adjustment of the stiffness of rotation of sphere 37 may be limited.

FIG 6C shows detail of the funnel 35. The annular ridge 35a is at the top thereof. The body of the funnel 35 connects the annular ridge 35a and a chamber 36 forming a general funnel shape.

The chamber 36 of the funnel 35 is provided with a plurality of openings 36c to permit fluid to enter the cavity of container 1. The openings 36c are formed by a plurality of struts 36a. The struts 36a are disposed to guide the fluid delivery device into position within the funnel 35 and each strut 36a has a flexible engaging section 36b disposed inwardly from each strut 36a. Engaging sections 36b have sufficient resilience to provide a gripping action, which assists in the temporary retention of the fluid delivery devices within the funnel. The struts 36a are mounted around the periphery of an annular ring 36d at the bottom of the body 35b of funnel 35 opposite the annular ridge

35a. The opposite ends of struts 36a are attached to a circular section 36e. The annular ring 36d, circular section 36e and the struts 36a may be mounted in separately in a structure or made integral with the funnel 35. . While a circular section 36e has been shown in the preferred embodiment, it may alternatively be an annular ring similar to annular ring 36d to form a hole in the bottom of chamber 36.

FIG. 7A and 7B show various forms of the gasket. As discussed above, gasket 34 is shown in FIG. 7A having a plurality of flanges 34a directed radially inward along the surface of the gasket. The flanges 34a are of sufficient stiffness to bias against the sides of fluid dispensing apparatus such as bottles and hoses when inserted and sufficiently resilient to permit removal of such fluid dispensing apparatus but also sufficiently stiff to minimize splashing. As shown in FIG 7A flanges 34a have a generally triangular shape and are disposed radially in the splash gasket 34 to form a hole 34b at the center of the splash gasket 34. The general size of the hole 34b is smaller than the diameter or width of the device being inserted. The flanges 34a provide resistance to removal of the water bottle or hose until a sufficient amount of fluid has been introduced and the water bottle or hose is removed.

Alternatively, FIG. 7B shows a gasket 40 with a breather hole 40a which is insufficient to permit the insertion of a bottle, hose or other fluid dispensing apparatus but provides greater splash resistance as may be required due to weather or terrain conditions or otherwise. It is intended to be substituted by the rider when riding conditions require greater splash resistance.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the grommet 10 which receives extraction tube 3 is shown. The grommet 10 includes a hole 10d for receiving the extraction tube 3. The hole 10d engages extraction tube 3 to prevent leakage of fluid or air thereby permitting fluid to be retained in the extraction tube 3 when sealed by the valve 3a. The grommet 10 has an upper rounded annular section 10a and a lower annular section 10b. Each of these sections is larger than the hole 10e in the container 1 and each acts as a gasket to seal the hole 10e. Sections 10a and 10b are separated by an annular recess 10c, which has a diameter equivalent to that of the hole 10e and when the grommet is pressed into the hole 10e it provides a water tight and air tight interconnection between the extraction tube 3 and the container 1. The preferred grommet 10 is made in the form of a single integral flexible rubber or rubber like material in the form described. Numerous other types of sealed connections are possible and this invention is not to be limited to any specific preferred embodiment.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative embodiment of container 1. The container 1 includes angled fairings 11a and 11b disposed at the front and rear of the top of container 1. Fairings 11a and 11b direct airflow over the top of intake port 8 (and cap 33 not shown) to further streamline the container 1. A first curved structure 11c is attached to the top of fairing 11a and a second curved structure 11d is attached to the top of fairing 11b. Curved structure 11c and 11d partially surround intake port 8 and permit the mounting of cap 33, the gasket 34 and the funnel 35 as shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that for the embodiment of FIG. 8, the hole for the grommet is positioned within the fairing 11 and not the interface section 14'. Referring to FIG. 9A and 9B: FIG. 9A shows container 1 of FIG. 8 with the fairing 11 and transition section 14 disposed to the left as viewed from the front of container 1.

FIG. 9B shows container 1 of FIG. 8 with the fairing 11 and transition section 14 disposed to the right as viewed from the front of container 1. Referring to FIG. 10A and 10B:

FIG. 10A shows container 1 of FIG. 5 with the cap 33, intake port 8, rounded portion 13 and transition section 14 disposed to the left as viewed from the front of container 1.

FIG. 10B shows container 1 of FIG. 5 with the cap 33, intake port 8, rounded portion 13 and transition section 14 disposed to the right as viewed from the front of container 1.

FIG. 11 shows an alternative container combining the two positions of intake port shown in FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B. FIG. 11 shows a partition 41 disposed with the cavity of container 1 to partition the cavity into two separate cavities. At least two separate intake ports 8 communicate with each cavity as shown in FIG. 11. Essentially, the ports 8 the container 1 of FIG. 10A and FIG 10B are combined with the cap 33, intake port 8 and rounded portion 13 and transition section 14 disposed to the left and right as viewed from the front of the two intake ports 8 container 1. This structure permits different fluids to be introduced into the separate cavities. Alternatively, two intake ports 8 may be positioned in tandem and disposed at an angle along the top of container 1.

Other Variations and modifications of the above described invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of manufacturing fluid containers and the like. Such variations in container shape, intake and extraction apparatus and multiple fluids which may be used are to be included within the scope of this invention

Having thus described the invention what is claimed is:

Claims

CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for containing fluid comprising: a. container having at least one cavity b. at least one intake port for receiving fluid communicating with said at least one cavity; c. a splash resistant device supported within said at least one intake port; and d. a guide disposed within said at least one intake port for receiving and releasably holding a removable fluid dispensing apparatus.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of intake ports.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said at least one intake port is disposed at a fixed angle to the vertical axis of the container.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the angular disposition of said at least one intake port is selectable.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 herein there are a plurality of intake ports.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said splash resistant device further comprises a gasket having at least one vent hole disposed in said gasket.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said splash resistant device further comprises a gasket having a plurality of flanges disposed inwardly of the surface of said gasket and at least one hole disposed in said gasket.

8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said guide further comprises: a. a ridge for engaging said intake port and supporting said gasket; b. a body supporting said ridge; c. a chamber attached to the bottom of the body, having a plurality of openings communicating with said at least one cavity

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein said guide is a funnel which supports said splash resistant device within said container.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 with at least one side having at least one recess which generally conforms to a mounting bracket received by said recess.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a chamber at the bottom of the funnel, comprising a plurality of struts which releasably engage the fluid dispensing apparatus.

12. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said chamber further comprises: a. a first section having a hole attached to the bottom of said body; b. a plurality of struts spaced apart from one another attached at one end to said first section; and c. the opposite ends of said struts being attached to a second section.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the second section has at least one hole which communicates with the at least one cavity.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the second section is a closed disk.

15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said mounting bracket further comprises: a. a plurality of arms which receives said container and engages the surface of said container; and b. at least one attachment structure on said mounting bracket for receiving fasteners.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said mounting bracket further comprises at least one fastener on said mounting structure selected from the group comprising: a. Nuts and bolts; b. Hook and loop structures; c. Buckles and belts; d. Screws and nuts; and e. Metal screws.

17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said mounting bracket further comprises a lock for interfacing with a corresponding lock on said container.

18.An apparatus for holding fluids comprising: a. a container having a port for receiving fluid from a fluid dispensing apparatus; b. a funnel supported within said opening; having chamber which extends downward into said container, said funnel having at least one securing gasket for receiving said end of said fluid dispensing apparatus; c. a fluid extraction tube for permitting fluid to be selectively removed from said container, said dispensing apparatus having an selectively open and closed end; and d. a cap for attachment to said container port and securing said funnel and said gasket to said container port.

19.An apparatus as set forth in claim 16 wherein said funnel is mounted adjacent to at least one flexible gasket, said funnel having at least one chamber for receiving and releasably holding said fluid dispensing apparatus; said flexible flange covering at least a portion of said funnel opening.

20. An apparatus for holding fluids comprising: a. a container having an opening which is disposed at an angle from the vertical for receiving fluid from a fluid dispensing apparatus; b. a funnel supported within said opening; having a bottom end which extends into said container, and wherein said funnel supports at least one first flexible gasket, said first gasket having a least one flexible flange for receiving and releasably holding said end of said fluid dispensing apparatus; said flexible flange covering at least a portion of said funnel opening; c. a fluid extraction apparatus, for selective removal of fluid from said container, comprising at least one flexible straw having a first end communicating with the fluid received by said container which straw is selectively open and closed at a second end; and d. a cap for attachment to said container opening and securing said funnel and said gasket to said container.