WO2017044992A1

WO2017044992A1 - Separable container assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2017044992A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/051537
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juan Manuel CERPAS GARCIA
Original assignee: Cerpas Garcia Juan Manuel
Priority date: 2015-09-13
Filing date: 2016-09-13
Publication date: 2017-03-16

Abstract

A container assembly is provided, having two or more individual bottles that attach together in a removable fashion. Each individual bottle has a plurality of different openings. One opening is positioned such that openings of all individual bottles, when joined, form one unitary opening. A second opening is proximate to an outer edge of each individual bottle. The container is modular: connectors hold the individual bottles together, allowing the bottles to transition from a larger cylindrical container into a flat row of bottles.

Description

SEPARABLE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional App. No. 62/217,882, filed September 13, 2015, which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to containers and bottles, and more specifically, to a container that can be easily separated into two or more individual bottles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A variety of containers and bottles are commonly available to transport food and drink. Reusable bottles are typically made of glass, plastic, or metal, and are available in a variety of sizes. Often, the body of a bottle narrows into a neck terminating in a mouth from which fluid can be poured in and out. Other bottles have a roughly constant thickness terminating in a wide mouth, over which a lid with a smaller opening can be used to control the egress of the contents.

[0004] A hydration pack is another way to transport liquids, wherein a container, typically in the form of a flexible bladder, is stored in a backpack or other bag. A hose extends from the container outside of the bag, permitting a user to drink from the container without removing it from the bag. Hydration packs are particularly useful when engaged in active pursuits such as running or hiking.

[0005] Although larger bottles are useful for transporting a larger quantity of liquid, they are bulky. Furthermore, it is useful to be able to transport different consumables in a single container, such as water and juice, or a drink and a snack. Thus, it is desirable to provide a container which allows a user to carry several different types of liquids in one container, or to remove or rearrange components of a container to ease in its transport.

[0006] To that end, bottles with multiple chambers are known in the art. These containers, however, are lacking in certain features. Although removable bottles exist, they cannot be rearranged for ease of transport without completely separating the bottles. Further, the multiple compartment bottles currently available do not provide a variety of openings, which allows a user to vary the way fluids are accessed, while further allowing different liners to be inserted into the container.

[0007] Thus, it should be appreciated that there remains a need for a container comprising a plurality of bottles which can be separated or rearranged, while allowing a user to access the contents in multiple ways. The present invention solves these needs and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly, and in general terms, by example and not limitation, the present invention provides a container assembly, comprising two or more individual bottles that attach together in a removable fashion. Each individual bottle has a first opening positioned such that, when all individual bottles are joined into one container, the first openings of the individual bottles join to form a combined opening.

[0009] Each bottle can further include a second opening proximate to the outer edge of each individual bottle. Moreover, each bottle can further include a third opening disposed beneath a removable top housing the first and second openings.

[0010] Thus, the first opening permits a user to drink, pour fluid from, or pour fluid into, all bottles at once. This would be desirable, for instance, when filling the container, drinking a large quantity of one liquid, or mixing two or more liquids. The second opening is disposed to allow the user to easily drink from one bottle. The third opening facilitates pouring liquid into or out of a bottle rapidly. It also accommodates the insertion of sub- containers into the bottles.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the container assembly collectively provides one gallon in volume, although any size desired could be used without departing from the invention. The container is reusable. Thus, hard, durable plastic is a preferred material, although anything lightweight and durable would be appropriate to use in constructing the container, such as glass or aluminum. The container can use various caps, lids, and spouts over the openings, as are known in the art. [0012] More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the container separates into four individual bottles, each having two substantially flat sides and a curved side. Thus, the four bottles come together to form one substantially cylindrical container. Alternatively, the container could separate into two individual bottles. Or, the container could separate into three, five, six, seven, or any number of bottles desired. The container could also be cuboid- shaped, or any other shape desired.

[0013] In another exemplary embodiment, the individual bottles are held together with a plurality of tongue-and groove fasteners disposed along the adjoining sides of the bottles. Inputs and outputs alternately disposed on the adjoining sides of the bottles connect and work as a grip. Alternatively, the bottles can connect with magnets, snap fasteners, Velcro^®, hooks, straps, clips, buckles, side release buckles, belts, or any other type of suitable connectors.

[0014] In a detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, flexible connectors hold the individual bottles together. These connectors allow the bottles to be rearranged. The bottles can unroll, while held together with the connectors, so that they lay side-by-side in a substantially flat row. Thus, the bottles can fit into smaller areas while remaining connected, like into a backpack. Upon removal from such an area, the bottles can be rearranged into one container. Preferably, the connectors are flexible and bendable, functioning to keep the bottles together and allowing them to unravel and change form. The connectors can be hinges or strips of flexible material.

[0015] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, a support piece ("wall") is further provided to assist the bottles in staying together while lying flat. The wall is a flat piece of material with inputs positioned to align with protrusions in the bottle (e.g. the tongues of tongue and groove closures along the sides of the bottle). In one embodiment, the wall is long enough to allow all bottles to lie side by side. In another embodiment, the wall is sized to accommodate a single bottle. In both cases, the wall serves to keep the bottles secured. For example, the wall could be secured on the outside of a bag, to hold a bottle in place there. [0016] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, sub-containers fit into each individual bottle. The sub-container could be a snack container or a sub-bottle for holding liquid. The large third opening of the bottles accommodates the insertion and removal of sub-containers.

[0017] Snack containers allow a user to conveniently carry food such as fruits, nuts, powders, supplements, or anything that can fit in the bottle. The snack container is in the shape of the bottle, so that it just fits inside the body of the bottle. The snack container can also hold water, which can be put in the freezer to make one large or several smaller ice cubes. In one embodiment, the snack container provides a powder dispenser on a side. This dispenser allows the user to store powder or other materials, and dispense the contents of the container without having to open it. The snack container may further provide adjustable walls to divide different contents within the snack container.

[0018] A sub-bottle is another type of sub-container, which is a smaller bottle that fits within the larger bottle. This allows a user to change the material in contact with liquid inside. The sub-bottle could be made of glass, stainless steel, a harder plastic, Pyrex^®, ceramic, or other material to suit the liquid to be held. The opening of the sub-bottle aligns with the second opening of the bottle, so that the user can drink from the sub-bottle without having to completely open the larger third opening of the bottle.

[0019] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the container can further convert into a hydration pack. When the bottles are unfurled and lying flat, a hydration tube can connect to one or more bottles. The hydration tube is a hose with a mouth spout, and enables a user to drink fluid from one or more bottles of the container while the container is stored in a bag, without removing the container from the bag. For instance, the container can lie flat in a small backpack, from which the mouth spout extends.

[0020] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, threads are provided on the first opening. In this embodiment, the first opening has a raised mouthpiece, which forms a larger mouthpiece when all bottles are connected. The mouthpiece further has threads encircling it. The threads are so configured to encircle the larger mouthpiece when all bottles are connected, as well as the mouthpiece of each individual bottle. Thus, rings and caps will be able to screw on to the opening when all bottles are connected, or on to individual bottles.

[0021] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, a bottle ring holder is provided. A ring connector can be screwed on to threads on the first opening to help keep the bottles together. The threads could terminate at the top of the ring, or extend above it to accommodate additional caps and spouts to screw on.

[0022] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, a cap with plugs is provided. The cap has a number of plugs that can plug up one or more individual bottles, when placed over the first opening. For example, a cap could have one plug, so that, when placed over the first opening while one or more bottles are connected, the cap stops the flow of one bottle only. Or, a cap could have two plugs to block the flow of two bottles, and so forth. This allows the user to drink only from one or more bottles, which would be desirable, for instance, when different bottles contain different liquids.

[0023] In another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, the container further provides a bottle cap that stops flow. This cap prevents liquid from escaping through the first opening. The cap comprises a rubber stopper, a spring, and a string connecting to a lever. The stopper directly stops the flow of liquid, and the spring keeps the stopper in position. The lever can be pulled to the side, actuating the string, which opens the stopper, allowing liquid to flow through.

[0024] In yet another detailed aspect of an exemplary embodiment in accordance with the invention, a bottle handle is provided. The handle can attach to one or more bottles, and hold the bottles in place without preventing the bottles from connecting properly. In a preferred embodiment, the handle is affixed to an individual bottle using small straps. The straps are composed of a strong, but thin, material. [0025] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved container, which is made up of two or more removable bottles. The bottles can be rearranged into different positions and accommodate a variety of accessories.

[0026] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain advantages of the invention have been described herein. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

[0027] All of these embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments having reference to the attached figures, the invention not being limited to any particular preferred embodiment disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which:

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a separable container assembly in accordance with the present invention, comprising four separable bottles, shown connected together.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 A is a top perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the container of FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a side exploded view of a separable container assembly comprising four separable bottles.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a top exploded view of the container of FIG. 1. [0035] FIG. 6A is a side view of one of the separable bottles of FIGS. 1-5, showing the outer surface of the bottle.

[0036] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the separable bottle of FIG. 6A, showing the surfaces used to connect the bottles.

[0037] FIG. 6C is a top view of the separable bottle of FIG. 6A.

[0038] FIGS. 7 is a side view of the separable container assembly of FIG. 1, in the flat position.

[0039] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a snack container disposable with a bottle of the container assembly of FIG. 1.

[0040] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a sub-bottle disposable with a bottle of the container assembly of FIG. 1.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of bottle with a hydration tube usable with a container assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 1 OA is a side view of a bottle with a side handle usable with a container assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0043] FIGS. 10B-10F are perspective views of bottles with different embodiments of top handles usable with a container assembly in accordance with the present invention..

[0044] FIG. 11 A is a side view of the top of a container with a cap attached.

[0045] FIGS. 1 IB— 1 ID are top views of caps with plugs.

[0046] FIGS. 12A— 12B are cross-sectional views of a cap with a stopper usable with bottles of a container assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 13 A is a side view of the upper portion of a container assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing threads on the first opening. [0048] FIG. 13B is a top view of a ring holder for use with usable with a container assembly in accordance with the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 13C and 13D are side views of a top portion of a container assembly in accordance with the invention, depicting the ring holder disposed on the first opening.

[0050] FIG. 14A is side view of the top of a bottle of a container assembly in accordanc with the invention, showing a first opening with two threads.

[0051] FIG. 14B is a side view of the bottle top of FIG. 14A with rings and a cap attached.

[0052] FIG. 14C is perspective view of the top portion of a container assembly, showing the first openings of FIG. 14A attached together.

[0053] FIGS. 15A— 15B depict plan views of a wall for securing one or more bottles of a container assembly in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODFMENTS

[0054] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1-5, there is shown a separable container assembly 10, comprising two or more individual bottles 20 that attach together in a removable fashion. Each individual bottle 20 has three separate openings 22, 24, 26. The first opening 22 is positioned at the juncture of the bottles 20, such that, when all individual bottles 20 are joined into one container 10, the first openings 22 of the individual bottles 20 join to form one unitary, combined opening. The second opening 24 is proximate to the outer edge of each individual bottle 20, and is positioned so that a user can easily drink from that bottle, either when the bottle is connected as part of the container 10 or when used separately. The third opening 26 is the largest of the three, and is disposed on the body of the bottle, beneath a removable top 28 housing the first and second openings 22, 24. Preferably, the third opening 26 takes up substantially the whole width of the bottle. In the embodiment shown, four bottles 20 fit together to form a container 10. However, 2, 3, 5, 6, or any other number of bottles could be used. [0055] In the exemplary embodiment, the first openings 22 project upwardly a top portion of each bottle. As pictured, the first and second openings 22, 24 have raised mouthpieces, which facilitate pouring or drinking liquids. The openings could use any type of spouts or openings known in the art. In a preferred embodiment, caps are also used, which screw onto threads around the first and second openings 22, 24.

[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, a bottle 20 is shown separated. In the pictured embodiment, the individual bottles provide a plurality of tongue-and groove fasteners 30 disposed along the adjoining sides of the bottles, by means of which they may be removably attached to one another. Inputs and outputs alternately disposed on the adjoining sides of the bottles connect and work as a grip. Alternatively, the bottles can connect with magnets, snap fasteners, Velcro^®, hooks, straps, clips, buckles, side release buckles, belts, or any other type of suitable connectors.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 7, four bottles 20 are shown in a connected, flattened position. Flexible connectors 50 hold the individual bottles 20 together. These connectors 50 allow the bottles to be rearranged, while held together with the connectors, so that they lay side-by-side in a substantially flat row. Thus, the bottles 20 can fit into smaller areas while remaining connected. Upon removal from such an area, the bottles 20 can be rearranged into one container 10. Preferably, the connectors 50 are flexible and bendable, functioning to keep the bottles 20 together while allowing them to unravel and change form. The connectors 20 can be hinges or strips of flexible material.

[0058] Referring now to FIGS. 8A and 8B, sub -containers 60, 66 are shown. These sub-containers are sized to fit inside a bottle 20 via the third opening 26. FIG. 8A shows a snack container 60. The snack container 60 allows a user to conveniently carry food such as fruits, nuts, powders, supplements, or anything that can fit in the bottle. Optional dividers 64 are useful in separating different snacks. Preferably, said dividers 64 are adjustable, so that the size of the compartments can be customized. The snack container 60 can also hold water, which can be put in the freezer to make one large or several smaller ice cubes. A powder dispenser 62 is disposed a side of the snack container 60. The dispenser 62 allows the user to store powder or other materials, and dispense the contents of the container without having to open it.

[0059] FIG. 8B shows a sub-bottle 66 suited to storing liquids. The sub-bottle 66 allows a user to change the material in contact with stored liquid. The sub-bottle could be made out of glass, stainless steel, plastic, Pyrex^®, ceramic, or any other suitable materials. The sub-bottle 66 allows the user to substitute in a liner appropriate for a given material being held - e.g. hot or cold liquids. Also, a user could insert a sub-bottle 66 and fill it with a drink other than water, then remove it, and fill the bottle 20 with water without having to clean it. The opening 68 of the sub-bottle 66 is so oriented, that, when inserted into a bottle 20, the opening 68 aligns with the second opening 24 of the bottle 20, so that the user can drink from the sub-bottle 66 without having to completely open the larger third opening 26 on the bottle 20.

[0060] FIG. 9 shows the bottle 20 equipped with a hydration tube 70, by which the container can convert into a hydration pack. A hydration tube 70 is inserted into an opening in one or more bottles. The hydration tube 70 is a hose with a mouth spout 72, and the hydration tube enables a user to drink fluid from one or more bottles 20 of the container 10 while the container is stored in a bag, without removing the container 10 from the bag. For instance, the container 10 can lie flat in a small backpack, from which the mouth spout 72 extends.

[0061] The bottle may further provide a handle 80. The handle 80 can attach to one or more bottles 20, and hold the bottles 20 in place without preventing the bottles from connecting properly. FIG. 10A shows a bottle 20 with a handle 80 extending from the side of the bottle. The handle 80 is affixed to an individual bottle 20 using small straps 82. The straps 82 are composed of a strong, but thin, material.

[0062] FIGS. 10B-10E show bottles 20 with additional embodiments of a handle 80.

These handles connect to the container 10 with one or more rings 95, and extend from the top of the container 10. In FIG. 10B, the handle 80 attaches to rings 95 that fit over the second openings 24 of two bottles, said handle 80 extending up between the two rings 95. In FIG. IOC, the handle 80 attaches to four rings that fit over the second openings 24 of four bottles 20. The rings 95 are connected to each other by connectors 83 that rest on the top of the container 10, providing stability to the connected bottles 20. The handle 80 extends up between two of the rings 95.

[0063] In FIG. 10D, the handle 80 extends sideways from a ring 95, which fits over the larger first opening 22 formed when the bottles 20 are connected. The corner of the handle 80 fits over the second opening 24 of a bottle. FIG. 10E shows a handle 80 for use when the bottles 20 are connected in a flattened position. The handle has four rings 95 that fit over the second openings 24 of four bottles 20. The rings 95 are connected by connectors 83 that rest along the top of the container 10. The connectors are oriented in a straight line to accommodate bottles 20 connected in a flattened position, securing the bottles in this position. The handle 80 extends up and over the centermost two second openings 24. In FIG. 10F, the handle 80 provides two rings 95 attached by a connector 83. One ring fits over the larger first opening 22 formed when all bottles are connected. The other ring 95 fits over the second opening 24 of a bottle.

[0064] FIGS. 11 A-l ID depict a cap 40 with plugs 42. The cap has a plurality of plugs 42, which can seal one or more individual bottles 20, when placed over the first opening 22. For example, the cap 40 could have one plug 42 (FIG. 1 IB), so that, when placed over the first opening 22 while one or more bottles 20 are connected, the cap 40 stops the flow of one bottle 20 only. Or, the cap 40 could have two plugs 42 to block the flow of two bottles (FIG. 11C), three plugs (FIG. 1 ID), four plugs, and so forth. This allows the user to drink only from one or more desired bottles 20, and would be desirable, for instance, when different bottles contain different liquids.

[0065] FIGS. 12A-12B depict a bottle cap 40 that stops flow. A special bottle cap prevents liquid from escaping through the first opening 22. The cap 40 comprises a stopper 44, a spring 45, and a string 46 connecting to a lever 48. The stopper 44 is made of rubber or similar material, and, when in the closed position (FIG. 12 A), directly stops the flow of liquid out of the bottle 20. The spring 45 keeps the stopper 44 in position. In FIG. 12B, the stopper is in the open position. To put the stopper in open position, the lever 48 is pulled to the side, actuating the string 46, which opens the stopper 44, allowing liquid to flow through.

[0066] FIG. 13 A shows threads 90, 92 on the first opening 22. The first opening 22 protrudes to form a spout 98. When all bottles are connected, these spouts join to form a larger spout. The spout 98 has threads 90, 92 encircling it. The threads 90, 92 are so configured to encircle the whole spout 98 when all bottles are connected, as well as the spout 98 of each individual bottle 20, for use when the bottles 20 are separated. Thus, caps 40, spouts, or rings 94 will be able to screw on to the opening when all bottles 20 are connected, or on to individual bottles 20.

[0067] In FIGS. 13B-D, a ring holder 94 is depicted. When the bottles 20 are connected, the ring holder 94 screws onto threads 90 on the spout 98 of the first opening 22. When attached, the ring holder 94 helps keep the bottles 20 together. The threads 90, 92 can either terminate at the top of the ring holder 94 (FIG. 13C), or extend above the top of the ring holder 94 (FIG. 13D) to allow a cap 40 and / or accessory ring 95 to screw on above the ring holder.

[0068] FIGS. 14A-14C show a first opening 22 with improved threads. The threads are configured to accommodate the attachment of multiple rings and caps. The threads are preferably configured to accept the attachment of quarter-turn rings and caps. Quarter-turn caps are known in the art, see U.S. Pat. 3,273,303 A.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 14 A, there are two threads 90, 92, each having a base 91,

93. At the bottom of the spout 98 is a base 91 for a quarter-turn ring. Extending from this base 91 is a thread 90 for a quarter-turn ring. Spaced apart from the top of this thread 90 is the base 93 for a cap. Extending from this base 93 is a thread 92 for a cap.

[0070] FIG. 14B shows the spout 98 on the first opening 22 of a container 10, the spout 98 having a ring holder 94, an accessory ring 95, and a bottle cap 40 attached to it. Rings 94, 95 and caps 40 can be attached either when a bottle is used alone, or when multiple bottles 20 are connected to form a larger container 10. [0071] The ring holder 94 screws onto the lower threads 90. When multiple bottles

22 are attached, the ring holder keeps the spouts of the first openings 22 together, making it convenient to pour liquid into the opening or drink from it, without having the individual openings come apart. Further, an accessory ring 95 can be provided, wherein the ring has an accessory attached. The accessory ring 95 could have a handle attached, or any other accessories desired. The accessory ring 95 can attach without the need for threads and be held securely between the ring 94 and the cap 40. Alternatively, the accessory ring could screw onto threads. The bottle cap 40 screws on to the upper threads 92.

[0072] FIG. 14C shows the top of a container 10 wherein four bottles 20 are connected. The spouts 98 align so that the individual threads 90, 92 connect, allowing rings 94, 95 and caps 40 to be attached to the larger opening 22.

[0073] In FIGS. 15A- 15B, a support piece ("wall") 100 is shown. The wall 100 serves to assist the bottles 20 in staying secure while laying flat. The wall 100 is a flat piece of material with inputs 101 positioned to align with protrusions in the bottle 20 (e.g. the tongues of tongue and groove fasteners 30 along the sides of the bottle). In FIG. 15 A, the wall 100 is long enough to allow four bottles 20 to lie side by side. In FIG. 15B, the wall 100 is sized to accommodate a single bottle 20. In both cases, the wall 100 serves to keep the bottles 20 secured. For example, the wall of FIG. 15B could be secured on the outside of a bag, to hold a bottle 20 in an accessible position. Or, the wall of FIG. 15A could be provided inside a bag, to keep four bottles 20 together and in a flat position.

[0074] It should be appreciated from the foregoing that the present invention provides an improved container, which is made up of two or more removable bottles. The bottles can be rearranged into different positions and accommodate a variety of accessories.

[0075] Although the invention has been disclosed in detail with reference only to the exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other embodiments can be provided without departing from the scope of the invention.

Accordingly, the invention is defined only by the claims set forth below.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A container, comprising:

a plurality of bottles that attach together in a removable fashion, each bottle having a first opening positioned on a top portion thereof, and a second opening spaced apart from the first opening;

the first opening is positioned such that said first openings of all bottles, when joined, form a unitary, combined opening;

the second opening is disposed proximate to an outer edge of each bottle.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein connectors hold the bottles together, said connectors allowing the bottles to transition from a flat position to and from a unitary container, while remaining connected.

3. The container of claim 1, further comprising one or more sub-containers that fit within a bottle in a removable fashion.

4. The container of claim 3, wherein the sub-containers further comprise powder dispensers.

5. The container of claim 1, further comprising a wall to hold one or more bottles in a stable position.

6. The container of claim 1, further comprising a hydration tube extending from one or more bottles.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the bottles connect with a plurality of tongue-and groove fasteners disposed along the adjoining sides of the bottles.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein threads are disposed about the first opening such that a cap can screw onto the first opening of an individual bottle, as well as the larger opening formed when the bottles are connected.

9. The container of claim 1, further comprising a cap with one or more plugs that, when placed on the first opening of the container, can cap the first opening of one or more of the bottles.

10. The container of claim 1, further comprising a bottle cap comprising a stopper and a lever, wherein the lever can be actuated to stop or start the flow of liquid from the bottle.

11. The container of claim 1, further comprising a spout extending from the first opening, wherein the spout comprises a first thread and a second thread spaced apart such that one or more rings and a cap can be attached to said spout.

12. A container, comprising:

two or more bottles that attach together in a removable fashion, wherein each bottle has a first side and a second side, the bottles attached to one another with connectors;

said first side being substantially flat;

said second side defining the outside of the container when the bottles are connected; wherein the bottles can transition from a substantially flat position resting on the first side to and from a unitary container, while the bottles remain connected by means of the connectors.

13. The container of claim 12, further comprising one or more sub-containers that fit within a bottle in a removable fashion.

14. The container of claim 12, each bottle having a removable top comprising a first opening and a second opening, and a third opening disposed on the body of the bottle;

wherein the first opening is positioned such that said first openings of all bottles, when joined, form one larger opening;

the second opening is disposed proximate to an outer edge of each bottle; and

the top attaches over the third opening.

15. The container of claim 12, wherein the bottles connect via a plurality of tongue-and- groove fasteners disposed along the adjoining sides of the bottles.

16. The container of claim 12, further comprising a wall to hold one or more bottles in a stable position.

17. The container of claim 12, further comprising a hydration tube extending from one or more bottles.

18. The container of claim 12, wherein threads are disposed about the first opening such that a cap can screw onto the first opening of an individual bottle, as well as the larger opening formed when the bottles are connected.

19. The container of claim 12, further comprising a cap with one or more plugs that, when placed on the first opening of the container, can cap the first opening of one or more of the individual bottles.

20. The container of claim 1, further comprising a spout extending from the first opening, wherein the spout comprises a first thread and a second thread spaced apart such that one or more rings and a cap can be attached to said spout.