HK1207614B - Squeezable beverage bottle and filter system - Google Patents

Description

Squeezable beverage bottle and filter system

The application is a divisional application of invention patent applications named as a squeezable beverage bottle and a filtering system, wherein the international application date is 2011, 2 and 11, the international application number is PCT/US2011/024608, and the national application number is 201180009137.8.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to containers and, more particularly, to squeezable beverage bottles. The present invention further generally relates to a filtration system for a carafe.

Background

Conventional portable water bottles are commonly used to provide thirst quenching liquid to humans. Such bottles often include a plastic container having a removable lid, cover, cap, or other structure secured to an opening of the container to seal the container. Water is obtained from the container for drinking by squeezing the container and forcing the water through the opening. Such containers lack sufficient elasticity to allow them to return to their original shape (or "recover") at a suitable rate without undergoing permanent deformation or denting. Such containers eventually deform further and degrade after repeated attempts to squeeze the container.

Conventional portable water bottles typically require the user to actively inhale air from and suck on the opening of the bottle to promote sufficient flow to force water through the opening of the bottle. Such bottles require the user to actively apply a force to the opening of the bottle to facilitate water discharge.

It is an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive squeezable drink bottle that is relatively easy to squeeze, provides a desired flow rate, and exhibits sufficient radial stiffness to resist damage and/or undesired deformation (even after repeated grasping and squeezing). It is another object of the present invention to provide a squeezable drink bottle for use as part of a bottle mountable filter system.

Furthermore, the integrity or degree of filtration of water obtained from conventional portable water bottles cannot be guaranteed. Conventional filter media materials, such as, for example, carbon filters, are easily broken and require special handling, and conventional manufacturing methods for filtration systems often result in waste of filter media material.

It is therefore an object of one embodiment of the present invention to provide a relatively inexpensive filtration system for a beverage bottle that provides an acceptable level of filtration and a desired flow rate for water transported in the bottle. It is another object of the present invention to provide a bottle mountable filtration system that is easy and cost effective to manufacture.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally provide a squeezable drink bottle that exhibits one or more of several desirable characteristics.

In one embodiment, the present invention can provide a relatively easy to squeeze beverage bottle that allows control of the flow rate of the liquid being dispensed to the user while providing sufficient radial stiffness-or resistance to squeezing-to return the beverage bottle to its original shape (or "recover") at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or denting and to withstand filling, shipping, dispensing, full squeezing and subsequent use.

In one embodiment, the present invention may provide a squeezable drink bottle for use as part of a bottle mountable filtration system. The present invention can control the flow rate of liquid discharged from a carafe and through the bottle mountable filter system for the liquid contained in the carafe.

In one embodiment, the present invention may provide a bottle that includes an elastic quality that helps maintain its shape for aesthetic and functional reasons (e.g., standing upright or promoting future flow of water).

In one embodiment, the present invention can provide a relatively inexpensive disposable bottle, or alternatively, a reusable bottle, for transporting water or other liquids, thus providing an environmentally friendly conventional bottle.

Embodiments of the present invention may provide a bottle mountable filtration system that delivers acceptable filtration levels of water transported in the bottle.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure may provide a bottle filter system. The system may include a filter media having a first end disposed along a proximal end of a filter housing and a second end disposed along a distal end of the filter housing. The filter may also include a support structure disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end of the filter housing. The support structure may compress the first end of the filter media to prevent water contained in the bottle from bypassing a compression seal between the support structure and the filter media.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure may provide a bottle filter system. The system may include a filter housing removably mounted within the vial and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system may also include a filter media including a first end and a second end. The first end can be disposed along the proximal end of the filter housing and the second end can be disposed along the distal end of the filter housing. The system may also include a support structure disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end of the filter housing, which may be further disposed along a bottom surface of the bottle discharge mechanism. The support structure may be configured to cut into the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing. The system may also include a secondary support structure disposed along an inner surface of the distal end of the filter housing. The secondary support structure may be configured to cut into the second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure may provide a bottle filter system that may include a filter housing removably mounted within a bottle and having a proximal end and a distal end. The system may also include a carbon-based filter media including a first end and a second end. The first end may be disposed along the proximal end of the filter housing and the second end may be disposed along the distal end of the filter housing. The system can also include an annular support structure disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end of the filter housing and further disposed along a bottom surface of the bottle discharge mechanism. The support structure may be configured to cut into the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing. The system may also include a rail-like secondary support structure disposed along an inner surface of the distal end of the filter housing. The secondary support structure may be configured to cut into the second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.

Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

Drawings

For a more complete understanding of the present invention and the features thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively small reusable squeezable drink bottle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle shown in FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle shown in FIG. 1A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively small reusable squeezable drink bottle equipped with a filter according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 2A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 2A according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the bottle shown in FIG. 3A with the filter in an installed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively medium sized reusable squeezable drink bottle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle shown in FIG. 4A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle shown in FIG. 4A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively medium sized reusable squeezable drink bottle equipped with a filter according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 5A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 5A according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the bottle shown in FIG. 6A with the filter in an installed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively large sized reusable squeezable drink bottle according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle shown in FIG. 7A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle shown in FIG. 7A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a relatively large sized reusable squeezable drink bottle equipped with a filter according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8C is a somewhat simplified bottom plan view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 8A, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of the bottle and filter shown in FIG. 8A, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the bottle shown in FIG. 9A with the filter in an installed position according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10A is a somewhat simplified side plan perspective view of a filtration system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10B is a somewhat simplified view along section 10B-10B of the filtration system shown in FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10C is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the filtration system shown in FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10D is a somewhat simplified illustration taken along section 10D-10D of the filtration system illustrated in FIG. 10C, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10E is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the filtration system shown in FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11A is a somewhat simplified plan view of a filtration system and drain mechanism assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a somewhat simplified view taken along section 11B-11B of the filtration system and drain mechanism shown in FIG. 11A; and

FIG. 12 is a somewhat simplified flow diagram depicting a method of disposing a filter media within a filter cartridge according to one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

The present invention generally provides a beverage bottle that also has sufficient rigidity and elasticity to allow it to return to its original shape (or "recover") at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or denting when squeezed. In one embodiment, the present invention can provide a squeezable drink bottle for use as part of a bottle mountable filtration system. As an example, the present invention is particularly applicable to bottle mountable filtration systems such as those disclosed in U.S. patent nos. 6,569,329 and 5,609,759.

In another aspect, the present invention generally provides a relatively inexpensive filtration system for disposable bottles (or alternatively reusable bottles) that transport water or other liquids, thus providing an environmentally friendly conventional bottled water system. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a support system to adequately secure the filter media within the filter housing while ensuring adequate compression fit and sealing of the filter media within the filter system to eliminate "bypass flow" (i.e., water that would leak through the filter system) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water.

In one embodiment, the present invention is particularly applicable to bottle mountable filtration systems such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,569,329 and 5,609,759. While the following description generally describes a filtration system for use with a "squeezable" bottle, it should be understood that embodiments of the filtration system of the present invention can be used with any suitable size, shape, or configuration of bottle, container, or container-like vessel (e.g., including copper bottles or non-squeezable containers). Fig. 1A-2C are somewhat simplified plan views of a relatively small reusable squeezable beverage bottle 100 according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 3A is a somewhat simplified exploded perspective view of bottle 100, and fig. 3B is a somewhat simplified perspective view of bottle 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the bottle 100 shown in fig. 1A-3B is for illustrative purposes only, and any other bottle or bottle-like system or subsystem may be used in conjunction with the bottle 100 or may be substituted for the bottle 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

Furthermore, fig. 1A-3B illustrate a relatively small bottle 100 (e.g., a 375 ml bottle), and fig. 4A-6B similarly illustrate a relatively medium sized bottle 400 (e.g., a 550 ml bottle) having similar characteristics to bottle 100. Likewise, fig. 7A-9B depict a relatively larger sized bottle 700 (e.g., a 1000 ml bottle) having characteristics similar to bottle 100. It should be appreciated that bottles 100, 400, and 700 shown in fig. 1A-3B, 4A-6B, and 7A-9B, respectively, are for illustration purposes only, and that any other bottle or bottle-like system or subsystem may be used in conjunction with or in place of bottles 100, 400, and 700, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 10A is a somewhat simplified side plan view of a filtration system 118 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention for use with bottles 100, 400, and 700, while fig. 10B is a somewhat simplified view along section 10B-10B of filtration system 118, fig. 10C is a somewhat simplified top plan view of the filtration system shown in fig. 10A, and fig. 10D is a somewhat simplified view along section 10D-10D of the filtration system shown in fig. 10C, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, FIG. 10E is a somewhat simplified perspective view of the filtration system shown in FIG. 10A, according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the filtration system 118 shown in fig. 10A-10E is for illustration purposes only, and any other filtration or filtering system or subsystem may be used in conjunction with the filtration system 118 or may be used in place of the filtration system 118, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 11A is a somewhat simplified plan view of a filtration system 118 and drain 116 assembly according to one embodiment of the invention, and fig. 11B is a somewhat simplified view taken along section 11B-11B of the filtration system and drain assembly shown in fig. 11A. It should be appreciated that the assembly of the filtration system 118 and the discharge mechanism 116 shown in fig. 11A and 11B is for illustrative purposes only, and that any other filtration or filtering system or subsystem or discharge mechanism system or subsystem may be used in conjunction with or in place of the filtration system 118 or discharge mechanism 116 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Although bottles 100, 400, and 700 are generally depicted as having a somewhat contoured hourglass shape and a relatively smooth outer surface, it should be understood that bottles 100, 400, 700 may include any suitable size, shape, configuration, structure, attachment, or other various features according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment, bottles 100, 400, and 700 may include an elongate body 102 having a recess (or "waist") 104, a cap 106, a neck 108, an opening 110, a screw cap 111, a bottom 112, a gate vestige 114, a venting mechanism 116, a filtration system 118, a filtration medium 120, and a vent tube 122, as generally shown in fig. 1A-9B.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, bottles 100, 400, and 700 and their individual components may be made of any suitable material including, for example, polyethylene terephthalate (PET or PETE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), thermoplastic polymers, polypropylene, oriented polypropylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyesters, high gloss polyesters, metals, synthetic rubbers, natural rubbers, silicones, nylons, polymers, antibacterial or antimicrobial materials, insulating materials, thermal materials, other suitable sustainable or biodegradable materials, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, bottle 100 may be made from about 28.0 grams + 2.0 grams of PETE, bottle 400 may be made from about 37.0 grams + 2.0 grams of PETE, and bottle 700 may be made from about 47.0 grams + 2.0 grams of PETE. In other embodiments, bottle 100 may be made from about 18.0 grams + 2.0 grams of oriented polypropylene, bottle 400 may be made from about 24.0 grams + 2.0 grams of oriented polypropylene, and bottle 700 may be made from about 31.0 grams + 2.0 grams of oriented polypropylene.

In one embodiment, bottles 100, 400, and 700 may be manufactured according to specific specifications (e.g., wall thickness or weight of material) to achieve desired performance criteria. As an example, the relative dimensions of bottles 100, 400, and 700 may be tailored to achieve particular desired physical or performance characteristics, such as, for example, bottle hardness, recovery strength, flow rate, discharge rate, material distribution, side load stiffness, waist diameter, waist to base diameter ratio, waist to outer diameter ratio, transition angle of the shoulder, filter specifications, bottle volume limits, material integrity, material sustainability, antimicrobial or antimicrobial specifications, other suitable "recovery" or environment-related thresholds, or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, bottle 100 may generally comprise a height of about 6.00 inches, an outer diameter of about 2.81 inches, and a waist to outer diameter ratio of about 80.0% ± 5.0%. Similarly, in an embodiment, the bottle 400 may generally comprise a height of about 7.34 inches, an outer diameter of about 3.01 inches, and a waist to outer diameter ratio of about 80.0% ± 5.0%. Likewise, in one embodiment, bottle 700 may generally comprise a height of about 9.26 inches, an outer diameter of about 3.48 inches, and a waist to outer diameter ratio of about 80.0% ± 5.0%.

In an embodiment, the walls of the elongate body 102 may include a thickness in the range of approximately 0.018 inch to 0.028 inch to achieve material use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. With this range of wall thicknesses, bottles 100, 400, and 700 generally exhibit suitable elastic properties when squeezed. Thus, unlike conventional disposable water bottles, which typically have a wall thickness of about 0.008 inches to 0.012 inches, bottles 100, 400, and 700 retain their shape and structural integrity even after repeated use. In a more particular embodiment, the wall thickness of bottles 100, 400, and 700 may comprise a thickness of about 0.023 inches. It should be appreciated that according to one embodiment of the present invention, bottles 100, 400, and 700 may be manufactured with thicker (or thinner) walls to provide sufficient restoring force for a "recovery" or venting cycle, allowing bottles 100, 400, and 700 to return to their original shape.

In one embodiment, the elongate body 102 and other components of the bottles 100, 400, and 700 can comprise blow-molded plastic structures manufactured using, for example, a substantially two-step process, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The two-step process may comprise: using injection molding techniques to make appropriate "pre-formed" structures; and then using a "reheat and stretch" blow molding technique to establish the final bottle shape (including, for example, the recess 104, the neck 108, the opening 110, the bottom 112, and the gate vestige 114). In one embodiment, the plastic or other material used to make the elongate body 102 is heated in an extruder that extrudes a tubular stream of plastic to form the general structure of the bottles 100, 400, and 700.

In one example, a container mold corresponding to the shape of the bottle 100, 400, or 700 surrounds the exterior of the tubular plastic stream. Compressed air may be added near the top of the mold to blow pressure into the mold, thereby establishing pressure that pushes the tubular plastic stream outwardly along the inside contour of the mold. In this manner, the plastic stream is shaped and cooled to produce the desired plastic container for bottle 100, 400, or 700. Additionally, the elongate body 102 may include a smooth outer surface to allow for sufficient adhesion or printing/etching of an adhesive label on the outer surface of the bottle 100, 400, and 700.

In one embodiment, the elongated body 102 may help hold the bottles 100, 400, and 700. For example, the recess 104 may be relatively easily squeezed by hand to facilitate the flow of liquid out of the bottle 100, 400, and 700, and after a person uses the bottle 100, 400, and 700, the elongate body 102 may exhibit a suitable deformation rate and return to its original shape (i.e., "breathability"). As an example, if a person squeezes the bottle 100 (e.g., generally in an area including the recess 104) to facilitate the flow of liquid through the drain tube 122 to the opening of the bottle 100, the bottle 100 may exhibit sufficient rigidity and elasticity to return air into the bottle 100. Thus, the bottle 100 can return to its original shape (or "recover") at a suitable rate without experiencing permanent deformation or substantial denting of any surface of the bottle 100 or the bottle 100.

Similarly, if the bottle 100 is equipped with, for example, a bottle mountable filtration system 118 (as shown in fig. 2A) and a person squeezes the bottle 100 to facilitate the flow of liquid from the bottle 100 through the filter 118 and the drain tube 122, the bottle 100 can exhibit sufficient rigidity and elasticity to return air into the bottle 100 and thus return the bottle 100 to its original shape (or "reset"). This "recovery" action can occur at a suitable rate without any permanent deformation and without substantial denting of any surface of the bottle 100 or of the bottle 100. Additionally, the bottle 100 may be squeezed using a reasonable threshold (i.e., without undue exertion) to achieve a sufficient flow rate of liquid discharged from the bottle 100. In one embodiment, liquid may be discharged by previously drawing air from discharge mechanism 116 and onto discharge mechanism 116 and facilitating adequate flow of water out of bottle 100. In another embodiment, liquid may be discharged from the bottle 100 by simultaneously squeezing the bottle 100 using a reasonable threshold and drawing air from the discharge mechanism 116 and onto the discharge mechanism 116.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the ratio between the minimum outer diameter of the recess 104 and the maximum outer diameter of the body 102 may be controlled to produce suitable structural characteristics. If, for example, the bottle 100 comprises a ratio that is significantly less than the preferred ratio, proper distribution of material during the blow molding process will be difficult to achieve and the bottle 100 (and particularly the sidewalls thereof) will suffer kinking and permanent distortion when squeezed. If, for example, bottle 100 comprises a ratio that is significantly greater than the preferred ratio, it will be difficult to achieve the desired hourglass shape of bottle 100.

In one embodiment, the ratio between the major outer diameter of bottles 100, 400, and 700 and the major outer diameter of their respective recesses 104 (i.e., waists) may be about 80.0% ± 5.0%. In other words, in one example, if the outside diameter of bottle 100 is about 2.81 inches, the minimum outside diameter of recess 104 may be about 2.22 inches ± 0.140 inches. Similarly, if the outside diameter of bottle 400 is about 3.01 inches, the minimum outside diameter of recess 104 may be about 2.41 inches ± 0.150 inches. Likewise, if the outside diameter of bottle 700 is about 3.48 inches, the minimum outside diameter of recess 104 may be about 2.79 inches ± 0.174 inches.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the cap 106, neck 108, opening 110, bottom 112, gate vestige 114, and venting mechanism 116 generally shown in fig. 1A-9B may include any suitable size, shape, configuration, structure, attachment, or other various features.

In an embodiment, cap 106 may be coupled with neck 108, opening 110, and/or discharge mechanism 116 to provide a closure for bottles 100, 400, and 700, neck 108 being disposed substantially between the end of body 102 and opening 110, in an embodiment, neck 108 may substantially comprise an inner diameter of about 1.040 inches and any reasonable tolerance range. The transition angle of the shoulder, i.e., the angle between (a) a tangent to the body 102 at the intersection between the body 102 and the neck 108 and (b) a line perpendicular to a vertical axis of the body 102, may be controlled to facilitate distribution of material during the blow molding process of making the bottles 100, 400, and 700. Although the transition angle may range from about 20.0 degrees to 45.0 degrees, in one embodiment, the transition angle may be about 30.0 degrees and may include any reasonable tolerance range.

In one embodiment, the opening 110 may generally comprise an inner diameter of about 1.040 inches and comprise any reasonable tolerance range. In an embodiment, gate vestige 114 may be disposed along bottom 112 and may generally provide bottle 100, 400, and 700 with increased burst strength or wear resistance. According to one embodiment of the invention, a drain mechanism 116 may be coupled to the neck 108 and the opening 110 and provide an outlet for dispersing filtered water to a user.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, screw cap 111 may include any suitable structure to secure or couple discharge mechanism 116 to neck 108. In an embodiment, the screw cap 111 may include clockwise oriented threads or counterclockwise oriented threads. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable mechanism for coupling discharge mechanism 116 to neck 108 may be used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, including, for example, a compression coupling, a magnetic coupling, a coupling sleeve, any other suitable coupling mechanism, or any combination thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the filtration system 118 is substantially coupled with the bottles 100, 400, and 700 (containing liquid) and fluidly connects the bottles 100, 400, and 700 (containing liquid) to the drain mechanism 116. The filter system 118 may be reused, modified, or replaced as needed or desired, and according to one embodiment of the invention, the filter system 118 may comprise: a filter housing having a height of about 3.407 inches and an outer diameter of about 0.911 inches; and a slotted filter area having a height of about 3.092 inches.

In one embodiment, the surface area of the filtration system 118 accessible to the contents of the bottles 100, 400, and 700 affects the filtration capacity of the bottles 100, 400, and 700. According to one embodiment of the invention, the filtration system 118 may include an outer surface area of about 7.44 square inches (including the outer diameter and bottom of the filtration system 118) and an open area (with slots in the housing of the filtration system) of about 2.50 square inches.

The filtration system 118 may include any suitable filtration media 120 including, for example, carbon, activated carbon, charcoal, reverse osmosis agents, distillers, backwash agents, other suitable filters, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the filter media 120 may comprise one or more carbon filter cartridges having, for example, a height of about 3.10 inches and a diameter of about 0.730 inches. Both the height and diameter of the filter media 120 may include any reasonable tolerance range. However, it has been observed that the tolerance range of the filter media 120 can be up to 1/8 inch or more. However, in one embodiment, the diameter of the filter media 120 may comprise a tolerance of about ± 0.010 inches, while the length of the filter media 120 may comprise a tolerance of about ± 0.015 inches.

In an embodiment, the filter media 120 may have a water flow rate within a particular range to achieve a desired performance criteria. Once the water is drained through the filter system 118 and drain 116, the air returning to the bottle must pass through this same filter media 120. Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the return air flow may substantially provide a cleaning and backwashing function that extends the useful life of the filter system 118, and similarly, any residual liquid remaining in the drain 116 may be returned to the bottle through the filter media 120 and provide a cleaning or backwashing function.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the filter media 120 may be secured or disposed within a filter housing of the filter system 118 by support structures associated with the filter system 118 and the drain mechanism 116. For example, the proximal end of the filter media 120 may be supported by disposing one or more support structures 1002 along the bottom surface of the drain mechanism 116, while the distal end of the filter media 120 may be supported by disposing one or more secondary support structures 1004 along the inner surface of the housing of the filtration system 118, as generally shown in fig. 10A-10E, 11A, and 11B.

In an embodiment, support structure 1002 may be a substantially annular structure disposed along a bottom surface of drain 116 and include a length sufficient enough to cut into the proximal end of filter media 120, as generally shown in fig. 11B. On the other hand, secondary support structure 1004 may be a generally crossbar-like structure disposed along an interior bottom surface of the housing of filtration system 118, as generally shown in fig. 10C, 10D, and 10E. Secondary support structure 1004 may be configured to cut into the distal end of filter media 120 so as not to crush filter media 120 when filter media 120 is in a fully engaged position within the housing of filtration system 118. Because both support structure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004 cut into opposite ends of the filter media, the housing of filter system 118 can accommodate different lengths of filter media 120 while still applying a compressive force along the length of filter media 120.

It should be appreciated that support structure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004 may accommodate tolerance differences in the size, shape, or configuration of filter media 120. Thus, the support structure 1002 and the secondary support structure 1004 may ensure a sufficient compression fit and seal of the filter media 120 within the filter system 118 and thereby eliminate, for example, any "bypass flow" (i.e., water that may leak through the filter system 118) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water. For example, secondary support structure 1004 may apply sufficient axial pressure to filter media 120 to force filter media 120 against support structure 1002, thereby establishing a seal between filter media 120 and support structure 1002.

In an embodiment, the distal end of the filter media 120 may be compressed against the bottom surface of the filter housing 118 by the secondary support structure 1004. According to one embodiment of the invention, the proximal end of the filter media 120 may be compressed against the drain mechanism 116 and, in particular, the support structure 1002. In one embodiment, secondary support structure 1004 helps accommodate any deviations in tolerances of the overall length or shape of filter media 120 and ensures an adequate seal between filter media 120 and filtration system 118 when filter media 120 is in a fully engaged position. According to one embodiment of the invention, the proximal end of the filter media 120 provides an adequate seal with the support structure 1002 even if some of the filter media 120 is too short to fully engage with the secondary support structure 1004.

It should be appreciated that the support structure 1002 and the secondary support structure 1004 may include any suitable size, shape, or configuration of support structures to secure the filter media 120 within a housing of the filter system 118 or to facilitate placement of the filter media 120 within the housing of the filter system 118. For example, support structure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004 may include a ring-shaped structure, a cone-shaped structure, a ridge-shaped structure, a rib-shaped structure, a rail-shaped structure, a protrusion, a compression structure, a cut-in structure, other suitable structures, or any combination thereof.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, drain tube 122 may fluidly connect filtration system 118 to drain 116 and ensure that any water discharged from bottles 100, 400, and 700 passes through filtration system 118. In one embodiment, the drain tube 122 may thus further eliminate any "bypass flow" (i.e., water that would leak through the filter system 118) and prevent consumption of unfiltered water.

Thus, by matching the properties of the blow-molded bottles 100, 400, and 700 to the properties of the filtration system 118, the bottles 100, 400, and 700 may generally provide a fully functional filtered water bottle "system" with a desired degree of filtration and an improved user experience, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 depicts a somewhat simplified flow diagram of a method 1200 of producing the filtration system 118 shown in FIG. 11A, according to one embodiment of the invention. It should be appreciated that the method 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is for illustration purposes only, and any suitable method or sub-method may be used in conjunction with the method 1200 or in place of the method 1200 in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. It should also be appreciated that the steps described in connection with the method 1200 may be performed in any suitable order.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the method 1200 may include installing a filter media (such as the filter media 120 described above) for use in the filtration system 118. In step 1202, the method 1200 may include selecting a suitable bottle to store, preserve, or retain unfiltered water or other fluid, according to one embodiment of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the selected bottle may include, for example, bottles 100, 400, and 700 or may include any suitable size, shape, configuration, structure, attachment, or other various features according to one embodiment of the present invention. In step 1204, the method 1200 may include selecting an appropriate size and dimensions for a bottle mountable filtration system, such as the filtration system 118 and the filtration media 120, according to one embodiment of the invention.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, in step 1206, method 1200 may include disposing or securing filter media 120 to a discharge mechanism, such as discharge mechanism 116. According to one embodiment of the invention, in step 1208, the method 1200 may include arranging the drain mechanism 116 and the filter media 120 and aligning the drain mechanism 116 and the filter media 120 with the filter housing. In some cases, the filter media 120 may be crushed against a support structure located inside the housing. For example, filter media 120 may ensure a sufficient compression fit between support structure 1002 and secondary support structure 1004 and thus prevent consumption of unfiltered water. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the filter media 120 may be supported by disposing one or more support structures 1002 along the bottom surface of the drain mechanism 116, while the distal end of the filter media 120 may be supported by disposing one or more secondary support structures 1004 along the inner surface of the housing of the filtration system 118, as generally shown in fig. 10A-10E, 11A, and 11B.

The present invention generally provides a relatively inexpensive filtration system for disposable bottles (or alternatively reusable bottles) used to transport water or other liquids, thus providing an environmentally friendly conventional bottled water system. In one embodiment, the present invention may include a support system to adequately secure the filter media within the filter housing while ensuring a sufficient compression fit and seal of the filter media within the filter system to eliminate water leaking through the filter system and prevent consumption of unfiltered water.

Certain phraseology and terminology used herein may be advantageously described. The terms "water" and "beverage" are used herein to generally mean water and any other thirst quenching liquid, such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and the like. Water bottles, cans, or other containers may be generally referred to as "bottles.

In addition, the term "couple" and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not such elements are in physical contact with each other. The terms "include" and "comprise," as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term "or" is inclusive, meaning and/or. The terms "associated with …" and "associated with," and derivatives thereof, may mean including, contained within …, interconnected with …, contained within …, connected to or with …, coupled to or with …, communicable with …, cooperative with …, staggered, juxtaposed, proximate to, adhered to or with …, having the properties of …, or the like.

While the present disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus the above description of exemplary embodiments does not define or limit the disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims (28)

1. A squeezable beverage bottle, comprising:

an elongate body comprising:

an upper portion, a recessed waist portion, and a lower portion along a height of the elongated body; and

a neck coupled to the upper portion and forming an opening to an interior of the elongated body;

a discharge mechanism coupled to the neck of the elongated body;

a filter system coupled to the drain mechanism and extending through the opening into the interior of the elongated body;

a drain extending through the drain mechanism and the filtration system in fluid communication with the interior of the elongated body; and

one or more support structures for supporting the filtration system within the elongate body;

wherein the filtration system comprises:

a filter housing removably mounted within the squeezable drink bottle and having a proximal end and a distal end;

a filter media having a first end disposed along the proximal end of the filter housing and a second end disposed along the distal end of the filter housing; and

a first support structure disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end of the filter housing, wherein the first support structure is configured to cut into the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing, wherein the first support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to prevent water contained in a squeezable drink bottle from bypassing a compression seal between the first support structure and the filter media;

a secondary support structure disposed along an inner surface of the distal end of the filter housing and configured to cut into a second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.

2. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 1, wherein a ratio of a smallest outer diameter of the recessed waist portion to a largest outer diameter of at least one of the upper portion and the lower portion is 80.0% ± 5.0%.

3. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the filter housing is removably mounted within the squeezable drink bottle.

4. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the secondary support structure comprises a rail-like structure.

5. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the secondary support structure compresses the second end of the filter media to support the filter media.

6. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the first support structure comprises a ring shape.

7. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the first support structure is further disposed along a bottom surface of the discharge mechanism of the squeezable drink bottle.

8. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the first support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to provide a water-tight seal between the first support structure and the filter media.

9. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 1, wherein the filter media comprises a carbon filter.

10. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 1, wherein the length of the filter media comprises a tolerance of ± 0.015 inches.

11. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body has a wall thickness ranging from 0.018 inch to 0.028 inch.

12. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 11, wherein the wall thickness of the elongate body is 0.023 inches.

13. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body is formed of 28.0 grams ± 2.0 grams PETE.

14. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body is formed from 37.0 grams ± 2.0 grams PETE.

15. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body is formed of 47.0 grams ± 2.0 grams PETE.

16. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body is formed from 18.0 grams ± 2.0 grams of oriented polypropylene.

17. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body is formed from 24.0 grams ± 2.0 grams of oriented polypropylene.

18. The squeezable beverage bottle of claim 2, wherein the elongate body is formed from 31.0 grams ± 2.0 grams of oriented polypropylene.

19. A squeezable beverage bottle, comprising:

an elongate body comprising:

an upper portion, a recessed waist portion, and a lower portion along a height of the elongated body; and

a neck coupled to the upper portion and forming an opening to an interior of the elongated body;

a discharge mechanism coupled to the neck of the elongated body;

a filter system coupled to the drain mechanism and extending through the opening into the interior of the elongated body;

a drain extending through the drain mechanism and the filtration system in fluid communication with the interior of the elongated body; and

one or more support structures for supporting the filtration system within the elongate body;

wherein the filtration system comprises:

a filter housing removably mounted within the squeezable drink bottle and having a proximal end and a distal end;

a filter media comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed along the proximal end of the filter housing and the second end is disposed along the distal end of the filter housing;

a first support structure disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end of the filter housing and further disposed along a floor of a discharge mechanism of the squeezable drink bottle, wherein the first support structure is configured to cut into the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing; and

a secondary support structure disposed along an inner surface of the distal end of the filter housing, the secondary support structure configured to cut into the second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.

20. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 19, wherein the secondary support structure comprises a rail-like structure.

21. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 19, wherein the secondary support structure compresses the second end of the filter media to support the filter media within the filter housing.

22. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 19, wherein the first support structure comprises a ring shape.

23. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 19, wherein the first support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to provide a water-tight seal between the support structure and the filter media.

24. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 19, wherein the filter media comprises a carbon filter.

25. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 19, wherein the length of the filter media comprises a tolerance of ± 0.015 inches.

26. A squeezable beverage bottle, comprising:

an elongate body comprising:

an upper portion, a recessed waist portion, and a lower portion along a height of the elongated body; and

a neck coupled to the upper portion and forming an opening to an interior of the elongated body;

a discharge mechanism coupled to the neck of the elongated body;

a filter system coupled to the drain mechanism and extending through the opening into the interior of the elongated body;

a drain extending through the drain mechanism and the filtration system in fluid communication with the interior of the elongated body; and

one or more support structures for supporting the filtration system within the elongate body;

wherein the filtration system comprises:

a filter housing removably mounted within the squeezable drink bottle and having a proximal end and a distal end;

a carbon-based filter media comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is disposed along the proximal end of the filter housing and the second end is disposed along the distal end of the filter housing;

an annular support structure disposed along an inner surface of the proximal end of the filter housing and further disposed along a floor of a discharge mechanism of the squeezable drink bottle, wherein the annular support structure is configured to cut into the first end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing; and

a crossbar-like secondary support structure disposed along an interior surface of the distal end of the filter housing, the crossbar-like secondary support structure configured to cut into the second end of the filter media when the filter media is in an engaged position within the filter housing.

27. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 26, wherein the annular support structure compresses the first end of the filter media to provide a water-tight seal between the annular support structure and the filter media.

28. The squeezable drink bottle of claim 26, wherein the length of the filter media comprises a tolerance of ± 0.015 inches.