US20260007264A1

US20260007264A1 - One-piece, Weighted, Spherical, Self-righting Drinking Vessel

Info

Publication number: US20260007264A1
Application number: US18/766,052
Authority: US
Inventors: David Marson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2024-07-08
Filing date: 2024-07-08
Publication date: 2026-01-08

Abstract

This invention pertains to a spherical, one-piece liquid storage and dispensing container with increased stability to prevent tipping. The body consists of a top, bottom, and side wall, which together form the majority of a sphere shape and define a vertical central axis running from the bottom to the top of the container. The straw of the container includes a counterweight and is permanently affixed to the body of the container which helps to keep and return the central vertical axis of the container to the upright position. The lid, which complements the body and completes the spherical shape of the container, is permanently attached to and slides along the straw allowing for easy filling and cleaning of the container while preventing the loss of any container parts.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/635,809 filed on Apr. 14, 2024, and titled “Weighted, Spherical, Self-righting Drinking Vessel,” the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The creation of a sphere-shaped liquid container that consistently returns to the vertical position when tipped over represents a significant innovation in beverage container design, offering a multitude of benefits compared to traditional liquid containers and other similar alternatives.
Firstly, the one-piece construction of this sphere-shaped water bottle eliminates the risk of losing parts, setting it apart from other similar liquid containers. With all components seamlessly integrated into a single unit, users can enjoy peace of mind knowing that the container remains intact and fully functional, even during extended use or travel.
Additionally, unlike other similar liquid containers, this sphere-shaped design addresses critical functionality issues inherent in alternative designs that employ vague language such as “may be,” “preferably,” or “contemplated,” which attempts to cover a broad range of possibilities but fails to ensure a functional product.
One example is a weight on the straw located in an elevated position, rather than at the bottom of the container. This innovative feature enables total consumption of the liquid in the container, ensuring that users can enjoy every drop without encountering any obstructions or limitations. By optimizing the distribution of weight within the bottle, this design enhances user convenience and satisfaction, making hydration more efficient and enjoyable.
Another example is the inclusion of an air exchange vent, preventing a vacuum from forming in the container making it easy to extract liquids from the container.
Furthermore, compared to traditional water bottles that are prone to spills and leaks when knocked over, this sphere-shaped water bottle automatically returns to the vertical position, thereby eliminating spills and leaks altogether. This feature not only saves time, effort, and frustration for the user but also promotes a cleaner and safer environment, particularly in settings where spills could pose a risk of accidents or damage.
Moreover, the versatility of this sphere-shaped water bottle makes it suitable for a wide range of users, including parents of young children, seniors, the infirmed, and the handicapped. Its user-friendly design and spill-proof functionality cater to the diverse needs and preferences of individuals across various demographics, enhancing accessibility and usability for all.
In summary, the creation of a sphere-shaped liquid container that always returns to the vertical position when tipped over offers a compelling solution to the shortcomings of traditional water bottles and other similar alternatives. With its one-piece construction, weight optimization, air exchange vent, spill-proof design, and universal appeal, this innovative bottle redefines the standards of convenience, efficiency, and user experience in hydration solutions and makes the present invention both novel and non-obvious, justifying the grant of a patent.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention aims to provide a novel container solution that effectively minimizes spillage and leakage of liquids and offers enhanced usability for individuals with limited dexterity, including infants, toddlers, the infirmed, and the physically handicapped.
This objective and others are achieved through a container crafted in accordance with the present invention, specifically designed for easy handling through cupping or grasping, catering to individuals with varying levels of dexterity.
Key to its design, the container features a spherical shape, optimizing its ergonomic fit within the human hand.
A notable aspect of the invention involves the incorporation of a counterweight positioned in an elevated location on the straw.
This counterweight serves the crucial function of automatically self-righting the container in the event of tipping, thereby preventing liquid spillage and leakage from the container.
Furthermore, the anti-tipping feature not only safeguards against spills but also ensures that the drinking straw remains elevated above any surface upon which the container is placed, enhancing hygiene by preventing contact contamination.
Importantly, the counterweight is a permanent fixture of the container, ensuring its reliable functionality over time.
Moreover, the container includes a permanently attached lid, which slides along the externally exposed straw.
This lid is secured in place by a rim at the end of the straw, preventing accidental removal.
In terms of construction, the container is preferably made from a shatterproof material, such as plastic, with antibacterial properties. It may also feature varying degrees of opacity, including opaque, translucent, or transparent options.
In summary, the innovative features and advantages of the present invention are detailed further in the accompanying description of preferred embodiments. While modifications are conceivable, such as the addition of handles to the exterior of the container for alternate gripping solutions, the essence of the invention remains intact, offering a versatile and effective solution to the challenges associated with conventional containers.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers, and in particular to, a spherical anti-tipping container for liquids.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The following detailed description, together with the accompanying drawings, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the container and its various features and benefits.

The embodiments described herein are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the container in its preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the container with the lid in the lowered position in its preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the container with the lid in the raised position in its preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the container in its preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 provides a cross-sectional view of the container with the lid in the lowered position in its preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 provides a cross-sectional view of the container with the lid in the raised position in its preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 shows a fragmentary front view of the bottom section of the container and straw, highlighting the elevated counterweight attached to the straw and the water intake holes at the bottom of the straw.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the container. In this figure, the container 10 is shown in its upright position. The spherical body 12 is designed for containing liquid. The lid 20, which helps prevent leaks and spills, is depicted in its lowered position along with the air vent 30, which prevents a vacuum from forming in the container 10 to not impede fluid consumption for the user. The upper rim 28 at the top of the straw 14, which prevents the lid from detaching from straw 14 is shown.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the container with the lid 20 in the lowered position. This figure illustrates the container 10 with the lid 20 fully lowered along the straw 14. The lid 20 fits snugly against the spherical body 12, creating a continuous, rounded, and spherical appearance. The upper rim 28 at the top of the straw 14, which prevents the lid 20 from detaching from straw 14 is shown.
FIG. 3 is a front view of the container with the lid 20 in the raised position. In this figure, the container 10 is shown with the lid 20 in its raised position along the straw 14. At least one helical lid thread 62, that is defined on an outer circumferential surface of the lid 20 which mates with at least one helical body thread 64 on an inner circumferential surface of the spherical body 12 is illustrated. The upper rim 28 at the top of the straw 14, which prevents the lid 20 from detaching from straw 14 is shown.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the container. The top view provides a perspective from above the container 10. An air vent 30 is positioned near the edge of the lid 20, and demonstrates how the overall design maintains the spherical aesthetic is shown. The upper rim 28 at the top of the straw 14, which prevents the lid 20 from detaching from straw 14 is visible, as well as the one-way valve 26 within the straw 14 that prevents spills and leaks.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the container with the lid in the lowered position. This cross-sectional view reveals the internal structure of the container 10. The straw 14 is permanently attached to the bottom of the interior of the spherical body 12 and includes multiple water intake holes 22 at the bottom. The elevated weight 24 is a fixed to the straw 14 near its bottom end, ensuring the container self-rights to an upright position. The one-way valve 26 is integrated into the straw 14 to prevent spills and leaks. The lower rim 25 at the upper end of the straw 14 seals with the lid 20 in the lowered position to prevent spills and leaks. The upper rim 28 at the top of the straw 14 interacts with the lid 20 by preventing the lid 20 from detaching from straw 14, is also shown. The lid 20 includes an air vent 30 to facilitate airflow to regulate liquid dispensing and prevents a vacuum from forming in the container 10. As may best be seen in FIG. 2 , the lid 20 is constructed and arranged to be screwed onto the spherical body 12. In order to enable this, at least one helical body thread 64 is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the spherical body 12, which mates with at least one helical lid thread 62 that is defined on an outer circumferential surface of the lid 20.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the container with the lid 20 in the raised position. This cross-sectional view reveals the internal structure of the container 10. The straw 14 is permanently attached to the bottom of the interior of the spherical body 12 and includes multiple water intake holes 22 at the bottom. The elevated weight 24 is a fixed to the straw 14 near its bottom end, ensuring the container self-rights to an upright position. The one-way valve 26 is integrated into the straw 14 to prevent spills and leaks. The lower rim 25 at the upper end of the straw 14 seals with the lid 20 in the lowered position to prevent spills and leaks. The upper rim 28 at the top of the straw 14 interacts with the lid 20 by preventing the lid from detaching from straw 14, is also shown. The lid 20 includes an air vent 30 to facilitate airflow to regulate liquid dispensing and prevents a vacuum from forming in the container 10. The lid 20 is constructed and arranged to be screwed onto the spherical body 12. In order to enable this, at least one helical body thread 64 is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the spherical body 12, which mates with at least one helical lid thread 62 that is defined on an outer circumferential surface of the lid 20.
FIG. 7 is a fragmentary front view of the bottom section of the container 10 and straw 14. This figure provides a detailed view of the straw 14 that is permanently attached to the bottom of the interior of the spherical body 12. The elevated weight 24 is clearly affixed to the bottom part of the straw 14. The water intake holes 22 at the bottom of the straw 14 facilitate fluid communication with the interior of the spherical body 12.

Claims

1. A one-piece container for storing and dispensing fluids comprising:

a. a spherical body for containing liquid;

b. a straw permanently attached to the interior of the spherical body, said straw extending from the bottom interior surface of the container to a point above the top exterior surface of the container having one or more water intake holes at its bottom, an integrated one-way valve, a rim that seals to the lid in the lowered position, and a rim at the top end of the straw that prevents the removal of the lid;

c. an elevated weight affixed to the straw, configured to self-right the container to an upright position;

d. a lid configured to slide up and down along an externally exposed portion of the straw, wherein the lid is prevented from coming off the straw due to the rim at the top end of the straw, said lid including an air vent to facilitate airflow and regulate liquid dispensing and a portion of its outer contour with a shape that substantially complements the rounded shape of the side walls of the body so as to provide the container with the appearance of a substantially spherical shape;

e. wherein the body and lid form a substantially spherical container.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein the spherical body is made of an antimicrobial material.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein the elevated weight is located near the bottom end of the straw and composed of a dense material such as metal or a high-density polymer.

4. The container of claim 1, wherein the straw is centrally located within the spherical body.

5. The container of claim 1, wherein the air vent in the lid is designed to allow air to enter the container as liquid is drawn through the straw, preventing a vacuum from forming.

6. The container of claim 1, wherein the water intake holes in the straw are sized and numbered to allow for optimal fluid flow.

7. The container of claim 1, wherein the spherical body includes an external surface texture or coating to improve grip and prevent slipping.

8. The container of claim 1, wherein the straw is wholly or partially made of a flexible material to allow for easy drinking from various angles.

9. The container of claim 1, wherein the lid is designed to lock into place at the lowered position using helical threads, providing a secure and leak-proof seal when closed.

10. The container of claim 1, wherein the interior of the straw is equipped with a one-way valve to prevent spills and leaks.

11. The container of claim 1, wherein the elevated weight is integrally formed as part of the straw.