US20090134110A1

US20090134110A1 - Bottle and valve for holding and dispensing multiple substances

Info

Publication number: US20090134110A1
Application number: US11/946,594
Authority: US
Inventors: David Carl Jones
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-11-28
Filing date: 2007-11-28
Publication date: 2009-05-28

Abstract

The present embodiments relate to a bottle capable of holding and selectively dispensing at least two different substances. The bottle comprises an outer container having a reservoir adapted to receive a first substance, and an inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive a second substance. When assembled, the inner container is removably disposed within a portion of the outer container. The bottle further comprises a valve having a first configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and outer containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer container and inhibit flow from the inner container. Tactile feedback is provided to the user to know when the valve moves from one configuration to another.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present embodiments relate generally to a bottle, and more specifically, to a bottle capable of holding and selectively dispensing at least two different substances.

BACKGROUND

Bottles typically comprise a single container for holding a substance, such as a fluid, and may comprise a lid, aperture and/or other opening for dispensing the substance. In some situations, it may be desirable to store two or more separate substances within a single bottle. For example, various baby bottles are known that have a first compartment for holding a first substance, and a second compartment for holding a second substance, such as liquid medicine. It may become desirable to keep the first and second substances entirely separate, and/or mix them together shortly before dispensing the mixture through the opening of the bottle.
Still other bottles that are capable of holding first and second substances employ a rotating lid comprising a single nozzle disposed around the perimeter of the lid. In such devices, a first compartment holding the first substance may be disposed about 180 degrees apart from a second compartment holding the second substance. The lid of the bottle then may be rotated circumferentially about 180 degrees in order to move the nozzle from registry with the first compartment into registry with the second compartment to dispense their respective substances.
One drawback associated with such bottles is that it may be time consuming and/or difficult to switch between dispensing the first substance and the second substance. In certain instances, the bottle may need to be manually manipulated using both hands in order to rotate the lid with respect to the bottle to place the nozzle into proper alignment with the desired compartment. In other cases, the lid may need to be removed entirely, again using both hands, to extract the desired first or second substance from the bottle. Such complex, time-consuming and manually intensive efforts may not be well suited for active individuals or athletes. For example, bicyclists, drivers or other individuals may wish to selectively obtain the two different substances in the bottle during their intense activities without requiring the use of both hands.
In view of the foregoing, there is a need for an easy-to-use bottle system that allows multiple substances to be dispensed from the bottle in a convenient, easy-to-use manner.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments relate to a bottle capable of holding and selectively dispensing at least two different substances. In a first embodiment, the bottle comprises an outer container having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an upstanding body therebetween. The outer container comprises a reservoir adapted to receive a first substance. The bottle further comprises an inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive a second substance. When assembled, the inner container is removably disposed within a portion of the outer container.
The bottle further comprises a valve configured to facilitate dispensing of multiple substances from the inner and outer containers. During use, the valve has a first configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and outer containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer container and inhibit flow from the inner container. Therefore, by moving the valve between first, second and third configurations, the first and second substances may be selectively dispensed from their respective containers. Tactile feedback is provided to the user to know when the valve moves from one configuration to another.
In one embodiment, a portion of the valve comprises a lid coupled to a nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with respect to the lid. The lid may be secured to the upper portion of the outer container, for example, using a threaded engagement. The nipple comprises an upper flange configured to limit downward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, a lower flange configured to limit upward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, and at least one external ridge disposed between the upper and lower flanges. The external ridge facilitates vertical stability of the nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between maximum upper and lower nipple positions. Therefore, the nipple may be held in a desired position, and the risk of inadvertently moving the nipple is reduced. Moreover, the at least one external ridge provides tactile feedback to the user regarding the positioning of the nipple.
The bottle may further comprise a gate member having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lateral section disposed therebetween. The lower portion of the gate member is configured to be removably coupled with the inner container, for example, using a threaded engagement. An annular space is formed between a portion of the nipple and the gate member. The gate member comprises a surface having at least one aperture that may be placed in communication with the inner container. The nipple further comprises at least one external ridge adapted to block the aperture when the valve is in the first configuration and the third configuration. In effect, when the external ridge of the nipple covers the aperture of the gate member, flow from the inner container may be inhibited.
The inner container of the bottle preferably comprises a pliable material adapted to contract when the second substance is dispensed. Since the inner container itself contracts, there may be no separate moving parts disposed within the inner container. In one embodiment, a portion of the inner container comprises a generally accordion shape adapted to be contracted. In an alternative embodiment, the inner container may comprise a pliable bag or pouch that may be contracted.
Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the invention, and be encompassed by the following claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the following drawings and description. The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views.

FIG. 1 is an elevated front perspective view of a bottle provided in accordance with a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the bottle of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view taken along line A—A of FIG. 4 and showing the bottle in a first configuration.

FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view taken along line B—B of FIG. 2, illustrating the bottle in the first configuration while rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 3.

FIGS. 5A-5B are, respectively, a side-sectional view of an upper portion of the bottle of FIGS. 1-4 in a first configuration, and a side-sectional view of the bottle rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 6A-6B are, respectively, a side-sectional view of an upper portion of the bottle of FIGS. 1-4 in a second configuration, and a side-sectional view of the bottle rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 7A-7B are, respectively, a side-sectional view of an upper portion of the bottle of FIGS. 1-4 in a third configuration, and a side-sectional view of the bottle rotated approximately 90 degrees from the position shown in FIG. 7A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a bottle capable of holding and dispensing at least two different substances is described. Bottle 20 generally comprises outer container 30, inner container 50, lid 70 and nipple 90, as shown in FIGS. 1-4.
Outer container 30 comprises reservoir 37, which is adapted to receive a first substance, such as water, a sports drink, or any other substance, as set forth below. Outer container 30 may comprise any suitable exterior configuration. For example, in one embodiment, outer container 30 comprises a generally upstanding body having lower portion 32, upper portion 34, and contoured section 33 disposed therebetween, as shown in FIGS. 1-2. Contoured section 33 may be adapted to be grasped by a human hand to assist in gripping and/or squeezing bottle 20. Outer container 30 further comprises a lower end 35, and an upper end defined by upper engaging portion 39, as shown in FIG. 3. As will be explained in further detail below, upper engaging portion 39 is configured to removably engage lid 70, and inner container 50 is adapted to be disposed at least partially within the confines of outer container 30.
Outer container 30 may comprise any suitable material and size. Solely for illustrative purposes, reservoir 37 of outer container 30 may contain approximately 20-24 fluid ounces in volume, and the upstanding body of outer container 30 may be shaped to fit within a standard water bottle cage, e.g., disposed on a bicycle. Outer container 30 may be constructed from a durable, yet lightweight material, such as a semi-transparent low-density polyethylene.
Referring now to FIG. 3, features of inner container 50 are shown. Inner container 50 may comprise an suitable material and configuration adapted to dispense a second substance in accordance with the embodiments described herein. However, in a preferred embodiment, inner container 50 comprises a pliable material. Inner container 50 comprises reservoir 52, which is adapted to receive a second substance, such as a carbohydrate refueling supplement, gel, shot, liquid, or any other substance. In the embodiment shown, reservoir 52 of inner container 50 may be configured to contain about 2-6 fluid ounces in volume of the second substance, although a greater or lesser amount may be contained.
In one embodiment, inner container 50 comprises a pliable material having a lower end 54, an upper engaging portion 56, and an accordion shape having a plurality of angled segments 55 disposed therebetween, as best seen in FIGS. 3-4. Angled segments 55 facilitate compression of inner container 50, which allows the entirety of the structure to contract or shorten in length upon dispersal of the second substance, as explained in greater detail below.
In this embodiment, inner container 50 may comprise a material similar to the material used for outer container 30, such as a pliable polyethylene, but inner container 50 preferably is more pliable than outer container 30. Notably, in this embodiment, there are no additional or moving parts disposed within, or coupled to, inner container 50 for dispensing the second substance.
Alternatively, inner container 50 may comprise a pliable bag-shaped or pouch-shaped container. In this embodiment, the bag or pouch is adapted to contain a second substance, such as an energy gel, shot, or any other substance. When a suction force is imposed upon the bag or pouch via nipple 90, or when outer container 30 is squeezed, the pliable features of the bag or pouch may allow contraction of the inner container to dispense the second substance through a valve of bottle 20, as set forth in greater detail with respect to FIGS. 6A-6B, below. In yet another embodiment, inner container 50 may comprise a substantially cylindrical shape, i.e., without angled segments 55 formed therein. Still further inner container shapes may be employed to perform the functions described herein.
In a still further alternative embodiment, inner container 50 may comprise a substantially cylindrical tubular member having a syringe member adapted for movement therein upon squeezing of bottle 20. The syringe member may be loaded in a lower position, then contents may be introduced into the upper portion of the container, and the syringe member may move upwards to facilitate dispensing of the contents of the inner container. The syringe member may be removable from the substantially cylindrical tubular member for cleaning.
In accordance with one aspect, bottle 20 comprises a valve having first, second and third configurations, as will be explained in detail below with respect to FIGS. 5-7. In one embodiment, the valve comprises at least portions of lid 70, nipple 90 and gate member 110, which may be coupled together as explained below to permit movement of the valve between the first, second and third configurations.
Referring still to FIGS. 1-4, further features of lid 70 will be described in greater detail. Lid 70 comprises an upper vertical portion 72, as best seen in FIG. 2, a lower vertical portion 75, as shown in FIG. 3, and a laterally extending region 79 disposed therebetween. Lower vertical portion 75 extends in a circumferential direction and preferably comprises an inner diameter slightly greater than an outer diameter of upper engaging portion 39 of outer container 30. In use, lower vertical portion 75 preferably comprises internal threading 77, which is adapted to releasably mate with external threading 40 of upper engaging portion 39 of outer container 30, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. In this manner, lid 70 is releasably engaged with outer container 30.
A circumferential gasket 89 may be disposed between lid 70 and engaging portion 39 of outer container 30, as shown in FIG. 3. Gasket 89 may comprise any suitable material adapted to provide a fluid-tight seal, such as silicone rubber, and may be disposed in a recessed groove formed in a lower surface of laterally extending region 79 of lid 70. When assembled, gasket 89 inhibits leakage of bottle 20 by reducing or eliminating fluid flow from reservoir 37 of outer container 30 through lower vertical portion 75 of lid 70.
Referring still to FIGS. 3-4, further features of nipple 90 are shown. Nipple 90 comprises an upright member having upper and lower regions. The upper region of nipple 90 comprises upper flange 92, which comprises an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as best seen in FIGS. 2-3. The lower region of nipple 90 comprises lower flange 98, as seen in FIG. 3. As will be explained in further detail below, upper flange 92 and lower flange 98 limit the maximum downward and upward movement of nipple 90, respectively.
Bottle 20 still further comprises gate member 110, which is coupled to lid 70 and nipple 90 as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Gate member 110 preferably comprises a lower vertical portion 126, a lateral section 117, and an upright portion having multiple diameters, as best seen in FIG. 4 and explained in further detail below. Lateral section 117 of gate member 110 is disposed to abut lower region 142 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 4.
Lower vertical portion 126 preferably comprises an inner diameter slightly greater than an outer diameter of upper engaging portion 56 of inner container 50. In use, lower vertical portion 126 preferably comprises internal threading 125, which is adapted to releasably mate with external threading 57 of upper engaging portion 56 of inner container 50, as shown in FIG. 3. In this configuration, inner container 50 is releasably secured to gate member 110. Advantageously, by employing a threaded connection, the likelihood of inadvertently dislodging inner container 50 may be reduced. However, in an alternative embodiment, a snap-fit or frictional engagement may also be employed.
When bottle 20 is fully assembled, as shown in FIGS. 3-4, inner container 50 is held substantially steady with respect to outer container 30. Various components of bottle 20 work together to maintain the stability of inner container 50 with respect to outer container 30. More specifically, lower vertical portion 75 of lid 70 is engaged with outer container 30, as explained above, and upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70 surroundingly engages the upright member of nipple 90. Nipple 90 is at least partially sandwiched between lid 70 and gate member 110, as shown in FIGS. 3-4. Since lid 70 is held substantially rotationally steady in the assembled state, then nipple 90 also is held substantially rotationally steady. Moreover, gate member 110 is held substantially rotationally steady with respect to nipple 90 and lid 70, in part because lower region 142 of lid 70 abuts lateral section 117 (see FIG. 4) to reduce movement of gate member 110. Finally, since inner container 50 is securely coupled to gate member 110, inner container 50 ultimately is held substantially steady with respect to outer container 30.
Bottle 20 may become unassembled by unscrewing lid 70 from outer container 30. At this time, lid 70, nipple 90 and gate member 110 remain coupled together, with inner container 50 being coupled to gate member 110. Inner container 50 then may be unscrewed from engagement with gate member 110. Therefore, inner container 50 and outer container 30 are fully disassembled from the remaining components of bottle 20. Outer container 30 and inner container 50 may be removed to be cleaned and/or refilled before subsequent assembly of bottle 20. Advantageously, in this embodiment, no additional parts, such as a plunger or syringe, are employed and required to be cleaned.
Referring still to FIGS. 3-4, further features of nipple 90 that have an impact upon operation of bottle 20 are described. Nipple 90 preferably comprises first, second and third external ridges 95-97, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 3 and FIGS. 5-7 below. External ridges 95-97 preferably are disposed around the entire circumference of nipple 90 and spaced apart from one another, for purposes described with respect to FIGS. 5-7 below. Nipple 90 further preferably comprises first and second internal ridges 102 and 103, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4. Internal ridges 102 and 103 also are spaced apart from one another, but need not span the entire circumference of nipple 90. As will be set forth in greater detail below, internal ridges 102 and 103 are configured to selectively engage aperture 115 formed in the upright portion of gate member 110 to selectively inhibit and permit flow of the second substance from inner container 50 through aperture 115.
Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, a method of using bottle 20 to selectively dispense first and second substances is described. As noted above, a first substance may be disposed in reservoir 37 of outer container 30. The first substance may be poured into reservoir 37 before lid 70 is coupled to outer container 30, and may contain approximately 20-24 ounces of any suitable fluid. As will be apparent, outer container 30 may be dimensioned to contain a greater or lesser amount of fluid.
Further, prior to assembly, the second substance is placed into reservoir 52 of inner container 50. As noted above, any suitable second substance may be used, such as a fluid, carbohydrate gel, and so forth. After a desired amount of the second substance is disposed within reservoir 52, inner container 50 then may be securely coupled to gate member 110, as explained above. Once the desired substances are placed in reservoirs 37 and 52, and inner container 50 has been securely coupled to gate member 110, lid 70 may be coupled to outer container 30, as described above, to provide a fully assembled bottle 20 having at least partially full reservoirs 37 and 52.
Bottle 20 generally comprises three modes, as shown in FIGS. 5-7. In the mode shown in FIGS. 5A-5B, the valve comprises a first configuration that inhibits flow from both outer container 30 and inner container 50. In the first configuration, nipple 90 is pushed maximally downward such that upper flange 92 abuts upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 5A. Flow from outer container 30 is inhibited because lower end 105 of nipple 90 is in sealing engagement with sealing segment 114 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 5B. Therefore, fluid communication between reservoir 37 and annular space 121 between nipple 90 and gate member 110 is inhibited.
Further, when the valve is in the first configuration, flow of the second substance from inner container 50 is inhibited because upper internal ridge 102 of nipple 90 is aligned with side aperture 115 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 5B. Since side aperture 115 is the only exit pathway for the second substance, flow of the second substance is inhibited.
In the first configuration, when nipple 90 is pushed maximally downward, second external ridge 96 is disposed just beneath corner segment 82 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 5A. First, second and third external ridges 95-97 each comprise outer diameters that are slightly greater than an inner diameter formed at corner segment 82 of lid 70. Therefore, in order to move nipple 90 in an upward direction, the frictional resistance that corner segment 82 imposes upon second external ridge 96 must be overcome. Further, the frictional resistance to move internal ridge 102 out of engagement with side aperture 115 must be overcome. These frictional forces may be overcome by intentional actuation of nipple 90, i.e., by exerting a sufficient force to pull nipple 90 upward. Due to the functional forces provided by the internal and external ridges of nipple 90, inadvertent movement of nipple 90 with respect to lid 70 may be reduced or eliminated.
Advantageously, since the valve comprises a completely “closed” position in the first configuration, bottle 20 is significantly less likely to inadvertently discharge fluid at an undesired time from both of the containers. Moreover, since the bottle comprises a completely closed position, the valve may be less likely to retain the substances of the inner and outer containers. Such substances, e.g., a carbohydrate gel, may be more likely to create a growth medium for bacteria if the bottle did not comprise the completely closed position shown in FIGS. 5A-5B.
Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6B, a second configuration of the valve is shown in which the valve is configured to permit flow from inner container 50 through aperture 141 of nipple 90, while inhibiting flow from outer container 30. As noted above, in order to move the valve from the first configuration to the second configuration, a user may pull nipple 90 in an upward direction until the frictional force provided by corner segment 82 acting upon second external ridge 96 is overcome, and the frictional force required to move first internal ridge 102 out of engagement with side aperture 115 is overcome. Once these frictional forces are overcome, the user may hear a single click and/or receive tactile feedback sufficient to know that nipple 90 has moved to a second position. It should be noted that the user may overcome the resistance required to move the nipple between positions manually or using his or her teeth.
In the second configuration of the valve, nipple 90 is pulled upward one degree such that upper flange 92 is separated from upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 6A. At this time, aperture 141 of nipple 90 is spaced apart from the upper end of gate member 110, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B. Flow from outer container 30 remains inhibited because lower end 105 of nipple 90 remains in sealing engagement with sealing segment 114 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 6B. Therefore, fluid communication between reservoir 37 and annular space 121 is inhibited.
However, when the valve is in the second configuration, flow of the second substance from inner container 50 is permitted through nipple 90, since neither first internal ridge 102 nor second internal ridge 103 of nipple 90 is aligned with side aperture 115 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 6B. An open space between internal ridges 102-103 becomes in registry with side aperture 115. As indicated by the arrows in FIG. 6B, the second substance flows through side aperture 115, into the annular space 121 between nipple 90 and gate member 110, and is dispensed through aperture 141 of nipple 90.
As mentioned above, the pliability of inner container 50 allows the inner container to contract upon squeezing of outer container 30, or alternatively, to contract when a suction force is applied through aperture 141 of nipple 90. If inner container 50 comprises the accordion-shaped compartment shown, then inner container 50 may contract by having lower end 54 move towards upper engaging portion 56 (see FIG. 3). Alternatively, if inner container 50 comprises a pliable bag or pouch, the bag or pouch may contract upon squeezing outer container 30 or providing a suction force through nipple 90.
It should be noted that when nipple 90 is moved into the second position, third external ridge 97 abuts corner segment 82 of lid 70, and first external ridge 95 is disposed just above upper surface 133 of upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 6A. Since the diameters of first and third external ridges 95 and 97 are slightly greater than the diameters of upper surface 133 and corner segment 82 of lid 70, respectively, the valve will remain securely disposed in the second configuration. In order to move nipple 90 in an upward or downward direction, the frictional resistance imposed upon first and third external ridges 95 and 97 must be overcome. As noted above, the provision of such internal ridges may reduce or eliminate inadvertent movement of nipple 90 with respect to lid 70.
Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7B, a third configuration of the valve is shown in which the valve is configured to dispense a substance from outer container 30 and inhibit flow from inner container 50. In order to move the valve from the second configuration to the third configuration shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, a user may pull nipple 90 in an upward direction, manually or using teeth, until the frictional force provided by corner segment 82 acting upon third external ridge 97 is overcome. Once the frictional force is overcome, the user may hear another click and/or receive tactile feedback sufficient to know that the valve has moved to the third configuration.
In the third configuration, nipple 90 is pulled upward to a second degree, such that lower flange 98 of nipple 90 abuts corner segment 82 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 7A. This engagement defines the maximum upward movement of nipple 90. At this time, second external ridge 96 is disposed just above upper surface 133 of upper vertical portion 72 of lid 70, as shown in FIG. 7A. Since the diameter of second external ridges 96 is slightly greater than the diameter of upper surface 133, nipple 90 will remain securely disposed in the third configuration. In order to move nipple 90 in a downward direction, i.e., back towards the first or second configuration, the frictional resistance imposed upon second external ridge 96 by upper segment 133 must be overcome. Advantageously, inadvertent movement of nipple 90 may be reduced or eliminated.
When the valve is in the third configuration, flow of the second substance from inner container 50 is inhibited because lower internal ridge 103 of nipple 90 is placed in registry with side aperture 115 of gate member 110, as shown in FIG. 7B. Since side aperture 115 is the only exit pathway for the second substance, flow of the second substance is inhibited.
However, when the valve is in the third configuration, flow of the first substance from reservoir 37 of outer container 30 through aperture 141 of nipple 90 is permitted, as illustratively depicted by the directional arrows in FIG. 7B. More specifically, lower end 105 of nipple 90 is raised to a height such that the lower portion of nipple 90 is no longer in sealing engagement with sealing segment 114 of gate member 110. Therefore, fluid communication between reservoir 37 and annular space 121 is permitted, as depicted in FIG. 7B. With nipple 90 in the fully upraised position, fluid may flow annularly between nipple 90 and gate member 110, exiting though aperture 141 of nipple 90.
The pliability of outer container 30 allows the outer container to contract upon squeezing, thereby urging fluid through aperture 141 when the valve is in the third configuration shown in FIGS. 7A-7B. Alternatively, when a suction force is applied through aperture 141 of nipple 90, the first substance in reservoir 37 may be drawn through nipple 90.
Advantageously, when the valve of bottle 20 is moved between the first, second and third configurations described in FIGS. 5-7, in each instance a palpable and/or audible clicking feature is provided so that the user may ascertain the position of the nipple. Therefore, it will be clear to the user whether the first substance or the second substance will be dispensed.
In one exemplary method of use, bottle 20 is suitable for use during high intensity activities, including but not limited to riding a bicycle, running, or driving. A user may wish to use water as the first substance disposed in outer container 30, while the second substance disposed in inner container 50 may comprise a carbohydrate energy gel. In this example, the user may selectively dispense either the water or the carbohydrate energy gel from bottle 20 by selectively positioning nipple 90, as explained above. Advantageously, the user need not carry a separate water bottle and a separate package of the carbohydrate energy gel. Further, since the user may actuate nipple 90 using his or her teeth, only one hand is required to hold the bottle while the valve is switched between its multiple configurations.
Furthermore, it should be noted that bottle 20 does not employ a one-way valve to dispense substances from the inner container and outer container. Such one-way valves may be more likely to retain a substance, such as a carbohydrate gel, and increase the likelihood of bacteria growth. Still further, the design of bottle 20 does not permit simultaneous dispersal of substances from outer container 30 and inner container 50, which may lead to confusion on the part of the user as to actual amounts of substances dispersed from each container.
Moreover, since inner container 50 is pliable, in the event that bottle 20 is dropped, the pliability may reduce the likelihood that inner container 50 will dislocate from engagement with gate member 110. Further, the provision of contoured section 33 of outer container 30 in close proximity to inner container 50 may reduce lateral movement of inner container 50 during use, which may reduce the likelihood of dislocating inner container 50. Moreover, by providing a threaded engagement between inner container 50 and gate member 110, as opposed to a snap-fit connection, the likelihood of inner container 50 dislocating and mixing its contents with reservoir 37 of outer container 30 may be reduced.
In an alternative embodiment, bottle 20 may comprise two separate nipples, For example, nipple 90 may be placed in placed in fluid communication with inner container 50, and moved between open and closed positions to selectively disperse the second substance from inner container 50. An additional nipple (not shown) may be coupled to a peripheral region of lid 70 and placed in fluid communication with reservoir 37 of outer container 30 to selectively disperse the first substance from outer container 30.
While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments and implementations are possible within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be restricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents. Moreover, the advantages described herein are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention and it is not necessarily expected that every embodiment of the invention will achieve all of the advantages described.

Claims

1. A bottle comprising:

an outer container having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an upstanding body therebetween, wherein the outer container comprises a reservoir adapted to receive a first substance;

an inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive a second substance, wherein the inner container is removably disposed within a portion of the outer container; and

a valve having a first configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and outer containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer container and inhibit flow from the inner container.

2. The bottle of claim 1 wherein the inner container comprises a pliable material adapted to contract when the second substance is dispensed.

3. The bottle of claim 2 wherein a portion of the inner container comprises a generally accordion shape.

4. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising a lid coupled to a nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with respect to the lid.

5. The bottle of claim 4 wherein the lid comprises at least one threaded member adapted to engage a threaded member disposed on the upper portion of the outer container.

6. The bottle of claim 4 wherein the nipple comprises an upper flange configured to limit downward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, a lower flange configured to limit upward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, and at least one external ridge disposed between the upper and lower flanges, wherein the external ridge facilitates vertical stability of the nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between maximum upper and lower nipple positions.

7. The bottle of claim 1 further comprising a gate member having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lateral section disposed therebetween, wherein the lower portion of the gate member is configured to be removably coupled with the inner container using a threaded engagement.

8. The bottle of claim 7 wherein a nipple is disposed substantially concentrically within the upper portion of the gate member, wherein an annular space is formed between the nipple and the gate member.

9. The bottle of claim 8 wherein the gate member further comprises a surface comprising at least one side aperture, and wherein the nipple further comprises at least one external ridge adapted to block the side aperture when the valve is in the first configuration and the third configuration to inhibit flow from the inner container.

10. A method of using a bottle, the method comprising:

providing an outer container having an upper portion, a lower portion, and an upstanding body therebetween, wherein the outer container comprises a reservoir adapted to receive a first substance;

providing an inner container having a reservoir adapted to receive a second substance within a portion of the outer container; and

providing a valve of comprising a first configuration to inhibit flow from the inner and outer containers, a second configuration to permit flow from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a third configuration to permit flow from the outer container and inhibit flow from the inner container.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the inner container comprises a pliable material, the method further comprising causing the pliable material to contract when the second substance is dispensed.

12. The method of claim 10 further comprising:

providing a lid coupled to a nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with respect to the lid; and

securing the lid to the upper portion of the outer container using a threaded engagement.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the nipple comprises an upper flange, a lower flange, and at least one external ridge disposed between the upper and lower flanges, the method further comprising:

using the upper flange to limit downward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid;

using the lower flange to limit upward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid; and

using the at least one external ridge to facilitate vertical stability of the nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between maximum upper and lower nipple positions.

14. A bottle comprising:

a valve adapted to selectively dispense and inhibit flow from the outer container, and further adapted to selectively dispense and inhibit flow from the inner container,

wherein the inner container comprises a pliable material adapted to contract when the second substance is dispensed from the inner container.

15. The bottle of claim 14 wherein the valve has a first configuration adapted to inhibit flow from the inner and outer containers, a second configuration adapted to permit flow from the inner container and inhibit flow from the outer container, and a third configuration adapted to permit flow from the outer container and inhibit flow from the inner container.

16. The bottle of claim 14 wherein a portion of the inner container comprises a generally accordion shape.

17. The bottle of claim 14 further comprising a lid coupled to a nipple, wherein the nipple is vertically movable with respect to the lid.

18. The bottle of claim 17 wherein the nipple comprises an upper flange configured to limit downward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, a lower flange configured to limit upward movement of the nipple with respect to the lid, and at least one external ridge disposed between the upper and lower flanges, wherein the external ridge facilitates vertical stability of the nipple with respect to the lid in at least one position between maximum upper and lower nipple positions.

19. The bottle of claim 14 further comprising a gate member having an upper portion, a lower portion, and a lateral section disposed therebetween, wherein the lower portion of the gate member is configured to be removably coupled with the inner container, and

wherein a nipple is disposed substantially concentrically within the upper portion of the gate member, such that an annular space is formed between the nipple and the gate member.

20. The bottle of claim 19 wherein the gate member further comprises a surface comprising at least one side aperture, and wherein the nipple further comprises at least one external ridge adapted to block the side aperture when the valve is in a first configuration and a third configuration to inhibit flow from the outer container.