GB2525584A - Drinks receptacle - Google Patents

A drinks receptacle 10 comprises first and second chambers 12, 14 with a mounting means 16 for coaxially interconnecting the first and second chambers 12, 14. Opening arrangements 18, 20 are provided at opposite ends of the receptacle so that a person can selectively drink from either chamber 12, 14. The mounting means 16 may comprise a connecting member 34 which is attached the each of the first and second chambers 12, 14 by screw threads 30, 32. A cover 22 may be provided to selectively cover the opening arrangements 18, 20. The receptacle 10 can stand upright either way up, and without either of the first or second chambers 12, 14, and also without the mounting means 16.

Drinks Receptacle This invention concerns drink receptacles.

s Drink receptacles are widely used to carry water and other liquids.

These are particularly used by persons carrying out sport, including people exercising in a gym. Often such a user may wish for more than one drink of a different type, such as for instance water and also a supplement drink. The latter would generally comprise an appropriate powder mixed with water.

When carrying out sport or in the gym it is usually not appropriate or practical to have more than one container, and drink receptacles generally require to

be readily portable.

According to the present invention there is provided a drinks receptacle, the receptacle comprising a first chamber for holding a drink, an opening arrangement being provided for the first chamber to permit a person to drink from the first chamber, a second chamber for holding a drink, a second opening arrangement being provided for the second chamber to permit a person to drink from the second chamber, mounting means permitting the first and second chambers to be coaxially mounted together, with the respective opening arrangements at opposite ends of the receptacle such that a person can selectively drink from either chamber as required.

The mounting means may include a connection member which is selectively mountable to respective first ends of the first and second chambers. The connection member may have mounting formations at opposite ends engageable respectively with the first and second chambers.

The mounting formations may comprise screw threads, and cooperating screw threads may be provided on the first ends of the first and second chambers.

The connection member may be in the form of a sleeve, which may be hollow with respective screw threads at each end of the sleeve. The connection member may be of lesser diameter than at least part of the first and second chambers, such that when the connection member mounts s together the first and second chambers, the receptacle is waisted.

In plan view the connection member may have a generally square cross section with rounded corners.

The opening arrangements may be provided at respective second ends of the chambers. The opening arrangements may extend across substantially the whole width of the second ends of the chambers. The opening arrangements may be selectively mountable on second ends of the chambers, and cooperating screw threads may be provided on the opening arrangements and second ends of the chambers.

The opening arrangements may include a cover part which extends across the second end of the respective chamber, and an opening part which permits a person to drink the contents of the chamber.

In a first arrangement the opening part includes an opening and a selectively removable closure therefor. The closure may be interconnected to the respective cover part so as to not become disattached therefrom.

In a second arrangement the opening part is in the form of valve, which valve may be selectively openable by a user, for instance with their teeth.

In a third arrangement the opening part includes a straw connecting to the interior of the respective chamber to permit a user to drink the contents of the chamber through the straw, and means may be provided for selectively closing the opening part.

A plurality of different opening arrangements may be provided, and used as required on the receptacle.

A selectively openable cover arrangement may be provided for the s second ends of the chambers to selectively cover the respective opening arrangements. The cover arrangement may include a cover member and a connection arrangement connecting the cover member to a respective chamber. The cover may be selectively engageable with a respective opening arrangement or chamber in a friction fit to close same.

The connection arrangement may comprise a first part mountable on a respective chamber, and a connecting part extending from the first part to the cover member. The first part may include an annular sleeve mountable on top of the chamber, and may be retainable on a chamber by mounting of an opening arrangement thereof. The connecting pad may be in the form of a web extending from the annular sleeve.

The second ends of the chambers may be configured such that the chambers can stand upright thereon on a surface.

The first end of the chambers may be configured such that the chambers can stand upright thereon on a surface.

The ends of the connection member may be configured such that when the connection member is resting on a surface, a chamber connected thereto can stand upright.

Interior surfaces of the chamber may be rounded to prevent powders or other materials becoming lodged in corners thereof.

The chambers may be made of a resilient material such that they can be squeezed in use.

The receptacle may be made of plastics material and may be made of LDPE.

s A filter means may be provided on an interior side of an opening arrangement to prevent solids above a predetermined side from passing therethrough.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Fig. 1 is an exploded side view of a drinks receptacle according to the invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the receptacle of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an upper pad of the receptacle of Fig. 1; Fig. 4 is a similar view to Fig. 3 but of a lower pad of the receptacle of Fig. 1; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the receptacle of Fig. 1 in a closed condition; Fig. 6 is a perspective view from above of the receptacle of Fig. 1 in an open condition; Fig. 7 is a similar view to Fig. 6 but of a lower end of the receptacle of Fig. 1; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of part of the receptacle of Fig. 1.

The drawings show a receptacle 10 suitable for containing two drinks usable for instance by a person in a gym. The receptacle 10 includes identical first and second chambers 12, 14, with a mounting means 16 extending therebetween. A first opening arrangement 18 is provided for the s first chamber 12, with a second opening arrangement 20 for the second chamber 14. Cover arrangements 22 are provided for the first and second opening arrangements 18, 20.

The first chamber 12 is hollow and made of a resilient plastics material such as LDPE. It has a closed lower end 24 and diverges upwardly to an open upper end 26. The first chamber 12 has a generally frusto conical configuration, but with profiled panels 28 to aid handling thereof. A first thread is provided at the lower end of the first chamber 20, and a second screw thread 32 as is provided at is upper end. As indicated the second chamber 14 is identical to the first chamber 12 but in the configuration shown for instance in Fig. 1, the second chamber 14 is inverted relative to the first chamber 12.

The mounting means 16 comprises a connection member 34 in the form of a hollow sleeve with internal threads 36 engageable with the first threads 30 respectively on the first and second chambers 12, 14. In plan view the cross section of the connection member 34 is generally square with rounded corners provided by profiled panels 38.

The first opening arrangement 18 comprises a cover part 40 which extends across the whole of the top of the first chamber 12 and has an internal screw thread 41 which is engageable with the second thread 32 on the first chamber 12 to mount the first opening arrangement 18 on the first chamber 12. The first opening arrangement 18 also includes an opening part in the form of an opening provided at the upper end of an upstanding hollow cylindrical projection 42. A closure 44 is provided which can fit on the open end of the projection 42 to close same. The closure 44 can be formed by over moulding, and is connected by a web 46 to the cover pad 42 to prevent the closure 44 from becoming lost.

The cover arrangement 22 comprises an annular sleeve 48 which can s locate around the second thread 32 and be held against the top of the first chamber 12 by engagement of the first opening arrangement 18 on the second thread 32. A tab 50 extends from the annular web 48 and mounts a cover member 52 in the form of a cap 54 which can wholly enclose the top of the first opening arrangement 18. The cap 54 has a number of protection projections 56 on its inner side which are engageable with a rim 58 on the first opening arrangement 18 to permit the cap 54 to be retained on the first opening arrangement 18 in a friction fit.

The second opening arrangement 20 whilst similar to the first opening arrangement 18 is different in that rather the opening provided by the projection 42, an upstanding valve 60 is provided, which is of the type which can be opened and closed for instance by a user's teeth or otherwise.

In use the receptacle 10 can be fitted together from the parts shown in Figs. 1 and 2 to a form as shown for instance in Fig. 5. The chambers 12, 14 can be filled with appropriate drinks as required, and obviously the receptacle can be turned up the right way to fill each chamber 12, 14, or the chambers 12, 14 can be filled prior to mounting together using the connection means 16.

As the opening arrangements 18, 20 can be fully removed from the in use upper end of the chambers 12, 14, this readily permits for instance a powder supplement to be added into the respective chamber 12, 14 and subsequently mixed with water. The respective opening arrangements can be chosen as appropriate for the particular drinks required, and any combination of the first and second opening arrangements 18, 20 could be used.

Once filled the receptacle 10 can stand either way up on the flat top of the cap 14. The smaller diameter of the connection member 34 relative to the opposite ends of the first and second chambers 12, 14 provides a wasted arrangement which can readily be carried, and is aesthetically pleasing.

If required a one of the chambers 12, 14 could be used without the other, and Fig. B shows a first chamber 12 mounted on the connection member 34 but without the second chamber 14. It would also be possible to use a one of the chambers 12, 14 without the connection member 34. If required a plurality of chambers could be provided and filled with appropriate drinks, and interconnected or just mounted on the connection member 34 as and when required.

There is thus described a drink receptacle which readily permits two different drinks to be carried out and consumed as required. The receptacle readily permits different chambers to be interchanged as and when emptied and/or a change of drink is required. The receptacle can be relatively inexpensively manufactured to provide an aesthetically appealing product. As the opening arrangements can be fully removed, drinks made from powders and the like can readily be mixed in the chambers.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance as indicated a plurality of different chambers could be used, some chambers could for instance be of a different size and/or shape. A range of different opening arrangements could be used, and different opening arrangements could be used. For instance an opening arrangement could be provided with a straw extending therefrom to permit liquid to be drunk through the straw. Such an arrangement may include means for selectively closing the straw or chamber between drinks. It may be required to provide a filter or for instance protein mesh, downstream of the opening arrangement to prevent solids above a predetermined size from passing therethrough.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any s patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

1. CLAIMS1. A drinks receptacle, the receptacle comprising a first chamber for holding a drink, an opening arrangement being provided for the first chamber s to permit a person to drink from the first chamber, a second chamber for holding a drink, a second opening arrangement being provided for the second chamber to permit a person to drink from the second chamber, mounting means permitting the first and second chambers to be coaxially mounted together, with the respective opening arrangements at opposite ends of the receptacle such that a person can selectively drink from either chamber as required.

2. 2. A drinks receptacle according to claim 1, in which the mounting means LU includes a connection member which is selectively mountable to respective -15 first ends of the first and second chambers. C?)

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3. 3. A drinks receptacle according to claim 2, in which the connection 0 member has mounting formations at opposite ends engageable respectively with the first and second chambers.

4. 4. A drinks receptacle according to claim 3, in which the mounting formations comprise screw threads.

5. 5. A drinks receptacle according to claim 4, in which the mounting formations comprise cooperating screw threads provided on the first ends of the first and second chambers.

6. 6. A drinks receptacle according to any of claims 2 to 5, in which the connection member is in the form of a sleeve.

7. 7. A drinks receptacle according to claim 6 when dependent on claims 4 or 5, in which the sleeve is hollow with respective screw threads at each end of the sleeve.s

8. 8. A drinks receptacle according to claims 6 or 7, in which the connection member is of lesser diameter than at least part of the first and second chambers, such that when the connection member mounts together the first and second chambers, the receptacle is waisted.

9. 9. A drinks receptacle according to any of claims 2 to 8, in which in plan view the connection member has a generally square cross section with rounded corners.

10. 10. A drinks receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, in which r-15 the opening arrangements are provided at respective second ends of the chambers.O

11. 11. A drinks receptacle according to claim 10, in which the opening arrangements extend across substantially the whole width of the second ends of the chambers.

12. 12. A drinks receptacle according to claims 10 or 11, in which the opening arrangements are selectively mountable on second ends of the chambers.

13. 13. A drinks receptacle according to claim 12, in which cooperating screw threads are provided on the opening arrangements and second ends of the chambers.

14. 14. A drinks receptacle according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which the opening arrangements include a cover part which extends across the second end of the respective chamber, and an opening part which permits a person to drink the contents of the chamber.

15. 15. A drinks receptacle according to claim 14, in which the opening part includes an opening and a selectively removable closure therefor.

16. 16. A drinks receptacle according to claim 15, in which the closure is interconnected to the respective cover part so as to not become disattached therefrom.

17. 17. A drinks receptacle according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which the opening part is in the form of valve.

18. 18. A drinks receptacle according to claim 17, in which the valve is selectively openable by a user, for instance with their teeth. IC)r-15

19. 19. A drinks receptable according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which the opening part includes a straw connecting to the interior of the respective 0 chamber to permit a user to drink the contents of the chamber through the 0 straw. r20. A drinks receptacle according to claim 19, in which means are provided for selectively closing the opening part.21. A drinks receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of different opening arrangements are provided, and used as required on the receptacle.22. A drinks receptacle according to claim 10 or any of claims 11 to 21 when dependent on claim 10, in which a selectively openable cover arrangement is provided for the second ends of the chambers to selectively cover the respective opening arrangements.23. A drinks receptacle according to claim 22, in which the cover arrangement includes a cover member and a connection arrangement connecting the cover member to a respective chamber.24. A drinks receptacle according to claim 23, in which the cover is selectively engageable with a respective opening arrangement or chamber in a friction fit to close same.25. A drinks receptacle according to claims 23 or 24, in which the connection arrangement comprises a first part mountable on a respective chamber, and a connecting part extending from the first part to the cover member.26. A drinks receptacle according to claim 25, in which the first part -15 includes an annular sleeve mountable on top of the chamber. C?)0 27. A drinks receptacle according to claim 26, in which the annular sleeve is retainable on a chamber by mounting of an opening arrangement thereon. r28. A drinks receptacle according to any of claims 25 to 27, in which the connecting part is in the form of a web extending from the annular sleeve.29. A drinks receptacle according to claim 10 or any of claims 11 to 28 when dependent on claim 10, in which the second ends of the chambers are configured such that the chambers can stand upright thereon on a surface.30. A drinks receptacle according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 29 when dependent on claim 2, in which the first end of the chambers are configured such that the chambers can stand upright thereon on a surface.31. A drinks receptacle according to claim 2 or any of claims 3 to 30 when dependent on claim 2, in which the ends of the connection member are configured such that when the connection member is resting on a surface, a chamber connected thereto can stand upright.32. A drinks receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, in which s interior surfaces of the chamber are rounded to prevent powders or other materials becoming lodged in corners thereof.33. A drinks receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the chambers are made of a resilient material such that they can be squeezed in use.34. A drinks receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, in which the receptacle is made of plastics material. IC)r-15 35. A drinks receptacle according to claim 34, in which the receptacle is made of LDPE.O 36. A drinks receptacle according to any of the preceding claims, in which a filter means is provided on an interior side of an opening arrangement to prevent solids above a predetermined side from passing therethrough.37. A drinks receptacle substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.38. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.