BOTTLE ADAPTED TO THERMALLY CONDITION AND/OR FILTER CONSUMABLE BEVERAGES, KIT FOR USE WITH CONSUMABLE BEVERAGES, AND A METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING BOTTLES

BOUTEILLE ADAPTEE AUX BOISSONS DEPENDANT DES CONDITIONS THERMIQUES ET/OU CONSOMMABLES AVEC FILTRE, NECESSAIRE POUR BOISSONS CONSOMMABLES, ET METHODE DE PERSONNALISATION DES BOUTEILLES

English Abstract

A bottle adapted to thermally condition and/or filter consumable beverages may include a filter detachably connected to a straw which is detachably connected to the bottle lid. A thermal energy storage member or thermal energy storage elements may be located over the straw between the filter and the lid. Also disclosed are a kit for use with consumable beverages and a method for customizing bottles for use with a consumable beverage.

French Abstract

Une bouteille adaptée en vue de conditionner thermiquement ou de filtrer des boissons peut comprendre un filtre fixé de manière amovible à une paille qui est fixée de manière amovible au couvercle de la bouteille. Un élément de stockage dénergie thermique ou des éléments de stockage dénergie thermique peuvent être situés au-dessus de la paille entre le filtre et le couvercle. Un nécessaire à utiliser avec des boissons et un procédé pour personnaliser les bouteilles aux fins dune utilisation avec une boisson sont également présentés.

Claims

CLAIMS
1. A bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages,
comprising:
a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container defining a
mouth
and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage;
a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid defining a
lid fluid
passageway;
a drinking spout located on the lid and configured to facilitate consumption
of the
consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being
configured to guide
consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout;
a filter located in the cavity;
a thermal energy storage member disposed in the cavity and located between the
filter
and the lid, the thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough,
the bore being
configured to receive a straw therein so that an interior surface of the bore
is substantially
coextensive with an exterior surface of the straw;
the straw having first and second straw ends, the first straw end being
configured to
detachably engage the filter and the second straw end being configured to
detachably engage
the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid
fluid passageway;
wherein when the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal
energy
storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally
condition and
filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption
of the
consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw
fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
2. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy storage member defines
a
longitudinal axis, the bore being generally aligned along the longitudinal
axis.
3. The bottle of claim 2, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
generally
conically shaped with first and second thermal energy storage member ends, the
second
thermal energy storage member end being larger than the first end and being
configured to
generally approximate an area of one side of the filter, the first thermal
energy storage
23

member end being located adjacent to the lid and the second thermal energy
storage end
being located adjacent to the filter.
4. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the straw is detachably engaged to the
filter via a first
twist lock connection and wherein the straw is detachably engaged to the lid
via a second
twist lock connection.
5. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the filter comprises first and second
filter ends, the first
filter end being located on the one side of the filter, the second filter end
being located
proximate a base of the cavity, such that liquid drawn through the filter
defines a filter path
that is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the thermal
energy storage
member.
6. The bottle of claim 1, wherein the thermal energy storage member
comprises a
plurality of thermal energy storage elements that are assembled in a side-by-
side manner to
extend between one side of the filter and the lid, the thermal energy storage
elements being
adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in
side-by-side
positioning relative to each other.
7. A bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages,
comprising:
a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container defining a
mouth
and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage;
a lid detachably secured to the container to cover the mouth, the lid defining
a lid
fluid passageway;
a drinking spout located on the lid and configured to facilitate consumption
of the
consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being
configured to guide
consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout;
a filter located in the cavity;
a thermal energy storage member disposed in the cavity and located between the
filter
and the lid, the thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough,
the bore being
adapted to form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway;
24

the thermal energy storage member having first and second thermal energy
storage
member ends, the second thermal energy storage member end being detachably
engageable
with the filter, the first thermal energy storage member end being detachably
engageable with
the lid so that the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway forms a
conduit between
the filter and the lid fluid passageway;
wherein when the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter and
the
lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable
beverage and the
bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the
cavity, through
the filter, through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the drinking spout.
8. The bottle of claim 7, further comprising the thermal energy storage
member having a
longitudinal axis, the bore being generally aligned along the longitudinal
axis.
9. The bottle of claim 8, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
generally
conically shaped with first and second thermal energy storage member ends, the
second end
being larger than the first end and being configured to generally approximate
an area of one
side of the filter, the first thermal energy storage member end being located
adjacent to the lid
and the second thermal energy storage end being located adjacent to the
filter.
10. The bottle of claim 9, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a first twist lock connection and wherein the
thermal energy storage
member is detachably engaged to the lid via a second twist lock connection.
11. The bottle of claim 10, wherein the filter comprises first and second
filter ends, the
first filter end being located on the one side of the filter, the second
filter end being located
proximate a base of the cavity, such that liquid drawn through the filter
defines a filter path
that is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the thermal
energy storage
member.
12. The bottle of claim 7, wherein liquid drawn through the filter defines
a filter path that
is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the thermal energy
storage member.

13. The bottle of claim 7, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a first threaded connection and wherein the thermal
energy storage
member is detachably engaged to the lid via a second threaded connection.
14. The bottle of claim 7, wherein the filter includes at least one inlet
and an outlet.
15. The bottle of claim 14, wherein the filter includes a first screen
proximate to the at
least one inlet and a second screen proximate to the outlet.
16 . The bottle of claim 15, wherein the filter further includes filter
material between the
first screen and the second screen.
17. The bottle of claim 16, wherein the filter material includes carbon
particles.
18. The bottle of claim 16, wherein the filter material includes ceramic
particles.
19. The bottle of claim 7, wherein the container has a cavity base;
the filter is located proximate to the cavity base; and the bottle further
comprises a
straw located in the cavity and spaced from the thermal energy storage member,
the straw
having first and second straw ends, the first straw end being engaged with the
filter and the
second straw end being engaged with the lid to create a straw fluid passageway
between the
filter and the lid fluid passageway;
wherein when the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal
energy
storage member is engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted
to thermally
condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to
allow consumption
of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the
straw fluid
passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
20. The bottle of claim 19, wherein the straw and the thermal energy
storage member are
generally parallel and both connect to one side of the filter, the filter
further comprising first
and second filter ends, the first filter end being located on the one side of
the filter, the second
26

filter end being located proximate a base of the cavity, such that liquid
drawn through the
filter is removed from the cavity proximate the cavity base.
21. The bottle of claim 7, wherein the bottle further comprises a straw
spaced from the
thermal energy storage member.
22. The bottle of claim 21, wherein the straw and the thermal energy
storage member are
generally parallel.
23. A bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable
beverages, comprising:
a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container defining a
mouth
and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage and having a cavity
base;
a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid defining a
lid fluid
passageway;
a drinking spout located on the lid and configured to facilitate consumption
of the
consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being
configured to guide
consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout;
a filter located in the cavity proximate to the cavity base;
a thermal energy storage member disposed in the cavity and located between the
filter
and the lid, the thermal energy storage member being engaged with the lid and
with the filter;
a straw located in the cavity external to the thermal energy storage member,
the straw
having first and second straw ends, the first straw end being engaged with the
filter and the
second straw end being engaged with the lid to create a straw fluid passageway
between the
filter and the lid fluid passageway;
wherein when the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal
energy
storage member is engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted
to thermally
condition and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to
allow consumption
of the consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the
straw fluid
passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
27


24. The bottle of claim 23, wherein the straw and the thermal energy
storage member are
generally parallel and both connect to one side of the filter, the filter
further comprising first
and second filter ends, the first filter end being located on the one side of
the filter, the second
filter end being located proximate a base of the cavity, such that liquid
drawn through the
filter is removed from the cavity proximate the cavity base.
25. A bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable
beverages, comprising:
a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container defining a
mouth
and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage and having a cavity
base;
a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid defining a
lid fluid
passageway;
a drinking spout located on the lid and configured to facilitate consumption
of the
consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being
configured to guide
consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout;
a filter located in the cavity proximate to the lid, the filter comprising a
filter cartridge
and a filter housing, the filter cartridge comprising a first cartridge end
proximate the lid fluid
passageway, and a second cartridge end proximate a thermal energy storage
member located
in the cavity and disposed on the filter housing, and a cartridge sidewall,
the filter cartridge
being engaged with the lid and the filter housing being engaged with the
filter cartridge so as
to form a fluid inlet proximate to the lid, and the filter the fluid inlet
configured to guide the
consumable beverage into the first cartridge end, along the cartridge
sidewall, into the second
cartridge end, and into the filter cartridge;
a thermal energy storage member located in the cavity and disposed on the
filter
housing;
wherein the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable

beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable
beverage from the
cavity, through the filter, through the lid fluid passageway, and through the
drinking spout.
26. The bottle of claim 25, wherein the filter cartridge is an axial flow
filter having first
and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall, the first cartridge end
being located
proximate the lid fluid passageway and the second cartridge end being located
proximate the
28

thermal energy storage member, the filter being configured such that
consumable beverage
enters the housing proximate the lid, flows generally along the cartridge
sidewall, into the
second cartridge end, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid
passageway.
27. The bottle of claim 25, wherein the filter cartridge is a radial flow
filter having first
and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall, the first cartridge end
being located
proximate the lid fluid passageway and the second cartridge end being located
proximate the
thermal energy storage member, the filter being configured such that
consumable beverage
enters the housing proximate the lid, flows into the filter cartridge
generally through the
cartridge sidewall, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid
passageway.
28. The bottle of claim 27, wherein the filter cartridge is detachably
engaged with the lid.
29. The bottle of claim 28, wherein the filter cartridge is detachably
engaged with the lid
via a first threaded connection.
30. The bottle of claim 28, wherein the filter cartridge is detachably
engaged with the lid
via a first twist lock connection.
31. The bottle of claim 27, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged with the filter housing.
32. The bottle of claim 31, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged with the filter housing via a second threaded connection.
33. The bottle of claim 31, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged with the filter housing via a second twist lock connection.
34. The bottle of claim 27, wherein the filter material includes carbon
particles.
35. The bottle of claim 27, wherein the filter material includes ceramic
particles.
29



36. A method of providing a customizable bottle adapted to thermally
condition and filter
consumable beverages, comprising the steps of:
providing a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container
defining a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage;
providing a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid
defining a
lid fluid passageway, the lid comprising a drinking spout thereon and
configured to facilitate
consumption of the consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid
passageway being
configured to guide the consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking
spout;
providing a filter;
providing a straw having first and second straw ends, the first straw end
being
configured to detachably engage the filter and the second straw end being
configured to
detachably engage the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the
filter and the lid
fluid passageway;
positioning the filter in the cavity;
locating a thermal energy storage member in the cavity and between the filter
and the
lid, the thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough, the bore
being
configured to receive a straw therein so that an interior surface of the bore
is substantially
coextensive with an exterior surface of the straw; and
inserting the straw through the bore of the thermal energy storage member and
securing the straw to the filter and the lid, wherein when the straw is
engaged with the filter
and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is located over the straw,
the bottle is
adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage, and wherein
the bottle is
adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity,
through the filter,
through the straw fluid passageway, through the lid fluid passageway, and
through the
drinking spout.
37. The method of claim 36, wherein the step of locating a thermal energy
storage
member further comprises one or more additional thermal energy storage
elements each
bearing at least one of a color, an indicia, an image, and a textured surface
to allow for a
customized look to be created for the bottle depending on the positioning of
the thermal
energy storage elements on the straw.

38. A kit for use with consumable beverages, comprising:
a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container defining a
mouth
and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage;
a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid defining a
lid fluid
passageway;
a drinking spout located on the lid and configured to facilitate consumption
of the
consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being
configured to guide
the consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout;
a filter adapted to be located in the cavity;
a first thermal energy storage member disposed in the cavity and located
between the
filter and the lid, the first thermal energy storage member defining a bore
therethrough, the
bore being configured to receive a straw therein;
the straw having first and second straw ends, the first straw end being
configured to
detachably engage the filter and the second straw end being configured to
detachably engage
the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid
fluid passageway,
wherein when the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal
energy storage
member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition
and filter the
consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the
consumable
beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid
passageway, through the
lid fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout; and
a second thermal energy storage member configured to substitute for the filter
if
additional cooling is desired and filtering of the consumable beverage is not
desired.
39. The kit of claim 38, wherein the second thermal energy storage member
has an
exterior shape generally the same as an exterior shape of the filter to allow
the bottle to have
substantially the same aesthetic appearance regardless of whether the filter
or the second
thermal energy storage member is being used.
40. The kit of claim 38, wherein the first thermal energy storage member
comprises a
plurality of thermal energy storage elements that are assembled in a side-by-
side manner to
extend between one side of the filter and the lid, the thermal energy storage
elements being
31



adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in
side-by-side
positioning relative to each other.
41. A method of providing a bottle adapted to thermally condition and
filter consumable
beverages, comprising the steps of:
providing a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container
defining a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage;
providing a lid detachably secured to the container to cover the mouth, the
lid
defining a lid fluid passageway, the lid including a drinking spout located on
the lid and
configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the
container, the lid
fluid passageway being configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid
to the
drinking spout;
providing a filter; and
positioning a thermal energy storage member disposed between the filter and
the lid,
the thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough, the bore being
adapted to
form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway;
wherein the thermal energy storage member includes first and second thermal
energy
storage member ends, the second thermal energy storage member end being
detachably
engageable with the filter, the first thermal energy storage member end being
detachably
engageable with the lid so that the thermal energy storage member fluid
passageway forms a
conduit between the filter and the lid fluid passageway; and
wherein when the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter and
the
lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable
beverage and the
bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the
cavity, through
the filter, through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the drinking spout.
42. The method of claim 41, wherein the thermal energy storage member
further defines a
longitudinal axis, the bore being generally aligned along the longitudinal
axis.
32

43. The method of claim 41, wherein liquid drawn through the filter defines
a filter path
that is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the thermal
energy storage
member.
44. The method of claim 41, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
generally
conically shaped with first and second thermal energy storage member ends, the
second end
being larger than the first end and being configured to generally approximate
an area of one
side of the filter, the first thermal energy storage member end being located
adjacent the lid
and the second thermal energy storage end being located adjacent the one side
of the filter.
45. The method of claim 41, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a first twist lock connection and wherein the
thermal energy storage
member is detachably engaged to the lid via a second twist lock connection.
46. The method of claim 41, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a first threaded connection and wherein the thermal
energy storage
member is detachably engaged to the lid via a second threaded connection.
47. The method of claim 41, wherein the filter includes at least one inlet
and an outlet.
48. The method of claim 47, wherein the filter includes a first screen
proximate to the at
least one inlet and a second screen proximate to the outlet.
49. The method of claim 48, wherein the filter further includes filter
material between the
first screen and the second screen.
50. The method of claim 49, wherein the filter material includes carbon
particles.
51. The method of claim 49, wherein the filter material includes ceramic
particles.
3-3



52. An assembly comprising:
a filter having at least one inlet and an outlet; and a thermal energy storage
member
detachably engageable with the filter, the thermal energy storage member
defining a bore
therethrough;
wherein the assembly creates a flow path from the outlet of the filter through
the bore
of the thermal energy storage member.
53. The assembly of claim 52, wherein the thermal energy storage member
defines a
longitudinal axis, the bore being generally aligned along the longitudinal
axis.
54. The assembly of claim 52, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a twist lock connection.
55. The assembly of claim 52, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a threaded connection.
56. The assembly of claim 52, wherein liquid drawn through the filter
defines a filter path
that is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the thermal
energy storage
member.
57. The assembly of claim 52, wherein the filter includes a first screen
proximate to the at
least one inlet and a second screen proximate to the outlet.
58. The assembly of claim 57, wherein the filter further includes filter
material between
the first screen and the second screen.
59. The assembly of claim 58, wherein the filter material includes carbon
particles.
60. The assembly of claim 58, wherein the filter material includes ceramic
particles.
34


61. A method of thermally conditioning and filtering consumable beverages,
the method
comprising the steps of:
providing a filter having at least one inlet and an outlet;
providing a thermal energy storage member detachably engageable with the
filter, the
thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough;
coupling the filter to the thermal energy storage member to create a flow path
from
the outlet of the filter through the bore of the thermal energy storage
member; and
consumable beverage in the container can flow through the filter and through
the
thermal energy storage member to the lid.
62. The method of claim 61, wherein the thermal energy storage member
defines a
longitudinal axis, the bore being generally aligned along the longitudinal
axis.
63. The method of claim 61, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a twist lock connection.
64. The method of claim 61, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged to the filter via a threaded connection.
65. The method of claim 61, wherein liquid drawn through the filter defines
a filter path
that is generally axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the thermal
energy storage
member.
66. The method of claim 61, wherein the filter includes a first screen
proximate to the at
least one inlet and a second screen proximate to the outlet.
67. The method of claim 66, wherein the filter further includes filter
material between the
first screen and the second screen.
68. The method of claim 67, wherein the filter material includes carbon
particles.
69. The method of claim 67, wherein the filter material includes ceramic
particles.

70. A method of providing a bottle adapted to thermally condition and
filter a consumable
beverage, the method comprising:
providing a container configured to hold a consumable beverage, the container
defining a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage;
providing a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid
defining a
lid fluid passageway, the lid comprising a drinking spout thereon and
configured to facilitate
consumption of the consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid
passageway being
configured to guide the consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking
spout;
positioning a filter located in the cavity;
locating a thermal energy storage member in the cavity and between the filter
and the
lid, the thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough, the bore
being
configured to receive a straw therein so that an interior surface of the bore
is substantially
coextensive with an exterior surface of the straw, wherein the thermal energy
storage member
comprises a plurality of thermal energy storage elements that are assembled in
a side-by-side
manner to extend between one side of the filter and the lid, the thermal
energy storage
elements being adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative to
the straw and in
side-by-side positioning relative to each other; and inserting a straw through
the bore of the
thermal energy storage member; and
securing the straw to the filter and the lid, wherein when the straw is
engaged with the
filter and the lid and the thermal energy storage member is located over the
straw, the bottle
is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage.
71. The method of claim 70, wherein the filter cartridge is an axial flow
filter having first
and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall, the first cartridge end
being located
proximate the lid fluid passageway and the second cartridge end being located
proximate the
thermal energy storage member, the filter being configured such that
consumable beverage
enters the housing proximate the lid, flows generally along the cartridge
sidewall, into the
second cartridge end, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid
passageway.
72. The method of claim 70, wherein the filter cartridge is a radial flow
filter having first
and second cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall, the first cartridge end
being located
proximate the lid fluid passageway and the second cartridge end being located
proximate the
36


thermal energy storage member, the filter being configured such that
consumable beverage
enters the housing proximate the lid, flows into the filter cartridge
generally through the
cartridge sidewall, out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid
passageway.
73. The method of claim 70, wherein the filter cartridge is detachably
engaged with the
lid.
74. The method of claim 73, wherein the filter cartridge is detachably
engaged with the
lid via a first threaded connection.
75. The method of claim 73, wherein the filter cartridge is detachably
engaged with the
lid via a first twist lock connection.
76. The method of claim 70, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged with the filter housing.
77. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged with the filter housing via a second threaded connection.
78. The method of claim 76, wherein the thermal energy storage member is
detachably
engaged with the filter housing via a second twist lock connection.
79. The method of claim 70, wherein the filter material includes carbon
particles.
80. The method of claim 70, wherein the filter material includes ceramic
particles.
37

Description

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
[0001] BOTTLE ADAPTED TO THERMALLY CONDITION AND/OR FILTER
CONSUMABLE BEVERAGES, KIT FOR USE WITH CONSUMABLE BEVERAGES, AND
A METHOD FOR CUSTOMIZING BOTTLES
[0002] BACKGROUND
[0003]
The present invention is generally directed to bottles and, more specifically,
to
bottles that may be used to filter and/or cool consumable beverages.
[0004]
Typical sports bottles and the like allow for convenient carrying of beverages
for
later consumption. However, some beverages become less palatable after
extended periods of
time due to change in temperature of the beverage therein. Even when
temperature changes are
not a concern, it is often desired to fill or refill a bottle when away from
home. This can be
problematic depending on potential impurities in the beverage being added to
the bottle.
[0005] It
may be advantageous to provide a bottle adapted to thermally condition and/or
filter consumable beverages that is easy to use; that facilitates transport;
and/or that facilitates
easy refilling of the beverage from a variety of beverage sources.
[0006] SUMMARY
[0007]
Briefly speaking, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
bottle
adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages including a
container configured
to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity
configured to hold
the consumable beverage. A lid is detachably secured to the bottle to cover
the mouth. The lid
defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and is
configured to
facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid
fluid passageway
1

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CGI2-PT025
is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking
spout. A filter is
located in the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the
cavity and is located
between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member defines a
bore therethrough.
The bore is configured to receive a straw therein. The straw has first and
second straw ends.
The first straw end is configured to detachably engage the filter and the
second straw end is
configured to detachably engage the lid to create a straw fluid passageway
between the filter and
the lid fluid passageway. When the straw is engaged with the filter and the
lid and the thermal
energy storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to
thermally condition and
filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption
of the consumable
beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid
passageway, through the lid
fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout.
[0008] In
another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
bottle
adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages including a
container configured
to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity
configured to hold
the consumable beverage. A lid is detachably secured to the container to cover
the mouth. The
lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and
is configured to
facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the container. The lid
fluid passageway
is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking
spout. A filter is
located in the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the
cavity and is located
between the filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member defines a
bore therethrough.
The bore is adapted to form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway.
The thermal
energy storage member has first and second thermal energy storage member ends.
The second
thermal energy storage member end is detachably engageable with the filter.
The first thermal
2

= CA 02691193 2010-01-26
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energy storage member end is detachably engageable with the lid so that the
thermal energy
storage member fluid passageway forms a conduit between the filter and the lid
fluid
passageway. When the thermal energy storage member is engaged with the filter
and the lid, the
bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage
and the bottle is
adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the cavity,
through the filter,
through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway, through the lid
fluid passageway,
and through the drinking spout.
[0009]
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed a
bottle
adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages. A container is
configured to
hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity that is
configured to
hold the consumable beverage and has a cavity base. A lid is detachably
secured to the bottle to
cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A drinking spout is
located on the lid
and configured to facilitate consumption of the consumable beverage from the
container. The lid
fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable beverage through the lid to
the drinking
spout. A filter is located in the cavity proximate to the cavity base. A
thermal energy storage
member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the
lid. The thermal
energy storage member is engaged with the lid and with the filter. A straw is
located in the
cavity and is spaced from the thermal energy storage member. The straw has
first and second
straw ends. The first straw end is engaged with the filter and the second
straw end is engaged
with the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid
fluid passageway.
When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy
storage member is
engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally
condition and filter the
consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the
consumable beverage
3

= CA 02691193 2010-01-26
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from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the drinking spout.
[00010]
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
bottle adapted to thermally condition and filter consumable beverages
including a container
configured to hold a consumable beverage. The container defines a mouth and a
cavity
configured to hold the consumable beverage and has a cavity base. A lid is
detachably secured
to the bottle to cover the mouth. The lid defines a lid fluid passageway. A
drinking spout is
located on the lid and is configured to facilitate consumption of the
consumable beverage from
the container. The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide consumable
beverage through the
lid to the drinking spout. A filter is located in the cavity proximate to the
lid. The filter includes
a filter cartridge and a filter housing. The filter cartridge is engaged with
the lid and the filter
housing is engaged with the filter cartridge. A thermal energy storage member
is located in the
cavity and is disposed on the filter cartridge. The bottle is adapted to
thermally condition and
filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption
of the consumable
beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the
drinking spout.
[00011]
In another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a
method of providing a customizable bottle adapted to thermally condition and
filter water. The
method includes the steps of: providing a container configured to hold a
consumable beverage,
the container defining a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable
beverage;
providing a lid detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth, the lid
defining a lid fluid
passageway, the comprising a drinking spout thereon and configured to
facilitate consumption of
the consumable beverage from the container, the lid fluid passageway being
configured to guide
4

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout; positioning a
filter in the cavity;
locating a thermal energy storage member in the cavity and between the filter
and the lid, the
thermal energy storage member defining a bore therethrough, the bore being
configured to
receive a straw therein, wherein the thermal energy storage member comprises a
plurality of
thermal energy storage elements that are assembled in a side-by-side manner to
extend between
one side of the filter and the lid, the thermal energy storage elements being
adjustable in at least
one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in side-by-side
positioning relative to each
other; and inserting a straw through the bore of the thermal energy storage
member and securing
the straw to the filter and the lid, wherein when the straw is engaged with
the filter and the lid
and the thermal energy storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is
adapted to
thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage.
[00012] In
another aspect, one embodiment of the present invention is directed to a kit
for
use with consumable beverages. The kit includes a container configured to hold
a consumable
beverage. The container defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the
consumable
beverage. A lid is detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. The
lid defines a lid fluid
passageway. A drinking spout is located on the lid and is configured to
facilitate consumption of
the consumable beverage from the container. The lid fluid passageway is
configured to guide
consumable beverage through the lid to the drinking spout. A filter is adapted
to be located in
the cavity. A thermal energy storage member is disposed in the cavity and is
located between the
filter and the lid. The thermal energy storage member defines a bore
therethrough. The bore is
configured to receive a straw therein. The straw has first and second straw
ends. The first straw
end is configured to detachably engage the filter and the second straw end is
configured to
detachably engage the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the
filter and the lid fluid

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CGI2-PT025
passageway. When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the
thermal energy
storage member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally
condition and filter
the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the
consumable
beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid
passageway, through the lid
fluid passageway, and through the drinking spout. A second thermal energy
storage member is
configured to substitute for the filter if additional cooling is desired and
filtering of the
consumable beverage is not desired.
[00013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS
OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description of the
preferred embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when
read in
conjunction with the appended drawings. For purposes of illustrating the
invention, there are
shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred. It is
understood, however,
that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown. In the
drawings:
[00015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bottle for use with a
consumable beverage
according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; The bottle
includes a container
that preferably encloses a filter and a thermal energy storage member to allow
consumable
beverage to be thermally conditioned (i.e., either heated or cooled) and
filtered prior to
consumption; It is preferred that the thermal energy storage member is located
between the lid
and the filter; The lid includes a drinking spout to facilitate consumption of
the consumable
beverage;
6

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
C0I2 -PT025
[00016] Figure 2 is an exploded partial view of the bottle of Figure 1
illustrating a lid, a
thermal energy storage member, a straw, a filter, and the top of a container;
The container
defines a mouth and a cavity configured to hold the consumable beverage; The
bottom of the lid
includes a tube portion having lateral projections that may be used to form a
twist lock
connection with the straw; One side of the filter preferably includes a tube
portion and lateral
projections to form a twist lock connection with the other side of the straw;
The thermal energy
storage member preferably has a generally conical shape;
[00017] Figure 3 is radial cross-sectional view of the bottle of Figure 1;
The lid may be
detachably secured to the bottle via a threaded connection to cover the mouth.
The lid defines a
lid fluid passageway that is configured to guide consumable beverage through
the lid to the
drinking spout which may pivot thereon; The filter has first and second filter
ends. The first
filter end may be located on the one side of the filter for engagement with
the straw and the
second filter end can be located proximate a base of the cavity. Liquid drawn
through the filter
defines a filter path that is generally axially aligned with a longitudinal
axis of the thermal
energy storage member; The thermal energy storage member is disposed in the
cavity and may
be located between the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage member
defines a bore
therethrough; The bore can be configured to receive a straw therein; The
thermal energy storage
member has first and second thermal energy storage member ends; The second
thermal energy
storage member end may be larger than the first end and may be configured to
generally
approximate an area of one side of the filter; The first thermal energy
storage member end is
located adjacent the lid and the second thermal energy storage end being
located adjacent the one
side of the filter; The straw has first and second straw ends, the first straw
end being configured
to detachably engage the filter and the second straw end being configured to
detachably engage
7

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
=
the lid to create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid
fluid passageway; The
straw may be detachably engaged to the filter and the lid via first and second
twist lock
connections; When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the
thermal energy storage
member is located over the straw, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition
and filter the
consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the
consumable beverage
from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the drinking spout;
[00018] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the bottle similar to the
bottle of Figure 1
with a second thermal energy storage member substituted for the filter; One
preferred kit for use
with a consumable beverage includes both the filter and the second thermal
energy storage
member; It is preferred, but not necessary, that the second thermal energy
storage member has
an exterior shape generally the same as an exterior shape of the filter to
allow the bottle to have
substantially the same aesthetic appearance regardless of whether the filter
or the second thermal
energy storage member is being used; The second thermal energy storage member
may include
a tube portion and lateral projections (similar to that on the inner surface
of the lid) to allow the
second thermal energy storage member to twist lock to the straw and/or the
thermal energy
storage member;
[00019] Figure 5 is a radial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of
the bottle of
the present invention; The thermal energy storage member is disposed in the
cavity and is
located between the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage member
defines a bore
therethrough that is adapted to form a thermal energy storage member fluid
passageway; The
thermal energy storage member has first and second thermal energy storage
member ends; The
second thermal energy storage member end being is preferably detachably
engaged with the
8

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
filter; The first thermal energy storage member end can be detachably engaged
with the lid so
that the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway forms a conduit
between the filter and
the lid fluid passageway; When the thermal energy storage member is engaged
with the filter
and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally condition and filter the
consumable beverage and
the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage from the
cavity, through
the filter, through the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the drinking spout;
[00020] Figure 5A is a radial cross-sectional view of a variant of the
second embodiment
of the bottle of the present invention which is shown in Figure 5; The thermal
energy storage
member may be detachably engaged with the filter without the use of a straw;
The engagement
can be via a twist lock connection; Any of the twist lock connections shown in
this application
and in any of the drawings may alternatively be any one of a threaded
connection, a snap fit
connection, a friction fit, or use any other suitable connection method
without departing from the
scope of the present invention;
[00021] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
thermal energy
storage member; the thermal energy storage member may include a plurality of
thermal energy
storage elements that can be assembled in a side-by-side manner to extend
between one side of
the filter and the lid; The thermal energy storage elements are preferably
adjustable in at least
one of angular orientation relative to the straw and in order of side-by-side
positioning relative to
each other to allow a customized look to be created for the bottle; the
thermal energy storage
elements may each bear any one or more of a color, an indicia, an image, and a
textured surface
to allow for a customized look to be created for the bottle depending on the
positioning of the
thermal energy storage elements;
9

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
[00022] Figure 7 is a radial cross-sectional view illustrating three
thermal energy storage
elements positioned in a side-by-side manner over a straw which is twist
locked on one end to
the filter and on the other end to the lid; It is preferred that the stacking
order or rotational
position of any of the thermal energy storage elements, relative to the straw,
can be varied by a
user;
[00023] Figure 8 is an exploded view of a third embodiment of the bottle of
the present
invention; a filter located in the cavity proximate to the cavity base; A
thermal energy storage
member is disposed in the cavity and is located between the filter and the
lid; The thermal energy
storage member can be engaged with the lid and the filter; A straw may be
located in the cavity
and spaced from the thermal energy storage member; The straw has first and
second straw ends;
The first straw end is engaged with the filter and the second straw end is
engaged with the lid to
create a straw fluid passageway between the filter and the lid fluid
passageway; The straw and
the thermal energy storage member may be generally parallel and both connect
to one side of the
filter; The filter may include first and second filter ends; The first filter
end can be located on the
one side of the filter and the second filter end may be located proximate a
base of the cavity,
such that liquid drawn through the filter is removed from the cavity proximate
the cavity base;
When the straw is engaged with the filter and the lid and the thermal energy
storage member is
engaged with the filter and the lid, the bottle is adapted to thermally
condition and filter the
consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow consumption of the
consumable beverage
from the cavity, through the filter, through the straw fluid passageway,
through the lid fluid
passageway, and through the drinking spout;
[00024] Figure 9 is a side elevational view of the bottle of Figure 8;

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CGI2 -PT025
[00025] Figure 10 is an exploded view of a fourth preferred embodiment of
the present
invention; The filter may be located in the cavity proximate to the lid and
can include a filter
cartridge and a filter housing; The filter cartridge is engaged with the lid
and the filter housing is
engaged with the filter cartridge; The thermal energy storage member is
preferably located in the
cavity and disposed on the filter cartridge; The bottle is preferably adapted
to thermally condition
and filter the consumable beverage and the bottle is adapted to allow
consumption of the
consumable beverage from the cavity, through the filter, through the lid fluid
passageway, and
through the drinking spout.
[00026] Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the bottle Figure 10; The
filter used in the
bottle may be either a radial flow filter or an axial flow filter or any other
suitable filter;
[00027] Figure 12 is another side elevational view of the bottle of Figure
11 showing the
flow of consumable beverage through an axial flow filter; The filter has first
and second
cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall; The first cartridge end is located
proximate the lid fluid
passageway and the second cartridge end is located proximate the thermal
energy storage
member; The filter may be configured such that consumable beverage enters the
housing
proximate the lid, flows generally along the cartridge sidewall, into the
second cartridge end, out
the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway; and
[00028] Figure 13 is another side elevational view of the bottle of Figure
11 showing the
flow of consumable beverage through a radial flow filter; the filter cartridge
has first and second
cartridge ends and a cartridge sidewall; The first cartridge end is located
proximate the lid fluid
passageway and the second cartridge end is located proximate the thermal
energy storage
member; The filter may be configured such that consumable beverage enters the
housing
11

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
proximate the lid, flows into the filter cartridge generally through the
cartridge sidewall, out the
first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway.
[00029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[00030] Certain terminology is used in the following description for
convenience only and
is not limiting. The words "right," "left," "upper," and "lower" designate
directions in the
drawings to which reference is made. The words "inwardly" and "outwardly"
refer to directions
toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the system for use
with a
consumable beverage and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the
words above
specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Additionally, the words
"a" and "one" are defined as including one or more of the referenced item
unless specifically
stated otherwise.
[00031] Referring to Figures 1-13, wherein like numerals indicate like
elements
throughout, preferred embodiments of a bottle for use with a consumable
beverage is shown and
generally designated as 10. Briefly stated, the bottle 10 preferably includes
a container 12
enclosing a thermal energy storage member 46 (further described below) and a
filter 70 (further
described below) secured within the bottle 10 via convenient twist lock
features (or via any
suitable securing mechanism or connector) that allows the thermal energy
member 46 and/or
filter 70 to be easily disengaged or swapped out from either component so that
the remaining
portions of the bottle 10 can used with beverages while the thermal energy
storage member 46 is
being heated or cooled or a filter is being exchanged.
[00032] While the drawings show twist lock connections, those of ordinary
skill in the art
will appreciate from this disclosure that any other known suitable connection
mechanism, such
12

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
as a fastener, friction fit, snap fit, or the like can be used with any of the
connections in the bottle
without departing from the scope of the present invention. Alternatively, the
thermal energy
storage member 46 and the lid 26 and/or the filter 70 can be a single integral
component.
Additionally, the bottle 10 can be used with one of multiple interchangeable
thermal energy
storage members 46 (or combination thermal energy storage members), to avoid
delays caused
by waiting for a single thermal energy storage member 46 to re-freeze or re-
heat prior to
continued use of the bottle 10.
[00033] The bottle 10 and its component parts are preferably formed from a
sturdy, non-
reactive, durable material, such as a suitable polymer. However, those of
ordinary skill in the art
will appreciate from this disclosure that the bottle 10 and its various
components can be formed
from any materials suitable for use with beverages. The thermal energy storage
member 46
preferably contains a gelatinous material 48 that is formed of re-freezable
material and/or re-
heatable material, such as the non-toxic materials used in gel packs and the
like.
[00034] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the bottle 10 for use with a
consumable beverage 48
includes a container 12 having a mouth 14. While it is preferred that the
container 12 is part of a
sports bottle, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from this
disclosure that any type of
container 12 can be used with the bottle 10 of the present invention.
Similarly, while it is
preferred that the mouth 14 of the container 12 is generally circularly
shaped, those of ordinary
skill in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the mouth 14 can
have any shape without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
[00035] The container 12 preferably has at least one thread 16 positioned
generally around
a substantial portion of a perimeter of the container 12 proximate to the
mouth 14 for engaging a
13

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CGI2-PT025
lid 16. Alternatively, the container 12 can engage the lid 16 via a snap fit
or any other suitable
connection without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[00036] Referring to Figure 1, the bottle 10 is preferably adapted to
thermally condition
and filter consumable beverages. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the bottle 10
includes the
container 12 which is configured to hold a consumable beverage 98. The
container defines a
cavity 22 configured to hold the consumable beverage 98. The bottom of the
cavity 22 forms a
cavity base 24. The container mouth 14 is preferably formed by an upper edge
perimeter that
forms a lip 18. Surrounding the lip 18 may be a shoulder 20 that is formed by
the outer surface
of the container 12. While the bottle shown has a generally oblong shape,
those of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the shape of the bottle
can vary and include
embossments or the like without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
[00037] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the lid 26 is preferably detachably
secured to the
bottle 10 to cover the mouth 14. The lid 26 can include a lower edge 36 that
may abut the
container shoulder 20 when the lid 26 is secured to the container 12. A
combination date/time
element and gasket 38 may be positioned around the lower edge of the lid 26 to
form a fluid seal
when the lid 26 is engaged with the container 12. The gasket 38 may be
rotateable when the lid
26 is not engaged with the container 12 to allow the date a beverage is placed
therein to be
memorialized.
[00038] The lid 26 may include a handle 28 that extends generally obliquely
away from
the bottle relative to the base of the bottle 10. The handle 28 preferably has
a generally upside
down U-shape. The handle 28 may be hollow to reduce weight and simplify
carrying. The
lower/inner surface of the lid 26 may include a downwardly depending tube
portion 40. It is
preferred that laterally extending projections 42 are located on the tube
portion 40 for use in
14

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
forming a twist lock connection. It is preferred that the tube portion 40
include a mating surface
44 that is generally annular and configured for abutting engagement with the
thermal energy
storage member 46
[00039] As best shown in Figure 3, the lid 26 preferably defines a lid
fluid passageway 34.
The lid fluid passageway is configured to guide fluid through the lid 26 to a
drinking spout 30.
The drinking spout 30 may be located on the lid 26 and secured thereto via a
pivot member 32.
The drinking spout 30 is configured to facilitate consumption of the
consumable beverage 98
from the container 12. It is preferred, but not necessary that the lid 26
include at least one
mating thread for engaging the container 12. Those of ordinary skill in the
art will appreciate
from this disclosure that any known method of attaching the lid 26 to the
container 12 may be
used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[00040] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the filter 70 is preferably located
in the cavity 22.
The filter 70 preferably includes screens 72 along the intake and output
portions of the filter 70.
The filter 70 may include carbon 76 and/or ceramic 74 and/or any other
suitable filter material.
Although particular filter construction is shown in Figure 3, those of
ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate from this disclosure that any suitable type of filter 70 can be
used without departing
from the scope of the present invention. The filter 70 can be designed for
either radial fluid flow
108 (as shown in Figure 13) or axial fluid flow 108 (as shown in Figure 12) of
consumable
beverage 98 therethrough.
[00041] The filter 70 has first and second filter ends 84A, 84B. The first
filter end can be
located on the one side 82 of the filter 70 that engages the straw 62 and/or
the thermal energy
storage member 46. The second filter end 84B may be located proximate a base
24 of the cavity
22, such that liquid 98 drawn through the filter 70 defines a filter path that
is generally axially

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
aligned with the longitudinal axis 55 of the thermal energy storage member 46.
The one side 82
of the filter 70 preferably includes a tube portion 80 and projections 78 to
use as part of a twist
lock connection.
[00042] Referring to Figures 2, 4, and 5, the thermal energy storage
member 46 may be
disposed in the cavity 22 and located between the filter 70 and the lid 26.
The thermal energy
storage member 46 may define a bore 54 therethrough. The thermal energy
storage member has
a longitudinal axis 55 along which the bore 54 is preferably generally
aligned. Referring
specifically to Figure 4, the bore 54 may be configured to receive a straw 62
therein.
Alternatively, referring to Figures 5 and 5A the bore 54 may be configured to
not be used with a
straw 62 and to instead form a thermal energy storage member fluid passageway
59. The bore
54 may include slots 56 to help form a twist lock connection. That is, the
bottle 10 may not
include a straw without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[00043] Referring to figure 2, the thermal energy storage member may be
generally
conically shaped 50 with first and second thermal energy storage member ends
52A, 52B. It is
preferred, but not necessary, that the second thermal energy storage member
end 52B is larger
than the first end 52A and is configured to generally approximate an area of
one side 82 of the
filter 70. The first thermal energy storage member end 52A is preferably
located adjacent the lid
26 and the second thermal energy storage end 52B is preferably located
adjacent the one side 84
of the filter 70. The first thermal energy storage member end 52A may be
configured to abut the
mating surface 44 of the lid 26.
[00044] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the thermal energy storage member 46
may include
a plurality of thermal energy storage elements 58 that can be assembled in a
side-by-side manner
to extend between one side 84 of the filter and the lid 26. The thermal energy
storage elements
16

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
58 are preferably adjustable in at least one of angular orientation relative
to the straw 62 and in
=
side-by-side positioning relative to each other. The elements 58 may include
different colors,
shapes, indicia or images 60. This allows the look of the bottle 10 to be
personalized and
customized by manipulating the thermal energy storage elements 58 and/or
exchanging
individual elements 58 using additional elements 58 that are part of a kit or
another bottle.
Referring to Figure 5, the thermal energy storage member 46 may include slots
56 to form part of
a twist lock connection.
[00045] While a preferred configuration of the thermal energy
storage member 46 has
been described above, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from
this disclosure that
any configuration can be used without departing from the scope of the present
invention.
Similarly, any suitable connection means between the lid 26, filter 70, and/or
straw 62 and the
thermal energy storage member 46 can be used without departing from the scope
of the present
invention. As mentioned above, the lid 26 can also be made as a single
integral piece with the
thermal energy storage member 46 without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
[00046] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the straw 62 has first and
second straw ends 66A,
66B. The first straw end 66A may be configured to detachably engage the filter
70 and the
second straw end 66B may be configured to detachably engage the lid 26 to
create a straw fluid
passageway 68 between the filter 70 and the lid fluid passageway 34. Referring
to Figures 2 and
7, the straw 62 may be detachably engaged to the filter 70 via a first twist
lock connection and
the straw can be detachably engaged to the lid 26 via a second twist lock
connection. The straw
62 may include slots 64 to help form part of a twist lock connection. When the
straw 62 is
engaged with the filter 70 and the lid 26 and the thermal energy storage
member 46 is located
over the straw, the bottle 10 is adapted to thermally condition and filter the
consumable beverage
17

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
98 and the bottle 10 is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable
beverage from the cavity
22, through the filter 70, through the straw fluid passageway 68, through the
lid fluid passageway
34, and through the drinking spout 30. While the bottle 10 is shown in the
drawings with the
filter placed either adjacent to the cap or proximate the cavity base 22,
those of ordinary skill in
the art will appreciate from this disclosure that the filter can be positioned
anywhere in or on the
bottle without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[00047] Referring to Figures 5 and 5A, another preferred embodiment of the
bottle 10 is
disclosed. The thermal energy storage member 46 may be disposed in the cavity
22 and may be
located between the filter 70 and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage
member 46 can define a
bore 54 therethrough that is adapted to form a thermal energy storage member
fluid passageway
59. The thermal energy storage member 46 has first and second thermal energy
storage member
ends 52A, 52B. The second thermal energy storage member end 52B may be
detachably
engaged with the filter 70. The first thermal energy storage member end 52A
can be detachably
engaged with the lid 26 so that the thermal energy storage member fluid
passageway 59 forms a
conduit between the filter 70 and the lid fluid passageway 34. When the
thermal energy storage
member 46 is engaged with the filter 70 and the lid 26, the bottle 10 is
preferably adapted to
thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage 98 and the bottle is
adapted to allow
consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the cavity 22, through the
filter 70, through
the thermal energy storage member fluid passageway 59, through the lid fluid
passageway 34,
and through the drinking spout 30.
[00048] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, another preferred embodiment of the
bottle 10 is
illustrated. The filter 70 can be located in the cavity 22 proximate to the
cavity base 24. The
thermal energy storage member 46 is disposed in the cavity and can be located
between the filter
18

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
70 and the lid 26. The thermal energy storage member 46 may be engaged with
the lid 26 and
with the filter 70.
[00049] A straw 62 can be located in the cavity 22 and spaced from the
thermal energy
storage member 46. The straw 62 has first and second straw ends 66A, 66B. The
first straw end
66A can be being engaged with the filter 70 and the second straw end 66B can
be engaged with
the lid 26 to create a straw fluid passageway 68 between the filter 70 and the
lid fluid
passageway 34. It is preferred that the straw 62 and the thermal energy
storage member 46 are
generally parallel and both connect to one side of the filter 70. The filter
70 preferably has the
first filter end 84A located on the one side 84 of the filter 70 and the
second filter end 84B
located proximate a base 26 of the cavity22, such that liquid/consumable
beverage 98 drawn
through the filter 70 is removed from the cavity 22 proximate the cavity base
26. The filter 70
may include a straw connector 90 and a thermal energy storage member connector
92 that are
formed by a snap fit connection or the like. When the straw is engaged with
the filter 70 and the
lid 26 and the thermal energy storage member 46 is engaged with the filter 70
and the lid 26, the
bottle 10 is adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage
98 and the bottle
is adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the cavity
22, through
the filter 70, through the straw fluid passageway 68, through the lid fluid
passageway 34, and
through the drinking spout 30.
[00050] Referring to Figures 10-13, another preferred embodiment of the
present
invention is illustrated. The filter 70 is preferably located in the cavity 22
proximate to the lid 26
and includes a filter cartridge 88 and a filter housing 86. The filter
cartridge 88 can be engaged
with the lid 26 and the filter housing 86 being engaged with the filter
cartridge via a snap fit
connection or the like.
19

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
[00051] Referring to Figure 12, the flow 108 of consumable beverage 98
through axial
flow filter is shown by arrow lines. The filter cartridge 88 has first and
second cartridge ends
and a cartridge sidewall (which extends between the first and second cartridge
ends along the
outer surface of the cartridge). The first cartridge end (on which lid
connector 94 is located) can
be located proximate the lid fluid passageway 34 and the second cartridge end
(on which the
housing connector 96 is located) may be located proximate the thermal energy
storage member.
The filter 70 may be configured such that consumable beverage 98 enters the
housing 86
proximate the lid 26, flows generally along the cartridge sidewall, into the
second cartridge end,
out the first cartridge end, and into the lid fluid passageway 34.
[00052] Referring to Figure 13, the flow 108 of consumable beverage through
a radial
flow filter is shown by arrow lines. The filter cartridge has first and second
cartridge ends and a
cartridge sidewall (similar to those described above). The first cartridge end
can be located
proximate the lid fluid passageway 34 and the second cartridge end may be
located proximate
the thermal energy storage member 46. The filter is preferably configured such
that consumable
beverage 98 enters the housing 86 proximate the lid 26, flows into the filter
cartridge 88
generally through the cartridge sidewall, out the first cartridge end, and
into the lid fluid
passageway 34.
[00053] Referring again to Figures 10-13, the thermal energy storage member
46 is
preferably located in the cavity 22 and disposed on the filter housing 86. The
bottle 10 can be
adapted to thermally condition and filter the consumable beverage 98 and the
bottle 10 can be
adapted to allow consumption of the consumable beverage 98 from the cavity 22,
through the
filter 70, through the lid fluid passageway 34, and through the drinking spout
30.

CA 02691193 2010-01-26
CG12-PT025
[00054] The present invention is also directed to a kit that includes any
combination of
components shown in Figures 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, and 13. Referring to Figure 4, a
second thermal
energy storage member 100 may be configured to substitute for the filter if
additional cooling is
desired and filtering of the consumable beverage is not desired. The second
thermal energy
storage member 100 may form a fluid passageway 102 and may include a tube
portion 104 and
projections 106 to form part of a twist lock or other suitable connection. It
is preferred that the
second thermal energy storage member 100 has an exterior shape generally the
same as an
exterior shape of the filter 70 to allow the bottle 10 to have substantially
the same aesthetic
appearance regardless of whether the filter 70 or the second thermal energy
storage member 100
is being used.
[00055] A preferred embodiment of customizing a bottle according to the
present
invention is described below. Those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate from this
disclosure that generally similar steps and generally similar structural
components of the bottle
described below should: generally have similar structure, general include
similar alternate
constructions, and generally operate in a similar manner as that described
above, unless stated
otherwise. The steps of the method of the present invention can be performed
in any order,
interchanged with other steps, or omitted, without departing from the scope of
the present
invention.
[00056] One preferred method of the present invention is directed to
providing a
customizable bottle 10 adapted to thermally condition and filter water. The
method includes
providing a container 10 configured to hold a consumable beverage 98. A lid is
provided that
can be detachably secured to the bottle to cover the mouth. A filter is
positioned in the cavity. A
thermal energy storage member is located in the cavity between the filter and
the lid. The
21

CA 02691193 2011-12-29
thermal energy storage member 46 comprises a plurality of thermal energy
storage elements 58
that are assembled in a side-by-side manner to extend between one side 84 of
the filter 70 and the
lid 26. The thermal energy storage elements 58 can be adjusted in at least one
of angular
orientation relative to the straw and in side-by-side positioning relative to
each other to
customize the look of the bottle 10. The elements 58 preferably each bear at
least one of a color,
an indicia, an image, and a textured surface to allow for a customized look to
be created for the
bottle depending on the positioning of the thermal energy storage elements 58.
[00057]
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth above, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with
the description as a
whole. For example, any of the connections between components described above
can be
interchanged with any one of a twist-lock connection, a friction fit, a snap
fit, a ball and detent,
an interlock, a magnetic connection, a threaded connection, or any other
suitable connection
without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is understood,
therefore, that this
invention is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but is
intended to cover all
modifications which are within the scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims
and the drawings.
22

Representative Drawing