BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Technical Field [0001] The present invention relates generally to container closures and, more particularly, to closures for bottles, jars, and related articles, and more particularly still to an improved bottle top and valve apparatus for use with plastic bottles and the like.

Background Discussion [0002] It is well understood that proper hydration is essential for optimum physical performance, health, and well being. This understanding has evolved into something of an obsession among certain segments of the population, and in recent years the bottled water industry has capitalized on that obsession quite nicely with sharp increases in sales. Indeed, for the ordinary citizen going about his or her day, and having easy access to drinking fountains and regular meals, carrying bottled water for almost constant hydration is scarcely a matter of need; rather, it has become as much a statement of image and class status as it has been a practical solution to the problem of dehydration. Even so, people are drinking more water than ever, even when performing sedentary office work. [0003] The genuine need for regular and ample hydration truly does exist for athletes and outdoor sports participants, such as runners, cyclists, golfers, tennis players, backpackers, hikers, hunters, climbers, cross-country skiers, kayakers, and so on. An industry has arisen to provide means for the easy containment, transportation and consumption of hydrating drink while performing sports and vigorous outdoor activities. [0004] For athletes and outdoorsmen there are three general types of containers in regular use: The first type includes squeezable containers having a cap with a push-pull valve for

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) te lXnffSZ* Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot manually opening and closing (sometimes with the teeth). When the valve is pulled open, the bottle is inverted and squeezed to dispense contents into the user's mouth. This is the kind of bottle favored by cyclists and runners who require an ultra-lightweight container. However, the valve is easily contaminated with dirt or germs when shared with others, it is entirely unsuited for use with hot beverages, and it typically has a relatively narrow mouth, thus making the insertion of ice cubes difficult when it is desired to keep a drink especially cold. [0005] A second type includes containers that use a straw-like tube that extends through the cap or closure of the container to nearly the bottom of the container. Container contents are sucked from the container using the straw. Elaborate versions of this kind of container include a flexible tube end that can be folded onto a recess in the cap top and covered by a hinging hood to protect the tube from contaminants when not being used. Of note, this is a design favored by mothers providing a drinking bottle for a toddler. It is not a design favored by athletes or outdoorsmen as it is awkward to use while moving. However, it is nicely matched to the needs of a commuter traveling in a car or a desk worker. [0006] The final type of container has a threaded neck with a threaded cap which screws on and off. It is this type of bottle that is highly favored by backpackers, hikers, hunters, climbers, and so forth. The standard for the aficionado has become the NALGENE® brand bottles, which come in wide and narrow mouth models, all generally fabricated from either polycarbonate (LEXAN®), high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, or polypropylene. The manufacturer has itself developed a number of caps for its bottles, but none having a simple valve assembly for easy dispensing of bottle contents. [0007] Accordingly, there exists a need for a combination bottle top, valve, and handle assembly that provides a closure for a beverage bottle while also providing a thumb- or finger-actuated valve for providing easy means to dispense the bottle contents. As known to the present inventor, there is nothing in the prior art that discloses, teaches, suggests, shows, or otherwise renders obvious, either singly or when considered in combination with other prior art, such an apparatus, which is the invention described and claimed herein.

Attorney Docket No 00833 P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application ' Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus ExPress Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot Disclosure of Invention [0008] The present invention provides various embodiments for an improved top, valve, and/or handle apparatus for use with plastic bottles and the like, and particularly for use with NALGENE® type bottles such as those frequently used by hikers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Each embodiment is designed to screw on the existing external (male) threads of the plastic bottle or like article. The various embodiments may be scaled to any size or type of bottle. [0009] A first embodiment of the invention provides a top with an integral valve and handle, effectively replacing the existing bottle top. The valve enables the user to dispense the contents of the bottle through simple actuation with a thumb or finger while holding onto the bottle with the same hand and without removing (unscrewing) the top. The handle facilitates handling of the bottle, especially while dispensing the contents of the bottle through the valve A second embodiment of the invention provides a top with an integral valve, but no handle portion. A third embodiment of the invention provides a top having a modified valve assembly. [0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bottle top for use with plastic bottles and the like. [0011] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved bottle top with integral valve to enable dispensing of the bottle contents. [0012] A further object or feature of the present invention is a new and improved bottle top with an integral handle to facilitate handling of the bottle, especially while dispensing the contents of the bottle through a valve. [0013] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a novel handle apparatus for use with an existing bottle and top. [0014] Other novel features which are characteristic of the invention, as to organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof will be better

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawing is for illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming part of this disclosure. The invention resides not in any one of these features taken alone, but rather in the particular combination of all of its structures for the functions specified. [0015] There has thus been broadly outlined the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form additional subject matter of the claims appended hereto. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based readily may be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [0016] Further, the purpose of the Abstract is to enable the national patent office(s) and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of this application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0017] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: [0018] FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the bottle top, valve, and handle apparatus of the present invention; [0019] FIG. 2 is side view in elevation thereof; [0020] FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof; [0021] FIG. 4 is a lower exploded perspective view thereof; [0022] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional side view in elevation taken along the section lines 5A- 5 A of FIG. 3, showing the stopper in a closed configuration; [0023] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional side view in elevation showing the trigger depressed to move the stopper into an open position; [0024] FIG. 6 is a side view in elevation showing a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; [0025] FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view pf a third preferred embodiment of the bottle top and valve of the present invention

[0026] Drawing Reference Numerals [0027] FIGS. 1-6 100 first preferred embodiment of the present invention 110 body member 120 upper portion of body member 130 central through hole 140 inner side of body member 150 threads 160 neck of bottle 170 bottle 180 outer apron

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot 190 fluid dispensing cylinder 200 lower end of fluid dispensing cylinder 210 opening in lower end of fluid dispensing cylinder 220 upper end of fluid dispensing cylinder 230 mouth at upper end of fluid dispensing cylinder 240 rim of mouth 250 outer side of fluid dispensing cylinder 260 plunger support post 270 bore in plunger support post 280 spokes 290 interior side of fluid dispensing cylinder 300 handle 310 upper arm of handle 320 gripping portion 330 handle end 340 loop 350 first channel 360 second channel 370 upper edge of central through hole 130 380 lower border of outer apron 180 390 plunger 400 plunger head 410 spring 420 top of plunger support post 430 underside of plunger head 440 disc 450 lower end of plunger

Attomev Docket No 00833 P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application ' ^ity Date ^/06/200 * Of Λ»» 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot 460 bolt 470 saddle 480 proximal end of saddle 490 distal end of saddle 500 flap 510 spaced-apart walls 520 notch 530 upper lever 540 distal end of upper lever 550 pin 560 thumb pad 570 proximal end of upper lever 580 notch 590 lower lever 600 pin 610 hole 620 locking pin 700 second preferred embodiment of the present invention [0028] FIGS. 7-9B 800 third preferred embodiment of the present invention 810 body member 820 fluid dispensing cylinder 830 base 840 openings in base 850 bayonet mount 860 underside of base 870 trigger cover

Attorney Docket No 00833 P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus ExPress Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot 880 trigger 890 pivot point/notch 900 strap portion 910 thumb/finger pad 920 distal end of trigger 930 plunger end 940 O-ring arm 950 post 960 middle post 970 post 980 O-rings 990 downward extension 1000 cup 1010 tangs 1020 spring

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention [0029] Referring to Figs. 1 through 9B, wherein like reference numerals refer to like components in the various views, Figs. 1 through 5B are a series of views of a first preferred embodiment 100 of the present invention, which collectively show that the inventive apparatus comprises a body member 110 having a substantially dome-shaped upper portion 120 with a central through hole 130 defined by a cylindrical inner side 140 having threads 150 for screwing onto the threaded neck 160 of a bottle 170. Arching outwardly from the cylindrical inner side and extending downwardly from the dome-shaped upper portion is an integral outer apron 180 for capping and partially covering or draping over a shoulder of the bottle. [0030] Inserted into the central through hole of the body member and concentric with the

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot inner side 140 is a removable fluid dispensing cylinder 190 terminating at its lower end 200 in a circular opening 210 and at its upper end 220 in an open mouth 230 from which the user drinks. Preferably the rim 240 of the mouth arches gently upward on two sides to form opposing pouring spouts that facilitate drinking and reduce liquid dribbling and spills during use. The outer side 250 of the fluid dispensing cylinder is concentric with and spaced slightly apart from the threaded inner side 140 of the body member. [0031] A plunger support post 260 having a longitudinal bore 270 is axially disposed within the fluid dispensing cylinder and is support by a plurality of spokes or arms 280 extending radially from the post to the interior side 290 of the fluid dispensing cylinder. [0032] The body member includes an integral handle 300, which preferably curves inwardly toward the bottle as it extends downwardly from its upper arm 310 which attaches to the side of the dome-shaped upper portion 120 and the outer apron 180. This provides an optimally shaped gripping portion 320 and minimizes inadvertent catching or snagging of the handle end 330 on objects in the environment. Preferably the body member also includes a loop 340 integral with the handle and interposed between the gripping portion and the upper arm. The loop provides means for attaching a carabineer or lanyard. [0033] The body member further includes opposing channels, a first channel 350 formed in the handle upper arm 310 and a second channel 360 formed 180 degrees apart from the first channel and extending from the upper edge 370 of the central through hole 130 to the lower border 380 of the outer apron 180. [0034] Next, the inventive bottle top, valve, and handle apparatus of the present invention includes a valve assembly, comprising a piston or plunger 390 disposed in the bore in the plunger support post. The plunger includes an expanded head 400. A compressible spring 410 or other biasing means are disposed between the top 420 of the plunger support post and the underside 430 of the expanded head such that the plunger is urged upwardly. A disc 440 is attached to the lower end 450 of the plunger, preferably by a bolt 460 screwed into a threaded bore in the lower end of the plunger. When not otherwise pushed downwardly by a

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot compressing force, the plunger is urged upwardly by the spring to close the circular opening 210 at the lower end of fluid dispensing cylinder. [0035] A trigger assembly is employed to control the opening of the above-described valve. The trigger assembly comprises a saddle 470, which is disposed within the first and second channels and spanning at least the diameter of the body member. In a preferred embodiment, the saddle includes a proximal upwardly-turning trigger support end 480 that rests within the first channel; a distal downwardly-turning end 490 which includes a semi-rigid flap 500 that snap-fits into the second channel and conforms to the contour of the dome-shaped upper portion of the body member; and opposing vertically-disposed spaced-apart walls 510 interposed therebetween and extending across the mouth of the fluid dispensing cylinder. At its proximal end 480, the underside of the saddle includes a notch 520. The saddle functions as a platform and support for the levers that comprise the remainder of the trigger assembly. [0036] The trigger assembly next includes an upper lever 530, disposed between the spaced-apart walls of the saddle and pivotally attached at its distal end 540 to the saddle between the walls near the distal end of the saddle, preferably with a pin 550 extending between the walls. The upper lever includes a thumb pad 560 adapted for depressing with a thumb. The proximal end 570 of the upper lever also includes a notch 580. [0037] Disposed immediately underneath the upper lever and between the spaced-apart walls of the saddle is a lower lever 590, which is pivotally attached with a pin 600 near the proximal end 480 of the saddle 470. [0038] When all three elements of the trigger assembly are placed onto the body member in the first and second channels, notches 520/580 are brought into alignment with one another and with a hole 610 extending through the upper arm 310 of the handle. A locking pin 620 is partially inserted into the hole and may be pushed entirely into the hole when the upper lever is either elevated [FIG. 5A] or depressed [FIG. 5B]. [0039] It will be readily appreciated that alternative valve types can be employed in the present invention. The possibilities include, but are not limited to, the following: a hinged

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot flap; a twist ring (ring on the outside of top forms the trigger, with a locking detent at the open and close positions, the valve slides open); an under-belly valve (may have a wiper seal for open position plunger, a mating surface seal for closed position for plunger, uses atmospheric pressure to keep seal if pressure in bottle increases due to heat or change in barometric pressure); a slide type; or a rubber flap that is pushed inwards. [0040] Furthermore, the trigger assembly may be intended to be either thumb- or finger- actuated. Locations of the valve trigger may include the inside of the handle (index finger actuation or multiple finger actuation with a pull); the outside of the handle (palm or thumb actuation with a push); between the loop and the top of the bottle (thumb actuation); or on the side of the top (see FIGS. 7-9B). [0041] FIG. 6 shows a second preferred embodiment 700 of the present invention. In this embodiment, all structural and operative elements are identical to those of the first preferred embodiment, but the handle portion is removed. [0042] FIGS. 7-9B show a third preferred embodiment 800 of the bottle top and valve apparatus of the present invention. In this embodiment, the inventive apparatus includes a body member 810 having the structural features and characteristics of the body member of the first preferred embodiment. However, the fluid dispensing cylinder 820 includes a base 830 having three openings 840, and a bayonet mount 850 on the underside 860 of the base. The valve assembly is correspondingly modified as follows: A trigger cover 870 functions as the support for trigger 880, which is pivotally connected to the trigger cover at a pivot point or notch 890. A flexible strap portion 900, preferably integrally molded into the trigger, extends between the pivot point and a thumb/finger pad 910. The distal end 920 of the trigger arches upwardly and then downwardly from the pivot point where it terminates in a plunger end 930. [0043] The openings in the base are selectively closed by an O-ring arm 940 having three posts 950, 960, 970 each having an O-ring 980 disposed over the post. The middle post 960 includes a downward extension 990.

Attorney Docket No, 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application Priority Date: 16/06/2004 (16 June 2004) For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus Express Mail No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot [0044] The O-ring arm is captured and retained against the underside of the fluid dispensing cylinder base by a cup 1000 having tangs 1010 at its upper open end for rotational attachment to the bayonet mount on the underside of the base. A compression spring 1020 is disposed on the downward extension 990 of the middle post and interposed between the O- ring arm and the bottom of the cup. The spring urges the entire O-ring arm upwardly when not compressed by a depression of the trigger [FIG. 9A], thus sealing the three openings. When the trigger is pressed [FIG. 9B], the plunger end 930 pushes the middle post 960 downward and the openings are uncovered, thus permitting fluid to pour from the bottle when it is tipped or inverted. [0045] Again, this embodiment replaces the existing top of the bottle. The top may include an integrated mechanical lock to prevent unwanted opening of the valve, such as when it is stored in a backpack. The top may also include the carabineer/lanyard loop shown in the first and second preferred embodiments, but integrally formed with the side of the body member, rather than as part of the handle upper arm. [0046] In its most essential aspect, however, the bottle top and valve apparatus of the present invention comprises a body member having an opening; means for affixing the body member to the mouth of a bottle; a valve that selectively covers the opening in the body member; and a trigger operatively connected to the valve. This essential aspect is reflected in all of the above-described preferred embodiments. [0047] The foregoing disclosure is sufficient to enable one having skill in the art to practice the invention without undue experimentation, and provides the best mode of practicing the invention presently contemplated by the inventor. While there is provided herein a full and complete disclosure of the preferred embodiments of this invention, it is not intended to limit the invention to the exact construction, dimensional relationships, and operation shown and described. Various modifications, alternative constructions, changes and equivalents will readily occur to those skilled in the art and may be employed, as suitable, without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. Such changes might involve alternative

Attorney Docket No. 00833.P5PCT International Appl. Filing Date: 16/06/2005 (16 June 2005) PCT Patent Application ^^^v^SKJfT^ For: Bottle Top and Valve Apparatus ExPress Maύ No: EV 452851185 US Applicant: Joshua N. Guyot materials, components, structural arrangements, sizes, shapes, forms, functions, operational features or the like. [0048] Accordingly, the proper scope of the present invention should be determined only by the broadest interpretation of the appended claims so as to encompass all such modifications as well as all relationships equivalent to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification.

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