FIELD

This invention relates to a drinks container.

This invention relates particularly, but not exclusively to, a drinks container suitable for use as an exercise bottle when a user is exercising. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe the invention with reference to this example application. However, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of broader application.

BACKGROUND

An exercise bottle that is used when exercising is a well-known contrivance. As fitness training has evolved, more and more people are involved in regular exercise, and it is quite common for people to carry an exercise bottle around with them.

One such example of an exercise bottle is shown in Figure 1. The exercise bottle comprises a cylindrical container body that tapers inwardly to a neck forming an open top or outlet that can be closed by a closure. In use, the closure can be removed by a user to enable them to drink liquid from the bottle. The exercise bottle has a large central opening over which a user can place their mouth and gulp in large amounts of liquid in a short space of time. While it is common for an exercise bottle to contain water, it can also contain other drinks, including sports drinks designed to rehydrate a person after physical exercise, energy drinks or soft drinks.

Another activity that has increased in recent years is the purchase of takeaway coffee in which a coffee cup is filled by a coffee vendor and then taken away by a user. In relation to certain products, such as Starbucks™ coffees, this practice has assumed a cult-like status. In many cities, people can be seen walking along a road carrying their takeaway coffee cup in their hand.

Traditionally, single use drink containers made of cardboard or like products have been used as containers for takeaway coffee. However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable living, there is an impetus to re-use items like cups and this has led to a rise in reusable coffee cups. These cups are carried around by a user and the same cup is reused each time they make or purchase a cup of coffee.

Any reference to prior art in the background above is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicant recognizes the prevalence of, and widespread use of, exercise bottles and separate reusable coffee cups. Applicant further recognizes that it would be beneficial to improve on these products.

In one form, the invention relates to a drinks container that is interchangeable between use as an exercise bottle in which liquid is drunk from a central outlet, and use as a cup where liquid is drunk from the rim of the cup. This obviates the need to have two containers to perform this function and a single container is more convenient for a user to carry around.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a drinks container comprising: a container body comprising a side wall terminating in a rim, an adapter mounted on the container body, wherein the adapter is interchangeable between a first upright configuration in which it has a primary outlet spaced from the rim for drinking, and a second inverted configuration in which the adapter and container body form at least part of a secondary outlet for drinking from the rim, a closure mounted on the primary outlet of the adapter, and a tether configured to releasably tether the closure to the container body.

The rim of the side wall may form a top of the container body and the adapter may extend across the top. The primary outlet may be substantially centrally positioned on the container body.

The tether may be detachable from the closure.

The tether may comprise a first releasable attachment formation for releasable attachment to the closure and a second attachment formation for attaching the tether to the container body.

The removably mounted closure may be opened by a user when they drink from the primary outlet.

The secondary outlet may be formed between the container body and the adapter adjacent to the rim of the container in the second inverted configuration. The first releasable attachment formation may comprise a closure mount at one point along the connector, and the second releasable formation may comprise a stop formation that is spaced from the closure mount along the length of the connector.

The closure mount may be located at or towards one end of the tether, and the stop formation may be located at or towards the other end of the tether.

The closure mount may comprise a mounting loop that extends circumferentially around the closure to releasably mount the tether to the closure.

The mounting loop may comprise a resilient and/or extensible material that is configured to urge inwardly, for example, radially inwardly against the closure, for example, a side wall of the closure, with a frictional grip.

Thus, the mounting loop is sufficiently resilient and/or extensible for it to be stretched sufficiently to enable it to be pulled over an axial end of the closure. When released, the mounting loop that has been pulled over the closure contracts radially inwardly and may grip the closure with a frictional grip whereby to mount the tether to the closure. The contraction of the mounting loop may facilitate receipt of the mounting loop in a receiving formation of the closure, such as a circumferential groove, to attach the tether to the closure without the mounting loop gripping the closure.

The closure may comprise an axially extending side wall defining a groove therein extending circumferentially around the closure, and the mounting loop may be received within the groove.

The groove may extend circumferentially around the closure with a circular path.

The closure may further comprise an end wall at one end of the axially extending side wall.

The closure may comprise end walls at each end of the axially extending side wall.

The tether may be releasably attached to the container body.

The container body may comprise a tether bracket on the side wall, and the tether bracket may form a tether opening through which at least some of the tether is passed.

The tether bracket, and optionally also the container body, may form the tether opening through which the at least part of the tether is passed in use. The tether bracket may project out from an outer surface of the container body. The stop formation may be configured to resist or prevent the stop formation being passed through the tether opening.

The mounting loop may be configured so that it can be manually deformed to enable it to be passed through the tether opening.

The mounting loop may be passed through the tether opening to release the tether from the container body, and/or to attach the tether to the container body.

The tether may comprise a strap body or connector having two major surfaces. The stop formation may project from at least one major surface and be configured to resist the stop formation being pulled through the tether opening formed by the tether bracket.

The stop formation on the strap body may be configured to have a height above, or projecting outward of, said at least one major surface that resists it being displaced through the tether bracket. The stop formation may further be formed with a stiffness or rigidity that resists it being drawn or pulled through the tether bracket.

The closure is effectively attached or tethered to the drinks container when the strap body is passed through the tether bracket and the mounting loop is mounted over the closure of a drinks container.

The tether may comprise a resilient and/or flexible material.

The tether may be integrally formed of a resilient material.

The tether, including the mounting loop (or other closure retainer) and the stop formation, may be integrally formed of a resilient material.

The strap body, the closure retainer, and the stop formation of the tether may be integrally formed of a resilient material.

The tether may be flexible.

The tether may be resiliently extensible.

The strap body material may be capable of flexing so that the strap body can bend easily in use.

The resilient material may comprise a polymeric or polymer material. The tether may be made by injection moulding.

The tether may be dimensioned so that at least part thereof is received within the tether bracket on the container body with at least a working clearance.

The strap body may be dimensioned to be received within the tether bracket on the container body with at least a working clearance. In particular, the major surfaces of the strap body may have a width that is dimensioned to be received within the tether bracket with a working clearance. Similarly, the thickness of the strap body may be dimensioned to be received within the tether bracket with a working clearance. This enables the strap body to be manually slid or displaced through the tether bracket in use with minimal effort. Similar considerations apply to an axially intermediate region of the tether if it does not comprise a strap body.

The container body and the adapter may form a liquid flow channel therebetween.

The liquid flow channel may connect an interior of the container body and the secondary outlet in the second configuration.

The drinking container may not provide a liquid flow channel between the container body and the adapter in the first configuration.

The adapter may be sealed to the container body around the circumference of the container body.

In one form, the container body may comprise an internal shoulder, and the adapter may seal against the shoulder in the first configuration.

The tether may be displaced up into a raised position on the drinks container in which the tether (and/or strap body thereof) is displaced up through the tether bracket until the stop formation abuts against the tether bracket.

In the raised position of the tether on the drinks container, the tether may form a handle for enabling a user to carry the drinks container around. Additionally, the tether may form a carrying loop for suspending the drinks container from a belt or a buckle.

The tether may be displaced down into a lowered position on the drinks container in which the tether is displaced down through the tether bracket until the mounting loop abuts up against the tether bracket. The container body and the tether bracket may be integrally formed. For example, the container body and the tether bracket may comprise a polymeric or polymer material and the container body may be made by injection moulding.

The drinks container, including the container body, the adapter and the closure may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the container body, adapter and closure in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

Further, the tether may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the tether in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a drinks container comprising: a container body forming an outlet, a closure mounted on the outlet, and a tether to releasably tether the closure to the container body.

The container body may comprise a side wall, and a container top extending across an upper end of the side wall.

In some forms, the container top may be permanently joined to the upper end of the side wall, and optionally the side wall and container top may be integrally formed. In other forms, the container top may be removably mounted on the upper end of the side wall.

The tether may be detachable from the closure.

The tether may comprise a first releasable attachment formation for releasable attachment to the closure and a second attachment formation configured for attaching the tether to the container body.

The outlet may be substantially centrally positioned on the container body.

The removably mounted closure may be opened by a user when they drink from the outlet.

The secondary outlet may be formed between the container body and the adapter adjacent to the rim of the container in the second inverted configuration.

The tether may further comprise a connector, and the first releasable attachment formation may comprise a closure mount at one point along the connector, and the second releasable formation may comprise a stop formation that is spaced from the closure mount along the length of the connector.

The closure mount may be located at or towards one end of the tether, and the stop formation may be located at or towards the other end of the tether.

The closure mount may comprise a mounting loop that extends circumferentially around the closure to releasably mount the tether to the closure.

The mounting loop may comprise a resilient and/or extensible material.

The closure loop may be configured to urge radially inwardly against the closure with a frictional grip.

Thus, the mounting loop is sufficiently resilient and/or extensible for it to be stretched sufficiently to enable it to be pulled over an axial end of the closure. When the mounting loop that has been pulled over the closure is released, the mounting loop may contract radially inwardly and grips the closure with a frictional grip whereby to mount the tether to the closure.

The closure may comprise an axially extending side wall defining a groove therein extending circumferentially around the closure, and the mounting loop may be received within the groove.

The groove may extend circumferentially around the closure with a circular path.

The closure may comprise end walls at each end of the axially extending side wall.

The tether may be releasably attached to the container body.

The container body may comprise a tether bracket on the side wall, and the tether bracket may form a tether opening through which the tether is passed.

The tether bracket, and optionally also the container body, may form the tether opening through which the tether is passed in use.

The tether bracket may project out from an outer surface of the container body.

The mounting loop may be configured so that it can be manually deformed to enable it to be withdrawn through the tether opening to release the tether from the container body. The tether may comprise a connector that is a strap body having two major surfaces. The stop formation may project from at least one major surface and be configured to resist the stop formation being pulled through the tether opening formed by the tether bracket.

The stop formation on the strap body may be configured to have a height above said one major surface that resists it being displaced through the tether bracket. The stop formation may further be formed with a stiffness or rigidity that resists it being drawn or pulled through the tether bracket.

The closure is effectively attached or tethered to the drinks container when the strap body is passed through the tether bracket and the mounting loop is mounted over the closure of a drinks container.

The strap body, the closure retainer, and the stop formation of the tether may be integrally formed of a resilient material. In addition to being resiliently extensible, the strap material may be capable of flexing so that the strap body can bend easily in use.

The resilient material may comprise a polymeric or polymer material, and the strap may be made by injection moulding.

The strap body may be dimensioned to be received within the strap bracket on the container body with at least a working clearance. This enables the strap body to be manually slid or displaced through the tether bracket in use with minimal effort.

The adapter may be sealed to the container body around the circumference of the container body. In one form, the container body may comprise an internal shoulder, and the adapter may seal against the shoulder in the first configuration.

The tether may be displaced up into a raised position on the drinks container in which the strap body is displaced up through the tether bracket until the stop formation abuts against the tether bracket.

In the raised position of the strap on the drinks container, the strap may form a handle for enabling a user to carry the drinks container around. Additionally, the strap may form a carrying loop for suspending the drinks container from a belt or a buckle.

The strap may be displaced down into a lowered position on the drinks container in which the strap body is displaced down through the tether bracket up until the mounting loop abuts up against the tether bracket. The container body and the tether bracket may be integrally formed. In particular, the container body and the tether bracket may comprise a polymeric or polymer material and the container body may be made by injection moulding.

The drinks container, including the container body, the adapter and the closure may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the container body, adapter and closure in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

Further, the tether may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the tether in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

Thus, this aspect of the invention covers embodiments where the container body and closure can be selectively joined by a tether, so they cannot be inadvertently separated from each other. In this aspect, the drinks container has a single configuration in which the tether is used to attach the closure to the container body, so it does not get lost.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a drinks container comprising: a container body having a side wall terminating in a rim and defining an interior, and an adapter rotatably mounted on the container body, wherein the adapter is interchangeable between a first upright configuration where the adapter forms a primary drinking outlet spaced from the rim, and a second inverted configuration where the adapter forms at least part of a secondary drinking outlet adjacent to the rim, wherein the adapter is rotated up to a predetermined rotational position relative to the container body in the second inverted configuration, and the container body and the adapter form a first liquid flow channel therebetween, and the first liquid flow channel connects the interior to the secondary outlet.

The rim may form an open top of the container body and the adapter may extend across the open top.

The first liquid flow channel may be continuously open during operation and use of the drinks container in the second inverted configuration. The flow channel is not open in the first upright configuration.

The container body and the adapter may be configured in the second inverted configuration such that the primary drinking outlet is not accessible to a user. Thus, a user cannot drink from the primary outlet in the second inverted configuration.

The liquid flow channel may extend substantially linearly, e.g. in a substantially straight line, to the secondary outlet.

The container body may comprise a stop formation, and the adapter may abut the stop formation when it is rotated to the predetermined rotational position, in the second inverted configuration.

Conveniently, the container body may be substantially circular cylindrical, and the adapter may have a complementary circular cross-sectional configuration.

The container body may comprise a container engagement formation, and the adapter may comprise a complementary adapter engagement formation that engages the container engagement formation, to rotatably mount the adapter on the container body.

The container engagement formation may have a first container formation gap formed therein, and the first container formation gap is aligned with the first liquid flow channel when the adapter is in the second inverted configuration.

The adapter engagement formation may have a first adapter formation gap formed therein, and the first adapter formation gap is aligned with the first liquid flow channel when the adapter is in the second inverted configuration.

Thus, the first container and first adapter formation gaps leave a space in the respective engagement formations that open the first liquid flow channel to provide for unobstructed flow of liquid therethrough.

The container body and the adapter may form a second fluid flow channel therebetween, and the second fluid flow channel may connect the interior to o a point adjacent the rim or the rim. The second fluid flow channel may be spaced from the first liquid flow channel around the circumference of the adapter.

Optionally, the first liquid and second fluid flow channels may be diametrically opposite each other on the circumference of the adapter, e.g. the flow channels may be 180 degrees apart from each other.

The container engagement formation may optionally have a second container formation gap formed therein, that is aligned with the second fluid flow channel when the adapter is in the second inverted configuration.

The adapter engagement formation may have a second adapter formation gap formed therein, and the second adapter formation gap is aligned with the second fluid flow channel.

Thus, the second adapter formation gap leaves a space in the adapter engagement formation that contributes to opening the second liquid flow channel and permitting fluid flow therethrough.

The container engagement formation may comprise a male formation, and the adapter engagement formation may comprise a female formation that receives the male formation therein, and the male formation may be translationally displaced along the female formation by rotation of the adapter relative to the container body.

The container engagement formation may be configured to form said stop formation and the adapter engagement formation may be configured to interact with the stop formation in the second configuration.

The male formation may comprise a male rib that projects out from the container wall and extends at least part way around the container body.

The female formation may comprise a groove that receives the male formation therein and extends at least part way around the adapter. Optionally, the female formation may extend around a large part, e.g. more than half, of the circumference of the adapter.

The male rib on the container body may comprise first and second rib parts in diametrically opposed positions on the container body. The spaced first and second rib parts act to securely mount the adapter such that it cannot lift off the container body.

The adapter may comprise a first cutout on the circumference of the adapter that is aligned with the first adapter formation gap on the adapter engagement formation, and the first cutout may contribute to opening the first liquid flow channel. This helps to keep the first liquid flow channel open continuously, i.e. at all times the container is being used in the second configuration.

The adapter may comprise a second cutout on the circumference of the adapter that is aligned with the second adapter formation gap in the adaptor engagement formation, and the second cutout may contribute to opening the second fluid flow channel. This helps to keep the to keep the second fluid flow channel open continuously, i.e. at all time. The container and adapter engagement formations may be configured such that the same formations are used to operatively mount the adapter on the container body in both the first and second configurations. That is, the same physical structures operate to mount the adapter on the container body in both the first and second configurations.

The container body may comprise a shoulder that projects radially inward from an inner surface of the side wall, and at least part of the adapter may seal against the shoulder in the first upright and second inverted configurations respectively.

The adapter may comprise a first shoulder sealing formation for sealing the adapter against the shoulder on the side wall in the first upright configuration.

The adapter may further comprise a second shoulder sealing formation for sealing a part of the adapter against the shoulder in the second inverted configuration. This helps to resist the passage of fluid between the shoulder and the adapter other than through the first and second flow passages.

The second shoulder sealing formation may comprise gaps or spaces that are formed therein corresponding to each of the first and second adapter formation gaps in the adapter engagement formation. Thus, the second shoulder sealing formation seals the adapter to the shoulder around a part of the adapter.

The first and second adapter formation gaps on the adapter, the first container formation gap on the container, the first and second cutouts in the adapter, and the gaps or spaces in the second shoulder sealing formation may each contribute to opening the first and second flow channels to respectively liquid and fluid flow out of and into the container body.

The rim of the container body may extend at an acute angle to a longitudinal axis of the container body, e.g. at 80 to 88 degrees, to a longitudinal axis of the container body, and form a pinnacle on the rim extending proud or axially outward, of the rest of the rim, and the pinnacle is axially aligned with the secondary outlet (and axially aligned with the first liquid flow channel).

The pinnacle provides a natural point on the rim at which a user sips a drink from the container and may be described as a sipping indicator, and the pinnacle may be axially aligned with the secondary outlet and the first fluid flow channel in the container (and also the adapter formation gaps in the formation on the adapter).

The drinks container may further include a primary closure removably mounted over the central primary outlet.

In one example form, the primary closure may have a bayonet type formation for removably mounting the closure on the primary outlet.

The container body may comprise a first container element and a second container element, wherein the second container element is removably mounted on the first container element in a nested configuration, and a securing arrangement for releasably holding the second container element in position on the first container element.

The securing arrangement may comprise a magnet mounted on a base of the first or second container element and a magnet attracting material in the base of the other of the first or second container element.

Instead, the second container element may be held on the first container element by means of a frictional grip.

The second container element may be separated from the first container element by manually displacing the second container element relative to the first container element in an axial direction.

The drinks container, including the container body, the adapter and the closure, may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the container body, adapter and closure in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

The drinks container may further comprise a tether to releasably tether the closure to the container body.

Further, the tether may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the tether in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a drinks container comprising: a container body having a side wall terminating in a rim forming a top, and an adapter mounted on the container body and extending across the top, wherein the adapter is interchangeable between a first upright configuration where it forms a primary outlet, and a second inverted configuration in which the adapter forms a secondary outlet adjacent the rim of the container. The adapter may comprise a base section that is configured to complement the container body, and a primary closure section within which the central primary outlet is formed that is smaller than the base section and is axially spaced from the base section.

The primary closure section may project axially outward of the rim of the container body in the first configuration, and the base section of the adapter may be received within the container body in the first configuration.

In the second configuration, the base section of the adapter may be positioned adjacent the rim and the primary closure section may be received within the container body spaced axially inward of the rim.

The adapter may further include a frusto-conical (or frustoconical) section intermediate the base and primary closure sections.

In the first configuration, the base section and frusto-conical section of the adapter form a shoulder and neck of the drinks container. In the second configuration, the base section and frusto-conical section of the adapter are received below the rim of the container and are not visible when the drinks container is viewed in a side view.

The drinks container may further include complementary container and adapter engagement formations on the container body and the adapter respectively, for releasably mounting the adapter on the container body in each of the first and second configurations.

The container body and the adapter may be configured to be rotatable to each other, and the complementary engagement formations on the container body and the adapter may be configured such that they engage by means of a rotation of the adapter relative to the container body when the adapter is placed in the first or second configurations.

The complementary engagement formations on respectively the container body and the adapter may be configured such that the same engagement formations are used to mount the adapter on the container body in both the first and second configurations. That is, the same engagement formations are used for both first and second configurations.

The complementary engagement formations may comprise a male formation on the container body and a female formation on the adapter within which the male formation is received and within which the male formation is translationally displaced when the adapter is moved into the first or second configurations. The adapter may comprise at least one cutout on a circumference of the adapter that forms an opening between the adapter and the container body.

The adapter may have a first complementary sealing formation for sealing the adapter against the shoulder on the side wall in the first upright configuration to resist the passage of liquid between the shoulder and the adapter.

The adapter may have a second complementary sealing formation for sealing a part of the adapter against the shoulder on the side wall in the second configuration.

The cutout formation may interrupt the further complementary sealing formation sealing the adapter to the shoulder around the circumference of the adapter in the second configuration. Thus, the complementary sealing formation that seals the adapter to the shoulder in the second configuration only extends around a part of the adapter.

The drinks container, including the container body, the adapter and the closure, may include any one or more of the features, or combination of features, of the container body and closure in any of the other aspects of the invention described in the summary section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A drinks container for a user in accordance with the invention may manifest itself in a variety of forms. It will be convenient to hereinafter describe in detail some embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to instruct persons having an interest in the subject matter of the invention how to carry the invention into practical effect. However, it is to be clearly understood that the specific nature of this detailed description does not supersede the generality of the preceding summary section. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a front view of an example water bottle known in the prior art with a central opening or outlet for drinking liquid from the water bottle;

Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of a reusable cup known in the prior art for holding a hot drink which is sipped from a rim of the cup;

Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of a drinks container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention shown in a first upright configuration;

Figure 4 comprises a sectional front view (and also a top plan view) of the drinks container in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a front view of an upper part of the drinks container in Figure 4, with the container body shown in vertical cross-section so that the adapter can be seen;

Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the drinks container of the first embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 3 with the adapter shown in a second inverted configuration;

Figure 7 is a front view of the drinks container in Figure 6, with the container body shown in vertical cross-section so that the adapter can be seen, and with the adapter shown in the second inverted configuration;

Figure 8 is a front view of an upper part of the drinks container in Figure 6 shown in the second inverted configuration, with the container body shown in vertical cross-section so that the adapter can be seen;

Figure 9 is a sectional upper perspective view of an upper part of the drinks container in Figure 6 shown in the second inverted configuration;

Figure 10 is a top plan view of a container body of the drinks container in Figure 6 shown in the second inverted configuration;

Figure 11 is a top plan view of an adapter for the drinks container in Figure 6 shown in the second inverted configuration;

Figure 12 is a side view of the adapter for the drinks container in Figures 3 and 6;

Figure 13 is a perspective view showing two container elements of the drinks container separated from each other to provide two drinking containers;

Figure 14 is an upper three-dimensional view of a drinks container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention together with a separate tether or strap which is used for releasably attaching a closure to the drinks container;

Figure 15 is an upper three-dimensional view of the drinks container of Figure 14 showing the strap or tether positioned in alignment with a tether or strap bracket and illustrating how finger pressure can be used to deform the tether or strap;

Figure 16 is an upper three-dimensional view of the drinks container of Figure 14 with a closure mounted on a central primary outlet of the drinks container and the strap passed through the strap bracket and in a lowered position;

Figure 17 is an upper three-dimensional view of the drinks container of Figure 14 in which a mounting loop of the strap is removably mounted on the closure to tether the closure and the strap in a lowered position;

Figure 18 is an upper three-dimensional view of the drinks container of Figure 17 in which the strap has been displaced up through the strap bracket into a raised strap position; Figure 19 is an upper three-dimensional view of the drinks container of Figure 14 in which the closure has been removed from the central primary outlet and the closure is attached to the drinks container by the strap which is in the lowered position;

Figure 20 is an upper three-dimensional view of the drinks container of Figure 14 showing the adapter in its second inverted configuration with the closure positioned below the rim of the container body, and the strap is attached to the drinks container via the strap bracket in the lowered strap position;

Figures 21 to 23 comprise a sequence of schematic drawings showing additional detail of the closure and the removable mounting of the mounting loop thereto; and

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a drinks container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate drinks containers that are known in the prior art. As these drinks containers do not form the invention defined in the current application, they will not be discussed further in this detailed description.

In Figures 3 to 13, reference numeral 10 refers generally to a drinks container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

The drinks container 10 comprises generally a container body 12 having a base 14 and a side wall 16 terminating in a rim 18 forming an open top 19, and an adapter 20 mounted on the container body 12 and extending across the top 19. The adapter 20 is interchangeable between a first upright configuration where it forms a central primary drinking outlet 26, and a second inverted configuration where the adapter forms at least part of a secondary drinking outlet 27 adjacent to the rim 18. In this second configuration, the primary drinking outlet 26 is not accessible for drinking. The adapter 20 and container body 12 are configured to be rotated relative to each other to mount the adapter 20 on the container body 12. In the second inverted configuration, the adapter 20 is rotated up to a predetermined rotational position on the container body 12, and in this position, the container body 12 and the adapter 20 form a first open liquid flow channel 28 for liquid to flow from an interior of the container body 12 to the secondary outlet 27.

The first liquid flow channel 28 is free of obstructions so that liquid flows in a substantially straight line, e.g. in an axial direction, from the interior of the container body 12 to the secondary outlet 27. The container body 12 is substantially circular cylindrical, and the adapter 20 has a complementary circular cross-sectional configuration. As illustrated in the drawings, the container body 12 has a substantially circular cylindrical configuration and its base 14, in turn, is substantially circular. It follows that the rim 18, as shown, also has a corresponding circular configuration.

The container body 12 comprises a container engagement formation 72 and the adapter 20 comprises a complementary adapter engagement formation 74 to mount the adapter 20 on the container body 12. The container and adapter engagement formations 72, 74 facilitate rotation of container body and the adapter relative to each other.

The container body 12 comprises a stop formation and the adapter 20 abuts against the stop formation when it is rotated to the predetermined rotational position on the container body 12. Thus, in the second inverted configuration, the adapter 20 adopts a single position in which it remains stationary, and this single position is the point at which the adapter 20 is rotated fully onto the container body 12, and it can rotate no further.

The different components of the drinks container 10 will now be described in greater detail.

The container body 12 has an inner surface 36 and a shoulder 40 projecting radially inward from the inner surface 36 that is spaced beneath the rim 18. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder 40 projects outward from the inner surface 36 of the side wall 14 around substantially the full circumference of the side wall 14.

The container engagement formation 72 has a first container formation gap 172 formed therein, and the first container formation gap 172 is aligned with the first liquid flow channel 28 when the adapter 20 is in the second inverted configuration.

The structural features of the adapter 20, which are shown in some detail in Figures 3 to 1 1 , will now be described in more detail below. The adapter 20 comprises an adapter body 50 having a broadly circular configuration, when viewed in a plan view, that is complementary to the container body 12. Broadly, the adapter body 50 has a wide first end 52 forming a base section 58 having a circumferential outer surface 51 , and an opposed narrow second end 54 forming a primary outlet section having a narrow cylindrical neck 59. The base section 58 is sized and configured to be received with a small working clearance within the inner surface 36 of the wall 14 of the container body 12 in both the first and second configurations. The adapter body 50 further includes a frusto-conical section 56 intermediate the base section 58 and the neck 59. The frusto-conical section 56 tapers radially inward in a direction away from the base section 58 and transitions into the neck 59. The central primary opening or primary outlet 26 (which can be used when the adapter 20 is in the first configuration) is formed in the narrow second end 54 and has a removable closure or lid indicated by reference numeral 60 mounted thereon. The closure 60 can be removed by a user (by a simple manual rotation) when the adapter 20 and container 10 is in the first upright configuration for drinking from the container 10. Conveniently, the closure 60 can be removably mounted on the adapter by means of complementary engagement formations, such as bayonet formations or screw threads, on the adapter 20 and the closure 60 respectively.

The adapter engagement formation 74 has a first adapter formation gap 174 formed therein, and the adapter formation gap 174 is aligned with the first liquid flow channel when the adapter 20 is in the second inverted configuration.

Thus, the first container and adapter formation gaps 172 and 174 leave a space in the respective container and adapter engagement formations 72 and 74 that open the first liquid flow channel 28 to provide for unobstructed liquid flow therethrough.

In the illustrated embodiment, in addition to said first liquid flow channel 28, the container body 12 and the adapter 20 form a second fluid flow channel 38 therebetween extending from an interior of the container body 12 to a point adjacent the rim 18. The second fluid flow channel 38 is spaced from the first liquid flow channel 28 around the circumference of the adapter 20 and conveniently, the first liquid and second fluid flow channels 28 and 38 are positioned diametrically opposite each other on the circumference of the adapter 20.

The adapter engagement formation 74 has a second adapter formation gap 274 formed therein that is aligned with the second fluid flow channel 38 in the second inverted configuration. The container engagement formation 72 may optionally have a second container formation gap formed therein when the adapter 20 is in the second inverted configuration but this is not shown in the illustrated embodiment.

Thus, the second adapter formation gap 274 leaves a space or gap or interruption in the engagement formation 74 that opens the second fluid flow channel 38 to provide for unobstructed fluid flow therethrough.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container engagement formation 72 comprises a male formation in the form of a male rib that projects out from the container side wall 16 and extends at least part way around the container body 12. The male rib on the container body in turn comprises separate first and second rib parts that occupy diametrically opposed positions on the container body 12. The spaced first and second rib parts act to securely mount the adapter 20 on the container body 12 such that it cannot lift off the container body 12.

The adapter engagement formation 74 in turn comprises a female formation forming a groove that receives the male formation therein and extends at least part way around the adapter 20. Optionally, the female formation extends substantially fully around the adapter 20 except for the gaps 174 and 274 in the container engagement formation 74 for the first and second flow channels 28 and 38 as described elsewhere in this description. Rotation of the adapter 20 relative to the container body 12 translationally displaces the male formation along the female formation.

The adapter further comprises a first cutout 90 on the circumference of the adapter 20 that is aligned with the first adapter formation gap 174 on the adapter engagement formation 74. The first cutout 90 contributes to opening up the first liquid flow channel 28 to liquid flow.

The adapter 20 may comprise a second cutout 94 on the circumference of the adapter that is aligned with the second adapter formation gap 274 in the adaptor engagement formation 74. The second cutout 94 contributes to opening the second fluid flow channel 38 to air flow and to keep it open at all times. It functions to permit air to be drawn into the container when liquid flows in an opposite direction out of the container through the first liquid flow channel to equalise internal and external pressures.

The container and adapter engagement formations 72 and 74 illustrated in the drawings are configured such that the same formations operate to mount the adapter 20 on the container body 12 in both the first and second configurations. That is, the same physical surfaces or formations interact to mount the adapter 20 on the container body 12 in both the first and second configurations. It does not have different engagement formations operating in each of the first and second configurations.

The container body 12 further comprises a shoulder 40 that projects radially inward from an inner surface of the side wall 16 and at least part of the adapter 50 may seal against the shoulder 40 in the first upright and second inverted configurations, respectively. The adapter 20 in turn comprises a first shoulder sealing formation 95 for sealing the adapter 50 against the shoulder 40 in the first upright configuration. This seal resists the passage of liquid between the shoulder 40 and the adapter 50 when the drinks container is being used to dispense liquid through the central primary outlet 26.

The adapter 50 further comprises a second shoulder sealing formation 96 that is used when the adapter 20 is in the second inverted configuration. The second shoulder sealing formation 96 has gaps formed therein corresponding to each adapter formation gap 174, 274 formed in the adapter engagement formation 74. Thus, in this configuration, the second shoulder sealing formation 96 only seals the adapter 50 to the shoulder 40 around a part of the circumference of the adapter.

The rim 18 of the container body 12 extends at an acute angle to a longitudinal axis of the container body 12 and forms a pinnacle 76 on the rim 18 that extends proud of the rest of the rim 18. That is, it sticks out furthest in an axial direction. The pinnacle 76 provides a natural point on the rim 18 at which a user sips a drink from the container body 12 (called a sipping indicator). The pinnacle 76 is axially aligned with the secondary outlet 27 (and also the first liquid flow channel 28) so the user sips the point along the circumference at which the secondary outlet 27 is located. It follows that the pinnacle 76 is also axially aligned with the first container and adapter formation gaps 172 and 174, in the container and adapter formations 72 and 74 respectively in the second inverted configuration.

Further, in at least one embodiment, the container body 12 comprises a first container element 99 and a second container element 98, and the second container element 98 is removably mounted on the first container element 99 in a nested configuration. The drinks container 10 includes a securing arrangement (not shown) for releasably holding the second container element 98 in position on the first container element 99. The securing arrangement comprises a magnet mounted on a base of the first or second container element 99 or 98 and a magnet attracting material in the base of the other of the first or second container element. Instead, in another embodiment, the second container element is held on the first container element by means of a frictional grip. The second container element is separated from the first container element by manually displacing the second container element relative to the first container element in an axial direction.

In the first upright configuration, the complementary container and adapter engagement formations 72, 74 are fully turned, or displaced or rotated in one direction to an end point as far as they can go. The complementary first shoulder sealing formation bears up against the shoulder 40 to seal the adapter to the container body 12, and to resist a flow of liquid between the base section 58 of the adapter 20 and the shoulder 40 around its full circumference. That is, the container body 12 is sealed to the adapter 20 around its full circumference with no liquid openings. Liquid can be dispensed from the drinks container 10 in the first upright configuration through the central primary outlet 26. This is done by a user removing the closure 60 and then drinking in liquid through the primary outlet 26.

In Figures 6 to 1 1 , the drinks container 10 is configured with the adapter 20 in the second inverted configuration. In the second inverted configuration, the central primary outlet 26 is permanently closed and is largely inaccessible to a user. The associated section of the adapter 20 including the neck 59 descends downward into the container body 12 and is positioned well below the rim 18 (it is not visible when the drinks container 10 is viewed in a side elevation). Further, the closure 60 faces into the interior of the container body 12 and cannot be accessed by a user from outside the container body 12.

In the second configuration, a liquid can be dispensed from the drinks container 10 through the secondary outlet 27 which is formed between the container body 12 and the adapter 20. More precisely, it is formed between the base section 58 on the adapter 20 and the shoulder 40 on the container body 12.

The adapter 20 comprises a complementary second sealing formation 96 for sealing the adapter 20 against the shoulder 40 on the side wall 12 in the second configuration along most of its length. This sealing is interrupted by the cutout formations 90, 94 on the circumference of the base section 58 of the adapter 20. The cutout formation 90 forms part of the secondary outlet 27 that is permanently open when the adapter 20 is mounted on the container body in the inverted configuration.

Further, the first interruption or container formation gap 172 on the container engagement formation 72 on the container body 12 is axially aligned with the cutout 90 in the adapter 20 when the adapter is in the second configuration. Further, the adapter engagement formation 74 also has an adapter formation gap 174 in line with the cutout 90, e.g. in axial alignment with the cutout 90. These gaps or interruptions 172, 174 in the male and female engagement formations 72, 74 permit liquid flowing through the secondary opening 27 to flow past the container and adapter engagement formations to the rim 18 over an internal surface of the container body 12 (without being obstructed). Put another way, the container and adapter engagement formations 72, 74 are configured and positioned so that they do not interrupt or interfere with the flow of liquid along the first liquid flow channel 28 and through the secondary outlet 27. In use, the adapter 20 is moved from the first to the second configuration by removing it from the container body 12, and inverting it, and then mounting it back onto the container body 12 in an inverted configuration. The mounting back on the container body 12 is accomplished by rotating the adapter 20 onto the container body 12 with the complementary container and adapter engagement formations 72 and 74 engaging with each other. The adapter 20 is rotated onto the container body 12 in the second configuration until it reaches a predetermined rotational position or end point where it butts up against a stop formation and can be rotated no further.

In this position, the adapter 20 and specifically the second sealing formation 96, bears up against the shoulder 40 except at the locations of the first and second flow channels 28 and 38. The first cutout 90 provides a space between the adapter 20 and the container body 12 (for example, between the adapter and the shoulder 40) which may be regarded as an upstream part of the first liquid flow channel 28 through which liquid can flow to the secondary outlet 27 for drinking from the rim of the container 10. The further or second cutout 94 provides another space between the adapter 20 and the container body 12 and may be regarded as part of the second fluid flow channel 38. The second fluid flow channel allows air to flow into the container body 12 to replace liquid that is dispensed therefrom through the secondary outlet 27. The second cutout 94 is spaced diametrically opposite to the first cutout 90 which helps to ensure that liquid does not flow out of this opening (as well as the secondary outlet 27) when the drinks container 10 is tipped up for drinking. It will be appreciated that because of the orientation of the adapter 20 as shown in Figure 8 and the recessed configuration of the cutouts 90, 94, most of each cutout 90, 94 is not visible in Figure 8, and accordingly, dashed lead lines are used to indicate the first and second fluid flow channels 28, 38 in Figure 8, since this detail thereof is hidden. The second fluid flow channel 38 is shown in Figure 9. It will be appreciated that at least the cutout 94 region of the second fluid flow channel 38 may be substantially similar in configuration to the corresponding region of the first fluid flow channel 28.

Further, in the second configuration, the first cutout 90 is aligned with the pinnacle 76 so that the secondary outlet 27 and first liquid flow path line up with the pinnacle 76. This causes the user’s lips to naturally line up with the secondary outlet 27. In the second inverted configuration, the adapter 20 remains stationary in the predetermined rotational position during use. The adapter 20 is not rotated backwards and forwards during use in the second inverted configuration. Further, in the second configuration, the secondary outlet 27 and the first liquid flow passage 28 is permanently open to the outside atmosphere, and liquid can flow through the secondary outlet 27 all the time. The adapter 20 is not rotated backwards and forwards during use in the second inverted configuration. Thus, the secondary outlet 27 is not sealed off intermittently between sips by a user which simplifies operation of the drinks container.

The container body 12 includes a second cylindrical container body part or element 98, mounted circumferentially over and around a first container body part or element 99. Figure 13 shows the second cylindrical body part 98 mounted over the first container body part 99. The two body parts 98 and 99 are configured so that they present a smooth outer surface for the drinks container 10 as a whole, when the second container body part 98 is mounted over the first container body part 99. That is, an outer surface of the second container body part 98 forms a straight line in a longitudinal direction with an outer surface of an upper portion of the first container body part 99. In Figure 13, the first container body part 99 has been removed from the second container body part 98 so that the second container body part 98 forms an open topped drinking receptacle.

Figures 14 to 23 illustrate a drinks container in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment has some similarities with the embodiment illustrated in the earlier drawings. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same components as in the earlier embodiment unless otherwise illustrated. Further, the following description will focus on the differences between this embodiment and the earlier embodiment.

The drinks container 10 comprises broadly a container body 12 having a base 14 and a side wall 16 terminating in a rim 18 that defines an open top.

The container 10 further includes an adapter 20 that is removably received in the open top of the container body 12 and is mounted thereto. The adapter 20 is interchangeable between a first upright configuration and a second inverted configuration in which it is turned upside down (or inverted) and mounted back on the container body 12. In the first upright configuration, the drinks container 10 has a central primary opening or outlet

26 through which a liquid can be drunk by a user, and a closure 60 removably mounted on the primary outlet 26.

In the second inverted configuration, the adapter 20 forms a secondary opening or outlet

27 between the side wall 16 of the container body 12 and the adapter 20 leading to the rim 18. In the second inverted configuration, liquid can flow through the secondary outlet 27 to the rim 18 and be sipped from the rim 18 by a user. The drinks container 10 further comprises a tether or strap 100 that is formed separate from the container body 12 and can be selectively mounted on the container body 12. The strap 100 can be selectively attached to the closure 60 on the primary outlet 26 to tether the closure 60 to the drinks container 10 so that it is not inadvertently lost or misplaced when separated from the container body 12 and the primary outlet 26. The strap 100 is used when the adapter 20 is in the first upright configuration. The strap 100 can be mounted don the container body 12 when the adapter 20 is in the second inverted configuration.

The container body 12 has a tether bracket or strap bracket 110 formed on an outer surface of the container body 12 towards the open top thereof. The strap bracket 1 10 is formed by a broadly U-shaped bracket member having two spaced legs that join an external surface of the container body 12. The strap bracket 1 10 defines a tether or bracket opening between the bracket member 110 and the container body 12 through which the strap 100 can be passed. Typically, the strap bracket 110 may be integrally formed with the wall of the container body 12, e.g. by injection moulding or the like.

The tether or strap 100 comprises an elongate strap body 102 and a closure mount 104 formed at one end thereof. The closure mount 104 is conveniently provided by a resiliently extensible mounting loop that can be pulled over and around the closure 60 to attach the closure 60 thereto. The strap body 102 is flat and has two major surfaces that are dimensioned to be passed through the strap bracket 1 10 with at least a working clearance. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting loop 104 is made of a resilient material that can be stretched radially outward to mount it over the closure 60 so that it extends circumferentially around the closure 60. The resilient material of the mounting loop 104 contracts inward towards its resting or relaxed state when released after being stretched over the closure 60 and may grip the closure 60 with a friction grip. Further, the mounting loop 104 can be deformed, e.g. squashed or squeezed, into a shape that enables it to be pulled through the tether bracket or strap bracket 110. This enables the tether or strap 100 to be physically mounted on the container body 12 and suitably positioned adjacent to the top of the container body 12 for its mounting to the closure 60.

The tether or strap 100 further comprises a stop formation 106 at an opposed end of the strap body 102 that is configured such that it cannot be pulled through the strap opening formed by the strap bracket 110. The stop formation 106 may comprise a block projecting up from one major surface of the strap body 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop formation 106 has a thickness or height that is greater than the clearance in the tether or strap opening between the tether or strap bracket 1 10 and the container body 12 such that it cannot be pulled through the tether or strap bracket 1 10. The stop formation 106 thereby tethers the strap 100 and the closure 60 to the associated drinks container 10 when the strap 100 is mounted to the closure 60.

Conveniently, the strap 100 may be integrally formed of a polymeric material, e.g. of silicon such as medical grade silicon, by an injection moulding operation or the like. In one application, the entire tether or strap 100 including strap body 102, mounting loop 104 and stop formation 106 is integrally moulded of silicone in a single moulding operation. Applicant has found that silicone provides a suitable amount of resilience including stretchability or extensibility, for securely mounting the mounting loop 104 over the closure 60 and it also has a suitable amount of flexibility to perform its function as a tether.

The closure 60 comprises a circular axial extending surface and end surfaces at each end thereof. As shown in the embodiment in the drawings, a circumferential groove 1 18 is formed in the axial surface which receives the mounting loop 104 of the strap 100 when it is mounted on the closure 60. This locates and seats the mounting loop 104 in engagement with the closure 60 when it is fully received in the circumferential groove 1 18.

In use, the strap 100 is used to tether the closure 60 to the container body 12. The various steps that are taken when the strap 100 is initially mounted on the drinks container 10 and then used on the drinks container 10 will now be described.

Prior to its use, the strap 100 is typically separate from the drinks container 10 as shown in Figure 14 and a first step will involve mounting it on the container 10. To mount the strap 100 on the container 10, the strap body 102 is positioned parallel to a side of the container body 12 with the mounting loop 104 positioned adjacent to the strap bracket 1 10. The strap body 102, and more specifically the mounting loop 104 forming the closure mount, can then be slid towards and through the strap bracket 110 as shown in Figures 15 and 16.

The mounting loop 104 at a leading end of the strap body 102 is resilient and is designed so that it can be manually deformed and pulled through the strap bracket 110 without undue difficultly. Further, the body 102 of the strap 100 is configured and dimensioned to be received within the strap bracket 1 10 with a working clearance. This enables the strap body 102 to be easily pulled through the strap bracket 110 as shown in Figure 16, particularly once the mounting loop 104 has been pulled through the strap bracket 1 10. The strap body 102 cannot be pulled fully through the strap bracket 110 because it is stopped by the stop formation 106 on an opposite or operatively lower end of the strap body 102.

Once it is passed through the strap bracket 1 10, the strap body 102 and specifically the mounting loop 104, can then be mounted onto the closure 60 to tether the closure 60 to the strap 100 and thereby the rest of the container 10.

To do this, the mounting loop 104 is manually pulled over an upper end of the closure 60 so that it circumferentially surrounds the closure 60. It is then pulled or slid down the circular axial extending surface of the closure 60 towards the circumferential groove 1 18 within which it can be received as shown in Figure 17. When it is released, it contracts inward and grips the closure 60.

The groove 118 correctly positions the mounting loop 104 on the closure 60 and it also resists it from being unintentionally pulled off or otherwise removed from the closure 60.

In this position in Figure 17, the strap 100 cannot easily be accidentally detached from the container 10. The strap body 102 cannot be withdrawn through the tether or strap bracket 110 because the attached closure or lid 60 cannot be withdrawn through the tether or strap opening in the tether or strap bracket 110. The closure 60 is securely mounted on the mounting loop 104 so it cannot easily be separated from the drinks container 10. Further, the strap body 102 cannot be pulled up through the strap bracket 1 10 because of the stop formation 106 cannot pass through the opening in the strap bracket 110. This helps to avoid the closure 60 from being separated from the container body 12 and getting lost.

During use, the strap 100 may be slid up the side wall 16 of the container body 12 to an upper strap position 122 shown in Figure 18 where the stop formation 106 rests up against the strap bracket 110. In this position, the strap body 102 has enough length or play above the strap bracket 110 to enable the closure 60 to be removed from the container body 12, e.g. in preparation for drinking from the primary central opening 26. In this upper strap position 122 shown in Figure 18, the strap 100 can be attached to a belt, buckle or the like of a user, to carry the drinks container 10 around in an effortless and convenient manner. Thus, the strap 100 serves two distinct functions. Firstly, it acts to tether the closure 60 so that it is never physically separated from the container 10. Secondly, it can be used to form a carry handle for the drinks container 10 that can be used to carry it around. It can also be used for attachment to a belt or buckle.

In Figure 19, the closure 60 has been removed from the container body 12 which enables a user to drink liquid from the primary outlet 26. Throughout the use, the closure 60 is tethered by the strap 100 to the drinks container 10. In this situation, where a user is drinking from the outlet 26, the strap body 102 can be pulled down through the strap bracket 1 10 to a lower strap position 124 that displaces the closure 60 away from the region around the primary outlet 26. This action spaces the closure 60 away from the primary outlet 26 so that it does not hinder or obstruct a person drinking from the primary outlet 26.

As described in the earlier part of the specification and illustrated in Figure 20, the adapter 20 can be removed and mounted back on the container body 12 in a second inverted configuration. This action converts the drinks container 10 to a coffee mode, where a hot drink, such as tea of coffee or an alcoholic drink, can be sipped from a rim 18 of the drinks container 10. In this inverted configuration, the closure 60 is received within the container body 12 and is not accessible for attachment to the strap 100.

In this configuration, the strap 100 can be passed through the strap bracket 1 10 with the strap body 102 displaced into a lowered strap position extending along the side wall 16 of the container body 12. As shown in Figure 20, the mounting loop 104 is adjacent the mounting bracket. Even though the strap 100 is not used to tether a closure when the drinks container 10 is in the sipping mode, it can still be used to carry the drinks container 10 around. Further, it does ensure that the strap 100 will be ready and available for use when the container 10 is next used in the first configuration. That is, when the drinks container 10 is converted back into the first configuration with the closure 60 projecting out of the container body 12.

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a drinks container in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention. The drinks container in this embodiment has some similarities with the drinks container described above with reference to Figures 1 and 14. Accordingly, the following description will focus on the differences between this embodiment and the earlier embodiments. Further, and unless otherwise indicated, the same reference numerals will refer to the same components.

In Figure 24, the drinks container comprises a container body having a base and a side wall extending up from the base.

Further, a container top 1 19 extends across an upper end of the side wall 16 and closes off the container body 12 which defines an interior or interior space within which a liquid to be drunk can be received. The container top 119 has a liquid outlet 126 formed therein and a closure 160 removably mounted dover the outlet 126. The closure 160 can be removed by a user to drink liquid from the outlet 126. In contrast to the earlier embodiment, the container top 119 only has one single position and cannot be inverted and mounted on the container body 12 in an upside down or inverted configuration. It only has a single upright configuration as shown in Figure 24.

In the illustrated embodiment, the container top 119 is fast with or joined to the container side wall 16. That is, it is permanently fixed to the container side wall 16 such that it cannot be detached or separated therefrom. In fact, in some forms, the container top 1 19 may be integrally formed with the remainder of the container body 12 by a specific moulding operation. In other forms, the container top 12 is detachably connected to the container side wall 12.

The drinks container further includes a tether or strap 100 that is mounted on the container body 12 for tethering the closure 160 to the container body 12. The strap 100 has a closure mount in the form of a mounting loop 104 that is pulled over an end of the closure and received within a circumferential groove in the closure to releasably attach it to the closure.

In use, the drinks container in Figure 24 can be used to tether a closure 160 of a drinks container to its associated container body 12 so that it is not separated from the container body. The strap permits the closure 160 to be removed from the container for drinking. Further, it enables the closure to be displaced out of the way of the outlet 126, so it does not interfere with or obstruct a user drinking from the outlet.

With the strap, the container body and closure are held together and are not separated from each other. This way, the closure is less likely to get lost particularly when a drinks container is cleaned in a dishwashing machine or the like. Further, the strap provides a convenient handle for carrying the drinks container and a carrying loop for suspending the drinks container from a buckle or from a belt.

In addition, the tether or strap can be detached from the closure and then pulled through the strap bracket and removed from the container body. This way, the strap can be replaced if broken or worn out. It can also be replaced with a different style or colour of strap, if desired.

A working advantage of the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 14 to 23 is that it provides a means for removably tethering the closure 60 when it is taken off the container 10 with the adapter in the first configuration. It ensures therefore that the closure 60 is attached to the container body 12 at the time (being either screwed onto the adapter 20 or being held by the strap 100). It is not separated at any time and, as a result, it will be less prone to getting lost. It also provides a convenient strap that enables a user to hitch the drinks container to something like a belt, a bag or a buckle. Further, the strap 100 can also be used as a handle when the adapter is in this configuration.

Another advantage of the drinks container is that the strap and its interaction with the container is able to accommodate having the adapter in the inverted second configuration. The strap is mounted on the side of the container and remains attached to the container while the adapter is in the inverted second configuration for sipping a drink from the rim of the container. Thus, the strap is not prone to being lost while the adapter is in the inverted configuration. Further, the strap 100 can also be used as a handle when the adapter is in this configuration. Further, the strap does not interfere with the use of the container when the adapter is in the inverted second configuration. It will be mounted on the container ready for use being attached to the closure when the container is returned to its first configuration for drinking through the primary outlet.

The tether or strap is also very reliable. However, if a tether breaks, it can easily be replaced with a new tether. Likewise, if the mounting loop on the tether becomes too stretched and no longer holds the closure securely and tightly, the tether can be replaced by a user with a new tether. To do this, the mounting loop is pulled off the closure and the strap body is then withdrawn through the mounting bracket. A new strap or tether can then be attached as described above. Yet another advantage of the detachable tether described above is that a user can mix and match different straps for different uses and different styles because they are detachable. For example, they can choose straps of different colours and different designs.

Yet another advantage of the illustrated embodiment is the ease of manufacture of the tether or strap. The tether or strap is formed by a single injection moulded component and the strap bracket on an outer surface mounted on the container body can be integrally moulded with the container body.

Yet further, this embodiment has the versatility that the tether or strap can be removed from the drinks container if required for any reason. It confers an optionality to remove the tether or strap so that the container can be provided and used without a tether or strap.

An advantage of a drinks container as described above with reference to the drawings in Figures 3 to 23 is that it provides a single container that can be interchanged between an exercise bottle for hydrating a user during exercise, and a re-usable cup for sipping a drink from the rim. Therefore, a user does not need to carry two drinks containers around with them because the single drinks container can perform this function. Applicant recognizes that it is very cumbersome and awkward for a person to carry two reusable drinks containers around. Applicant’s container, which provides a single container which can double as both coffee cup and exercise container, obviates the need for two separate containers.

The drinks container provides this interchangeability by means of an adapter that can be changed from a first upright configuration on a container body, and a second configuration in which it is inverted and then mounted back on the container body. One working advantage is the ease with which the container can be interchanged between the first and second configurations. This makes the drinks container very versatile and suitable for use for multiple functions.

Another working advantage of the drinks container described above with reference to the drawings is that the adapter is able to be mounted on the container body by complementary engagement formations on the circumference of the adapter. While doing this, the container forms an unobstructed liquid flow path along the container body past the complementary engagement formations. It is important that the engagement formations mounting the adapter to the container body do not obstruct liquid flowing along the liquid flow path and out through the secondary outlet.

Further, it will be appreciated that if liquid is allowed to collect and pool in its liquid flow passage, this has the potential to pose food hygiene problems. The Applicant’s container design largely obviates these risks.

Another advantage of the illustrated drinks container is that the same engagement formations on respectively the container body and the adapter can be used to mount the adapter on the container body in both the first and second inverted configurations. This use of the same formations enables the construction of the drinks container to be simplified and this feature also contributes to the working advantage described immediately above.

A further feature of the illustrated drinks container is that in the second configuration, the secondary outlet is continuously open in a single stationary position throughout its operation and thus no manual rotation of the adapter is required when sipping a drink from the rim in the secondary configuration. There is no manual movement of the adapter to open the secondary outlet when a user sips a drink from the rim of a cup. A yet further working advantage is that the illustrated feature of providing a second container part circumferentially mounted over the first container part is extremely useful because it enables the drinks container to provide two drinking cups from a single drinks container. Yet another working advantage of the illustrated drinks container is that it provides an opportunity to reduce the number of single use drinks containers.

Yet another working advantage of the illustrated drinks container is the elegance of the mechanical design which is minimalist while also being very practical and easy to use. Applicant therefore believes that it will find wide appeal with consumers. Finally, the various components including the adapter and container body can be moulded using established moulding techniques and the cost of making the drinks container is not high.

In this specification, the term ‘comprising’ is intended to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or integers, but not necessarily the exclusion of any other integer, depending on the context in which that term is used. This applies also to variants of that term such as ‘comprise’ or ‘comprises’.

In this specification and claims, the term ‘shoulder’ is to be interpreted broadly and, in particular, it shall not be limited to any particular geometrical configuration.

It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. All such modifications and variations thereto, as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art, are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as is set forth herein. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.