Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of exercise and mobility products, more particularly to bottles having exterior padding, and that are configured and adapted to function both as a vessel for holding liquids for consumption by a user and as a roller for myofascial flexibility and muscle tension release for the user.

Background Art

[0002] Myofascial rollers have become an important piece of equipment in the field of exercise and mobility. Use of a foam roller provides numerous benefits to its user in terms of flexibility and decreasing muscle tension. A foam roller also can be used in warm up and recovery. Currently available rollers are normally large in size, causing portability problems. Typically, a person's equipment bag or usual carrying case or purse is very full with numerous items that one wishes to carry. And carrying around, in addition, an oversized foam roller is a problem for many.

[0003] Conventional rollers are normally cylindrical in shape and constructed from a variety of foams. As used in the field of exercise, a bottle is a vessel typically used for rehydration during or after exercise. Rehydration is extremely important for people's health and well-being.

[0004] Embodiments of the presently described self-massage roller and bottle solve problems associated with the conventional, relatively large, foam roller products by providing a drink bottle with a foam roller covering, and a lid having an easy pour spout. The presently described self-massage roller and bottle can be taken wherever the user requires hydration and myofascial release.

[0005] The self-massage roller and bottle is a single device with structures that provide for combined rehydration and myofascial release. As such, it serves to remind people to do both. With its relatively small size, it is convenient and can be taken virtually anywhere. And the integrated design saves space in the user's equipment bag, carrying case, or purse.

[0006] The presently described self-massage roller and bottles can be made in a variety of sizes, shapes and configurations; can have any of a variety of coverings made from different types of foams or other materials; and the coverings can have any of a variety of surface configurations. Embodiments of the presently described self-massage roller and bottles can be manufactured in a range of sizes and can have different shapes, styles, and densities of foam coverings.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention combine the traditional benefits of a foam roller with the traditional benefits of hydration by using a drink bottle. The invention uses a bottle as the core of the roller. The bottle is a vessel for liquid rehydration and also provides a very strong core for functioning as a foam roller.

[0008] Accordingly, one aspect of the invention can be viewed as a self-massage roller with bottle. This self-massage roller has a bottle and a covering. In versions of the invention, the self-massage roller with bottle also includes a removable cap. The bottle has a body, a bottom, and a top. The body has an outer surface, a top end, and a bottom end. The bottom closes the bottom end of the body. The top is at the top end of the body and allows access to the interior of the bottle. [0009] The bottle is preferably formed from type-304 stainless steel having a wall thickness of about 0.5 mm to provide strength sufficient to carry or support great weight needed for use in myofascial release. In some embodiments, the top includes a neck, which may be threaded to mate with a threaded cap.

[0010] In one version, the covering includes a base layer and a plurality of nubs. The base layer overlays the outer surface of the body. Preferably, the covering is relatively tightly positioned around a significant portion of the body and extends along the body for a significant portion of its top-to-bottom length. Each nub in the plurality of nubs protrudes from the base layer in a direction radially away from the outer surface of the body. Each nub is a massage element, and the plurality of nubs forms a textured surface for myofascial release of certain muscles of the user. Preferably, each nub is made of relatively dense synthetic foam, such as ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0011] In a version of the invention, the covering is applied to the bottle by way of a hot press mold and glue. In an embodiment, each nub is attached directly to the outer surface of the bottle without an intervening base layer.

[0012] In versions with a cap, the cap may include a flip-up spout, or it may have a plunger valve that opens upon pulling the plunger outward and closes upon pushing in the plunger. Other known designs are also suitable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a Self-Massage Roller and

Bottle.

[0014] Figure 2 is a front view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle shown in Figure 1. The rear view may be identical to this front view. [0015] Figure 3 is a right side view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle shown in Figure 1. The left side view may be identical to this right side view.

[0016] Figure 4 is a top view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle shown in Figure 1.

[0017] Figure 5 is a bottom view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle shown in Figure 1.

[0018] Figure 6 is a cross section taken through the line indicated in Figure 2, showing nubs having a semi-elliptical cross-section.

[0019] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a Self-Massage Roller and Bottle.

[0020] Figure 8 is a front view of the embodiment of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle shown in Figure 7.

[0021] Figure 9 is a cross section taken through the line indicated in Figure 8, showing nubs having a trapezoidal cross-section.

[0022] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a version of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle with a flip-up spout.

[0023] Figure 11 is a perspective view of a version of the Self-Massage Roller and Bottle with a plunger valve.

[0024] Figure 12 is a front view of a version of the bottle, shown in isolation.

[0025] Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternate version of the bottle.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0026] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0027] By also referring to the drawings, the present invention is directed to a self- massage roller with bottle 100. The self-massage roller with bottle 100 has a bottle 102 and a covering 104. In versions of the invention, the self-massage roller with bottle 100 also includes a cap 106, which is preferably removable.

[0028] With reference to Figure 12, the bottle 102 has a body 110, a bottom 112, and a top 114. The body 110 has an outer surface 116, a top end 118, and a bottom end 120. The bottom 112 closes the bottom end 120 of the body 110. The top 114 is at the top end 118 of the body 110 and allows access to the interior 108 of the bottle 102. The body 110, the bottom 112, and the top 114 form the bottle 102, with access to the interior 108 of the bottle 102 through the top 114.

[0029] The bottle 102 is preferably formed from type-304 stainless steel having a wall thickness of at least about 0.5 mm to provide sufficient strength to carry or support great weight needed for use in myofascial release. This wall thickness provides a bottle 102 that is stronger and more durable than the typical 0.3 mm to 0.4 mm thicknesses present in other steel bottles. However, other materials and thicknesses can be used if they provide sufficient strength to permit the bottle 102 to function as a myofascial release device, and if they can be used for bottles that contain liquids for human consumption. For example, the bottle 102 may be fashioned from synthetic fibers, synthetic composites, plastics, and the like. Preferably, the bottle 102 does not include Bisphenol A (BP A). In a version of the invention, the body 110 is a cylinder, and it may be a right circular cylinder. In some embodiments, the top 114 includes a neck 130, which is threaded in some versions. In some versions, the top 114 includes a tapered region 132, and the tapered region 132 joins the top end 118 of the body 110 to the neck 130.

[0030] In some embodiments, the outer surface of the neck may be covered by a band 160. The band 160 is preferably constructed of a material such as silicone, rubber, foam, cloth, and the like. The band 160 may provide an enhanced grip at the neck 130 of the bottle 120 as well as providing comfort to the lips with certain uses. The band 160 may also be used to display insignias 165 and other information related to advertisements, marketing, logos, ownership or other indicators, including indication of the contents inside the bottle 120.

[0031] Preferably, the band 160 is removable. For example, an elastic material may be used. This allows the band to be interchangeable with other bands of different types, colors, patterns, or with different insignias, logos, names, and the like. For example, in a household with multiple family members, each member may have a different color neck band 160 to easily identify their bottle. Therefore, each self-massage roller with bottle 100 can be customized with the different neck bands 160.

[0032] In some embodiments, the neckband 160 may hold a microchip 162. In some embodiments, a pocket may be created to hold the microchip 162. The pocket may be on the outside of the neckband 160 for easy access. The pocket 160 may be on the inside for better securement. In some embodiments, the microchip 162 may be embedded in the neck band 160. In some embodiments, the tightness of the neckband 160 around the bottle may provide sufficient friction to hold the microchip 162 against the bottle 102 on the inside of the neckband 160. Many other ways techniques can be used to secure the microchip 162 onto the bottle. In some embodiments, the microchip 162 may be secured to the covering 104 using any of the aforementioned techniques.

[0033] A mobile app can be designed to allow a mobile device (such as a smart phone, tablet, watch, mp3 player, and the like) to communicate with the microchip 162, for example, via wireless technology, such as Bluetooth technology. The microchip 162 with associated memory can keep track of water intake, directly or via the mobile device, and send water intake information to the user, such as alerts to take a drink, amount of water intake thus far, how much more water to drink to reach daily goal, and the like. The user can set up various goals through the app to help establish a particular drinking habit. A server can communicate with a plurality of microchips and monitor the drinking habits of multiple people. For example, companies may want to implement this as part of their wellness program to assure employees are well hydrated. Healthier and happier employees will improve a company's output, and production and in turn lower their healthcare plans.

[0034] The bottle 102 provides a vessel to carry rehydration liquid, such as water, energy drinks, protein shakes, and healthy green smoothies. The bottle 102 can vary in size, shape, and volume of capacity, as long as it can be used as a myofascial release device and contain liquids for human consumption. The presently preferred volumes of capacity are 12, 18, 27, and 40 ounces. The dimensions vary with the embodiment, but a bottle 102 having a capacity of about eighteen ounces typically has a bottle height 142 of 180 mm (about 7.1 inches), a body diameter 144 of 72.5 mm (about 2.9 inches), a top height 146 of 44 mm, and a neck diameter 148 of 44 mm.

[0035] The covering 104 includes a base layer 122 and a plurality of nubs 124. The base layer 122 overlays the outer surface 116 of the body 110. Preferably, the covering 104 is relatively tightly positioned around a significant portion of the body 110 and extends along the body 110 for a significant portion of its top-to-bottom length. In general, the covering 104 extends over more than half of the length of the body 110 to provide sufficient surface area to contact muscles on a user's leg, back or appendages during use. Each nub in the plurality of nubs 124 protrudes from the base layer 122 in a direction radially away 126 from the outer surface 116 of the body 110. Each nub is a massage element, and the plurality of nubs 124 forms a textured surface 128 for myofascial release of certain muscles of the user. In some versions of the invention, the plurality of nubs 124 is at least fifteen nubs distributed about the base layer 122.

[0036] Preferably, each nub is made of relatively dense synthetic foam. Most preferably, the synthetic foam is ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA). However, materials of different densities can be used to offer the user a range of different massages for myofascial release by providing a relatively harder or softer feel. For example, the base layer 122 or the plurality of nubs 124 could be made from natural or synthetic rubber, including recycled rubber. It is also contemplated that materials with different densities may be used within a single self-massage roller with bottle 100 to provide a range of massages as the user rotates the self-massage roller with bottle 100. Color coding of the covering 104 or other methods for determining hardness or softness may be used to indicate the different densities of individual nubs 124. Color coding, pictorial representations, wording and the like may also be used to display information on the covering 104 related to contents of the bottle 100, advertising, marketing, ownership or other indicators, including instructions on use of the bottle 100 as a myofascial release device. [0037] In some embodiments, the nub 124 material may be comprised of water-resistant material, buoyant material that allows the bottle 100 to float, or material that enhances insulation of the bottle 102 to help keep cold liquids cold, and hot liquids hot.

[0038] While the surface texture and pattern for the plurality of nubs 124 may vary, the presently preferred embodiments are shown in the accompanying figures. The various surface textures and patterns offer the user a range of different massages. In some embodiments, each nub has a radial cross-section that is semi-elliptical 138. This includes cross-sections that are semi-circular. In other embodiments, each nub has a radial cross-section that is trapezoidal 140. The nubs 124 can be arranged vertically or horizontally. For example, each nub can have a radial cross-section that is semi-circular and arranged longitudinally on the outer surface 116, extending from near the top end 118 to near the bottom end 120 of the body 110. That embodiment was depicted in Provisional Application No. 61/875,696.

[0039] In some embodiments, the nubs 124 may be arranged horizontally around the full perimeter of the bottle continuously or in segments. In some embodiments, the nubs 124 may be arranged in a combination of horizontal and vertical configurations. For example, as shown in Figures 1-3, on a portion of the bottle 102, horizontal nubs 124 may be arranged from the top end 118 of the body 110 to the bottom end 120 of the body 110. On the diametrically opposite side, a similar arrangement of horizontal nubs 124 may be arranged. In between the two horizontal groups of nubs may be vertical nubs extending, continuously or in segments, from the top end 118 of the body 110 to the bottom end 120 of the body 110. In some embodiments, some of the nubs 124 may be arranged at oblique angles to the central axis A.

[0040] In the presently preferred embodiment where each nub has a radial cross-section that is semi-elliptical 138, the nub radius 150 preferably is between about 7 mm (about 0.28 inches) and about 8.5 mm (about 0.33 inches), and the nub length 152 preferably is between about 49.5mm to about 59.5 mm. In the presently preferred embodiment where each nub has a radial cross-section that is trapezoidal 140, the nub length 154 preferably is between about 20 mm (about 0.79 inches) and about 41 mm (about 1.6 inches), the nub width 156 preferably is about 20 mm (about 0.79 inches), and the nub depth or thickness 158 preferably is about 7 mm (about 0.28 inches).

[0041] In a version of the invention, the covering 104 is applied to the bottle 102 by way of a hot press mold and glue. In another embodiment, each nub is attached directly to the outer surface 116 of the bottle 102 without an intervening base layer 122. Removable coverings can be used as well.

[0042] In versions with a cap 106, the cap 106 may include a flip-up spout 134, or it may have a plunger valve 136 that opens upon pulling the plunger outward and closes upon pushing in the plunger. Examples of a flip-up spout 134 and a plunger valve 136 cap feature are shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11, respectively. Other spout designs are also effective, but the cap 106 preferably is a flip-up spout 134 made of BPA-free plastic. The cap 106 mates with the neck 130 to close the top 114 of the bottle 102.

[0043] The bottle 102 and cap 106 provide two methods of delivering liquid to the user. One is by completely unscrewing the cap 106 to remove it. The individual user can then drink directly from the top 114 of the bottle 102 or pour the liquid into another container, such as a cup. The second method, which provides faster access, is to use the flip-up spout 134 or another spout design. This is ideal for people who, for example, are exercising. Such people typically require a quick drink so they can continue their exercise. The bottle 102 can sit on its bottom 112, or lie down on its side outer surface 116. [0044] Preferably, during non-use the self-massage roller with bottle 100 is intended to stand upright on its bottom 112, although it may be placed inside of carrying cases; so the orientation will vary. When used for myofascial release the self-massage roller with bottle 100 is placed on its side outer surface 116, horizontally on the floor or other surface. The user rolls the self-massage roller with bottle 100 on its side outer surface 116 on the floor, and has the user's body part (for example, a leg) positioned on top of at least a portion of the plurality of nubs 124. The user may press downward to increase the pressure applied to the body part, or the user may simply roll the self-massage roller with bottle 100 along the body part so that only gravity pressure is applied. In one aspect of use, the pressure is applied to the body part through the user rolling on the self-massage roller with bottle 100 and using the user's body weight to generate pressure on the body part(s) that contact the self-massage roller with bottle 100.

[0045] While the present invention has been described with regards to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional variations of the present invention may be devised without departing from the inventive concept.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0046] This invention may be industrially applied to the development, manufacture, and use of bottles having exterior padding and that are configured and adapted to function both as a vessel for holding liquids for consumption by a user and as a roller for myofascial flexibility and muscle tension release for the user.