Convertible Bottle for Children

Abstract

A convertible bottle for children has a lid which can be manipulated to provide alternative liquid outlets, for example, a nipple, a foldable sippy spout, and a pop-up sports-type valved outlet. The cap, or a portion of the cap, may be inverted to expose different outlets, and each of the outlets forms or contains a valve for controlling liquid flow to prevent spillage.

1 . A convertible bottle for children comprising
 a container for holding a liquid, said container having a mouth with structure for retaining a lid thereon,   a lid for mounting on the container, said lid having structure adapted to engage the retaining structure on the container, and means for establishing a liquid seal at the container-lid interface when the lid is installed on the container,   said lid having at least two liquid outlets of different types through which liquid in the container may flow or be sucked out, said outlets being alternatively active.   
   
   
       2 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein one liquid outlet is a barbed fitting on which a detachable flexible baby nipple may be mounted. 
   
   
       3 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein one liquid outlet is a substantially rigid sippy spout. 
   
   
       4 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein one liquid outlet is a sports-type valved outlet. 
   
   
       5 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the outlets is movably supported on the lid in such a way that it can be pivoted from an active position permitting liquid flow to an inactive position prohibiting liquid flow. 
   
   
       6 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein some of the outlets are mounted on opposite sides of the lid, and the lid be can inverted to select between outlets. 
   
   
       7 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said outlets is mounted on a hinge in such a manner that it can be moved between its active and inactive positions. 
   
   
       8 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein the lid has a movable portion which can be turned, folded, or pivoted so as to activate a selected one of the outlets. 
   
   
       9 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein the movable portion is a panel which can be inverted with respect to the lid, the lid having at least one of the outlets on each of its opposite sides. 
   
   
       10 . The invention of  claim 1 , wherein the lid has structure defining a vent for admitting air into the container as liquid is withdrawn to prevent vacuum buildup.