One-piece, Weighted, Spherical, Self-righting Drinking Vessel

Abstract

This invention pertains to a spherical, one-piece liquid storage and dispensing container with increased stability to prevent tipping. The body consists of a top, bottom, and side wall, which together form the majority of a sphere shape and define a vertical central axis running from the bottom to the top of the container. The straw of the container includes a counterweight and is permanently affixed to the body of the container which helps to keep and return the central vertical axis of the container to the upright position. The lid, which complements the body and completes the spherical shape of the container, is permanently attached to and slides along the straw allowing for easy filling and cleaning of the container while preventing the loss of any container parts.

1 . A one-piece container for storing and dispensing fluids comprising:
 a. a spherical body for containing liquid;   b. a straw permanently attached to the interior of the spherical body, said straw extending from the bottom interior surface of the container to a point above the top exterior surface of the container having one or more water intake holes at its bottom, an integrated one-way valve, a rim that seals to the lid in the lowered position, and a rim at the top end of the straw that prevents the removal of the lid;   c. an elevated weight affixed to the straw, configured to self-right the container to an upright position;   d. a lid configured to slide up and down along an externally exposed portion of the straw, wherein the lid is prevented from coming off the straw due to the rim at the top end of the straw, said lid including an air vent to facilitate airflow and regulate liquid dispensing and a portion of its outer contour with a shape that substantially complements the rounded shape of the side walls of the body so as to provide the container with the appearance of a substantially spherical shape;   e. wherein the body and lid form a substantially spherical container.   
     
     
         2 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the spherical body is made of an antimicrobial material. 
     
     
         3 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the elevated weight is located near the bottom end of the straw and composed of a dense material such as metal or a high-density polymer. 
     
     
         4 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the straw is centrally located within the spherical body. 
     
     
         5 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the air vent in the lid is designed to allow air to enter the container as liquid is drawn through the straw, preventing a vacuum from forming. 
     
     
         6 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the water intake holes in the straw are sized and numbered to allow for optimal fluid flow. 
     
     
         7 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the spherical body includes an external surface texture or coating to improve grip and prevent slipping. 
     
     
         8 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the straw is wholly or partially made of a flexible material to allow for easy drinking from various angles. 
     
     
         9 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the lid is designed to lock into place at the lowered position using helical threads, providing a secure and leak-proof seal when closed. 
     
     
         10 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the interior of the straw is equipped with a one-way valve to prevent spills and leaks. 
     
     
         11 . The container of  claim 1 , wherein the elevated weight is integrally formed as part of the straw.