Beverage container enclosure

A container enclosure for removably enclosing a container, the enclosure including a base component and a cap component configured to be removably coupled to the base component. The base component includes an outer shell having a base wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, and an interior sleeve configured to be inserted within the outer shell. Further, the cap component includes an opening and a sliding tab configured to transition between a rearward position and a forward position to open and close the opening, respectively.

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure relates to beverage container enclosures and methods of manufacturing and use therefore, including an enclosure for beverage cans.

2. Description of the Background of the Invention

Beverage containers are frequently packaged in lightweight containers to be convenient for consumers and cost-effective in distribution. Many beverages are distributed in thin, metal cans such as aluminum or tin-plated steel. These metal cans are lightweight and durable, but the containers offer little in the way of thermal insulation to the can contents, efficiently transferring heat directly from a consumer's hand or the surrounding environment to the stored beverage, which can make holding a cold beverage uncomfortably cold for a consumer. Another side-effect of the thermal conductivity issues of metal cans highlighted above is that condensation quickly forms along outer surfaces of cold cans when in an environment having a high temperature differential, and condensation further increases the transfer of environmental heat to the stored beverage. In addition to the issues highlighted above, the thin metal of commercially available beverage cans provide little to no protection against bumps and pierces of the metal can.

External enclosures for beverage containers can be useful to both physically protect and/or thermally insulate beverage cans so as to improve the durability and enjoyment of beverages from those cans. In addition to thermal and protective functionality, a beverage container enclosure can be used as a form of expression, e.g., to convey a message, to identify team affiliation, or to advertise corporate branding.

One conventional beverage can enclosure is the can koozie, which is often a flexible, foam envelope that surrounds and insulates a bottom and the sidewalls of a beverage can. A foam koozie can effectively shield a beverage can from the heat of a consumer's hands and/or the environment, but often leaves a top of the beverage can exposed to radiative and convective heat transfer. Additionally, a koozie provides only limited physical protection to the can and its contents, and leaves the top of the can exposed and vulnerable.

Accordingly, it is recognized that a continued need exists to overcome and improve upon such shortcomings in conventional beverage container enclosures. The inventors of the present disclosure have found a superior solution that better protects the beverage can from physical damage and heat transfer, while offering a more attractive and comfortable exterior and a more enjoyable experience for beverage consumers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects are described in connection with an illustrative implementation of a beverage container enclosure disclosed herein. The various aspects are disclosed in the written specification including the drawings, and claims, and may be combined to form claims for a device, apparatus, system, method of manufacture, and/or use in any way, consistent with the teachings herein, without limitation.

In one aspect, a container enclosure for removably enclosing a container is disclosed. The container enclosure includes a base component and a cap component configured to be removably coupled to the base component. The base component includes an outer shell having a base wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, and an interior sleeve configured to be inserted within the outer shell. The cap component includes an opening and a sliding tab configured to transition between a rearward position and a forward position to open and close the opening, respectively.

In related aspects, the base component may further include a support ring positioned between the outer shell and the interior sleeve, and the interior sleeve may be seated on the support ring. The base component may also include a plurality of locking features that include a ramped surface, a notch, and an end wall, and the cap component may also include a lower annular wall that includes a plurality of tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs may be configured to interact with the locking features to secure the cap component to the base component. In one embodiment, the interior sleeve of the base component includes the locking tabs.

In some embodiments, the base component may include a spacing between at least a portion of an exterior wall of the interior sleeve and an interior wall of the outer shell. Further, the base component may also include a second spacing between a lower surface of the interior sleeve and an interior surface of the base wall. The cap component may further include a gasket having a gasket ring seal, a first gasket mouth seal, and a second gasket mouth seal.

In another aspect, a container for removably enclosing a container is provided. In this embodiment, the container includes a base component and a cap component configured to be removably coupled to the base component. The base component includes an outer shell having a base wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, and an interior sleeve configured to be inserted within the outer shell. The cap component includes a gasket, an opening, and a sliding tab configured to transition between a rearward position and forward position to open and close the opening, respectively. Further, the base component and the cap component define an interior cavity sized and shaped to at least partially enclose the container when coupled together, and the gasket includes a mouth seal configured to surround and provide a seal around a mouth of the container enclosed within the container enclosure.

In some embodiments, the interior sleeve further includes a plurality of locking features that comprise a ramped surface, a notch, and an end wall. The cap component also includes a lower annular wall with a plurality of tabs. In such embodiments, the tabs are configured to interact with the locking features to secure the cap component to the base component. The base component may also include a spacing between at least a portion of an exterior wall of the interior sleeve and an interior wall of the outer shell. Further, the base component may include a second spacing between a lower surface of the interior sleeve and an interior surface of the base wall. In some aspects, the base component may further include a spring assembly connected to the lower surface of the interior sleeve, and the gasket may include a gasket ring seal and a second mouth seal. The gasket ring seal may be configured to surround the opening of the cap component and provide a seal between the gasket and a top surface of the container, and the second mouth seal may be configured to provide a second seal around the mouth of the container.

In yet another aspect, a container enclosure for removably enclosing a container is disclosed. The container includes a base component and a cap component configured to be removably coupled to the base component. The base component includes an outer shell having a base wall and a cylindrical sidewall extending upwardly therefrom, and an interior sleeve configured to be inserted within the outer shell. The cap component includes a cap shell, a gasket, a ring assembly, and a sliding tab. The interior shell is positioned within and partially surrounded by the outer shell, and includes a plurality of locking features. The cap shell includes an opening and a depression configured to surround the sliding tab. The sliding tab is configured to transition between a rearward position and forward position to open and close the opening, respectively. Further, the ring assembly includes a plurality of tabs configured to interact with the locking features to secure the cap component to the base component, and the gasket is positioned within and attached to an interior wall of the cap shell, and includes a first gasket seal and a second gasket seal.

In a further aspect, a beverage container enclosure is disclosed. The enclosure includes a base component and a cap component configured to attach to the base component, enclosing a beverage container such as a metal can. The base component includes a relatively more rigid external shell and a relatively less rigid internal thermal insulating sleeve. The cap components include a relatively more rigid external cap shell, a relatively less rigid internal insert or gasket, and a sliding tab. The insert includes rings that form a seal with the top of the beverage container so the container contents do not leak out between the beverage container and the enclosure. The cap shell and insert both include mouths, through which the container contents can exit the beverage container through the enclosure. The sliding tab covers the mouth of the cap component.

The beverage container enclosures disclosed herein comprise uniquely configured and constructed base and cap components. In some embodiments, the base component is a rigid material formed into a rigid exterior base shell that is generally cylindrical with an open top and a closed bottom surface, which is dimensioned and configured to hold a beverage can. The base component may be formed of metal such as stainless steel or aluminum.

In one aspect, the base portion may additionally incorporate an internal sleeve component that comprises a thermally insulating material formed into a generally cylindrical shape with an open top and a closed bottom, matching the interior shape and lining the interior of the rigid exterior shell of the base component. The sleeve aids in securing the beverage can in the base component and thermally insulating the beverage can from outside temperatures. In one aspect, the sleeve may be constructed of foam, such as a closed cell neoprene foam. In one aspect, the sleeve may be removable from the rigid material of the base portion. In a separate aspect, the sleeve may be secured to the rigid material of the base portion with an adhesive. In some embodiments, a vacuum-sealed double wall enclosure provides insulation for a can. In some aspects, the cap component is rotatably secured via a locking tab with the base component.

In some embodiments, the cap component is dimensioned and configured to removably connect to the base component, enclosing a beverage container between the cap and base. The cap component may include a relatively more rigid exterior cap shell in the shape of an inverted cup (generally cylindrical with an open bottom and a generally closed, generally flat upper surface). In one aspect, the cap includes securing hooks configured to secure the cap component to the base component. In another aspect, the cap component may include indicators guiding a user where to apply pressure to disengage the securing hooks from the base component. In another aspect, the cap component may include structural ribs to increase the durability of the cap component. The cap includes an opening through the upper surface, the opening being generally positioned to align with the usual location of a can opening in a beverage can, enabling a user to consume a beverage from an enclosed beverage can through the cap opening without removing the can from the enclosure. The cap includes a sliding tab that covers and seals the cap mouth, protecting against spilled liquid exiting or external objects entering the beverage container through the cap mouth.

The cap and base components are configured so that they are secured to one another to facilitate and maintain a bias toward the closed position. The cap and base components are further dimensioned and configured to enable a beverage can to be inserted into and removed from the interior of the base when the cap is removed from the base.

In another aspect, the cap portion may include a relatively less rigid insert or gasket to form a seal around the top of a can enclosed in the beverage container enclosure. The gasket includes a gasket mouth that aligns with the cap mouth and the can mouth. In one aspect, one or more gasket hooks extend from the cap sidewall, and are hooked around a gasket edge to support the gasket. In another aspect, one or more cap protrusions extend from the underside of the upper cap surface into one or more gasket divots minimizing relative rotation between the cap shell and the gasket. In one aspect, the gasket portion may include a gasket ring seal providing a seal with the can ring depression inside of the can lip. In another aspect, the gasket portion may additionally or instead include a gasket mouth seal providing a seal around the can mouth depression. In one aspect, the base portion and the cap portion together resemble a beverage can. In another aspect, the sliding tab resembles a pull-tab from a beverage can, giving the entire enclosure a beverage can-like appearance.

Various alternative implementations of the foregoing aspects are disclosed. The foregoing various aspects may be combined in any manner without limitation. The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred configuration of the disclosure. Such configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide a beverage container enclosure that may be configured to enclose a beverage container, such as a can.

The features, aspects and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the present disclosure. Multiple embodiments are provided within the disclosure. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the drawings.

FIGS. 1-23illustrate various aspects of a container enclosure100for a beverage or can102, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, andFIGS. 24-46illustrate various aspect of a container enclosure400for a beverage or can402, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. It should be understood, however, that the teachings herein are not limited to any particular container or can, and are applicable to enclosures for containers of other products, whether solid or liquid. Further, it is contemplated that certain features of the container enclosure100may be incorporated into or with the container enclosure400and vice versa.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1-8, the container enclosure100comprises a base or base component104, and a cap or cap component106, both of which are dimensioned to attach to each other to enclose the beverage container or can102therewithin, as well as detach from each other to insert or remove the beverage container or can102from the container enclosure100. For example, as will be further discussed herein, the base component104and the cap component106may be coupled and decoupled together by way of a snap fit, interference fit, threading, or another type of fit.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1-8, the container enclosure100may have a shape or configuration that generally mimics a can. As best shown inFIG. 3, the base component104may have a generally cylindrical shape and may be rotationally symmetric. As such, in the illustrated embodiment, an isometric view of the base component104may depict any of a front isometric view, a rear isometric view, a left isometric view, or a right isometric view, as all such views would be identical. In other embodiments, the base component104may not be symmetric, and may include a handle, finger grips, or other externally visible features.

ReferencingFIGS. 3 and 4, the base component104may have a circular base108with a cylindrical base sidewall110extending upwardly therefrom. The circular base108may also include a concave, elevated (as viewed from beneath), or depressed surface112centrally disposed on a bottom side thereof (seeFIGS. 3 and 4). The depressed surface112may provide increased stability to the container enclosure100when the container enclosure is placed on uneven ground and, even further, the depressed surface112may reduce the potential of heat transfer or potential condensation damage to a surface beneath the container enclosure100.

The base sidewall110extends generally straight upward or perpendicular from the circular base108to a shoulder114. In some embodiments, the base sidewall110may taper near a top region thereof and, as shown inFIGS. 5-8, the shoulder114of the base component104may taper inwardly. In other embodiments, the base sidewall110may extend straight upward to provide a seamless transition between the base component104and the cap component106. Similarly, the base sidewall110may taper near a bottom region thereof and, as best shown inFIGS. 5-8, the circular base108may taper inwardly. In other embodiments, the base sidewall110may extend straight downward to the circular base108.

Further, in this embodiment, the base sidewall110may have a diameter D1(seeFIG. 2) that is relatively the same therethroughout. However, as will be discussed herein in connection to the container enclosure400, the base sidewall110may also include regions with recessed surfaces or grooves and/or regions with projections or ribs. In such embodiments, the diameter D1of the base sidewall110may be variable or may have areas of varying diameter between the circular base108and the shoulder114.

The base component104may be pressed, rolled, or molded from a metal. In some embodiments, the base component104may comprise a304stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel material. In other embodiments, the base component104may comprise an aluminum, a copper, a zinc, a titanium, or magnesium material, or combinations thereof. The base component104may also be constructed or formed from a natural material, such as a rubber, wood, bamboo, or stone, or a crafted material, such as a ceramic, glass, or pottery material. In further embodiments, the base component104may be constructed or formed from a synthetic material, such as a synthetic rubber, a plastic, or a carbon fiber. It should be understood that the materials listed above are merely representative and non-limiting. The base component104may also be constructed from alternative materials. The base component104may be formed of a single unitary piece of material, or in alternative embodiments, the base component104may comprise multiple materials or multiple separate pieces joined together.

As briefly discussed above, the cap component106is configured to attach and detach from the base component104. As such, when in an assembled configuration such as that shown inFIGS. 1-8, the cap component106fits over and around a top of the base component104to enclose a beverage container (e.g., the beverage container102) within the container enclosure100. Further, as will be further discussed herein, the container enclosure100may protect the beverage container102from a temperature change, puncture, loss of carbonation, and/or spills by providing thermal insulation, cushion, and a durable exterior when assembled.

As best shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the cap component106may have a generally cylindrical shape and, more particularly, the cap component106may have a circular base116(seeFIGS. 5-8), with a cylindrical sidewall118extending upwardly therefrom. The sidewall118extends generally straight upward or perpendicular form the circular base116to a tapered neck120that angles or tapers inwardly toward a top surface122that is surrounded by an annular ridge123. With reference toFIGS. 5-8, the sidewall118may also taper inward near a bottom end thereof, or in alternative embodiments, the sidewall118may extend straight downward and may connect or contact an upper surface of the base sidewall110to provide a seamless transition between the base component104and the cap component106.

With particular reference toFIG. 2, the cap component106may have a first diameter relatively equal to the diameter D1and a second diameter D2. In particular, the first diameter D1may be a diameter of the sidewall118, which may be relatively equal or the same between the circular base116and the tapered neck120, and the second diameter D2may be a diameter of the top surface122, which may be smaller than the first diameter D1. Further, in this embodiment, the tapered neck120provides a transition between the sidewall118having the first diameter D1and the second diameter D2.

The cap component106may also include an opening or mouth124that may transition between an open configuration (e.g., seeFIGS. 1, 2, and 16A) and a closed position (e.g., seeFIG. 16B) using a sliding tab126, which may slide between a forward position (e.g., seeFIG. 16B) to close the opening124and a rearward position (e.g., seeFIGS. 1, 2, and 16A) to open the opening124. As such, when the opening124is in an open position and the sliding tab126is in a rearward position, a user may drink from a beverage within the beverage container or can102housed or enclosed within the container enclosure100through a mouth128of the beverage container102without removing the beverage container102from the container enclosure100. In addition, when the opening124is in a closed position and the sliding tab126is in a forward position, the sliding tab126may provide a first seal that seals an interior cavity150(seeFIG. 10) of the container enclosure100from the outside, exterior environment. In this manner, as will be further discussed herein, the container enclosure100(and the sliding tab126thereof) provides a first seal that protects the beverage container102from a temperature change, puncture, loss of carbonation, and/or spillage.

With continued reference toFIGS. 1, 4, and 5-8, the cap component106may also include one or more ribs or external indicators152, which may assist a user with attaching and detaching the cap component106from the base component104, as will be further discussed herein.

The cap component106may be molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. In this illustrated embodiment, the cap component106is molded from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). In other embodiments, the cap component106may be constructed or formed from natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, stone, crafted materials, e.g., pressboard or glass, or other synthetic material, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon, silicon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), or other thermoplastics. It should be understood that the aforementioned materials are merely representative and non-limiting. The cap component106may be constructed from other materials or a combination of elements or a combination of materials. For example, in some embodiment, the tapered neck120, the sidewall118, and/or the top surface122, may be molded as separate pieces and/or individual materials, and subsequently joined to form the cap component106. In alternative embodiments, the cap component106is molded as a single, unitary piece.

Turning toFIGS. 9 and 10, the container enclosure100is depicted in a disassembled or detached configuration, both with the beverage container102within the base component104of the container enclosure100(seeFIG. 9) and with the beverage container102removed from the container enclosure100(seeFIG. 10). When the base component104and the cap component106are separated, the interior cavity150of the base component104(seeFIG. 10) and an interior cavity154(seeFIGS. 17-19) of the cap component106are exposed. When exposed, the beverage container102, e.g., a cold beer can, may be inserted into or removed from the interior cavity150of the base component104. For example, a user may first separate the base component104from the cap component106to expose the interior cavity150(as shown inFIG. 10). Next, a user may insert the beverage container102into the interior cavity150(as shown inFIG. 9). Then, a user may open the beverage container102, e.g., by lifting a can tab156to puncture and open the mouth128of the beverage container102, and subsequently attach the cap component106on a top end of the base component104by aligning the mouth128of the beverage container102with the opening124of the cap component106.

With particular reference toFIGS. 11-15, which depicts portions of the base component104isolated from other components of the container enclosure100, the base component104may include a shell160and an interior sleeve162. The shell160, which is depicted inFIGS. 11-13, may be relatively more rigid than the interior sleeve162, which is depicted inFIGS. 14 and 15. The shell160of the base component104may also generally define the exterior shape of the base component104and, as such, the shell160may include the circular base108, the base sidewall110, the shoulder114, etc. Further, the interior sleeve162may be configured to be inserted into and sit within the interior cavity150of the base component104and, in preferred embodiments, an outer surface164of the interior sleeve162may be dimensioned to be flush with an interior wall166of the shell160. During use, the sleeve162may provide friction and pressure to keep or maintain the beverage container102within the shell160, unless the beverage container102is intentionally removed or violently jostled.

With reference toFIGS. 9, 10, and 12, the shell160may include an annular wall168that extends upward from the shoulder114to a first base ring or lip170, which defines an open top172that provides access to the interior cavity150of the base component104. Further, with particular reference toFIGS. 11-13, the shell160of the base component104may also include a second base ring, annular ridge, or rib174positioned along the annular wall168and between the open top172(or the lip170) of the shell160and the shoulder114. As shown inFIG. 11, the lip170and the rib174may each have a diameter D3that are approximately equal, in this embodiment. As will be further discussed herein, having a lip170and a rib174with approximately equal diameters may enable the cap component106to grip or attach to the lip170and/or the rib174. For example, if a shorter, standard dimensioned beverage can is inserted into the base component104, the cap component106may engage the rib174and may be attached to the base component104thereby. And, if a taller beverage can is inserted within the base component104, the cap component may engage the lip170and may be attached to the base component104thereby. In effect, the inclusion of the lip170and the rib174allows the container enclosure100to accommodate and enclose containers of varying heights or sizes. In other words, the interior cavity150of the container enclosure100may include multiple operational sizes or volumes. It should be understood that the shell160may also include additional ribs174between the shoulder114and the open top172to accommodate additional container sizes, as desired.

As discussed above in connection with the base component104, the shell160may be pressed, rolled, or molded from metal. In some embodiments, the shell160comprises a304stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel material. In another embodiment, the shell160comprises aluminum, copper, zinc, titanium, or magnesium materials. The shell160may instead be made of natural materials, e.g., rubber, wood, bamboo, or stone, crafted materials, e.g., ceramic, glass, or pottery, or synthetic materials, e.g., synthetic rubber, plastic, carbon fiber. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and non-limiting. The shell160may be constructed of other materials. The shell160may be formed of a single unitary piece of material. The shell160may alternatively comprise multiple materials or multiple separate pieces joined together.

FIGS. 14 and 15depict the thermally insulating sleeve162. Similar to the shell160, in this illustrated embodiment, the sleeve162may be rotationally symmetric. As such, an isometric view of the sleeve162(e.g.,FIG. 14) may depict any of a front isometric view, a rear isometric view, a left isometric view, or a right isometric view, as all such views would be identical. In other embodiments, the sleeve162may not be symmetric, and may include additional components, such as stitching, adhesive patches or contoured features that assist in keeping the beverage container in a particular alignment within the container enclosure100.

The sleeve162may also comprise a bottom surface180, and a generally cylindrical sleeve sidewall182having the exterior surface or outer surface164and an interior surface184, and extending upward from the bottom surface180to an upper lip186. As shown inFIG. 14, the upper lip186defines an opening188, which provides access to an interior of the sleeve162that is defined by the interior wall or surface184. The sleeve162may also have a diameter smaller than the diameter D1of the base component104, which enables the sleeve162to rest inside the shell160. In particular embodiments, an outer diameter of the sleeve162may be equal to a diameter of the interior wall166of the shell160, and a diameter of the interior wall or surface184of the sleeve162may be relatively equal to a diameter of the beverage container (e.g., beverage container102) to be enclosed by the container enclosure100. In further embodiments, as previously described herein, the shoulder114of the base component104tapers or narrows to the annular wall168and, in such an embodiment, the annular wall168may have a diameter smaller than a diameter of the sleeve162. Therefore, the sleeve162may be effectively secured inside the shell160. In other embodiments, the base component104or the shell160does not include a tapered shoulder or an annular wall with a diameter smaller than a diameter of the sleeve162, such that the sleeve162may be removed from the shell160.

In some embodiments, the sleeve162is free to rotate within the shell160and, in other embodiments, the sleeve162may be secured to the shell160by injection molding or with an adhesive, for example. In yet another embodiment, the sleeve162is a thermally insulating tube, but does not include the bottom surface180. In such embodiments, the beverage container102may rest directly on a bottom base surface190(seeFIGS. 11 and 13) of the shell160.

The sleeve sidewall182may be a rectangular strip of material with two opposite sides sewn, adhered, bonded, or heat-pressed together, and optionally, further sewn, adhered, bonded, or heat-pressed together with the bottom surface180. In other embodiments, sleeve162may be molded as a unitary piece that does not require any bonding.

The sleeve162may also be molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. For example, in this illustrated embodiment, the sleeve162is made of closed-cell neoprene foam. The sleeve162may be alternatively constructed or formed from natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, leather, or suede, crafted materials, e.g., fabric, paper, cardboard, or synthetic materials, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon. The sleeve162may also be constructed of a thermally insulating material. It should be understood that this material list, and all material lists anywhere in this application, are merely representative and non-limiting. In other embodiments, the sleeve162may be constructed of other materials.

FIGS. 16-19illustrate the cap component106, which may fit over and around a top of the base component104, as previously discussed herein. More particularly, the cap component106may include one or more securing hooks200(seeFIGS. 17-19) that may either grip the lip170and/or the rib174when the cap component106is positioned over the base component104and a downward force is applied to the cap component106. Further, as previously discussed herein, if a shorter, standard dimensioned beverage can is inserted into the base component104, the securing hooks200of the cap component106may engage the rib174and may be attached to the base component104thereby. And, if a taller beverage can is inserted within the base component104, the securing hooks200of the cap component106may engage the lip170and may be attached to the base component104thereby. Once the cap component106is attached to the base component104, the container enclosure100may protect the beverage container102from a temperature change, puncture, loss of carbonation, and/or spills by providing thermal insulation, cushion, and a durable exterior.

With continued reference toFIGS. 16-19, the cap component106may include a cap shell202and a gasket204and, in particular embodiments, the cap shell202may be relatively more rigid than the gasket204. ReferencingFIGS. 16A, 16B, and 17, the cap shell202may generally define the exterior shape of the cap component106and, as such, the cap shell202may include the circular base108, the cylindrical sidewall118, the tapered neck120, the top surface122, and the annular ridge123. And, as best shown inFIG. 17, the cap shell202includes an open bottom206that provides access to the interior cavity154of the cap component106, and into which the base component104may be inserted.

Turning toFIGS. 17-21, an illustrative embodiment of an internal structure of the cap component106(seeFIGS. 17-19) and a detailed view of the insert or gasket204(FIGS. 20 and 21) that may be attached to the cap shell202is shown. In this embodiment, the gasket204includes a gasket opening208, which is defined by vertical, curved, or angled gasket mouth sidewalls210that are aligned with the opening124. As such, the gasket opening208and the opening124may cooperatively function to direct liquid from the mouth128of the beverage container102, through the gasket mouth or opening208, and through the opening124.

As best shown inFIGS. 17-19, the cap component106includes a plurality of vertical structural ribs212along an interior wall214, which strengthen the cap shell202without significantly increasing a weight or increasing an amount of material used to construct the cap component106. Some structural ribs212may extend all the way from the top surface122of the cap component106to the open bottom206or the circular base116, while other structural ribs212may only extend partially from the top surface122to or just past the tapered neck120. In some embodiments, when a user wishes to remove the cap component106from the base component104, the user may apply simultaneous pressure to the external indicators152. The shorter structural ribs212, which are beneath the external indicators152, then allow the cap component106to flex inward at a front and rear point, which causes the left and right sides of the cap component106to flex outward. The outward flex of the left and right sides moves the securing hooks200, which are positioned and attached along right and left sides of the interior wall214of the cap component106, away from the lip170and/or the rib174. As a result, the securing hooks200disengage with the lip170and/or the rib174, and enable a user to easily lift and remove the cap component106from the base component104.

With particular reference toFIGS. 20 and 21, the gasket204may include one or more gasket divots220that may provide recesses into which cap protrusions (not shown) may fit. In these embodiments, the cap protrusions may extend from an underside of the top surface122of the cap shell202and engagement of the cap protrusions and the gasket divots220may minimize relative rotation between the gasket204and the cap shell202. As shown inFIGS. 20 and 21, the gasket divots220may be curved recesses that couple with a pair of complimentarily shaped and dimensioned cap protrusions. In alternative embodiments, any number of cap protrusions and gasket divots could be used, and the cap protrusions and the gasket divots220may take any shape or be located on any portion of a top surface222of the gasket204.

The cap shell202may also include one or more gasket hooks224that extend from the interior wall214of the cap shell202, and hook around a gasket edge226to support and couple the gasket204to and within the cap shell202. In particular embodiments, such as that shown inFIGS. 17-19, the gasket hooks224may extend inward further than a diameter of the gasket204and, as such, may act to secure the gasket204inside the cap shell202, unless intentionally removed or severely jarred. In this embodiment, the cap shell202includes four gasket hooks224equally spaced around the interior wall166of the cap component106. However, in alternative embodiments, the cap shell202may include any number of gasket hooks, ranging from a single continuous ring to a series of bumps. Further, the gasket hooks224may be equally spaced, continuously distributed, or unevenly positioned around the interior wall166of the cap component106.

Turning back toFIGS. 17-20, the gasket204may have a diameter that is smaller than an internal diameter of the cap shell202, which enables the gasket204to fit inside the cap shell202. The gasket204may also be removed from the cap shell202in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, the gasket204may be permanently affixed or removably secured to the cap shell202. With particular reference toFIGS. 17-19 and 21, the gasket204may also include a gasket ring seal230and a gasket mouth seal232. As such, if the cap component106is properly aligned relative to the beverage container102when attached to the base component104, the gasket ring seal230may be inserted into a depression234of the beverage container102(seeFIG. 9) and, thereby, form a boundary or seal with the beverage container102. Additionally, when aligned, the gasket mouth seal232may form a boundary or seal around the mouth128and/or a mouth depression236of the beverage container102. In particular embodiments, the gasket mouth seal232is dimensioned to form a boundary or seal around an area atop a soda or beer can that includes the mouth128and the can tab156. In some embodiments, a beverage container may not include the mouth depression234and, in these embodiments, the gasket ring seal230forms an approximate boundary around the mouth128and the can tab156. As shown inFIG. 21, the gasket204may also include a depression238that is shaped and dimensioned as a cavity to provide clearance for the can tab156and reduce upward pressure on the cap component106from the can tab156. The gasket204may further include a groove depression240that aligns with an underside of a groove242on the top surface122of the cap shell202, which enables the contours of the gasket204and the cap shell202to fit in a snug arrangement.

As previously discussed herein in connection with the cap component106, the cap shell202may be similarly molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. In the illustrated embodiment, the cap shell202is molded from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). The cap shell202may also be constructed from natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, stone, crafted materials, e.g., pressboard or glass, or other synthetic materials, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon, silicon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), or other thermoplastics. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and non-limiting. The cap shell202may be constructed of other materials or a combination of elements or a combination of materials.

In some embodiments, the gasket204may be molded, pressed, or constructed. In some embodiments, the gasket204is molded from silicon with a flexible30A Shore hardness. The gasket or insert204may also be constructed of natural materials, e.g., rubber, wood, bamboo, plant fiber, sponge, crafted materials, e.g., fabric or pressed paper, or synthetic materials, e.g., synthetic rubber, plastic, nylon, or any other material with sufficient durability and flexibility to function as a gasket. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and not limiting. The sleeve may be constructed of other materials.

Once assembled, the cap component106may include a mouth or opening124that transitions between an open position (seeFIG. 16A), in which the opening124is exposed, and a closed position (seeFIG. 16B), in which the opening124is covered, using a sliding tab126. More particularly,FIG. 16Adepicts the cap component106with the sliding tab126in the open position, whileFIG. 16Bdepicts the cap component106with the sliding tab126in the closed position. Further, as noted above, the cap shell202may include a groove242positioned within a depressed surface244on the top surface122of the cap shell202, and the sliding tab126may include a tab rail250(seeFIG. 23) that fits and slides within the groove242. As best shown inFIG. 23, the tab rail250may project from an otherwise flat or planar bottom surface252, and may have a T-shaped cross-section, which fits within and cooperates with the similarly dimensioned groove242. In such embodiments, the groove242may also have a T-shaped cross-section. In other embodiments, alternate sliding attachment configurations may be employed.

The sliding tab126may also be molded to physically resemble a can tab, such as the can tab156, and may slide forward to a closed position and backward to an open position in the mouth depression244, which is an approximately rounded rectangular depression around the opening124and the sliding tab126. Although a top248of the sliding tab126is molded or decorated to resemble the can tab156in the present embodiment, the sliding tab126may take other decorative or functional shapes without departing from the present disclosure, as will be further discussed herein. However, in preferred embodiments, an outer surface of the sliding tab126mimics the outer surface of the depression244or vice versa.

During use, the sliding tab126can provide a boundary against excessive spills into or out of the beverage can enclosure when in a closed position. In some embodiments, the sliding tab126creates a watertight seal over the cap mouth, preventing any external spills. In some embodiments, the bottom surface252of the sliding tab126may also include a gasket (not shown) configured to create a watertight seal around the mouth128of the beverage container102when the sliding tab126is in the closed position. In some embodiments, sliding tab126may also include a tab lock (not shown), which maintains the sliding tab126in a closed position unless the tab lock is disengaged. In some embodiments, the sliding tab126may also include an opener (not shown), such that when the sliding tab126is initially moved from the closed position to the open position, the opener extends through the gasket opening208, applying pressure to the metal flap over the mouth128of the beverage container102, and automatically opening the beverage container102inside the container enclosure100.

The sliding tab126may be molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. In one illustrated embodiment, the sliding tab126is molded from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) in a similar fashion as the cap shell202. The sliding tab126may be constructed from the same material as the cap shell202or a different material from cap shell202. The sliding tab126may also be made of natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, or stone, crafted materials, e.g., pressboard or glass, or other synthetic materials, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon, silicon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), or other thermoplastics. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and non-limiting. The sliding tab126may be constructed of other materials or a combination of materials.

FIGS. 24-46illustrate various aspects of a container enclosure400for a beverage or can402, according to a second aspect of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned herein, it should be understood that the teachings herein are not limited to any particular container or can, and are applicable to enclosures for containers of other products, whether solid or liquid. Further, as should be apparent from the present disclosure, it is contemplated that certain features of the container enclosure100may be incorporated into or with the container enclosure400and vice versa.

Referencing now toFIGS. 24-31, the container enclosure400may comprise a base or base component404, and a cap or cap component406, both of which are dimensioned to attach to each other to enclose the beverage container or can402therewithin, as well as detach from each other to insert or remove the beverage container or can402from the container enclosure100. For example, as will be further discussed herein, the base component404and the cap component406may be coupled and decoupled together by way of a snap fit, interference fit, threading, or another type of fit. With particular reference toFIG. 26, the base component404may have a generally cylindrical shape and may be rotationally symmetric. As such, in this illustrated embodiment, an isometric view of the base component404may depict any of a front isometric view, a rear isometric view, a left isometric view, or a right isometric view, as all such views would be identical. In other embodiments, the base component404may not be symmetric, and may include a handle, finger grips, or other externally visible features.

As shown inFIGS. 26 and 27, the base component404may have a circular base408and a cylindrical base sidewall410that extends upwardly therefrom. The circular base408may also include a concave, elevated (as viewed from beneath), or depressed surface412centrally disposed on a bottom side thereof (seeFIGS. 26 and 27). The depressed surface412may provide increased stability to the container enclosure400when the container enclosure is placed on uneven ground and, even further, the depressed surface412may reduce the potential of heat transfer or potential condensation damage to a surface beneath the container enclosure400.

The base sidewall410extends generally straight upward or perpendicular from the circular base408to a shoulder414; however, as best shown inFIGS. 28-31, the base sidewall410has a slight outward taper. In some embodiments, as shown inFIGS. 28-31, the base sidewall410extends straight upward near a top end thereof and provides a seamless transition between the base component404and the cap component406. In alternative embodiments, such as that shown inFIGS. 5-8, the base sidewall410may taper near a top region thereof and the shoulder414of the base component404may taper inwardly. Similarly, the base sidewall410may taper near a bottom region thereof and, as best shown inFIGS. 28-32, the circular base408may taper inwardly. In other embodiments, the base sidewall110may extend straight downward to the circular base408.

Further, as shown inFIG. 26, the base sidewall410may have a lower, initial diameter D4and an upper, final diameter D5that is that is slightly larger than the lower, initial diameter D4. The base sidewall410may also include an annular groove416proximate a top end thereof. In this embodiment, the annular groove416is a concave surface that extends around an entire outer perimeter or circumference of the base sidewall410. In alternative embodiments, the annular groove416may only extend around a portion of the base sidewall410, such as only along a left and right side of the base sidewall410proximate a top end of the base sidewall410. In effect, the annular groove416may provide a recessed surface that a user may grip during use to hold the container enclosure400. The base sidewall410may also include other recessed surfaces or grooves and/or regions with projections or ribs. In these embodiments, the diameter of the base sidewall410may be variable or may have areas of varying diameter between the circular base408and the shoulder414.

The base component404may be pressed, rolled, or molded from a metal. In some embodiments, the base component404may comprise a304stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel material. In other embodiments, the base component404may comprise an aluminum, a copper, a zinc, a titanium, or magnesium material, or combinations thereof. The base component404may also be constructed or formed from a natural material, such as a rubber, wood, bamboo, or stone, or a crafted material, such as a ceramic, glass, or pottery material. In further embodiments, the base component404may be constructed or formed from a synthetic material, such as a synthetic rubber, a plastic, or a carbon fiber. It should be understood that the materials listed above are merely representative and non-limiting, and the base component404may also be constructed from alternative materials. The base component404may be formed of a single unitary piece of material, or in alternative embodiments, the base component404may comprise multiple materials or multiple separate pieces joined together. For example, the base sidewall410may be constructed from a304stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel material and the annular groove416may be constructed from a synthetic material, e.g., a synthetic rubber, to assist with gripping the container enclosure400.

As briefly discussed above, the cap component406may be configured to attach and detach from the base component404. As such, when in an assembled configuration such as that shown inFIGS. 24-31, the cap component406fits over and around a top of the base component404to enclose a beverage container (e.g., the beverage container402) within the container enclosure400. Further, as will be further discussed herein, the container enclosure400may protect the beverage container402from a temperature change, puncture, loss of carbonation, and/or spills by providing thermal insulation, cushion, and a durable exterior when assembled.

Turning back toFIGS. 24 and 25, the cap component406may have a generally cylindrical shape and, more particularly, the cap component406may have a circular base418(seeFIGS. 28-31), with a cylindrical sidewall420extending upwardly therefrom. The sidewall420extends generally straight upward or perpendicular from the circular base418to a tapered neck422that angles or tapers inwardly toward a top surface424that is surrounded by an annular ridge426. As best shown inFIGS. 28-31, the tapered neck422is a smooth, concave surface. With continued reference toFIGS. 28-31, the sidewall420may also taper inward near a bottom end thereof, or in alternative embodiments, the sidewall420may extend straight downward and may connect or contact an upper surface of the base sidewall410to provide a seamless transition between the base component404and the cap component406, as shown inFIGS. 28-31.

With particular reference toFIG. 25, the cap component406may have a first diameter D6and a second diameter D7. In particular, the first diameter D6may be a diameter of the circular base408and/or the sidewall410, which may be relatively equal or the same between the circular base408and the tapered neck422, and the second diameter D7may be a diameter of the top surface424, which may be smaller than the first diameter D6. Further, in this embodiment, the tapered neck422provides a transition between the sidewall420having the first diameter D6and the top surface424having the second diameter D7.

The cap component406may also include an opening or mouth430that may transition between an open configuration (e.g., seeFIGS. 24, 25, and 41A) and a closed position (e.g., seeFIG. 41B) using a sliding tab432, which may slide between a forward position (e.g., seeFIG. 41B) to close the opening430and a rearward position (e.g., seeFIGS. 24, 25, and 41A) to open the opening430. As such, when the opening430is in an open position and the sliding tab432is in a rearward position, a user may drink from a beverage within the beverage container or can402housed or enclosed within the container enclosure400through the opening430without removing the beverage container402from the container enclosure400. In addition, when the opening430is in a closed position and the sliding tab432is in a forward position, the sliding tab432may provide a first seal that seals an interior cavity448(seeFIG. 33) of the container enclosure400from the outside, exterior environment. In this manner, as will be further discussed herein, the container enclosure400(and the sliding tab432thereof) provides a first seal that protects the beverage container402from a temperature change, puncture, loss of carbonation, and/or spillage.

The cap component406may be molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. In this illustrated embodiment, the cap component406is molded from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). In other embodiments, the cap component406may be constructed or formed from natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, stone, crafted materials, e.g., pressboard or glass, or other synthetic materials, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon, silicon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), or other thermoplastics. It should be understood that the aforementioned materials are merely representative and non-limiting. The cap component406may be constructed from other materials or a combination of elements or a combination of materials. For example, in some embodiment, the tapered neck422, the sidewall420, and/or the top surface424, may be molded as separate pieces and/or individual materials, and subsequently joined to form the cap component406. In alternative embodiments, the cap component406is molded as a single, unitary piece.

Turning now toFIGS. 32-34, the container enclosure400is depicted in a disassembled or detached configuration, both with the beverage container402within the base component404of the container enclosure400(seeFIG. 32) and with the beverage container402removed from the container enclosure400(seeFIG. 33). As shown inFIG. 34, the base component404may include an outer shell450, a support ring452, an interior sleeve454, and a spring assembly456, and the cap component406may include a lower ring assembly458, a gasket460, a cap shell462, and the sliding tab432. More particularly, with continued reference toFIG. 34, the support ring452may fit around an upper end466of the interior sleeve454, the interior sleeve454may fit within the outer shell450and the outer shell450may fully or partially encase the interior sleeve454therein, and the spring assembly456, which includes a spring468and a top cap470seated thereon, may be positioned within the interior sleeve454around a circular bump472on a bottom surface474of the interior sleeve454(seeFIGS. 35A, 35B, and 36). Alternatively, if the base component404does not include the interior sleeve454, the spring assembly456may be positioned within the outer shell450on a bottom interior surface481(seeFIG. 38) of the outer shell450. Further, the lower ring assembly458may be positioned within an interior cavity480of the cap shell462, the gasket460may be attached to a top interior surface482of the cap shell406(as will be further discussed herein), and the sliding tab432may include a tab rail484that fits and cooperates with a groove486within a depression488on the top surface424of the cap shell462.

When the base component404and the cap component406are separated, the interior cavity448of the base component404(seeFIG. 33) and the interior cavity480(seeFIGS. 44 and 45) of the cap component406are exposed. In such configurations, the beverage container402, e.g., a cold beer can, may be inserted into or removed from the interior cavity448of the base component404. For example, a user may first separate the base component404from the cap component406to expose the interior cavity448(as shown inFIG. 33). Next, a user may insert the beverage container402into the interior cavity448(as shown inFIG. 32). Then, a user may open the beverage container402, e.g., by lifting a can tab492to puncture and open a mouth494of the beverage container402, and subsequently attach the cap component406on a top end of the base component408by aligning the mouth494of the beverage container402with the opening430of the cap component406and rotating the cap component406, as will be further discussed herein.

In particular, as shown inFIGS. 32, 33, 41A, and 41B, the lower ring assembly458of the cap component406may include a lower annular wall500that projects downward from the circular base418, and one or more tabs502disposed around a perimeter or circumference of the lower annular wall500. For example, in this embodiment, the cap component406includes four tabs502equally spaced around the lower annular wall500that are proximate a front, rear, left, and right side of the cap component406. With continued reference toFIGS. 32 and 33, the interior sleeve454of the base component404may also include one or more locking features504on an interior surface506of the interior sleeve454(or base component404), which may cooperate with the tabs502to lock the cap component406onto the base component404. More particularly, the locking features504may be spaced around a circumference of the interior wall506of the interior sleeve454(or base component404) and may be proximate a top opening507of the interior sleeve454or the base component404. In particular embodiments, the locking features504may also be flush with a top surface508of the base component404.

The locking features504may be evenly spaced around a circumference of the interior wall506and, as best shown inFIG. 34, each of the locking features504may individually have a ramped surface510near a front end thereof, one or more notches512, and an end wall514near a rear end thereof. Furthermore, a space516may be present between the locking features504, which allows the tabs502of the cap component406to be inserted or positioned therebetween. In particular, to attach the cap component406with the base component404, a user may first align the tabs502of the cap component406with the spaces516and, when a beverage container402is positioned within the base component, a user may also slightly offset the opening430with the mouth494of the beverage container402. Next, a user may lower the cap component406so that the tabs502are positioned in the spaces516and between the locking features504. Then, a user may rotate the cap component406in a clockwise direction, as necessary, so that the opening430is aligned with the mouth494of the beverage container402and the tabs502are positioned within one of the notches512of the locking features504(seeFIGS. 35A, 35B, and 36).

During use, the one or more notches512may allow for one or more secure positions of the cap component406with the base component404, as the cap component406is rotated relative to the base component404. As such, the notches512allow the cap component406to be rotated so that the opening430may be properly and easily aligned with the mouth494of the beverage container402, while still maintaining a secure connection with the base component404. In this particular embodiment, the locking features504include three notches512, which provide three secure positions or three degrees of rotation of the cap component406, once the cap component406engages the locking features504. However, in alternative embodiments, the locking features504may include any number of notches. Further, the end wall514of the locking features504prevents over rotation of the cap component406relative to the base component404, and may cease clockwise rotation of the cap component406relative to the base component404.

With particular reference toFIGS. 34-39, the base component404may include an outer shell450, a support ring452, an interior sleeve454, and a spring assembly456. The outer shell450of the base component404may also generally define the exterior shape of the base component404and, as such, the shell450may include the circular base408, the base sidewall410, the shoulder414, etc. Further, the interior sleeve454may be configured to be inserted into and sit within the interior cavity448of the base component404and, during use, the sleeve454may provide friction and pressure to keep or maintain the beverage container402within the shell450, unless the beverage container402is intentionally removed or violently jostled.

As previously discussed herein, the support ring452may fit around an upper end520of the interior sleeve454and, as best shown inFIGS. 35A and 35B, the support ring456may function to couple the interior sleeve454and the outer shell450, once the interior sleeve454is inserted within the outer shell450. In some embodiments, the support ring452and the interior sleeve454may be an integral component. The support ring452may also be configured to couple the interior sleeve454and the outer shell150, while providing a spacing522(seeFIGS. 35A, 35B, and 36) between an exterior wall524of the interior sleeve454and an interior wall526of the outer shell450. As a result, when the beverage container402is inserted within the interior sleeve454, a thermal conduction or heat transfer between the outer shell450and the beverage container402is minimized. The spacing522may be present between the interior wall526of the outer shell450and the exterior wall524of the interior sleeve454around a perimeter of the interior sleeve454, and a spacing530may also be present between the bottom surface474of the interior sleeve454and the bottom interior surface481(seeFIG. 36) of the circular base408of the outer shell450. The interior sleeve454of the base component404may also be constructed from a material that is less rigid than the outer shell450and, in particular embodiments, may be constructed from an elastic material that may expand in size. For example, an interior volume of the interior sleeve454may be slightly smaller than a typical beverage container (e.g., the beverage container402) and, as a result, may be configured to slightly expand when a beverage container is inserted therein to provide a pressurized fit that keeps or maintains the beverage container within the interior sleeve454. Furthermore, the spacing522and the spacing530provides an area into which the interior sleeve454may expand.

As discussed above in connection with the base component404, the outer shell450may be pressed, rolled, or molded from metal. In some embodiments, the outer shell450comprises a304stainless steel or 18/8 stainless steel material. In another embodiment, the outer shell450comprises aluminum, copper, zinc, titanium, or magnesium materials. The outer shell450may instead be made of natural materials, e.g., rubber, wood, bamboo, or stone, crafted materials, e.g., ceramic, glass, or pottery, or synthetic materials, e.g., synthetic rubber, plastic, carbon fiber. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and non-limiting. The shell450may be constructed of other materials. The outer shell450may be formed of a single unitary piece of material, or alternatively, the outer shell450may alternatively comprise multiple materials or multiple separate pieces joined together.

In some embodiments, the interior sleeve454is free to rotate within the outer shell450and, in other embodiments, the interior sleeve454may be secured to the outer shell450(or the support ring452) by injection molding or with an adhesive, for example. In yet another embodiment, the sleeve454is a thermally insulating tube. Further, as shown inFIGS. 35-38, the spring assembly456may be positioned within the interior sleeve454around the circular bump472on the bottom surface474of the interior sleeve454. The spring assembly456includes the spring468and the top cap470, and during use, a bottom of a container (e.g., the beverage container402inFIG. 35B) may be seated on the top cap470and the spring assembly456may elevate the container such that the container contacts and engages the gasket460. Further, the spring assembly456may function to elevate a container out of the base component404when the cap component406is removed from the base component404to assist with removal of the container from the container enclosure400. Even further, the spring assembly456allows the container enclosure400to enclose containers of varying sizes therein.

The interior sleeve454may be molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. For example, in this illustrated embodiment, the sleeve454is made of closed-cell neoprene foam. The interior sleeve454may be alternatively constructed or formed from natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, leather, or suede, crafted materials, e.g., fabric, paper, cardboard, or synthetic materials, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon. The interior sleeve454may also be constructed of a thermally insulating material. It should be understood that this material list, and all material lists anywhere in this application, are merely representative and non-limiting. In other embodiments, the sleeve454may be constructed of other materials.

FIGS. 34 and 41-46illustrate the cap component406, which may fit over and around a top of the base component404, as previously discussed herein. More particularly, the cap component406may include the lower ring assembly458, the gasket460, the cap shell462, and the sliding tab432.

As previously discussed herein, the annular wall500of the lower ring assembly458includes one or more tabs502that cooperate with the locking features504of the base component404. With particular reference toFIG. 34, the lower ring assembly458may further include a plurality of upper tabs or extensions540, which extend upward from the annular wall500of the lower ring assembly458such that once the lower ring assembly458is inserted within the interior cavity448of the outer shell450, the upper tabs or extension540are flush with an interior surface542(seeFIGS. 43 and 44) of the cap shell462and fit between a plurality of ridges544that extend from the interior surface542. As such, the extensions540help properly align the lower ring assembly458within the cap shell462.

ReferencingFIGS. 41A, 41B, and 42, the cap shell462may generally define the exterior shape of the cap component406and, as such, the cap shell462may include the circular base418, the cylindrical sidewall420, the tapered neck422, the top surface424, and the annular ridge426. And, with reference toFIGS. 43 and 44, the cap shell462includes an open bottom that provides access to the interior cavity480of the cap component406, into which the lower ring assembly458and the base component404may be inserted.

Turning toFIGS. 45 and 46, a detailed view of the insert or gasket460is shown. In this embodiment, the gasket460includes a gasket opening550, which is defined by vertical, curved, or angled gasket mouth sidewalls552that are aligned with the opening430. As such, the gasket mouth or opening550and the opening430may cooperatively function to direct liquid from the mouth494of the beverage container402, through the gasket mouth or opening550, and through the opening430.

With continued reference toFIGS. 45 and 46, the gasket460may include one or more gasket divots554that may provide recesses into which cap protrusions556(seeFIGS. 35A, 35B, and36) may fit. In these embodiments, the cap protrusions556may extend from an underside of the top surface424of the cap shell462and may engage the gasket divots554to minimize the relative rotation of the gasket460and the cap shell462. Further, as shown inFIGS. 45 and 46, the gasket divots554may be curved recesses that couple with a pair of complimentarily shaped and dimensioned cap protrusions556. In alternative embodiments, any number of cap protrusions and gasket divots could be used, and the cap protrusions556and the gasket divots554may take any shape or be located on any portion of a top surface558of the gasket460. Further, with reference toFIGS. 43 and 44, once the lower ring assembly458is inserted within the cap shell462, the extensions540may contact and apply a force to a lower surface560of the gasket460to keep the gasket engaged with the cap shell462.

Turning back toFIGS. 43 and 44, the gasket460may have a diameter that is smaller than an internal diameter of the cap shell462, which enables the gasket460to fit inside the cap shell462. The gasket460may also be removed from the cap shell462in some embodiments, and in other embodiments, the gasket460may be permanently affixed or removably secured to the cap shell462. With reference toFIGS. 45 and 46, the gasket460may also include a gasket ring seal562, a first gasket mouth seal564, and a second gasket mouth seal566. As such, if the cap component406is properly aligned relative to the beverage container402when attached to the base component404, the gasket ring seal562may be inserted into a depression570of the beverage container402(seeFIG. 35B) and, thereby, form a first boundary or seal with the beverage container402. Additionally, when aligned, the first gasket mouth seal564may form a boundary or seal around the opening430and the mouth494, and the second gasket mouth seal566may form another boundary or seal around the mouth494of the beverage container402. In other embodiments, the second gasket mouth seal564is dimensioned to form a boundary or seal around an area atop a soda or beer can that includes the mouth494and the can tab492. As further shown inFIG. 45, the gasket460may further include a groove depression572and a groove574that aligns with an underside of the depression488of the cap shell462and the groove486of the cap shell462, thereby enabling the contours of the cap shell462and the gasket460to fit in a snug and cooperative arrangement.

In some embodiments, the gasket460may be molded, pressed, or constructed. In some embodiments, the gasket460is molded from silicon with a flexible30A Shore hardness. The gasket or insert460may also be constructed of natural materials, e.g., rubber, wood, bamboo, plant fiber, sponge, crafted materials, e.g., fabric or pressed paper, or synthetic materials, e.g., synthetic rubber, plastic, nylon, or any other material with sufficient durability and flexibility to function as a gasket. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and not limiting. The sleeve may be constructed of other materials.

Once assembled, the cap component406may include a mouth or opening430that transitions between an open position (seeFIG. 41A), in which the opening430is exposed, and a closed position (seeFIG. 41B), in which the opening430is covered, using a sliding tab432. More particularly,FIG. 41Adepicts the cap component406with the sliding tab432in the open position, whileFIG. 41Bdepicts the cap component406with the sliding tab432in the closed position. Further, as noted above, the cap shell462may include the groove486positioned within the depression488on the top surface424of the cap shell462, and the sliding tab432may include the tab rail484(seeFIGS. 34 and 36) that fits and slides within the groove486. As best shown inFIG. 34, the tab rail484may project from an otherwise flat or planar bottom surface (not shown), and may have a T-shaped cross-section, which fits within and cooperates with the similarly dimensioned groove486. In such embodiments, the groove486may also have a T-shaped cross-section. In other embodiments, alternate sliding attachment configurations may be employed.

The sliding tab432may slide forward to a closed position and backward to an open position in the depression488, which is an approximately rounded rectangular depression around the opening430and the sliding tab432. During use, the sliding tab432can provide a boundary against excessive spills into or out of the beverage can enclosure when in a closed position. In some embodiments, the sliding tab432creates a watertight seal over the cap mouth, preventing any external spills. In some embodiments, the bottom surface of the sliding tab432may also include a gasket (not shown) configured to create a watertight seal around the mouth494of the beverage container402when the sliding tab432is in the closed position. In some embodiments, sliding tab432may also include a tab lock (not shown), which maintains the sliding tab432in a closed position unless the tab lock is disengaged. In some embodiments, the sliding tab432may also include an opener (not shown), such that when the sliding tab432is initially moved from the closed position to the open position, the opener extends through the gasket opening550, applying pressure to the metal flap over the mouth494of the beverage container402, and automatically opening the beverage container402inside the container enclosure100.

The sliding tab432may be molded, pressed, or sewn from an open or closed-cell foam. In one illustrated embodiment, the sliding tab432is molded from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) in a similar fashion as the cap shell462. The sliding tab432may be constructed from the same material as cap shell462or a different material from cap shell462. The sliding tab432may also be made of natural materials, e.g., wood, bamboo, or stone, crafted materials, e.g., pressboard or glass, or other synthetic materials, e.g., rubber, plastic, nylon, silicon, polycarbonate, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polylactic acid (PLA), or other thermoplastics. It should be understood that this material list is merely representative and non-limiting. The sliding tab432may be constructed of other materials or a combination of materials.

Although various aspects are herein disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, implementations, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventive aspects and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the aspects have been noted, other modifications, which are within their scope, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope of this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation and operation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments or implementations described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.

Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY