Transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids

A beverage container includes a transparent cylindrical acrylic body sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle, a transparent skin sized to encase a portion of an outer surface of the body, a transparent handle, a transparent lid sized to seal a chamber defined by the body, a transparent latch, and a transparent rubber or plastic cover sized to be placed onto the lid. The container is scannable by an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the a beverage in the chamber, and permits a visual inspection of the liquid through the container. The latch permits the beverage to exit the lid through an orifice for the beverage to be consumed when the latch is open configuration. The orifice is sized to permit a straw to be inserted through the orifice to consume the beverage.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This description relates generally to travel mugs and specifically to a transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids.

BACKGROUND

Traditional disposable coffee cups are made from paper and lined with polyethylene that cannot be removed by most recycling facilities, leading to plastic waste. On the other hand, traditional ceramic mugs can crack, break, or chip if not handled carefully, and larger ceramic coffee mugs may not keep a beverages hot for very long. Metal mugs cannot be used in a microwave to reheat a beverage, and can become warm on the outside, burning a user's hand. Moreover, a mug made of metal or other opaque material can present security issues when entering a correctional facility, courthouse, or airport security check.

SUMMARY

Apparatus and systems for transparent scannable beverage containers with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids are disclosed. In some embodiments, a beverage container includes a cylindrical acrylic body sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. The body includes a transparent base and two transparent sidewalls extending from the base. The base and sidewalls define a chamber sized to contain 10-24 ounces of a beverage. The sidewalls are configured to thermally insulate the beverage. The chamber is open at a mouth of the body distal to the base. The body has a sidewall thread machined or molded onto a sidewall surface facing the chamber and proximal to the mouth, and a body thread machined or molded onto a body surface facing away from the chamber and proximal to the mouth.

A transparent rubber skin is shaped and sized to fit onto the body surface between the base and the mouth. The skin is configured to restrict the skin from slipping off the body, and reduce heat transfer from the chamber to a hand of a user gripping the skin for the container. A transparent acrylic handle having two ends is attached to the body surface proximal to the mouth at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user for carrying the container, and the handle is sized to permit the body to fit into the cup-holder. A first transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth to seal the chamber. The first lid has a first lid thread, complementary to the sidewall thread, machined or molded onto a first lid surface. The first lid includes a transparent acrylic latch. The first lid is configured to be screwed into the sidewall surface using the first lid thread and the sidewall thread by twisting the latch when the latch is placed in an open configuration. The latch is configured to permit the beverage to exit the first lid through an orifice in the first lid when the latch is placed in the open configuration for the beverage to be consumed. The orifice is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The latch is configured to seal the orifice when the latch is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the first lid.

A second transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The second lid has a second lid thread machined or molded onto a second lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The second lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the second lid thread and the body thread by twisting the second lid when the second lid is placed on the mouth. The second lid defines an opening shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the opening for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The second lid defines a spout shaped and sized to complement lips of the user for the beverage to be consumed through the spout.

A third transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The third lid has a third lid thread machined or molded onto a third lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The third lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the third lid thread and the body thread by twisting the third lid when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The third lid defines a hole shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the hole for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. A transparent rubber or plastic cover is sized to be placed onto each of the first lid, the second lid, and the third lid. The cover is shaped to encase the latch and the orifice to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the latch and the orifice when the first lid is placed in the mouth, encase the spout and the opening to prevent the transmission of germs proximate to the spout and the opening when the second lid is placed on the mouth, and encase the hole to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the hole when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The container is configured to receive one of the first lid, the second lid, or the third lid, and be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container.

In some embodiments, the container is free of metal. In some embodiments, the body surface comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the skin comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the handle comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the first lid comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the second lid comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the third lid comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the cover comprises an antimicrobial layer.

These and other aspects, features, and implementations can be expressed as apparatus, systems, components, and in other ways.

These and other aspects, features, and implementations will become apparent from the following descriptions, including the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that the present embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.

This document presents systems and apparatus for a transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids. In some embodiments, a beverage container includes a cylindrical acrylic body sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. The body includes a transparent base and two transparent sidewalls extending from the base. The base and sidewalls define a chamber sized to contain 10-24 ounces of a beverage. The sidewalls are configured to thermally insulate the beverage. The chamber is open at a mouth of the body distal to the base. The body has a sidewall thread machined or molded onto a sidewall surface facing the chamber and proximal to the mouth, and a body thread machined or molded onto a body surface facing away from the chamber and proximal to the mouth.

In some embodiments, a transparent rubber skin is shaped and sized to fit onto the body surface between the base and the mouth. The skin is configured to restrict the skin from slipping off the body, and reduce heat transfer from the chamber to a hand of a user gripping the skin for the container. In some embodiments, a transparent acrylic handle having two ends is attached to the body surface proximal to the mouth at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user for carrying the container, and the handle is sized to permit the body to fit into the cup-holder. A first transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth to seal the chamber. The first lid has a first lid thread, complementary to the sidewall thread, machined or molded onto a first lid surface. The first lid includes a transparent acrylic latch. The first lid is configured to be screwed into the sidewall surface using the first lid thread and the sidewall thread by twisting the latch when the latch is placed in an open configuration. The latch is configured to permit the beverage to exit the first lid through an orifice in the first lid when the latch is placed in the open configuration for the beverage to be consumed. The orifice is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The latch is configured to seal the orifice when the latch is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the first lid.

In some embodiments, a second transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The second lid has a second lid thread machined or molded onto a second lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The second lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the second lid thread and the body thread by twisting the second lid when the second lid is placed on the mouth. The second lid defines an opening shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the opening for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The second lid defines a spout shaped and sized to complement lips of the user for the beverage to be consumed through the spout.

In some embodiments, a third transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The third lid has a third lid thread machined or molded onto a third lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The third lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the third lid thread and the body thread by twisting the third lid when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The third lid defines a hole shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the hole for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. A transparent rubber or plastic cover is sized to be placed onto each of the first lid, the second lid, and the third lid. The cover is shaped to encase the latch and the orifice to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the latch and the orifice when the first lid is placed in the mouth, encase the spout and the opening to prevent the transmission of germs proximate to the spout and the opening when the second lid is placed on the mouth, and encase the hole to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the hole when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The container is configured to receive one of the first lid, the second lid, or the third lid, and be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container.

The advantages and benefits of the transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids described herein include the ability to readily pass through security checkpoints, such as correctional facilities, detention facilities, airport security checkpoints, and other places where going through an x-ray scanning machine or metal detector is necessary. Many correctional facilities mandate there should be no metal in containers or that containers should be transparent. The double sidewalls of the container provide thermal isolation to the beverage within, such that the beverage can be consumed hot or cold at a later time. The multiple interchangeable multifunction plastic lids can be used one at a time to consume the beverage in different ways, e.g., using a spout like a sippy cup or through a straw. Moreover, some embodiments have a spill prevention slide latch. The hook shaped handle provides easy grab-N-go functionality while enabling the container to readily fit in a car's cupholder. The lids are transparent and shatter-resistant.

In addition, the container is corrosion resistant and, in some embodiments, repels stains. The tight fitted flip-open lid having a safety latch makes drinking from the container easy and prevents beverages from spilling. The design is lightweight and compact for portability, leak proof, and include a wide mouth to accommodate full size ice cubes, and is easy to fill with beverage. An air vent on the lid allows beverages to flow out smoothly, without gushing or overflowing. All surfaces that come into contact with beverages are BPA free. Importantly, the container, including handle and lids is fully transparent to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container at a security checkpoint when entering a correctional facility.

FIG.1is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable beverage container100with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The container100includes a cylindrical body104sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle, such as a car of van. The body is transparent and, in some embodiments, is made of acrylic, a transparent plastic, transparent rubber, etc. For example, the components of the container100can be made of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Amorphous Copolyester (PETG), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR), etc. The container100is therefore easier to manufacture, lightweight, durable, shatter-resistant, and has lower production costs compared to traditional containers. The material of the container100achieves visible light transmission and/or optical refractive power comparable to glass and is thus visually scannable at a security check to determine the contents inside the container100.

The body104includes a transparent base108and (in some embodiments) two transparent sidewalls extending from the base108. Example sidewalls204,208are illustrated and described in more detail with reference toFIG.2. The base108and transparent sidewalls define a chamber112sized to contain (in some embodiments)10-24ounces of a beverage, such as coffee, tea, water, juice, etc. The chamber112is open at a mouth136of the body104distal to the base108. In some embodiments, the body has a body thread on a body surface148facing away from the chamber112and proximal to the mouth136for a multifunctional interchangeable lid132to be screwed onto the body. In other embodiments, the lid132is simply pushed tightly onto the mouth136to fasten it to the body. The lid132is interchangeable with other multifunctional lids, e.g., lids300,330,380illustrated and described in more detail with reference toFIGS.3A,3B, and3C.

In some embodiments, the body104includes a transparent handle116having two ends120,124. The handle is made of a transparent plastic, acrylic, etc. The handle116is attached to the body surface148proximal to the mouth136at only one end124of the two ends120,124. The handle116is shaped to be gripped by a user for carrying or holding the container100. The handle116is sized to permit the body104to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. A handle that is attached to the body104at both ends of the handle generally does not permit the body104to fit into a cup-holder.

In some embodiments, the lid132shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth136to seal the chamber112. In some embodiments, the lid132permits the beverage to exit the lid132through an orifice in the lid132. The terms orifice, hole, and opening are used interchangeably in the descriptions of the embodiments herein. The hole, orifice, or opening in the lid132can be shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw144to be inserted into the chamber112through the orifice for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw144. In other embodiments, the lid132is shaped similar to a circular ring surrounding the mouth136and the mouth136is open even when the lid132is placed around the mouth136such that a user can drink the beverage by tipping the container100and holding their lips to an edge of the lid132. In other embodiments, a user can put the straw144into the container through the lid132for drinking through the straw. In some embodiments, the lid132has a lid thread on a lid surface complementary to the body thread for screwing the lid132onto the body104. The term “complementary” here means the lid thread and the body thread match each other's diameter and thread pitch such that they interlock when the lid132is screwed onto the body104. For example, the lid132can be screwed into the body surface148using the lid thread and the body thread by twisting the lid132when the lid132is placed on the mouth136.

In some embodiments, a transparent rubber or plastic cover136is sized to be placed onto the lid132and other lids, e.g., lids300,330,380. The cover can have a hinge140to fasten onto another portion of the cover136or the lid132. The cover136is shaped to encase the orifice to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the orifice when the lid132is placed on the mouth136. Thus, the cover136prevents the spreads of germs, virus, COVID-19, bacteria, etc., in a hospital or other healthcare environment, nursing home, prison, school, etc. The container100is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container100and the beverage within, e.g., at an airport security checkpoint, security entrance to a detention or correctional facility, sports event, school, etc. The container100has no metal or glass in it. The container100is designed to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container100for security.

In some embodiments, the body surface148includes an antimicrobial layer128. The antimicrobial layer128contains an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface of the container100. The antimicrobial layer128is useful for use in various settings including clinics, industry, and even the home. The antimicrobial layer128can be functionalized in a variety of different processes. A coating can be applied to the body104that has a chemical compound which is toxic to microorganisms. In the alternative, it is possible to functionalize the body surface148by adsorbing a polymer or polypeptide and/or by changing its micro and nanostructure.

FIG.2is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable beverage container200with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The container200is made of a transparent non-metallic material similar to the container100illustrated and described in more detail with reference toFIG.1. The container200includes a cylindrical body220sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. The body220includes a transparent base212and, in some embodiments, two transparent sidewalls204,208extending from the base212. The base212and transparent sidewalls204,209define a chamber216sized to contain a beverage. The sidewalls204,208are shaped and sized to thermally insulate the beverage for consumption by a user after a period of time has passed. The container200can thus keep the beverage hot or cold for a longer period of time.

The chamber216is open at a mouth224of the body220distal to the base212. In some embodiments, the body220has a sidewall thread232on a sidewall surface228facing the chamber216and proximal to the mouth224. The sidewall thread232is a helical structure used to convert between rotational and linear movement or force for tightening a lid (e.g., lid132ofFIG.1) onto the body220. The sidewall thread232can be a ridge wrapped around the sidewall surface228in the form of a helix, e.g., a straight thread or a tapered thread. The body220, in some embodiments, has a body thread236on a body surface240facing away from the chamber216and proximal to the mouth224.

In some embodiments, the container200has a handle having two ends. The handle is attached to the body surface240proximal to the mouth224at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user. The handle is sized to permit the body220to fit into a cup-holder. In some embodiments, a lid (e.g., lid300ofFIG.3A) is shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth224to seal the chamber216. The lid has a lid thread, complementary to the sidewall thread232. The lid is configured to be screwed into the sidewall surface228using the lid thread and the sidewall thread232. In some embodiments, a lid (e.g., lid380ofFIG.3C) is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth224to seal the chamber216. The lid has a lid thread complementary to the body thread236. The lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface240using the lid thread and the body thread236by twisting the lid when the lid is placed on the mouth.

Similar to the container100ofFIG.1, the container200is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container200and the beverage. The container200is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container200. The container200is free of metal and glass.

FIGS.3A,3B, and3Care drawings illustrating transparent scannable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner.FIG.3Aillustrates a transparent lid300shaped and sized to be placed in a mouth (e.g., mouth224ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2) to seal a chamber (e.g., chamber216ofFIG.2) of the container. The lid300is transparent and made of any of the materials described with reference to container100inFIG.1. The lid300has a lid thread308that is complementary to a sidewall thread (e.g., sidewall thread232inFIG.2) on a lid surface312of the lid300. The lid300is configured to be screwed into a sidewall surface (e.g., sidewall surface228ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2) using the lid thread308and the sidewall thread by twisting the lid300when the lid is placed on a body (e.g., body220) of the container.

The lid300permits a beverage to exit the lid300through an orifice316in the lid300when a container on which the lid is affixed is tilted for the beverage to be consumed. In some embodiments, the hole or orifice316is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw (e.g., straw144ofFIG.1) to be inserted into the container through the orifice316for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. In some embodiments, a transparent rubber or plastic cover304is sized to be placed onto the lid300. The cover304is shaped to encase at least the orifice316to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the orifice316when the lid300is placed in the mouth of the container. The lid300is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the lid300, the container, and the beverage. The lid300permits a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid300. The lid300is free of metal and glass.

FIG.3Billustrates a transparent lid330shaped and sized to be placed in a mouth (e.g., mouth224ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2) to seal a chamber (e.g., chamber216ofFIG.2) of the container. The lid330is transparent and made of any of the materials described with reference to container100inFIG.1. The lid330has a lid thread338that is complementary to a sidewall thread (e.g., sidewall thread232inFIG.2) on a lid surface342of the lid330. The lid330is configured to be screwed into a sidewall surface (e.g., sidewall surface228ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2) using the lid thread338and the sidewall thread by twisting the lid330when the lid is placed on a body (e.g., body220) of the container.

The lid330includes a spout334shaped and sized to complement lips of a user for a beverage to be consumed through the spout334. In some embodiments, a transparent rubber or plastic cover360is sized to be placed onto the lid330. The cover360is shaped to encase at least the spout334to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the spout334when the lid330is placed in the mouth of the container. The lid330is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the lid330, the container, and the beverage. The lid330permits a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid330. The lid330is free of metal and glass. In some embodiments, the cover360includes an antimicrobial layer364. The antimicrobial layer364is similar to the antimicrobial layer128ofFIG.1.

FIG.3Cillustrates a transparent lid380shaped and sized to be placed on a mouth (e.g., mouth224ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2) to seal a chamber (e.g., chamber216ofFIG.2) of the container. The lid380is transparent and made of any of the materials described with reference to container100inFIG.1. The lid380has a lid thread384that is complementary to a body thread (e.g., body thread236inFIG.2) on a body surface of the container. The lid380is configured to be screwed into the body surface (e.g., body surface240ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2) using the lid thread384and the body thread by twisting the lid380when the lid380is placed on a body (e.g., body220) of the container.

The lid380is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the lid380, the container, and the beverage. The lid380permits a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid380. The lid380is free of metal and glass. Any and all of the lids described herein can have an antimicrobial layer.

FIG.4is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable beverage container400with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The container400includes a cylindrical body420sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. The body420includes a transparent base412and two transparent sidewalls424,428extending from the base412. In some embodiments, the base412and transparent sidewalls424,428define a chamber sized to contain10-24ounces of a beverage. The sidewalls424,428are configured to thermally insulate the beverage. The chamber is open at a mouth416of the body420distal to the base412.

In some embodiments, the container400includes a transparent rubber skin404shaped and sized to fit onto a body surface408between the base412and the mouth416. The skin404is configured to restrict the skin404from slipping off the body420and reduce heat transfer from the chamber to a hand of a user gripping the skin404. In some embodiments, the skin404comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the container400includes a transparent (e.g., acrylic) handle432having two ends. The handle432is attached to the body surface408proximal to the mouth416at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user and sized to permit the body420to fit into a cup-holder. In some embodiments, the handle432includes an antimicrobial surface.

In some embodiments, the container400includes a transparent multifunctional lid452shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth416to seal the chamber. The lid452is interchangeable with other multifunctional lids, e.g., lids300,330,380illustrated and described in more detail with reference toFIGS.3A,3B, and3C. In some embodiments, the lid452has a protruding rim456. The lid452is configured to permit the beverage to exit the lid through an orifice448in the lid452for the beverage to be consumed. In some embodiments, the orifice448is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw440to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice448for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw440.

The container400is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container400and the beverage. The container400is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container400. The container400is free of metal and glass.

FIG.5is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable multifunctional lid500, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The lid500is shaped and sized to be placed in a mouth (e.g., mouth224ofFIG.2) of a container (e.g., container200ofFIG.2). The lid500has a lid thread504on a lid surface508. The lid thread504is complementary to a sidewall thread (e.g., sidewall thread232ofFIG.2) of the container. The lid500includes a transparent latch512attached to a surface of the lid500by a hinge524. The latch512can be pivoted on the hinge524to alternate between an open configuration (shown byFIG.5) and a closed configuration.

The lid500is configured to be screwed into a sidewall surface (e.g., sidewall surface228ofFIG.2) using the lid thread504and the sidewall thread by moving the latch512circularly when the latch512is placed in an open configuration. For example, the latch is moved in the direction532to be screwed in to the sidewall surface and the latch is moved in the direction528for the lid to be removed from the container. The latch512is configured to permit the beverage to exit the lid500through an orifice516in the lid500when the latch512is placed in the open configuration (shown byFIG.5) for the beverage to be consumed. In some embodiments, the orifice516is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw (e.g., straw440ofFIG.4) to be inserted into the container through the orifice516for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The lid500has a hole520for air to enter the container as the beverage is consumed to assist the flow of the beverage out of the orifice516. The latch512is configured to seal the orifice516when the latch512is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the lid500.

In some embodiments, instead of the lid thread504, the lid500has a lid thread (similar to lid thread384ofFIG.3C) complementary to a body thread (e.g., body thread236ofFIG.2). In such embodiments, the lid500is configured to be screwed into a body surface (e.g., body surface240ofFIG.2) using the lid thread and the body thread by twisting the lid500when the lid500is placed on the mouth of a container. The lid500is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container, lid500, and the beverage. The lid500is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid500. The lid500is free of metal and glass.

FIG.6is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable beverage container600with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The container600includes a cylindrical body604. The body604includes a transparent base608and two transparent sidewalls612,616extending from the base604. The base608and transparent sidewalls612,616define a chamber620sized to contain a beverage. The sidewalls612,616are configured to thermally insulate the chamber620. The chamber620is open at a mouth624of the body604distal to the base608. The container600is made of any of the transparent materials described with reference toFIG.1.

The container600includes a transparent handle632having two ends636,640. The handle632is attached to a body surface628proximal to the mouth624at only one end640of the two ends636,640. The handle632is shaped to be gripped by a user. The container600includes a transparent multifunctional lid644shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth624to seal the chamber620. The lid644is interchangeable with other multifunctional lids, e.g., lids300,330,380illustrated and described in more detail with reference toFIGS.3A,3B, and3C. The lid644includes a transparent latch648that can slide into an open configuration or a closed configuration. The latch648permits the beverage to exit the lid644through an orifice652in the lid644when the latch648is slid into the open configuration for the beverage to be consumed. In some embodiments, the orifice652is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw (e.g., straw440ofFIG.4) to be inserted into the chamber620through the orifice652for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The latch648seals the orifice652when the latch648is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the lid644.

In some embodiments, the container600includes a transparent rubber or plastic cover656sized to be placed onto the lid644. The cover656is shaped to encase at least the latch648and the orifice652to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the latch648and the orifice652when the lid644is placed on the mouth624. The container600is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container600and the beverage. The container600is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container600. The container is free of metal and glass.

In some embodiments, the body surface628comprises an antimicrobial layer668. In some embodiments, the cover656comprises an antimicrobial layer660. In some embodiments, the handle632comprises an antimicrobial layer664.

FIG.7is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable beverage container700with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The beverage container700includes a cylindrical body712defining a chamber sized to contain a beverage. The beverage container700includes a transparent lid704shaped and sized to be placed on the body712to seal the body712. The lid704defines an opening708shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the lid704through the opening708for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The lid704defines a spout716shaped and sized to complement lips of a user for the beverage to be consumed through the spout716.

In some embodiments, the container700includes a transparent rubber or plastic cover sized to be placed onto the lid704. The cover is shaped to encase the spout716and the opening708to prevent the transmission of germs proximate to the spout716and the opening708when the lid704is placed on the body712. The container700is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container700is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container700. The container700is free of metal and glass.

FIG.8is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable beverage container800with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The container800includes a transparent body defining a chamber sized to contain a beverage. The chamber is open at a mouth of the body. The body has a body thread on a body surface facing away from the chamber and proximal to the mouth.

A transparent lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The lid includes a transparent slidable latch. The latch is configured to permit the beverage to exit the lid through an orifice in the lid when the latch is open. The orifice is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice. The latch is configured to seal the orifice when the latch is closed. The lid has a lid thread on a lid surface that is complementary to the body thread. The lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the lid thread and the body thread by twisting the lid when the lid is placed on the mouth.

The container is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container.

FIG.9is a drawing illustrating a transparent scannable multifunctional lid900, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner. The lid900is shaped and sized to be placed on a mouth (e.g., mouth624ofFIG.4) of a container (e.g., container600ofFIG.6) to seal a chamber (e.g., chamber620ofFIG.6) of the container. The lid900includes a transparent latch904. The lid900is configured to be screwed onto a beverage container. The latch904is configured to permit a beverage to exit the lid900through an orifice916in the lid900when the latch904is placed in an open configuration (shown byFIG.9) for the beverage to be consumed. The orifice916is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice916for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. In some embodiments, the orifice916is surrounded by a transparent rubber gasket920.

The latch904is configured to seal the orifice916when the latch904is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the lid900. When the latch904is placed in the closed configuration, a portion908of the latch904covers the orifice916. A portion912of the lid900engages with the portion908to provide a tighter fit when the latch904is placed in the closed configuration. The lid900is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The lid900is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid900.

FIGS.10A,10B,10C,10D,10E,10F, and10Gare drawings illustrating transparent scannable beverage containers with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Likewise, other embodiments include different and/or additional components, or are connected in a different manner.FIG.10Ashows a beverage container having a tapered body.FIG.10Bshows a container having a lid and a transparent cover.FIG.10Cshows a container having a lid and a transparent cover.FIG.10Dshows a container partially filled with a beverage.FIG.10Eshows a container having a dome-shaped cover.FIG.10Fshows a container having a lid and a transparent cover.FIG.10Gshows a container having a lid.

The description and drawings herein are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.

It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art.