System and apparatus for a beverage container

A beverage container may include a base having an axis, a closed bottom, an open top and an interior cavity therebetween. The base may be formed from a material that is opaque. In addition, a vessel is configured to contain a fluid. The vessel has an opening into or from which the fluid may flow relative to an interior of the vessel. The vessel is mounted in the interior cavity of the base and extends above and beyond the open top thereof. A radial air space is located between the vessel and the base relative to the axis. The vessel may be formed from a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent. In addition, a seal may be located between the base and the vessel. Each of the base, vessel and seal may be a different material.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates in general to containers and, in particular, to a system and apparatus for an insulated beverage container.

BACKGROUND

Conventional containers for insulating beverages are well known in the art. Some insulated beverage containers provide adequate insulation of a beverage, but no visibility of the contents of the container. Other insulated beverage containers permit visibility of the beverages that they contain, but they may underperform in insulating the beverage, providing grip for the user and/or other design limitations. Thus, improvements in beverage containers continue to be of interest.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a system and apparatus for a beverage container are disclosed.

In one embodiment, the beverage container may include a base having an axis, a closed bottom, an open top and an interior cavity therebetween. The base may be formed from a material that is opaque. In addition, a vessel is configured to contain a fluid. The vessel has an opening into or from which the fluid may flow relative to an interior of the vessel. The vessel is mounted in the interior cavity of the base and extends above and beyond the open top thereof. A radial air space is located between the vessel and the base relative to the axis. The vessel may be formed from a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent. In addition, a seal may be located between the base and the vessel. Each of the base, vessel and seal may be formed from a different material.

In another embodiment, a beverage container may include a base, a vessel, a first seal, and a second seal. The base may include a cylindrical interior cavity, a closed portion, and an open portion. The vessel may include an upper portion, a lower portion configured to mount within the interior cavity, and a shoulder located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The first seal may circumscribe the vessel and be configured to separate the base and the shoulder. The second seal may be located between a top surface of the cylindrical interior cavity and the lower portion of the vessel.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a system and apparatus for a beverage container are disclosed.

FIGS. 1-7illustrate a beverage container according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The beverage container101illustrated inFIGS. 1-7may include a base103, a vessel151, and a seal181.

The beverage container101may include a base103having an axis105, a closed bottom107, an open top109and an interior cavity111therebetween. The base103may comprise a material that is opaque and may have no other openings other than open top109. Various embodiments of the base103may comprise a metal selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, etc.

Various embodiments of the base103may include an outer wall113and an inner wall115. The inner wall115may define the interior cavity111. An insulation air space117may be located between the outer and inner walls113,115. In some versions, the insulation air space117may comprise a vacuum. The pressure inside the insulation air space117may be lower than the ambient, atmospheric pressure outside the beverage container101. In these embodiments,

In some embodiments, the radial thickness119of the insulation air space117may vary rotationally relative to the axis105. For example, a grip radial thickness119a, illustrated inFIG. 4, of the insulation air space117may be less than a body radial thickness119b, illustrated inFIG. 3, of the insulation air space117. Versions of the grip radial thicknesses119amay be located adjacent to the substantially vertical flat surfaces131, illustrated inFIG. 1, of the base103.

Various embodiments of the beverage container101may include a vessel151, for example an insert, configured to contain a fluid. The vessel151may include an opening152through which the fluid may flow to an interior of the vessel151. The opening152of the vessel151may be unobstructed. For example, the opening452of the vessel451illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15does not contain a lid or closure mechanism for the beverage container401.

In some embodiments, the beverage container101may include a lid163for the opening152in the vessel151. The lid163may be attachable to the vessel151to render the beverage container101in a fluid-closed configuration. In addition, the lid163may be removed from the vessel151to render the beverage container101in a fluid-open configuration.

In some embodiments, the vessel151may be mounted in the interior cavity of the base103and extend above and beyond the open top109thereof. In some embodiments, a radial air space153may be located between the vessel151and the base103relative to the axis105. The vessel151may be formed from a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent. For example, a material used to form the vessel151may include at least one of glass or a polymer.

As illustrated inFIGS. 1, 3 and 4, in some embodiments the vessel151directly contacts only one surface of the base103(e.g., adjacent to the open top109, as shown). For example, the vessel151may include an upper portion155that comprises an upper shape that tapers in an axial direction. The vessel151may include a lower portion157that comprises a lower shape that tapers in an axial direction. The vessel151may include a shoulder159that is substantially perpendicular to the axis105and may be located between the upper and lower portions155,157. In some embodiments, the shoulder159may axially coincide with the open top109of the base103. In some embodiments, the shoulder159may be the only portion of the vessel151that directly contacts the base103. In some embodiments, an axial bottom161of the vessel151may be free of direct contact with an axial upper surface121of the closed bottom107of the base103. In some embodiments, an axial air space123may be located between the axial bottom161of the vessel151and the base103.

Embodiments of the beverage container101may further include a seal181. The seal181may be located between the base103and the vessel151. In some embodiments, each of the base103, vessel151and seal181may be formed different materials. In some embodiments, the seal181may include at least one of an elastomer or silicone. In some embodiments, at a least a portion of the seal181may be located between the axial bottom161of the vessel151and the base103. In some embodiments, an outer surface of the vessel151may include at least one radial outer groove165that circumscribes the vessel151relative to the axis105. In this embodiment, the seal181may seat in the radial outer groove165.

In some embodiments, the seal181does not fill a space between the base103and vessel151. In one embodiment, the seal181may be not directly visible from an exterior of the beverage container101. In some embodiments, the seal181may be indirectly visible through the vessel151as a refraction. In other embodiments, for example as illustrated inFIGS. 11-13, a seal381may be directly visible from an exterior of the beverage container301. In some embodiments, the seal381may be similar to the seal181illustrated inFIGS. 1-7. The seal381may provide a friction surface for the beverage container301that has higher friction than any other portion of the beverage container301.

In some embodiments, the seal181may include a radial thickness183(see radial thicknesses183band183cinFIG. 4) that varies relative to the axis105. In one embodiment, the seal181may include a radial thickness183a, for example as illustrated inFIG. 3, that varies circumferentially (compare radial thicknesses183band183cinFIG. 4) relative to the axis105. In some embodiments, the radial thicknesses183a,183band183cof the first seal181may vary relative to the axis105.

In some embodiments, the beverage container101may include a plurality of seals181,185. Seals181,185may be axially spaced apart from each other, as shown. Each seal181,185may circumscribe the vessel151relative to the axis105. For example, the first seal181may be located adjacent to the open top109of the base103, and the second seal185may be located in the interior cavity111of the base103adjacent to the closed bottom107of the base103.

In some embodiments, one or both of the seals181,185may comprise an elastomer or silicone. As a result of this composition, one or both of the seals181,185may function as a shock absorber between the base103and the vessel151. In some embodiments, one or both of the seals181,185may function to reduce a rattling sound produced by the base103and the vessel151coming into contact with each other when the beverage container101is being transported.

In some embodiments, the seal181may function as an alignment guide. For example, the seal181may include a distinctive mark to allow the seal181to assist a user in correctly aligning the vessel151to the base103.

In some embodiments, the base103may comprise metal, the vessel151may comprise glass and the seal181(e.g., and seal185) may comprise elastomer. At least one of the base103, vessel151or seal181may be axially symmetric and comprise at least one grip. For example, the base103may include the substantially vertical flat surfaces131as a grip, the vessel151may include the substantially vertical flat surfaces171as a grip, and the seal381may include a substantially vertical flat surface391as a grip. For example, the seal381may be illustrated inFIG. 11. The one or more grips may cause the beverage container not to be uniform with a respective outer shape thereof. For example, the beverage container201may include a curved portion of the body and a flat grip. In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the grips171of vessel151may be located only on the upper portion155and are not necessarily on the lower portion157.

Embodiments of the base103and the vessel151may be axially symmetric and comprise a grip that is not uniform with a respective outer shape thereof. The grips of the base103and vessel151may be rotationally aligned with respect to the axis105, and the outer shapes of the base103and vessel151may be complementary to each other. In other versions, for example as illustrated inFIG. 11, each of the base303, vessel351and seal381may be axially symmetric and comprise a grip331,371,391, respectively, that is not uniform with a respective outer shape thereof. The grips331,371,391of the base303, vessel351and seal381, respectively, may be rotationally aligned with respect to the axis304, and the outer shapes of the base303, vessel351and seal381may be complementary to each other. The term complementary refers to the shapes of the base303, vessel351and seal381and the arrangement in which the shapes of the base303, vessel351and seal381align and create an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the base103may include at least one protrusion. For example, the base103may include the horizontal ribs173near the open top109. In some embodiments, the ribs173may extend from the inner surface of base103into the interior cavity111radially inward toward the axis105. In some embodiments, the seal181may include at least one notch195that is complementary in an outer surface thereof that receives the protrusion.

In other embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4, bumps145may function as the protrusion and extend from the inner surface into the interior cavity radially inward toward the axis105. The bumps145may be located adjacent to the bottom107of base103. The seal185may seat axially beneath the protrusion, for example the bumps145, to secure the seal185in the interior cavity111of the base103.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the seal181may include at least one aperture187that extends axially and is configured to facilitate air passage when the vessel151is installed in or removed from the base103. For example,FIG. 6illustrates two apertures187. The radial air space153between the vessel151and the base103may be located axially below the seal181.

In some embodiments, as illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7, the seal181may include ribs197that extend axially. The base103may include horizontal ledges141, as illustrated inFIG. 7, that have notches143into which ribs197on seal181may seat to properly rotationally orient vessel151with respect to base103.

FIGS. 8-10illustrate a beverage container according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The beverage container201illustrated inFIGS. 8-10may include a base203, a vessel251, a first seal281, and a second seal285.

As illustrated inFIGS. 8-10, both the first and second seals281,285may comprise wiper seals that seal radially between the base203and vessel251. The first seal281may be located between only radial surfaces of the base203and vessel251.

In some embodiments, one or both of the seals281,285may comprise an elastomer or silicone. As a result of this composition, one or both of the seals281,285may function as a shock absorber between the base203and the vessel251. In some embodiments, one or both of the seals281,285may function to reduce a rattling sound produced by the base203and the vessel251coming into contact with each other when the beverage container101is being transported.

In some embodiments, the seal281may function as an alignment guide. For example, the seal281may include a distinctive mark to allow the seal281to assist a user in correctly aligning the vessel251to the base203.

In some embodiments, the beverage container201may further include a ring293mounted to the vessel251between the vessel251and the base203to prevent contact between the vessel251and the base203. The ring293may be mounted to the vessel251between the vessel251and the base203. Various embodiments of the ring293may circumscribe the vessel251and be directly visible from an exterior of the beverage container201. In some embodiments, the ring293may comprise an opaque polymer that is a different color from or the same color as at least one of the base203or vessel251.

In some embodiments, the vessel251may include a shoulder259. In some embodiments, the shoulder259may be the only portion of the vessel251that directly contacts the base203. In some embodiments, a radial air space253may be located between the vessel251and the base203.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the vessel251may include at least one radial outer groove265that circumscribes the vessel251. A seal281may seat in the radial outer groove265.

In some embodiments, the base203may include an interior cavity211. In some embodiments, the vessel251may seat within the interior cavity211. The interior cavity211may be defined by an inner wall of the base203.

In some embodiments, when the vessel251is seated within the interior cavity211, an axial bottom261of the vessel251may be free of direct contact with an axial upper surface221of the closed bottom207of the base203. In some embodiments, an axial air space may be located between the axial bottom261of the vessel251and the base203.

FIGS. 11-13illustrate a beverage container according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The beverage container301illustrated inFIGS. 11-13may include a base303, a vessel351, and a seal381.

As illustrated inFIGS. 11-13, the seal381may be located between both axial and radial surfaces of the base303and vessel351relative to the axis305. Although not illustrated, a second seal may be located between only radial surfaces of the base303and vessel351relative to the axis305.

In some embodiments, the vessel351may include a shoulder359. In some embodiments, the shoulder359may be the only portion of the vessel351that directly contacts the base303. In some embodiments, a radial air space353may be located between the vessel351and the base303.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the vessel351may include at least one radial outer groove365that circumscribes the vessel351. A seal381may seat in the radial outer groove365.

In some embodiments, the base303may include an interior cavity311. In some embodiments, the vessel351may seat within the interior cavity311. The interior cavity311may be defined by an inner wall of the base303.

In some embodiments, an axial bottom321of the vessel351may be free of direct contact with an axial upper surface of the closed bottom307of the base303. In some embodiments, an axial air space may be located between the axial bottom321of the vessel351and the base303.

FIGS. 14-15illustrate a beverage container according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The beverage container401illustrated inFIGS. 14-15may include a base403, a vessel451, and an opening452.

In some embodiments, the base403may be similar to the base103, base203, and base303. The base403may be configured to allow the vessel451to seat within an interior cavity of the base403. In some embodiments, an axial bottom461of the vessel451may be free of direct contact with an axial upper surface of the closed bottom407of the base403. In some embodiments, an axial air space may be located between the axial bottom461of the vessel451and the base403.

The vessel451may include an opening452through which the fluid may flow to an interior of the vessel451. The opening452of the vessel451may be unobstructed. For example, the opening452of the vessel451illustrated inFIGS. 14 and 15does not contain a lid or closure mechanism for the beverage container401.

The vessel451may include an upper portion455that comprises an upper shape that tapers in an axial direction. The vessel151may also include a lower portion that comprises a lower shape that tapers in an axial direction.

Some embodiments of the beverage container may not include threads or other mechanical interlocking fasteners for assembling the apparatus. For example, some embodiments of the beverage container may be assembled by an axial sliding motion and friction or interference fit, such as via the one or more seals. In some embodiments, the beverage container201may include threads to attach the lid to the top of the vessel but no other threads or other mechanical interlocking fasteners. Other embodiments of the beverage container may include only the base, the vessel, the lid, and the at least one seal.

Other versions may include one or more of various other embodiments. For example, the beverage container may comprise a base having an axis, a closed bottom, an open top and an interior cavity therebetween. The base may comprise a material that is opaque. The beverage container may further comprise a vessel configured to contain a fluid. The vessel may include an opening into or from which the fluid may flow relative to an interior of the vessel. The vessel may be mounted in the interior cavity of the base and extend above and beyond the open top thereof. The vessel may include radial air space located between the vessel and the base relative to the axis. The vessel may further comprise a material that is at least one of translucent or transparent.

The vessel may further comprise a seal located between the base and the vessel. The seal may comprise a plurality of seals that are axially spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of seals may circumscribe the vessel relative to the axis. Each of the base, vessel and seal may comprise a different material.

In some embodiments, the base comprises an outer wall and an inner wall. The inner wall may define the interior cavity. An insulation air space may be located between the outer and inner walls.

In some embodiments, the insulation air space comprises a vacuum such that a pressure inside the insulation air space is lower than the ambient, atmospheric pressure outside of the beverage container.

In some embodiments, a radial thickness of the insulation air space may vary rotationally relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, a grip radial thickness of the insulation air space is less than a body radial thickness of the insulation air space.

In some embodiments, the vessel may directly contact only one surface of the base.

In some embodiments, an upper portion of the vessel may comprise an upper shape that tapers in an axial direction, a lower portion of the vessel may comprise a lower shape that tapers in an axial direction, and a shoulder may be located between the upper and lower shapes that is substantially perpendicular to the axis.

In some embodiments, the shoulder axially coincides with the open top of the base. The shoulder may be the only portion of the vessel that directly contacts the base.

In some embodiments, an axial bottom of the vessel is free of direct contact with an axial upper surface of the closed bottom of the base.

In some embodiments, there may be an axial air space located between the axial bottom of the vessel and the base.

In some embodiments, at a least a portion of the seal is located between the axial bottom of the vessel and the base.

In some embodiments, the opening of the vessel is unobstructed.

In some embodiments, the beverage container201may further comprise a lid for the opening in the vessel. The lid may be attachable to the vessel to render the beverage container in a fluid-closed configuration. The lid may be removable from the vessel to render the beverage container in a fluid-open configuration.

In some embodiments, the vessel may comprise at least one of glass or a polymer.

In some embodiments, an outer surface of the vessel may comprise a radial outer groove that circumscribes the vessel relative to the axis. The seal is configured to seat in the radial outer groove.

In some embodiments, the seal does not fill a space between the base and vessel. The seal may not be directly visible from an exterior of the beverage container.

In some embodiments, the seal is indirectly visible through the vessel as a refraction.

In some embodiments, the seal is directly visible from an exterior of the beverage container. The seal may provide a friction surface for the beverage container that has higher friction than any other portion of the beverage container.

In some embodiments, the seal may comprise a radial thickness that varies relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, the seal may comprise a radial thickness that varies circumferentially relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, a first seal may be located adjacent to the open top of the base and a second seal may be located in the interior cavity of the base adjacent to the closed bottom of the base.

In some embodiments, both the first and second seals comprise wiper seals that only seal radially between the base and vessel with respect to the axis.

In some embodiments, the first seal may be located between only radial surfaces of the base and vessel relative to the axis. In other embodiments, the first seal may be located between both axial and radial surfaces of the base and vessel relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, the second seal may be located between only radial surfaces of the base and vessel relative to the axis. In other embodiments, the second seal may be located between both axial and radial surfaces of the base and vessel relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, a radial thickness of the first seal varies relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, the second seal may be located between both axial and radial surfaces of the base and vessel relative to the axis.

In some embodiments, the second seal may comprise a cup.

In some embodiments, the seal may comprise an aperture that extends axially and is configured to facilitate air passage when the vessel is installed in or removed from the base.

In some embodiments, the radial air space between the vessel and the base is located axially below the seal.

In some embodiments, the base may comprise a metal. In some embodiments, the vessel may comprise glass. In some embodiments, the seal may comprise elastomer.

In some embodiments, at least one of the base, vessel or seal is axially symmetric and comprises a grip that is not uniform with a respective outer shape thereof. In other embodiments, each of the base and the vessel is axially symmetric and comprises a grip that is not uniform with a respective outer shape thereof. The grips of the base and vessel may be rotationally aligned with respect to the axis. The outer shapes of the base and vessel may be complementary to each other.

In other embodiments, each of the base, vessel and seal may be axially symmetric and comprise a grip that is not uniform with a respective outer shape thereof. In these embodiments, the grips of the base, vessel and seal may be rotationally aligned with respect to the axis and the outer shapes of the base, vessel and seal may be complementary to each other.

In some embodiments, the beverage container201may further comprise a ring mounted to the vessel between the vessel and the base to prevent contact between the vessel and the base. In some embodiments, the ring may circumscribe the vessel and be visible from an exterior of the beverage container. The ring may comprise an opaque polymer that differs in color from the base and vessel.

In some embodiments, the base may comprise a protrusion that extends from the interior cavity radially inward toward the axis. The seal may comprise a notch in an outer surface thereof that receives the protrusion.

In some embodiments, the base may comprise a protrusion that extends from the interior cavity radially inward toward the axis. The seal may seat axially beneath the protrusion to secure the seal in the interior cavity of the base.

In some embodiments, the beverage container may comprise a base, a vessel, a first seal, and a second seal. The base may comprise a cylindrical interior cavity, a closed portion, and an open portion. In some embodiments, the closed portion may be a bottom of the beverage container and the open portion may be the opening to the cylindrical interior cavity.

The vessel may include an upper portion, a lower portion, and a shoulder located between the upper portion and the lower portion. The lower portion may be configured to mount within the interior cavity of the base. The shoulder may be located between the upper portion and the lower portion.

The first seal may circumscribe the vessel and separate the base and the shoulder. For example, the first seal may be in the shape of a ring and coupled to a top portion of the interior cavity of the base. In another example, the first seal may be a plurality of seals spaced along the top portion of the interior cavity of the base.

The second seal may be located between a top surface of the cylindrical interior cavity and the lower portion of the vessel. For example, when the lower portion of the vessel is mounted within the interior cavity, the second seal may serve as a boundary between the lower portion of the vessel and the base. In some embodiments, the second seal may serve as a shock absorber to protect one or more of the vessel or base from breakage.

In some embodiments, the interior cavity may include an inner wall, an outer wall, and an insulation air space between the inner wall and the outer wall. The air pressure of the insulation air space may be lower than the air pressure of the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the beverage container. Maintaining the lower air pressure within the insulation air space may allow the beverage container to maintain the contents within the vessel at an optimal temperature for an extended period of time. For example, maintaining the lower air pressure within the insulation air space may allow cold contents to remain cold longer than they would in another beverage container or may allow hot contents to remain hot longer than they would in another beverage container.

In some embodiments, the upper portion of the vessel may comprise a diameter greater than a diameter of the lower portion of the vessel. The diameter of the upper portion of the vessel may be approximately the same as a diameter of the base. For example, if the upper portion of the vessel has a diameter approximately the same as the diameter of the base, when the lower portion of the vessel is mounted within the interior cavity of the base, the beverage container may have a uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans may appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.