Abstract:
A double walled container is provided for insulating a beverage. An outer insulating shell or container is secured to the inner container that holds the beverage. A gap exists between the outer container and inner container and the air in the gap acts as an insulating barrier. The inner container is preferably a standard aluminum container. The outer container is preferably made from aluminum or a plastic polymer. The outer container may have annular or longitudinal grooves that assist in securing the outer container to the inner container, and the grooves may also provide an enhanced gripping surface as well as a visually pleasing aesthetic design. The outer container may include a base, or the base may be eliminated in favor of a sleeve configuration for the outer container.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/622,995 filed on Jan. 12, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to beverage containers, and more particularly, to a double walled beverage container that enhances the ability of the container to maintain the beverage therein at a desired temperature. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Aluminum beverage containers are perhaps the most widely used container to hold a number of different types of beverages. There are many advantages of using an aluminum container, including ease in manufacture and low relative cost. However, one distinct disadvantage of an aluminum container is its inability to insulate the contents of the container. 
         [0004]    It is well known that aluminum containers must be refrigerated if the beverage therein is to be served cold. Even if the beverage is refrigerated immediately prior to consumption, the temperature of the beverage will quickly warm by contact of the consumer&#39;s hand with the container. 
         [0005]    One remedy for providing some insulation for the cooled beverage within the aluminum container is to place an insulating outer container over the beverage container. These outer containers are typically made from a type of resilient foam. The exterior circumference of the foam outer container is considerably larger than the circumference of the beverage container. The outer container is removed from the container when the beverage has been consumed. Although these foam outer containers may be adequate for their intended purpose, there is a need to provide an insulated container that does not substantially change the size or shape of the container when held by a consumer. There is also a need to provide a container with an integral insulating feature that does not require a separate device like a foam outer container to be secured thereto. Additionally, there is a need to provide an insulated beverage container that is still simple and cost effective to manufacture, and maintains consumer appeal when the insulated beverage container is displayed for sale. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In accordance with the present invention, an insulated beverage container is provided in the form of a double walled container. The double walled container includes a standard aluminum beverage container in combination with an outer container that substantially conforms to the shape of the inner aluminum container. Preferably, the outer container is also made from aluminum. 
         [0007]    In a first embodiment, the double walled container of the present invention comprises a standard aluminum container with an outer container or shell that surrounds the sidewalls and base of the aluminum container. The outer container or shell has a complementary shape, and the dome of the inner aluminum container nests within a dome of the outer container. A small gap is maintained between the sidewalls of the inner container and the outer container, and this gap provides an insulating air space that helps to maintain the temperature of the beverage. Instead of a nesting configuration between the domes of the inner container and the outer container, the circumferential leg or protrusion on the base of the inner container may rest on the dome of the outer container. In this arrangement, a greater gap is provided between the sidewalls of the inner container and outer container. 
         [0008]    Additional features of the present invention include annular or longitudinal grooves that may be formed on the outer container to assist in gripping the container. Additionally, for the embodiment including the outer container made of a polymer, the color and finish of the polymer may be chosen to enhance the graphics used on the inner container. Debossing or embossing the outer container member may further enhance visual features of the inner container graphics. 
         [0009]    While simply providing an air gap between the inner container and outer container may be adequate for insulating most beverages, it is also contemplated that the gap may be filled with an insulating material, such as polyurethane foam, to provide enhanced insulation. Additionally, material placed in the gap may further strengthen the container to prevent undesirable bending of the outer container if the outer container is firmly grasped by the consumer. Other materials that can be used to fill the gap between the inner container and outer container include closed cell foam, polystyrene, and corrugated cardboard. Additionally, a selected inert gas may be used to fill the gap, since some inert gases have better insulative capability as compared to air. 
         [0010]    Also in accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a double walled container. For the manufacture of the inner aluminum container, it may be constructed in accordance with known methods for manufacturing standard aluminum containers. With respect to manufacturer of the aluminum outer container, the same manufacturing process can be used, with the exception that the outer container construction does not include attaching a top lid, and rather, the outer container is necked down at the top edge thereof to the same diameter as the inner container. The outer container is press fit onto the inner container. Press fitting the inner container and outer container results in a friction fit between the sidewall of the inner container and the upper edge of the outer container, and also helps to center the inner container so that the nesting configuration can be achieved between the respective domes. As necessary, a sealing or adhesive may be applied to ensure that the outer container remains secure to the inner container without slippage or inadvertent displacement. A small opening may be made in the dome or sidewall of the outer container to allow air to escape as the inner container and outer container are joined to one another during the press fit operation. Thereafter, the small opening may be sealed. In the event an inert gas is to be placed within the gap, this opening can be used to inject the inert gas. 
         [0011]    With respect to use of a plastic outer container, the plastic outer container can be made by an injection or compression molding process to produce a pre-form component. The pre-form component can then be blown in a mechanical/pneumatic process to form the final shape of the plastic outer container. The plastic outer container can be embossed, debossed, or otherwise manipulated to register features of the outer container with the design printed on the inner can. The plastic outer container is trimmed to a predetermined height. The plastic outer container can then be assembled to the inner container. The outer container may be press fit onto the inner container if the outer container has already been necked down at the upper end thereof. Alternatively, the outer container can be slipped over the inner container, and then localized heating is applied at the upper portion of the outer container causes the plastic material to tightly shrink to the inner container to form a tight seal. A sealing/adhesive compound can also be used to ensure that the plastic outer container remains securely attached to the inner container. 
         [0012]    Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by a review of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of the present invention including an inner aluminum container and an outer aluminum container; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a vertical cross-section of the assembled container illustrating specifically the nested configuration between the domes of the inner container and the outer container; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is an elevation view illustrating the exterior appearance of the assembled container; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  illustrates a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view illustrating the exterior appearance of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  illustrates another cross-section similar to  FIG. 4  but differing in the particular shape of the inner container and the height of the outer container; 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is an elevation view illustrating the exterior appearance of the container of  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention including an inner container and a polymer/plastic outer container having annular grooves; 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a cross-section illustrating an assembled container of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is an elevation view illustrating the exterior appearance of the embodiment of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a cross-section illustrating yet another embodiment wherein the outer container does not have a dome shaped base and rather is flat; 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention including an inner aluminum container and a polymer/plastic outer container having longitudinal grooves; 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 12  showing the outer container secured to the inner container; 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is a top plan view of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is a bottom plan view of  FIG. 12 ; and 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is an enlarged fragmentary vertical cross section view of  FIG. 12  showing the nested configuration between the inner and outer containers. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a first embodiment of the present invention in the form of a double walled beverage container  10 . The beverage container  10  comprises two components, namely, an inner container  11 , and an outer casing, shell, or outer container  40 . 
         [0030]    In all of the embodiments, the inner container  11  is preferably a standard aluminum container. The inner container  11  comprises a cylindrical shaped sidewall  12 , a base  14 , an upper neck portion  22 , and a top  24 . The base  14  is further characterized as including a circumferential or annular concave portion  16 , a dome shaped panel  20 , and a circumferential/annular leg or protrusion  18 . As set forth in, for example the U.S. Pat. No. 6,098,832, the particular shape of the base of the container provides the container with the necessary strength to house the beverage therein, and helps to minimize the amount of aluminum material used. The &gt;832 patent is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein for disclosing one basic construction for an aluminum container, and which is suitable for use in the present invention. 
         [0031]    The outer container or casing  40  as illustrated has a complementary shape as the inner container  11 . Specifically, the outer container  40  also comprises a cylindrical sidewall  42 , base  44 , circumferential concave portion  46 , circumferential leg/protrusion  48 , and dome shaped panel  50 . The outer container/casing has a slightly larger shape that enables a nested configuration between the corresponding circumferential concave portions of both the inner container and the outer container. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the circumferential concave portion  16  of the inner container  11  rests on the circumferential concave portion  46  of the outer container  40 . Accordingly, a substantially uniform gap is created between the sidewall  12  and the sidewall  42 . Through testing, it has been found that providing approximately a ⅛-inch gap between the sidewall  12  and the sidewall  42  provides effective insulation for the beverage contained within the inner container. 
         [0032]    The nested configuration of the respective domes and circumferential concave portions effectively centers the inner container within the outer container. As also shown in  FIG. 2 , there may also be a small gap that exists between the respective legs  18  and  48 , as well as the respective domes  20  and  50 . The primary insulation benefit is derived from the spacing of the respective sidewalls of the inner container and the outer container; however, a gap between the respective domes also provides some amount of additional insulation. It is also contemplated however that the domes can be in contact with one another that may provide some additional stability between the inner container and outer container and without materially affecting insulation characteristics. 
         [0033]    The upper portion of the outer container includes a circumferential transition  52  that attaches to the sidewall  12  as shown. The upper transition  52  tapers to contact the sidewall  12 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 3  illustrates the exterior appearance of the container of the first embodiment. Because of the complementary shape of the outer container, along with the relatively small gap between the inner container and outer container, the overall look of the container is essentially unchanged, yet the benefit of providing an insulated container is achieved. 
         [0035]    The outer container may accept printing, debossing, embossing, or other surface treatments in order to provide a desired external presentation for the product. 
         [0036]    It shall be understood that with respect to the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the outer container  40  can be made of aluminum, or can be made of a plastic polymer. There are a number of plastic materials that can be used including clear monolayer PET, high or low-density polyethylene, PLA, among others. With respect to use of aluminum in the first embodiment, it is also contemplated that the outer container may be made of a full thick-walled member. A full thick-walled member refers to the sidewall  42  having a uniform thickness. For many aluminum containers, it is well known to Aneck down@ or thin the aluminum material located at the midsection of the sidewall in order to save on the amount of aluminum that is used within the container. Since the outer container is not under pressure, it is desirable to prevent the outer sidewall from collapsing when grasped. Therefore, by constructing the outer sidewall of a full, thick-walled member, the thicker mid-section helps to remedy any tendency of the outer container sidewall to collapse when grasped. 
         [0037]      FIGS. 4 and 5  illustrate yet another embodiment of the container  10  of the present invention. The reference numbers used in this embodiment correspond to the same elements as those set forth in the first embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 . The difference in the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5  is that there is no nested configuration between the domes of the inner container and the outer container. Rather, the leg  18  of the inner container rests on the dome panel  50  of the outer container as shown. This embodiment may be chosen if it is desired to provide a greater gap between the inner container and the outer container. In comparing  FIGS. 3 and 4 , there is very little difference in the overall exterior appearance, the basic cylindrical shape and size of the container being maintained. 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numbers are also used in  FIGS. 6 and 7  as in the first embodiment to denote the same structural elements. The embodiment of  FIGS. 6 and 7  is similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5  in that the leg  18  of the inner container  11  rests on the dome  50  of the outer container.  FIGS. 6 and 7  differ from the embodiment of  FIGS. 4 and 5  in that the sidewall  42  of the outer container  40  does not extend as far upwards along the sidewall  12 . In the case of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the shorter appearing outer container may be a result of simply providing an inner container  11  of a greater height, or reducing the height of the side wall  42  of the outer container  40 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 8-10  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same inner container  11  is provided, but the outer container  60  is preferably made from a plastic polymer. As shown, the outer container  60  includes a side wall  62 , a plurality of spaced annular grooves  64 , a neck  66 , base  68 , a circumferential frusto-conical concave portion  70 , circumferential leg  72 , and dome shaped panel  74 . Thus, with respect to the specific shape of the outer container  60 , it is very similar to the outer container  40  with the exception that the plurality of annular grooves  64  is formed.  FIG. 9  is a cross section illustrating the outer container  60  assembled to the inner container wherein the inner surface of the outer container makes contact with the sidewall  12  at the location of the grooves  64 ; however a gap is maintained between the other parts of the outer container and the sidewall  12 . Because of the inherent insulative characteristics of some plastic materials, effective insulation may be maintained despite the contact of the outer container at some locations against the sidewall of the inner container. The annular grooves  64  may be provided for aesthetic/ornamental purposes, to increase the strength of the outer container, and/or to enhance the ability of a consumer to grip the double walled container. 
         [0040]      FIG. 11  shows yet another embodiment of the present invention wherein a plastic outer container is used, and the base  68  of the outer container  60  is flat and does not have a dome shape. Thus, no nesting relationship exists between the base  68  and the base  14  of the inner container. Rather, a gap  80  exists between the base  68  and the base  14 . 
         [0041]      FIGS. 12-16  illustrate another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the same type of inner container  11  is shown, but the outer container  100  is modified in that the outer container has a plurality of circumferentially spaced longitudinal grooves  102 . As best seen in  FIGS. 14 and 15 , the outer sidewall  104  is spaced from the sidewall  12  of the inner container except where the grooves  102  are located. Another way in which to visualize or describe the longitudinal grooves  102  and outer sidewall  104  is that the outer sidewall  104  is segmented or separated between adjacent longitudinal grooves  102 , and each of the segments of the outer sidewall form radially extending protrusions. The longitudinal grooves  102  are shown as being evenly spaced from one another, thereby providing not only a functional gripping surface for the user, but also providing a pleasing visual effect. The sidewall  104  of the outer container is cylindrical, and the longitudinal grooves are substantially V-shaped or U-shaped when viewed in cross-section. The width and depth of the longitudinal grooves  102  may be varied to optimize the insulative effect, aesthetic visual effect, and gripping capability for the user. For purposes of providing insulation, it may be advantageous to minimize the number of grooves, thereby resulting in fewer points of contact between the outer container with the sidewall of the inner container. Reducing the number of longitudinal grooves thereby also increases the collective area of the gap between the sidewall  12  of the inner container and the sidewall  104  of the outer container. 
         [0042]    As mentioned, because of the inherent insulative characteristics of some plastic materials, effective insulation may be maintained despite the contact of the outer container with the inner container along the longitudinal grooves  102 . 
         [0043]    As seen in the  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the upper end of the outer sidewall  104  has an upper tapered portion  106  that converges radially inward against the sidewall  12  of the inner container. Similarly, the lower end of the outer sidewall  104  includes a lower tapered portion  108  that converges radially inward. The upper tapered portion  106  may be positioned to cover or partially cover the curved upper neck  22  of the inner container. 
         [0044]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , the outer container and the inner container maintain a nested relationship, similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 9 . More specifically, the outer container  100  includes a dome  110  which is aligned with and covers the dome  20  of the inner container. The outer container further includes a circumferential leg  112  and a radially converging portion  114  that aligns with the leg  18  and the circumferential concave portion  16  of the inner container, respectively. The dome  110  may have a central indentation  120  that contact the dome  20 , while the remaining portion of the dome  110  is spaced from the dome  20  and separated by annular gap  111 . A circumferential gap  115  is present between the concave portion  16  and radially converging portion  114 . 
         [0045]    The leg  112  of the outer container may be sized so that it is can be press fit over the circumferential leg  18  of the inner container, thereby providing a secure connection between the inner and outer container. Additionally, the diameter of the outer container as measured between opposing longitudinal grooves  102  can be slightly undersized as compared to the outer diameter of the inner container to provide a friction or press fit to further ensure a firm connection between the inner and outer containers. 
         [0046]    Although the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-16  illustrates the outer container having a closed bottom with the dome  110 , leg  112  and radially converging portion  114 , it is also contemplated that the closed bottom can be eliminated thereby creating an outer container in the form of a cylindrical shaped sleeve that only covers the sidewall  12  of the inner container. Additionally, if the outer container is provided in the sleeve configuration, the lower tapered portion  108  may be positioned to cover or partially cover the radially converging portion  114  to help ensure a tight fit between the inner and outer containers. 
         [0047]    Also in accordance with the present invention, a method is provided for manufacturing a double walled container. With respect to the manufacture of an inner aluminum and an outer aluminum container, the inner container may be constructed in accordance with known methods for manufacturing standard aluminum containers. As understood by those skilled in the art, manufacturing of the inner container comprises a number of steps to include drawing and ironing a single piece of aluminum into a desired shape, washing and printing the container, providing desirable coatings for the interior surface of the container, attaching the lid, and then filling. With respect to the manufacture of the aluminum outer container, the outer container is formed from one piece, and is then drawn and ironed in the same manner as a standard aluminum container. The outer container is then trimmed to a predetermined height, washed, printed, and coated to protect the interior and exterior surfaces thereof. The upper transition is then reduced in circumference by roll forming that part of the outer container. Preferably, the circumference of the upper transition is provided such that outer container must be press fit onto the inner container. Press fitting the inner container and outer container enables a friction fit between the side wall and the upper transition, and also helps to center the inner container so that the nesting configuration can be achieved between the respective domes. As necessary, a sealing/adhesive compound may be applied to ensure that the outer container remains secure to the inner container without slippage or displacement. The outer container may be assembled to the inner container prior to or after the filling of the inner container with the beverage. 
         [0048]    As mentioned, the outer container may comprise a full thick-walled piece of aluminum to prevent the outer container from easily collapsing by a firm grip from the consumer. Additionally, a stronger outer container may help to mitigate shipping damage. A small opening may be provided in the sidewall of the outer container or the dome of the outer container to enable air to escape as the inner container and outer container are press fit. After the inner container and outer container have been assembled, the opening may be sealed. By press fitting the outer container onto the inner container, the contact of the outer container against the inner container at the location of the transition should prevent the container from inadvertently slipping or displacing; however, as mentioned above, an adhesive may be applied to the inner container at the location where it contacts the inner surface of the transition area in order to further ensure that the outer container remains securely attached to the inner container. If it is desired to fill the gap between the outer container and inner container with either a solid insulating material such as foam, or with an inert gas, the same opening through which air is allowed to escape during the press fit operation may be used to introduce the insulating foam or inert gas. 
         [0049]    With respect to use of a plastic polymer outer container in accordance with the method of the present invention, the plastic outer container can be made by an injection or compression molding process to produce a preform component. The preform material can then be blown in a mechanical/pneumatic process to form the final shape of the outer container. The outer container can be embossed or debossed to register features of the outer container with the printed inner container. The outer container can be trimmed to a predetermined height. The outer container can then be assembled to the inner container. Localized heating in the neck portion of the outer container can cause the plastic polymer to tightly shrink to the inner container to form a tight seal. A sealing/adhesive compound could also be used to ensure that the outer container remains securely attached to the inner container. 
         [0050]    With respect to use of a plastic polymer outer container, the type of plastic material, the thickness of the material, and the color of the plastic material may be selected to enhance or modify the visual effect of the printed inner container. For example, the printed color of the inner container along with the chosen color for the outer plastic outer container may be combined for a unique visual effect. Further for example, the particular pattern printed on the inner container may be distorted by the shape of the outer surface of the outer container thereby providing a unique visual presentation. 
         [0051]    Also, it shall be understood that with all of the embodiments, the particular height of the sidewall of the outer container can be adjusted in order to provide a desired amount of insulation covering for the inner container. In some circumstances, it may be desirable to reduce the height of the outer container member so that a greater portion of the inner container is exposed. 
         [0052]    There are a number of advantages to the double walled container of the present invention. A simple yet effective means is provided for insulating a beverage within a standard aluminum container. The insulation is provided by an aesthetically pleasing, non-intrusive, and mechanically simple outer container. The outer container may be made from a number of materials to include simply a larger sized aluminum container minus the top, or a plastic polymer outer container. The nested domes create a uniform air gap between the inner container and outer container. The outer container does not substantially change the size of the inner container. The appearance of the inner container can be maintained with the plastic outer container, or special visual effects can be created by use of the outer container. 
         [0053]    While the present invention has been described with respect to various preferred embodiments, it shall be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made to the invention in accordance with the scope of the claims appended hereto.