Patent Publication Number: US-2022214035-A1

Title: Container apparatus and method of using same

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/126,419, filed Dec. 18, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/949,858, filed Dec. 18, 2019. U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 17/126,419 and 62/949,858 are incorporated by reference herein. In addition, U.S. Pat. No. 10,827,863, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0256547, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/092,626, filed Nov. 9, 2020, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/895,718, filed Sep. 4, 2019, are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a beverage sleeve apparatus for use on a container, such as a beverage can or bottle. One embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus having a releasably attached magnetic member whereby the apparatus can be magnetically attached to a support structure, such as a metal post or table. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Insulating beverage container sleeves, known as “coozies”, “koozies” and/or “can huggies” are often used to hold beverage containers, such as beverage cans and bottles. The sleeves, made from an insulating material, help to maintain the beverage at the desired temperature for a longer period of time while also providing a comfortable means for the user to hold the beverage. The sleeve enables the user to hold the beverage without having to directly touch the beverage container itself, which may be very cold or hot. 
     SUMMARY 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a container apparatus for use on with a beverage container having means for releasably attaching the apparatus to a metal surface. Another object of the invention is to provide a beverage container apparatus that can also be used as a flashlight. These and other objects of the invention can be obtained in various embodiments of the invention described herein. 
     One embodiment of the invention comprises an apparatus adapted to hold a beverage container. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus that can hold a beverage container and can also be used as a flashlight. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus having a magnetic member and a light emitting device releasably attached to the container body. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus for use with a beverage container comprising means for releasable attachment to a cord, strap, rope or like member. 
     A container apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention comprises a container body adapted for receiving a beverage container, the container body having a top end defining an opening in the container body for receiving the beverage container and a base end opposite the top end. A magnetic member having magnetic properties can be positioned proximate the base end of the container body whereby the apparatus can be magnetically attached to a structure comprised of a magnetic material. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the magnetic member can be comprised of ceramic ferrite or samarium cobalt. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more flanges can be positioned on the outer surface of the container body. Each flange has an opening to receive and engage a complementary fastener. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container apparatus includes a light assembly comprising a housing and at least one light emitting device contained within the housing. The light assembly housing can be releasably attached to the container body proximate the base end of the container. The housing can include a base panel, and the magnetic member can be attached to the outer surface of the base panel. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a recess is formed in the base panel and a fastening member is positioned within the recess. The fastening member is pivotably attached to the base panel, whereby the fastening member can be pivoted in and out of the recess. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the light emitting device can be a flexible printed circuit board, a light emitting diode, and/or an illuminated fiber optic cable. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container body is comprised of transparent or translucent material. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container body can be comprised of methyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane, and/or polymethylmethacrylate. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container body is sized and shaped to receive the light assembly housing at the base end of the container body and frictionally engages the light assembly housing to releasably retain the light assembly housing within the container body. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container body and the light assembly housing are substantially cylindrical. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the light assembly comprises a plurality of outer lights positioned proximate an outer edge of the light assembly housing whereby the outer lights illuminate the container body when activated. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the light assembly includes a center light positioned proximate a center of the light assembly housing and adapted to emit a beam of light whereby the apparatus can be used as a handheld flashlight when the center light is activated. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container apparatus includes an on/off button positioned on an outer surface of the light assembly housing for turning the at least one light emitting device on and off. An opening can be formed in the container body for receiving the on/off button therethrough. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus comprising a container body adapted for receiving a beverage container comprising a sidewall comprising an upper sidewall section and a lower section. The upper sidewall section has a diameter larger than the lower sidewall section. The upper sidewall section has a top edge defining a top opening in the container body for receiving the beverage container and the lower sidewall section has a bottom edge defining a bottom opening in the container body. The container apparatus further comprises a light assembly comprising a housing and at least one light emitting device contained within the housing. The light assembly housing is sized and shaped to be received through the bottom opening of the container body, such that the outer surface of the light assembly housing frictionally engages the interior surface of the lower sidewall section and the light assembly housing is releasably retained within the container body. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a magnetic member having magnetic properties is positioned on the outer surface of the base of the light assembly housing. As such, the apparatus can be magnetically attached to a structure comprised of a magnetic material. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the light assembly includes a power source contained within the light assembly housing and operatively connected to the light emitting device(s) to power the light emitting device(s). 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, one or more flanges can be positioned on the outer surface of the upper sidewall section. Each flange has an opening to receive and engage a complementary fastener. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a recess is formed in the outer surface of the base of the light assembly housing and a fastening member is positioned within the recess. The fastening member is pivotably attached to the base, such that the fastening member can be pivoted in and out of the recess. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper sidewall section and the lower sidewall section of the container body are transparent or translucent. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the upper sidewall section, the lower sidewall section, and the light assembly housing are cylindrical. A plurality of outer lights can be positioned proximate the outer edge of the light assembly housing such that the outer lights illuminate the transparent/translucent container body when activated. A center light can be positioned proximate the center of the light assembly housing, and is adapted to emit a beam of light such that the apparatus can be used as a handheld flashlight when the center light is activated. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus comprising a container body adapted for receiving a beverage container therein. The container body has a top end defining an opening in the container body for receiving the beverage container, a base end opposite the top end, and at least one flange positioned on an outer surface of the container body having an opening formed therethrough to receive and engage a complementary fastener, such as a hook clasp. The apparatus can include a strap adapted for attachment with the complementary fastener. The beverage container can be a cup comprised of at least one food-grade material. According to a preferred embodiment, the cup is comprised solely of at least one food-grade material. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the cup is comprised of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, high-density polyethylene, polyetheretherketone, acrylic, and/or polypropylene. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the flange(s) is positioned proximate the top end of the container body. The cup comprises a substantially cylindrical cup body having a top end defining an opening, and an upper lip section formed proximate the top end of the cup body. The upper lip section includes at least one projecting member extending outwardly from the cup body. The projecting member(s) rests on the flange(s) when the cup is positioned in the container body. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a base panel attached to the container body proximate the base end of the container body, wherein a recess is formed in the base panel and a fastening member is positioned within the recess, the fastening member pivotably attached to the base panel whereby the fastening member can be pivoted in and out of the recess. A magnetic member can be positioned on the outer surface of the base panel. The magnetic member is comprised of a material having magnetic properties whereby the apparatus can be magnetically attached to a structure comprised of a magnetic material. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus can include a light assembly comprising a housing and at least one light emitting device contained within the housing, the housing releasably attached to the container body proximate the base end of the container body. The housing includes a base panel and a recess is formed in the base panel. A fastening member can be positioned within the recess and pivotably attached to the base panel, whereby the fastening member can be pivoted in and out of the recess. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the light emitting device can be a flexible printed circuit board, a light emitting diode, and/or an illuminated fiber optic cable. The container body can be comprised of methyl methacrylate, thermoplastic polyurethane, and/or polymethylmethacrylate. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container body is sized and shaped to receive the light assembly housing at the base end of the container body and frictionally engages the light assembly housing to releasably retain the light assembly housing within the container body. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the container body can be comprised of a transparent or translucent material, the container body and the light assembly housing can be substantially cylindrical, and a plurality of outer lights can be positioned proximate an outer edge of the light assembly housing whereby the outer lights illuminate the container body when activated. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, the container body can be comprised of a transparent or translucent material, the container body and the light assembly housing can be substantially cylindrical, and a center light can be positioned proximate a center of the light assembly housing and adapted to emit a beam of light whereby the apparatus can be used as a handheld flashlight when the center light is activated. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus comprising a container body and a light assembly. The container body is adapted for receiving a beverage container. The container body comprises a sidewall comprising an upper sidewall section and a lower sidewall section. The upper sidewall section has a diameter larger than the lower sidewall section. The upper sidewall section has a top edge defining a top opening in the container body for receiving the beverage container and the lower sidewall section has a bottom edge defining a bottom opening in the container body. The light assembly comprises a housing and at least one light emitting device contained within the housing. The light assembly housing is sized and shaped to be received through the bottom opening of the container body, wherein an outer surface of the light assembly housing frictionally engages an interior surface of the lower sidewall section whereby the light assembly housing is releasably retained within the container body. A recess can be formed in the light assembly housing and a fastening member is positioned within the recess and pivotably attached to the base, whereby the fastening member can be pivoted in and out of the recess. A flange can be positioned on an outer surface of the upper sidewall section. The flange can have an opening to receive and engage a complementary fastener. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the container body can be comprised of a transparent or translucent material. The upper sidewall section, the lower sidewall section, and the light assembly housing can be substantially cylindrical. The light emitting device can comprise a plurality of outer lights positioned proximate an outer edge of the light assembly housing whereby the outer lights illuminate the container body when activated, and a center light positioned proximate a center of the light assembly housing and adapted to emit a beam of light whereby the apparatus can be used as a handheld flashlight when the center light is activated. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a container apparatus comprising a container body adapted for receiving a beverage container. The container body has a top end defining an opening in the container body for receiving the beverage container and a base end opposite the top end. A first flange is positioned on the outer surface of the container body and has an opening formed therethrough to receive and releasably engage a first fastener. A second flange is positioned on the outer surface of the container body and has an opening formed therethrough to receive and releasably engage a second fastener. The apparatus can include a strap having a first fastener attached to one end of the strap and a second fastener attached to the opposite end of the strap. The strap is connected to the container body by positioning the first fastener in the opening formed in the first flange and positioning the second fastener in the opening formed in the second flange. According to an embodiment, the apparatus can further include a light assembly releasably attached to the container body. The light assembly comprises a housing and at least one light emitting device contained within the housing. A recess can be formed in the housing, and a hanger clip can be positioned within the recess and pivotably attached to the housing whereby the hanger clip can be pivoted in and out of the recess. 
     Another embodiment of the invention comprises a kit comprising a container apparatus and a cup apparatus positionable within the container apparatus. The container apparatus can comprise a substantially cylindrical container body having a top end defining an opening in the container body and a base end opposite the top end. A first flange can be positioned on an outer surface of the container body and can have an opening formed therethrough to receive and releasably engage a first fastener. A second flange can be positioned on the outer surface of the container body and can have an opening formed therethrough to receive and releasably engage a second fastener. The cup apparatus can comprise a substantially cylindrical cup body having a top end defining an opening, and an upper lip section formed proximate the top end of the cup body. The upper lip section includes a first projecting member and a second projecting member extending outwardly from the cup body. The first projecting member rests on the first flange and the second projecting member rests on the second flange when the cup is positioned in the container body. 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, the kit can further include a strap having a first fastener attached at one of the strap and a second fastener attached at the opposite end of the strap. The strap can be attached to the container body by positioning the first fastener in the opening formed in the first flange and positioning the second fastener in the opening formed in the second flange. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a container apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the light assembly of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of the light assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a top view of the light assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 6  is another light assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 7  is another perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is another perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is another perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a partial perspective view of the light assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 11  is another partial perspective view of the light assembly of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is an environmental perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 14  is another environmental perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15  is another environmental perspective view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded front elevation of a container apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 17  is another front elevation of the container apparatus of  FIG. 17 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     A beverage container apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-13  and shown generally at reference numeral  10 . The container apparatus  10  comprises a substantially cylindrical body  11 , and a light assembly  30  positioned at the base of the cylindrical body  11 . 
     The cylindrical body  11  can comprise an upper cylindrical sidewall  12 , and a lower cylindrical sidewall  14 . As shown in  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 , the diameter of the lower sidewall  14  is less than the diameter of the upper sidewall  12 . When positioned upright, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the upper sidewall  12  extends upwardly from the lower sidewall  14 . The upper sidewall  12  has a top edge  13 , shown in  FIG. 2 , defining a circular opening at the top, which can be sized to receive a conventional beverage bottle or can therethrough. 
     Preferably, the container body  11  is comprised of a resilient material that is transparent or translucent, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA). 
     A pair of flange sections  21 ,  22  can extend outwardly from the outer surface of the upper sidewall  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Each flange section  21 ,  22  has an opening therethrough to receive a connecting member therethrough. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the connecting member can be a strap  40  with fasteners such as hook clasps  41 ,  42  attached at opposite ends of the strap  40 . Alternatively, the fasteners can be bolt snaps. The clasps  41 ,  42  are positioned through the openings formed in the flange sections  21 ,  22 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the light assembly  30  comprises a cylindrical body  31  releasably attached to a circular base panel  32 . As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , a plurality of outer lights  34  can be positioned proximate the outer edge of the upper surface of the light assembly  30 . Preferably, the outer lights  34  are multi-colored light emitting diodes (LED). A center light  33  can be positioned proximate the center of the upper surface of the light assembly  30 , a shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 . The light assembly  30  contains a power source operatively connected to the center light  33  and outer lights  34  to power the lights  33 ,  34 . The power source can be one or more batteries, such as three AA sized batteries  35 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , threads  36  can be formed on a portion of the outer surface of the body  31  that engage in complementary fashion with threads formed on an inner surface of the base panel  32 , such that the base panel  32  can be screwed on and off of the light assembly body  31 . The base panel  32  can be screwed off the body  31  to expose the interior of the body  31  to replace batteries as needed, as shown in  FIG. 4 . 
     A top panel  16  can be attached to the light assembly  30  opposite the base panel  32 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . The top panel  16  is comprised of a transparent or translucent material. When the light assembly is positioned within the container body  11 , the top panel  16  is positioned between the upper sidewall  12  and the lower sidewall  14  and can serve as a floor wall that can support a bottle, can or other beverage container positioned within the apparatus  10 . When positioned upright, the upper sidewall  12  extends upwardly from the panel  16  and the lower sidewall  14  extends downwardly from the panel. In an alternative embodiment, the panel  16  can be integrally formed as part of the container body  11 , rather than attached to the light assembly  30 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 , the light assembly  30  is positioned within the lower side wall  14  and against the floor wall  16  of the container body  11 , with the lights  33 ,  34  adjacent the floor wall  16 . The light assembly  30  can be sized and shaped such that it is held within the container body  11  by frictional engagement between the light assembly body  31  and the inner surface of the lower sidewall  14 . 
     When the outer lights  34  are activated, shown in  FIG. 6 , the outer lights  34  transmit light throughout the transparent/translucent body  11 , lighting up the container body  11 , as shown in  FIG. 9 . When the center light  33  is activated, a beam of white light emanates from the apparatus  10 , and the apparatus  10  can be used as a hand-held flashlight. 
     The light assembly  30  includes means for turning the lights  32 ,  33  on and off. The light assembly can include an on/off button  28  on the outer surface of the light assembly body  31 , as shown in  FIGS. 1, 7 and 8 . An opening  18  can be formed in the lower sidewall  14  of the container body  11 , and the on/off button  28  can be positioned through the opening  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The light assembly  30  can be programmed such that pressing the on/off button  28  sequentially activates and/or deactivates the various functions of the lights  33 ,  34 . For example, pressing the button  28  once can activate the outer lights  34 . Pressing the button  28  a second time can deactivate the outer lights  34  and activate the center light  33 . Pressing the button  28  a third time can outer lights  34 , so both the outer lights  34  and the center light  34  are on. Pressing the button  28  a fourth time can deactivate both the outer lights  34  and the center light  33 . 
     The apparatus  10  can include means for hanging the apparatus on a rope, cable, cord, string or other like connecting member. A recess  37  can be formed in the bottom surface of the base panel  32 , and a fastening member such as a hanger clip  38  is positioned within the recess  37 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . The hanger clip  38  can be comprised of a hook member  38   a  that can be releasably attached to a loop member  38   b,  as shown in  FIGS. 10-12 . The hook member  38   a  and loop member  38   b  are each pivotably attached to the base panel  32 . The hook member  38   a  and loop member  38   b  can be pivoted outwardly from the base panel  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 12 . The strap  40  can be detached from the flange sections  21 ,  22 , and positioned under the hanger clip  38  so the apparatus  10  hangs from the cord  40 , as shown in  FIG. 13 . 
     The base panel  32  can include a magnetic member  39  positioned at the center of the outer surface of the base panel  32 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 11 . The magnetic member  39  is comprised of a material having magnetic properties. The magnetic member  39  can be comprised of ceramic ferrite, samarium cobalt or other suitable magnetic material. As such, the container apparatus  10  can be magnetically attached to a support structure made of a material that is attracted to magnets. For example, the apparatus  10  can be magnetically attached to the surface of a metal case  60 , as shown in  FIG. 14 . In another example, the apparatus  10  can be magnetically attached to the body of an automobile  70 , as shown in  FIG. 15 . 
       FIGS. 16 and 17  illustrate another embodiment of the invention, shown generally at reference numeral  100 , that comprises the container apparatus  10  and a cup apparatus  50  positionable within the container apparatus  10 . The cup apparatus  50  comprises a substantially cylindrical cup body  51  comprising a base  56  and a cylindrical sidewall  52  extending upwardly from the base  56 . The cup body  51  has a top end opposite the base  56  that defines an opening for receiving a liquid beverage therethrough. The cup body  51  and the container body  11  are shaped and sized such that the outer surface of the cup sidewall  52  frictionally engages the inner surface of the upper sidewall  12  of the container  10  when the cup  50  is positioned within the container  10 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , whereby the cup  50  is releasably retained within container apparatus  10 . 
     The cup  50  can include an upper lip section  60  formed proximate the top end of the cup body  51 . The upper lip section  60  extends outwardly from the cup body  51  and covers the top edge  13  of the upper sidewall  12  of the container apparatus  10  when the cup  50  is positioned in the container apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . The upper lip section  60  includes a first and second projecting members  61 ,  62  extending outwardly from the cup body  51 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . The projecting members  61 ,  62  are positioned approximately one hundred eighty degrees from each other. The projecting members  61 ,  62  are angled, extending outwardly and downwardly at approximately ninety degree angles, as shown in  FIG. 16 . The cup  50  is inserted with the base  56  first through the top opening of the container apparatus  10  defined by the top edge  13  of the upper sidewall  12 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . The cup  50  is inserted into the container  10  until the base  56  of the cup  50  is proximate the floor panel  16  of the container  10 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . When so positioned, the first projecting member  61  rests on the first flange  21  of the container apparatus  10 , and the second projecting member  62  rests on the second flange  22  of the container apparatus  10 , as shown in  FIG. 17 . This helps to releasably retain the cup  50  within the container  10 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment, the cup  50  is comprised solely of one or more food-grade materials. As used herein, “food-grade materials” refers to materials that can be in direct contact with food and beverages intended for human consumption without causing harm to a person consuming the food and/or beverages. Food-grade materials include materials listed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as Food Contact Substances. For example, food-grade materials include acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), acrylic (PMMA), and polypropylene (PP). A user can position the cup  50  within the container  10 , as shown in  FIG. 17 , and pour a liquid beverage into the cup  50 . As noted above, the upper lip section  60  extends outwardly from the cup body  51  and covers the top edge  13  of the upper sidewall  12  of the container apparatus  10  when the cup  50  is positioned in the container apparatus  10 . As such, the user&#39;s lips contact the lip section  60  of the cup  50 —not the top edge  13  of the container  10 —when taking a sip of the beverage in the cup  50 . After the user has consumed the beverage, the cup  50  can be removed from the container apparatus  10  by grasping the upper lip section  60  pulling the cup  50  out of the container apparatus  10 . 
     A container apparatus and method of using same are described above. Various changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope. The above description of the preferred embodiments and best mode of the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not limitation—the invention being defined by the claims and equivalents thereof.