Patent Publication Number: US-11383885-B2

Title: Collapsible beverage container

Description:
The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 62/879,060 filed on Jul. 26, 2019. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a storage apparatus for any hot or cold beverages. More specifically, the present invention is a reusable, economic, ecofriendly, and travel friendly beverage container, that is collapsible. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Most of us are always on the hunt to find the perfect reusable travel cup. Users worldwide look for an option to carry hot or cold beverages conveniently and safely. However, most of the reusable travel cups are made of hard materials which makes them heavy to carry around whereas, some of the lighter ones are not ecofriendly to the nature. A reusable travel cup with an ergonomic design that allows the beverage container to be placed in a beverage cup holder and/or in the user&#39;s hand, (like a disposable cup) is always a preferred cup design. Further, a beverage cup with an easily detachable, yet secure and spill proof lid is another feature, users wish for. Furthermore, the way people drink from a cup also varies from person to person. However, a travel cup that has all the above-mentioned features is a rare find in the current market. 
     It is an objective of the present invention to provide a beverage container that is user friendly, ecofriendly, and has an ergonomic design. The present invention has three components made from a single material, and which may be used irrespective of each other. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention is spill proof and leak proof, making it an ideal choice for users to carry around. Further, the present invention is collapsible, which allows for compact storage. Furthermore, the present invention comprises braille impression outside the container and indicia inside the container for effectively indicating the volume of the container. Additionally, the lid of the present invention comprises multiple drinking ports, and a lid closure for making the container spill proof, irrespective of the drinking mode chosen by the user. Thus, the present invention allows the user to have a travel friendly, compact, ecofriendly, and reusable beverage holder with a detachable lid and lid closure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a top-front left perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a bottom-front-right perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a right-side elevational view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the present invention taken along A-A′ of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded, top-rear-right perspective view of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom-front-right perspective view of the present invention in a collapsed configuration. 
         FIG. 8  is a left-side elevational view of the present invention in the collapsed configuration. 
         FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the present invention taken along B-B′ of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is an alternate embodiment of the present invention, with an inbuilt protective sleeve. 
     
    
    
     DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION 
     All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     In reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 , the present invention is a collapsible beverage container. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a beverage container that is user friendly, ecofriendly, and has an ergonomic design. The present invention has three components made from a flexible and ecofriendly material, which may be used irrespective of each other. According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention is spill proof and leak proof making it perfect for users to carry around. Further, the present invention is collapsible, which allows for compact storage. Furthermore, the present invention comprises braille impression outside the container and indicia inside the container for effectively indicating the volume of the container. Additionally, the lid of the present invention comprises multiple drinking ports, and a lid closure for making the container spill proof, irrespective of the drinking mode chosen by the user. Thus, the present invention allows the user to have a travel friendly, compact, ecofriendly, and reusable beverage holder with a detachable lid and lid closure. 
     The following description is in reference to  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 . According to a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a receptacle  1 , an inner compartment  2 , a lid  3 , and a lid closure  4 . As seen in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 , the receptacle  1  comprises a rim  5 , at least one lateral sidewall  6 , and a base  7 . It is an aim of the present invention to provide a collapsible beverage container. In order to accomplish that, the at least one lateral sidewall  6  comprises a first section  8 , a collapsible section  9 , a second section  10 , a first indentation  11 , and a second indentation  12 . Preferably, a first end  13  of the receptacle  1  is positioned opposite to a second end  14  of the receptacle  1  across the lateral sidewall  6 , and the inner compartment  2  traverses into the receptacle  1  from the first end  13  to the second end  14 . The inner compartment  2  is a storage area for liquid food items, and which may contain the user&#39;s beverage of preference. Preferably, the receptacle  1  comprises a truncated conical shape and is made of a flexible yet sturdy and temperature resistant material such as platinum-cured silicone. However, the receptacle  1  may comprise any other shape, material, size, color, components or arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not altered. 
     As seen in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 , and  FIG. 6 , the rim  5  is mounted adjacent the first end  13 , and as seen in  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 7 , the base  7  is mounted adjacent the second end  14 . In other words, the rim  5  and the base  7  constitute the two opposing ends of the receptacle  1 . According to the preferred embodiment, the first section  8  is positioned adjacent to the first end  13 , the second section  10  is positioned adjacent to the second end  14 , and the collapsible section  9  is connected in between the first section  8  and the second section  10 , in such a way that the lateral sidewall  6  tapers from the first end  13  to the second end  14 . In other words, as the lateral sidewall  6  traverses from the second end  14  towards the first end  13 , the diameter of the receptacle  1  increases gradually. 
     In order to accomplish the collapsibility of the beverage container, the lateral sidewall  6  folds within itself along specific lateral sections. To that end, the first indentation  11  and the second indentation  12  laterally traverse into and around an inner surface  15  of the lateral sidewall  6 . Preferably, the first indentation  11  is positioned in between the first section  8  and the collapsible section  9 , and the second indentation  12  is positioned in between the second section  10  and the collapsible section  9 . Continuing with the preferred embodiment, when the receptacle  1  is in an extended configuration, the collapsible section  9  extends away from the first section  8 . In other words, the collapsible section  9  is stretched out and does not intersect any regions of the first section  8  or the second section  10 . Further, when observed from outside, the first section  8 , the collapsible section  9 , and the second section  10  forms a frustum-shaped body with seamless sidewalls. 
     Conversely, in reference to  FIG. 7  through  FIG. 9 , when the receptacle  1  is in a folded configuration, the collapsible section  9  is folded within the first section  8  along the first indentation  11 , and the second section  10  is nested within the first section  8 , such that the base  7  is coplanar with the first indentation  11 . As seen in  FIG. 8  and  FIG. 9 , the folded configuration reduces the volume of the receptacle  1  from the extended configuration, in such a way that, the entire collapsible section is folded in, and the entire second section  10  is pushed inwards to occupy some volume of the inner compartment  2  within the first section  8 . This arrangement allows for using the collapsible beverage container for carrying smaller volumes of beverages, as well as provides a compact storage option. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1  through  FIG. 10 , the lid  3  is positioned over the inner compartment  2  and the lid  3  resembles the shape of the receptacle  1 . More specifically, the lid  3  acts as a cover for the collapsible beverage container, so as to keep the beverage secured, and maintain the temperature of the beverage for longer duration. According to the preferred embodiment, the lid  3  is removably connected to the first end  13 , such that the collapsible beverage container may be used with or without a lid. As seen in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8 , the lid  3  comprises a first lid body  16  and a second lid body  17 , wherein the second lid body  17  is perimetrically attached to the first lid body  16 , and opposite to the first end  13 . Further, the first lid body  16  is positioned adjacent the first end  13  and the second lid body  17  is perimetrically attached to the first lid body  16 , in a direction opposite to the first end  13 . More specifically, the first lid body  16  takes the shape of the folding cup, and snuggly fits to the mouth of the receptacle  1 . However, it should be noted that the lid  3  may comprise any other shape, size, color, components or arrangement of components that are known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the objectives of the present invention are fulfilled. 
     In order to securely fasten the lid  3  to the receptacle  1 , the present invention comprises a groove  18  and a rib  19 . In the preferred embodiment, the groove  18  laterally traverses into and around an interior sidewall  20  of the first lid body  16 . In other words, the groove  18  is a passage that runs around the first lid body  16  and acts as a female component of the secured closing mechanism between the lid  3  and the receptacle  1 . Further, the rib  19  is attached perimetrically around the first section  8 , and the rib  19  is positioned adjacent to the rim  5 . Preferably, the rib  19  is a tubular structure that constitutes the male component of the closing mechanism between the lid  3  and the receptacle  1 . Accordingly, the rib  19  engages into the groove  18  to form a spill proof lock. In other words, the rib  19  fits perfectly within the groove  18  preventing any spillage of the beverage in the collapsible container. However, the groove  18  and rib  19  can comprise any other shape size or closure mechanism that is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, as long as the intents of the present invention is not altered. 
     In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the first lid body  16  may have an optional lid flap mounted perimetrically around the groove  18 , wherein the lid flap acts as a protective barrier so as to prevent any leakage of the beverage from the lid. In other words, in order to provide a secure and tight fit when attaching the lid  3  to the receptacle  1 , the lid flap serves as extended wings, keeping off liquids and applying pressure to the closing mechanism. 
     Continuing with the preferred embodiment, the second lid body  17  comprises a first recess  20 , a second recess  21 , a first aperture  22 , a plurality of second apertures  23 , and a third aperture  24 . As seen in  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 8  an upper surface  17   a  of the second lid body  17  is positioned offset from the first lid body  16 , opposite to the first section  8 . More specifically, the second lid body  17  is an elevated structure that acts as a mouthpiece for the user to drink from. As seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 6 , and  FIG. 10 , the first recess  20  and the second recess  21  traverse into the second lid body  17  normal to the upper surface  17   a . Further, as seen in  FIG. 5  and  FIG. 9 , the first recess  20  is positioned adjacent the upper surface  17   a  and a depth  20   a  of the first recess  20  is smaller than a depth  21   a  of the second recess  21 . Preferably, the first recess  20  and the second recess  21  act as platforms for the various apertures to traverse through and fulfill their functionalities. Accordingly, the first aperture  22 , the plurality of second apertures  23  and the third aperture  24  traverse through the second lid body  17 , wherein the plurality of second apertures  23  is positioned within the first recess  20 , and the third aperture  24  is positioned within the second recess  21 . As seen in  FIG. 6 , the first aperture  22  resides on the upper surface  17   a  and acts as a mouthpiece for the user to sip from. Preferably, the plurality of second apertures  23  serves as a platform for inserting drinking straw and the lid closure  4 , and third aperture  24  is an opening that serves as a ventilation system for the beverage container. However, it should be noted that the second lid body may comprise recesses and apertures of any other shape, size, orientation and positioning, as long as the intents of the present invention are not altered. 
     As seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 9 , and  FIG. 10 , the lid closure  4  serves as a cover for the first aperture  22  and the plurality of second apertures  23 . More specifically, the lid closure  4  fits into the first aperture  22  and the plurality of second apertures  23  in order to prevent any spill. Accordingly, the lid closure  4  comprises a stem  25 , a primary protrusion  26 , and a plurality of protrusions  27 . Preferably, the primary protrusion  26  is connected adjacent to the stem  25  and the primary protrusion  26  engages into the first aperture  22 . Further, the plurality of protrusions  27  is distributed along the stem  25 , wherein each of the plurality of protrusions  27  is engaged within a corresponding aperture from the plurality of second apertures  23 . However, the lid closure  4  may comprise any other shape, size, orientation, components and arrangement of components, as long as the objectives of the present invention are not hindered. 
     According to the preferred embodiment, the present invention further comprises a tab  28 . As seen in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 8 , and  FIG. 10 , the tab  28  is mounted onto the first lid body  16  and the tab  28  extends away from the first lid body  16 . Preferably, the tab  28  is an extruded structure that acts as a platform which allows the user to open the lid  3  securely. The tab  28  further comprises a tab hole  29 , wherein the tab hole  29  traverses through the tab  28 . Preferably, the tab hole  29  is a small circular aperture that serves as an optional utility hole or as a port hole for threading an additional fastening element such as a D-clip, a snap clip or a wrist band. 
     It is an aim of the present invention to provide markers with indication, which allows the user to know exactly the amount of beverage that they are pouring into the collapsible beverage container. In order to accomplish that, the present invention comprises at least one volume indicia  30 , wherein the at least one volume indicia  30  is positioned along the inner surface  15  of the lateral sidewall. Further, the present invention comprises a braille impression  31  for helping visually handicapped users to identify the capacity of the container. Accordingly, the braille impression  31  depicts a total capacity of the receptacle  1 , and the braille impression  31  is positioned along an outer surface  32  of the lateral sidewall  6 , wherein the outer surface is positioned opposite to the inner surface across the lateral sidewall  6 . 
     In reference to  FIG. 10 , the present invention comprises a protective sleeve  33 , wherein the protective sleeve  33  is attached onto the outer surface  32  and encapsulating the lateral sidewall  6 . Preferably, the protective sleeve  33  is a heat-resistant comfort grip that allows ergonomic comfort to the user while handling the collapsible beverage container. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the protective sleeve  33  is removable from the receptacle. However, in another embodiment of the present invention, the protective sleeve  33  is built onto the lateral sidewall  6 . 
     Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.