Patent Publication Number: US-11653791-B2

Title: Insulated food and beverage container

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/394,015 filed Aug. 4, 2021, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/100,153 filed Aug. 9, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 11,089,906, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/653,185 filed Apr. 5, 2018. The entire contents of each of the applications listed above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     An insulated container for maintaining the temperature of food and/or beverage contained therein is generally described. More specifically, an insulated container having a vacuum-insulated outer container and a removable glass insert that protects a user&#39;s lips from contacting the outer container, is described. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Maintaining the temperatures of food and beverages is vital to enjoying the complete characteristics they have to offer. Various types of containers are used to maintain the temperatures of the contents (food or beverage) of such containers. For instance, when beverages are placed in such containers, ice is often added to the beverages, such that that they are in contact with the ice and become cooler based on the contact. A disadvantage with such coolers is that once the ice melts, it dilutes the beverage contained therein and the beverage may become warm. Another disadvantage is that once the beverage has been in the container for some time, large amounts of liquid (i.e., condensation) may form on the external surface of the container, which may make the container slippery and cause it to fall out of the user&#39;s hands. This may be dangerous to the user and others nearby, particular when the containers are made of glass. In some instances, when the contents of the container are hot (such as soup or other heated food), the container may be too hot and uncomfortable to the user&#39;s hands. 
     Some insulating containers may be made of metals. While such metallic containers may provide insulative properties, a disadvantage with these metallic containers is that they may result in the leaching of metals into the food or beverages contained therein. Some metallic containers may be made of stainless steel, which is often manufactured using a nickel alloy, such as nickel-iron. Iron and nickel have been found to leach into some alkaline and acidic foods and beverages, which may be hazardous to a user&#39;s/consumer&#39;s health. 
     In view of the disadvantages associated with presently available food and beverage containers, there is a need for an insulating container that maintains the temperature of food or beverages, and prevents the formation of condensation on an external surface of the container. Additionally, there is a need for an insulating container that maintains the temperature of hot or cold food and/or beverages contained therein, while also reducing a user&#39;s exposure to leached metals. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with an insert structure. The insert structure is configured for use within an outer vessel. According to an aspect, the insert structure includes a glass container having a body defining a hollow interior between a closed end and an open end, and a sipping portion extending from the open end and having a shoulder end and a sipping end. The insert structure further includes a deformable retainer secured to an outer surface of the body and configured to removably retain the glass container within the outer vessel. The shoulder end of the sipping portion is configured to be seated atop a rim of an open end of the outer vessel. 
     According to an aspect, the present embodiments may also be associated an insert container for use within an outer vessel. The insert structure includes glass container having a body defining a hollow interior between a closed end and an open end, and a sipping portion extending from the open end and having a shoulder end and a sipping end. A deformable retainer is secured to an outer surface of the body and is configured to removably retain the glass container within the outer vessel. According to an aspect, the shoulder end is configured to be seated atop a rim of an open end of the outer vessel. 
     Additional embodiments of the disclosure may be associated with an insulated container including an insulated double-walled outer vessel, and a glass insert container disposed within the outer vessel. The glass insert includes a body that defines a hollow interior between a closed end and an open end. A sipping portion extends from the open end and has a shoulder end and a sipping end. A deformable retaining flange is secured to an outer surface of the body, and is configured to removably retain the glass insert container within the outer vessel. According to an aspect, the shoulder end is configured to be seated atop a sealed rim of an open end of the outer vessel, with the sipping portion protruding from the open end of the outer vessel. The deformable retaining flange is attached to the glass insert container more securely than the removable retention provided by the deformable flange with respect to the outer vessel. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG.  1 A  is a top down, perspective view of an insulated container, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a bottom, perspective view the insulated container of  FIG.  1 A , illustrating a coaster according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 C  is a side, perspective view of the insulated container of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  1 D  is a top down, perspective view of an insulated container, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  1 E  is a bottom, perspective view the insulated container of  FIG.  1 D , illustrating a coaster according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of a double-walled structure of the insulated container of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an exploded view of an insulated container including a deformable flange, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a partial perspective and exploded view of an insulated container including a gasket, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a perspective view of the gasket of  FIG.  3 B ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of a flange positioned on a glass structure of the insulated container of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4 B  is another perspective view of a flange positioned on a glass structure of the insulated container of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a side view of a flange of the insulated container of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a top view of the flange of  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  5 C  is a top, perspective view of the flange of  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  5 D  is a side, perspective view of the flange of  FIG.  5 A ; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a side, perspective view of an insulated container, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 C  is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container of  FIG.  6 A , illustrating an inner surface and stepped portions of a double-walled structure, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 D  is a side, perspective view of an insulated container having a frustoconical shape, according to an aspect; 
         FIG.  6 E  is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container of  FIG.  6 D ; 
         FIG.  6 F  is a side, perspective of a glass structure of the insulated container of  FIG.  6 D ; 
         FIG.  7    is a side, perspective view an insulated container, illustrating indentations formed in an external surface of the container, according to an aspect; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum-insulated container including inner and outer containers, according to an embodiment; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a side view of an insulated container, illustrating bilateral indentations formed in an external surface of the container of  FIG.  1 A ; and 
         FIG.  9 B  is side view of an insulated container, illustrating bilateral indentations formed in an external surface of the container of  FIG.  1 D . 
     
    
    
     Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments. 
     The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, examples will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these examples are illustrative and not limiting, and are provided purely for explanatory purposes. 
       FIGS.  1 A- 3 B,  6 A- 7  and  9 A- 9 B  illustrate an insulated container  10 , and it associated components. The insulated container  10  may include a double-walled structure  20 , which may be vacuum-insulated. The type of material selected to form the double-walled structure  20  may be based at least in part on the material&#39;s capability for repeated and long-term use. According to an aspect, the double-walled structure  20  is composed of a metal, such as stainless steel. The type of metal selected for the double-walled structure may be based, at least in part, on its strength. For example, the double-walled structure  20 , when made of stainless steel, may have superior strength-to-weight ratio, which may help to form a more stable insulated container  10 , as compared to containers composed of aluminum, glass, ceramic, or various plastic materials. 
     The double-walled structure  20  includes a closed end/base  22  and an open end/rim portion  24 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 B and  1 E , the closed end  22  is generally planar and may include a raised platform/coaster  70 . The coaster  70  may be dimensioned so that it covers less than a total surface area of the closed end  22 . The coaster  70  may include and/or be formed from materials that reduce friction between the double-walled structure  20  and smooth/slippery surfaces, such as glass, granite, wood, and the like. According to an aspect, the coaster  70  is formed from a variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, and foam, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The coaster  70  may help stabilize the insulated container  10  when the insulated container  10  is positioned on slippery surfaces. The coaster  70  may help prevent potential spill of contents of the insulated container  10  and, in some instances, damage of the surface on which it is placed. 
     A side wall  26  extends between the closed and open ends  22 ,  24 . The side wall  26  and the closed end  22  together form a hollow interior/internal space  28 , which receives materials or additional structures/containers therein. According to an aspect, the side wall  26  has a generally circular cross-section (see, for example,  FIG.  6 B ) along at least a portion of its length L 1  ( FIG.  1 C ). As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 D- 1 E , the outer diameter of the double-walled structure  20  may increase from the closed end  22  to the open end  24 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 C , the side wall  26  is contoured so that it has a generally convex outer surface  27  close to the closed end  22 . In this configuration, the outer diameter of the double-walled structure  20  may increase from the closed end  22  to an intermediate position  26   a  along the side wall  26  ( FIGS.  1 A- 1 B, and  2   ), and decrease from the intermediate position  26   a  to the open end  24 , so that the double-walled structure  20  has a contoured side wall  26 . In an embodiment, and as illustrated in  FIG.  1 D  and  FIG.  1 E , the side wall  26  is contoured so that it has a generally convex outer surface  27  close to the open end  24 . The contoured side wall  26  may provide increased available space (that may be subjected to a vacuum) between walls of the double-walled structure. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  2   ,  FIGS.  6 B- 6 C  and  FIG.  6 E , the double-walled structure  20  may include at least one stepped portion  29  formed in its inner surface  25 . The stepped portion  29  is illustrated as partially extending from the open end  24  towards the closed end  22 . The inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20  may be generally planar, with the stepped portion  29  having an increased inner diameter. As illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the double-walled structure  20  has a first inner diameter ID 2  along the stepped portion  29 , and a second inner diameter ID 3  extending from the stepped portion  29  to the closed end  22 . The first inner diameter ID 2  may be greater than the second inner diameter ID 3 , which may help facilitate securing an additional structure within the hollow interior  28 , as described in detail hereinbelow. According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  2   , the second inner diameter ID 3  may be substantially uniform from the stepped portion  29  towards the closed end  22  of the double-walled structure  20 . In an embodiment, the second inner diameter ID 3  may gradually decrease from the stepped portion  29  towards the closed end  22  of the double-walled structure  20  to receive a glass structure  30  (as seen in, for instance,  FIGS.  6 D- 6 F ). 
     According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  7   , the double-walled structure  20  may include a plurality of indentations  50  formed in its outer surface  27 . The indentations  50  may be recessed areas/depressions formed in the side wall  26 . The indentations  50  may be recessed from the overall structure, and according to one aspect the indentions  50  maintain an outwardly rounded/curved surface (i.e., bowed area) or a flattened area. In the illustrated embodiment, the indentations  50  extend from the closed end  22  of the double-walled structure  20  to an intermediate position between the closed end  22  and the open end  24 . However, other possibilities are contemplated. In an embodiment, the indentations  50  are configured as rectangular-shaped areas, the longer sides of the rectangular-shaped areas extending from the closed end  22  towards the open end  24 . The indentations  50  partially extend from the outer surface  27  inward towards the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20 , and may function as grip areas/surfaces for placement of the user&#39;s fingers to help provide a more secure/stable grip for a user of the insulated container  10 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 D  and  FIG.  7   , the indentions  50  may include one of more raised tactile portions  52  (such as stamped letters, numbers, or markings) that further help to enhance the user&#39;s grip on the insulated container  10 . The tactile portion  52  may include raised or indented (not shown) areas. The indentations  50  may also enhance the user&#39;s comfort when holding the insulated container  10 , accessing the contents of the insulated container  10 , or pouring or drinking from the insulated container  10 . In some embodiments, the indentations  50  may span more than 50% of a length L 1  of the double-walled structure  20 . The indentations  50  may span from about 50% to about 85% the total length L 1  of the double-walled structure  20 . According to an aspect, the indentations  50  may be from about 30 mm to about 40 mm wide. 
     In an embodiment and as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , the indentations  50  are bilateral indentations  50  (i.e., a pair of indentations) formed on opposite portions of the outer surface  27  of the double-walled structure  20 . It is to be understood, however, the number of indentations  50  provided on the outer surface  27  may be modified. For instance, a single indentation  50  may be formed in the double-walled structure  20 . According to an aspect,  3 ,  4 ,  5 , or more indentations  50  may be provided. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E ,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B ,  FIGS.  6 D- 6 E  and  FIG.  7   , the insulated container  10  further includes a glass structure  30 . The glass structure  30  is configured for receiving food and beverage therein, so that the food and beverage does not contact the double-walled structure  20 . The glass structure  30  is dimensioned to be removably arranged within the hollow interior  28  of the double-walled structure  20 . When arranged and secured within the double-walled structure  20 , the glass structure  30  may be protected from breakage, which may occur if a glass vessel slips and falls from a user&#39;s hands. According to an aspect, the glass structure has a length L 3  that is less than (see, for instance,  FIG.  6 D ) or substantially the same as (not shown) the length L 1  of the double-walled structure  20 . 
     According to an aspect, the glass structure  30  includes a body  36  having an open upper end  37  and a base end (second end or closed end)  34 . The body  36  may be formed with a variety of shapes that facilitate arrangement of the glass structure  30  within the double-walled structure  20 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  6 D- 6 F , the body  36  may taper from the upper end  37  towards the base end  34 , such that the body  36  has a frustoconical shape. In an embodiment and as illustrated in  FIG.  6 A , the body  36  is configured as a substantially cylindrical structure. The dimensions of the glass structure  30 , and its upper end  37 , range from amounts effective for retaining food and/or beverage within the glass structure  30 , and removing the food and/or beverage therefrom. 
     The glass structure  30  further includes a sipping portion  32  extending from the open upper end  37  of the body  36 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  1 C ,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , and  FIGS.  6 D- 6 F , the sipping portion  32  includes a shoulder  31   b , a sipping end  31   a , and a side wall  33  extending between the sipping end  31   a  and the shoulder  31   b . According to an aspect, the side wall  33  extends around the upper end  37  of the glass structure  30 . The side wall  33 , including the shoulder  31   b  protrudes from the upper end  24  of the double-walled structure  20 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  6 F , the side wall may be substantially straight/linear. In an embodiment, the side wall  33  of the sipping portion  32  flares outwardly, with an outer diameter OD 4  of the sipping end  31   a  being greater than an outer diameter OD 1  of the shoulder  31   b . According to an aspect, the sipping portion  32  flares inwardly, with the outer diameter OD 4  of the sipping end  31   a  being less than the outer diameter OD 4  of the shoulder  31   b . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 - 8   , the side wall  33  is outwardly bowed/curved, which may enhance a user&#39;s comfort when drinking or sipping from the container  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  6 F , the shoulder  31   b  of the sipping portion  32  is seated on top of the open end  24  of the double-walled structure  20 . The sipping end  31   a  of the sipping portion  32  extends away from the open end  24 , thereby preventing users from directly contacting their lips to the double-walled structure  20 . This may eliminate or substantially reduce the risk that users will directly contact their lips with the material used to make the double-walled structure (such as metallic materials). 
     The glass structure  30  further includes an outer diameter OD 2  along the body  36 , extending from the upper end  37  to the base end  34 . According to an aspect the outer diameter OD 2  of the body  36  is less than the outer diameters OD 1 , OD 4  of the sipping and shoulder ends  31   a ,  31   b  of the sipping portion  32 . The outer diameter OD 2  of the body  36  may be less than a first inner diameter ID 2  of the double-walled structure  20 , so that the body  36  of the glass structure  30  can be disposed in the hollow interior  28  of the double-walled structure  20 , with only the sipping portion  32  outwardly extending therefrom. According to an aspect, when the glass structure  30  is disposed in the hollow interior  28  of the double-walled structure  20 , a total length L 2  of the container  10  is greater than the length L 1  of the double-walled structure  20 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  1 A ,  FIG.  1 D  and  FIG.  6 F , the glass structure  30  may further include one or more stepped interior portions (recesses or contours)  39  at the sipping portion  32 . The stepped interior portion  39  is formed in the inner surface of the glass structure  30 . The stepped interior portion  39  may aid in enhancing a user&#39;s comfort when drinking from the container. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , and  FIGS.  6 D- 6 E , the insulated container  10  further includes a deformable flange  40 . The deformable flange  40  is positioned around the body  36  of the glass structure  30 , so that when the glass structure  30  is positioned within the hollow interior  28  of the double-walled structure, the deformable flange  40  is compressed between the glass structure  30  and the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure. The deformable flange  40  may help to protect the glass structure  30  from breaking when the glass structure  30  is secured in the double-walled structure  20  by the deformable member  40 . 
     According to an aspect, the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20 , along the stepped portion  29 , includes a plurality of ribs (not shown) that receive the protrusions  44  of the deformable flange  40 . This may help facilitate a semi-permanent attachment of the double-walled structure  20  to the glass structure  30 . 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  and  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B,  6 D and  6 F  illustrate the generally positioning of the deformable flange  40 . The deformable flange  40  may be positioned on the glass structure  30  from the second end, and moved up towards the shoulder end  31   b  of the sipping portion  32 .  FIG.  4 A  illustrates the deformable flange  40  extending around the body  36  of the glass structure  30  in a spaced apart configuration from the sipping portion  32 . As illustrated in  FIGS.  4 B,  6 A- 6 B,  6 D and  6 F , the deformable flange  40  may be positioned adjacent the shoulder end  31   b  of the sipping portion  3230 . 
       FIGS.  5 A- 5 D  illustrate the deformable flange  40  in more detail. The deformable flange  40  includes a main body  42  that is able to conform to the shape of the glass structure  30 . In an embodiment, when positioned around the body  36  of the glass structure  30 , the deformable flange  40  has a generally cylindrical ( FIG.  6 A ) or a generally conical or frustoconical shape ( FIGS.  6 D and  6 F ). 
     It is contemplated that the deformable flange  40  may be secured to the glass structure  30  by a friction fit. Additional securing mechanisms may be provided on surfaces of the deformable flange  40  to aid with securing the flange  40  onto to the glass structure  30  and to double-walled structure  30 . According to an aspect, an inner surface  43  of the deformable flange  40  includes a plurality of threads for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the body  36  of the glass structure  30  (not shown). As illustrated in  FIG.  5 B ,  FIG.  5 C  and  FIG.  5 D , the inner surface  43  of the deformable flange is smooth, which may facilitate ease of placement around the body  36  of the glass structure  30 . The threads of the deformable flange  40  and optionally, the threads on the body  36  of the glass structure  30 , may be one of continuous threads or interrupted threads. As used herein, “continuous threads” may mean a non-interrupted threaded closure having a spiral design (e.g., extending around the skirt like a helix), while “interrupted threads” may mean a non-continuous/segmented thread pattern having gaps/discontinuities between each adjacent thread. 
     According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIGS.  5 A- 5 D , the threads may be a plurality of protrusions  44  that extend from an outer surface  41  of the body  42 . The plurality of protrusions may be continuous/uninterrupted (i.e., formed contiguously around the main body  42  of the flange  40 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIGS.  5 B- 5 D , the protrusions  44  may be interrupted (i.e., having multiple segments, or the protrusions  44  being spaced apart from each other, that extend generally around a circumference of the body  42 ). 
     The protrusions  44  of the deformable flange  40  are flexible and engage the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20 . According to an aspect, the deformable flange  40  engages the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20 , at the stepped portion  29 . The deformable flange  40  may be composed of any material that is flexible, and may be repeatably compressed and/or is able to maintain compression for an extend period of time. According to an aspect, the deformable flange  40  is composed of at least one of rubber, plastic, and silicone. The deformable member may be made by formed by an injection molding process, or in any other suitable manner. 
     The deformable flange  40  has an inner diameter ID 1  and an outer diameter OD 3 . The inner diameter ID 1  of the deformable flange  40  may be substantially the same size as, or slightly less than, the second diameter OD 2  of the body  36  of the glass structure  30 . This allows the deformable flange to be secured to the body  36  without slipping off. According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD 3  of the deformable flange  40 , includes the protrusions  44 , and is greater than the inner diameter ID 2  of the double-walled structure  20 . When the deformable flange  40  is secured to the glass structure  30 , and the glass structure  30  including the deformable flange is arranged in the hollow interior  28  of the double-walled structure  20 , the deformable flange  40  is compressed between the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20  and the glass structure  20 . 
     According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  3 B , the container  10  includes a gasket  60 . The gasket  60  may be secured between the glass structure  30  and the double-walled structure  20 . The gasket  60  engages with the inner surface  25  of the double-walled structure  20 , at the stepped portion  29 , and the body  36  of the glass structure  30 , adjacent the lip portion  33 . The gasket  60  may be utilized with or without the deformable flange  40  positioned between the structures  20 ,  30 . According to an aspect, when the container  10  includes the gasket  60  and the deformable flange  40 , the gasket  60  is adjacent the lip portion  33  of the glass structure  30 , and the deformable flange  40  is adjacent the gasket  60 , such that the gasket  60  is sandwiched between the shoulder portion  31   b  of the sipping portion  32  of the glass structure  30  and the deformable flange  40 . 
     The gasket  60  may help secure the glass structure  30  to the double-walled structure  20 . According to an aspect and as illustrated in  FIG.  3 C , the gasket  60  includes a plurality of threads  62  extending along at least one of its inner  61  surface and outer surface  63 . The threads  62  may be continuous threads or interrupted threads, selected, at least in part, on the corresponding threads formed on at least one of the body  36  of the glass structure  30  and the inner surface of the double-walled structure (at the stepped portion). The gasket may be dimensioned similar to the deformable flange  40 , described hereinabove, with inner and outer diameters that facilitate its ability to seal areas between the glass structure  30  and the double-walled structure  20 , as well as secured the glass and double-walled structures  30 ,  20  together. 
     According to an aspect, the gasket  60  helps seal against the introduction of food contents and fluids in areas between the glass structure  30  and the double-walled structure  20 . The gasket  60  may help to absorb vibration around the glass structure  30 , and prevent the glass structure  30  from breaking in the event that the container  10  falls from a surface or out of a user&#39;s hands. The gasket  60  may be formed from plastic, silicone, rubber, or any type of material that provides sealing and shock absorption properties. According to an aspect, the gasket  60  may be positioned between the shoulder end  31   b  of the sipping portion  32  and the deformable member  40 . 
     Embodiments of the disclosure are further directed to a vacuum-insulated container  10 ′. The vacuum-insulated container/insulated container  10 ′ may be configured substantially as described hereinabove with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 B,  6 A- 7  and  9 A- 9 B . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8    and according to an aspect, the vacuum-insulated container  10 ′ includes an inner container  21   a , and an outer container  21   b  spaced apart from the inner container  21   a  (the inner and outer containers  21   a ,  21   b  may function as the double-walled structure  20  described hereinabove and illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 3 B,  6 A,  6 B and  7   ). The inner and outer containers  21   a ,  21   b  may both be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel. A plurality of indentations  50 , substantially as described hereinabove and illustrated in  FIG.  7    may be formed in an external surface  27  of the outer container  21   b . The indentations  50  facilitate a comfortable use of the vacuum-insulated container  10 ′. The inner container  21   a  has a generally cylindrical shape, while the outer container  21   b  has is contoured so that it is generally bell-shaped. A gap  23  is formed between the inner and outer containers  21   a ,  21   b . The gap  23  between is devoid of air by virtue of creating a vacuum between the inner and outer containers  21   a ,  21   b . The created vacuum reduces the number of molecules present in the gap  23  that could potentially transfer heat by conduction. 
     Each of the inner and outer containers  21   a ,  21   b  includes a closed end  22 ′,  22 ″ and an open end  24 ′,  24 ″. A side wall  26 ′,  26 ″ extends between each of the respective closed ends  22 ′,  22 ″ and respective open ends,  24 ′,  24 ″ of the containers  21   a ,  21   b . The inner container  21   a  and the outer container  21   b  are coupled and sealed along their respective open ends  24 ′,  24 ″ so that external air is prevented from passing through the seal and into the gap  23 . This may retard the transference of heat by conduction and/or convection, so that food particulates and/or beverages positioned in vacuum-insulated container  10 ′ do not gain or lose heat. 
     The inner container  21   a  includes at least one stepped portion  29  formed in its inner surface  25 . As described hereinabove with respect to the double-walled structure  20 , the stepped portion  29  partially extends from the open end  24 ′ towards the closed end  22  of the inner container  21   a . The stepped portion  29  is configured for engaging at least one of a deformable flange  40  and a gasket  60 , which secures a glass structure  30  that is inserted into the inner container  21   a . The deformable member  40  and gasket  60  may be configured substantially as described hereinabove and illustrated in  FIGS.  3 C and  5 A- 5 D . According to an aspect, the inner container  21   a  includes a first inner diameter ID 2  along the stepped portion  29 , and a second inner diameter ID 3  extending from the stepped portion  29  to the closed end  22 ′. The first inner diameter ID 2  is greater than the second inner diameter ID 3 , which facilitates the positioning/placement of the deformable flange  40  and/or the gasket  60  adjacent the stepped portion  29 . 
     The vacuum-insulated container  10 ′ further includes a glass structure  30  arranged within a hollow interior  28  of the inner container  21   a , and the deformable flange  40  circumferentially extending around the glass structure  30 . In this embodiment, the glass structure  30  is similar to the glass structure  30  illustrated in  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E ,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , and  FIGS.  6 D- 6 F , and described hereinabove. Thus, for purposes of convenience and not limitation, the various features, attributes, and properties, and functionality of the glass structure  30  and the deformable flange  40  discussed in connection with  FIGS.  1 A- 1 E ,  FIGS.  3 A- 3 B ,  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B ,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B , and  FIGS.  6 D- 6 F  are not repeated here. 
     The glass structure  30  is dimensioned to partially fit in the inner container  21   a  of the vacuum-insulated container  10 ′, with its sipping portion  32  extending from the hollow interior  28  of the inner container  21   a . As illustrated in  FIG.  8   , the shoulder end  31   b  of the sipping portion  32  extends over the respective open ends  24 ′,  24 ″ of the containers  21   a ,  21   b . It is contemplated that the upper end  37  of the body  36  of the glass structure  30  may be secured to the open ends  24 ′,  24 ″, at least in part by the deformable flange  40  extending around the circumference of the glass structure  30  and being secured at the stepped portion  29  of the inner container  21   a.    
     According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD 2  of the body  36  of the glass structure  30  is less than the first inner diameter ID 2  of the inner container  21   a , which helps to ensure that the body  36  may be received in the inner container  21   a . According to an aspect the outer diameter OD 2  of the body  36  is less than the outer diameters OD 1 , OD 4  of the sipping and shoulder ends  31   a ,  31   b  of the sipping portion  32 . The shoulder portion  31   b  may be seated at the open ends open end  24 ′,  24 ″ of the inner and outer containers  21   a ,  21   b.    
     The plurality of protrusions  44  of the deformable flange  40  engage the inner surface  25  of the inner container  21   a , and helps to retain the glass structure  30  within the hollow interior  28 . According to an aspect, when the outer diameter OD 3  of the deformable flange  40  is greater than the inner diameter ID 2  of the inner container  21   a , the deformable flange  40  is compressed between the body  36  of the glass structure  30  and the inner surface  25  of the inner container  21   a , which may help secure the inner container  21   a , the deformable flange, and the glass structure  30  together. 
     The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially developed as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present disclosure after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation. 
     The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. 
     In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,” “upper,” “lower” etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements. 
     As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.” 
     As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of.” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations. 
     The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique. 
     The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the claimed features lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill 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 language of the claims.