U.S. patent application number 09/922334 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for beverage holder.
Invention is credited to Klein, Calvin B..
Application Number | 20020027142 09/922334 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24555640 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020027142 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Klein, Calvin B. |
March 7, 2002 |
Beverage holder
Abstract
A beverage holder including a tubular housing with a chamber to
hold a beverage can or beverage alone; a removable lid that seals
to the housing, can rim, or both; and a variable flow, drink
through, twist valve that seals to the lid. In such a
configuration, a can of a beverage may be maintained in a manner
that the carbonation does not escape from the beverage, keeping the
beverage fresh and tasty for great periods of time.
Inventors: |
Klein, Calvin B.; (Cape
Coral, FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Welsh & Katz, Ltd.
Jeffrey W. Salmon
22nd Floor
120 South Riverside Plaza
Chicago
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
24555640 |
Appl. No.: |
09/922334 |
Filed: |
August 3, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09922334 |
Aug 3, 2001 |
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09637373 |
Aug 15, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/737 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/3881 20130101;
B65D 47/242 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/737 |
International
Class: |
B65D 025/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A beverage holder comprising: a twist valve, lid, and housing;
said housing having a chamber for containing a beverage; said lid
having an opening that communicates with at least one vent passage
that is defined in said twist valve; said housing and said lid
having first complementary elements that rotatably interconnect
said lid and said housing; said twist valve and said lid having
second complementary elements that rotatably interconnect said
twist valve and said lid; said housing and said lid carrying third
complementary elements to interface with and actuate a first
annular compression seal component that engages when said lid and
said housing are interconnected to form a first pressure-proof seal
between said lid and said housing; said twist valve and said lid
carrying fourth complementary elements to interface with and
actuate a second annular compression seal component that engages
when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected to form a
second pressure-proof seal between said at least one vent passage
and said opening in said lid; said second annular compression seal
component is engagable, adjustable, and disengagable by means of
complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said
lid; said second annular compression seal component, when
disengaged, allows a liquid flow through said opening in said lid
and then through said vent passages in said twist valve; a flow
rate of said liquid flow around said second annular seal component
being adjustable by means of said first complimentary
interconnected elements of said twist valve and said lid; said
twist valve and said lid carrying fifth complementary elements to
interface with and engage third annular seal component when said
twist valve and said lid are interconnected to form a generally
leak-proof seal; said third annular seal component being constantly
engaged when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected; and
said twist valve includes a drinking orifice element located above
said elements to interconnect to said lid.
2. A beverage holder comprising: a twist valve, lid, and housing;
said housing having a chamber for receiving a beverage can; said
lid having an opening that communicates with at least one vent
passage that is in said twist valve; said housing and said lid
having first complementary elements that rotatably interconnect
said lid and said housing; said twist valve and said lid having
second complementary elements that rotatably interconnect said
twist valve and said lid; the first complementary elements on said
lid being adapted to interface with and actuate a first annular
compression seal component that engages a top rim of said can when
said lid and said housing are interconnected thereby forming a
first pressure-proof seal between said lid and said can; said twist
valve and said lid carrying third complementary elements to
interface with and actuate a second annular compression seal
component that engages when said twist valve and said lid are
interconnected thereby forming a second pressure-proof seal between
vent passages in said twist valve and said opening in said lid;
said second annular compression seal component is engagable,
adjustable, and disengagable by means of fourth complimentary
interconnected elements of said twist valve and said lid; said
second annular compression seal component, when disengaged, allows
a liquid flow through said opening in said lid and then through
said vent passages in said twist valve; a flow rate of said liquid
flow around said second annular seal component is adjustable by
means of said first complimentary interconnected elements of said
twist valve and said lid; said twist valve and said lid carrying
fifth complementary elements to interface with and engage third
annular seal component when said twist valve and said lid are
interconnected to form a generally leak-proof seal; and said twist
valve includes a drinking orifice element located above said
elements to interconnect to said lid.
3. A beverage package comprising: a twist valve and a container,
said container having a chamber for receiving a beverage can and
further having an opening that communicates with at least one vent
passage in said twist valve; said twist valve and said container
having first complementary elements for rotatably interconnecting
said twist valve and said container; said twist valve and said
container carrying second complementary elements to interface with
and actuate an annular compression seal component that engages when
said twist valve and said container are interconnected thereby
forming a substantially pressure-proof seal between said at least
one vent passage in said twist valve and said opening in said
container; said annular seal component compression is engagable,
adjustable, and disengagable by means of third complimentary
interconnected elements of said twist valve and said container;
said annular compression seal component when disengaged allowing a
liquid flow through said opening in said container then through
said at least one vent passage in said twist valve; a flow rate
around said annular seal component being adjustable by means of
said second complimentary interconnected elements of said twist
valve and said container; and said twist valve and said container
carrying third complementary elements to interface with and engage
a second annular seal component when said twist valve and said
container are interconnected to form a leak-proof seal.
4. The beverage holder of claim 1 further including a spring-biased
clip mounted on an exterior surface of said housing and being
usable to releasably attach said clip to a selected object.
5. The beverage holder of claim 2 further including a spring-biased
clip mounted on an exterior surface of said housing and being
usable to releasably attach said clip to a selected object.
6. The beverage package of claim 3 further including a
spring-biased clip mounted on an exterior surface of said housing
and being usable to releasably attach said clip to a selected
object.
7. The beverage holder of claim 2 with said housing carrying one or
more elements to support and position said can with respect to said
first annular compression seal also creates an air gap between said
can and said housing interior walls.
8. The beverage package of claim 3 with said housing carrying one
or more elements to support and position said can with respect to
said first annular compression seal also creates an air gap between
said can and said housing interior walls.
9. The beverage holder of claim 1 with said housing comprised of
dual wall construction, with the interior wall carrying all of the
elements disclosed in claim 1 and with the exterior wall carrying
all of the elements disclosed in claim 4; and with an air gap
between interior and exterior walls.
10. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said second annular
compression seal component has a width sufficiently wide to seal a
plurality of said can rim diameters.
11. The beverage package of claim 3 wherein said second annular
compression seal component has a width sufficiently wide to seal a
plurality of said can rim diameters.
12. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said first complementary
elements are movable with respect to each other through a range of
motion that is sufficiently long to accommodate a plurality of said
can heights.
13. The beverage package of claim 3 wherein said first
complementary elements are movable with respect to each other
through a range of motion that is sufficiently long to accommodate
a plurality of said can heights.
14. The beverage holder of claim 1 wherein said twist valve has at
least one element protruding from said main body to assist in
rotation of said twist valve with respect to said lid.
15. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said twist valve has at
least one element protruding from said main body to assist in
rotation of said twist valve with respect to said lid.
16. The beverage packaging of claim 3 wherein said twist valve has
at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in
rotation of said twist valve with respect to said lid.
17. The beverage holder of claim 1 wherein said lid valve has at
least one element protruding from said main body to assist in
rotation of said lid with respect to said housing.
18. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said lid has at least
one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of
said lid with respect to said housing.
19. The beverage packaging of claim 3 wherein said lid has at least
one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of
said lid with respect to said housing.
20. A beverage holder comprising: a housing having a chamber for a
beverage in a container; a lid, sealably attachable to said
housing, said lid having an opening and a cap, sealably engagable
and re-engagable in said opening, said lid further comprising a
first annular sealing ring and a second annular sealing ring; said
first annular sealing ring of said lid engaging said housing and
said second annular sealing ring of said lid engaging said
container when said lid and housing are attached together, such
that when said cap is sealedly engaged on said lid, an airtight
seal is formed between said lid and said housing and said lid and
said container; said cap being unsealable such that said beverage
may be removed through said opening in said cap and resealable to
reform said airtight seal.
21. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said container is a
standard beverage can.
22. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said second annual
sealing ring is of a thickness such that it may form seals with
cans of a plurality of sizes.
23. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing and said
lid comprise corresponding sets of threads and said lid may be
screwed onto said housing.
24. The beverage holder of claim 23, wherein said housing and lid
are each constructed with sufficient threads that they may be
threaded together to different heights to accommodate different
sized containers.
25. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing comprises
an interior wall having at one rib thereon, such that said rib
centers said container in said housing.
26. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing comprises
an interior wall defining container conforming indentations, such
that said when said beverage holder is sealed a thermal insulation
air gap is formed about said container.
27. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing comprises
an interior wall and an outer wall, said walls being separated by
an insulating gap.
28. The beverage holder of claim 27 wherein said interior wall
defines a container conforming indentations, such that said when
said beverage holder is sealed a thermal insulation air gap is
formed about said container.
29. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing is
constructed of translucent materials.
30. The beverage holder of claim 29, wherein said translucent
material is plastic.
31. The beverage holder of claim 20, including a beveled ridge for
carrying a container having beveled walls at points above the
bottom of the container.
32. The beverage holder of claim 31, including dual beveled ridges
such that the container may be supported and so that air may flow
about the container to allow the easy removal of the container from
the holder.
33. A beverage holder comprising: a generally cylindrical housing
having a chamber for a beverage poured therein, said housing
comprising an opening having connection threads; a lid, having a
generally cylindrical portion and having threads, on said
cylindrical portion, corresponding to said housing threads, said
lid being sealably attachable to said housing, said lid having an
opening and a cap, sealably engagable and re-engagable in said
opening, said lid further comprising a first annular sealing ring
and a second annular sealing ring; said first annular sealing ring
of said lid engaging said housing and said second annular sealing
ring of said lid engaging said threads of said housing and said
lid, when said housing and lid are attached together, such that
when said cap is sealedly engaged on said lid, an airtight seal is
formed between said lid and said housing; said cap being unsealable
such that said beverage may be removed through said opening in said
cap and resealable to reform said airtight seal, said beverage
being sealed between said housing and said cap.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/637,373, filed Aug. 15, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a re-usable and re-sealing
beverage holder and, more particularly, to a generally cylindrical
receptacle that can be used to hold and seal either a beverage can
containing a consumable liquid or a consumable liquid by
itself.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Once a can containing a carbonated beverage, such as beer or
soda, is opened the liquid releases its carbonation fairly quickly.
If the beverage is consumed immediately, the release of carbonation
is not generally noticeable. However, often, a person opens a can
of a carbonated beverage and is then distracted, interrupted, or
simply allows time to elapse before that particular beverage is
consumed. As the can is open and the beverage is exposed to the
ambient atmosphere, the beverage eventually becomes "flat", losing
its "fizz", freshness, and appeal.
[0004] Several products are available that provide a re-useable
cover to be placed on the top of a can. However, an open soda can
using a conventional cover typically still expends its carbonation
fairly rapidly. This loss of carbonation occurs through an opening
for ventilation. Such openings prevent the build-up of carbonation
pressure that can blow, or pop, the added cover off of the can.
[0005] Some products exist where the attachable cover provides a
seal capability. Such sealing covers are dependent upon clamping to
the can by means of engaging the outside bottom edge of the can's
upper rim. This edge is very narrow, and thus the clamping force is
limited, and thus the amount of pressure that can be contained is
limited. The re-useable life of such products is also limited as
excessive wear occurs where the product interfaces with the metal
outside bottom edge of the can's upper rim.
[0006] Still other products exist into which beverages may be
poured to prolong freshness. Many of these containers require
removal of a sealing lid or cap. This requires the use of two
hands.
[0007] It has been found that a standard pivoting stem type
Thermos.TM. valve slows the release of the sealed-in carbonation.
Further, such valves can also be opened with one hand. There are
technical problems with the use of the pivot-stem valve to evoke a
substantially pressure-proof seal. The fit of the pivot-stem to its
lid-housing cannot be precise enough to be substantially
pressure-proof; therefore a seal component is required. This seal
must compress between the pivot-stem and its lid-housing. This
compression must be obtained when the pivot-stem is installed into
the lid-housing, and must be maintained for the life of the
product. All pivot-stem designs brought to the marketplace so far
use a snap-lock assembly of the pivot-stem to the lid-housing. The
compression of the seal is therefore non-adjustable. The
compressive forces in the seal act to produce friction between the
moving (pivoting) components. Wear results from this friction,
thereby reducing the compression of the seal. The hole in the
pivot-stem also causes wear and degradation of the seal. The hole
in the pivot-stem must be outside of the seal when the valve is
closed, and inside of the seal for drinking. Therefore, the hole
must pass over the compressed seal to either open or close the
valve. The seal becomes uncompressed as the hole passes over it,
and the trailing edge of the hole recompresses the seal. This
condition always wears the seal in the same place, and eventually
causes the seal to fail at that location. Once the seal fails it
cannot be replaced because of the one-time snap-lock assembly
design.
[0008] There are also problems with flow characteristics of
pivot-stem valves. The pouring of a liquid out of a container
requires the flow out of liquid, and the flow in of air. The
pivot-stem design prevents flow in and out simultaneously. Some
designs incorporate an air check valve in addition to the
ball-spout valve to alleviate this problem.
[0009] Another problem that is found with present beverage
containers is that the beverage loses its chill while in the
container. Typically, to counteract this, ice is used to maintain
the carbonated beverage in a chilled or at least in a cold
condition while the beverage is being consumed. However, in almost
all cases, the beverage must be poured out of its first original
container and into a different second container in order to take
advantage of ice cubes within the second container. With respect to
such beverages as beer, sparkling wine and other fermented or
brewed beverages, the use of ice is against the customs of
consumption.
[0010] Another problem encountered with present beverage containers
is that condensation collects on the outside of a well-chilled
container and can be a messy nuisance.
[0011] Another problem found in containers of the present art
relates to the spilling of canned beverages. Beverage cans do not
incorporate a means to close the hole once it has been opened.
Spills are especially common in environments where a beverage can
is subjected to jostling and to unexpected sudden movements such as
in automobiles or boats, or around toddlers. Known drink holders
and or soda can covers avoid outright spills, but leak through the
pressure release hole when tipped over.
[0012] The prior art demonstrates a variety of inventions that
address some of the problems stated above, but not all of them. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,408 illustrates a sealing cap for soda
cans having various diameters. However, the patent does not
disclose a bottom container for the soda can.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,596 teaches the use of a beverage
dispensing mug which is capable of receiving a conventional
beverage can, whereby the contents of the can may be maintained in
a chilled condition and/or consumed without emptying the contents
of the can into the mug. However, there is no provision for
prolonging the life of the carbonation within the liquid once the
can has been opened.
[0014] Another design is known wherein a snap-top spout resembling
the shape of a beer bottle is snapped to a top rim of a soda can.
This snap-top spout has provisions so that it may be snapped on to
different diameter cans. However, the snap-top spout does not
provide a means to preserve the carbonation in a can, once a can to
which this top is attached is opened.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] We have invented a device that overcomes the problems found
in the prior art. The first benefit of the present invention is
that it provides a beverage holder employing a seal system capable
of retaining a sealed chamber under normal carbonated beverage use
conditions. This seal system to may be opened and re-sealed
repeatedly while a beverage is consumed. When sealed, the
carbonation is retained for a much longer period of time than an
unsealed open beverage. When open, the beverage flow is virtually
the same as if directly out of a standard can or bottle.
[0016] Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal
system has adjustable seal compression by means of, in an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, threaded coupling. This compensates
for any wear that occurs in the seals or enclosure components.
Furthermore, any wear in the threads and seals is uniformly
distributed over all contact surfaces. Wear in the seals is minimal
and harmless as the direction of friction radially conforms to the
seal diameters and is not perpendicular to the seal diameter as it
is with the pivot-stem valve.
[0017] Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal
system has adjustable flow characteristics. The combination of seal
and flow adjustment allows the seal to be released in a controlled
manner and regulates drinking flow from sealed to fall open.
[0018] Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal
system may be fully operable for drinking and sealing without the
removal or complete separation of any of the seal system
components. This allows one-handed operation.
[0019] Another benefit of the present invention is the variety of
methods by which beverages may be contained inside the seal system.
We will disclose several embodiments that encompass enclosing an
entire open beverage can, enclosing poured in open beverages, and
using the present invention seal system as a manufactured beverage
container constituting new beverage packaging.
[0020] Another benefit of the present invention is that all
components may be separable and may be reassembled by the consumer
after cleaning. The sealing system can be embodied as such as a
re-usable system, but can also be embodied as a one-use beverage
package where components need not be separable.
[0021] Another benefit of the present invention is the capability
to provide insulation by means of air gaps and other barriers to
thermal conductivity around the can and within an optional dual
wall housing. This prolongs the coolness of the contained beverage
and eliminates sweating by collected condensation. The use of a
medium that recharges by being frozen or chilled between the
optional dual walls in the housing is yet another benefit.
[0022] It is still a further benefit of the present invention that
it provides a beverage holder that can accommodate any inert liquid
over the entire range of consumer friendly temperatures and
prolongs the freshness and temperature of said contained
liquids.
[0023] It is further benefit of the present invention that it is
leak proof and spill proof when sealed and subjected to knock over
or turbulence.
[0024] It is a further benefit of the present invention that it
provides a beverage holder with a clip for attachment to clothing
for "hands-free" portability.
[0025] It is a further benefit of the present invention that it
provides a beverage holder that fits into standard vehicle cup
holders.
[0026] Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will
be come apparent as the description proceeds.
[0027] A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in
the following description and claims and is illustrated in the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The benefits and advantages of the present invention will
become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the
relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and
accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
the beverage holder of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2A is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the
beverage holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0031] FIG. 2B is another perspective view, partially cut-away, of
the beverage holder shown in FIG. 1.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of the beverage holder of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the
beverage holder of FIG. 3.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment
of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the
beverage holder of FIG. 3 in which the outside bottom edge of the
can's upper rim the outside bottom edge of the can's upper rim.
[0036] FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the
upper portions of the beverage holder of a preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 8A is a perspective view, partially cut away, of an
exemplary cap element of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 8B is another perspective view, partially cut away, of
an exemplary cap element of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a enlarged perspective view of detail of the cap
element of FIG. 7B.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
sealing cap of the present invention.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closure screw cap of the
present invention.
[0042] FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the closure screw cap
of FIG. 10.
[0043] FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of a ball-spout of
the present invention.
[0044] FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the ball-spout of FIG.
12A, taken along the plane of line B-B of FIG. 12A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0045] While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in
various forms, there are shown in the drawings a number of
presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater
detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present
disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present
invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the
specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood
that the title of this section of this application ("Detailed
Description of the Illustrative Embodiments") relates to a
requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be
found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the beverage holder 20. FIG. 2A is a perspective view, partially
cut away, of the beverage holder 20 of FIG. 1. Beverage holder 20
may be used to accommodate a hot or cold beverage alone.
Alternatively, and preferably, the beverage holder 20 features a
chamber 24, having a size that is sufficiently large to snugly
receive a standard beverage can C. The beverage holder 20 has
features to enable a re-sealing of the opened beverage can C as
will be discussed in detail below. The beverage holder 20 includes
a generally cylindrical housing 19 and a lid 12 that is
inter-connectable with housing 19. It will be understood by persons
having ordinary skill in the art that while a beverage can C is
described, any type of sealed container for holding carbonated
beverages, including bottles, boxes and other types of cans (of any
variety of materials and construction) and others, may be used with
the present invention without departing from the novel scope of the
present invention.
[0047] The lid 12 houses a first seal 13 and a second seal 14. Seal
14 seals housing 19 and lid 12. Seal 14 seals housing 19 and lid 12
together when a can C is not within beverage holder 20. Seal 13
seals lid 12 to the top rim R of beverage can C.
[0048] Beverage holder 20 further includes a twist valve 25 that is
inter-connectable to the lid 12. Twist valve 25 is generally
rotatable from a position that provides a substantially
pressure-proof seal to an open position. Twist valve 25, and lid
12, in the present embodiment, have features that do not require
removal of twist valve 25 for beverage flow through twist valve
25.
[0049] Housing 19 typically features a one piece molded
construction, although, as known to persons having ordinary skill
in the art, it may be alternatively comprised of multiple (e.g.
inner and outer as described below in a further embodiment)
components without departing from the novel scope of the present
invention. Housing 19, further, features a plurality of reduced
diameter extension portions 4 that extend below the main body 21 of
housing 19. This reduction in diameter allows insertion of beverage
holder 20 into standard cup holders typical of those found in
automobiles. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill
in the art that extension portion 4 may be removably attached,
molded or otherwise formed as part of or as an addition to main
body 21. Another embodiment of housing 19, to be described later,
excludes extension 4. It will be understood, by persons having
skill in the art, that the material, used in constructing housing
19, is preferably clear or translucent to permit visual access to
the contents, but may also be colored to prevent visual access of
contents.
[0050] Multiple convex inward protuberances 69 are located in
tubular extension 4. The interior of tubular extension creates
chamber 68. This provides the added benefit of a compartment to
hold an ice pack; ice or chilled substances to cool can C.
[0051] Main Body 21 of housing 19 is above tubular extension 4
(tapered portion) and sloped surfaces 22. The main body 21 forms
internal chamber 24 that contains the can C or any hot or cold
beverage without can C. The main body 21 of housing 19 also
typically features a plurality of convex inward protuberances 8
that are preferably oriented longitudinally and extend inward. The
inward protruding ribs 8 touch and center the contained beverage
can C and hold it centrally creating an insulation air gap 71 (FIG.
2B) between the can C and exterior wall of main body 21.
[0052] Multiple convex inward protuberances 69 are located in
tubular extension 4. The top of each protuberance forms a surface
22 that is capable of supporting a beverage can C as described more
fully below. Gaps between the shoulders 22 create air vent passages
70 around the bottom of the contained can C. This assures easy
removal of can C as air can enter the chamber below can C as can C
is pulled out of chamber 24. The shoulder 22 formed by multiple
convex inward protuberances 69 in tubular extension 4 are
configured such that shoulder 22 supports can C to clearly dispose
the upper rim R of can C above upper edge 10 of housing 19. This
permits the can C to be conveniently grasped and removed from the
housing.
[0053] Protruding Ribs 72 & 73 are located near the top of the
main body 21, on the exterior wall, to house a belt clip 75.
Protruding ribs 72 extend outwardly from the main body 21 and are
located between protruding ribs 73. Protruding ribs 72 support the
belt clip 75 away from main body 21. The center rib 72 contains
locking boss 74. Protruding ribs 73 also extend outwardly from main
body 21 and are outward of ribs 72. Protruding ribs 73 encircle the
belt clip 75 to retain the belt clip. A gap to slide the belt clip
upward for assembly is created between the top of ribs 72 and the
retainer portion of ribs 73. Locking boss 74 is ramped such that
the upwardly sliding belt clip bends to pass over the locking bump
which snaps into a hole on the belt clip once the belt clip is in
the locked position. Protruding segment 76 of rim 11 stops the belt
clip in the locked and assembled position and provides support
structure and protection for the installed belt clip 75. Belt clip
75 can be attached to housing 19 to enable a user to clip the
product onto a belt.
[0054] A circular ring 86 located at the bottom of housing 19,
outside of circular depression 4A, and has a thicker wall than
nominal wall thickness of housing 19 to provide added insulation
and prevent sweating.
[0055] Reference will now be made to FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6, wherein
further embodiments of the present invention are shown. The
embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are generally identical in most
respects to the embodiments already described and illustrated in
preceding figures, with the exceptions noted as follows.
[0056] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, this embodiment of housing
19 does not include tubular extension portion 4. The present
embodiment of housing 19 typically features a one-piece molded
construction, although, it may be alternatively comprised of
multiple components (e.g. inner and outer explained in the next
embodiment). Main Body 21 of housing 19 extends to the bottom wall
77 of housing 19. Bottom wall 77 is the internal surface at the
bottom of chamber 24 supports a beverage can C.
[0057] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present embodiment of
housing 19 comprising an inner housing 1 and an outer housing 2 to
form a second outer air gap 82 between housings. Air gap 82 is
preferably air tight to prevent foreign matter from entering air
gap 82. The preferred method for joining the inner and outer walls
is ultrasonic welding. It will be understood by persons having
ordinary skill in the art that this method of joining is only one
of a number of methods of joining, and that other methods of
joining the walls and other elements of the present invention are
contemplated and their use does not comprise a departure from the
novel scope of the present invention. It will be further
understood, that such methods of joinder are equally applicable to
all embodiments of the present invention.
[0058] Further with respect to the present invention, Bottom wall
78 is the external surface at the bottom of housing 1. Bottom wall
78 has a preferably round solid boss 80 that is in the center of
wall 78 and protrudes downward. Bottom wall 79 is the internal
surface at the bottom of housing 80. Bottom wall 79 has a
preferably round circular boss 81 protruding from upward at the
center on the outside of the wall. Bosses 80 and 81 are configured
such that boss 80 can slide into boss 81, but is not allowed any
lateral freedom. This locks housing 1 and 2 radially, but allows
variance in housing lengths. It should be understood that bosses 80
and 81 can be different shapes and reversed.
[0059] FIGS. 2A, 4, 6, and 7 are perspective cut-away views that
all depict the preferred embodiment of lid 12. Lid 12 is coupled to
twist valve 25 and housing 19. The preferred method of coupling is
by means of complimentary threads that engage between lid 12 and
housing 19, and lid 12 and twist valve 25. Coupling thread 40 of
lid 12 and coupling thread 31 of twist valve 25 form the first
complimentary threaded engagement between lid 12 and twist valve
25. Coupling thread 12B of lid 12 and coupling thread 9 (FIG. 6) of
housing 19 form the first complimentary threaded engagement between
lid 12 and housing 19. It is further preferred that the threaded
coupling of lid to twist valve is separable to permit cleaning of
said components. It is also further preferred that the threaded
coupling of lid to housing is separable. This enables access to the
internal chamber 24 of housing 19 and permits easy cleaning. The
preferred coupling method described above is predicated upon a
devise that is re-useable by the consumer to enhance or replace
purchased beverage packaging. It will be understood by persons
having ordinary skill in the art that the preferred method of
coupling is only one of a number of methods of coupling. Other
methods of coupling the elements of housing 19, lid 12, and twist
valve 25 are contemplated and their use does not comprise a
departure from the novel scope of the present invention. Another
embodiment of the present invention incorporates coupling of the
lid 12 to housing 19 that is not separable to provide new beverage
packaging that incorporates the benefits of the twist valve 25.
[0060] Coupling Threads 40 of lid 12 is the preferred embodiment to
connect the twist valve 25 to lid 12. The connection applies
compressive force between lid 12 and bottom sealing O-ring 48.
Internal dual-lead threads on spout 41, of lid 12, is the preferred
embodiment. The threads extend upwardly from left to right. The
threads are dual lead and allow movement of the entire twist valve
from a sealed position to an opened position with a 1/3 turn.
[0061] Spout 41 is a hollow cylinder at the top of lid 12 that
houses the means to connect the twist valve 25. The lower interior
wall also provides the side sealing rib 46. Rotational Stop
Protrusion(s) 42 (FIG. 5) is an outward protrusion emanating from
the middle body 43. This feature interacts with an opposing inward
rotational stop protrusion 35 located on the thumb stem perimeter
structure 34 of twist valve 25. The lid 12 stop protrusion 42 has a
ramped side 46 of the protrusion and another side with no ramp. The
preferred embodiment uses two stop features diametrically opposed
to accommodate dual lead thread coupling of the twist valve 25 and
lid 12. Description of the workings of the rotational stops is
covered in the twist valve section: Rotational Stop Protrusion(s)
35. Middle Body 43 is a transitional body section between the lower
body 55 and spout 41 consisting of a diameter section internally
housing the container seal 14 and another diameter section
internally housing the can seal 13. The rotational stop
protrusion(s) 42 and flow indicator labels 63 are preferably
located on the exterior wall of middle body 43.
[0062] Seal Body 51 is an annular protrusion containing pouring
aperture 52 and is connected to the spout 41 and middle body 43.
Preferably the seal body is of sufficient structure to support the
compressive forces generated when the twist valve 25 is
sufficiently tight to compress seal 48 thus sealing can C. Also
preferable a seal body 51 shape that creates seal body chamber 56.
Pouring Aperture 52 is an opening through seal body 51 that permits
flow of the contents of can C out of the lid 12 and into the twist
valve 25 when the valve is open. Preferably, the area of the
pouring aperture is equal to the opening of can C with a circular
shape.
[0063] Seal Body Chamber 56 is the volume inside the seal body 51.
This space is preferable to allow use of the product when the pull
tab 53 of can C is fully extended after opening. The contents of
can C may enter seal body chamber 56 even when the can is sealed.
This volume is preferably just small enough to accommodate the
raised tab C to minimize beverage carbonation loss. Middle body
chamber 57 is the interior volume of middle body 43. This volume is
preferably shaped and sufficiently large to contain the top portion
of a standard beverage can such that it can easily be grasped and
removed from housing 19. Lower Body 55 is a hollow cylindrical
structure at the bottom of lid 12. This feature preferably houses
the coupling feature 12B to connect the lid 12 to housing 19 and
has gripping protrusion(s) 58.
[0064] Lower body chamber 59 is the volume inside the lower body
55. Lower coupling threads 12B. This feature is the preferred
embodiment to connect the lid 12 to housing 19. The connection
applies compressive force to create either container seal or can
seal. The container seal occurs between upper seal edge 10 of
housing 19 and container seal 14. The can seal occurs between the
rim R of can C supported by housing 19 and can seal 13. The
coupling method preferably provides for mutually exclusive sealing
of the can and container, that is to say that when the can is
contained in the devise, the can seal engages before the container
seal and precludes use of the container seal, and accommodates
variance in can height. Internal dual lead threads on lower body 55
of lid 12 are the preferred embodiment. The threads extend
upwardly. The preferred embodiment of lower coupling threads 12B
allows use of all three embodiments of housing 19
interchangeably.
[0065] Container seal seat 61 is an annular cavity housed at the
bottom of middle body 43 to fixably contain container seal 14. A
sharp edged annular protrusion 60 is located in the bottom of the
cavity to prevent liquid from leaking under and around the seal.
Container Seal 14 is a component fabricated of elastomer material
and fixably attached within container seal seat 61. Seal 14 is
compressed between the upper seal edge 10 of housing 19 and lid 12.
This seal is engaged when lid 12 is tightened and a can C is not
present. Seal 14 is configured to permit sealing of various can rim
R diameters. Can seal seat 62 is an annular cavity housed at the
top of middle body 43 to fixably contain can seal 13. A sharp edged
annular protrusion 60 is located in the bottom of the cavity to
prevent liquid from leaking under and around the seal.
[0066] Can seal 13 is a component fabricated of elastomer material
and fixably attached within can seal seat 62. Seal 13 is compressed
between the upper rim R of can C supported by housing 19 and lid
12. This seal preferably has sufficient size to accommodate rim R
variance in diameters. Creating a pressure resistant seal suitable
to maintain beverage carbonation requires sealing of both can seal
13 and bottom seal 48 of twist valve 25. Can seal 13 preferably is
sealed once during each can C use, while the twist valve bottom
seal 48 is opened and closed between drinks.
[0067] Gripping Protrusions 58 are a plurality of protrusions in a
radial pattern on lower body 55 that allow easy gripping to
facilitate assembly and removal of the lid 12 from housing 19. Side
Sealing Rib 46 is an annular protrusion with a preferably smaller
diameter than the spout 41. This alleviates the side sealing o-ring
37 from interfering with the threaded portion of internal wall of
the spout 41 as the twist valve 25 is inserted into lid 12. The
inner diameter also preferably radially compresses the side sealing
O-ring 37 to create a leak proof seal.
[0068] Flow indicator label(s) 63 indicate flow capacity through
twist valve 25. Preferably, this feature consists of protruding
graphics integrally molded on the exterior surface of middle body
43 that consists of a scale ranging from a no flow starting point
to a full flow position of the twist valve rotation.
[0069] Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8A, 8B, 9 and 10, views, some
partially cutaway of a preferred embodiment of a lid 12 and twist
valve 25 are shown. Features of this embodiment will now be
described. Twist valve 25 comprising a perimeter ring 26, which is
a protrusion encircling the upper body 27 to provide connection
between upper body 27 and thumb stem(s) structural ribs 34. Upper
body 27 is a hollow cylindrical feature between the drinking
orifice 29 and perimeter ring 26. Preferably the size of the upper
body is similar to a standard beverage bottle spout. Thumb stem(s)
28 is a protrusion or plurality of protrusions to facilitate
rotation of the entire twist valve 25. The preferred embodiment
uses two thumb stems diametrically opposed to each other and
symmetrical. The size of the thumb stems permits graphic
instructional label(s) 36 and rotational stop feature(s) 35. The
use of two diametrically opposed and symmetrical thumb stems also
allows use of dual leads on thread 31 to connect the twist valve 25
to the lid 12.
[0070] Further, drinking orifice 29 is an opening at the top of the
upper body 27 where a user places their mouth for drinking. Lower
body 30 is a hollow cylindrical feature under the perimeter ring
26. This feature houses external coupling threads 31, side O-ring
seating feature 32, and multiple, connective ribs 33. Coupling
threads 31 is the preferred method to connect the twist valve 25 to
lid 12. This connection allows the application of compressive force
between lid 12 and sealing O-ring 48. Threads 31 extend upwardly
from left to right and are dual lead, allowing movement of the
entire twist valve from a sealed position to an opened position
with a 1/3 turn. The external thread 31 of twist valve 25 engages
the internal thread 40 of spout 41 of the lid 12.
[0071] Side O-ring seat (groove) 32 is an annular depression in the
lower body 30 that holds the side sealing o-ring 37. The
configuration of the side o-ring seat groove 32 is such that the
side o-ring is compressed against side sealing radial rib 46 to
create a leak proof seal. Connective Ribs 33 comprise a plurality
of rib structures oriented in a circular pattern to support plate
38 within and offset from lower body 30 and upper body 27. In
between each rib section 33 is a vent passage 39. It is preferable
that the number of connective ribs 33 is sufficiently high to
facilitate small vent passage apertures 39 that prevent bees (or
other insects) from passing through the vent passages 39.
[0072] Thumb stem perimeter structure(s) 34 is a protruding
surround for each thumb stem 28 to provide rigidity and connect the
thumb stem(s) to the perimeter ring 26. The top of the thumb stem
perimeter structure can flex to accommodate operation of the
rotational stop feature 35. A rotational stop protrusion(s) 35 is
an inward protrusion emanating from the thumb stem perimeter rib
34. This feature interacts with an opposing outward rotational stop
protrusion 42 located on the exterior of middle body 43 of the lid
12. The twist valve rotational stop protrusion 35 has a ramp on
either side of the protrusion. Ramp 44 is less inclined than ramp
45. Ramp 44 engages the ramped side 46 of the opposing outward
rotational stop protrusion 42 on lid 12 as the twist valve is
screwed on to the lid 12. The low incline of ramps 44 and 46 allows
for easy bypass of the stop feature to the sealed position. Ramp 45
is inclined at 45 degrees. Ramp 45 ramp engages the opposing
outward rotational stop protrusion 42 face with no ramp on lid 12,
as the twist valve is unscrewed from the sealed position (fully
tight) on lid 12. The stop features are positioned such that the
stop makes contact when the twist valve is in the fully open
position (1/3 turn). The twist valve cannot be opened further
unless enough torque is applied to the twist valve to force the
ramp 45 to jump over the opposing outward rotational stop
protrusion 42 face with no ramp on lid 12. The preferred embodiment
uses two stop features diametrically opposed to accommodate dual
lead thread 31 coupling of the twist valve 25 and lid 12.
[0073] An instructional label 36 provides information regarding
which direction to apply force to the thumb stem(s) 28 to seal or
open twist valve 25. The preferred embodiment is integral molded
protruding letters located on thumb stems 28. Side o-ring seal 37
is a component fabricated of elastomer material that is radially
compressed between the lower body 30 of twist valve 25 and side
sealing radial rib 46 of lid 12. Side o-ring seal 37 is
rotationally fixed with respect to twist valve 25 and is
rotationally free with respect to lid 12. Side o-ring seal 37 is
compressed to evoke a leak-proof seal when the twist valve is
engaged to the lid and slides up and down in a sealed state over
the linear range of motion created by the threaded coupling between
the twist valve and lid. The linear range of motion is bounded by
the fully engaged sealed state of the bottom seal 49 and the
retracted, fully open, flow position. Side o-ring seal 37 prevents
liquid from escaping under and around the outside lower body 30 of
the twist valve, thus the only path for escape is through the vent
passages 39, through the upper body chamber 47, and out of the
drinking orifice 29. It will be understood by persons having
ordinary skill in the art that a variety of sealing elements, of
various materials, may be used without departing from the novel
scope of the present invention.
[0074] Bottom seal support plate 38 is preferably a flat circular
protrusion that supports the bottom o-ring seal 48 in bottom seal
seat 49. This feature is separated from the upper body 27 and lower
body 30 by vent passages 39 and is connected to the lower body by
multiple connection ribs 33. Vent passage(s) 39 is a chamber
bounded by the exterior diameter of support plate 38; the sides of
two adjacent connective ribs 33; and wall contour 88. Wall contour
88 is the internal wall contour formed by the transitional contour
from larger lower body diameter 30 to smaller upper body diameter
27. Each vent passage 39 allows flow of liquid from the lower body
chamber 50 to the upper body chamber 47. Preferably there is a
plurality of vent passages oriented in a circular pattern. The
cumulative cross-sectional area of the vent passages is
sufficiently large so as not to restrict the flow of liquid
pourable from a standard can C opening 54. Furthermore, the vent
passages 39 allow flow of liquid out while also simultaneously
allowing flow of air the chamber containing the beverage.
Furthermore, the vent passage 39 directs the path of the liquid.
The path can be straight through but is preferably directed such
that the flow changes direction from straight up to radially inward
by as it enters the upper body chamber 47. This minimizes splash
out of the drinking orifice as the seal is opened and pressure is
released.
[0075] It will be seen that bottom seal seat (groove) 49 is an
annular depression in the bottom seal support plate 38 that holds
the bottom seal O-ring 48. Bottom Seal 48 is a component fabricated
of elastomer material that is compressed between the bottom seal
support plate 38 and seal body 51 of lid 12. The bottom seal 48 is
raised and lowered with respect to seal body 51 of lid 12 as the
twist valve 25 is rotated due to the threaded connection between
the twist valve and the lid. Compression of bottom seal 48
determines the rotational stop of the twist valve and creates the
substantially pressure-proof seal. The diameter of this component
is slightly larger than the pouring aperture 52 of lid 12. Bottom
seal 48 is fixed to twist valve 25, thus unscrewing the twist valve
raises bottom seal 48 away from seal body 51 of lid 12 and liquid
flow is enabled. The compression of bottom seal 48 is uniformly
distributed around the entire contact surface, and is adjustable by
means of the threaded coupling of twist valve 25 and lid 12.
Compression adjustment of the seal provides two important benefits:
First, the seal can be opened in a slow controlled manner to
quietly release pressure inside the container. Secondly, any wear
in either the bottom seal 48 or thread elements coupling the twist
valve 25 and lid 12 can be overcome to attain a substantially
pressure-proof seal. The preferred embodiment of this component 48
is a double seal O-ring. The flow rate through the twist valve is
also adjustable by means of the threaded coupling between the lid
12 and twist valve 25.
[0076] Lower body chamber 50 of twist valve 25 is the volume inside
lower body 30. This volume is not a requirement of the invention,
but is preferred to permit a raised seal body 51 of lid 12 thus
providing clearance for a raised pull tab 53 on can C. Upper body
chamber 47 is the volume inside upper body 27 bounded by the vent
passage(s) 39 and drinking orifice 29.
[0077] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 another closure screw cap
27 embodiment is shown. This embodiment has a drinking orifice
feature that is used with screw cap 63 and is inter-connectable
with all three housing 19 embodiments. The features of this
embodiment will now be described in detail. Spout 41 is similar to
the preferred embodiment except the coupling threads 40 are
preferred as external. Bee Trap Ribs 64 are located at the top of
and internal to spout 41. Preferably, the apertures through these
ribs are sufficiently small to prevent bees from passing through
the apertures and sufficiently large such that the cumulative
cross-sectional area is equal to or greater that a standard can C
opening 54. Drinking orifice 65 is the aperture at the top of spout
41 on which the user places their mouth for drinking. This drinking
orifice is sealed off to provide an airtight seal when the screw
cap 63 compresses seal 66 upon tightening.
[0078] Screw Cap 63 is a component with internal threads to couple
with the coupling threads 40 to compress seal 66 and create a
pressure resistant container. The user must remove screw cap 63 to
drink from beverage holder 20. The screw cap also contains a
feature to retain tether 67 that preferably does not limit
rotation. Tether Strap 67 is a component to flexibly connect the
screw cap 63 to lid 12. Preferably the tether strap is fixably
attached to the top of the screw cap 63 and spout 41 with
rotational freedom. Tether Strap Restraint 68 is a protrusion
emanating from the exterior of lower body 55 of lid 12 to hold the
tether strap out of the way for drinking.
[0079] Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, another embodiment of a
closure screw cap 27 is shown, and its features will now be
described. This third type of closure screw cap embodiment
discloses an improved sealing spout assembly. This embodiment is
also inter-connectable with all three housing 19 embodiments. Pivot
peg(s) 83 is a round boss that emanates inwardly from the lid 12 to
interface with ball 16 along the ball pivot axis. There are two
pivot peg bosses diametrically opposed to each other. The gap
between the opposing pivot pegs is less than the width of ball 16.
Recess (2) 84 are a round depression in the surface of the ball 16
oriented coaxial with the ball pivot axis. Recess(s) 84 are
configured to have a slightly larger diameter than pivot pegs 83 to
accept insertion of pivot pegs 83. Recess (2) 85 is a depression in
the surface of the ball 16 to allow assembly of the ball 16 onto
pivot pegs 83 from a specific direction. Recess(s) 84 are
configured such that the ball is can only be easily snap fit
assembled onto pivot pegs 83 when ball 16 is oriented in the open
pouring position (unsealed and vertical). Thus, when the ball-spout
is in the closed position (sealed and horizontal), the side of
recess 84 has sufficient material to retain pivot pegs 83 against
the forces created by seal compression and contents pressure. In
this embodiment, the features to house the belt clip are preferably
on the outermost housing 1. This allows an airtight joint between
housing 1 and 2 to form air gap 82.
[0080] Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has
been shown and described, it is to be understood that various
modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the
art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the
invention.
* * * * *