U.S. patent application number 12/426318 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-21 for stainless steel beverage container.
Invention is credited to Kathy MacKay, Richard J. Staychock.
Application Number | 20100264148 12/426318 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42980231 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100264148 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MacKay; Kathy ; et
al. |
October 21, 2010 |
STAINLESS STEEL BEVERAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
Disclosed is a beverage container for storing and dispensing
beverages. The beverage container comprises a body member and a lid
member capable of being removably attached to the body member. The
body member includes a base portion, at least one sidewall, and a
threaded neck portion. The at least one sidewall and the base
portion configure a cavity. The lid member includes a top portion,
and a skirt portion extending from a periphery of the top portion.
Further, the skirt portion includes internal threads capable of
mating with the threaded neck portion of the body member.
Furthermore, the body member is made of stainless steel.
Inventors: |
MacKay; Kathy; (Chico,
CA) ; Staychock; Richard J.; (Chico, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAY M. SCHLOFF
6960 Orchard Lake Road, Suite 315
West Bloomfield
MI
48322
US
|
Family ID: |
42980231 |
Appl. No.: |
12/426318 |
Filed: |
April 20, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/288 ;
220/713 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2272
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/288 ;
220/713 |
International
Class: |
B65D 41/04 20060101
B65D041/04; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22 |
Claims
1. A beverage container for storing and dispensing beverages, the
beverage container comprising: a body member having a base portion,
at least one sidewall, the at least one sidewall and the base
portion configuring a cavity, and a threaded neck portion; and a
lid member capable of being removably attached to the body member,
the lid member having a top portion, and a skirt portion extending
from a periphery of the top portion, the skirt portion having
internal threads capable of mating with the threaded neck portion
of the body member, wherein the body member is made of stainless
steel.
2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the lid member is
made of stainless steel.
3. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the body member is
cylindrical in shape.
4. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the top portion of
the lid member comprises an aperture.
5. The beverage container of claim 4, wherein the aperture is
capable of receiving at least one of a nipple and a mouth
piece.
6. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the skirt portion
comprises a silicone ring permitting the lid member engaged with
the neck portion of the body member to form a leak-proof seal.
7. The beverage container of claim 1 further comprising a silicone
disc capable of being disposed between the lid member and the body
member to form a leak-proof seal between the lid member and the
body member.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present invention claims priority under 35 United States
Code, Section 119 on the provisional application numbered 61046189
filed on Apr. 18, 2008, the disclosure of which is incorporated by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention generally relates to beverage
containers, and, more particularly, to a stainless steel beverage
container having non-toxic properties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Plastic is a by-product of oil refining, and numerous
processes are used to turn plastic into finished goods. Plastic
products have become integral to daily lives of people. Plastic is
used almost in every sphere of life and for multitude of purposes,
which include packaging of food and drink, clothing, electronic
gadgets, such as computers, phones, utensils, toys. Plastic is also
used in construction of homes, offices, business establishments and
the like. Plastic being versatile in terms of being lightweight,
flexible, moisture resistant, durable, strong and relatively
inexpensive, it is extensively used in the food industry for
storage purposes. However, widespread use of the plastic has been a
cause of great concern as plastic has been found to cause
unprecedented environmental problems, as well as harboring serious
health risks.
[0004] It has been observed and supported by research that
ubiquitous plastic is an enormous source of landfill waste, as
plastic is non-biodegradable and no naturally occurring organism
can break plastic into constituents. As such the presence of
plastic destroys fragile ecosystems.
[0005] In terms of health hazards, research has shown that
chemicals leached from plastics used in cooking and in the storage
of food and drink are harmful to human health, and especially to
the health of children. Children are more vulnerable to the effects
of toxic chemicals than adults as their immune system and central
nervous system are at a developing stage. Most plastic containers
and bottles used for storage of food and drinks for infants and
children contain toxic chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and
phthalates. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a hormone (endocrine) disrupter
and is believed to stimulate the growth of cancer cells, and
exposure to BPA at a young age can cause genetic damage. BPA has
also been linked to recurrent miscarriages in women. Further,
phthalates have been linked to reproductive problems, early-onset
puberty, liver and thyroid damage, and testicular cancer.
[0006] Accordingly, there exists a need for a container for food
and beverages which is non-toxic and environment friendly.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior
art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a
container for storing and dispensing beverages, to include all
advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent
in the prior art.
[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a container
for storing and dispensing beverages which is lightweight,
non-toxic, environment friendly, and is safe for indefinite
reuse.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
container for beverages which does not release toxic chemicals such
as those found in plastic containers and, as such, avoids
endangering the human lives (especially infants and children).
[0010] To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present
invention, a beverage container for storing and dispensing
beverages is provided. The beverage container comprises a body
member and a lid member capable of being removably attached to the
body member. The body member includes a base portion, at least one
sidewall, and a threaded neck portion. The at least one sidewall
and the base portion configure a cavity. The lid member includes a
top portion, and a skirt portion extending from a periphery of the
top portion. Further, the skirt portion includes internal threads
capable of mating with the threaded neck portion of the body
member. Furthermore the body member is made of stainless steel.
[0011] This together with the other aspects of the present
invention, along with the various features of novelty that
characterized the present invention, is pointed out with
particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of the
present invention. For a better understanding of the present
invention, its operating advantages, and the specified object
attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying
drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated
exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The advantages and features of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the following detailed
description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols,
and in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a stainless
steel beverage container, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a front perspective view of a body member
of the stainless steel beverage container, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C illustrates a front perspective view of
different structural configurations of a lid member of the
stainless steel beverage container, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0016] FIG. 3D illustrates a silicone disc, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
description of several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] For a thorough understanding of the present invention,
reference is to be made to the following detailed description,
including the appended claims, in connection with the
above-described drawings. Although the present invention is
described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present
invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set
forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may
suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for
the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations
thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter
and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
[0019] The terms, "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of
quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the
referenced item.
[0020] The present invention provides a stainless steel beverage
container for storage and dispensation of beverages which include,
but are not limited to, water, fruit juice, infant formula,
breast-milk, and milk. The present invention is a replacement of
plastic containers and finds utility in multitude of places,
especially in the food and beverage industry.
[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a stainless steel beverage container 100
(hereinafter referred to as beverage container 100). The beverage
container 100 is made of non-toxic materials such as stainless
steel to overcome serious health risks associated with the use of
plastic containers. The beverage container 100 comprises a body
member 10 and a lid member 20 removably attached to the body member
10. As shown in FIG. 2, the body member 10 of the beverage
container 100 is a cylindrical shaped structure having a base
portion 12, at least one sidewall 14 configuring an opening 18, and
a threaded neck portion 16. In an embodiment of the present
invention, the at least one sidewall 14 of the body member 10 may
have a shape such that the body member 10 is easily held by infants
and children in their hands, including, but not limited to, an
hourglass shape.
[0022] FIG. 3A illustrates the lid member 20 of the beverage
container 100, as an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The lid member 20 is sized to cover the threaded neck portion 16 of
the body member 10. The lid member 20 comprises a top portion 22
with a skirt portion 24 extending from a periphery of the top
portion 22. The skirt portion 24 has internal threads 26 to mate
with the threaded neck portion 16 of the body member 10. The lid
member 20 is screwed onto the threaded neck portion 16 of the body
member 10 to close the opening 18 of the body member 10. In one
embodiment, a silicone ring is disposed upon the skirt portion 24
to permit the lid member 20, when engaged with the neck portion 16
of the body member 10, to form a seal for leak-proof storage of
food or beverage in the beverage container 100.
[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the lid member 20
may have an aperture (not shown) to removably attach a nipple 30
with the lid member 20 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Further, as shown
in FIG. 3C, the present invention may have a mouth piece 32
removably attached within the aperture of the lid member 20. In an
embodiment of the present invention, the nipple 30 and the mouth
piece 32 may be made of silicone. It will be apparent to those
skilled in the art that appearance, structural configuration and
the material comprising the body member 10, the lid member 20, the
nipple 30, and the mouth piece 32 is set forth herein for purposes
of illustration and that the present invention is not limited to
the appearance, structural configuration or the material comprising
the body member 10, the lid member 20, the nipple 30, and the mouth
piece 32.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3D, in another embodiment of the present
invention, the beverage container 100 further comprises a silicone
disc 28. The silicone disc 28 is capable of being disposed between
the lid member 20 and the body member 10, such that the lid member
20, when attached to the body member 10, secures the silicone disc
28 between the lid member 20 and the body member 10. The silicone
disc 28 is of sufficient size to completely cover the opening 18 of
the body member 10. The silicone disc 28 is of sufficient
flexibility such that when it is disposed between the lid member 20
and body member 10, the silicone disc 28 allows the internal
threads 26 of the skirt portion 24 of the lid member 20 to mate
with the threaded neck portion 16 of the body member 10. The
silicone disc 28, when attached, forms a leak-proof seal between
the body member 10 and the lid member 20. The attachment of the
silicone disc 28 allows for safe and water-tight freezer,
refrigerator, and/or to-go food and beverage storage. The silicone
disc 28 is of sufficient flexibility to permit beverage expansion
when the beverage container 100 is stored in a freezer. The
silicone disc 28 also prolongs the life of the nipple 30 and is
sufficiently resilient when subjected to heat such that it may be
sterilized under sufficient heat.
[0025] In use, the body member 10 of the beverage container 100 is
employed to hold a consumable liquid such as beverages and the lid
member 20 is removably attached to the body member 10. More
specifically, when the body member 10 is filled with the consumable
liquid, the skirt portion 24 of the lid member 20 having the
internal threads 26 is placed on the body member 10 to mate with
the threaded neck portion 16 of the body member 10. To feed infants
and children, the nipple 30 is attached to the aperture of the lid
member 20. The beverage container 100 may also be used as a sipper
cup by attaching the mouth piece 32 to the aperture of the lid
member 20. Upon finishing contents in the body member 10, the lid
member 20 may be removed for washing the beverage container 100.
The beverage container 100 is also resilient to heat such that user
may subject the beverage container 100 to sufficiently high
temperatures to sterilize the beverage container 100 without
damaging the beverage container 100.
[0026] In another use, the lid member 20 that does not comprise an
aperture is attached to the beverage container 100 to obtain a
leak-proof seal as described above. In such use, food and beverage
may be stored, frozen, or heated. The silicone ring of the lid
member 20 obviates the leaching of chemicals associated with
plastic containers that are subjected to freezer and heating
conditions.
[0027] The best mode for carrying out the present invention is
presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein illustrated
with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D. However, the
present invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a
person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other
embodiments of the present invention are possible without deviating
from the basic concept of the present invention and any such work
around will also fall under scope of the present invention.
[0028] The stainless steel beverage container 100, as described
herein, provides for storage and dispensation of beverages. The
stainless steel beverage container 100 provides multitude of
options to a user for storing and dispensing beverages, including,
but not limited to, the body member 10 coupled with the lid member
20 (explained in conjunction with FIG. 3A) may be used for storing
beverages, the body member 10 coupled with the lid member 20 having
the nipple 30 (explained in conjunction with FIG. 3B) may be
employed to feed infants with the content present in the stainless
steel beverage container 100, or the body member 10 coupled with
the mouth piece 32 (explained in conjunction with FIG. 3C) may be
used as a sipper cup. However, it will be evident to a person
skilled in the art that the stainless steel beverage container 100
may be of different structural configurations and that the present
invention is not limited to the structural configurations as
described herein.
[0029] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously
many modifications and variations are possible in light of the
above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order
to best explain the principles of the present invention and its
practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art
to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated. It is understood that various omission and
substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may
suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the
application or implementation without departing from the spirit or
scope of the claims of the present invention.
* * * * *