U.S. patent application number 13/117621 was filed with the patent office on 2012-11-29 for beverage container with heating or cooling insert and method of making same.
Invention is credited to Willard Nelson Archie, Jr., Christopher Loew.
Application Number | 20120298675 13/117621 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47218537 |
Filed Date | 2012-11-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120298675 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Archie, Jr.; Willard Nelson ;
et al. |
November 29, 2012 |
BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH HEATING OR COOLING INSERT AND METHOD OF
MAKING SAME
Abstract
A container assembly for maintaining a temperature of a liquid
includes an outer wall defining an interior cavity for storing the
liquid. The container assembly also includes an inner wall
indirectly connected to the outer wall. The inner wall defines an
external cavity configured to receive a thermal cartridge for
maintaining the temperature of the material within the inner
cavity. The thermal cartridge includes a base portion configured to
couple the thermal cartridge to the container assembly. The thermal
cartridge also includes an insert portion configured to be received
by the external cavity. The base portion and the insert portion
unitarily form the thermal cartridge.
Inventors: |
Archie, Jr.; Willard Nelson;
(Hillsborough, CA) ; Loew; Christopher; (Palo
Alto, CA) |
Family ID: |
47218537 |
Appl. No.: |
13/117621 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.16 ;
29/890.03 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 36/24 20130101;
Y10T 29/4935 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.16 ;
29/890.03 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20060101
B65D081/18; B21D 53/02 20060101 B21D053/02 |
Claims
1. A container assembly for maintaining a temperature of a liquid,
the container assembly comprising: an outer wall defining an
interior cavity for storing the liquid; and an inner wall
indirectly connected to said outer wall and defining an external
cavity configured to receive a thermal cartridge for maintaining
the temperature of the liquid within said inner cavity, said
thermal cartridge comprising: a base portion configured to couple
said thermal cartridge to said container assembly; and an insert
portion configured to be received by said external cavity, said
base portion and said insert portion unitarily form said thermal
cartridge.
2. A container assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
inner wall is configured to separate said thermal cartridge from
said interior cavity.
3. A container assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
inner wall extends between a range of approximately 40% and 60% of
a longitudinal length of said interior cavity.
4. A container assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
thermal cartridge further comprises a thermal material for
maintaining a predetermined temperature within said interior
cavity.
5. A container assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
external cavity defined by said inner wall is communicatively
coupled to a second external cavity defined at least partially by
said outer wall, said second external cavity configured to receive
said base portion, said first external cavity configured to receive
said insert portion.
6. A container assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein said
base portion comprises at least one threaded portion configured to
engage at least one threaded portion positioned within said second
external cavity.
7. A container assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
insert portion is thermally coupled to said inner wall via a
friction fit.
8. A container assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
base portion is configured to facilitate positioning the container
in a vertical upright position.
9. A beverage container comprising: an outer wall partially
defining an interior containment volume and a centerline axis
extending longitudinally therethrough; an inner wall positioned
within said interior containment volume, said inner wall
substantially concentrically aligned with said outer wall and said
longitudinal centerline axis, said inner wall at least partially
defines a first external cavity; and a thermal cartridge
comprising: a base portion configured to couple said thermal
cartridge to said outer wall; and an insert portion configured to
be received by said first external cavity, said base portion and
said insert portion unitarily form said thermal cartridge, wherein
said inner wall is configured to separate said thermal cartridge
from said interior containment volume.
10. A beverage container in accordance with claim 9, wherein said
outer wall is substantially transparent.
11. A beverage container in accordance with claim 9 further
comprising: a nozzle assembly coupled to said outer wall; and a top
cover coupled to said outer wall, wherein said top cover is
configured to extend about and enclose said nozzle assembly.
12. A beverage container in accordance with claim 11, wherein said
nozzle assembly comprises: a mouth portion; a coupling portion; and
a flexing portion, wherein said mouth portion, said coupling
portion, and said flexing portion are unitarily formed.
13. A beverage container in accordance with claim 12, wherein said
coupling portion comprises at least one threaded portion configured
to engage at least one upper threaded portion of said outer
wall.
14. A beverage container in accordance with claim 13, wherein said
top cover comprises at least one threaded portion configured to
engage said at least one upper threaded portion of said outer
wall.
15. A beverage container in accordance with claim 9, wherein said
thermal cartridge further comprises a thermal material for
maintaining a predetermined temperature within said beverage
container
16. A method of assembling a beverage container, said method
comprising: providing a liquid containment assembly that includes:
an outer wall partially defining an interior containment volume and
a centerline axis extending longitudinally therethrough; and an
inner wall positioned within the interior containment volume, the
inner wall substantially concentrically aligned with the outer wall
and the longitudinal centerline axis, wherein the inner wall at
least partially defines a first external cavity; providing a
thermal cartridge that includes a base portion and an insert
portion that are unitarily formed together; inserting the insert
portion into the first external cavity such that the thermal
cartridge is separated from the interior containment volume; and
coupling the base portion to the outer wall.
17. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein providing a
thermal cartridge comprises injecting a thermal material into at
least one of the base portion and the insert portion.
18. A method in accordance with claim 16, wherein providing a
liquid containment assembly comprises: at least partially defining
a second external cavity on a bottom end of the outer wall, the
second external cavity communicatively coupled to the first
external cavity; defining at least one threaded portion on the
bottom end of the outer wall within the second external cavity; and
defining at least one threaded portion on a top end of the outer
wall.
19. A method in accordance with claim 18, wherein coupling the base
portion to the outer wall comprises: forming at least one threaded
portion on the base portion; and screwing at least one threaded
portion of the base portion onto the at least one threaded portion
on the bottom end of the outer wall within the second external
cavity.
20. A method in accordance with claim 18 further comprising:
forming at least one threaded portion on a nozzle assembly;
coupling the nozzle assembly to the outer wall by screwing the at
least one threaded portion of the nozzle assembly to the at least
one threaded portion on the top end of the outer wall; forming at
least one threaded portion on a top cover; and coupling the top
cover to the outer wall by screwing the at least one threaded
portion of the top cover to the at least one threaded portion on
the top end of the outer wall, wherein the top cover extends about
and encloses the nozzle assembly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to liquid storage
containers, and specifically to a reusable beverage container
having a reusable heating and/or cooling element inserted
therein.
[0002] Many individuals have an active lifestyle and, while living
this active life, elect to bring their choice of beverage from home
within a container rather than incur the cost and time associated
with stopping and purchasing such beverages. For example, people
who attend sporting events and other similar functions often times
elect to bring their own beverages with them. Also, many workers
bring their lunch, including a drink, from home for similar
reasons. Furthermore, many parents prepare and send a lunch to
school with their children, inclusive of something to drink.
[0003] There is usually a time delay between the preparation and
consumption of a beverage because the consumer gets thirsty over a
period of time. Cool beverages tend to warm with time.
Specifically, without refrigeration, over a period of time prior to
consumption, cooled beverages will approach ambient temperatures,
thereby causing the beverage to be less appealing. Similarly,
without routine reheating, over a period of time prior to
consumption, heated beverages will approach ambient temperatures,
thereby causing the beverage to be less appealing. Further, the
freshness of the beverage may be compromised. If certain
ingredients are compromised, for e.g., milk-based ingredients and
some juices, the beverage could become significantly comprised and
possibly cause serious illness to the consumer.
[0004] Beverage containers that facilitate maintaining beverages at
certain temperatures are known in the art. However, many of these
known beverage containers include an outer insulating material that
merely slows heat transfer between the beverage and ambient
conditions. Also, some of these known beverage containers include
inserts that make direct contact with the beverage within the
container, thereby increasing the possibility of imparting an
unsavory flavor and food contamination to the beverage. Further,
some of these known beverage containers are fabricated from
expensive materials, for example, metals that include stainless
steel. Such metals are susceptible to damage, e.g., denting over
time in rugged environments, or through regular usage that may
include inadvertent dropping. Moreover, some of these known
beverage containers include a number of components that may
complicate assembly, disassembly, and cleaning, as well as became
misplaced resulting in a container that may no longer be
functional.
[0005] Therefore, although some conventional beverage containers
are known to provide at least some temperature maintenance, a
beverage container having an interior cavity configured to receive
a thermal, (i.e., a heating and/or cooling) insert that includes a
threaded base is needed. More particularly, a beverage container is
needed that has a removable insert that can be either heated or
chilled and that is fabricated from reusable, sturdy, reliable,
inexpensive, and easy-to-clean materials.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, a container assembly for maintaining a
temperature of a liquid is provided. The container assembly
includes an outer wall defining an interior cavity for storing the
liquid. The container assembly also includes an inner wall
indirectly connected to the outer wall. The inner wall defines an
external cavity configured to receive a thermal cartridge for
maintaining the temperature of the material within the inner
cavity. The thermal cartridge includes a base portion configured to
couple the thermal cartridge to the container assembly. The thermal
cartridge also includes an insert portion configured to be received
by the external cavity. The base portion and the insert portion
unitarily form the thermal cartridge.
[0007] In another aspect, a beverage container is provided. The
beverage container includes an outer wall partially defining an
interior containment volume and a centerline axis extending
longitudinally therethrough. The container also includes an inner
wall positioned within the interior containment volume. The inner
wall is substantially concentrically aligned with the outer wall
and the longitudinal centerline axis. The inner wall at least
partially defines a first external cavity. The container further
includes a thermal cartridge that includes a base portion
configured to couple the thermal cartridge to the outer wall. The
thermal cartridge also includes an insert portion configured to be
received by the first external cavity. The base portion and the
insert portion unitarily form the thermal cartridge. The inner wall
is configured to separate the thermal cartridge from the interior
containment volume.
[0008] In yet another aspect, a method of assembling a beverage
container is provided. The method includes providing a liquid
containment assembly. The assembly includes an outer wall partially
defining an interior containment volume and a centerline axis
extending longitudinally therethrough. The assembly also includes
an inner wall positioned within the interior containment volume.
The inner wall is substantially concentrically aligned with the
outer wall and the longitudinal centerline axis. The inner wall at
least partially defines a first external cavity. The method also
includes providing a thermal cartridge that includes a base portion
and an insert portion that are unitarily formed together. The
method further includes inserting the insert portion into the first
external cavity such that the thermal cartridge is separated from
the interior containment volume. The method also includes coupling
the base portion to the outer wall.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary beverage container
having a base that includes a unitary thermal cartridge and a
wing-tipped top cover.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the unitary thermal
cartridge and the wing-tipped top cover shown in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the beverage container shown
in FIG. 1 in a partially disassembled condition.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cutaway schematic side view of the beverage
container taken along line 4-4 shown in FIG. 3.
[0013] FIG. 5 a perspective bottom view of the beverage container
shown in FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 6 a perspective top view of the beverage container
shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The following detailed description illustrates the
disclosure by way of example and not by way of limitation. The
description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use
the disclosure, describes several embodiments, adaptations,
variations, alternatives, and use of the disclosure, including what
is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the
disclosure.
[0016] One measure of the effectiveness of a beverage container is
the temperature and freshness of the beverage contained therein.
More specifically, one way to measure the freshness of a beverage
within a container is by measuring the temperature of the beverage.
Therefore, to be effective, a beverage container should have
sufficient cooling and/or heating capacity to facilitate extended
periods away from refrigeration and/or external heating sources.
Also, the beverage container should facilitate ease of cleaning
after each use and be reusable so as to reduce waste. Furthermore,
the beverage container should have sufficient strength and
resiliency to withstand repeated use, including repeated washings,
openings/closings, and rough handling. Moreover, the beverage
container should provide sufficient internal storage space to
provide for a sufficient volume of either a cooled or heated
beverage for extended periods away from external refrigeration and
heating means.
[0017] The beverage containers described herein, and the methods of
assembling such beverage containers, facilitate storage and
transport of cooled and/or heated beverages. Specifically, the
beverage containers are assembled to maintain a temperature and/or
a freshness of a beverage contained therein. More specifically, the
beverage containers described herein provide sufficient cooling
and/or heating capacity to facilitate extended periods away from
refrigeration and/or external heating sources. Also, specifically,
the beverage containers described herein include a bottom-loading,
threaded reusable cartridge that may be chilled and/or heated.
Furthermore, the cartridge is inserted into a sleeve defined within
a beverage compartment such that the cartridge and the beverage are
separated by the inner wall of the beverage compartment. Moreover,
the beverage containers described herein are fabricated from
reusable, sturdy, reliable, inexpensive, and easy-to-clean
materials that are assembled to have sufficient strength and
resiliency to withstand repeated use, including repeated washings,
openings/closings, and rough handling during transport and storage.
Also, the beverage containers described herein include only four
parts that each facilitate ease of cleaning after each use and are
then reusable so as to reduce waste.
[0018] As used herein, the terms "unitarily" and "unitary" define a
device, assembly, and/or component that are fabricated as a
solitary, integrated unit, and is substantially indivisible without
destructive methods.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view of an exemplary beverage container 100
having a base 102 that includes a unitary thermal cartridge 104 and
a wing-tipped top cover 105. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of
unitary thermal cartridge 104 and wing-tipped top cover 105. FIG. 3
is a perspective view of beverage container 100 in a partially
disassembled condition. FIG. 4 is a cutaway schematic side view of
beverage container 100 taken along line 4-4 (shown in FIG. 3). FIG.
5 a perspective bottom view of beverage container 100. FIG. 6 a
perspective top view of beverage container 100.
[0020] Beverage container 100 also includes a liquid containment
assembly 106. Assembly 106 includes an outer wall 108 that at least
partially defines an interior containment volume 110 and a
centerline axis 112 extending longitudinally through beverage
container 100. Interior containment volume 110 defines a
longitudinal length L.sub.1. Assembly 106 also includes an inner
wall 114 positioned within interior containment volume 110 and
coupled to outer wall 108 via a floor portion 115. Inner wall 114
is substantially concentrically aligned with outer wall 108 and
longitudinal centerline axis 112. Also, inner wall 114 has a
longitudinal length L.sub.2 that is within a range of 0.4*L.sub.1
and 0.6*L.sub.1. In the exemplary embodiment, inner wall 114
extends into interior containment volume 110 with length L.sub.2
having a value approximately 50% of length L.sub.1. Alternatively,
inner wall 114 may extend into interior containment volume 110 with
any length L.sub.2 that enables operation of beverage container 100
as described herein. Also, in the exemplary embodiment, outer wall
108 and inner wall 114 are substantially transparent.
Alternatively, outer wall 108 and inner wall 114 may be jointly, or
separately, one of transparent, translucent, and opaque. Inner wall
114 is configured to separate thermal cartridge 104 from interior
containment volume 110.
[0021] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, inner wall 114 defines
a first external cavity 116 extending inwardly toward interior
containment volume 110. As used herein, the term "external cavity"
is used to describe a cavity defined external to interior
containment volume 110 as specifically defined herein. Moreover, in
the exemplary embodiment, outer wall 108 defines a second external
cavity 118 on a bottom end 120 of outer wall 108. Second external
cavity 118 is communicatively coupled to first external cavity 116.
Also, in the exemplary embodiment, outer wall 108 defines a third
external cavity 122 on a top end 124 of outer wall 108. Bottom end
120 defines a bottom threaded portion 126 and top end 124 defines a
first top threaded portion 128 and a second top threaded portion
130 (not shown in FIG. 1).
[0022] Thermal cartridge 104 includes an insert portion 132 and a
base portion 134. Insert portion 132 is configured to be received
by first external cavity 116 and is thermally coupled to inner wall
114 via a friction fit. The friction fit is facilitated by forming
insert portion 132 and defining first external cavity 116 to have
substantially similar dimensions. Base portion 134 is unitarily
formed with insert portion 132. In the exemplary embodiment, base
portion 134 is configured to facilitate positioning beverage
container 100 in a vertical upright position. Base portion 134
includes a base threaded portion 136 that is configured to be
received within second external cavity 118 and engages bottom
threaded portion 126. In the exemplary embodiment, bottom threaded
portion 126 includes male threads and base threaded portion 134
includes female threads. Alternatively, any thread configuration
that enables operation of beverage container 100 as described
herein is used, including, without limitation, any thread pitch and
any number of threads. Alternatively, any method to engage base
portion 134 with bottom end 120 of outer wall 108, including,
without limitation, an interference fit and a clasping
mechanism.
[0023] In the exemplary embodiment, in FIGS. 1 through 6, insert
portion 132 and base portion 134 are shown to be of varying radii
referenced to, and extending from, longitudinal axis 112.
Alternatively, base portion 134 and insert portion 132 may have any
values for radii that enable operation of beverage container 100 as
described herein, including, without limitation, substantially
similar radii referenced to, and extending from, longitudinal axis
112.
[0024] In the exemplary embodiment, wing-tipped top cover 105
includes a pair of wing-tips 138 unitarily formed with a cover
threaded portion 140 that engages second top threaded portion 130.
Also, in the exemplary embodiment, cover threaded portion 140
includes female threads and second top threaded portion 130
includes male threads. Alternatively, any thread configuration that
enables operation of beverage container 100 as described herein is
used, including, without limitation, any thread pitch and any
number of threads.
[0025] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100
includes a nozzle assembly 142 for facilitating consumption of the
beverage from beverage container 100. Nozzle assembly 142 includes
a mouth portion 144, a threaded coupling portion 146, and a flexing
portion 148. Mouth portion 144, coupling portion 146, and flexing
portion 148 are unitarily formed together. In the exemplary
embodiment, threaded coupling portion 146 engages first top
threaded portion 128 and second top threaded portion 130. Also, in
the exemplary embodiment, threaded coupling portion 146 includes
female threads and first and second top threaded portions 128 and
130, respectively, include male threads. Alternatively, any thread
configuration that enables operation of beverage container 100 as
described herein may be used, including, without limitation, any
thread pitch and any number of threads.
[0026] First and second top threaded portions 128 and 130 are
configured to receive threaded coupling portion 146 such that
portion 146 is first screwed through second top threaded portion
130 first, and screwed through first top threaded portion 128
second for securing nozzle assembly 142 to top end 124 of outer
wall 108. Second top threaded portion 130 is configured to receive
wing-tipped top cover 105 for securing top cover 105 to top end
124. Wing-tipped top cover 105 is configured to extend about,
enclose, and protect nozzle assembly 142.
[0027] In the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100 includes
a thermal cartridge assembly 150 formed therein. Specifically,
thermal cartridge assembly 150 includes inner wall 114, floor
portion 115, first external cavity 116, second external cavity 118,
bottom end 120 of outer wall 108, and thermal cartridge 104.
[0028] In the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100 is
assembled by forming liquid containment assembly 106. Liquid
containment assembly 106, including inner wall 114, floor portion
115, bottom end 120 and top end 124 of outer wall 108, and
associated threaded portions 126, 128, and 130, respectively, are
substantially formed of a transparent, durable, engineered plastic,
for example, without limitation, TRITAN.TM. (manufactured by
Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tenn., U.S.) and
polypropylene.
[0029] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100 is
assembled by forming thermal cartridge 104, including base portion
134 and insert portion 132. Insert portion 132 and base portion 134
are unitarily formed together. Moreover, portions 132 and 134 are
substantially formed of an opaque or translucent, durable,
engineered plastic, for example, without limitation, TRITAN.TM.,
polypropylene, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Further, in
the exemplary embodiment, base portion 134 and insert portion 132
are substantially hollow and a thermal material (not shown in FIGS.
1-6) is injected therein. The thermal material is substantially
similar to that found in a commercially-available cold pack and is
adapted to maintain a low temperature (i.e., a temperature below a
predefined temperature) for an extended period of time after being
refrigerated or frozen. Moreover, the thermal material may also be
adaptable to maintain an elevated temperature (i.e., a temperature
above a predefined temperature) after being heated. Therefore, the
thermal material inside thermal cartridge 104 facilitates
maintaining a beverage approximately at a desired temperature to
reduce the potential for spoilage when the beverage will not be
immediately consumed.
[0030] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100
is assembled by inserting insert portion 132 of thermal cartridge
104 into first external cavity 116 via second external cavity 118
such that insert portion 132 is thermally coupled to inner wall 114
via a friction fit. Base portion 134 of thermal cartridge 104 is
inserted into second external cavity 118 and is removably coupled
to bottom end 120 of outer wall 108 via screwing threaded portions
126 and 136 together until base portion 134 contacts floor portion
115 of liquid containment assembly 106.
[0031] Moreover, in the exemplary embodiment, beverage container
100 is assembled by forming nozzle assembly 142, including mouth
portion 144, threaded coupling portion 146, and flexing portion
148. Mouth portion 144 and threaded coupling portion 146 are
substantially formed of an opaque, durable, engineered plastic, for
example, without limitation, TRITAN.TM. and polypropylene. Flexing
portion 148 is substantially formed of an opaque, durable, and
flexible elastomeric material including, without limitation,
silicone rubber and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Portions 144,
146, and 148 are unitarily formed together via injection molding
techniques, such as overmolding, including a co-molding double-shot
process.
[0032] Also, in the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100 is
assembled by inserting nozzle assembly 142 into third external
cavity 122 on top end 124 of outer wall 108. Threaded coupling
portion 146 is removably screwed through second top threaded
portion 130 first, and removably screwed through first top threaded
portion 128 second for securing nozzle assembly 142 to top end 124
of outer wall 108. When threaded coupling portion 146 is secured to
top end 124, second top threaded portion 130 is available to
receive another component.
[0033] Further, in the exemplary embodiment, beverage container 100
is assembled by forming wing-tipped top cover 105, including pair
of wing-tips 138 and cover threaded portion 140. Wing-tips 138 and
portion 140 are unitarily formed together, and are substantially
formed of an opaque, durable, engineered plastic, for example,
without limitation, TRITAN.TM. and polypropylene. Cover threaded
portion 140 is screwed onto second cap threaded portion 130,
wherein wing-tipped top cover 105 extends about and encloses nozzle
assembly 142.
[0034] Moreover, beverage container 100 may be disassembled for
cleaning by unscrewing wing-tipped top cover 105 from second cap
threaded portion 130, unscrewing nozzle assembly 142 from first and
second cap threaded portions 128, and 130, and emptying out any
remaining liquid from interior containment volume 110. Beverage
container 100 may be further disassembled by unscrewing base
portion 134 from bottom end 120 of outer wall 108. The four
disassembled pieces, that is wing-tipped top cover 105, thermal
cartridge 104, nozzle assembly 142, and liquid containment assembly
106, may be cleaned via standard washing methods.
[0035] Specific materials are described herein to form beverage
container 100. Alternative embodiments may be formed of any
materials that enable operation of beverage container 100 as
described herein including, but not limited to, light metallic and
hard rubber materials.
[0036] In operation, thermal cartridge 104 is inserted into first
external cavity 116 and second external cavity 118. A beverage is
poured into interior containment volume 110 via third external
cavity 122. Nozzle assembly 142 and top cover 105 are coupled to
top end 124 of outer wall 108. The beverage comes into direct
contact with inner wall 114 and thermal transfer between the
beverage at a first temperature and thermal cartridge 104 at a
second temperature is facilitated between thermal cartridge 104 and
inner wall 114 for an extended period of time.
[0037] The beverage containers described herein, and the methods of
assembling such beverage containers, facilitate storage and
transport of cooled and/or heated beverages. Specifically, the
beverage containers are assembled to maintain a temperature and/or
a freshness of a beverage contained therein. More specifically, the
beverage containers described herein provide sufficient cooling
and/or heating capacity to facilitate extended periods away from
refrigeration and/or external heating sources. Also, specifically,
the beverage containers described herein include a bottom-loading,
reusable cartridge that may be chilled and/or heated. Furthermore,
the cartridge is inserted into a sleeve defined within a beverage
compartment such that the cartridge and the beverage are separated
by an inner wall of the beverage compartment. Moreover,
specifically, the beverage containers are fabricated from reusable,
sturdy, reliable, inexpensive, and easy-to-clean materials that are
assembled to have sufficient strength and resiliency to withstand
repeated use, including repeated washings, openings/closings, and
rough handling during transport and storage. Also, the beverage
containers described herein include only four parts that each
facilitate ease of cleaning after each use and are then to be
reused so as to reduce waste.
[0038] Exemplary embodiments of beverage containers are described
above in detail. The methods, apparatus and systems are not limited
to the specific embodiments described herein nor to the specific
illustrated beverage containers.
[0039] While the invention has been described in terms of various
specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit
and scope of the claims.
* * * * *