U.S. patent application number 14/190298 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-25 for thermal container structure.
This patent application is currently assigned to KIAN-POH WONG. The applicant listed for this patent is KIAN-POH WONG. Invention is credited to KIAN-POH WONG, TOM WU.
Application Number | 20140284341 14/190298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49629646 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140284341 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WONG; KIAN-POH ; et
al. |
September 25, 2014 |
THERMAL CONTAINER STRUCTURE
Abstract
A thermal container structure includes an upper cover and a
container main body. The upper cover and the container main body
have corresponding metallic sealing surfaces and threads,
respectively. At least the bottom of the upper cover or the whole
upper cover is made of a metallic material. All the inside of the
container main body is made of a metallic material. When the upper
cover is screwed to the container main body, the metallic sealing
surfaces contact with each other and are tightened by the screwed
force from the upper cover and the container main body, so that the
interior space of the thermal container is an all-metal containing
space so as to avoid the plastic material from releasing harmful
substances and to prevent an accumulation of dirt, residual odors,
the growth of bacteria, and so on.
Inventors: |
WONG; KIAN-POH; (Hsinchu
City, TW) ; WU; TOM; (Kaohsiung City, TW) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
WONG; KIAN-POH |
Hsinchu City |
|
TW |
|
|
Assignee: |
WONG; KIAN-POH
Hsinchu City
TW
|
Family ID: |
49629646 |
Appl. No.: |
14/190298 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/592.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20130101;
A47J 41/0005 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/592.17 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/18 20060101
B65D081/18 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 19, 2013 |
TW |
102205041 |
Claims
1. A thermal container structure, comprising an upper cover and a
container main body, the upper cover having a first metallic
sealing surface, the container main body having a second metallic
sealing surface, wherein when the upper cover is coupled to the
container main body, the first metallic sealing surface is pressed
against the second metallic sealing surface to seal the container
main body.
2. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the thermal container structure is one of a thermos flask and a
thermos cup, and the upper cover is adapted to be screwed to the
container main body.
3. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the container main body has a hollow thermal insulation layer.
4. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the upper cover comprises an upper cover main body and a core body,
the core body having the first metallic sealing surface, the first
metallic sealing surface of the core body being accommodated inside
the upper cover main body and corresponding to the second metallic
sealing surface of the container main body.
5. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the upper cover comprises an upper cover main body and a core body,
the core body having the first metallic sealing surface, the first
metallic sealing surface of the core body being accommodated inside
the upper cover main body and corresponding to the second metallic
sealing surface of the container main body.
6. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the upper cover comprises an upper cover main body and a core body,
the core body having the first metallic sealing surface, the first
metallic sealing surface of the core body being accommodated inside
the upper cover main body and corresponding to the second metallic
sealing surface of the container main body.
7. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the upper cover comprises an upper cover main body and a core body,
the core body having the first metallic sealing surface, the first
metallic sealing surface of the core body being located out of the
upper cover main body and corresponding to the second metallic
sealing surface of the container main body.
8. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the upper cover comprises an upper cover main body and a core body,
the core body having the first metallic sealing surface, the first
metallic sealing surface of the core body being located out of the
upper cover main body and corresponding to the second metallic
sealing surface of the container main body.
9. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the upper cover comprises an upper cover main body and a core body,
the core body having the first metallic sealing surface, the first
metallic sealing surface of the core body being located out of the
upper cover main body and corresponding to the second metallic
sealing surface of the container main body.
10. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 1, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface are one of inclined surfaces, curved surfaces and flat
surfaces.
11. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 2, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface are one of inclined surfaces, curved surfaces and flat
surfaces.
12. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 3, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface are one of inclined surfaces, curved surfaces and flat
surfaces.
13. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface are the inclined surfaces having the same angle of
inclination.
14. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface are the curved surfaces having the same curvature.
15. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface have the same area.
16. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface have different areas.
17. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface have a contact area therebetween equal to the area of each
of the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic
sealing surface.
18. The thermal container structure as claimed in claim 10, wherein
the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic sealing
surface have a contact area therebetween less than the area of each
of the first metallic sealing surface and the second metallic
sealing surface.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a thermal container
structure, and more particularly to a thermal container structure
which won't release harmful substances at high temperature and can
prevent an accumulation of dirt, residual odors, the growth of
bacteria, and so on.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] The container main body of a conventional thermal container
on the market is made of a stainless steel material, and its upper
cover is made of a plastic material. A silicone sealing ring is
used to seal the mouth of the container. However, when the thermal
container is used to contain hot drinks, the upper cover may
release harmful substance, such as plasticizer, because of high
temperature. The sealing ring may have the problems of an
accumulation of dirt, residual odors, and the growth of bacteria to
influence human health. Therefore, an improved thermal cover is
developed as disclosed in TW Patent No. M417340. The thermal cover
comprises a main body, a core post, and a stainless steel
protection layer. The main body has an accommodation space with an
opening facing downward. The core post extends downward from the
inner top of the main body. A gap is formed between the side of the
core post and the inner side of the main body. The lower end of the
core post is wrapped with the stainless steel protection layer. The
stainless steel protection layer is disposed at the outmost side,
which won't release harmful substances when it gets contact with
high-temperature liquid or steam. However, the aforesaid cover is
also provided with a sealing ring. Because of using the sealing
ring, the thermal container still has the problems, such as
releasing harmful substances, accumulating dirt, residual odors,
the growth of bacteria, and so on.
[0005] Accordingly, the inventor of the present invention has
devoted himself based on his many years of practical experiences to
solve these problems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The primary object of the present invention is to provide a
thermal container structure to overcome the shortcomings of the
prior art. The thermal container structure comprises an upper cover
and a container main body. The upper cover has a first metallic
sealing surface. The container main body has a second metallic
sealing surface. When the upper cover is coupled to the container
main body, the first metallic sealing surface is pressed against
the second metallic sealing surface to seal the container main
body.
[0007] Preferably, the thermal container structure is a thermos
flask or a thermos cup. The upper cover is adapted to be screwed to
the container main body.
[0008] Preferably, the container main body has a hollow thermal
insulation layer.
[0009] Preferably, the upper cover comprises an upper cover main
body and a core body. The core body has the first metallic sealing
surface. The first metallic sealing surface of the core body is
accommodated inside the upper cover main body and corresponds to
the second metallic sealing surface of the container main body.
[0010] Preferably, the upper cover comprises an upper cover main
body and a core body. The core body has the first metallic sealing
surface. The first metallic sealing surface of the core body is
located out of the upper cover main body and corresponds to the
second metallic sealing surface of the container main body.
[0011] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface are one of inclined surfaces,
curved surfaces and flat surfaces, or a combination thereof.
[0012] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface are the inclined surfaces having
the same angle of inclination.
[0013] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface are the curved surfaces having the
same curvature.
[0014] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface have the same area.
[0015] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface have different areas.
[0016] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface have a contact area therebetween
equal to the area of each of the first metallic sealing surface and
the second metallic sealing surface.
[0017] Preferably, the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface have a contact area therebetween
less than the area of each of the first metallic sealing surface
and the second metallic sealing surface.
[0018] The present invention has the following effects.
[0019] 1. The containing space surrounded by metallic materials can
solve the problem that the existing thermal container will release
harmful substances.
[0020] 2. The present invention uses the metallic sealing surfaces
instead of the traditional sealing ring to provide a leakage-proof
function. This can solve these problems, such as an accumulation of
dirt, residual odors, the growth of bacteria, and so on.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the upper cover and the
container main body before assembled according to a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the upper cover and the
container main body after assembled according to the first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the upper cover and the
container main body before assembled according to a second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing the upper cover and the
container main body after assembled according to the second
embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the upper cover and the
container main body before assembled according to a third
embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing the upper cover and the
container main body after assembled according to the third
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the metallic sealing
surfaces of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0029] FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a thermal container structure
according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the thermal container structure is a thermos flask or a
thermos cup. The thermal container structure comprises an upper
cover 1 and a container main body 20.
[0030] The upper cover 1 comprises an upper cover main body 10 and
a core body 11. The core body 11 has a first metallic sealing
surface 111. At least the bottom of the core body 11 is made of a
metallic material, or the whole core body 11 is made of a metallic
material. The core body 11 is disposed inside the upper cover main
body 10, so that the first metallic sealing surfing 111 of the core
body 11 is also accommodated inside the upper cover main body 10.
The bottom of the core body 11 has a recess 112. In general, water
or steam will be attached to the bottom of the core body 11 due to
the surface tension of water, and the water or steam will flow out
when the upper cover 1 is opened. However, the recess 112 of the
core body 11 of the present invention can keep the water from
flowing out of the bottom of the core body 11. The inner wall of
the upper cover main body 10 has external threads 102. The core
body 11 may be integrally formed with the upper cover main body 10,
or the core body 11 and the upper cover main body 10 may be two
individual parts which are connected to each other.
[0031] The container main body 20 has a hollow thermal insulation
layer. The container main body 20 has a second metallic sealing
surface 201 and internal threads 202. The second metallic sealing
surface 201 corresponds to the first metallic sealing surface 111,
and the internal threads 202 are adapted to mate with the external
threads 102 of the upper cover main body 10.
[0032] FIG. 2 shows that the upper cover 1 is assembled to the
container main body 20. When the upper cover 1 is twisted on, the
first metallic sealing surface 111 of the core body 11 and the
second metallic sealing surface 201 of the container main body 20
will be pressed against each other to seal the container main body
20 so as to provide a leakage-proof function; likewise, the bottom
of the core body 11, the first metallic sealing surface 111, the
container main body 20, and the second metallic sealing surface 201
are all made of metallic materials, so that a containing space 30
bounded thereby is completely surrounded by metallic materials.
[0033] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a thermal container structure
according to a second embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the thermal container structure comprises an upper
cover 1a and a container main body 20a.
[0034] The upper cover 1a comprises an upper cover main body 10a
and a core body 11a. The core body 11a has a first metallic sealing
surface 111a. At least the bottom of the core body 11a is made of a
metallic material, or the whole core body 11a is made of a metallic
material. The core body 11a protrudes out of the upper cover main
body 10a, and the first metallic sealing surfing 111a of the core
body 11a is located out of the upper cover main body 10a. The
bottom of the core body 11a has a recess 112a. The outer wall of
the core body 11a has external threads 113a. The core body 11a may
be integrally formed with the upper cover main body 10a, or the
core body 11a and the upper cover main body 10a may be two
individual parts which are connected to each other.
[0035] The container main body 20a has a second metallic sealing
surface 201a and internal threads 202a. The second metallic sealing
surface 201a corresponds to the first metallic sealing surface
111a, and the internal threads 202a are adapted to mate with the
external threads 113a of the core body 11a.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows that the upper cover 1a is assembled to the
container main body 20a. The bottom of the core body 11a, the first
metallic sealing surface 111a, the container main body 20a, and the
second metallic sealing surface 201a are all made of metallic
materials, so that a containing space 30a bounded thereby is
completely surrounded by metallic materials.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a thermal container structure
according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the thermal container structure comprises an upper
cover 1b and a container main body 20b.
[0038] The upper cover 1b comprises an upper cover main body 10b
and a core body 11b. The core body 11b has a first metallic sealing
surface 111b, and the whole core body 11b is made of a metallic
material. The core body 11b protrudes out of the upper cover main
body 10b, and the first metallic sealing surfing 111b of the core
body 11b is accommodated inside the upper cover main body 10b. The
bottom of the core body 11b has a recess 112b. The outer wall of
the core body 11b has external threads 113b. The core body 11b may
be integrally formed with the upper cover main body 10b, or the
core body 11b and the upper cover main body 10b may be two
individual parts which are connected to each other.
[0039] The container main body 20b has a second metallic sealing
surface 201b and internal threads 202b. The second metallic sealing
surface 201b corresponds to the first metallic sealing surface
111b, and the internal threads 202b are adapted to mate with the
external threads 113b of the core body 11b.
[0040] FIG. 6 shows that the upper cover 1b is assembled to the
container main body 20b. The bottom of the core body 11b, the first
metallic sealing surface 111b, the container main body 20b, and the
second metallic sealing surface 201b are all made of metallic
materials, so that a containing space 30b bounded thereby is
completely surrounded by metallic materials.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7, the first and second metallic sealing
surfaces of the present invention are one of inclined surfaces 7a,
curved surfaces 7b and flat surfaces 7c, or a combination thereof
for the first and second metallic sealing surfaces to provide a
leakage-proof function. For example, the first and second metallic
sealing surfaces can be the inclined surfaces 7a having the same
angle of inclination; the first and second metallic sealing
surfaces can be the curved surfaces 7b having the same curvature;
the first and second metallic sealing surfaces may have the same
area; the first and second metallic sealing surfaces may have
different areas; the first metallic sealing surface may contact
with the second metallic sealing surface with a contact area equal
to the area of each of the first metallic sealing surface and the
second metallic sealing surface; or the first metallic sealing
surface may contact with the second metallic sealing surface with a
contact area less than the area of each of the first metallic
sealing surface and the second metallic sealing surface.
[0042] The thermal container structure of the present invention can
solve the problems of the conventional thermal container, such as
releasing harmful substances, accumulating dirt result from using
the sealing ring, residual odors, the growth of bacteria, and so
on. In addition, the aforesaid embodiments are only to explain
several embodiments of the metallic sealing surfaces, not to limit
the position of the metallic sealing surface.
[0043] Although particular embodiments of the present invention
have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various
modifications and enhancements may be made without departing from
the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the
present invention is not to be limited except as by the appended
claims.
* * * * *