U.S. patent application number 14/974304 was filed with the patent office on 2016-06-23 for housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom.
The applicant listed for this patent is Tervis Tumbler Company. Invention is credited to Daniel Childs.
Application Number | 20160174743 14/974304 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56128026 |
Filed Date | 2016-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160174743 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Childs; Daniel |
June 23, 2016 |
HOUSING ASSEMBLY FOR A DRINKING TUMBLER AND TRIPARTITE DRINKING
VESSEL RESULTING THEREFROM
Abstract
Disclosed is a housing assembly for holding and enclosing a
drinking tumbler and a vessel assembly formed thereby. The drinking
tumbler comprises a hollow body having an inner surface with an
open upper end. The housing assembly comprises an exterior vessel
and a lid. The exterior vessel is hollow and has a side wall
terminating in an open upper end and is configured to receive the
drinking tumbler. The open upper end of the exterior vessel
comprises a first component of a releasable securable connector
assembly. The lid comprising a second component of the releasably
securable connector assembly to releasably secured the lid to the
exterior vessel by the engagement of the first and second
component, whereupon a portion, e.g., at least one cylindrical
wall, of the lid engages the drinking tumbler to seal the open
upper end of the drinking tumbler.
Inventors: |
Childs; Daniel; (Nokomis,
FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Tervis Tumbler Company |
North Venice |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56128026 |
Appl. No.: |
14/974304 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62096029 |
Dec 23, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/740 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2288 20130101;
A47G 23/0233 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/02 20060101
A47G023/02 |
Claims
1. A housing assembly for holding and enclosing a drinking tumbler,
the drinking tumbler comprising a hollow body having a longitudinal
axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end,
said housing assembly comprising a hollow exterior vessel and a lid
therefor, said exterior vessel comprising a side wall bounding a
cavity having an inner surface, said side wall having an open upper
end, said exterior vessel being configured to receive the drinking
tumbler within said cavity with the exterior surface of the
drinking tumbler located closely adjacent said interior surface of
said exterior vessel and with the open upper end of the drinking
tumbler located closely adjacent said open upper end of said
exterior vessel, said open upper end of said exterior vessel
additionally comprising a first component of a releasable securable
connector assembly, said lid comprising a second component of said
releasably securable connector assembly, said lid being configured
to be releasably secured to said exterior vessel by the engagement
of said first component of said releasably securable connector
assembly to said second component of said releasably securable
connector assembly, whereupon a portion of said lid engages said
drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of the drinking
tumbler to seal the open upper end of the drinking tumbler.
2. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said lid comprises at
least one downwardly extending cylindrical wall, said at least one
cylindrical wall being configured to tightly engage the interior
surface of the drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal
therebetween.
3. The housing assembly of claim 2 wherein said at least one
cylindrical wall comprises two concentric cylindrical walls, each
of said cylindrical walls having a free end, with a portion each
cylindrical wall adjacent its free end being configured to engage a
corresponding portion of the inner surface of the drinking tumbler
to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
4. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet
member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably
connected together.
5. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded
member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed
together.
6. The housing claim 2 wherein said first component of said
releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member
and wherein said second component of said releasably securable
connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member, said
bayonet members being configured to be releasably connected
together.
7. The housing assembly of claim 2 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded
member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed
together.
8. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior surface of
the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein said
inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a
general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking
tumbler.
9. The housing assembly of claim 2 wherein the exterior surface of
the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein said
inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a
general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking
tumbler.
10. A vessel assembly for holding a liquid, said assembly
comprising a drinking tumbler, an exterior vessel, and a lid, said
drinking tumbler comprising a hollow body having a longitudinal
axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end,
said exterior vessel comprising a side wall bounding a cavity
having an inner surface, said side wall having an open upper end,
said exterior vessel being configured to receive said drinking
tumbler within said cavity with said exterior surface of said
drinking tumbler located closely adjacent said interior surface of
said exterior vessel and with said open upper end of said drinking
tumbler located closely adjacent said open upper end of said
exterior vessel, said open upper end of said exterior vessel
additionally comprising a first component of a releasable securable
connector assembly, said lid comprising a second component of said
releasably securable connector assembly, said lid being configured
to be releasably secured to said exterior vessel by the engagement
of said first component of said releasably securable connector
assembly to said second component of said releasably securable
connector assembly, whereupon a portion of said lid engages said
drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of said drinking
tumbler to seal said open upper end of said drinking tumbler.
11. The vessel assembly of claim 10 wherein said lid comprises at
least one downwardly extending cylindrical wall, said at least one
cylindrical wall being configured to tightly engage said interior
surface of said drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal
therebetween.
12. The vessel assembly of claim 11 wherein said at least one
cylindrical wall comprises two concentric cylindrical walls, each
of said cylindrical walls having a free end, with a portion each
cylindrical wall adjacent its free end being configured to engage a
corresponding portion of said inner surface of said drinking
tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
13. The vessel assembly of claim 10 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet
member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably
connected together.
14. The vessel assembly of claim 10 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded
member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed
together.
15. The vessel assembly claim 11 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet
member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably
connected together.
16. The vessel assembly of claim 11 wherein said first component of
said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded
member and wherein said second component of said releasably
securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded
member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed
together.
17. The housing assembly of claim 10 wherein the exterior surface
of said drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein
said inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a
general complementary shape to said exterior surface of said
drinking tumbler.
18. The housing assembly of claim 11 wherein the exterior surface
of the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein
said inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a
general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking
tumbler.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This utility application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
.sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/096,029
filed on Dec. 23, 2014, entitled Housing Assembly for a Drinking
Tumbler and Tripartite Drinking Vessel Resulting Therefrom, which
is assigned to the same assignee as this invention and whose
disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] "Not Applicable"
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISK
[0003] "Not Applicable"
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates generally to containers and
particularly to housing assemblies including a vessel and a lid for
accommodating a drinking tumbler therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Insulated drinking vessels, such as tumblers, commonly
include an outer member or vessel in which an inner member or
vessel is located, with the space between those vessels forming an
insulating region surrounding the inner vessel. Those vessels are
typically molded of plastic materials. Tumblers available from
Tervis Tumbler Company (hereinafter "Tervis"), the assignee of the
present invention, have gained wide customer acceptance due to
their functionality, durability and aesthetics. With respect to
aesthetics, many tumblers available from Tervis include wraps,
decals, embroidered patches and other decorative materials located
in the insulating space between the inner and outer vessels and
visible through the transparent outer vessel.
[0006] While such tumblers are eminently suitable for their
intended use a need exists for a housing assembly to provide
additional insulation for the tumbler, to render the tumbler spill
and leak proof, which also protecting the tumbler from physical
damage caused by scratching, impact, exposure to the sun and/or
chemicals. The subject invention addresses those needs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with one aspect of this invention a housing
assembly for holding and enclosing a drinking tumbler is provided.
The drinking tumbler comprises a hollow body having a longitudinal
axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end.
The housing assembly comprises a hollow exterior vessel and a lid
for the exterior vessel. The exterior vessel comprises a side wall
bounding a cavity having an inner surface. The side wall has an
open upper end. The exterior vessel is configured to receive the
drinking tumbler within the cavity with the exterior surface of the
drinking tumbler located closely adjacent the interior surface of
the exterior vessel and with the open upper end of the drinking
tumbler located closely adjacent the open upper end of the exterior
vessel. The open upper end of the exterior vessel additionally
comprises a first component of a releasable securable connector
assembly, e.g., a bayonet connector assembly, a threaded connector
assembly, a snap-connector assembly, etc. The lid comprises a
second component of the releasably securable connector assembly.
The lid is configured to be releasably secured to the exterior
vessel by the engagement of the first component of the releasably
securable connector assembly to the second component of the
releasably securable connector assembly, whereupon a portion of the
lid engages the drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of the
drinking tumbler to seal the open the upper end of the drinking
tumbler.
[0008] In accordance with one aspect of this invention the lid
comprises at least one downwardly extending annular wall, e.g., two
concentric annular walls. The at least one annular wall is
configured to tightly engage the interior surface of the drinking
tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
[0009] In accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of
this invention the first component of the releasably securable
connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and the second
component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises
a complementary bayonet member. The bayonet members are configured
to be releasably connected together.
[0010] In accordance with another exemplary preferred embodiment of
this invention the first component of the releasably securable
connector assembly comprises a threaded member and the second
component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises
a complementary threaded member. The threaded members are
configured to be screwed together.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of this invention the
exterior surface of the drinking tumbler is a surface of
revolution, and the inner surface of the cavity is a surface of
revolution of a general complementary shape to the exterior surface
of the drinking tumbler.
[0012] In accordance with another aspect of this invention a
tripartite vessel assembly for holding a liquid is provided.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0013] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary preferred
embodiment of a housing assembly, including an exterior hollow
vessel and a lid therefor constructed in accordance with this
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the housing assembly
shown in FIG. 1, shown with a conventional double walled drinking
tumbler which is arranged to be held and enclosed in the housing
assembly and with the lid and exterior vessel being configured for
releasable securement together by a bayonet type connector
assembly;
[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view like that of FIG. 2,
but partially in section to show the features of the housing
assembly and the conventional doubled walled drinking tumbler;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior hollow vessel
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the lid shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lid shown in FIGS. 1 and
2;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of FIG.
6;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative
embodiment of the housing assembly of this invention, which
embodiment makes use of a threaded connector assembly for
releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another exemplary preferred
embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with
this invention, that assembly including an exterior hollow vessel
having a handle; and
[0022] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of still another exemplary
preferred embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in
accordance with this invention, that assembly including an exterior
hollow vessel having a hanger or loop tab.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0023] Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein
like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown at 20
in FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly
constructed in accordance with this invention for holding and
enclosing a drinking vessel, e.g., a drinking tumbler 2. That
assembly constitutes one aspect of this invention. Another aspect
of this invention is the vessel assembly resulting from the
combination of the housing assembly and the drinking tumbler.
[0024] The housing assembly basically comprises an exterior vessel
22 and a lid 24. The exterior vessel 22 is arranged to receive the
drinking tumbler 2 within it and the lid 24 is arranged to be
releasably secured to the exterior vessel.
[0025] As mentioned above the housing assembly is configured to
provide additional insulation for the drinking tumbler, while also
protecting it from physical damage caused by scratching, impact,
exposure to the sun and/or chemicals, etc. Moreover, the housing
assembly renders the drink tumbler spill and leak proof when
disposed within it. In this regard, as will be seen from the
discussion to follow, the configuration of the lid and the manner
that it releasably secures to the exterior vessel and the manner
that it seals the interior of the drinking tumbler prevents the
egress of liquid from the interior of the enclosed drinking vessel.
Such action could occur in the event of increased internal pressure
resulting from a hot or carbonated beverage within the drinking
tumbler.
[0026] Before describing the details of the housing assembly a
brief description of the drinking tumbler 2 is in order. The
tumbler 2 can be of any suitable construction, although it is
preferred to be a double walled, insulated tumbler. One exemplary
one is that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and is constructed similarly to
those 16 oz. decorated tumblers currently available from Tervis.
Thus, the exemplary drinking tumbler 2 basically comprises a
plastic outer vessel 4, a plastic inner vessel 6, and an insulating
air space 8 (FIG. 3) located therebetween. A decorative wrap (not
shown) is located in the air space 8 to enhance the aesthetic
appearance of the drinking tumbler. The outer vessel 4 of the
drinking tumbler comprises a side wall 4A whose outer surface is a
very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal
central axis LCA of the vessel 4 and terminates in a planar top
surface 4B (FIG. 3) defining an open upper end of the vessel. The
side wall 4A of the vessel 4 terminates at a bottom wall 4D located
opposite the open upper end of the vessel. The side wall 4A and the
bottom wall 4D together define hollow cavity of the vessel 4. It is
in this hollow cavity that the inner vessel 6 is located.
[0027] The inner vessel 6 comprises a side wall 6A whose outer
surface is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the
longitudinal central axis LCA and terminates in an open end 6B
having an outwardly extending peripheral flange 6C. The side wall
6A of the vessel 6 terminates at a bottom wall 6D located opposite
the open upper end of the vessel 6. The side wall 6A and the bottom
wall 6D together define hollow cavity 12. The undersurface of the
flange 6C of the inner vessel 6 is disposed on top of the planar
top surface 4B of the outer vessel 4 and those confronting surfaces
are secured, e.g., ultrasonically welded, together thereat, thereby
securing the two vessels 4 and 6 into an integral unit, with the
annular air space 8 between the inner and outer vessels. The outer
diameter of the flange 6c is slightly larger than the outer
diameter of the exterior surface of the vessel 4, so that the
flange extends slightly there-beyond.
[0028] The drinking tumbler 2 is arranged to hold a liquid, e.g., a
beverage, in its cavity 12. Since the upper end of the inner vessel
6 is open, it serves as the mouth of the tumbler. That open mouth
is arranged to accept (e.g., receive) a tubular portion of the lid
24 (to be described later) so that when the lid 24 is releasably
secured to the exterior vessel 22, with the drinking tumbler 2
located in the hollow enclosure formed between the interior surface
of the vessel 22 and the lid 24, the lid seals the interior cavity
12 of the tumbler to prevent any liquid leakage therefrom.
[0029] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention,
the outer and inner vessels making up the tumbler are each formed
of a transparent plastic. As mentioned earlier, a decorative
insert, such as a wrap or sleeve (not shown), bearing some
aesthetically pleasing design, e.g., a team logo, a flag, a cartoon
character, etc., is located within the air space 8 so that it is
visible through the wall 4A of the tumbler.
[0030] The exterior vessel 22 is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and
basically comprises a thin side wall 26 whose upper end is open and
forms the mouth 28 of the vessel 22. The lower end of the side wall
26 terminates at a bottom wall 30 located opposite the mouth 28.
The side wall 26 and the bottom wall 30 together define hollow
cavity 32 arranged for receipt of the drinking tumbler 2 therein.
In particular, the inner surface 26A of the vessel 22 is a very
slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal
central axis of the vessel 22 and is of a complementary shape to
the exterior surface of the tumbler 2 so that when the tumbler 2 is
located in the cavity 32, there is very little clearance between
the outer surface of the wall 4A of the tumbler 2 and the inner
surface of the side wall 26 of the exterior vessel 22 to enable the
drinking tumbler to be readily inserted and removed from the
exterior vessel. It should be noted that if desired, the exterior
vessel and the lid could be sized to provide more than the
exemplary minimal clearance between the drinking tumbler and the
exterior vessel and thus provide another thermally insulating
air-space therebetween. This air space provides additional thermal
insulation for the tumbler 2 when it is disposed within the vessel
22, other than the natural insulation provided by the material
making up the exterior vessel.
[0031] In accordance with one exemplary preferred aspect of this
invention the wall thickness of the exterior vessel is kept to a
minimum so that it can fit within conventional cup holders, such as
found in automobiles, arm-rests, furniture, etc. By doing so it
does not materially change the aesthetics of the drinking tumbler's
shape.
[0032] As pointed out above one of the functions of the housing
assembly is to serve to protect the drinking tumbler from damage.
That function can nevertheless be achieved with an exterior vessel
whose side wall thickness is quite thin and which can be formed in
a very low cost manner. For example, if the exterior vessel is
formed of a plastic it can be in the range of 0.010-0.050 inch and
can be blow molded. If the exterior vessel is formed of aluminum it
can be in the range of 0.003-0.020 inch and can be formed using a
technique like that used to form the body of a soft drink can. If
the exterior vessel is formed of stainless steel it can be in the
range of 0.010-0.045 inch and can be formed using any suitable
forming technique.
[0033] As mentioned above, the lid 24 is arranged to be releasably
secured to the exterior vessel 22 to close off its mouth 28, and
thus enclose the tumbler 2 within the cavity 32. To that end, the
lid 24 includes one connector component 34A of a two component
releasably securable connector assembly 34. The upper end of the
exterior vessel 22 adjacent its mouth 28 includes a cooperating
connector component 34B of the releasably securable connector
assembly 34. The connector component 34A is arranged to be
releasably secured to the connector component 34B to thereby
releasably secure the lid 24 to the exterior vessel 22.
[0034] Before describing in detail the structure of the releasably
securable connector assembly 34, a brief description of the lid 24
is in order. To that end, as best seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7, the
lid is somewhat similar in construction to the travel lids sold by
Tervis, except for the releasably securable connector assembly
used. To that end, the lid basically comprises a body of circular
profile having a central portion 36 and a downwardly projecting
cylindrical side wall 38. The central portion 36 is concave, e.g.,
has downwardly tapering wall sections 36A terminating in a
generally planar, albeit angled bottom wall section 36B. An edge
portion of the side wall 38 at the front of the lid projects upward
and merges with the downwardly tapering front wall section 36A
thereat to form a lip 40 to facilitate drinking of a beverage
through the lid. The lid includes an opening 42 in the planar
section 36B adjacent the lip 40. That opening enables the beverage
within the drinking tumbler to flow therethrough when the user
wishes to drink the beverage. To facilitate that action the
tapering wall section 36A at the lip 40 includes a channel 44 to
direct the beverage to the lip and hence to the mouth of the
user.
[0035] A slidable cover 46 is provided to selectively close the
opening 42 and to selectively expose the opening when desired. The
cover is located in the central section 36B and is arranged to be
slid from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. To
that end the underside of the cover includes a pair of rails 48
which extend through respective slots 50 in the central section 36B
to enable the cover to slide either toward or away from the lip 40.
When the cover 46 is in the open position furthest from the lip 40,
like shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-7, it exposes the opening 42 in the
lid. Conversely, when the cover is in the closed position, not
shown, closest to the lip it covers and seals the opening 42 in the
lid. The cover includes a vent hole 52 in it. The central section
36B also includes a vent hole 54. The vent hole 52 in combination
with the vent hole 54 enables ambient steam or carbon dioxide (as
the case may be) to vent out of the drinking tumbler to the ambient
atmosphere when a hot or carbonated beverage is located in the
tumbler, thereby preventing an overpressure situation which could
tend to cause a leak through the interface between the lid and the
drinking tumbler. The vent hole 52 in combination with the vent
hole 54 also enables ambient air to gain ingress into the interior
of the drinking tumbler when the user is drinking from drinking
tumbler in the housing assembly to thereby facilitate the drinking
process.
[0036] As will be described in the discussion to follow, the lid 24
includes means forming a seal between it and the mouth of the
drinking tumbler 2 to prevent the leakage of any liquid in the
drinking tumbler through the interface at the seal. That means can
take various forms, depending upon the shape of the drinking
tumbler. The exemplary drinking tumbler 2 is shaped such that the
inner surface of the inner vessel 6 at the open mouth 6B tapers
downward slightly in a direction from its open mouth towards the
bottom wall 6D. As such, the lid makes use of two cylindrical walls
projecting downward from the underside of the lid to engage
respective portions of the inner surface of the inner vessel of the
drinking tumbler to form respective fluid-tight seals thereat. In
particular, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 7, a first cylindrical wall
56 extends downward from the undersurface of the lid a short radial
distance from the outer peripheral side wall 38. A second, and
shorter height, cylindrical wall 48 extends downward from the
undersurface of the lid between the outer peripheral side wall 38
and the cylindrical wall 56. Each of the cylindrical walls 56 and
58 include a free edge (i.e., the bottom thereof). Portions of each
of the cylindrical walls 56 and 58 adjacent their respective free
ends are arranged to engage respective peripheral portions of the
inner surface of the drinking tumbler at its open mouth to form two
peripheral liquid-proof seals thereat. One such seal is at the
juncture of the lower edge portion of the cylindrical wall 56 and
its corresponding peripheral portion of the inner surface of the
drinking tumbler 2. The other such seal is at the juncture of the
lower edge portion of the cylindrical wall 58 and its corresponding
peripheral portion of the inner surface of the drinking tumbler
2.
[0037] It should be pointed out at this juncture that while the
preferred embodiment of this invention makes use of two cylindrical
walls to form two peripheral seals between the lid 24 and the
drinking tumbler 2, it is contemplated that the lid may make use of
only one cylindrical wall to form only a single seal, or may use
more than two cylindrical walls to form more than two cylindrical
seals depending upon the application for the housing assembly.
[0038] Turning now to FIGS. 2-5 and 7, the details of the two
component connector assembly 34 will now be described. That
assembly can take various forms. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-5
and 7, it may be in the form of bayonet type connector assembly
comprising two cooperating bayonet connector components 34A and
34B. The bayonet connector component 34B comprises plural, e.g.,
four, arcuate flanges 60 projecting outward from the outer surface
of the exterior vessel 22 at the top end of its side wall 26. The
flanges 60 are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the side
wall 26 and are coplanar, with each of the flanges being of the
same thickness. The flanges 60 are arranged to cooperate with
plural, e.g., four, similarly shaped arcuate flanges 62 of the lid
24. The flanges 62 of the lid are coplanar and all of the same
thickness. Each projects inward from the inner surface of the
peripheral side wall 38 of the lid and they are equidistantly
spaced about the periphery of the side wall, with the spacing
between each of the flanges 62 being of a sufficient length to
receive respective ones of the flanges 60 of the vessel 22. Thus,
the lid 24 can be disposed on the exterior vessel with the flanges
62 of the lid aligned with the spaces between the flanges 60 of the
exterior vessel 22 and with the flanges 6 of the exterior vessel 22
aligned with the spaces between the flanges 62 of the lid, and then
the lid pressed down so that the coplanar flanges 62 of the lid 24
are below the coplanar flanges 60 of the exterior vessel 22. At
that point the lid can be rotated slightly about the central
longitudinal axis LCA to bring the flanges 62 of the lid under the
flanges 60 of the exterior vessel, thereby releasably securing the
lid to the exterior vessel. To remove the lid all that is required
is to rotate the lid with respect to the exterior vessel until the
flanges 62 of the lid are aligned with the spaces between the
flanges 60 of the exterior vessel and then lift the lid off of the
exterior vessel in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal
axis.
[0039] It should be noted at this juncture that the releasably
securable connector assembly 34 can be in a form other than a
bayonet type connector assembly. For example, it can be in the form
of a threaded connector assembly. One exemplary threaded connector
assembly is shown in FIG. 8. In that assembly the sidewall 38 of
the lid 24 includes internal threads formed by plural flanges 62'
which are configured to threadedly engage corresponding external
threads formed by plural flanges 60' on the exterior vessel 22. The
flanges 60' extend about the top end of the exterior vessel's side
wall. As can be seen, the flanges 62' are similar in construction
to the flanges 62 except that instead of lying in a common plane
which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis LCA, they
are arranged in a spiral configuration extending at an acute angle
to that axis. Likewise the flanges 60' of the exterior vessel 22
are similar in construction to the flanges 60 except that instead
of lying in a common plane which is perpendicular to the central
longitudinal axis LCA, they are arranged in a spiral configuration
extending at an acute angle to that axis. Thus, the flanges 60' and
62' can engage and slide with respect to each other to enable the
lid 24 to be screwed onto the exterior vessel 22.
[0040] Other types of releasably securable connectors can be used,
as well. For example, the side wall 38 of the lid could include an
annular projection extending a short distance radially inward from
the sidewall to engage, e.g., snap-fit to, the undersurface of the
flange 6C which as discussed above projects slightly outwardly
radially from the outer surface of the drinking tumbler adjacent it
upper end. Another releasably securable connector assembly that can
be use may be in the form of an over-center clamp. The foregoing
are but a few examples of many types of releasably securable
connector assemblies that can be used to releasably secure the lid
to the exterior vessel, and to ensure that once secured it is
resistant to accidental disconnection (such as could occur by the
build-up of pressure within the drinking vessel holding a hot or
carbonated beverage), but can be readily disconnected when
desired.
[0041] The exterior vessel 22 can be formed of any suitable
material, such as clear PET, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.,
depending upon the desired performance. For example clear PET can
be used to enable the drinking tumbler, to be visible through the
wall of the outer vessel, particularly if the tumbler is itself
decorated, such as the decorative tumblers sold by Tervis. Any
other suitable plastic materials can be used in place of PET and
the vessel can be formed by any suitable technique, e.g., blow
molding, injection molding, etc. If visibility of the tumbler is
not desired through the exterior vessel, it can be formed of
stainless steel or aluminum or some other metal. The use of such
metal materials provides a sense that the assembled housing a
drinking tumbler can readily accommodate hot beverages. Another
potential benefit of the use of metal (or any opaque material) is
that the outer surface can be decorated, e.g., it can be decorated
with an alternative design to that used to decorate the drinking
tumbler.
[0042] It should be noted that the drinking tumbler can take
various forms other than the exemplary embodiment shown. Thus, it
could be a single walled structure. Moreover, it can be formed of
any suitable material, be it plastic, metal, etc. In the exemplary
embodiment it is formed of Eastman Tritan.TM. copolyester sold by
Eastman Chemical Company. The lid 24 is preferably formed of a
similar material to that making up the prior art Tervis travel lid,
or any other suitable material. Moreover, the lid need not include
the various features described above so long as it includes some
releasably securement assembly for releasably securing the lid to
the exterior vessel and some sealing means to form a water-tight
seal between the lid and the drinking tumbler. By way of example,
and not of limitation, the seal could be on the top of the drinking
tumbler flange or on its outside diameter. With respect to the
exterior vessel, it too can take different constructions than that
shown in FIGS. 1-7, so long as it includes a sidewall defining a
cavity in which a drinking tumbler can be disposed and including
some releasably securable connector assembly adjacent its mouth to
which a lid constructed in accordance with this invention can be
secured.
[0043] For example, FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of a
housing assembly 20' constructed accordance with this invention
making use of an alternative exterior vessel 22'. The alternative
housing assembly 20' includes the same lid 24 as described above,
and the same drinking tumbler 2 disposed therein (although it can't
be seen in FIG. 9). Thus, in the interest of brevity the same
reference numbers will be used to designate the common components
between the housing assembly 20 and the housing assembly 20' and
the details of the construction and operation of those components
will not be reiterated. As can be seen in FIG. 9, the exterior
vessel 22' includes a handle 100 projecting out from the exterior
surface 26 of the exterior vessel. The handle serves to facilitate
the lifting and orientation of the exterior vessel, and hence the
drinking tumbler disposed therein.
[0044] FIG. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of a housing
assembly 20'' constructed accordance with this invention making use
of another alternative exterior vessel 22''. The alternative
housing assembly 20' includes the same lid 24 as described above,
and the same drinking tumbler 2 disposed therein (although it can't
be seen in FIG. 10). Thus, in the interest of brevity the same
reference numbers will be used to designate the common components
between the housing assembly 20 and the housing assembly 20'' and
the details of the construction and operation of those components
will not be reiterated. As can be seen in FIG. 10, the exterior
vessel 22' includes a tab 102 projecting outward and upward from
the exterior surface 26 of the exterior vessel adjacent its upper
end. The tab 102 includes a hole or aperture 104 therein to enable
a hook or some other component (not shown) to be extended through
the opening to suspend the housing assembly 20'' with the drinking
tumbler therein onto any support member, e.g., a belt, some other
garment, etc.
[0045] Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully
illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or
future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions
of service.
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