U.S. patent application number 15/445081 was filed with the patent office on 2017-09-07 for portable beverage container for serving and entertaining children.
The applicant listed for this patent is IGNITE USA, LLC. Invention is credited to Robert C. Coon, Paul D. Hurley.
Application Number | 20170251848 15/445081 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58228021 |
Filed Date | 2017-09-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170251848 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coon; Robert C. ; et
al. |
September 7, 2017 |
Portable Beverage Container For Serving And Entertaining
Children
Abstract
A portable beverage container includes a container base adapted
to store a liquid, a lid removably coupled to the base, a design
element support structure, and a design element. The design element
support structure is removably coupled to the lid to allow an end
user of the portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored
in the container base. The design element support structure is
arranged in a fluid aperture defined by the lid such that a first
portion of the design element support structure is arranged in the
container base and a second portion of the drinking element is
arranged outside of the container base. The design element is
adapted to movably travel on the first portion of the design
element support structure and is configured to float on the liquid
stored in the container base.
Inventors: |
Coon; Robert C.; (Chicago,
IL) ; Hurley; Paul D.; (Libertyville, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
IGNITE USA, LLC |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58228021 |
Appl. No.: |
15/445081 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62303926 |
Mar 4, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2266 20130101;
A47G 21/182 20130101; A47G 19/2227 20130101; A47G 19/2272 20130101;
B65D 47/06 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 47/06 20060101 B65D047/06; A47G 21/18 20060101
A47G021/18 |
Claims
1. A portable beverage container, comprising: a container base
adapted to store a liquid; and a lid removably coupled to the base,
the lid defining a fluid aperture; a design element support
structure removably coupled to the lid to allow an end user of the
portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in the
container base, the design element support structure arranged in
the fluid aperture such that a first portion of the design element
support structure is arranged in the container base and a second
portion of the design element support structure is arranged outside
of the container base; and a design element adapted to movably
travel on the first portion of the design element support
structure, the design element configured to float on the liquid
stored in the container base.
2. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the first
portion of the design element support structure includes first and
second retaining elements, and the design element is adapted to
movably travel on the first portion of the design element support
structure between the first and second retaining elements.
3. The portable beverage container of claim 2, wherein the design
element support structure further includes a cylindrical tube, and
wherein the first and second retaining elements comprise first and
second retention rings, respectively, overmolded on the cylindrical
tube.
4. The portable beverage container of claim 2, wherein the design
element support structure further includes a cylindrical tube
having an outer diameter that is less than an outer diameter of
each of the first and second retaining elements.
5. The portable beverage container of claim 4, wherein the design
element comprises an annular ring, the annular ring having an inner
diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the cylindrical
tube but smaller than the outer diameter of each of the first and
second retaining elements.
6. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the fluid
aperture extends along a centrally located longitudinal axis and
the design element support structure extends along a first axis
that is substantially co-axial with the centrally located
longitudinal axis.
7. The portable beverage container of claim 6, wherein the design
element comprises an opening extending along a second axis that is
co-axial with the centrally located longitudinal axis and the first
axis, wherein the design element support structure extends through
the opening of the design element.
8. The portable beverage container of claim 7, wherein the design
element comprises an annular ring arranged at a position proximate
a bottom end of the opening, the annular ring having an inner
diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the cylindrical
tube but smaller than an outer diameter of each of the first and
second retaining elements.
9. The portable beverage container of claim 1, wherein the design
element comprises a first body portion and a second body portion
coupled to the first body portion, the second body portion being at
least one of a different color, a different material, and a
different texture than the first body portion.
10. A straw assembly configured to be removably coupled to a lid of
a portable beverage container, the portable beverage container
including a container base adapted to store a liquid, the straw
assembly comprising: a straw configured to allow an end user of the
portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in the
container base, the straw including a first end, a second end, a
first retaining ring arranged between the first and second ends,
and a second retaining ring arranged between the first retaining
ring and the second end; and a design element adapted to movably
travel on the straw between the first and second retaining
elements, the design element configured to float on the liquid
stored in the container base.
11. The straw assembly of claim 10, wherein the straw further
includes a cylindrical tube having an outer diameter that is less
than an outer diameter of each of the first and second retaining
rings.
12. The straw assembly of claim 11, wherein the first and second
retaining rings are overmolded on the cylindrical tube.
13. The straw assembly of claim 11, wherein the design element
comprises an annular ring having an inner diameter that is larger
than the outer diameter of the cylindrical tube but smaller than
the outer diameter of each of the first and second retaining rings,
such that the design element is retained on the straw between the
first and second retaining elements.
14. The straw assembly of claim 13, wherein the outer diameter of
the straw is equal to approximately 8 mm, the outer diameter of
each of the first and second retaining rings is equal to
approximately 10 mm, and the inner diameter of the annular ring is
equal to approximately 9.5 mm.
15. The straw assembly of claim 10, wherein the straw extends along
a first axis and the design element comprises an opening that
extends along a second axis that is co-axial with the first axis,
and wherein the straw extends through the opening of the design
element.
16. The straw assembly of claim 10, wherein the design element
comprises a first body portion and a second body portion coupled to
the first body portion, the second body portion being at least one
of a different color, a different material, and a different texture
than the first body portion.
17. A portable beverage container, comprising: a container base
adapted to store a liquid; and a lid removably coupled to the base,
the lid defining a fluid aperture; a design element support
structure removably coupled to the lid to allow an end user of the
portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in the
container base, the design element support structure comprising a
cylindrical tube and first and second retaining elements disposed
on the cylindrical tube, the design element support structure
arranged in the fluid aperture such that the first and second
retaining elements are arranged in the container base; and a design
element adapted to movably travel on the design element support
structure between the first and second retaining elements, the
design element configured to float on the liquid stored in the
container base.
18. The portable beverage container of claim 17, wherein the design
element comprises an annular ring having an inner diameter that is
larger than an outer diameter of the cylindrical tube but smaller
than an outer diameter of each of the first and second retaining
elements.
19. The portable beverage container of claim 17, wherein the fluid
aperture extends along a centrally located longitudinal axis, the
design element support structure extends along a first axis that is
substantially co-axial with the centrally located longitudinal
axis, and the design element comprises an opening extending along a
second axis that is co-axial with the centrally located
longitudinal axis and the first axis, and wherein the design
element support structure extends through the opening of the design
element.
20. The portable beverage container of claim 17, wherein the design
element comprises a first body portion and a second body portion
coupled to the first body portion, the second body portion being at
least one of a different color, a different material, and a
different texture than the first body portion.
Description
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure is directed to portable beverage
containers and, more particularly, to a portable beverage container
for serving and entertaining children.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Portable beverage containers, such as tumblers, mugs, and
the like, are commonly used by people who want to drink coffee,
tea, or other liquids when walking, driving, or otherwise traveling
between two different places. In some cases, portable beverage
containers may be used by children (e.g., given to children by
their parents while traveling between two different places). As
such, portable beverage containers have been designed with various
logos and designs that are aesthetically pleasing to children. As
an example, portable beverage containers have been designed to
include characters (e.g., cartoon characters) on the straw at a
position outside of the portable beverage container. As another
example, portable beverage containers have been designed to include
visually ascertainable floating elements disposed between first and
second walls of a dual-walled container base.
SUMMARY
[0003] In accordance with one exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure, a portable beverage container is provided. The portable
beverage container includes a container base adapted to store a
liquid, a lid removably coupled to the base, a design element
support structure, and a design element. The design element support
structure is removably coupled to the lid to allow an end user of
the portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in the
container base. The design element support structure is arranged in
a fluid aperture defined by the lid such that a first portion of
the design element support structure is arranged in the container
base and a second portion of the drinking element is arranged
outside of the container base. The design element is adapted to
movably travel on the first portion of the design element support
structure and is configured to float on the liquid stored in the
container base.
[0004] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure, a straw assembly is provided. The straw assembly is
configured to be removably coupled to a lid of a portable beverage
container, the portable beverage container including a container
base adapted to store a liquid. The straw assembly includes a straw
and a design element. The straw is configured to allow an end user
of the portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in
the container base, and includes a first end, a second end, a first
retaining ring arranged between the first and second ends, and a
second retaining ring arranged between the first retaining ring and
the second end. The design element is adapted to movably travel on
the straw between the first and second retaining elements, the
design element configured to float on the liquid stored in the
container base.
[0005] In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present
disclosure, a portable beverage container is provided. The portable
beverage container includes a container base adapted to store a
liquid, a lid removably coupled to the base, a design element
support structure, and a design element. The design element support
structure is removably coupled to the lid to allow an end user of
the portable beverage container to drink the liquid stored in the
container base, and includes a cylindrical tube and first and
second retaining elements disposed on the cylindrical tube. The
design element support structure is arranged in a fluid aperture of
the lid such that the first and second retaining elements are
arranged in the container base. The design element is adapted to
movably travel on the design element support structure between the
first and second retaining elements, the design element configured
to float on the liquid stored in the container base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The disclosure may be best understood by reference to the
following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings, in which like reference numerals identify like elements
in the several FIGS., in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first example of a
portable beverage container constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a design element support
structure of the portable beverage container of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is perspective view of a design element that can be
coupled to the design element support structure of FIG. 2, with one
body portion of the design element depicted transparently so as to
show the other body portion of the design element coupled
thereto;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the design
element of FIG. 3;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the design element of
FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the design element support
structure of FIG. 2 and the design element of FIGS. 3-5 before the
design element is coupled to the design element support
structure;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the design element of
FIGS. 3-5 in the process of being secured on the design element
support structure of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, but shows the design element
secured on the design element support structure; and
[0015] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the design element of FIGS.
3-5 secured on the design element support structure of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] FIG. 1 depicts a first example of a portable and reusable
beverage container 100 constructed in accordance with the
principles of the present disclosure. The beverage container 100,
which may be, for example, a mug, a tumbler, or the like, generally
includes a container base 104 and a lid 108 removably coupled to
the container base 104. The container base 104 is generally
configured to store or contain a liquid, which may be hot or cold,
for example, water, juice, soda, milk, tea, coffee, or any other
beverage, for consumption by a user of the container 100. The
beverage container 100 also generally includes a design element
support structure 112 removably coupled to the lid 108 and a design
element 116 removably coupled to the design element support
structure 112. When the design element support structure 112, which
in this example takes the form of a straw, is coupled to the lid
108 in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1, a first portion 120 of the
design element support structure 112 is arranged outside of the
container base 104, and a second portion 124 of the design element
support structure 112 is arranged within the container base 104.
The second portion 124 is, in turn, in fluid communication with the
liquid stored in the container base 104, thereby allowing the user
of the container 100 to consume (e.g., drink) the liquid stored in
the container base 104. The design element 116 is generally coupled
to the design element support structure 112 in a manner that
provides an aesthetically pleasing effect to the user of the
container 100, particularly when that user is a child. The design
element 116 is secured to the design element support structure 112
at a position within the container base 104, and, when the
container 100 is in use (e.g., is storing liquid), the design
element 116 can float on the liquid stored in the container base
104, as will be described in greater detail below. Such a
configuration provides a more aesthetically pleasing effect that is
interactive inasmuch as the effect can be changed during usage.
[0017] With reference still to FIG. 1, further details regarding
the container base 104 and the lid 108 will now be described. The
container base 104 is defined by a bottom wall 128 and a continuous
sidewall 132 that extends upwardly from the bottom wall 128. While
not visible in FIG. 1, it will be appreciated that the container
base 104 includes a collar that extends outwardly (upwardly in FIG.
2) from the sidewall 132 for matingly engaging the lid 108. In the
exemplified embodiment, the collar terminates at an upper, open end
and has a threaded portion that is configured to mate with a
corresponding threaded portion of the lid 108. The bottom wall 128,
the sidewall 132, and the collar together define a volume or
reservoir 136 for holding or storing the liquid. The lid 108
illustrated in FIG. 1 has an annular or circular base 140 and a
flow aperture 144 defined in the annular base 140 and extending
along a centrally located longitudinal axis 148. In the exemplified
embodiment, the annular base 112 includes the above-mentioned
threaded portion (not shown) that is configured to mate with the
threaded portion of the collar so as to removably couple the lid
108 to the container base 104. Of course, other connections such as
snap-fit connections may be used to secure the lid 108 to the
container base 104. The flow aperture 144 is generally sized to
receive the design element support structure 112 such that the
second portion of the 124 of the design element support structure
112 is in fluid communication with the liquid stored in the
container base 104, thereby allowing the user to drink the liquid
stored therein.
[0018] With reference now to FIG. 2, further details regarding the
design element support structure 112 will now be described. The
design element support structure 112 generally includes a
cylindrical tube 150 and first and second retaining elements 154,
158 formed or disposed on an exterior of the cylindrical tube 150.
The cylindrical tube 150 in this example is typically extruded and
made of polypropylene or some other suitable polymer or material
and extends along an axis 160 that is substantially parallel to the
axis 148 described above. The tube 150 has a first end 162, a
second end 166 opposite the first end 162, and a length 170 defined
by and extending between the first and second ends 162, 166. In one
example, the length 170 is equal to approximately 175 mm, but in
other examples the length 170 can vary (e.g., be greater than 175
mm, be less than 175 mm). The tube 150 also has an outer diameter
172. In the exemplified embodiment, the outer diameter 172 is equal
to approximately 8 mm. In other examples, the outer diameter 172
can vary, i.e., can be greater than or less than approximately 8
mm. While not required, the first end 162 of the design element
support structure 112 is generally part of the first portion 120
that is arranged outside of the container base 104 when the design
element support structure 112 is coupled to the lid 108 as
illustrated in FIG. 1. Conversely, while again not required, the
second end 166 of the design element support structure 112 is
generally part of the second portion 124 that is arranged within
the container base 104 when the design element support structure
112 is coupled to the lid 108.
[0019] The first retaining element 154 illustrated in FIG. 2 takes
the form of a first retention ring overmolded on the cylindrical
tube 150 at a position between the first and second ends 162, 166.
The first retaining element 154 thus has an outer diameter 174 that
is greater than the outer diameter 172 of the tube 150. In the
exemplified embodiment, the outer diameter 174 is equal to
approximately 10 mm. In other examples, the outer diameter 174 can
vary, i.e., can be greater than or less than approximately 10 mm.
Likewise, the second retaining element 158 illustrated in FIG. 2
takes the form of a second retention ring, identical in structure
to the first retention ring, but overmolded on the cylindrical tube
150 at a position between the first retaining element 154 and the
second end 166 of the design element support structure 112 (i.e.,
closer to the second end 166 than the first retaining element 154).
The second retaining element 158 thus has an outer diameter 178
that is greater than the outer diameter 172 of the tube 150. In the
exemplified embodiment, the outer diameter 178 is equal to
approximately 10 mm, and, as such, is equal to the outer diameter
174 of the first retaining element 154. In other examples, the
outer diameter 178 can be different than the outer diameter 174
and/or can be greater than or less than approximately 10 mm. In the
example in which the length 170 is equal to approximately 175 mm,
the first retaining element 154 can be arranged at a position that
is between approximately 80 and 120 mm from the second end 166, and
the second retaining element 158 can be arranged at a position that
is between approximately 5 and 20 mm from the second end 166. In
other examples, the first and/or the second retaining element 154,
158 can instead be an o-ring or other structural feature (e.g., one
or more of a bump, a projection, etc.) arranged on the exterior of
the cylindrical tube 150 such that the retaining element(s) 154,
158 is (are) capable of retaining the design element 116, for
example, by preventing the design element from unintentionally
traveling beyond the same. In addition, the position of the first
retaining element 154 and/or the second retaining element 158 can
vary, as long as a continuous section of the cylindrical tube is
provided without retaining elements so that the design element can
travel between retaining elements 154, 158, as described in further
detail below.
[0020] In any event, the first and second retaining elements 154,
158 are generally part of the second portion 124 of the design
element support structure 112 that is arranged within the container
base 104 when the design element support structure 112 is coupled
to the lid 108 (though again, this is not required). The first and
second retaining elements 154, 158 are thus arranged so as to
retain the design element 116 on the design element support
structure 112 within the container base 104 when the container 100
is in use. In some cases, the design element 116 can be retained
therein when the container 100 is not in use, e.g., when the
container 100 is being washed (e.g., is in the dishwasher), so as
to prevent the design element 116 from being lost. The first and
second retaining elements 154, 158 also help to prevent unintended
removal of the drinking element 112 when the container 100 is being
used.
[0021] FIGS. 3-5 illustrate the design element 116 in greater
detail. Generally speaking, the design element 116 may be a novelty
character or other graphical representation, design or other
element that is aesthetically pleasing to children and may be made
of a polymer such as polypropylene that has a density (e.g., a
density less than 1) that allows the design element 116 to float on
or within the liquid stored in the container base 104. As used
herein, the term float refers to a level of the design element 116
that is supported by buoyancy forces above the second (lower)
retaining element 158 when sufficient liquid is stored in the
container base 104 such that the design element 116 is at a level
above the second retaining element 158 that can adjust as the
volume of liquid within the container 100 is displaced.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the design element 116 in this
example takes the form of an octopus character. In other examples,
the design element 116 can be a different type of character (e.g.,
a character of a different animal, a character of a superhero) or
some other element (e.g., toy, a flag, or a logo of a sport team)
that is aesthetically pleasing to children.
[0023] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the design element 116 in
this example has first and second body portions 200, 204 that are
made of different colors, textures, and/or materials and are insert
molded, so as to achieve color separation and/or material/textural
differentiation and to relieve thick wall sections. More
specifically, the first body portion 200, which forms the bottom
portion of the design element 116, is shot first, as illustrated in
FIG. 4, and then the first body portion 200 is inserted into the
tool for making the second body portion 204, at which time the
second body portion 204, which forms the top portion of the design
element 116, can be shot with a different color, different
material, or different texture, as illustrated in FIG. 5. Once
molded in this manner, the first and second body portions 200, 204
define an opening 208 that extends through the design element 116
along an axis 212 that is substantially parallel to the axes 148,
160 described above, when the design element 116 is disposed on the
cylindrical tube 150 within the container base 104. The opening 208
is sized to receive a portion of the design element support
structure 112, as will be described in greater detail below. The
design element 116 also includes an annular ring 206 that is
integrally formed with the first body portion 200 at a position
proximate to a bottom end of the opening 208. The annular ring 206
has an inner diameter 210 that is larger than the outer diameter
172 of the tube 150 but is smaller than the outer diameters 174,
178 of the first and second retaining elements 154, 158,
respectively. In the exemplified embodiment, the inner diameter 210
is equal to approximately 9.5 mm; in other examples, the inner
diameter 210 can be greater than or less than 9.5 mm. The annular
ring 206 is generally configured to secure the design element 116
to the design element support structure 112, as will be described
in greater detail below.
[0024] In other examples, the first and second body portions 200,
204 can be shaped/sized differently and/or can be manufactured in a
different manner. As an example, the first and second body portions
200, 204 can be molded separately and then mechanically coupled to
one another. As another example, the first and second body portions
200, 204 can be integrally formed (e.g., molded) with one another,
thereby producing a single or unitary piece design element.
[0025] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate how the design element 116 is coupled
to the design element support structure 112, and once coupled
thereto, can be movably disposed on the design element support
structure 112 and, at the same time, securely retained thereon by
the retaining elements 154, 158 such that the design element 116
can travel or float between the retaining elements 154, 158 as
liquid is consumed. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the bottom end 166 of
the design element support structure 112 can be inserted into the
opening 208 of the design element 116. Because the diameter of the
opening 208 is greater than the outer diameter 178 of the second
retaining element 158, the design element 116 can be moved upward
(at least when viewed in FIG. 7) along the design element support
structure 112, as illustrated in FIG. 7, until the bottom portion
of the design element 116 moves past the second retaining element
158, at which time the annular ring 206, located proximate to the
bottom end of the opening 208, snaps past the second retaining
element 158, as illustrated in FIG. 8. In turn, because the outer
diameters 174, 178 of the first and second retaining elements 154,
158, respectively, are greater than the inner diameter 210 of the
annular ring 206, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the design element 116
is secured on the design element support structure 112 between the
first and second retaining elements 154, 158. The design element
116 is, however, permitted to freely move or float along the design
element support structure 112 between the first and second
retaining elements 154, 158, as illustrated in FIG. 9, which
provides an interactive and aesthetic feature for the user,
particularly as the design element 116 changes positions as liquid
is being consumed from the beverage container 100.
[0026] Ultimately, when the design element support structure 112
and the design element 116 are employed in the container 100, as
illustrated in FIG. 1, the design element 116 is movably disposed
within the container base 104. The design element 116 will
generally float, in the container, on the liquid stored in the
container base 104, such that the position of the design element
116 will vary depending on the amount of liquid stored in the
container base 104. At the same time, the design element 116 is
securely retained on the design element support structure 112 by
virtue of the first and second retaining elements 154, 158. Thus,
the design element 116 stays connected to the design element
support structure 112 when the container 100 is used. In this
manner, the design element 116, and more generally the container
100, provides an aesthetically pleasing effect to the user of the
container 100, particularly when that user is a child, at
substantially all times.
[0027] While the container 100 illustrated herein includes the
first and second retaining elements 154, 158, it will be
appreciated that the container 100 need not do so. In such a case,
the design element 116 would still be movably disposed along the
design element 116 and would float, in the container, on the liquid
stored in the container base 104, but would not be securely
retained thereon should the drinking element 116 be removed.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment (not illustrated), the beverage
container 100 can take the form of a sippy cup having a lid
including a spout, the spout being in fluid communication with the
beverage container liquid contents. In this instance, no portion of
the design element support structure is disposed outside the
container when the container lid is secured to the container base.
The design element may still movably traverse along the design
element support structure, however, thereby providing an
aesthetically pleasing effect to the user of the container
particularly when that user is a child, at substantially all
times.
* * * * *