U.S. patent application number 16/646300 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-03 for weight-stabilized beverage container flotation device and kit.
The applicant listed for this patent is James MCCUTCHEN. Invention is credited to James MCCUTCHEN.
Application Number | 20200275792 16/646300 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004854236 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200275792 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MCCUTCHEN; James |
September 3, 2020 |
Weight-Stabilized Beverage Container Flotation Device and Kit
Abstract
A floatation device for a beverage container is configured to
have a displacement with a floatation buoyancy sufficient to float
the floatation device both empty and while holding the beverage
container, whether empty or filled. The floatation device may have
a cup-shaped body, a buoyant member (either permanently attached or
removably attachable to the cup-shaped body), and a weighting
member, with a center of gravity of the floatation device being
below a middle point between a base and a top portion of the
floatation device. A kit may be provided with one or more
cup-shaped bodies and one or more buoyant members to provide user
selectability in view use with a container selected from a group of
differently-sized containers.
Inventors: |
MCCUTCHEN; James; (Greer,
SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MCCUTCHEN; James |
Greer |
SC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004854236 |
Appl. No.: |
16/646300 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2018 |
PCT Filed: |
September 7, 2018 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2018/049846 |
371 Date: |
March 11, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62557490 |
Sep 12, 2017 |
|
|
|
62625499 |
Feb 2, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 2200/02 20130101;
A47G 23/0216 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47G 23/02 20060101
A47G023/02 |
Claims
1. A floatation device for a beverage container comprising: a
cup-shaped body for receiving the beverage container therein, the
cup-shaped body having a base and a generally annular side wall
having a bottom portion contacting the base; a weighting member
located substantially at the base; a buoyant member shaped
generally annular and removably attachable to the cup-shaped body
spaced from the base, the cup-shaped body and the buoyant member
defining a volume within the side wall between the base and a point
substantially along a top portion of an inner wall of the buoyant
member; and the cup-shaped body, the buoyant member, and the
weighting member being collectively configured so as to have a
displacement with a floatation buoyancy greater than a weight of
water within the volume plus the weight of the cup-shaped body, the
buoyant member, and the weighting member.
2-3. (canceled)
4. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
wherein a weight of the weighting member is about 1.0 pound.
5. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
wherein the floatation buoyancy is at least about 2.0 pounds.
6. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
wherein the displacement while floating with the beverage container
within the volume is at least about 60 in.sup.3.
7-10. (canceled)
11. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
wherein a center of gravity of the floatation device is below a
middle point between the base and the top portion.
12-13. (canceled)
14. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
further including a snap-fit fastening assembly for attaching the
buoyant member to the cup-shaped body.
15. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 14,
wherein the snap-fit fastening assembly includes interlocking tab
members on the buoyant member and the cup-shaped body.
16. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
further including a threaded fastening assembly for attaching the
buoyant member to the cup-shaped body.
17. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 16,
wherein the threaded fastening assembly includes mating thread
members on the buoyant member and the cup-shaped body.
18. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
wherein an interior surface of the buoyant member is configured for
receipt of the beverage container.
19-22. (canceled)
23. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 18,
wherein the interior surface includes at least one
radially-inwardly extending protrusion for gripping the
container.
24. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 1,
wherein the base of the cup-shaped body has a bottom support
surface configured so that the floatation device can be placed on a
surface without toppling.
25-33. (canceled)
34. A floatation device for a beverage container comprising: a
cup-shaped body for receiving the beverage container therein, the
cup-shaped body having a base and a generally annular side wall
having a bottom portion contacting the base, a top portion spaced
from the base, and a side portion between the bottom portion and
the top portion, the cup-shaped body defining a volume within the
side wall between the base and the top portion; a weighting member
located substantially at the base; a buoyant member located
substantially along the top portion; and the cup-shaped body, the
buoyant member, and the weighting member being collectively
configured so as to have a displacement with a floatation buoyancy
greater than a weight of water within the volume plus the weight of
the cup-shaped body, the buoyant member, and the weighting
member.
35-36. (canceled)
37. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 34,
wherein a weight of the weighting member is about 1.0 pound.
38. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 34,
wherein the floatation buoyancy is at least about 2.0 pounds.
39. (canceled)
40. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 34,
wherein the displacement while floating with the beverage container
within the volume is at least about 60 in.sup.3.
41. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 34,
wherein the displacement while floating with the beverage container
within the volume is at least about 80 in.sup.3.
42-43. (canceled)
44. The floatation device for a beverage container of claim 34,
wherein a center of gravity of the floatation device is below a
middle point between the base and the top portion.
45-47. (canceled)
48. A floatation device for a beverage container comprising: a
cup-shaped body for receiving the beverage container therein, the
cup-shaped body having a base and a generally annular side wall
having a bottom portion contacting the base, a top portion spaced
from the base, and a side portion between the bottom portion and
the top portion, the cup-shaped body defining a volume within the
side wall between the base and the top portion; a weighting member
located substantially at the base; a buoyant member located
substantially along the top portion; and the cup-shaped body, the
buoyant member, and the weighting member being collectively
configured so that a center of gravity of the floatation device is
below a middle point between the base and the top portion.
49-50. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a US Nationalization of
International Application No. PCT/US2018/049846, filed Sep. 7, 2018
and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser.
Nos. 62/557,490, filed Sep. 12, 2017 and 62/625,499, filed Feb. 2,
2018, all of which are incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a device capable of
buoyantly supporting a beverage container in a stable manner.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Beverage insulating devices, sometimes called "cozies" or
"koozies," have been proposed for maintaining the temperature of
beverage containers and the beverages contained therein. Such
devices are typically cup-shaped, with a circular base and an
annular wall configured for receiving a common 12 ounce beverage
can. Such devices typically have a small hole in the bottom for
condensation drainage and to allow for pushing a container out of
the device. Other such devices are annular, fitting only around the
side of a can but not along the bottom. Still other devices are
rectangular and can be wrapped around a can with ends secured
together, for example, by a hook and loop fastener. Existing
devices are made of an insulating material of some sort, thereby
maintaining a cooled beverage at a lower temperature than if
exposed to environment, and also making the cooled beverage
container more comfortable to hold.
[0004] Existing beverage insulating devices generally serve their
desired purpose of maintaining the temperature of a beverage and/or
providing a thermally more comfortable gripping surface for the
user. However, existing beverage insulating devices are not of
sufficient shape and/or buoyancy to be able to float freely in a
water environment such as a pool, lake, tub, etc. With existing
beverage insulating devices, once left to float on the surface of
the water environment, the beverage insulating device and container
will topple, thereby potentially spilling the beverage into the
water environment and/or allowing an undesired level of heat
transfer to or from the beverage container due to direct contact
with water environment.
[0005] Accordingly, improvements in insulated beverage cooling
devices that reliably float on the surface of a water environment
and/or addressing one or more drawbacks of existing devices or
other issues would be welcome.
SUMMARY
[0006] According to certain aspects of the disclosure, a floatation
device for a beverage container may include a cup-shaped body for
receiving the beverage container therein. The cup-shaped body has a
base and a generally annular side wall having a bottom portion
contacting the base, a top portion spaced from the base, and a side
portion between the bottom portion and the top portion. The
cup-shaped body defines a volume within the side wall between the
base and the top portion. A weighting member is located
substantially at the base. A buoyant member is located
substantially along the top portion. The cup-shaped body, the
buoyant member, and the weighting member are collectively
configured so as to have a displacement with a floatation buoyancy
greater than a weight of water within the volume plus the weight of
the cup-shaped body, the buoyant member, and the weighting member.
Various options and modifications are possible.
[0007] According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a
floatation device for a beverage container may include a cup-shaped
body for receiving the beverage container therein. The cup-shaped
body has a base and a generally annular side wall having a bottom
portion contacting the base, a top portion spaced from the base,
and a side portion between the bottom portion and the top portion.
The cup-shaped body defines a volume within the side wall between
the base and the top portion. A weighting member is located
substantially at the base. A buoyant member is located
substantially along the top portion. The cup-shaped body, the
buoyant member, and the weighting member are collectively
configured to have a displacement with a floatation buoyancy
sufficient to float the floatation device both while empty and with
the beverage container within the volume. Various options and
modifications are possible.
[0008] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a floatation
device for a beverage container may include a cup-shaped body for
receiving the beverage container therein. The cup-shaped body has a
base and a generally annular side wall having a bottom portion
contacting the base, a top portion spaced from the base, and a side
portion between the bottom portion and the top portion. The
cup-shaped body defines a volume within the side wall between the
base and the top portion. A weighting member is located
substantially at the base. A buoyant member is located
substantially along the top portion. The cup-shaped body, the
buoyant member, and the weighting member are collectively
configured so that a center of gravity of the floatation device is
below a middle point between the base and the top portion. Various
options and modifications are possible.
[0009] According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a
floatation device for a beverage container may include a cup-shaped
body for receiving the beverage container therein. The cup-shaped
body has a base and a generally annular side wall having a bottom
portion contacting the base. A weighting member is located
substantially at the base. A buoyant member is shaped generally
annular and is removably attachable to the cup-shaped body spaced
from the base. The cup-shaped body and the buoyant member define a
volume within the side wall between the base and a point
substantially along a top portion of an inner wall of the buoyant
member. The cup-shaped body, the buoyant member, and the weighting
member are collectively configured so as to have a displacement
with a floatation buoyancy greater than a weight of water within
the volume plus the weight of the cup-shaped body, the buoyant
member, and the weighting member. Various options and modifications
are possible.
[0010] According to certain other aspects of the disclosure, a
floatation device for a beverage container may include a cup-shaped
body for receiving the beverage container therein. The cup-shaped
body has a base and a generally annular side wall having a bottom
portion contacting the base. A weighting member is located
substantially at the base. A buoyant member is shaped generally
annular and is removably attachable to the cup-shaped body spaced
from the base. The cup-shaped body and the buoyant member define a
volume within the side wall between the base and a point
substantially along a top portion of an inner wall of the buoyant
member. The cup-shaped body, the buoyant member, and the weighting
member are collectively configured to have a displacement with a
floatation buoyancy sufficient to float the floatation device both
while empty and with the beverage container within the volume.
Various options and modifications are possible.
[0011] A floatation device for a beverage container may include a
cup-shaped body for receiving the beverage container therein. The
cup-shaped body has a base and a generally annular side wall having
a bottom portion contacting the base. A weighting member is located
substantially at the base. A buoyant member is shaped generally
annular and is removably attachable to the cup-shaped body spaced
from the base. The cup-shaped body and the buoyant member define a
volume within the side wall between the base and a point
substantially along a top portion of an inner wall of the buoyant
member. The cup-shaped body, the buoyant member, and the weighting
member are collectively configured so that a center of gravity of
the floatation device is below a middle point between the base and
the top portion. Various options and modifications are
possible.
[0012] According to other aspects of the disclosure, a kit may be
provided including at least one of cup shaped body and at least one
of buoyant member, according to this disclosure. If so, the kit may
include at least one cup shaped body and a plurality of the buoyant
members, each of the plurality of the buoyant members having a
different inner surface configuration. Various options and
modifications are available with the kit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] More details of the present disclosure are set forth in the
drawings.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a beverage container
floatation device according to a first embodiment, with a
substantially circular (from above) and substantially round (in
vertical cross-section) float portion.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view thereof (the view from any side being
identical).
[0016] FIG. 3 is an isometric view thereof showing how a beverage
container would fit in the beverage container floatation device of
FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
floatation device of FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a beverage container
floatation device according to a second embodiment, with a
substantially square (from above) and substantially rectangular (in
vertical cross-section) float portion.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
floatation device of FIG. 5.
[0020] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a beverage container
floatation device according to a third embodiment, with a
substantially circular (from above) and substantially round (in
vertical cross-section) float portion sized differently than in the
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
floatation device of FIG. 7.
[0022] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a beverage container
floatation device according to a fourth embodiment, with a
substantially round (from above) and substantially rectangular (in
vertical cross-section) float portion.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
floatation device of FIG. 9
[0024] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a beverage container
floatation device according to a fifth embodiment, with a
substantially round (from above) and substantially round (in
vertical cross-section) and inflatable float portion.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
floatation device of FIG. 11.
[0026] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a beverage container
floatation device according to a sixth embodiment, formed as a
two-part device, holding a container (i.e., a can) therein.
[0027] FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the device of FIG.
13.
[0028] FIG. 15 is a close-up isometric view of the top portion of
the device of FIG. 13.
[0029] FIG. 16 is a side view of the top portion of the device of
FIG. 13.
[0030] FIG. 17 is a top view of the top portion of the device of
FIG. 13.
[0031] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG.
13.
[0032] FIG. 19 is a cross sectional view of a modified version of
the device of FIG. 13, holding a container (i.e., a tumbler)
therein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Detailed reference will now be made to the drawings in which
examples embodying the present disclosure are shown. The detailed
description uses numeral and letter designations to refer to
features in the drawings. Like or similar designations in the
drawings and description have been used to refer to like or similar
parts of the disclosure.
[0034] The drawings and detailed description provide a full and
enabling description of the disclosure and the manner and process
of making and using it. Each embodiment is provided by way of
explanation of the subject matter not limitation thereof. In fact,
it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations may be made to the disclosed subject
matter without departing from the scope or spirit of the
disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part
of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a
still further embodiment.
[0035] Generally speaking, FIGS. 1-19 depict examples of floatation
devices for beverage containers. It should be understood that the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-19 are simply examples, and that many
options and modifications may be employed, all still within the
scope of the present invention. For example, the devices may be
made in differing shapes and differing sizes to conform to
currently available or future designs of beverage containers. The
devices may, but need not, be tightly form-fitting around the
beverage containers, as a range of sizes of and configurations of
the containers may be used with each embodiment. The floatation
devices may be configured for ready insertion and removal of
beverage containers from the devices. The floatation devices may be
configured for stable floating on a water environment, whether
empty, whether holding an empty beverage container, or whether
holding a filled beverage container. The floatation devices may be
weighted to ensure upright orientation while floating and to assist
in holding the devices and beverage containers upright while placed
on a non-liquid surface. The floatation devices may also have a
substantially flat bottom shape so that they may be stably placed
on a hard surface (such as a table) without toppling. The
floatation devices may have space for indicia (printed, attached,
molded, etc.) along various surfaces thereof. The floatation
devices may also be shaped or made of materials so that they are at
least partially axially nestable so as be efficiently stored after
manufacture, during shipment or sale, or during home storage by a
consumer. It should also be understood that the numerical examples
discussed herein are intended to set forth certain examples and
concepts, and particular numerical examples are not themselves
meant to be limiting as to the scope of the invention.
[0036] Also, the floatation devices may be formed in one part, or
in two parts, or in more than two parts. Aspects of the multi-part
embodiments of FIGS. 13-19 may be used with aspects of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-12, and vice-versa, to arrive at still
further embodiments.
[0037] FIGS. 1-4 show a first embodiment of a floatation device 20
for a beverage container A. The beverage container A may include a
cup-shaped body B having a base C and a side wall D, which may be
axially symmetrical (as shown) or which vary along the height from
base C to top E. As illustrated, cup-shaped body B of beverage
container A is a 32 oz. tumbler-sized cup. Beverage container A may
include an optional cover of various conventional designs (not
shown) to removably close top E.
[0038] For example, the cover may be passive and removable for
drinking, or it may have a hole for drinking and may also include
at least one vent hole for venting air into the cup-shaped body
while drinking to relieve carbonation build up. A manually movable
cap may be slid or pivoted to open a drinking and/or venting hole
in the cover. A straw or other device may be removably or
permanently attached to the cover. Alternately, the cover may
include active elements such as conventional suction-operated
valving, push-button operated valving, etc., to allow drinking
and/or venting.
[0039] Cup-shaped body B may be made of various conventional
materials, such as plastics, metals, insulating materials, either
individually or in layers. Thus beverage container A may be of any
conventional cup size, from a small size such as 6 or 8 oz., to
12-16 oz., to bigger "tumbler" sizes such as 20 oz., 32 oz. or
larger. The cup-shaped body B may itself be insulated or
uninsulated. It should thus be understood that certain aspects of
the floatation device provide benefits that apply regardless of the
size, configuration, weight, and/or buoyancy of beverage container
that might be used with the floatation device. However, certain
aspects of the floatation device provide stability benefits to
larger beverage containers. The present invention is dictated by
the disclosure as a whole and the appended claims. Accordingly, it
should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to use with
a beverage container or with any particular beverage container.
[0040] As illustrated, device 20 includes a cup-shaped body 22 for
receiving the beverage container A therein. Cup-shaped body 22 has
a base 24 and a generally annular side wall 26 having a bottom
portion 28 contacting the base, a top portion 30 spaced from the
base, and a side portion 32 between the bottom portion and the top
portion. Cup-shaped body 22 defines a volume 34 within side wall 26
between base 24 and top portion 30.
[0041] Side wall 26 of cup-shaped body 22 may be uniform in
thickness from bottom portion 28 to top portion 30, or it may taper
regularly, irregularly, in steps, etc., or it may vary in an
irregular fashion. Any such variation in thickness of side wall 26
may be made by varying one or both of outer surface 36 or inner
surface 38 of the side wall. Volume 34 (defined specifically by
inner surface 38 of side wall 26, top surface 40 of bottom portion
28, and a top portion 30) may be generally cylindrical,
frusto-conical, or other shapes. Inner surface 38 and volume 34 may
thus be sized to snugly fit a given side wall D of beverage
container A, either with or without stretching. Alternatively,
inner surface 38 and volume 34 may simply be large enough to hold
beverage container A therein, without snugly gripping some or all
of side wall D. However, it is believed that increasing contact
between floatation device 20 and beverage container A does promote
thermal insulation of the beverage container and any beverage held
therein, as well as preventing intrusion of environmental water
into volume 34. In particular, contact between at least some if not
all of the top portion 30 circumferentially around side wall D
improves such insulation and reduces or precludes such
environmental water intrusion. In view of the above, it should be
understood that cup-shaped body 22, side wall 26, and accordingly
volume 34 may all depart from that illustrated in numerous ways
within the scope of the invention.
[0042] At least one weighting member 42 may be located
substantially at base 24. As shown, weighting member 42 may be
disc-shaped and may have a density higher than that of cup-shaped
body 22. Weighting member 42 has a weight and density selected to
balance out buoyancy and weight forces, as will be described
below.
[0043] Weighting member 42 may be overmolded in place, as
illustrated, or may be slid into a slot or opening in base 24.
Alternatively, weighting member 42 may be attached to an outer
surface of cup-shaped body 22 near or on base 24, such as to top
surface 40 or bottom surface 44 of base. If attached, weighting
member 42 may be secured by a snap fit, weld, adhesive, tape,
fastener, or other connecting structure, and cup-shaped body 22 may
be modified accordingly.
[0044] The at least one weighting member 42 may also comprise
separate weighting members (not shown). The separate members may
have identical or differing weights for selectively balancing out
forces, either with respect to a given floatation device design or
with respect to a family of floatation devices of differing sizes.
For example, if a floatation device of a larger size and/or for a
larger beverage container A is envisioned, then more than one
weighting members may be employed; whereas if a smaller
device/container is envisioned, fewer or only one weighting member
might be employed.
[0045] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 (and in corresponding parts
of later embodiments as well), bottom surface 44 may be configured
as a bottom support surface wherein, filled or empty, device 20 can
be placed on another surface without toppling. Thus, bottom surface
may be substantially linear, may have one or more substantially
horizontally-aligned portions, may have a substantially flat
annular outer rim, etc., so that device 20 can be steadily and
conveniently placed down on the ground, a table, or other
surface.
[0046] At least one buoyant member 46 is located substantially
along top portion 30 of side wall 26. Buoyant member 46 may be a
substantially circular ring about cup-shaped body 22, having a
substantially circular vertical cross-section (see FIG. 4). Buoyant
member 46 is employed, as will be discussed below, to change the
buoyancy and displacement of floatation device 20.
[0047] If desired, buoyant member 46 may be molded unitarily with
cup-shaped body 22, as illustrated. However, buoyant member 46 may
be formed separately from cup-shaped body 22 and then attached, for
example, by a snap fit, weld, adhesive, tape, fastener, or other
connecting structure, and cup-shaped body 22 may be modified
accordingly.
[0048] Generally speaking, the parameters (size, shape,
displacement, weight, buoyancy, etc.) of the various components
above are selected so that flotation device 20 may hold a beverage
container of small to large size and float while doing so, whether
the container is empty, full, or anywhere in between. Thus, it is
important, over a range of possible sizes, shapes, and weights of
beverage containers to balance the flotation (buoyancy) required to
float the container when full with the ballast required to keep the
container floating upright when empty. Also, the present disclosure
may generally achieve the combination of flotation and ballast in a
manner that can be used in or out of the water, while still being
aesthetically and ergonomically pleasing. The present design
concepts may also allow for use of the floatation product in
marketing and advertising to enhance the sales potential, for
example by providing for indicia, labeling, etc., on the
device.
[0049] One (non-exclusive) way to describe a relationship between
the buoyancy, weight, configuration, etc., is to note that
cup-shaped body 22, buoyant member 46, and weighting member 42 may
be collectively configured so as to have a displacement in water
with a floatation buoyancy greater than a weight of water within
volume 34 plus the weight of cup-shaped body 22, buoyant member 46,
and weighting member 42. In other words, if one were to fill volume
34 with water and place floatation device 20 on the surface S of a
liquid environment, floatation device 20 would float. Due to the
distribution of weight (density variations) between buoyant member
46 at top portion 30 and weighting member 42 at base 24, cup-shaped
body would remain upright and not topple over, not substantially
spill out water within volume. In this discussion, filling volume
34 with water is a proxy for weighing down device 20 with a
beverage container A of some size and fullness level, but it makes
the point that floatation and upright stability is desired.
[0050] Alternately, another (non-exclusive) way to describe a
relationship between the buoyancy, weight, configuration, etc., is
to note that a ratio of the height of the buoyant member above the
base to a height of the beverage container. The ratio may be at
least about 1/2, or even at least about 2/3, or even at least about
3/4. That is, a height h of the floatation device 20 should be at
least about half if not at least about three-quarters the height H
of beverage container A. In this way, buoyant member is located
upwardly on beverage container A and helps hold the beverage
container upright without toppling while floating. Such location,
either separate from or together with the location of weighting
member 42 at base 24, helps stabilize floatation device 20 while
floating with a beverage container therein.
[0051] Still another (non-exclusive) relationship between parts is
to note that a center of gravity 48 of floatation device 20 may be
below a middle point 50 between base 24 and top portion 30. Without
use of weighting member 42 in floatation device 20 if configured as
shown, center of gravity 48 would be above middle point 50. When
combined with the buoyancy and displacement of floatation device
20, a floating beverage container A might not be stable and might
topple. Also, the center of gravity of floatation device 20 with
beverage container A within volume 34 (whether filled with a liquid
and/or ice, or whether empty) would still be below middle point
50.
[0052] Another (non-exclusive) relationship between the parts is
that cup-shaped body 22, buoyant member 46, and weighting member 42
may be collectively configured to have a displacement with a
floatation buoyancy sufficient to float floatation device 20 both
empty and with beverage container A (itself full or empty) within
volume 34. Thus, the matter making up the weight of floatation
device 20 is distributed (i.e., it creates a displacement) such
that floatation device 20 will float, even when a full beverage
container A is placed therein.
[0053] To achieve such buoyancy, floatation device 20 or at least
body portion 22 may be made of materials such as rubber, neoprene,
foam, plastic, or other materials. For example, it may be desirable
that the material have the ability to stretch and conform to
different shapes of beverage containers, be comfortable to hold,
not deteriorate due to being placed in and out of water, and
provide a surface that can easily be printed with branding,
advertising, etc. If desired, buoyant member 46 may be made of the
same or similar material. However, it may also be made of a
relatively more buoyant material such as a closed cell foam that
will not absorb water, provides excellent flotation and adds very
little weight overall to floatation device 20. If different
materials are used, they may be overmolded or attached after
creation.
[0054] By way of example, typical "tumbler" sized beverage
containers come in smaller sizes (holding around 16-22 oz.) and
larger sizes (holding around 28-32 oz). An example of parameters
selected for a 20 oz. beverage container A (purchased Yeti.RTM.
brand tumbler) is set forth below. Similar calculations can be made
by one skilled in the art for beverage containers of other sizes
using the principles above and the calculations below as a
guide.
[0055] Weight of empty container (A)=12.4 oz.
[0056] Weight of container (A) full of water=28.8 oz.
[0057] Weight of metal discs used as weighting members (42)=16.0
oz.
[0058] Full container plus weighting members=44.8 oz.
[0059] Thus, with small added weight of a few ounces for rest of
floatation device 20 and extra safety factor, assume total weight
to be supported is at least about 48.0 oz. (3.0 lbs.), and same
amount of buoyant force would be desired.
[0060] As buoyancy is a force equal to the weight of the volume
displaced, a calculation of size of floatation device 20 can be
made. A rubber, substantially cylindrical cup-shaped body 22 is
utilized that is 4.0 in. in outer diameter and 4.0 in. tall between
bottom of base 24 and top portion 30.
[0061] Water has a unit weight of 0.0361 lbs./in..sup.3 or 0.065
lbs./oz. Therefore, 3.0 lbs. of weight would require approximately
83 in.sup.3 of water volume displacement to provide the required
buoyancy. The 4.0 in. diameter.times.4.0 in. height cup-shaped body
22 has a volume of V=.pi.r.sup.2h=.pi.*2.sup.2*4=approximately 50
in.sup.3. Accordingly, an additional displacement volume of
approximately 33 in.sup.3 is needed to provide the required
buoyancy. This additional buoyancy can be found in the additional
volume of the beverage container A below the water surface, as well
as the buoyant member 46 attached to the cup-shaped body.
[0062] At a 4.0 in. height, the diameter of the tested container is
3.5 in. For every additional 0.1 in. of height, an increase of
about 1.0 in..sup.3 of volume will be present. Assuming the
beverage container will add about 10 in..sup.3 of volume, the
buoyant member would need to add about 23 in..sup.3 of volume to
provide the required buoyancy. Using a buoyant member 46 that is
circular in cross-section, and about 13.0 in. length (roughly the
circumference of the 4.0 in. diameter cup-shaped body), the
diameter of the cross section would need to be about 1.5 in. (V
.pi.r.sup.2h=.pi.*0.75.sup.2*13.0=approximately 23 in.sup.3. To
achieve this volume with an alternately (washer-shaped) buoyant
member 346 (see FIGS. 9-10), where the buoyant member has a 1.0 in.
height, the buoyant member would need and an outer diameter of
about 6.5 in.
[0063] An additional factor of safety for buoyancy without tipping
over is the volume of the beverage container above the floatation
device. Since the tested 20 oz. beverage container is approximately
6.5 in. tall, there is an additional height of at least 1.0 in., if
not up to 1.5 in., that will provide additional buoyant force
before the beverage container would become completely
submerged.
[0064] Regardless of the specific structures chosen, for a 20 oz.
container, using the teachings above, one can determine a needed
minimum buoyant force (e.g. around 3.0 pound or more) and configure
a floatation device to provide that, while also providing a
weighting member 42 acting as a ballast to lower the center of
gravity and stabilize a floating container, whether full or empty.
Similar calculations can be made to determine configurations for
other differently-sized (larger or smaller or alternately
configured) containers.
[0065] Thus, in view of the above, a weight of weighting member 42
may be about 1.0 pound, or may be about 1.5 pounds or about 2.0
pounds or more depending on the size of the container and of the
buoyant member. Similarly, a floatation buoyancy of floatation
device 20 may be at least about 3.0 pounds, and may be about 4.0 or
more for larger containers. A larger container would require more
floatation and also more added weighting, but not necessarily
proportionally. Similarly, the displacement while floating with the
beverage container within the volume may be at least about 60
in..sup.3, and may be at least about 80 or 100 in..sup.3 or more.
Thus, following the above teachings, different embodiments can be
envisioned.
[0066] For example, FIGS. 5-6 show a second embodiment of a
floatation device 120 having a substantially square (from above)
and substantially rectangular (in vertical cross-section) buoyant
member 146 attached to cup-shaped body 122. Weighting member 142 is
located in base 124 of cup-shaped body 122.
[0067] FIGS. 7-8 show a third embodiment floatation device 220
having a substantially circular (from above) and substantially
round (in vertical cross-section) buoyant member 246 sized
differently than in the embodiment of FIG. 1 and attached to
cup-shaped body 222. A weighting member 242 is in base 224 of
cup-shaped body 222.
[0068] FIGS. 9-10 is show a fourth embodiment of a floatation
device 320 with a substantially round (from above) and
substantially rectangular (in vertical cross-section) buoyant
member 146, as discussed above. Weighting member 342 is located in
base 324 of cup-shaped body 322. Each of the second through fourth
embodiments can be made of materials noted above (rubber, neoprene,
foam, etc.), other than the respective weighting members.
[0069] FIGS. 11-12 show a fifth embodiment of a floatation device
420 with a substantially round (from above) and substantially round
(in vertical cross-section) buoyant member 446. In this case,
buoyant member 446 is inflatable, being formed from a thin-walled
plastic film 452, and having selectively openable closure 454 for
inflating or deflating buoyant member 446. A user may simply "blow
up" buoyant member to achieve the desired buoyancy. Using an
inflatable buoyancy member allows the floatation device to be more
efficiently stored after manufacturing, during shipping or sales,
or during storage by a user.
[0070] FIGS. 13-18 show a sixth embodiment of a floatation device
520 with a two-part construction. As illustrated, device 520
includes a top portion 520a and a bottom portion 520b removably
attachable to the top portion. Container C1 (e.g., a 12 oz.
beverage can) is held within device 520.
[0071] Bottom portion 520b is a cup-shaped body 522, and top
portion 520a is a buoyant member 546, as in above embodiments. The
top and bottom portions 520a,520b may be formed so as to be
removably attachable to each other in numerous ways.
[0072] Fox example, one or both of top portion 520a and bottom
portion 520b may be formed flexible enough to allow a sliding
friction fit with the other. If desired, bottom portion 520b may
have a continuous or discontinuous shoulder 545, and top portion
520a may have a mating continuous or discontinuous shoulder 549.
The shoulders 545,549 may be configured to fit together in a
bayonet-type snap fit, a dimple-type snap-fit, or in other
connections. If desired, shoulders 545,549 could be formed with an
axial twist so that they are formed as continuous or discontinuous
mating threads, and top portion 520a can therefore be screwed on
and off bottom portion 520b.
[0073] Use of a removable top portion 520a with bottom portion 520b
provides one or more benefits. For example, shipping and storage of
device 520 may be easier with disassembled parts. Also, cleaning of
device 520 may be easier if parts 520a and 520b are disassembled.
Further, it may be easier to place a container in or remove a
container from interior 534 of device 520 if top portion 520a is
removed. Also, once a container is in place in interior 534 in
separated bottom portion 520b, attaching top portion 520a may help
secure the container in place within device 520. One or more of
these benefits or others may be provided by the disclosed
structure.
[0074] For purposes of weighting and floatation calculations as
above, interior volume 534 of device 520 is defined generally by
inner surfaces 538a,538b of walls 526 and 547, top surface 540 of
base 524, and a point 530 generally along the top 555 of part
520a.
[0075] One or more protrusions 553 may be present on top portion
520a inner surface 538a above lower distal end 551. Such
protrusion(s) 553 may provide a radially inward force to assist
with holding container C1 in place. Alternatively or additionally,
such protrusion(s) may be axially located along the interface
between portions 520a,520b, so that presence of container C1 in
interior 534 serves to provide a radially outward force to urge the
top and bottom portions into engagement (for example, by
maintaining contact between shoulders 545,549).
[0076] If desired, bottom portion 520b may be generally rigid
(i.e., formed of a hard plastic rather than a foam) for protection
and stability during placement on a flat surface. Bottom portion
520b may also include rigid outer layer(s) (exterior and/or
interior) and an insulating (and perhaps less dense) inner
layer(s). Bottom support surface 544 may be configured so as to be
substantially horizontal (as illustrated; perpendicular to a
vertical central axis running upward within bottom portion 520b),
so as to allow device 520 to be stably placed on a flat
surface.
[0077] Upper portion 520 a may be formed of similar material,
different material, or multiple materials. For example, wall 547 or
portions of it may be relatively harder denser material (for
example to provide secure attachment to bottom portion 520b, while
buoyant member 546 may be a softer, less dense material such as a
foam or the like, as described above. Again, differing inner and
outer layers may have different materials. Shoulders 545,549 and/or
protrusions 553 may be made of materials the same as, more rigid
than, and/or less rigid than the immediately adjacent areas of the
respective portions 520a,520b on which they are located.
[0078] FIG. 19 shows an alternate configuration of a device 620
that may be achieved in one of two ways. Note that in FIG. 19,
container A is a large tumbler, as opposed to beverage can C1 in
FIGS. 13-18. Device 620 is essentially similar to device 520 with
one difference. For brevity, description of elements common to
devices 520,620 is not provided here, but similar 600-series
reference numerals identify similar parts.
[0079] A difference between the embodiments appears in top part
620a, where the inner surface portion 638a is substantially
cylindrical and when inner surface portion 638c is substantially
non-cylindrical. As illustrated, inner surface portion 638c is of
increasing diameter in an upward direction and conforms generally
to a portion F of container A. If desired, portion 638c could be of
decreasing diameter in an upward direction, for example to conform
more closely to a container such as a bottle that tapers from a
larger base along or toward a neck and/or opening.
[0080] Inner surface 638c could achieve this shape, for example, if
at least some part of top portion 620a is flexible enough to allow
the top portion to compress from a cylindrical shape (such as is
shown in top portion 520a in FIG. 18) to the shape shown in FIG.
19. Alternatively, inner surface 638c could be molded, formed,
etc., in such shape with the goal of conforming to a particular
size or general type of container A and its particular or general
type of sidewall F. Further, inner surface 638c could be formed
with an opposite inward taper (to conform more closely to a bottle,
for example), upper portion 620a could be compressible to receive
differently shaped (cylindrical or non-cylindrical with opposite
tapering) containers.
[0081] If desired, upper portions could be manufactured in one or
more configurations for use with containers of different types
(cans, bottles, tumblers of different shapes and sizes, etc.),
whether custom made for a particular container or generally made
for classes of containers. Bottom portion(s) could be sold
separately from the top portion(s) in a mix and match fashion to
provide a desired combination for a container. Alternatively, one
or more bottom portions may be sold with multiple top portions in
kit fashion to provide different options for a consumer who might
use one bottom portion and different top portions depending on
which containers might be used at some point in the future. Also,
bottom portions 620b may be differently configured in view of
expected container use and well, and mixed and matched as noted
above.
[0082] It should be noted that indicia may be located via printing,
molding or attachment (stickers) on any part of the floatation
device. Flat surfaces or surfaces curving on only one axis such as
are found on some of the embodiments may provide ready surfaces for
such indicia. By making cup-shaped body 22 not completely
cylindrical (and making it more frusto-conical), nestability of
multiple devices may be improved. Using buoyant material,
distributed so that the larger buoyant portions (buoyant members)
are at the top, while ballast-like counter weights are located at
the bottom allows for stability while floating, whether full or
empty. Making the bottom of the base flat also allows for stability
on a solid surface. Thus, a multi-function, weight-stabilized
floating beverage container device can be achieved using some or
many of the elements of the various embodiments above.
[0083] While preferred embodiments of the invention have been
described above, it is to be understood that any and all equivalent
realizations of the present invention are included within the scope
and spirit thereof. Thus, the embodiments depicted are presented by
way of example only and are not intended as limitations upon the
present invention. Thus, while particular embodiments of the
invention have been described and shown, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in this art that the present invention is
not limited thereto since many modifications can be made.
Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are
included in the present invention as may fall within the literal or
equivalent scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *