U.S. patent application number 17/394015 was filed with the patent office on 2021-12-30 for insulated food and beverage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Vinglace, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Vinglace, LLC. Invention is credited to Colton Bryan Haas.
Application Number | 20210401227 17/394015 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005839745 |
Filed Date | 2021-12-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210401227 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haas; Colton Bryan |
December 30, 2021 |
INSULATED FOOD AND BEVERAGE CONTAINER
Abstract
An insulated container for food particulate and beverages is
described. The insulated container includes a double-walled
structure composed of a metal, and a glass structure arranged
within a hollow interior of the double-walled structure. The glass
structure includes a body and a sipping portion extending from the
body. The sipping portion isolates the user's lips from contacting
the double-walled structure. The glass structure may be repeatably
removed for cleaning or replacement. The insulated structure
includes a deformable flange that secures the glass structure to
the double-walled structure. The insulated container may be
vacuum-insulated.
Inventors: |
Haas; Colton Bryan;
(Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Vinglace, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Vinglace, LLC
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
1000005839745 |
Appl. No.: |
17/394015 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
16100153 |
Aug 9, 2018 |
11089906 |
|
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17394015 |
|
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62653185 |
Apr 5, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 41/0077 20130101;
A47J 41/0088 20130101; A47J 41/026 20130101; B65D 81/3869 20130101;
A47J 41/024 20130101; A47J 41/028 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A47J 41/00 20060101
A47J041/00; A47J 41/02 20060101 A47J041/02; B65D 81/38 20060101
B65D081/38 |
Claims
1. An insulated container comprising: an insulated double-walled
structure comprising a closed end, an open end, and a side wall
extending between the closed and open ends, wherein the side wall
and the closed end together form a hollow interior; an insert
structure removably arranged within the hollow interior, the insert
structure comprising: a body having an open upper end and a base
end, and a sipping portion extending from the upper end, the
sipping portion comprising a sipping end and a shoulder end spaced
apart from the sipping end, wherein the sipping portion protrudes
from the open end of the double-walled structure, an outer diameter
of the sipping end being greater than an inner diameter of the
double walled structure, and the outer diameter of the shoulder end
is greater than the inner diameter of the double walled structure;
and a deformable flange extending around the body of the insert
structure adjacent the upper end of the body of the insert
structure and retained in the hollow interior, wherein the
deformable flange comprises a main body and a plurality of
protrusions extending from the main body, and wherein an outer
diameter of the protrusions of the deformable flange is greater
than the inner diameter of the double walled structure, such that
the protrusions are compressed between the inner surface of the
double-walled structure and an outer surface of the insert
structure, thereby engaging the protrusions with the inner surface
of the double-walled structure and retaining the insert structure
within the hollow interior of the double-walled structure.
2. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the double-walled
structure comprises a metal.
3. The insulated container of claim 2, wherein the double-walled
structure comprises at least one of: a plurality of indentations
formed in an external surface of the double-walled structure,
wherein each indentation of the plurality of indentations extends
from the closed end of the double-walled structure to an
intermediate position between the closed end and the open end; and
a raised impression formed on the external surface of the
double-walled structure.
4. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the body of the
insert structure has an outer diameter, wherein the outer diameter
of the sipping end and the outer diameter of the shoulder end are
greater than the outer diameter of the body.
5. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the insert structure
comprises glass.
6. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the insulated
double-walled structure further comprises a stepped portion
provided in an inner surface of the double-walled structure and
extending partially from the open end towards the closed end,
wherein for a first length along the stepped portion, the inner
diameter of the double-walled structure is a first inner diameter,
and for a second length extending from the stepped portion to the
closed end, the double walled structure has a second inner
diameter, wherein the first inner diameter is greater than the
second inner diameter and an outer diameter of the body of the
insert structure is less than the first inner diameter of the
double-walled structure.
7. The insulated container of claim 1, wherein the insulated
double-walled structure further comprises a stepped portion
provided in an inner surface of the double-walled structure and
extending partially from the open end towards the closed end,
wherein for a first length along the stepped portion, the inner
diameter of the double-walled structure is a first inner diameter,
for a second length extending from the stepped portion to the
closed end, the double walled structure has a second inner
diameter, the first inner diameter is greater than the second inner
diameter and an outer diameter of the body of the insert structure
is less than the first inner diameter of the double-walled
structure, and the insert structure entirely comprises glass.
8. A vacuum-insulated container comprising: an inner container
comprising: a first closed end; a first open end; and a first side
wall extending between the first closed end and the first open end;
an outer container spaced apart from the inner container so that a
gap is formed between each container, the outer container
comprising: a second closed end; a second open end; and a second
side wall extending between the second closed end and the second
open end, wherein the inner container and the outer container are
coupled and sealed along the first open end and the second open
end, the gap between the inner container and the outer container is
evacuated of air, and the first side wall and the first closed end
together form a hollow interior, and a stepped portion is formed in
an inner surface of the inner container, the stepped portion
extending partially from the first open end towards the first
closed end; an insert structure removably arranged within the
hollow interior of the inner container, the insert structure
comprising: a body having an open upper end and a base end, and a
sipping portion extending from the upper end, the sipping portion
comprising a sipping end and a shoulder end spaced apart from the
sipping end, wherein the sipping portion protrudes from the first
open end and the second open end, an outer diameter of the sipping
end being less than an outer diameter of the shoulder end, and the
outer diameter of the shoulder end is greater than an inner
diameter of the inner container; and a deformable flange extending
around the body of the insert structure, adjacent the shoulder end
of the sipping portion, wherein the deformable flange comprises a
main body and a plurality of protrusions extending from the main
body, wherein an outer diameter of the protrusions of the
deformable flange is greater than the inner diameter of the inner
container, such that the protrusions are compressed between the
inner surface of the inner container and an outer surface of the
insert structure, thereby engaging the protrusions with the inner
surface of the inner container and retaining the insert structure
within the hollow interior of the inner container.
9. The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein the inner
container and the outer container are formed from a metal.
10. The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein the outer
container comprises at least one of: a plurality of indentations
formed in an external surface of the outer container, wherein each
indentation of the plurality of indentations extends from the
second closed end to an intermediate position between the second
closed end and the second open end of the outer container; and a
raised impression formed on the external surface of the outer
container.
11. The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein the insert
structure comprises glass.
12. The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein for a first
length along the stepped portion, the inner diameter of the inner
container is a first inner diameter and, for a second length
extending from the stepped portion to the first closed end, the
inner container has a second inner diameter, wherein the first
inner diameter is greater than the second inner diameter.
13. The vacuum-insulated container of claim 8, wherein the body of
the insert structure has an outer diameter, and the outer diameter
of the sipping end and the outer diameter of the shoulder end are
greater than the outer diameter of the body.
14. An insulated container comprising: an insulated double-walled
structure comprising a closed end, an open end, and a side wall
extending between the closed and open ends, wherein the side wall
and the closed end together form a hollow interior; an insert
structure removably arranged within the hollow interior, the insert
structure comprising: a body having an open upper end and a base
end, and a sipping portion extending from the upper end, the
sipping portion comprising a sipping end and a shoulder end spaced
apart from the sipping end, wherein the sipping portion protrudes
from the open end of the double-walled structure, an outer diameter
of the sipping end being dimensionally different than an outer
diameter of the shoulder end, and the outer diameter of the
shoulder end is greater than an inner diameter of the double walled
structure; and a retaining mechanism configured to removably retain
the insert structure within the hollow interior of the insulated
double-walled structure.
15. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the retaining
mechanism comprises: a deformable flange extending around the body
of the insert structure adjacent the upper end of the body of the
insert structure, wherein the deformable flange comprises a main
body and a plurality of protrusions extending from the main body,
and wherein an outer diameter of the protrusions of the deformable
flange is greater than the inner diameter of the double walled
structure, such that the protrusions are compressed between the
inner surface of the double-walled structure and an outer surface
of the insert structure, thereby engaging the protrusions with the
inner surface of the double-walled structure and retaining the
insert structure within the hollow interior of the double-walled
structure.
16. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the retaining
mechanism comprises a gasket secured between the insert structure
and the double-walled structure, wherein the gasket is adjacent the
shoulder end of the insert structure.
17. The insulated container of claim 16, wherein the gasket
comprises: a plurality of threads extending along an inner surface
of the gasket and along an outer surface of the gasket, wherein the
threads extending along the inner surface of the gasket are
configured to engage with corresponding threads of an external
surface of the insert structure, and the threads extending along
the outer surface of the gasket are configured to engage with
corresponding threads of an inner surface of the double-walled
structure.
18. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the outer diameter
of the sipping end is less than the outer diameter of the shoulder
end.
19. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the insert
structure comprises glass.
20. The insulated container of claim 14, wherein the double-walled
structure comprises a metal.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/100,153 filed Aug. 9, 2018,
which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/653,185 filed Apr. 5, 2018. The entire contents of each of the
applications listed above are incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] An insulated container for maintaining the temperature of
food and/or beverage contained therein is generally described. More
specifically, an insulated container having a vacuum-insulated
outer container and a removable glass insert that protects a user's
lips from contacting the outer container, is described.
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] Maintaining the temperatures of food and beverages is vital
to enjoying the complete characteristics they have to offer.
Various types of containers are used to maintain the temperatures
of the contents (food or beverage) of such containers. For
instance, when beverages are placed in such containers, ice is
often added to the beverages, such that that they are in contact
with the ice and become cooler based on the contact. A disadvantage
with such coolers is that once the ice melts, it dilutes the
beverage contained therein and the beverage may become warm.
Another disadvantage is that once the beverage has been in the
container for some time, large amounts of liquid (i.e.,
condensation) may form on the external surface of the container,
which may make the container slippery and cause it to fall out of
the user's hands. This may be dangerous to the user and others
nearby, particular when the containers are made of glass. In some
instances, when the contents of the container are hot (such as soup
or other heated food), the container may be too hot and
uncomfortable to the user's hands.
[0004] Some insulating containers may be made of metals. While such
metallic containers may provide insulative properties, a
disadvantage with these metallic containers is that they may result
in the leaching of metals into the food or beverages contained
therein. Some metallic containers may be made of stainless steel,
which is often manufactured using a nickel alloy, such as
nickel-iron. Iron and nickel have been found to leach into some
alkaline and acidic foods and beverages, which may be hazardous to
a user's/consumer's health.
[0005] In view of the disadvantages associated with presently
available food and beverage containers, there is a need for an
insulating container that maintains the temperature of food or
beverages, and prevents the formation of condensation on an
external surface of the container. Additionally, there is a need
for an insulating container that maintains the temperature of hot
or cold food and/or beverages contained therein, while also
reducing a user's exposure to leached metals.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0006] According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be
associated with an insulated container. The insulated container
includes a double-walled structure. The double-walled structure is
vacuum-insulated and is composed of a metal. A glass structure is
arranged within a hollow interior of the double-walled structure
and may be removed for cleaning or replacement. The glass structure
includes a body and a sipping portion extending from the body. The
sipping portion protrudes from the open end of the double-walled
container, and provides hygienic/sanitary protection so that a
user's lips do not come into contact with the double-walled
structure. The insulated container further includes a deformable
flange that secures the glass structure to the double-walled
structure.
[0007] According to an aspect, the present embodiments may also be
associated with a vacuum-insulated container that maintains the
temperature of hot or cold food and/or beverages contained therein.
The vacuum-insulated container includes an inner container and an
outer container spaced apart from the inner container so that a gap
is formed between them. The gap is evacuated of air, and the inner
container and the outer container are coupled and sealed at their
respective open ends. The vacuum-insulated container further
includes a glass structure arranged within the inner container, and
a deformable flange that secures the glass structure to the inner
container. Food and/or beverages positioned in the vacuum-insulated
container are not in direct contact with the inner or outer
containers, but receive the benefit of imparted by the evacuation
of air between the inner or outer containers. The glass structure
includes a body and a sipping portion that extends from the open
ends of the inner and outer containers. The sipping portion allows
users to drink from the vacuum-insulated container without having
their lips directly contact the inner and outer containers. The
deformable flange may be compressed against an inner surface of the
inner container in order to secure the glass structure in
place.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more particular description will be rendered by reference
to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the
appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only
typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered
to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be
described and explained with additional specificity and detail
through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
[0009] FIG. 1A is a top down, perspective view of an insulated
container, according to an embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 1B is a bottom, perspective view the insulated
container of FIG. 1A, illustrating a coaster according to an
embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 1C is a side, perspective view of the insulated
container of FIG. 1A;
[0012] FIG. 1D is a top down, perspective view of an insulated
container, according to an embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 1E is a bottom, perspective view the insulated
container of FIG. 1D, illustrating a coaster according to an
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a double-walled
structure of the insulated container of FIG. 1A;
[0015] FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an insulated container
including a deformable flange, according to an embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 3B is a partial perspective and exploded view of an
insulated container including a gasket, according to an
embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the gasket of FIG. 3B;
[0018] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a flange positioned on a
glass structure of the insulated container of FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 4B is another perspective view of a flange positioned
on a glass structure of the insulated container of FIG. 2;
[0020] FIG. 5A is a side view of a flange of the insulated
container of FIG. 2;
[0021] FIG. 5B is a top view of the flange of FIG. 5A;
[0022] FIG. 5C is a top, perspective view of the flange of FIG.
5A;
[0023] FIG. 5D is a side, perspective view of the flange of FIG.
5A;
[0024] FIG. 6A is a side, perspective view of an insulated
container, according to an embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 6B is a top down, perspective view of the insulated
container of FIG. 6A;
[0026] FIG. 6C is a top down, perspective view of the insulated
container of FIG. 6A, illustrating an inner surface and stepped
portions of a double-walled structure, according to an
embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 6D is a side, perspective view of an insulated
container having a frustoconical shape, according to an aspect;
[0028] FIG. 6E is a top down, perspective view of the insulated
container of FIG. 6D;
[0029] FIG. 6F is a side, perspective of a glass structure of the
insulated container of FIG. 6D;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view an insulated container,
illustrating indentations formed in an external surface of the
container, according to an aspect;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum-insulated
container including inner and outer containers, according to an
embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 9A is a side view of an insulated container,
illustrating bilateral indentations formed in an external surface
of the container of FIG. 1A; and
[0033] FIG. 9B is side view of an insulated container, illustrating
bilateral indentations formed in an external surface of the
container of FIG. 1D.
[0034] Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments
will become more apparent from the following detailed description,
along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals
represent like components throughout the figures and text. The
various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but
are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some
embodiments.
[0035] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes
only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the
claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been
used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the
figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments,
examples will now be introduced and referenced throughout the
disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these
examples are illustrative and not limiting, and are provided purely
for explanatory purposes.
[0037] FIGS. 1A-3B, 6A-7 and 9A-9B illustrate an insulated
container 10, and it associated components. The insulated container
10 may include a double-walled structure 20, which may be
vacuum-insulated. The type of material selected to form the
double-walled structure 20 may be based at least in part on the
material's capability for repeated and long-term use. According to
an aspect, the double-walled structure 20 is composed of a metal,
such as stainless steel. The type of metal selected for the
double-walled structure may be based, at least in part, on its
strength. For example, the double-walled structure 20, when made of
stainless steel, may have superior strength-to-weight ratio, which
may help to form a more stable insulated container 10, as compared
to containers composed of aluminum, glass, ceramic, or various
plastic materials.
[0038] The double-walled structure 20 includes a closed end/base 22
and an open end/rim portion 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1E,
the closed end 22 is generally planar and may include a raised
platform/coaster 70. The coaster 70 may be dimensioned so that it
covers less than a total surface area of the closed end 22. The
coaster 70 may include and/or be formed from materials that reduce
friction between the double-walled structure 20 and smooth/slippery
surfaces, such as glass, granite, wood, and the like. According to
an aspect, the coaster 70 is formed from a variety of materials,
including rubber, plastic, and foam, as would be understood by one
of ordinary skill in the art. The coaster 70 may help stabilize the
insulated container 10 when the insulated container 10 is
positioned on slippery surfaces. The coaster 70 may help prevent
potential spill of contents of the insulated container 10 and, in
some instances, damage of the surface on which it is placed.
[0039] A side wall 26 extends between the closed and open ends 22,
24. The side wall 26 and the closed end 22 together form a hollow
interior/internal space 28, which receives materials or additional
structures/containers therein. According to an aspect, the side
wall 26 has a generally circular cross-section (see, for example,
FIG. 6B) along at least a portion of its length L1 (FIG. 1C). As
illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1E, the outer diameter of the double-walled
structure 20 may increase from the closed end 22 to the open end
24. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the
side wall 26 is contoured so that it has a generally convex outer
surface 27 close to the closed end 22. In this configuration, the
outer diameter of the double-walled structure 20 may increase from
the closed end 22 to an intermediate position 26a along the side
wall 26 (FIGS. 1A-1B, and 2), and decrease from the intermediate
position 26a to the open end 24, so that the double-walled
structure 20 has a contoured side wall 26. In an embodiment, and as
illustrated in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, the side wall 26 is contoured
so that it has a generally convex outer surface 27 close to the
open end 24. The contoured side wall 26 may provide increased
available space (that may be subjected to a vacuum) between walls
of the double-walled structure.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIGS. 6B-6C and FIG. 6E, the
double-walled structure 20 may include at least one stepped portion
29 formed in its inner surface 25. The stepped portion 29 is
illustrated as partially extending from the open end 24 towards the
closed end 22. The inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure
20 may be generally planar, with the stepped portion 29 having an
increased inner diameter. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the
double-walled structure 20 has a first inner diameter ID2 along the
stepped portion 29, and a second inner diameter ID3 extending from
the stepped portion 29 to the closed end 22. The first inner
diameter ID2 may be greater than the second inner diameter ID3,
which may help facilitate securing an additional structure within
the hollow interior 28, as described in detail hereinbelow.
According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second
inner diameter ID3 may be substantially uniform from the stepped
portion 29 towards the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure
20. In an embodiment, the second inner diameter ID3 may gradually
decrease from the stepped portion 29 towards the closed end 22 of
the double-walled structure 20 to receive a glass structure 30 (as
seen in, for instance, FIGS. 6D-6F).
[0041] According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the
double-walled structure 20 may include a plurality of indentations
50 formed in its outer surface 27. The indentations 50 may be
recessed areas/depressions formed in the side wall 26. The
indentations 50 may be recessed from the overall structure, and
according to one aspect the indentions 50 maintain an outwardly
rounded/curved surface (i.e., bowed area) or a flattened area. In
the illustrated embodiment, the indentations 50 extend from the
closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20 to an intermediate
position between the closed end 22 and the open end 24. However,
other possibilities are contemplated. In an embodiment, the
indentations 50 are configured as rectangular-shaped areas, the
longer sides of the rectangular-shaped areas extending from the
closed end 22 towards the open end 24. The indentations 50
partially extend from the outer surface 27 inward towards the inner
surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, and may function as
grip areas/surfaces for placement of the user's fingers to help
provide a more secure/stable grip for a user of the insulated
container 10. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS.
6A-6D and FIG. 7, the indentions 50 may include one of more raised
tactile portions 52 (such as stamped letters, numbers, or markings)
that further help to enhance the user's grip on the insulated
container 10. The tactile portion 52 may include raised or indented
(not shown) areas. The indentations 50 may also enhance the user's
comfort when holding the insulated container 10, accessing the
contents of the insulated container 10, or pouring or drinking from
the insulated container 10. In some embodiments, the indentations
50 may span more than 50% of a length L1 of the double-walled
structure 20. The indentations 50 may span from about 50% to about
85% the total length L1 of the double-walled structure 20.
According to an aspect, the indentations 50 may be from about 30 mm
to about 40 mm wide.
[0042] In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the
indentations 50 are bilateral indentations 50 (i.e., a pair of
indentations) formed on opposite portions of the outer surface 27
of the double-walled structure 20. It is to be understood, however,
the number of indentations 50 provided on the outer surface 27 may
be modified. For instance, a single indentation 50 may be formed in
the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect, 3, 4, 5, or
more indentations 50 may be provided.
[0043] As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B,
FIGS. 6A-6B, FIGS. 6D-6E and FIG. 7, the insulated container 10
further includes a glass structure 30. The glass structure 30 is
configured for receiving food and beverage therein, so that the
food and beverage does not contact the double-walled structure 20.
The glass structure 30 is dimensioned to be removably arranged
within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20.
When arranged and secured within the double-walled structure 20,
the glass structure 30 may be protected from breakage, which may
occur if a glass vessel slips and falls from a user's hands.
According to an aspect, the glass structure has a length L3 that is
less than (see, for instance, FIG. 6D) or substantially the same as
(not shown) the length L1 of the double-walled structure 20.
[0044] According to an aspect, the glass structure 30 includes a
body 36 having an open upper end 37 and a base end (second end or
closed end) 34. The body 36 may be formed with a variety of shapes
that facilitate arrangement of the glass structure 30 within the
double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect and as
illustrated in FIG. 6D-6F, the body 36 may taper from the upper end
37 towards the base end 34, such that the body 36 has a
frustoconical shape. In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIG.
6A, the body 36 is configured as a substantially cylindrical
structure. The dimensions of the glass structure 30, and its upper
end 37, range from amounts effective for retaining food and/or
beverage within the glass structure 30, and removing the food
and/or beverage therefrom.
[0045] The glass structure 30 further includes a sipping portion 32
extending from the open upper end 37 of the body 36. According to
an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 1C, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B,
FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F, the sipping portion 32 includes a
shoulder 31b, a sipping end 31a, and a side wall 33 extending
between the sipping end 31a and the shoulder 31b. According to an
aspect, the side wall 33 extends around the upper end 37 of the
glass structure 30. The side wall 33, including the shoulder 31b
protrudes from the upper end 24 of the double-walled structure 20.
According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 6F, the side wall
may be substantially straight/linear. In an embodiment, the side
wall 33 of the sipping portion 32 flares outwardly, with an outer
diameter OD4 of the sipping end 31a being greater than an outer
diameter OD1 of the shoulder 31b. According to an aspect, the
sipping portion 32 flares inwardly, with the outer diameter OD4 of
the sipping end 31a being less than the outer diameter OD4 of the
shoulder 31b. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS.
7-8, the side wall 33 is outwardly bowed/curved, which may enhance
a user's comfort when drinking or sipping from the container
10.
[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 6F, the shoulder 31b of the sipping
portion 32 is seated on top of the open end 24 of the double-walled
structure 20. The sipping end 31a of the sipping portion 32 extends
away from the open end 24, thereby preventing users from directly
contacting their lips to the double-walled structure 20. This may
eliminate or substantially reduce the risk that users will directly
contact their lips with the material used to make the double-walled
structure (such as metallic materials).
[0047] The glass structure 30 further includes an outer diameter
OD2 along the body 36, extending from the upper end 37 to the base
end 34. According to an aspect the outer diameter OD2 of the body
36 is less than the outer diameters OD1, OD4 of the sipping and
shoulder ends 31a, 31b of the sipping portion 32. The outer
diameter OD2 of the body 36 may be less than a first inner diameter
ID2 of the double-walled structure 20, so that the body 36 of the
glass structure 30 can be disposed in the hollow interior 28 of the
double-walled structure 20, with only the sipping portion 32
outwardly extending therefrom. According to an aspect, when the
glass structure 30 is disposed in the hollow interior 28 of the
double-walled structure 20, a total length L2 of the container 10
is greater than the length L1 of the double-walled structure
20.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D and FIG. 6F, the glass
structure 30 may further include one or more stepped interior
portions (recesses or contours) 39 at the sipping portion 32. The
stepped interior portion 39 is formed in the inner surface of the
glass structure 30. The stepped interior portion 39 may aid in
enhancing a user's comfort when drinking from the container.
[0049] As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and
FIGS. 6D-6E, the insulated container 10 further includes a
deformable flange 40. The deformable flange 40 is positioned around
the body 36 of the glass structure 30, so that when the glass
structure 30 is positioned within the hollow interior 28 of the
double-walled structure, the deformable flange 40 is compressed
between the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the
double-walled structure. The deformable flange 40 may help to
protect the glass structure 30 from breaking when the glass
structure 30 is secured in the double-walled structure 20 by the
deformable member 40.
[0050] According to an aspect, the inner surface 25 of the
double-walled structure 20, along the stepped portion 29, includes
a plurality of ribs (not shown) that receive the protrusions 44 of
the deformable flange 40. This may help facilitate a semi-permanent
attachment of the double-walled structure 20 to the glass structure
30.
[0051] FIGS. 4A-4B and FIGS. 6A-6B, 6D and 6F illustrate the
generally positioning of the deformable flange 40. The deformable
flange 40 may be positioned on the glass structure 30 from the
second end, and moved up towards the shoulder end 31b of the
sipping portion 32. FIG. 4A illustrates the deformable flange 40
extending around the body 36 of the glass structure 30 in a spaced
apart configuration from the sipping portion 32. As illustrated in
FIGS. 4B, 6A-6B, 6D and 6F, the deformable flange 40 may be
positioned adjacent the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion
3230.
[0052] FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the deformable flange 40 in more
detail. The deformable flange 40 includes a main body 42 that is
able to conform to the shape of the glass structure 30. In an
embodiment, when positioned around the body 36 of the glass
structure 30, the deformable flange 40 has a generally cylindrical
(FIG. 6A) or a generally conical or frustoconical shape (FIGS. 6D
and 6F).
[0053] It is contemplated that the deformable flange 40 may be
secured to the glass structure 30 by a friction fit. Additional
securing mechanisms may be provided on surfaces of the deformable
flange 40 to aid with securing the flange 40 onto to the glass
structure 30 and to double-walled structure 30. According to an
aspect, an inner surface 43 of the deformable flange 40 includes a
plurality of threads for engaging with corresponding threads formed
on the body 36 of the glass structure 30 (not shown). As
illustrated in FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the inner surface 43
of the deformable flange is smooth, which may facilitate ease of
placement around the body 36 of the glass structure 30. The threads
of the deformable flange 40 and optionally, the threads on the body
36 of the glass structure 30, may be one of continuous threads or
interrupted threads. As used herein, "continuous threads" may mean
a non-interrupted threaded closure having a spiral design (e.g.,
extending around the skirt like a helix), while "interrupted
threads" may mean a non-continuous/segmented thread pattern having
gaps/discontinuities between each adjacent thread.
[0054] According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D,
the threads may be a plurality of protrusions 44 that extend from
an outer surface 41 of the body 42. The plurality of protrusions
may be continuous/uninterrupted (i.e., formed contiguously around
the main body 42 of the flange 40. According to an aspect and as
illustrated in FIGS. 5B-5D, the protrusions 44 may be interrupted
(i.e., having multiple segments, or the protrusions 44 being spaced
apart from each other, that extend generally around a circumference
of the body 42).
[0055] The protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40 are flexible
and engage the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20.
According to an aspect, the deformable flange 40 engages the inner
surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, at the stepped
portion 29. The deformable flange 40 may be composed of any
material that is flexible, and may be repeatably compressed and/or
is able to maintain compression for an extend period of time.
According to an aspect, the deformable flange 40 is composed of at
least one of rubber, plastic, and silicone. The deformable member
may be made by formed by an injection molding process, or in any
other suitable manner.
[0056] The deformable flange 40 has an inner diameter ID1 and an
outer diameter OD3. The inner diameter ID1 of the deformable flange
40 may be substantially the same size as, or slightly less than,
the second diameter OD2 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30.
This allows the deformable flange to be secured to the body 36
without slipping off. According to an aspect, the outer diameter
OD3 of the deformable flange 40, includes the protrusions 44, and
is greater than the inner diameter ID2 of the double-walled
structure 20. When the deformable flange 40 is secured to the glass
structure 30, and the glass structure 30 including the deformable
flange is arranged in the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled
structure 20, the deformable flange 40 is compressed between the
inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 and the glass
structure 20.
[0057] According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the
container 10 includes a gasket 60. The gasket 60 may be secured
between the glass structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20.
The gasket 60 engages with the inner surface 25 of the
double-walled structure 20, at the stepped portion 29, and the body
36 of the glass structure 30, adjacent the lip portion 33. The
gasket 60 may be utilized with or without the deformable flange 40
positioned between the structures 20, 30. According to an aspect,
when the container 10 includes the gasket 60 and the deformable
flange 40, the gasket 60 is adjacent the lip portion 33 of the
glass structure 30, and the deformable flange 40 is adjacent the
gasket 60, such that the gasket 60 is sandwiched between the
shoulder portion 31b of the sipping portion 32 of the glass
structure 30 and the deformable flange 40.
[0058] The gasket 60 may help secure the glass structure 30 to the
double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect and as
illustrated in FIG. 3C, the gasket 60 includes a plurality of
threads 62 extending along at least one of its inner 61 surface and
outer surface 63. The threads 62 may be continuous threads or
interrupted threads, selected, at least in part, on the
corresponding threads formed on at least one of the body 36 of the
glass structure 30 and the inner surface of the double-walled
structure (at the stepped portion). The gasket may be dimensioned
similar to the deformable flange 40, described hereinabove, with
inner and outer diameters that facilitate its ability to seal areas
between the glass structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20,
as well as secured the glass and double-walled structures 30, 20
together.
[0059] According to an aspect, the gasket 60 helps seal against the
introduction of food contents and fluids in areas between the glass
structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20. The gasket 60 may
help to absorb vibration around the glass structure 30, and prevent
the glass structure 30 from breaking in the event that the
container 10 falls from a surface or out of a user's hands. The
gasket 60 may be formed from plastic, silicone, rubber, or any type
of material that provides sealing and shock absorption properties.
According to an aspect, the gasket 60 may be positioned between the
shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32 and the deformable
member 40.
[0060] Embodiments of the disclosure are further directed to a
vacuum-insulated container 10'. The vacuum-insulated
container/insulated container 10' may be configured substantially
as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B, 6A-7 and
9A-9B.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 8 and according to an aspect, the
vacuum-insulated container 10' includes an inner container 21a, and
an outer container 21b spaced apart from the inner container 21a
(the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b may function as the
double-walled structure 20 described hereinabove and illustrated in
FIGS. 1-3B, 6A, 6B and 7). The inner and outer containers 21a, 21b
may both be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel. A plurality
of indentations 50, substantially as described hereinabove and
illustrated in FIG. 7 may be formed in an external surface 27 of
the outer container 21b. The indentations 50 facilitate a
comfortable use of the vacuum-insulated container 10'. The inner
container 21a has a generally cylindrical shape, while the outer
container 21b has is contoured so that it is generally bell-shaped.
A gap 23 is formed between the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b.
The gap 23 between is devoid of air by virtue of creating a vacuum
between the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b. The created vacuum
reduces the number of molecules present in the gap 23 that could
potentially transfer heat by conduction.
[0062] Each of the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b includes a
closed end 22', 22'' and an open end 24', 24''. A side wall 26',
26'' extends between each of the respective closed ends 22', 22''
and respective open ends, 24', 24'' of the containers 21a, 21b. The
inner container 21a and the outer container 21b are coupled and
sealed along their respective open ends 24', 24'' so that external
air is prevented from passing through the seal and into the gap 23.
This may retard the transference of heat by conduction and/or
convection, so that food particulates and/or beverages positioned
in vacuum-insulated container 10' do not gain or lose heat.
[0063] The inner container 21a includes at least one stepped
portion 29 formed in its inner surface 25. As described hereinabove
with respect to the double-walled structure 20, the stepped portion
29 partially extends from the open end 24' towards the closed end
22 of the inner container 21a. The stepped portion 29 is configured
for engaging at least one of a deformable flange 40 and a gasket
60, which secures a glass structure 30 that is inserted into the
inner container 21a. The deformable member 40 and gasket 60 may be
configured substantially as described hereinabove and illustrated
in FIGS. 3C and 5A-5D. According to an aspect, the inner container
21a includes a first inner diameter ID2 along the stepped portion
29, and a second inner diameter ID3 extending from the stepped
portion 29 to the closed end 22'. The first inner diameter ID2 is
greater than the second inner diameter ID3, which facilitates the
positioning/placement of the deformable flange 40 and/or the gasket
60 adjacent the stepped portion 29.
[0064] The vacuum-insulated container 10' further includes a glass
structure 30 arranged within a hollow interior 28 of the inner
container 21a, and the deformable flange 40 circumferentially
extending around the glass structure 30. In this embodiment, the
glass structure 30 is similar to the glass structure 30 illustrated
in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS.
6D-6F, and described hereinabove. Thus, for purposes of convenience
and not limitation, the various features, attributes, and
properties, and functionality of the glass structure 30 and the
deformable flange 40 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E,
FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F are not
repeated here.
[0065] The glass structure 30 is dimensioned to partially fit in
the inner container 21a of the vacuum-insulated container 10', with
its sipping portion 32 extending from the hollow interior 28 of the
inner container 21a. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the shoulder end 31b
of the sipping portion 32 extends over the respective open ends
24', 24'' of the containers 21a, 21b. It is contemplated that the
upper end 37 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30 may be
secured to the open ends 24', 24'', at least in part by the
deformable flange 40 extending around the circumference of the
glass structure 30 and being secured at the stepped portion 29 of
the inner container 21a.
[0066] According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD2 of the body
36 of the glass structure 30 is less than the first inner diameter
ID2 of the inner container 21a, which helps to ensure that the body
36 may be received in the inner container 21a. According to an
aspect the outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 is less than the outer
diameters OD1, OD4 of the sipping and shoulder ends 31a, 31b of the
sipping portion 32. The shoulder portion 31b may be seated at the
open ends open end 24', 24'' of the inner and outer containers 21a,
21b.
[0067] The plurality of protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40
engage the inner surface 25 of the inner container 21a, and helps
to retain the glass structure 30 within the hollow interior 28.
According to an aspect, when the outer diameter OD3 of the
deformable flange 40 is greater than the inner diameter ID2 of the
inner container 21a, the deformable flange 40 is compressed between
the body 36 of the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of
the inner container 21a, which may help secure the inner container
21a, the deformable flange, and the glass structure 30
together.
[0068] The present disclosure, in various embodiments,
configurations and aspects, includes components, methods,
processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially developed as
depicted and described herein, including various embodiments,
sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art
will understand how to make and use the present disclosure after
understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in
various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes providing
devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or
described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or
aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have
been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving
performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of
implementation.
[0069] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or" are
open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in
operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A,
B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and
C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone,
B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, or A, B and C together.
[0070] In this specification and the claims that follow, reference
will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings.
The terms "a" (or "an") and "the" refer to one or more of that
entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one
or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.
Furthermore, references to "one embodiment", "some embodiments",
"an embodiment" and the like are not intended to be interpreted as
excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also
incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used
herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to
modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary
without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is
related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as "about" is
not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some
instances, the approximating language may correspond to the
precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as
"first," "second," "upper," "lower" etc. are used to identify one
element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant
to refer to a particular order or number of elements.
[0071] As used herein, the terms "may" and "may be" indicate a
possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a
possession of a specified property, characteristic or function;
and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an
ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified
verb. Accordingly, usage of "may" and "may be" indicates that a
modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for
an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into
account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes
not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some
circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other
circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur--this distinction
is captured by the terms "may" and "may be."
[0072] As used in the claims, the word "comprises" and its
grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of
varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited
thereto, "consisting essentially of" and "consisting of." Where
necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are
inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that
variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a
practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not
already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover
those variations.
[0073] The terms "determine", "calculate" and "compute," and
variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and
include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or
technique.
[0074] The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been
presented for purposes of illustration and description. The
foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the
form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed
Description for example, various features of the present disclosure
are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or
aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The
features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the
present disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments,
configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This
method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an
intention that the present disclosure requires more features than
are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following
claims reflect, the claimed features lie in less than all features
of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or
aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0075] Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and
substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of
the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by
the appended claims. This written description uses examples to
disclose the method, machine and computer-readable medium,
including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary
skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any
devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The
patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include
other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art.
Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the
claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the
literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent
structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal
language of the claims.
* * * * *