TWI822293B - Beverage container system with interchangeable inserts - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage container system is described. The beverage container system includes a container for holding beverages, and a cover assembly that can selectively close the beverage container. The lid assembly engages the beverage container to form the beverage container system. The cover assembly includes interchangeable inserts and collars. The lid assembly controls beverage flow from the beverage container. The collar can be used with a variety of interchangeable inserts to provide different drinking styles and functions.

Description

Beverage container system with interchangeable inserts

The present invention relates to a beverage container system having interchangeable inserts.

It is known that some beverage containers use lids with closing features or structures to prevent or reduce spillage or leakage of fluid within the beverage container. If the lid is damaged, the entire beverage container may need to be discarded. Furthermore, some people prefer to use different types of beverage containers for different drinks on different occasions. Additionally, users may wish to share drinks with others and provide a clean drinking surface for each sharer. The user may also wish to use the beverage container while part of the cover member is being cleaned, dried or repaired.

This specification illustrates and describes certain aspects of a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts. One aspect is a cover assembly. The cover assembly includes a collar. The collar can be placed on the top or neck of the beverage container. The collar defines a central opening. The central opening may removably receive the insert. The insert may be removably connected or engaged to the beverage container. The insert includes fluid channels and opening structures. The fluid channel may be in fluid communication with the interior space of the beverage container. The opening structure can output the beverage in the beverage container. The collar includes an actuator. The actuator retains the insert in the central opening of the collar.

Other aspects include a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts. The beverage container system includes a collar. The beverage container system includes a beverage container defining an interior space in which a beverage may be contained. The collar can be placed on the top or neck of the beverage container. The first insert may be removably connected or engaged to the collar. The first insert may be removably connected or engaged to the beverage container. The first insert includes a first fluid channel and a first opening structure. The first fluid channel allows the internal space of the beverage container to be in fluid communication with the first opening structure for discharging the beverage. The second insert may be removably connected or engaged to the collar. The second insert may be removably connected or engaged to the beverage container. The second insert includes a second fluid channel and a second opening structure. The second fluid channel allows the inner space of the beverage container to be in fluid communication with the second opening structure for discharging the beverage.

Other aspects include an insert for a beverage container system. The insert includes an upper surface. The opening structure is part of the upper surface or extends from the upper surface. Fluid channels are formed in the insert. The fluid channel is in fluid communication with the opening structure. The insert includes a generally circular first outer edge. Threads are located on the generally circular first outer edge. The threads may be removably engaged with the container. The upper surface forms a generally circular second outer edge with an edge.

For the purposes of this application, all terms describing relative positions (such as "upper", "middle", "lower", "outer", "inner", "above", "below", "bottom", "top" etc.) are based on the illustrated aspects of the present invention, but these terms do not limit the directions in which these embodiments can be used.

Beverage container system 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 1-15. The beverage container system 10 includes a beverage container 20 for holding beverages, and a lid assembly 50 that can selectively close the beverage container 20 . The lid assembly 50 may be coupled with the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10 . Cover assembly 50 includes interchangeable insert 100 and collar 200 . The lid assembly 50 controls the flow of beverage from the beverage container 20 . The interchangeable insert 100 may include a variety of different versions and variations that may operate with the same collar 200 and beverage container 20, depending on the user's drinking style and preferences.

The interchangeable insert 100 and collar 200 are removably connected or engaged with each other, as described below. In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 is threadably engaged with the beverage container 20 to retain the lid assembly 50 on the beverage container 20 . To fill the beverage container 20 with a beverage, the interchangeable insert 100 may be rotated out of the beverage container 20, which may also remove the collar 200 from the beverage container 20. The user may also remove the collar 200 from the interchangeable insert 100 and the beverage container 20 first, and then unscrew the interchangeable insert 100 from the beverage container 20 .

Beverage container system 10 allows the user to replace interchangeable inserts 100 according to drinking style, preference or occasion. Different interchangeable inserts 100 may include different opening structures. Different interchangeable inserts 100 may be used with the same collar 200. For example, a user may prefer to drink through a spout or wide opening while engaging in endurance activities, but the same user may prefer to drink through a straw-like opening while riding in a car, while applying lipstick, or in other circumstances. Drinks. The user may prefer to drink hot drinks through the direct drinking opening structure, but prefer to drink cold drinks through the spray or nozzle opening structure of the interchangeable insert 100 . In addition, a certain interchangeable insert 100 may become dirty or even lost over time. Therefore, if the beverage container system 10 can provide different and/or replaceable interchangeable inserts 100, the user can easily replace it. Or the interchangeable insert 100 can be replaced without having to repurchase the beverage container 20 and/or collar 200.

The beverage container 20 will be described below. The beverage container 20 includes a wall 22 defining an interior space 35 in which the beverage may be contained. The wall 22 of the upper portion or neck 24 of the beverage container 20 includes an inner surface 25 having internal threads 30 . In the illustrated aspect, the internal threads 30 of the beverage container 20 can receive the external threads 105 of the interchangeable insert 100, thereby removably connecting or engaging the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20. External threads 105 are formed in the lower portion 113 of the interchangeable insert 100 .

The interchangeable insert 100 will be described below. Interchangeable insert 100 is removably coupled to collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 may be included in a variety of opening configurations (e.g., drinking spouts, spouts, spout features, spray features, straws (flexible, rigid, pivotable, etc.), orifices, tubes, spouts, mouth-filling elements, etc.) Any of them. Referring to Figure 2, various non-limiting examples of interchangeable inserts 100 are shown. The opening structure is typically part of or extends from the upper surface 120 of the interchangeable insert 100 . Of course, the interchangeable insert 100 may be modified to include virtually any type of drinking spout or opening. Referring again to Figure 2, the bent straw insert 101 includes a flexible straw as an opening structure. The drink-through insert 102 includes a lip-like feature as an opening structure to facilitate the user to drink the beverage directly. The rigid pivotable straw insert 103 can pivot upward to an open position to provide an opening. The opening structure of the outlet insert 104 allows fluid to flow out. In some aspects, the system of the present invention may include more than one insert with the same opening structure (for example, each insert may have a straw of a different shape, material, or size), or the set of inserts may include all Different kinds of opening structures (for example, the first insert has an outlet, the second insert has a straw, the third insert has a smooth ridge that allows fluid to pass through and provides a drinking opening, and so on). Any of the inserts 101 - 104 may be repeatedly removed and replaced with a different insert 101 - 104 or other inserts. The interchangeable insert 100 includes an upper surface 120 and a bottom surface 130 that are generally opposite to each other. In this aspect, the generally circular first outer edge 114 of the interchangeable insert 100 includes external threads 105 . To avoid creating a vacuum and facilitate fluid flow, some interchangeable inserts 100 include vents. The interchangeable insert 100 includes fluid channels through which fluid can pass.

One of the above-mentioned interchangeable inserts 100 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4 , 8 and 9 , namely the spout insert 104 . The spout insert 104 includes many features common to most interchangeable inserts 100. The spout insert 104 includes a fluid channel 106 that provides fluid communication between the interior space 35 of the beverage container 20 and the spout 108 to facilitate flow of fluid from the beverage container 20 to the user. The spout 108 includes an opening structure 110 for fluid to flow out or exit from the spout insert 104 . The spout insert 104 includes a vent 112 that promotes fluid flow and prevents a vacuum from forming within the beverage container 20 .

Upper surface 120 forms tabs 140 . The tab 140 extends from the generally circular second outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120 . The generally circular second outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120 is larger than the generally circular first outer edge 114 of the lower portion 113 of the interchangeable insert 100 . Therefore, the upper surface 120 protrudes beyond the lower portion 113 or is wider than the lower portion 113 .

The interchangeable insert 100 includes a flange 150 located slightly below the upper surface 120 . Insert recess 165 is formed in flange 150 . In this aspect, the tab 140 is located generally directly opposite the insert recess 165 , ie, approximately 180 degrees from the insert recess 165 . The above-described features of the interchangeable insert 100 can work in conjunction with the features of the collar 200 so that the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 can be removably engaged or connected to each other, as described below. External threads 105 are located on the generally circular first outer edge 114 of the interchangeable insert 100 . External threads 105 are located below flange 150.

The collar 200 will be described below. In this aspect, the collar 200 is placed over the top or neck 24 of the beverage container 20 . In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 is removably engaged at the central opening 210 of the collar 200 . The collar 200 includes an upper flange 205 and a lower flange 212 that are generally opposite ends of each other. Collar 200 includes an inner wall 215 and an outer wall 220 . In this aspect, the inner wall 215 of the collar 200 has no threads or other connecting structures. The inner wall 215 forms an inner edge 217 . The collar 200 defines a central opening 210 that can receive the interchangeable insert 100 . The generally circular second outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120 of the interchangeable insert 100 is engaged with the inner edge 217 and central opening 210 of the collar 200 . The collar 200 includes a first complementary alignment element designed as a collar recess 250 on the upper edge 205 of the collar 200 for receiving a second complementary alignment element. The alignment elements are designed as tabs 140 of the interchangeable insert 100 . In other embodiments, the first and second complementary alignment elements may be any complementary features, such as tabs and notches, male/female features, a set of indicators (such as arrows that can be aligned with each other), or other possible A feature that facilitates the user to align the interchangeable insert 100 with the collar 200 in the correct orientation to facilitate installation, use or removal.

Collar 200 also includes an actuator 260 . The actuator 260 includes a detent 265 that is engageable or secured to the insert recess 165 of the interchangeable insert 100 . The actuator 260 is coupled to a shaft 270 that allows the actuator 260 to pivot. Collar 200 forms a housing 275 in which actuator 260 is positioned. Bias 290 urges actuator 260 inwardly and toward insert recess 165 . In this aspect, the user presses the upper surface 280 of the actuator 260 to cause the actuator 260 to move outward. This action allows the interchangeable insert 100 to disengage from the collar 200 . The operation of the actuator 260 will be further described below.

In this aspect, the upper cover 300 is hinged to the collar 200 . The upper cover 300 covers the interchangeable insert 100 to protect it from contamination by germs, dust, etc. The inner surface 302 of the upper cover 300 includes a gasket 305 . The handle 310 provided as needed is pivotally connected to the collar 200. In this aspect, the button 330 can be used to release the spring-loaded upper cover 300 , and the upper cover 300 can flip upward when the button 330 is pressed. The latch 340 secures the upper cover 300 in the covering position above the collar 200 . During operation, the latch 340 must be pushed open before the upper cover 300 can be lifted. The user then presses the button 330 to release the upper cover 300 . Similar button mechanisms are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,622,229 and 9,150,335, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Of course, the upper cover 300, the button 330 and the latch 340 are not necessary, and may be omitted or replaced by any other or similar lifting closing structure, pressing closing structure, thread closing structure, cover, top cover, etc.

In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 is threadably engaged with the beverage container 20 . Referring to FIG. 2 , the wall 22 of the upper portion or neck of the beverage container 20 includes an inner surface 25 having an internal thread 30 . The internal threads 30 of the beverage container 20 may receive the external threads 105 of the interchangeable insert 100 , thereby engaging the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20 . The interchangeable insert 100 is inserted into the opening 33 of the beverage container 20 . The external thread 105 of the interchangeable insert 100 is rotatably engaged with the internal thread 30 of the beverage container 20 , thereby screwing and/or fitting the collar 200 into the opening 33 of the beverage container 20 . The interchangeable insert 100 is coupled to the beverage container 20 to substantially seal the liquid within the beverage container 20 .

The gasket 180 is coupled to the bottom outer edge 185 of the interchangeable insert 100 . In this aspect, the gasket 180 is retained by the outer groove 190 along the outer edge of the bottom. When the interchangeable insert 100 is connected or sufficiently screwed to the beverage container 20, the gasket 180 is tightly fitted to the beverage container 20.

How to separate the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 from each other will be described below with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15 . In this aspect, the biasing member 290 urges the actuator 260 to move inward or toward the interchangeable insert 100 in the resting state. When the user presses the upper surface 280 of the actuator 260, the biasing member 290 is compressed, thereby extracting the detent 265 from the insert recess 165 of the flange 150. Once the detent 265 clears or is removed from the insert recess 165, the interchangeable insert 100 is no longer locked to the collar 200. At this time, press or pull the interchangeable insert 100 downward and tilt it toward the actuator 260 to disengage the tab 140 from the collar notch 250 of the collar 200 . The interchangeable insert 100 can be moved downwardly and out of the central opening 210 in this state.

How to removably engage or connect the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 will be described below. The interchangeable insert 100 is first placed under the central opening 210 of the collar 200 . Then align the tab 140 of the interchangeable insert 100 with the collar recess 250 of the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 is then pressed into position such that the actuator 260 of the collar 200 strikes the edge 126 of the generally circular second outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120 and causes the biasing member of the actuator 260 290 is temporarily retracted and compressed. When detent 265 passes edge 126, actuator 260 moves toward insert recess 165 of flange 150. The detent 265 will rest under the edge 126 of the interchangeable insert 100 and within the insert recess 165 of the flange 150 . At this point, the interchangeable insert 100 is locked in position in the collar 200 . As before, the user must depress the actuator 260 to separate the interchangeable insert 100 from the collar 200 again.

In other aspects, the interchangeable insert 100 (or collar 200 or other components of the lid assembly 50) may be engaged to the beverage container 20 by means other than threaded engagement, including snap engagement, friction engagement, Screw-fit engagement and other means of attaching the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20 may be selected by the user.

In this aspect, the beverage container 20 has an insulated double-walled construction. In other aspects, beverage container 20 includes a non-insulated single- or multi-layer construction or other insulating construction. The beverage container 20 may be made of moldable food-grade plastic, thermoplastic, stainless steel, other metals or metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination of the above.

The enlarged view of FIG. 4A shows that the upper cover 300 covers a part of the actuator 260 . This design helps reduce the possibility of the actuator 260 being pressed accidentally or unintentionally. For example, if the beverage container system 10 is stored in a backpack or the like, the upper cover 300 can prevent other items in the backpack from pressing the actuator 260 . In other aspects, the upper cover 300 may completely cover the actuator 260 . In other aspects, actuator 260 may be completely exposed.

Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the gasket 305 includes a plurality of sealing areas 307, 308 and 309. Therefore, the same gasket 305 may be used with different interchangeable inserts 100 to seal or cover the corresponding drinking opening and Vent. When using different interchangeable inserts 100, there may be no need to replace the gasket 305. The plurality of sealing areas 307, 308 and 309 include different shapes and sizes to fit different interchangeable inserts 100. In the aspect shown in FIG. 6 , when the upper cover 300 is closed, the first sealing area 307 can substantially contact and seal the vent hole 112 on the direct drink insert 102 and the outlet insert 104 . To allow different inserts to easily share gaskets, the vent holes 112 on the inserts 102 and 104 are located at approximately the same location. However, other inserts may not include vent 112, or include alternative vent closure features. The inner surface of the upper cover 300 may also include one or more gasket support structures to support or serve as a foundation for the gasket structure.

Referring back to FIG. 6 , the second sealing area 309 is in the shape of a longer (higher) protrusion, and the third sealing area 308 is formed by a shorter, wider surface surrounding the second sealing area 309 . The combination of the second sealing area 309 and the third sealing area 308 can closely fit the drinking mouth of the outlet 104 . In this aspect, the second sealing area 309 can also be tightly fitted to the drinking port of the direct drinking insert 102 (when the upper cover 300 is closed), and the second sealing area 309 can also be tightly fitted to the hard removable The top ridge of the opening structure 110 of the outlet 108 of the pivoting straw insert 103.

In other aspects, the inner wall 215 of the collar 200 may include an inner edge with threads so as to be rotatably engaged with the outer threads of the beverage container 20 . In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 may be press-fitted into the opening 33 on the beverage container 20 . The collar 200 may secure the interchangeable insert 100 in position within the opening 33 on the beverage container 20 .

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects described herein, and such aspects may be changed and modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the novel concepts defined in the appended claims. In addition, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the many other advantages of the disclosure disclosed by the applicant from the above description and the appended claims.

[customary knowledge] without [Invention] 10: Beverage container system 20: Beverage containers 22: Vessel wall 24: Upper part or neck 25:Inner surface 30: Internal thread 33: Upper opening 35:Internal space 50: Cover assembly 100: Interchangeable inserts 101: Bent straw insert 102: Direct drink insert 103: Rigid pivotable straw insert 104: Outlet type insert 105: External thread 106:Fluid channel 108: Outlet 110: Opening structure 112:Vent hole 113:lower part 114: The first outer edge of a roughly circular shape 120: Upper surface 124: Roughly circular second outer edge 126: Edge 130: Bottom surface 140: Tab 150:Flange 165: Insert notch 180: Washer 185: Bottom outer edge 190:Outer groove 200: Collar 205: Upper ring edge 210:Central opening 212: lower edge 215:Inner wall 217:Inner edge 220:Outer wall 250: Collar notch 260: Actuator 265:Latch 270:Shaft parts 275: Shell 280: Upper surface 290:Biasing parts 300: Upper cover 302:Inner surface 305:Gasket 307: First sealing area 308:Third sealing area 309:Second sealing area 310: Grip 330:Button 340:Latch

[Figure 1] is a perspective view of the beverage container system of the present invention; [Figure 2] is an exploded view of the interchangeable insert of the beverage container system; [Figure 3] is a top perspective view of the beverage container system; [Figure 4] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system; [Figure 4A] An enlarged view of the upper cover partially covering the actuator; [Figure 5] Cross-sectional view of the gasket and direct drink insert; [Figure 6] A cross-sectional view of the gasket and pivot insert; [Figure 7] A cross-sectional view of the gasket and outlet type insert; [Figure 8] is a top perspective view of the beverage container system; [Figure 9] is a top perspective view of the beverage container system; [Figure 10] is a bottom perspective view of the interchangeable insert; [Figure 11] is a top perspective view of the interchangeable insert; [Figure 12] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system with the insert not yet removed; [Figure 13] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system, in which the actuator has been pressed; [Figure 14] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system with the insert tilted to facilitate removal; and [Figure 15] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system with the insert beginning to be removed.

20: Beverage containers

101: Bent straw insert

102: Direct drink insert

103: Rigid pivotable straw insert

104: Outlet type insert

105: External thread

200: Collar

205: Upper ring edge

210:Central opening

215:Inner wall

217:Inner edge

Claims (11)

A cover assembly for a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts, including: a set of rings that can be placed on an upper portion or neck of a beverage container; the sets of rings define a central opening, The central opening can removably receive an insert, and the insert can be removably connected or engaged to the beverage container; the insert includes a fluid channel and an opening structure, wherein the insert The fluid channel can be in fluid communication with an internal space of the beverage container, wherein the opening structure can output the beverage in the beverage container, and wherein the fluid channel can be in fluid communication with the opening structure so that the beverage can be ejected from the beverage container. outflow, the insert further includes an upper surface and a flange located below the upper surface, and an insert recess is formed in the flange; and the collar includes an actuator, wherein when the insert is in When used, the actuator retains the insert in the central opening of the collar, and wherein when a user presses the actuator, the insert is released from the collar, allowing the user to The insert can be easily removed for cleaning or replacement. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert is removably connected or engaged to the beverage container. The cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the insert includes a first complementary alignment element, wherein the collar forms a second complementary alignment element, and the second complementary alignment element can accommodate The first complementary alignment element aligns the insert with the collar in the correct orientation for installation in the collar for use. The cover assembly of claim 3, wherein the first complementary alignment element is designed as a tab, the second complementary alignment element is designed as a set of ring recesses, and the tab is from One of the inserts extends from a generally circular outer edge. The cover assembly of claim 4, wherein when the insert is engaged or connected to the collar, the tab is located substantially opposite the collar recess. The cover assembly of claim 4, wherein when the insert is in the locked position, one of the detents of the actuator enters the insert recess of the insert due to spring bias, and the The detent is located below an edge of the generally circular outer edge of the insert. The cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the latch of the actuator can leave or be moved out of the insert recess so that the insert is no longer locked to the sleeve. ring. The cover assembly of claim 1 further includes an upper cover that can cover the opening structure of the insert to reduce overflow or leakage. The cover assembly of claim 8, wherein an inner surface of the upper cover includes a gasket that can closely fit the opening structure or a vent hole of the insert. The cover assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second insert that can interact with the collar, the second insert having a second opening structure different from the insert, Therefore, when the insert is being cleaned, or when the user wishes to use the second opening structure, the user can replace the insert with the second insert; wherein the upper cover includes a single gasket, which can The gasket closely fits the opening structure of the insert member, and when the second insert member is located in the collar, the gasket can closely fit the second opening structure. A beverage container system with interchangeable inserts includes the lid assembly as claimed in claim 1 and further includes the beverage container.

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