US20160174743A1 - Housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom - Google Patents
Housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom Download PDFInfo
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- US20160174743A1 US20160174743A1 US14/974,304 US201514974304A US2016174743A1 US 20160174743 A1 US20160174743 A1 US 20160174743A1 US 201514974304 A US201514974304 A US 201514974304A US 2016174743 A1 US2016174743 A1 US 2016174743A1
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- Prior art keywords
- vessel
- component
- exterior
- connector assembly
- drinking
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G23/00—Other table equipment
- A47G23/02—Glass or bottle holders
- A47G23/0208—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like
- A47G23/0216—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup
- A47G23/0233—Glass or bottle holders for drinking-glasses, plastic cups, or the like for one glass or cup with a lid, e.g. for a beer glass
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G19/00—Table service
- A47G19/22—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service
- A47G19/2288—Drinking vessels or saucers used for table service with means for keeping liquid cool or hot
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to containers and particularly to housing assemblies including a vessel and a lid for accommodating a drinking tumbler therein.
- Insulated drinking vessels such as tumblers
- tumblers commonly include an outer member or vessel in which an inner member or vessel is located, with the space between those vessels forming an insulating region surrounding the inner vessel.
- Those vessels are typically molded of plastic materials.
- Tumblers available from Tervis Tumbler Company hereinafter “Tervis”
- Tervis Tervis Tumbler Company
- aesthetics many tumblers available from Tervis include wraps, decals, embroidered patches and other decorative materials located in the insulating space between the inner and outer vessels and visible through the transparent outer vessel.
- tumblers While such tumblers are eminently suitable for their intended use a need exists for a housing assembly to provide additional insulation for the tumbler, to render the tumbler spill and leak proof, which also protecting the tumbler from physical damage caused by scratching, impact, exposure to the sun and/or chemicals.
- the subject invention addresses those needs.
- a housing assembly for holding and enclosing a drinking tumbler.
- the drinking tumbler comprises a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end.
- the housing assembly comprises a hollow exterior vessel and a lid for the exterior vessel.
- the exterior vessel comprises a side wall bounding a cavity having an inner surface.
- the side wall has an open upper end.
- the exterior vessel is configured to receive the drinking tumbler within the cavity with the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler located closely adjacent the interior surface of the exterior vessel and with the open upper end of the drinking tumbler located closely adjacent the open upper end of the exterior vessel.
- the open upper end of the exterior vessel additionally comprises a first component of a releasable securable connector assembly, e.g., a bayonet connector assembly, a threaded connector assembly, a snap-connector assembly, etc.
- the lid comprises a second component of the releasably securable connector assembly.
- the lid is configured to be releasably secured to the exterior vessel by the engagement of the first component of the releasably securable connector assembly to the second component of the releasably securable connector assembly, whereupon a portion of the lid engages the drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of the drinking tumbler to seal the open the upper end of the drinking tumbler.
- the lid comprises at least one downwardly extending annular wall, e.g., two concentric annular walls.
- the at least one annular wall is configured to tightly engage the interior surface of the drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
- the first component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and the second component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member.
- the bayonet members are configured to be releasably connected together.
- the first component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded member and the second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded member.
- the threaded members are configured to be screwed together.
- the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution
- the inner surface of the cavity is a surface of revolution of a general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler.
- a tripartite vessel assembly for holding a liquid is provided.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary preferred embodiment of a housing assembly, including an exterior hollow vessel and a lid therefor constructed in accordance with this invention;
- FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the housing assembly shown in FIG. 1 , shown with a conventional double walled drinking tumbler which is arranged to be held and enclosed in the housing assembly and with the lid and exterior vessel being configured for releasable securement together by a bayonet type connector assembly;
- FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view like that of FIG. 2 , but partially in section to show the features of the housing assembly and the conventional doubled walled drinking tumbler;
- FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior hollow vessel shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the lid shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lid shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7 - 7 of FIG. 6 ;
- FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the housing assembly of this invention, which embodiment makes use of a threaded connector assembly for releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel;
- FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another exemplary preferred embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with this invention, that assembly including an exterior hollow vessel having a handle;
- FIG. 10 is an isometric view of still another exemplary preferred embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with this invention, that assembly including an exterior hollow vessel having a hanger or loop tab.
- FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with this invention for holding and enclosing a drinking vessel, e.g., a drinking tumbler 2 . That assembly constitutes one aspect of this invention.
- a drinking vessel e.g., a drinking tumbler 2
- Another aspect of this invention is the vessel assembly resulting from the combination of the housing assembly and the drinking tumbler.
- the housing assembly basically comprises an exterior vessel 22 and a lid 24 .
- the exterior vessel 22 is arranged to receive the drinking tumbler 2 within it and the lid 24 is arranged to be releasably secured to the exterior vessel.
- the housing assembly is configured to provide additional insulation for the drinking tumbler, while also protecting it from physical damage caused by scratching, impact, exposure to the sun and/or chemicals, etc. Moreover, the housing assembly renders the drink tumbler spill and leak proof when disposed within it.
- the configuration of the lid and the manner that it releasably secures to the exterior vessel and the manner that it seals the interior of the drinking tumbler prevents the egress of liquid from the interior of the enclosed drinking vessel. Such action could occur in the event of increased internal pressure resulting from a hot or carbonated beverage within the drinking tumbler.
- the tumbler 2 can be of any suitable construction, although it is preferred to be a double walled, insulated tumbler.
- One exemplary one is that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , and is constructed similarly to those 16 oz. decorated tumblers currently available from Tervis.
- the exemplary drinking tumbler 2 basically comprises a plastic outer vessel 4 , a plastic inner vessel 6 , and an insulating air space 8 ( FIG. 3 ) located therebetween.
- a decorative wrap (not shown) is located in the air space 8 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the drinking tumbler.
- the outer vessel 4 of the drinking tumbler comprises a side wall 4 A whose outer surface is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal central axis LCA of the vessel 4 and terminates in a planar top surface 4 B ( FIG. 3 ) defining an open upper end of the vessel.
- the side wall 4 A of the vessel 4 terminates at a bottom wall 4 D located opposite the open upper end of the vessel.
- the side wall 4 A and the bottom wall 4 D together define hollow cavity of the vessel 4 . It is in this hollow cavity that the inner vessel 6 is located.
- the inner vessel 6 comprises a side wall 6 A whose outer surface is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal central axis LCA and terminates in an open end 6 B having an outwardly extending peripheral flange 6 C.
- the side wall 6 A of the vessel 6 terminates at a bottom wall 6 D located opposite the open upper end of the vessel 6 .
- the side wall 6 A and the bottom wall 6 D together define hollow cavity 12 .
- the undersurface of the flange 6 C of the inner vessel 6 is disposed on top of the planar top surface 4 B of the outer vessel 4 and those confronting surfaces are secured, e.g., ultrasonically welded, together thereat, thereby securing the two vessels 4 and 6 into an integral unit, with the annular air space 8 between the inner and outer vessels.
- the outer diameter of the flange 6 c is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the exterior surface of the vessel 4 , so that the flange extends slightly there-beyond.
- the drinking tumbler 2 is arranged to hold a liquid, e.g., a beverage, in its cavity 12 . Since the upper end of the inner vessel 6 is open, it serves as the mouth of the tumbler. That open mouth is arranged to accept (e.g., receive) a tubular portion of the lid 24 (to be described later) so that when the lid 24 is releasably secured to the exterior vessel 22 , with the drinking tumbler 2 located in the hollow enclosure formed between the interior surface of the vessel 22 and the lid 24 , the lid seals the interior cavity 12 of the tumbler to prevent any liquid leakage therefrom.
- a liquid e.g., a beverage
- the outer and inner vessels making up the tumbler are each formed of a transparent plastic.
- a decorative insert such as a wrap or sleeve (not shown), bearing some aesthetically pleasing design, e.g., a team logo, a flag, a cartoon character, etc., is located within the air space 8 so that it is visible through the wall 4 A of the tumbler.
- the exterior vessel 22 is best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and basically comprises a thin side wall 26 whose upper end is open and forms the mouth 28 of the vessel 22 .
- the lower end of the side wall 26 terminates at a bottom wall 30 located opposite the mouth 28 .
- the side wall 26 and the bottom wall 30 together define hollow cavity 32 arranged for receipt of the drinking tumbler 2 therein.
- the inner surface 26 A of the vessel 22 is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal central axis of the vessel 22 and is of a complementary shape to the exterior surface of the tumbler 2 so that when the tumbler 2 is located in the cavity 32 , there is very little clearance between the outer surface of the wall 4 A of the tumbler 2 and the inner surface of the side wall 26 of the exterior vessel 22 to enable the drinking tumbler to be readily inserted and removed from the exterior vessel.
- the exterior vessel and the lid could be sized to provide more than the exemplary minimal clearance between the drinking tumbler and the exterior vessel and thus provide another thermally insulating air-space therebetween. This air space provides additional thermal insulation for the tumbler 2 when it is disposed within the vessel 22 , other than the natural insulation provided by the material making up the exterior vessel.
- the wall thickness of the exterior vessel is kept to a minimum so that it can fit within conventional cup holders, such as found in automobiles, arm-rests, furniture, etc. By doing so it does not materially change the aesthetics of the drinking tumbler's shape.
- one of the functions of the housing assembly is to serve to protect the drinking tumbler from damage. That function can nevertheless be achieved with an exterior vessel whose side wall thickness is quite thin and which can be formed in a very low cost manner.
- the exterior vessel is formed of a plastic it can be in the range of 0.010-0.050 inch and can be blow molded.
- the exterior vessel is formed of aluminum it can be in the range of 0.003-0.020 inch and can be formed using a technique like that used to form the body of a soft drink can.
- the exterior vessel is formed of stainless steel it can be in the range of 0.010-0.045 inch and can be formed using any suitable forming technique.
- the lid 24 is arranged to be releasably secured to the exterior vessel 22 to close off its mouth 28 , and thus enclose the tumbler 2 within the cavity 32 .
- the lid 24 includes one connector component 34 A of a two component releasably securable connector assembly 34 .
- the upper end of the exterior vessel 22 adjacent its mouth 28 includes a cooperating connector component 34 B of the releasably securable connector assembly 34 .
- the connector component 34 A is arranged to be releasably secured to the connector component 34 B to thereby releasably secure the lid 24 to the exterior vessel 22 .
- the lid 24 is somewhat similar in construction to the travel lids sold by Tervis, except for the releasably securable connector assembly used.
- the lid basically comprises a body of circular profile having a central portion 36 and a downwardly projecting cylindrical side wall 38 .
- the central portion 36 is concave, e.g., has downwardly tapering wall sections 36 A terminating in a generally planar, albeit angled bottom wall section 36 B.
- An edge portion of the side wall 38 at the front of the lid projects upward and merges with the downwardly tapering front wall section 36 A thereat to form a lip 40 to facilitate drinking of a beverage through the lid.
- the lid includes an opening 42 in the planar section 36 B adjacent the lip 40 . That opening enables the beverage within the drinking tumbler to flow therethrough when the user wishes to drink the beverage.
- the tapering wall section 36 A at the lip 40 includes a channel 44 to direct the beverage to the lip and hence to the mouth of the user.
- a slidable cover 46 is provided to selectively close the opening 42 and to selectively expose the opening when desired.
- the cover is located in the central section 36 B and is arranged to be slid from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa.
- the underside of the cover includes a pair of rails 48 which extend through respective slots 50 in the central section 36 B to enable the cover to slide either toward or away from the lip 40 .
- the cover 46 When the cover 46 is in the open position furthest from the lip 40 , like shown in FIGS. 2 and 5-7 , it exposes the opening 42 in the lid.
- the cover Conversely, when the cover is in the closed position, not shown, closest to the lip it covers and seals the opening 42 in the lid.
- the cover includes a vent hole 52 in it.
- the central section 36 B also includes a vent hole 54 .
- the vent hole 52 in combination with the vent hole 54 enables ambient steam or carbon dioxide (as the case may be) to vent out of the drinking tumbler to the ambient atmosphere when a hot or carbonated beverage is located in the tumbler, thereby preventing an overpressure situation which could tend to cause a leak through the interface between the lid and the drinking tumbler.
- the vent hole 52 in combination with the vent hole 54 also enables ambient air to gain ingress into the interior of the drinking tumbler when the user is drinking from drinking tumbler in the housing assembly to thereby facilitate the drinking process.
- the lid 24 includes means forming a seal between it and the mouth of the drinking tumbler 2 to prevent the leakage of any liquid in the drinking tumbler through the interface at the seal. That means can take various forms, depending upon the shape of the drinking tumbler.
- the exemplary drinking tumbler 2 is shaped such that the inner surface of the inner vessel 6 at the open mouth 6 B tapers downward slightly in a direction from its open mouth towards the bottom wall 6 D.
- the lid makes use of two cylindrical walls projecting downward from the underside of the lid to engage respective portions of the inner surface of the inner vessel of the drinking tumbler to form respective fluid-tight seals thereat.
- a first cylindrical wall 56 extends downward from the undersurface of the lid a short radial distance from the outer peripheral side wall 38 .
- a second, and shorter height, cylindrical wall 48 extends downward from the undersurface of the lid between the outer peripheral side wall 38 and the cylindrical wall 56 .
- Each of the cylindrical walls 56 and 58 include a free edge (i.e., the bottom thereof). Portions of each of the cylindrical walls 56 and 58 adjacent their respective free ends are arranged to engage respective peripheral portions of the inner surface of the drinking tumbler at its open mouth to form two peripheral liquid-proof seals thereat.
- One such seal is at the juncture of the lower edge portion of the cylindrical wall 56 and its corresponding peripheral portion of the inner surface of the drinking tumbler 2 .
- the other such seal is at the juncture of the lower edge portion of the cylindrical wall 58 and its corresponding peripheral portion of the inner surface of the drinking tumbler 2 .
- the lid may make use of only one cylindrical wall to form only a single seal, or may use more than two cylindrical walls to form more than two cylindrical seals depending upon the application for the housing assembly.
- the bayonet connector component 34 B comprises plural, e.g., four, arcuate flanges 60 projecting outward from the outer surface of the exterior vessel 22 at the top end of its side wall 26 .
- the flanges 60 are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the side wall 26 and are coplanar, with each of the flanges being of the same thickness.
- the flanges 60 are arranged to cooperate with plural, e.g., four, similarly shaped arcuate flanges 62 of the lid 24 .
- the flanges 62 of the lid are coplanar and all of the same thickness. Each projects inward from the inner surface of the peripheral side wall 38 of the lid and they are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the side wall, with the spacing between each of the flanges 62 being of a sufficient length to receive respective ones of the flanges 60 of the vessel 22 .
- the lid 24 can be disposed on the exterior vessel with the flanges 62 of the lid aligned with the spaces between the flanges 60 of the exterior vessel 22 and with the flanges 6 of the exterior vessel 22 aligned with the spaces between the flanges 62 of the lid, and then the lid pressed down so that the coplanar flanges 62 of the lid 24 are below the coplanar flanges 60 of the exterior vessel 22 .
- the lid can be rotated slightly about the central longitudinal axis LCA to bring the flanges 62 of the lid under the flanges 60 of the exterior vessel, thereby releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel.
- the releasably securable connector assembly 34 can be in a form other than a bayonet type connector assembly.
- it can be in the form of a threaded connector assembly.
- FIG. 8 One exemplary threaded connector assembly is shown in FIG. 8 .
- the sidewall 38 of the lid 24 includes internal threads formed by plural flanges 62 ′ which are configured to threadedly engage corresponding external threads formed by plural flanges 60 ′ on the exterior vessel 22 .
- the flanges 60 ′ extend about the top end of the exterior vessel's side wall.
- the flanges 62 ′ are similar in construction to the flanges 62 except that instead of lying in a common plane which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis LCA, they are arranged in a spiral configuration extending at an acute angle to that axis.
- the flanges 60 ′ of the exterior vessel 22 are similar in construction to the flanges 60 except that instead of lying in a common plane which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis LCA, they are arranged in a spiral configuration extending at an acute angle to that axis.
- the flanges 60 ′ and 62 ′ can engage and slide with respect to each other to enable the lid 24 to be screwed onto the exterior vessel 22 .
- the side wall 38 of the lid could include an annular projection extending a short distance radially inward from the sidewall to engage, e.g., snap-fit to, the undersurface of the flange 6 C which as discussed above projects slightly outwardly radially from the outer surface of the drinking tumbler adjacent it upper end.
- Another releasably securable connector assembly that can be use may be in the form of an over-center clamp.
- the exterior vessel 22 can be formed of any suitable material, such as clear PET, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., depending upon the desired performance.
- clear PET can be used to enable the drinking tumbler, to be visible through the wall of the outer vessel, particularly if the tumbler is itself decorated, such as the decorative tumblers sold by Tervis.
- Any other suitable plastic materials can be used in place of PET and the vessel can be formed by any suitable technique, e.g., blow molding, injection molding, etc. If visibility of the tumbler is not desired through the exterior vessel, it can be formed of stainless steel or aluminum or some other metal.
- the use of such metal materials provides a sense that the assembled housing a drinking tumbler can readily accommodate hot beverages.
- Another potential benefit of the use of metal (or any opaque material) is that the outer surface can be decorated, e.g., it can be decorated with an alternative design to that used to decorate the drinking tumbler.
- the drinking tumbler can take various forms other than the exemplary embodiment shown. Thus, it could be a single walled structure. Moreover, it can be formed of any suitable material, be it plastic, metal, etc. In the exemplary embodiment it is formed of Eastman TritanTM copolyester sold by Eastman Chemical Company.
- the lid 24 is preferably formed of a similar material to that making up the prior art Tervis travel lid, or any other suitable material. Moreover, the lid need not include the various features described above so long as it includes some releasably securement assembly for releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel and some sealing means to form a water-tight seal between the lid and the drinking tumbler.
- the seal could be on the top of the drinking tumbler flange or on its outside diameter.
- the exterior vessel it too can take different constructions than that shown in FIGS. 1-7 , so long as it includes a sidewall defining a cavity in which a drinking tumbler can be disposed and including some releasably securable connector assembly adjacent its mouth to which a lid constructed in accordance with this invention can be secured.
- FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly 20 ′ constructed accordance with this invention making use of an alternative exterior vessel 22 ′.
- the alternative housing assembly 20 ′ includes the same lid 24 as described above, and the same drinking tumbler 2 disposed therein (although it can't be seen in FIG. 9 ).
- the same reference numbers will be used to designate the common components between the housing assembly 20 and the housing assembly 20 ′ and the details of the construction and operation of those components will not be reiterated.
- the exterior vessel 22 ′ includes a handle 100 projecting out from the exterior surface 26 of the exterior vessel. The handle serves to facilitate the lifting and orientation of the exterior vessel, and hence the drinking tumbler disposed therein.
- FIG. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly 20 ′′ constructed accordance with this invention making use of another alternative exterior vessel 22 ′′.
- the alternative housing assembly 20 ′ includes the same lid 24 as described above, and the same drinking tumbler 2 disposed therein (although it can't be seen in FIG. 10 ).
- the same reference numbers will be used to designate the common components between the housing assembly 20 and the housing assembly 20 ′′ and the details of the construction and operation of those components will not be reiterated.
- the exterior vessel 22 ′ includes a tab 102 projecting outward and upward from the exterior surface 26 of the exterior vessel adjacent its upper end.
- the tab 102 includes a hole or aperture 104 therein to enable a hook or some other component (not shown) to be extended through the opening to suspend the housing assembly 20 ′′ with the drinking tumbler therein onto any support member, e.g., a belt, some other garment, etc.
Abstract
Disclosed is a housing assembly for holding and enclosing a drinking tumbler and a vessel assembly formed thereby. The drinking tumbler comprises a hollow body having an inner surface with an open upper end. The housing assembly comprises an exterior vessel and a lid. The exterior vessel is hollow and has a side wall terminating in an open upper end and is configured to receive the drinking tumbler. The open upper end of the exterior vessel comprises a first component of a releasable securable connector assembly. The lid comprising a second component of the releasably securable connector assembly to releasably secured the lid to the exterior vessel by the engagement of the first and second component, whereupon a portion, e.g., at least one cylindrical wall, of the lid engages the drinking tumbler to seal the open upper end of the drinking tumbler.
Description
- This utility application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/096,029 filed on Dec. 23, 2014, entitled Housing Assembly for a Drinking Tumbler and Tripartite Drinking Vessel Resulting Therefrom, which is assigned to the same assignee as this invention and whose disclosure is incorporated by reference herein.
- “Not Applicable”
- “Not Applicable”
- This invention relates generally to containers and particularly to housing assemblies including a vessel and a lid for accommodating a drinking tumbler therein.
- Insulated drinking vessels, such as tumblers, commonly include an outer member or vessel in which an inner member or vessel is located, with the space between those vessels forming an insulating region surrounding the inner vessel. Those vessels are typically molded of plastic materials. Tumblers available from Tervis Tumbler Company (hereinafter “Tervis”), the assignee of the present invention, have gained wide customer acceptance due to their functionality, durability and aesthetics. With respect to aesthetics, many tumblers available from Tervis include wraps, decals, embroidered patches and other decorative materials located in the insulating space between the inner and outer vessels and visible through the transparent outer vessel.
- While such tumblers are eminently suitable for their intended use a need exists for a housing assembly to provide additional insulation for the tumbler, to render the tumbler spill and leak proof, which also protecting the tumbler from physical damage caused by scratching, impact, exposure to the sun and/or chemicals. The subject invention addresses those needs.
- In accordance with one aspect of this invention a housing assembly for holding and enclosing a drinking tumbler is provided. The drinking tumbler comprises a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end. The housing assembly comprises a hollow exterior vessel and a lid for the exterior vessel. The exterior vessel comprises a side wall bounding a cavity having an inner surface. The side wall has an open upper end. The exterior vessel is configured to receive the drinking tumbler within the cavity with the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler located closely adjacent the interior surface of the exterior vessel and with the open upper end of the drinking tumbler located closely adjacent the open upper end of the exterior vessel. The open upper end of the exterior vessel additionally comprises a first component of a releasable securable connector assembly, e.g., a bayonet connector assembly, a threaded connector assembly, a snap-connector assembly, etc. The lid comprises a second component of the releasably securable connector assembly. The lid is configured to be releasably secured to the exterior vessel by the engagement of the first component of the releasably securable connector assembly to the second component of the releasably securable connector assembly, whereupon a portion of the lid engages the drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of the drinking tumbler to seal the open the upper end of the drinking tumbler.
- In accordance with one aspect of this invention the lid comprises at least one downwardly extending annular wall, e.g., two concentric annular walls. The at least one annular wall is configured to tightly engage the interior surface of the drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
- In accordance with one exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention the first component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and the second component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member. The bayonet members are configured to be releasably connected together.
- In accordance with another exemplary preferred embodiment of this invention the first component of the releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded member and the second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded member. The threaded members are configured to be screwed together.
- In accordance with another aspect of this invention the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and the inner surface of the cavity is a surface of revolution of a general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler.
- In accordance with another aspect of this invention a tripartite vessel assembly for holding a liquid is provided.
-
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of one exemplary preferred embodiment of a housing assembly, including an exterior hollow vessel and a lid therefor constructed in accordance with this invention; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the housing assembly shown inFIG. 1 , shown with a conventional double walled drinking tumbler which is arranged to be held and enclosed in the housing assembly and with the lid and exterior vessel being configured for releasable securement together by a bayonet type connector assembly; -
FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view like that ofFIG. 2 , but partially in section to show the features of the housing assembly and the conventional doubled walled drinking tumbler; -
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the exterior hollow vessel shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the lid shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the lid shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 ofFIG. 6 ; -
FIG. 8 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of the housing assembly of this invention, which embodiment makes use of a threaded connector assembly for releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel; -
FIG. 9 is an isometric view of another exemplary preferred embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with this invention, that assembly including an exterior hollow vessel having a handle; and -
FIG. 10 is an isometric view of still another exemplary preferred embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with this invention, that assembly including an exterior hollow vessel having a hanger or loop tab. - Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is shown at 20 in
FIG. 1 one exemplary embodiment of a housing assembly constructed in accordance with this invention for holding and enclosing a drinking vessel, e.g., adrinking tumbler 2. That assembly constitutes one aspect of this invention. Another aspect of this invention is the vessel assembly resulting from the combination of the housing assembly and the drinking tumbler. - The housing assembly basically comprises an
exterior vessel 22 and alid 24. Theexterior vessel 22 is arranged to receive thedrinking tumbler 2 within it and thelid 24 is arranged to be releasably secured to the exterior vessel. - As mentioned above the housing assembly is configured to provide additional insulation for the drinking tumbler, while also protecting it from physical damage caused by scratching, impact, exposure to the sun and/or chemicals, etc. Moreover, the housing assembly renders the drink tumbler spill and leak proof when disposed within it. In this regard, as will be seen from the discussion to follow, the configuration of the lid and the manner that it releasably secures to the exterior vessel and the manner that it seals the interior of the drinking tumbler prevents the egress of liquid from the interior of the enclosed drinking vessel. Such action could occur in the event of increased internal pressure resulting from a hot or carbonated beverage within the drinking tumbler.
- Before describing the details of the housing assembly a brief description of the
drinking tumbler 2 is in order. Thetumbler 2 can be of any suitable construction, although it is preferred to be a double walled, insulated tumbler. One exemplary one is that shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , and is constructed similarly to those 16 oz. decorated tumblers currently available from Tervis. Thus, theexemplary drinking tumbler 2 basically comprises a plasticouter vessel 4, a plasticinner vessel 6, and an insulating air space 8 (FIG. 3 ) located therebetween. A decorative wrap (not shown) is located in theair space 8 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the drinking tumbler. Theouter vessel 4 of the drinking tumbler comprises aside wall 4A whose outer surface is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal central axis LCA of thevessel 4 and terminates in a planartop surface 4B (FIG. 3 ) defining an open upper end of the vessel. Theside wall 4A of thevessel 4 terminates at abottom wall 4D located opposite the open upper end of the vessel. Theside wall 4A and thebottom wall 4D together define hollow cavity of thevessel 4. It is in this hollow cavity that theinner vessel 6 is located. - The
inner vessel 6 comprises a side wall 6A whose outer surface is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal central axis LCA and terminates in anopen end 6B having an outwardly extendingperipheral flange 6C. The side wall 6A of thevessel 6 terminates at abottom wall 6D located opposite the open upper end of thevessel 6. The side wall 6A and thebottom wall 6D together definehollow cavity 12. The undersurface of theflange 6C of theinner vessel 6 is disposed on top of the planartop surface 4B of theouter vessel 4 and those confronting surfaces are secured, e.g., ultrasonically welded, together thereat, thereby securing the twovessels annular air space 8 between the inner and outer vessels. The outer diameter of the flange 6 c is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the exterior surface of thevessel 4, so that the flange extends slightly there-beyond. - The
drinking tumbler 2 is arranged to hold a liquid, e.g., a beverage, in itscavity 12. Since the upper end of theinner vessel 6 is open, it serves as the mouth of the tumbler. That open mouth is arranged to accept (e.g., receive) a tubular portion of the lid 24 (to be described later) so that when thelid 24 is releasably secured to theexterior vessel 22, with thedrinking tumbler 2 located in the hollow enclosure formed between the interior surface of thevessel 22 and thelid 24, the lid seals theinterior cavity 12 of the tumbler to prevent any liquid leakage therefrom. - In accordance with a preferred embodiment of this invention, the outer and inner vessels making up the tumbler are each formed of a transparent plastic. As mentioned earlier, a decorative insert, such as a wrap or sleeve (not shown), bearing some aesthetically pleasing design, e.g., a team logo, a flag, a cartoon character, etc., is located within the
air space 8 so that it is visible through thewall 4A of the tumbler. - The
exterior vessel 22 is best seen inFIGS. 2 and 3 and basically comprises athin side wall 26 whose upper end is open and forms themouth 28 of thevessel 22. The lower end of theside wall 26 terminates at abottom wall 30 located opposite themouth 28. Theside wall 26 and thebottom wall 30 together definehollow cavity 32 arranged for receipt of thedrinking tumbler 2 therein. In particular, theinner surface 26A of thevessel 22 is a very slightly curved surface of revolution about the longitudinal central axis of thevessel 22 and is of a complementary shape to the exterior surface of thetumbler 2 so that when thetumbler 2 is located in thecavity 32, there is very little clearance between the outer surface of thewall 4A of thetumbler 2 and the inner surface of theside wall 26 of theexterior vessel 22 to enable the drinking tumbler to be readily inserted and removed from the exterior vessel. It should be noted that if desired, the exterior vessel and the lid could be sized to provide more than the exemplary minimal clearance between the drinking tumbler and the exterior vessel and thus provide another thermally insulating air-space therebetween. This air space provides additional thermal insulation for thetumbler 2 when it is disposed within thevessel 22, other than the natural insulation provided by the material making up the exterior vessel. - In accordance with one exemplary preferred aspect of this invention the wall thickness of the exterior vessel is kept to a minimum so that it can fit within conventional cup holders, such as found in automobiles, arm-rests, furniture, etc. By doing so it does not materially change the aesthetics of the drinking tumbler's shape.
- As pointed out above one of the functions of the housing assembly is to serve to protect the drinking tumbler from damage. That function can nevertheless be achieved with an exterior vessel whose side wall thickness is quite thin and which can be formed in a very low cost manner. For example, if the exterior vessel is formed of a plastic it can be in the range of 0.010-0.050 inch and can be blow molded. If the exterior vessel is formed of aluminum it can be in the range of 0.003-0.020 inch and can be formed using a technique like that used to form the body of a soft drink can. If the exterior vessel is formed of stainless steel it can be in the range of 0.010-0.045 inch and can be formed using any suitable forming technique.
- As mentioned above, the
lid 24 is arranged to be releasably secured to theexterior vessel 22 to close off itsmouth 28, and thus enclose thetumbler 2 within thecavity 32. To that end, thelid 24 includes oneconnector component 34A of a two component releasablysecurable connector assembly 34. The upper end of theexterior vessel 22 adjacent itsmouth 28 includes a cooperatingconnector component 34B of the releasablysecurable connector assembly 34. Theconnector component 34A is arranged to be releasably secured to theconnector component 34B to thereby releasably secure thelid 24 to theexterior vessel 22. - Before describing in detail the structure of the releasably
securable connector assembly 34, a brief description of thelid 24 is in order. To that end, as best seen inFIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 7 , the lid is somewhat similar in construction to the travel lids sold by Tervis, except for the releasably securable connector assembly used. To that end, the lid basically comprises a body of circular profile having acentral portion 36 and a downwardly projectingcylindrical side wall 38. Thecentral portion 36 is concave, e.g., has downwardly taperingwall sections 36A terminating in a generally planar, albeit angledbottom wall section 36B. An edge portion of theside wall 38 at the front of the lid projects upward and merges with the downwardly taperingfront wall section 36A thereat to form alip 40 to facilitate drinking of a beverage through the lid. The lid includes anopening 42 in theplanar section 36B adjacent thelip 40. That opening enables the beverage within the drinking tumbler to flow therethrough when the user wishes to drink the beverage. To facilitate that action the taperingwall section 36A at thelip 40 includes achannel 44 to direct the beverage to the lip and hence to the mouth of the user. - A
slidable cover 46 is provided to selectively close theopening 42 and to selectively expose the opening when desired. The cover is located in thecentral section 36B and is arranged to be slid from a closed position to an open position, and vice versa. To that end the underside of the cover includes a pair of rails 48 which extend through respective slots 50 in thecentral section 36B to enable the cover to slide either toward or away from thelip 40. When thecover 46 is in the open position furthest from thelip 40, like shown inFIGS. 2 and 5-7 , it exposes theopening 42 in the lid. Conversely, when the cover is in the closed position, not shown, closest to the lip it covers and seals theopening 42 in the lid. The cover includes avent hole 52 in it. Thecentral section 36B also includes a vent hole 54. Thevent hole 52 in combination with the vent hole 54 enables ambient steam or carbon dioxide (as the case may be) to vent out of the drinking tumbler to the ambient atmosphere when a hot or carbonated beverage is located in the tumbler, thereby preventing an overpressure situation which could tend to cause a leak through the interface between the lid and the drinking tumbler. Thevent hole 52 in combination with the vent hole 54 also enables ambient air to gain ingress into the interior of the drinking tumbler when the user is drinking from drinking tumbler in the housing assembly to thereby facilitate the drinking process. - As will be described in the discussion to follow, the
lid 24 includes means forming a seal between it and the mouth of thedrinking tumbler 2 to prevent the leakage of any liquid in the drinking tumbler through the interface at the seal. That means can take various forms, depending upon the shape of the drinking tumbler. Theexemplary drinking tumbler 2 is shaped such that the inner surface of theinner vessel 6 at theopen mouth 6B tapers downward slightly in a direction from its open mouth towards thebottom wall 6D. As such, the lid makes use of two cylindrical walls projecting downward from the underside of the lid to engage respective portions of the inner surface of the inner vessel of the drinking tumbler to form respective fluid-tight seals thereat. In particular, as best seen inFIGS. 3 and 7 , a firstcylindrical wall 56 extends downward from the undersurface of the lid a short radial distance from the outerperipheral side wall 38. A second, and shorter height, cylindrical wall 48 extends downward from the undersurface of the lid between the outerperipheral side wall 38 and thecylindrical wall 56. Each of thecylindrical walls cylindrical walls cylindrical wall 56 and its corresponding peripheral portion of the inner surface of thedrinking tumbler 2. The other such seal is at the juncture of the lower edge portion of thecylindrical wall 58 and its corresponding peripheral portion of the inner surface of thedrinking tumbler 2. - It should be pointed out at this juncture that while the preferred embodiment of this invention makes use of two cylindrical walls to form two peripheral seals between the
lid 24 and thedrinking tumbler 2, it is contemplated that the lid may make use of only one cylindrical wall to form only a single seal, or may use more than two cylindrical walls to form more than two cylindrical seals depending upon the application for the housing assembly. - Turning now to
FIGS. 2-5 and 7 , the details of the twocomponent connector assembly 34 will now be described. That assembly can take various forms. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2-5 and 7 , it may be in the form of bayonet type connector assembly comprising two cooperatingbayonet connector components bayonet connector component 34B comprises plural, e.g., four,arcuate flanges 60 projecting outward from the outer surface of theexterior vessel 22 at the top end of itsside wall 26. Theflanges 60 are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of theside wall 26 and are coplanar, with each of the flanges being of the same thickness. Theflanges 60 are arranged to cooperate with plural, e.g., four, similarly shapedarcuate flanges 62 of thelid 24. Theflanges 62 of the lid are coplanar and all of the same thickness. Each projects inward from the inner surface of theperipheral side wall 38 of the lid and they are equidistantly spaced about the periphery of the side wall, with the spacing between each of theflanges 62 being of a sufficient length to receive respective ones of theflanges 60 of thevessel 22. Thus, thelid 24 can be disposed on the exterior vessel with theflanges 62 of the lid aligned with the spaces between theflanges 60 of theexterior vessel 22 and with theflanges 6 of theexterior vessel 22 aligned with the spaces between theflanges 62 of the lid, and then the lid pressed down so that thecoplanar flanges 62 of thelid 24 are below thecoplanar flanges 60 of theexterior vessel 22. At that point the lid can be rotated slightly about the central longitudinal axis LCA to bring theflanges 62 of the lid under theflanges 60 of the exterior vessel, thereby releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel. To remove the lid all that is required is to rotate the lid with respect to the exterior vessel until theflanges 62 of the lid are aligned with the spaces between theflanges 60 of the exterior vessel and then lift the lid off of the exterior vessel in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis. - It should be noted at this juncture that the releasably
securable connector assembly 34 can be in a form other than a bayonet type connector assembly. For example, it can be in the form of a threaded connector assembly. One exemplary threaded connector assembly is shown inFIG. 8 . In that assembly thesidewall 38 of thelid 24 includes internal threads formed byplural flanges 62′ which are configured to threadedly engage corresponding external threads formed byplural flanges 60′ on theexterior vessel 22. Theflanges 60′ extend about the top end of the exterior vessel's side wall. As can be seen, theflanges 62′ are similar in construction to theflanges 62 except that instead of lying in a common plane which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis LCA, they are arranged in a spiral configuration extending at an acute angle to that axis. Likewise theflanges 60′ of theexterior vessel 22 are similar in construction to theflanges 60 except that instead of lying in a common plane which is perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis LCA, they are arranged in a spiral configuration extending at an acute angle to that axis. Thus, theflanges 60′ and 62′ can engage and slide with respect to each other to enable thelid 24 to be screwed onto theexterior vessel 22. - Other types of releasably securable connectors can be used, as well. For example, the
side wall 38 of the lid could include an annular projection extending a short distance radially inward from the sidewall to engage, e.g., snap-fit to, the undersurface of theflange 6C which as discussed above projects slightly outwardly radially from the outer surface of the drinking tumbler adjacent it upper end. Another releasably securable connector assembly that can be use may be in the form of an over-center clamp. The foregoing are but a few examples of many types of releasably securable connector assemblies that can be used to releasably secure the lid to the exterior vessel, and to ensure that once secured it is resistant to accidental disconnection (such as could occur by the build-up of pressure within the drinking vessel holding a hot or carbonated beverage), but can be readily disconnected when desired. - The
exterior vessel 22 can be formed of any suitable material, such as clear PET, stainless steel, aluminum, etc., depending upon the desired performance. For example clear PET can be used to enable the drinking tumbler, to be visible through the wall of the outer vessel, particularly if the tumbler is itself decorated, such as the decorative tumblers sold by Tervis. Any other suitable plastic materials can be used in place of PET and the vessel can be formed by any suitable technique, e.g., blow molding, injection molding, etc. If visibility of the tumbler is not desired through the exterior vessel, it can be formed of stainless steel or aluminum or some other metal. The use of such metal materials provides a sense that the assembled housing a drinking tumbler can readily accommodate hot beverages. Another potential benefit of the use of metal (or any opaque material) is that the outer surface can be decorated, e.g., it can be decorated with an alternative design to that used to decorate the drinking tumbler. - It should be noted that the drinking tumbler can take various forms other than the exemplary embodiment shown. Thus, it could be a single walled structure. Moreover, it can be formed of any suitable material, be it plastic, metal, etc. In the exemplary embodiment it is formed of Eastman Tritan™ copolyester sold by Eastman Chemical Company. The
lid 24 is preferably formed of a similar material to that making up the prior art Tervis travel lid, or any other suitable material. Moreover, the lid need not include the various features described above so long as it includes some releasably securement assembly for releasably securing the lid to the exterior vessel and some sealing means to form a water-tight seal between the lid and the drinking tumbler. By way of example, and not of limitation, the seal could be on the top of the drinking tumbler flange or on its outside diameter. With respect to the exterior vessel, it too can take different constructions than that shown inFIGS. 1-7 , so long as it includes a sidewall defining a cavity in which a drinking tumbler can be disposed and including some releasably securable connector assembly adjacent its mouth to which a lid constructed in accordance with this invention can be secured. - For example,
FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of ahousing assembly 20′ constructed accordance with this invention making use of analternative exterior vessel 22′. Thealternative housing assembly 20′ includes thesame lid 24 as described above, and thesame drinking tumbler 2 disposed therein (although it can't be seen inFIG. 9 ). Thus, in the interest of brevity the same reference numbers will be used to designate the common components between thehousing assembly 20 and thehousing assembly 20′ and the details of the construction and operation of those components will not be reiterated. As can be seen inFIG. 9 , theexterior vessel 22′ includes ahandle 100 projecting out from theexterior surface 26 of the exterior vessel. The handle serves to facilitate the lifting and orientation of the exterior vessel, and hence the drinking tumbler disposed therein. -
FIG. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of ahousing assembly 20″ constructed accordance with this invention making use of anotheralternative exterior vessel 22″. Thealternative housing assembly 20′ includes thesame lid 24 as described above, and thesame drinking tumbler 2 disposed therein (although it can't be seen inFIG. 10 ). Thus, in the interest of brevity the same reference numbers will be used to designate the common components between thehousing assembly 20 and thehousing assembly 20″ and the details of the construction and operation of those components will not be reiterated. As can be seen inFIG. 10 , theexterior vessel 22′ includes atab 102 projecting outward and upward from theexterior surface 26 of the exterior vessel adjacent its upper end. Thetab 102 includes a hole oraperture 104 therein to enable a hook or some other component (not shown) to be extended through the opening to suspend thehousing assembly 20″ with the drinking tumbler therein onto any support member, e.g., a belt, some other garment, etc. - Without further elaboration the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current or future knowledge, adopt the same for use under various conditions of service.
Claims (18)
1. A housing assembly for holding and enclosing a drinking tumbler, the drinking tumbler comprising a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end, said housing assembly comprising a hollow exterior vessel and a lid therefor, said exterior vessel comprising a side wall bounding a cavity having an inner surface, said side wall having an open upper end, said exterior vessel being configured to receive the drinking tumbler within said cavity with the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler located closely adjacent said interior surface of said exterior vessel and with the open upper end of the drinking tumbler located closely adjacent said open upper end of said exterior vessel, said open upper end of said exterior vessel additionally comprising a first component of a releasable securable connector assembly, said lid comprising a second component of said releasably securable connector assembly, said lid being configured to be releasably secured to said exterior vessel by the engagement of said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly to said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly, whereupon a portion of said lid engages said drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of the drinking tumbler to seal the open upper end of the drinking tumbler.
2. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said lid comprises at least one downwardly extending cylindrical wall, said at least one cylindrical wall being configured to tightly engage the interior surface of the drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
3. The housing assembly of claim 2 wherein said at least one cylindrical wall comprises two concentric cylindrical walls, each of said cylindrical walls having a free end, with a portion each cylindrical wall adjacent its free end being configured to engage a corresponding portion of the inner surface of the drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
4. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably connected together.
5. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed together.
6. The housing claim 2 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably connected together.
7. The housing assembly of claim 2 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed together.
8. The housing assembly of claim 1 wherein the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein said inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler.
9. The housing assembly of claim 2 wherein the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein said inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler.
10. A vessel assembly for holding a liquid, said assembly comprising a drinking tumbler, an exterior vessel, and a lid, said drinking tumbler comprising a hollow body having a longitudinal axis, an exterior surface, an inner surface and an open upper end, said exterior vessel comprising a side wall bounding a cavity having an inner surface, said side wall having an open upper end, said exterior vessel being configured to receive said drinking tumbler within said cavity with said exterior surface of said drinking tumbler located closely adjacent said interior surface of said exterior vessel and with said open upper end of said drinking tumbler located closely adjacent said open upper end of said exterior vessel, said open upper end of said exterior vessel additionally comprising a first component of a releasable securable connector assembly, said lid comprising a second component of said releasably securable connector assembly, said lid being configured to be releasably secured to said exterior vessel by the engagement of said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly to said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly, whereupon a portion of said lid engages said drinking tumbler adjacent the open upper end of said drinking tumbler to seal said open upper end of said drinking tumbler.
11. The vessel assembly of claim 10 wherein said lid comprises at least one downwardly extending cylindrical wall, said at least one cylindrical wall being configured to tightly engage said interior surface of said drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
12. The vessel assembly of claim 11 wherein said at least one cylindrical wall comprises two concentric cylindrical walls, each of said cylindrical walls having a free end, with a portion each cylindrical wall adjacent its free end being configured to engage a corresponding portion of said inner surface of said drinking tumbler to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
13. The vessel assembly of claim 10 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably connected together.
14. The vessel assembly of claim 10 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed together.
15. The vessel assembly claim 11 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a bayonet member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary bayonet member, said bayonet members being configured to be releasably connected together.
16. The vessel assembly of claim 11 wherein said first component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a threaded member and wherein said second component of said releasably securable connector assembly comprises a complementary threaded member, said threaded members being configured to be screwed together.
17. The housing assembly of claim 10 wherein the exterior surface of said drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein said inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a general complementary shape to said exterior surface of said drinking tumbler.
18. The housing assembly of claim 11 wherein the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler is a surface of revolution, and wherein said inner surface of said cavity is a surface of revolution of a general complementary shape to the exterior surface of the drinking tumbler.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US14/974,304 US20160174743A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2015-12-18 | Housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom |
PCT/US2015/067032 WO2016106187A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2015-12-21 | Housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201462096029P | 2014-12-23 | 2014-12-23 | |
US14/974,304 US20160174743A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2015-12-18 | Housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom |
Publications (1)
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US20160174743A1 true US20160174743A1 (en) | 2016-06-23 |
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Family Applications (1)
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US14/974,304 Abandoned US20160174743A1 (en) | 2014-12-23 | 2015-12-18 | Housing assembly for a drinking tumbler and tripartite drinking vessel resulting therefrom |
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US (1) | US20160174743A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2016106187A1 (en) |
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USD820044S1 (en) | 2016-11-15 | 2018-06-12 | Plan D Partners, Inc. | Drinking cup with lid |
USD873617S1 (en) * | 2018-12-03 | 2020-01-28 | b.box for kids developments Pty Ltd. | Drinking cup |
USD873610S1 (en) * | 2017-12-19 | 2020-01-28 | Healthy Human, Llc | Insulated tumbler with lid |
USD896575S1 (en) * | 2020-03-09 | 2020-09-22 | Shenzhenshi Baozhixia Keji youxiangongsi | Lid for beverage container |
USD898519S1 (en) * | 2018-02-06 | 2020-10-13 | Angelcare Feeding Usa, Llc | Cup assembly |
US11089892B2 (en) | 2019-12-20 | 2021-08-17 | Nicholas Michael Manochio | Cylindrical container |
US20210369023A1 (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2021-12-02 | Scube Gift Pte. Ltd. | Thermobottle |
USD948288S1 (en) * | 2020-04-13 | 2022-04-12 | Thermos L.L.C. | Tumbler |
USD948947S1 (en) * | 2020-01-29 | 2022-04-19 | The Decor Corporation Pty. Ltd. | Reusable cup base |
USD998417S1 (en) * | 2020-02-27 | 2023-09-12 | Green Menu Inc. | Reusable cup |
USD1021541S1 (en) * | 2022-04-11 | 2024-04-09 | The Coleman Company, Inc. | Beverage container |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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WO2016106187A1 (en) | 2016-06-30 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TERVIS TUMBLER COMPANY, FLORIDA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CHILDS, DANIEL;REEL/FRAME:037341/0764 Effective date: 20150210 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |