US20180215496A1 - Germ-free metallic container apparatus and method of fabrication - Google Patents
Germ-free metallic container apparatus and method of fabrication Download PDFInfo
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- US20180215496A1 US20180215496A1 US15/418,797 US201715418797A US2018215496A1 US 20180215496 A1 US20180215496 A1 US 20180215496A1 US 201715418797 A US201715418797 A US 201715418797A US 2018215496 A1 US2018215496 A1 US 2018215496A1
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- Prior art keywords
- stainless
- thickness
- base portion
- rim surface
- vertical boundary
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/40—Details of walls
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A47G19/2205—Drinking glasses or vessels
- A47G19/2266—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids
- A47G19/2272—Means for facilitating drinking, e.g. for infants or invalids from drinking glasses or cups comprising lids or covers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D22/00—Shaping without cutting, by stamping, spinning, or deep-drawing
- B21D22/02—Stamping using rigid devices or tools
- B21D22/022—Stamping using rigid devices or tools by heating the blank or stamping associated with heat treatment
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D51/00—Making hollow objects
- B21D51/16—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects
- B21D51/26—Making hollow objects characterised by the use of the objects cans or tins; Closing same in a permanent manner
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/22—Boxes or like containers with side walls of substantial depth for enclosing contents
- B65D1/26—Thin-walled containers, e.g. formed by deep-drawing operations
- B65D1/265—Drinking cups
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
- B65D43/0204—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections
- B65D43/0212—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element secured by snapping over beads or projections only on the outside, or a part turned to the outside, of the mouth
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2543/00—Lids or covers essentially for box-like containers
- B65D2543/00009—Details of lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D2543/00444—Contact between the container and the lid
- B65D2543/00481—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container
- B65D2543/00537—Contact between the container and the lid on the inside or the outside of the container on the outside, or a part turned to the outside of the mouth of the container
Definitions
- the present embodiments relate to a germ-free metallic container apparatus, and to a germ-free metallic container apparatus comprised of a durable 18 / 8 stainless-steel material with a 1.0-millimeter-thick elliptical rim surface which provides enhanced comfort, safety and an optimal seal when pressed against the lips of the user.
- stainless-steel water bottles and containers have been used for decades but have always been much more expensive and difficult to find.
- Most stainless-steel cups contain a rolled rim further depicted in FIG. 1A which is difficult from clean and often traps microorganism and contaminates within the voids between the rim and wall surfaces.
- the unsanitary design requires the user to clean these voids with a toothbrush to reduce the trapped contaminates.
- Embodiments described herein provide a germ-free metallic container apparatus which provides a sterile germ-free environment to the contents of a cylindrically shaped and polished 18/8 stainless-steel container having an elliptical rim surface with a thickness of at least 1.0 millimeters and protruding edge which prevents excessive air ingestion to the user and prevents an accumulation of debris around the rim region.
- the elliptical rim surface is comprised of an 18/8 crystalized stainless-steel material which extends to the first perimeter and forms nearly a right angle with the vertical boundary which prevents the accumulation of bacteria along the bottom side of the elliptical rim surface.
- the apparatus is designed with at least a 1.0-millimeter diameter elliptical rim region which narrows at the sidewalls to approximately 0.6 millimeter and further widens at the base region to provide stability when placed on a flat surface.
- the partially curved rim design with an enhanced thickness at the elliptical rim surface provides an optimal seal when placed against the lips of the user for drinking, and prevents any bacteria from accumulating under the rim.
- the crystallized 18/8 stainless-steel material provides greater durability and inhibits bacteria growth under the rim region.
- a method of fabrication including selecting and rolling the 18/8 crystallized stainless-steel material into a monolayer of material. Once slit, a uniform layer of oil lubricant is applied to the apparatus to aid in the eventual three-stage stretching of the material until a final form factor is achieved. If the preferred height (40-43 mm) is not obtained after the first two stages of the stretching forming process, the stainless-steel material is heated to a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit for at least twenty minutes, cooled for a pre-determined period and re-stretched for the third time.
- the material is placed within a concave/convex mold to ensure a uniform first, second, and third thickness at the elliptical rim, sidewall region, and base portion respectively.
- the material is then edge cut to form the substantially elliptical and outward extending rim surface which will be further polished and sanded until a smooth surface is achieved.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a germ-free metallic container apparatus
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the substantially elliptical rim surface and vertical boundary
- FIG. 1B provides a view of a plurality of traditional rim constructions
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus
- FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of fabrication.
- FIG. 1 [[C]] B are both eastern and western container construction which show either an indefinite rim region or a pronounced “rolled rim.”
- Traditional eastern construction was designed using low durometer and thin material (approximately 0.4 millimeters) which provided a basic structure with a vertical sidewall which protrudes outward to form a sharp rim region which was often used to merely pour liquids.
- these basic designs were adopted in Western cultures and pressed against the lips of the user, they often lead to injuries and failed to provide a uniform seal with the user's mouth. Further, their thinly constructed containers would often become damaged or deformed when dropped.
- the embodiments provided include a germ-free metallic container apparatus comprised of a stainless-steel material having a vertical boundary and elliptical lid surface that is mouth contoured to minimize air ingestion to the user and provides an edge to allow a cup lid to be releasably attached.
- the stainless-steel and smooth inner surface provide a sterile environment by eliminating any cracks, edges, or crevices that form along the interior of the container.
- the hand polished and edged cut container prevents bacteria accumulation along the surface of the container and enable an optimal seal when placed against the lips of the user.
- the elongated and slender shaped sidewall further allows user to stack containers on top of one another without the worry of cross-contamination from debris accumulated in traditional unpolished designs.
- FIG. 1 a perspective view of a germ-free metallic container apparatus 10 .
- the apparatus 10 includes an elliptical rim surface 12 at the top end of the apparatus 14 with a horizontally protruding edge 16 forming a right angle 18 with the vertical boundary 20 .
- the vertical boundary 20 which defines a first perimeter 21 is affixed to the crystallized sidewall portion 24 at a first junction 22 .
- the contoured neck region 23 mechanically connects the first junction 22 with a first end of the crystallized sidewall portion 24 which extends at a downward angle to a base portion 25 at the second end 26 .
- FIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the apparatus 10 fabricated in accordance with the invention, such a container may be constructed in a number of varying shapes and configurations using a single (i.e., monolayer) or multiple sheets of stainless-steel material affixed in a disc-shaped orientation.
- the elliptical rim surface 12 is substantially elliptical and perpendicular to a vertical axis 30 which runs in the longitudinal direction from the base portion 25 .
- a protruding edge 16 defines the first perimeter 21 and further includes a vertical boundary 20 which is parallel to the vertical axis 30 and forms a right angle with the elliptical rim surface 12 .
- the protruding edge 16 is further dimensioned to releasably accept a non-threaded enclosure such as a spill-proof lid which may be secured to the top end of the apparatus 14 about the first perimeter 21 to form a hermetic seal and prevents any contents of the apparatus 10 from spilling.
- One of the objects of the preferred embodiments is to provide an optimal level surface to form a hermetic seal with a releasably attached lid and provide right angled edges to provide an anchor for the bottom side of the lid.
- the configuration of the elliptical rim surface 12 prevents excessive air ingestion by providing an even elliptical surface which forms an ideal seal with the lips and mouth of a user when drinking from the container which is not found with traditional rim designs.
- the contoured neck region 23 which depends on the elliptical rim surface 12 .
- the sidewall 24 extends from the first junction 22 through the neck region 23 to the second end 26 and base portion 25 .
- the sidewall 24 are constructed from a stainless-steel material with a first uniform diameter 33 . While the sidewall 23 are illustrated within the preferred embodiments as a single monolayer sheet which has been die cast, the construction contemplates a plurality of different sized container which may be constructed of a single continuous sheet or plurality of disc-shaped sheets affixed to one another.
- the base portion 25 is cylindrically shaped with a closed base portion 25 which provides enhanced stability to the apparatus 10 by compressing the sidewall 24 and constructing the base portion 25 with a second and thicker diameter than the first uniform diameter 33 .
- the base portion includes a horizontally elliptical bottom surface 34 which is substantially perpendicular to the vertical axis 30 and defines the narrower second perimeter of the apparatus 35 .
- the base portion also includes a curved edge 36 at the intersection of the sidewall 24 and elliptical bottom surface 34 . In practice, both the elliptical rim surface 12 and horizontal bottom surface 34 are parallel to one another but may include a variation of fewer than two degrees from “absolute” parallel.
- the base portion 25 further is comprised of second uniform diameter 37 which is wider than the first uniform thickness 33 of the sidewall 24 .
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the elliptical rim surface 12 including the neck region 23 and sidewall 24 . Further illustrated in FIG. 1A is the horizontally protruding edge 16 and vertical boundary 20 which enable the user to releasably attach a non-threaded lid covers by depressing the bottom surface of the lid against the top end of the apparatus 14 until popped into position.
- the horizontally protruding edge 16 and vertical boundary 20 design enable for a hermetic seal to be formed about the elliptical rim surface 12 .
- FIG. 1B is a view of traditional rims with children's drinking cups including a folded, rolled, and elongated design. These traditional designs used for comparison illustrate the difficulty in cleaning around the crevices of the rolled and folded design. While the elongated design has a dangerous spike tip which may be inadvertently bitten or fall onto.
- FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus 10 in the upright position with a lower center of gravity.
- the apparatus 10 and protruding edge 16 provide a sterile environment to the contents of the apparatus 10 by providing a polished inside surface 28 which is prevalent in traditional disposable and rolled-rim containers.
- FIG. 3 a flowchart illustrating a method of fabrication of the germ-free metallic container apparatus 10 according to the presented embodiments of FIG. 1-3 .
- the method includes selecting a monolayer stainless-steel sheet 300 .
- the preferred embodiments provide for an 18/8 stainless-steel material which is initially cut 301 into a pre-dimensioned monolayer using a rolling slit machine for better handling. Once the sheet of stainless-steel is cut to specification 301 , it is then inspected for latent damage and defects. If satisfactory, the stainless-steel monolayer (i.e., sheet) is sprayed 302 with a painting oil lubricant until an even film has formed along the sheet's exterior surface.
- the sheet is then subjected to a three-stage longitudinal stretch forming process using a stretch press or form die in conjunction with gripping jaws 303 .
- the sheet is then subjected to the second stage stretching 304 in an attempt to reach the preferred height. If the preferred height is not obtained after the second stage stretching 304 , the sheet is heated to a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit 305 for a period of at least twenty minutes while third stage stretching 306 is performed until the preferred height is obtained.
- the sheet is then cooled 306 and re-inserted within a die for final balancing and shaping under continuous pressure.
- the apparatus 10 is then edge cut 308 and deburred 309 to ensure any edge deviation is eliminated. Once edge cut 308 , the apparatus 10 is then sanded 310 and hand polished using a plurality of emery cloths to remove any fine burrs or scratches from the surface of the apparatus 10 .
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Abstract
Embodiments described herein include a germ-free metallic container apparatus including an elliptical surface rim with a protruding horizontal edge and vertical boundary defining a first perimeter. The stainless-steel apparatus includes a first uniformly thick sidewall section and closed base portion at the second end which further defines a second perimeter. The base portion includes a second uniformly thick diameter which lowers the center of gravity and provides stability to the container in the upright position. The inside and outside surface is polished preventing the accumulation of bacteria and contaminants regularly found along the uneven edges within traditional beverage containers.
Description
- The present embodiments relate to a germ-free metallic container apparatus, and to a germ-free metallic container apparatus comprised of a durable 18/8 stainless-steel material with a 1.0-millimeter-thick elliptical rim surface which provides enhanced comfort, safety and an optimal seal when pressed against the lips of the user.
- In today's fast-paced society and health-centric society people are making a transition from traditional plastic containers, baby bottles, bakeware, and cookware, as the dangers of BPA and BPS. While glass containers are a chemical free alternative, they carry risk of injury from chipping and breakage. Many families have made a transition to stainless-steel cups as a quick solution to avoid the dangers associated with leaching in plastics and breakage from glass. However, there are risks associated with some metallic cups designs that many families have encountered.
- Stainless-steel water bottles and containers have been used for decades but have always been much more expensive and difficult to find. Most stainless-steel cups contain a rolled rim further depicted in
FIG. 1A which is difficult from clean and often traps microorganism and contaminates within the voids between the rim and wall surfaces. The unsanitary design requires the user to clean these voids with a toothbrush to reduce the trapped contaminates. However, it is nearly impossible to completely remove the contaminants or properly sanitize rolled and crimped metallic rims. - Traditional rolled rim configurations fail to form a hermetic seal with the user's lips, leading to excessive air ingestions. In addition to these traditional configurations, some metallic designs contain sharp or thin edge designs which injure a user depressed to hard against a user's lips.
- Further stainless-steel designs share the same issues with the rim but are further comprised of a thin and easily dented stainless-steel that is susceptible to deforming if dropped. These basic designs often have weight and balance issues which lead to the cup easily tipping over and being further damaged.
- Currently, there are several container device and apparatus which provide a germ-free environment to at least a surface of said container. Specifically, U.S. Pat. No. 8,960,476 to Nurse; U.S. Pat. App. No. 2004/0022674 to Thurk; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,889,832 to Gabele. Though each of these references discloses certain aspects and utility associated with providing a germ-free container, they fail to provide a unique elliptical rim surface with a metallic construction which enables a germ-free environment and prevents excessive air ingestion to the mouth of a user while drinking.
- Embodiments described herein provide a germ-free metallic container apparatus which provides a sterile germ-free environment to the contents of a cylindrically shaped and polished 18/8 stainless-steel container having an elliptical rim surface with a thickness of at least 1.0 millimeters and protruding edge which prevents excessive air ingestion to the user and prevents an accumulation of debris around the rim region. The elliptical rim surface is comprised of an 18/8 crystalized stainless-steel material which extends to the first perimeter and forms nearly a right angle with the vertical boundary which prevents the accumulation of bacteria along the bottom side of the elliptical rim surface.
- The apparatus is designed with at least a 1.0-millimeter diameter elliptical rim region which narrows at the sidewalls to approximately 0.6 millimeter and further widens at the base region to provide stability when placed on a flat surface. The partially curved rim design with an enhanced thickness at the elliptical rim surface provides an optimal seal when placed against the lips of the user for drinking, and prevents any bacteria from accumulating under the rim. The crystallized 18/8 stainless-steel material provides greater durability and inhibits bacteria growth under the rim region.
- Further illustrated in the embodiments is a method of fabrication including selecting and rolling the 18/8 crystallized stainless-steel material into a monolayer of material. Once slit, a uniform layer of oil lubricant is applied to the apparatus to aid in the eventual three-stage stretching of the material until a final form factor is achieved. If the preferred height (40-43 mm) is not obtained after the first two stages of the stretching forming process, the stainless-steel material is heated to a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit for at least twenty minutes, cooled for a pre-determined period and re-stretched for the third time. Once cooled, the material is placed within a concave/convex mold to ensure a uniform first, second, and third thickness at the elliptical rim, sidewall region, and base portion respectively. Once spun and balanced, the material is then edge cut to form the substantially elliptical and outward extending rim surface which will be further polished and sanded until a smooth surface is achieved.
- Other aspects, advantages, and novel features of the embodiments will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.
- A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a germ-free metallic container apparatus; -
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the substantially elliptical rim surface and vertical boundary; -
FIG. 1B provides a view of a plurality of traditional rim constructions; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the apparatus; and -
FIG. 3 . is a flowchart illustrating a method of fabrication. - The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom. Furthermore, as used herein, relational terms, such as “first” and “second,” “top” and “bottom,” and the like, may be used solely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element without necessarily requiring or implying any physical or logical relationship, or order between such entities or elements.
- The dichotomy of beverage container rim construction was often a product of their regional influences and cultural utility. For example, and better illustrated in
FIG. 1 [[C]] B, are both eastern and western container construction which show either an indefinite rim region or a pronounced “rolled rim.” Traditional eastern construction was designed using low durometer and thin material (approximately 0.4 millimeters) which provided a basic structure with a vertical sidewall which protrudes outward to form a sharp rim region which was often used to merely pour liquids. When these basic designs were adopted in Western cultures and pressed against the lips of the user, they often lead to injuries and failed to provide a uniform seal with the user's mouth. Further, their thinly constructed containers would often become damaged or deformed when dropped. - Western designs incorporated a highly pronounced “rolled/crimped rim” comprised of a thicker material (0.4-.6 millimeters) which provide a greater seal when pressed against the lips of the user but lead to bacteria accumulation within crevices under the “rolls” after use/washing. These designs also fail to provide a uniform seal with the user's mouth. Though constructed with a thicker rim than Eastern construction, these designs often become scratched or dented when dropped on a surface and “top heavy” design created an unstable container when placed on a table or stored within a cabinet.
- The embodiments provided include a germ-free metallic container apparatus comprised of a stainless-steel material having a vertical boundary and elliptical lid surface that is mouth contoured to minimize air ingestion to the user and provides an edge to allow a cup lid to be releasably attached. In the preferred embodiment, the stainless-steel and smooth inner surface provide a sterile environment by eliminating any cracks, edges, or crevices that form along the interior of the container. The hand polished and edged cut container prevents bacteria accumulation along the surface of the container and enable an optimal seal when placed against the lips of the user. The elongated and slender shaped sidewall further allows user to stack containers on top of one another without the worry of cross-contamination from debris accumulated in traditional unpolished designs.
- Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the views. There is shown in
FIG. 1 a perspective view of a germ-freemetallic container apparatus 10. Theapparatus 10 includes anelliptical rim surface 12 at the top end of theapparatus 14 with a horizontally protrudingedge 16 forming aright angle 18 with thevertical boundary 20. Thevertical boundary 20 which defines afirst perimeter 21 is affixed to the crystallizedsidewall portion 24 at afirst junction 22. The contouredneck region 23 mechanically connects thefirst junction 22 with a first end of the crystallizedsidewall portion 24 which extends at a downward angle to abase portion 25 at thesecond end 26. The preferred embodiments shown contemplate anapparatus 10 comprised of a stainless-steel material with varying thickness from one to three millimeters in diameter. However, theapparatus 10 may be constructed of any suitable metal as long as it provides a polishedinside surface 28 which minimizes or eliminates bacteria to the contents of theapparatus 10. WhileFIG. 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of theapparatus 10 fabricated in accordance with the invention, such a container may be constructed in a number of varying shapes and configurations using a single (i.e., monolayer) or multiple sheets of stainless-steel material affixed in a disc-shaped orientation. - The
elliptical rim surface 12 is substantially elliptical and perpendicular to avertical axis 30 which runs in the longitudinal direction from thebase portion 25. A protrudingedge 16 defines thefirst perimeter 21 and further includes avertical boundary 20 which is parallel to thevertical axis 30 and forms a right angle with theelliptical rim surface 12. The protrudingedge 16 is further dimensioned to releasably accept a non-threaded enclosure such as a spill-proof lid which may be secured to the top end of theapparatus 14 about thefirst perimeter 21 to form a hermetic seal and prevents any contents of theapparatus 10 from spilling. One of the objects of the preferred embodiments is to provide an optimal level surface to form a hermetic seal with a releasably attached lid and provide right angled edges to provide an anchor for the bottom side of the lid. The configuration of theelliptical rim surface 12 prevents excessive air ingestion by providing an even elliptical surface which forms an ideal seal with the lips and mouth of a user when drinking from the container which is not found with traditional rim designs. - Further illustrated in
FIG. 1 is the contouredneck region 23 which depends on theelliptical rim surface 12. Thesidewall 24 extends from thefirst junction 22 through theneck region 23 to thesecond end 26 andbase portion 25. Thesidewall 24 are constructed from a stainless-steel material with afirst uniform diameter 33. While thesidewall 23 are illustrated within the preferred embodiments as a single monolayer sheet which has been die cast, the construction contemplates a plurality of different sized container which may be constructed of a single continuous sheet or plurality of disc-shaped sheets affixed to one another. - The
base portion 25 is cylindrically shaped with aclosed base portion 25 which provides enhanced stability to theapparatus 10 by compressing thesidewall 24 and constructing thebase portion 25 with a second and thicker diameter than thefirst uniform diameter 33. The base portion includes a horizontallyelliptical bottom surface 34 which is substantially perpendicular to thevertical axis 30 and defines the narrower second perimeter of theapparatus 35. The base portion also includes acurved edge 36 at the intersection of thesidewall 24 andelliptical bottom surface 34. In practice, both theelliptical rim surface 12 andhorizontal bottom surface 34 are parallel to one another but may include a variation of fewer than two degrees from “absolute” parallel. Thebase portion 25 further is comprised ofsecond uniform diameter 37 which is wider than thefirst uniform thickness 33 of thesidewall 24. - Referring now to
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of theelliptical rim surface 12 including theneck region 23 andsidewall 24. Further illustrated inFIG. 1A is the horizontally protrudingedge 16 andvertical boundary 20 which enable the user to releasably attach a non-threaded lid covers by depressing the bottom surface of the lid against the top end of theapparatus 14 until popped into position. The horizontally protrudingedge 16 andvertical boundary 20 design enable for a hermetic seal to be formed about theelliptical rim surface 12. - Referring now to
FIG. 1B is a view of traditional rims with children's drinking cups including a folded, rolled, and elongated design. These traditional designs used for comparison illustrate the difficulty in cleaning around the crevices of the rolled and folded design. While the elongated design has a dangerous spike tip which may be inadvertently bitten or fall onto. - Referring now to
FIG. 2 is a view of theapparatus 10 in the upright position with a lower center of gravity. Theapparatus 10 and protrudingedge 16 provide a sterile environment to the contents of theapparatus 10 by providing a polishedinside surface 28 which is prevalent in traditional disposable and rolled-rim containers. - Referring now to
FIG. 3 a flowchart illustrating a method of fabrication of the germ-freemetallic container apparatus 10 according to the presented embodiments ofFIG. 1-3 . The method includes selecting a monolayer stainless-steel sheet 300. The preferred embodiments provide for an 18/8 stainless-steel material which is initially cut 301 into a pre-dimensioned monolayer using a rolling slit machine for better handling. Once the sheet of stainless-steel is cut tospecification 301, it is then inspected for latent damage and defects. If satisfactory, the stainless-steel monolayer (i.e., sheet) is sprayed 302 with a painting oil lubricant until an even film has formed along the sheet's exterior surface. The sheet is then subjected to a three-stage longitudinal stretch forming process using a stretch press or form die in conjunction with gripping jaws 303. The sheet is then subjected to the second stage stretching 304 in an attempt to reach the preferred height. If the preferred height is not obtained after the second stage stretching 304, the sheet is heated to a temperature of 900 degrees Fahrenheit 305 for a period of at least twenty minutes while third stage stretching 306 is performed until the preferred height is obtained. The sheet is then cooled 306 and re-inserted within a die for final balancing and shaping under continuous pressure. - After the final form factor, has been achieved, the
apparatus 10 is then edge cut 308 and deburred 309 to ensure any edge deviation is eliminated. Once edge cut 308, theapparatus 10 is then sanded 310 and hand polished using a plurality of emery cloths to remove any fine burrs or scratches from the surface of theapparatus 10.
Claims (15)
1. A germ-free polished stainless-steel drinking apparatus, comprising:
a substantially elliptical rim surface having a horizontally protruding edge which defines a first perimeter of the apparatus and further includes a uniform vertical boundary, the uniform vertical boundary being substantially parallel to the axis of the apparatus and further defining a first thickness to provide an optimal seal to the mouth of a user while drinking from the apparatus;
a crystallized sidewall region having a second thickness and is affixed to a first section of the uniform vertical boundary and to a closed base portion to define a height of the apparatus; and
a base closed portion having a third thickness and further including a cylindrically shaped outskirt which defines a second perimeter of the apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the substantially elliptical rim surface is configured to prevent a bacteria growth at the vertical boundary while not in use.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elliptical rim surface is further dimensioned to releasably receive at least one non-threaded lid cover.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the first thickness is greater of the substantially plan rim surface is greater than the second thickness of the crystallized sidewall region.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the cylindrically shaped outskirt further includes a contoured surface at an intersection with the sidewall.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the base portion is comprised of a second diameter which provides an optimal center of gravity to the apparatus.
7. A germ-free polished stainless-steel drinking apparatus, comprising:
a substantially elliptical rim surface including a protruding edge defining a first perimeter; the protruding edge further including a vertical boundary and comprised of a first thickness to provide an optimal seal to the mouth of a user while drinking from the apparatus;
a sidewall having a second thickness and extending from a first junction at a base of the vertical boundary to a cylindrically shaped base portion defining a height of the apparatus; and
a closed base portion having a third thickness and further including a horizontal plane perpendicular and laterally spaced from the substantially elliptical rim surface which further defines a second perimeter of the apparatus.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the apparatus is comprised of a highly-polished and crystallized 18/8 stainless-steel material to at least prevent an oxidation formation along the surface of the apparatus.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the first thickness is at least one millimeter.
10. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the second thickness is at least 0.6 millimeters.
11. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the third thickness is at least 0.7 millimeters.
12. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the substantially elliptical rim surface and the closed base portion are substantially perpendicular to an axis of the apparatus.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the base portion further includes a concave region at an intersection of the sidewall and elliptical bottom surface.
14. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the height of the apparatus is at least apparatus forty millimeters.
15. A method of fabricating a germ-free metallic container, the method comprising:
providing a stainless-steel material in a solid state;
inserting the stainless-steel material into a stilling machine;
lubricating the stainless-steel material with a paint oil lubricant to form a uniform film on the surface;
stretching the stainless-steel using a hydraulic stretch press;
heating the stainless-steel material to a temperature of at least 900 degrees Fahrenheit for a period of twenty minutes;
placing the stainless-steel material into a concave/convex mold die;
contouring a protruding edge of the elliptical rim surface with an edge cutter; and
hand polishing the apparatus until a smooth surface is achieved.
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US15/418,797 US20180215496A1 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2017-01-30 | Germ-free metallic container apparatus and method of fabrication |
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US15/418,797 US20180215496A1 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2017-01-30 | Germ-free metallic container apparatus and method of fabrication |
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US15/418,797 Abandoned US20180215496A1 (en) | 2017-01-30 | 2017-01-30 | Germ-free metallic container apparatus and method of fabrication |
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US20180170656A1 (en) * | 2014-04-11 | 2018-06-21 | iMOLZ, LLC | Non-round metallic pressurized container and method of manufacturing same |
CN116408394A (en) * | 2023-04-26 | 2023-07-11 | 无锡市和润远达科技有限公司 | Copper sheet stamping die with improve raw materials utilization ratio |
USD1017327S1 (en) * | 2022-02-28 | 2024-03-12 | Zhejiang Meiling Packaging Technology Co., Ltd. | Cup |
USD1018193S1 (en) | 2017-11-20 | 2024-03-19 | Reynolds Consumer Products LLC | Mouth portion for a cup |
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