WO2007100354A1

WO2007100354A1 - Beverage container

Info

Publication number: WO2007100354A1
Application number: PCT/US2006/037212
Authority: WO
Inventors: Julie D. Steele
Original assignee: Steele Julie D
Priority date: 2006-03-01
Filing date: 2006-09-25
Publication date: 2007-09-07
Also published as: US20060196881A1

Abstract

A beverage container which, upon receiving a prescribed item, substantially inhibits movement of the prescribed item within the container and can restrict the ability of an individual to apply pressure to the contained prescribed item, wherein the container is capable of mating with a cup holder.

Description

TITLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER

INVENTOR JULIE D. STEELE

BACKGROUND

[0001] This patent application relates, generally, to beverage containers and more specifically to beverage containers which are designed to mate with cup holders and inhibit accidental squeezing of the contained beverage and subsequent accidental discharge of the contained beverage. [0002] When juice boxes, juice bags or other squeezable contained beverages are given to small children, they inevitably squeeze the container, squirt the beverage everywhere and make a huge mess. Many caregivers choose not to give juice boxes, juice bags or other squeezable contained beverages to small children for this very reason. Juice boxes, juice bags and other squeezable contained beverages, however, are so easy to use, readily portable, and extremely convenient that many caregivers would welcome a way for small children to easily hold them without squeezing and making a mess.

[0003] Furthermore, various containers for boxed and bagged beverages exist, such as the "Juice Box Holder" manufactured by Danara Int'l, Ltd and the "Grip 'n Sip Juice Box Carrier" manufactured by Munchkin, Inc. However, these products are generally rectangular in shape and do not mate with or engage a cup holder. Thus, while many vehicles, child safety car seats, strollers, highchairs, and trays offer convenience cup holders for cylindrically-shaped beverage containers they generally do not appropriately accommodate boxed beverages.

[0004] Most boxed beverages have at least one dimension which is too large to permit the boxed beverage to be securely engaged by a convenience cup holder. Thus, current juice box holders, generally, are not compatible with the convenience cup holders increasingly offered in vehicles, child safety car seats, strollers, highchairs, trays, or any other place where a cup holder may be available. It is the classic "square peg in a round hole" problem, or in the case of most boxed beverages, rectangular peg in a round hole. [0005] Moreover, the existing containers are generally shaped to accommodate a single sized boxed or bagged beverage and generally cannot be adapted to accommodate boxed or bagged beverages of another size. [0006] What is needed is a container that can hold a variety of boxed or bagged beverages such that the contained beverage cannot be accidentally or purposefully squeezed by the child and which can be selectively mated or coupled with a cup holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Fig. 1 depicts one embodiment of a beverage container.

[0008] Fig. 2 depicts one embodiment of the lid of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 1.

[0009] Fig. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of a lid for the beverage container depicted in Fig. 2.

[0010] Fig. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the lid for the beverage container depicted in Fig. 2.

[0011] Fig. 5 depicts one embodiment of the base of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 1.

[0012] Fig. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the base of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 5.

[0013] Fig. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 1.

[0014] Fig. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 1.

[0015] Fig. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 1.

[0016] Fig. 10 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container depicted in Fig. 1.

[0017] Fig. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment of the base shown in

Figs. 1 , 5 & 6.

[0018] Fig. 12 depicts an embodiment of the beverage container shown in Fig. 1 , in use.

[0019] Fig. 13 depicts a variety of lids having various geometries. [0020] Fig. 14 depicts a variety of internal stabilizers having various

geometries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Fig. 1 depicts an embodiment of a beverage container 100. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the beverage container 100 includes a base 102 and a lid 104.

[0022] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the base 102 has a generally truncated conical shape that is designed to conveniently couple with a generally cylindrical cup holder. However, in alternate embodiments the base 102 can have a substantially cylindrical shape and/or any convenient geometry which would allow the base 102 to couple with a generally cylindrical cup holder.

[0023] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the lid 104 is adapted to disengageably attach to the base 102. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the lid 104 and base 102 can be press-fitted together. However, in alternate embodiments, the base 102 and lid 104 can be coupled with a fastener and/or any known and/or convenient mechanism of coupling items in a disengageable manner. In some embodiments, the base 102 and the lid 104 can be permanently coupled.

[0024] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the lid 104 includes a penetration 106. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the penetration 106 has a substantially truncated cruciform shape. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , a first arm 108 of the cruciform shape can have a first geometry and the second arm 110 of the cruciform shape can have a second geometry. However in alternate embodiments, the cruciform shape can be uniform and/or substantially uniform. In still further alternate embodiments, the penetration 106 can have any known and/or convenient geometry. In some embodiments, the geometry of the penetration 106 can be selected such that at least some of the edges of the penetration will engage at least a portion of the perimeter of an item inserted through the penetration 106. In some embodiments, the penetration 106 can have a geometry adapted to engage at least some of the edges of a contained beverage, such as boxed juices, bagged juice, milk and the like. However in alternate embodiments, the penetration 106 can have a geometry such that the edges of the penetration 106 can engage any desired item.

[0025] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the base 102 includes a non-slip segment 112. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , the non-slip segment 112 extends around the exterior of the base 102 and is located in approximately the central 1/3 of the height of the base 102. In alternate embodiments, the non-slip segment 112 can be located in any convenient area on the base 102 and can cover any convenient area and/or areas of the exterior surface of the base 102. In still further alternate embodiments, the non-slip segment 112 may not be present.

[0026] Fig. 2 depicts an embodiment of the lid 104 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the lid 104 includes a penetration 106 and a perimeter recess 202. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the perimeter recess 202 is adapted to selectively engage the lip of the base 102 in a press- fit, disengageable manner. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 2, the perimeter recess 202 has a substantially bulbous partially elliptical shape, adapted to selectively engage the lip of the base 102. However in alternate embodiments, the perimeter recess 202 can have any known and/or convenient geometry. In still further alternate embodiments, the perimeter recess 202 may not be present.

[0027] In some embodiments the lid 104 can be adapted for use with any base 102 and/or bases having various geometric properties.

[0028] Fig. 3 depicts an alternate embodiment of the lid 104 shown in

Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the penetration 106 is substantially in the shape of a multi-pointed, non-uniform star 302. In some embodiments, the geometry of the penetration 106 can be selected such that various containers can be engaged by various edges of the penetration 106 such that a container can be substantially restrained from movement within the plane of the lid 104.

[0029] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the lid 104 includes anchors

304. The anchors 304 are adapted to selectively engage the base 102 such that the lid 104 can be selectively coupled with the base 102. However in alternate embodiments any known and/or convenient mechanism for selectively coupling items can be used. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the lid 104 and base 102 may not be selectively couplable.

[0030] Fig. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the lid 104 shown in

Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the penetration 106 is substantially square and the perimeter of the penetration includes flexible, elastomeric members 402. In some embodiments, the elastomeric members 402 are adapted to selectively engage an item inserted through the penetration 106 and restrain movement of the item within the plane of the lid 104.

[0031] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the lid 104 can include a tab

404 to facilitate separation of the lid 104 from the base 102. [0032] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the lid 104 includes four elastomeric members 402 uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the penetration 106. However in alternate embodiments, any convenient number of elastomeric members 402 can be included and the members 402 can be space in any uniform or non-uniform pattern around the perimeter of the penetration 106. In some embodiments, the flexible, elastomeric members 402 can have a semi-circular shape. However in alternate embodiments, the elastomeric members 402 can have any convenient shape. [0033] Fig. 5 depicts one embodiment of the base 102 of the beverage container 100 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the base 102 includes an aperture 502 at the bottom of the base 102, a perimeter lip 504 at the top of the base 102 and handles 506. [0034] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the base 102 has a generally truncated conical shape adapted to engage a generally cylindrical and/or truncated conical cup holder. However in alternate embodiments, the base 102 can have any shape that can engage a generally cylindrical and/or truncated conical cup holder.

[0035] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the base 102 is comprised of a material having sufficient stiffness, based on the geometry of the base 102, such that the base 102 cannot be significantly deformed by a child's grip. In some embodiments, the base 102 can be comprised of plastic, metal, and/or any known and/or convenient material.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the aperture 502 is generally circular. However in alternate embodiments, the aperture 502 can have any known and/or convenient shape. In still further alternate embodiments, the aperture can be partially covered, have a grating and/or, in some embodiments, it may not be present.

[0037] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the perimeter lip 504 is designed to mate with the perimeter recess 202. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the perimeter lip 504 is a press-fit mechanism. However in alternate embodiments, the lid 104 can engage the base 102 via a threaded mechanism and/or any other known or convenient mechanism. [0038] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the base 102 can include one or more handles 506. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 5, the base 102 includes two handles 506 positioned substantially symmetrically about a vertical plane. However, in alternate embodiments the base 102 can include any convenient number of handles 506 positioned in any convenient locations and/or orientations relative to the base 102. In some embodiments, the handles can be comprised of a non-slip material and/or can have a complete and/or regional coating of a non-slip material. In still further alternate embodiments, the base 102 may not include handles. [0039] Fig. 6 depicts an alternate embodiment of the base 102 depicted in Fig. 5. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the base 102 includes holes 602, protrusions 604 and a platform 606. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the holes 602 are shown as being located near the perimeter lip 504 and being substantially uniformly spaced around the perimeter of the base 102. However in alternate embodiments, the holes 602 can have any convenient geometry and can be located in any convenient locations on the base 102. In some embodiments, the holes 602 can be located and sized to allow access of a users fingers to the beverage contained within the base 102 or for other utilitarian purpose. In some embodiments, the holes 602may not be present.. [0040] In the embodiment show in Fig. 6, the base includes protrusions

604. In some embodiments, the protrusions 604 can be located at various levels within the base 102. In some embodiments, the protrusions 604 can be adapted to selectively engage the platform 606 to effectively reduce the depth of the base 102. However in alternate embodiments, the protrusions 606 can be adapted to selectively engage contained beverages of predetermined sizes which are inserted into the base 102 and inhibit or restrict movement of the contained beverage within the base 102. In still further alternate embodiments, the protrusions may not be present and restriction or inhibition of movement of an inserted contained beverage can be controlled based on the geometric properties of the base 102.

[0041] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the platform 606 is depicted as a solid disc which can be selectively supported by the protrusions 604. In some embodiments, the platform 606 can be solid or, at least partially perforated and/or can have any convenient geometry. In some embodiments, the platform 606 and base 102 can be adapted and/or configured such that protrusions are not necessary to support the platform 606 at a predetermined height within the base 102. In still further alternate embodiments, the platform 606 and/or protrusions 604 may not be present. [0042] Fig. 7 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container 100 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the base 102 and lid 104 are integrated, but the beverage container 100 consists of two portions 702 coupled via a pivotal fastener 704 and the beverage container

100 includes a closure mechanism 706.

[0043] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the beverage container 100 is divided into two, substantially equal portions 702 through a vertical plane and the two portions are pivotally coupled by a pivotal fastener 704 such that the beverage container 100 has a first open state and second closed state. In alternate embodiments, the two portions can have any convenient proportional relationship.

[0044] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the pivotal fastener 704 is a hinge mechanism. However in alternate embodiments, the pivotal fastener

704 can be any known and/or convenient mechanism. In still further alternate embodiments, the portions can be directly coupled such that they do not pivot relative to each other, but simply mate in a disengageable manner.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the closure mechanism 706 is depicted as a snap fastener. However in alternate embodiments, the closure mechanism can be any known and/or convenient fastening mechanism.

[0046] In a still further alternate embodiment, the base 102 and lid 104 can be a single integrated unit with a single fixed form.

[0047] Fig. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container 100 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the beverage container 100 comprises a base 102, divided into two portions 802 which are pivotally connected and a lid 104 which can be selectively coupled with the base 102 when the base 102 is in a closed position. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the lid 104 can be adapted such that when the lid 104 engages the base 102, the base is substantially fixed in the closed position. However, in alternate embodiments, the base 102 can include a closure mechanism 706. In still further alternate embodiments, the two portions 802 can be entirely disengagable and can be selectively mated and selectively coupled with the lid 104.

[0048] Fig. 9 depicts an alternative embodiment of the beverage container 100 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 9, the lid 104 and the base 102 of the beverage container are pivotally connected such that the lid 104 can pivot relative to the base 102 to open and close the beverage container 100. In some embodiments, the pivotal connection can be a hinge. However in alternate embodiments, any known and/or convenient mechanism can be used to couple the lid 104 and the base 102. [0049] Fig. 10 depicts an alternative embodiment of the beverage container 100 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the lid 104 and the base 102 of the beverage container are coupled with a tether 1002. In the embodiment shown in Fig 10, the tether is integral with the lid 104. However in some embodiments, the tether can be integral with the base 102 and/or can be a component that is not integral with either the base 102 or the lid 104. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, the tether 1002 is comprised of the same material as the lid 104. However in alternate embodiments, the tether 1002 can be comprised of any known and/or convenient material. [0050] Fig. 11 depicts an alternate embodiment of the beverage container 100 shown in Fig. 1. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11 , the beverage container comprises a base 102 and an internal stabilizer 1102. Similar to the lid 102 described in Figs. 1 - 4, the interna! stabilizer 1102 can have various properties, geometries, can be comprised of various materials and can include various additional components. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11 , the internal stabilizer 1102 is adapted with a penetration 1104 which can selectively engage at least some of the edges and/or perimeter of a boxed and/or bagged contained beverage. The perimeter of the internal stabilizer 1102 can also engage the interior of the base 102, such that movement of the contained beverage within the base 102 is substantially restricted within the plane of the internal stabilizer and vertical movement of the contained beverage is restricted by the base 102. The internal stabilizer can have any convenient geometry.

[0051] In some embodiments, the base 102 can include protrusions

604 adapted to engage the internal stabilizer 1102. In still further alternate embodiments the base 102 can include a platform 606 adapted to support an inserted contained beverage and the platform 606 can be supported by protrusions 604.

[0052] Fig. 12 depicts use of an embodiment of the beverage container

100 depicted in Fig. 1. In operation, a user can remove the lid 104 of the beverage container 100 and insert a platform 606 and/or an internal stabilizer 1102 into the base 102. The user can then insert a contained beverage 1202 and then mate the lid 104 with the base 102. In operation as least some of the edges of the contained beverage 1202 will be engaged by the internal periphery of either the internal stabilizer 1102 and/or the lid 104. The base 102 can then be inserted into a cup holder for storage. [0053] Fig. 13 depicts a variety of lids 104 having various geometries.

The lids 104 can be used with various boxed and/or bagged beverages and can engage any convenient container, other than the base 102, which can mate with a cup holder.

[0054] Fig. 14 depicts a variety of internal stabilizers 1102 having various geometries. The internal stabilizers 1102 can be used with various boxed and/or bagged beverages and can engage any convenient container, other than the base 102, which can mate with a cup holder. [0055] In the foregoing specification, the embodiments have been described with reference to specific elements thereof. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the embodiments. For example, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering and combination of process actions shown in the process flow diagrams described herein is merely illustrative, and that using different or additional process actions, or a different combination or ordering of process actions can be used to enact the embodiments. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A beverage holder comprising: a substantially planar stabilizer adapted to selectively couple with at least one prescribed item and adapted to selectively couple with a prescribed container; wherein said container is geometrically proportioned to engage a cup holder; and wherein said stabilizer is adapted to substantially restrain movement of said prescribed item within the plane of said stabilizer within said prescribed container.

2. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein said prescribed item is a juice box.

3. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein said prescribed item is a beverage pouch.

4. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein said stabilizer couples with said prescribed item by means of a penetration which can selectively engage at least one edge or perimeter of said prescribed item.

5 The beverage holder of claim 4, wherein said penetration is in the shape of a cross.

6. The beverage holder of claim 4, wherein said penetration is in the shape of a multi-pointed star.

7. The beverage holder of claim 4, wherein said stabilizer comprises multiple elastomeric members spaced around the inside perimeter of the penetration, said elastomeric members adapted to selectively engage said at least one prescribed item inserted through the penetration and restrain movement of the item within the plane of the stabilizer.

8. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein the prescribed container includes at least one non-slip segment on its exterior surface.

9. The beverage holder of claim 1 , where said prescribed container has a generally truncated conical shape.

10. The beverage holder of claim 1 , further comprising multiple protrusions and a platform within said prescribed base, said multiple protrusions adaptable to selectively engage the platform to effectively reduce the depth of the prescribed container.

11. The beverage holder of claim 10, wherein the protrusions can be adapted to selectively engage beverage containers of predetermined sizes which are inserted into the prescribed container.

12. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein said prescribed container is divided into two, substantially equal portions through a vertical plane, said two substantially equal portions being pivotally coupled by a pivotal fastener, such that said prescribed container has a first open state and a second closed state,

13. The beverage holder of claim 12, wherein said substantially planar stabilizer is divided into two, substantially equal portions through a plane, each of said substantially equal portions being integral with one equal portion of said prescribed container.

14. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein the substantially planer stabilizer and the prescribed container are pivotally connected such that the stabilizer can pivot relative to the container to open and close the container

15. The beverage holder of claim 14, wherein the pivotal connection is a hinge.

16. The beverage holder of claim 1 , further comprising at least one handle on the exterior of the prescribed container.

17. The beverage holder of claim 4, wherein said penetration has a shape selected from the group consisting of triangle, square, parallelogram and hexagon.

18. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein the prescribed container is comprised of a material having sufficient stiffness, based on the geometry of said container, such that the container cannot be significantly deformed by a child's grip.

19. The beverage holder of claim 1 , wherein said prescribed container has an open aperture at the bottom.