STORAGE CONTAINER FOR A BEVERAGE CONTAINER

Abstract

A storage container that is attachable to a vehicle and configured to receive a beverage container includes a container body and a cover. The container body is removably attachable to the vehicle and defines a storage area for receiving the beverage container. The storage area has a size and shape that correspond generally to a size and shape of the beverage container. The cover is positionable over the storage area to sufficiently seal the storage area and protect the beverage container when the beverage container is positioned in the storage area.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/042,828 filed Apr. 7, 2008, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

One may wish to keep a water jug or other beverage container in a vehicle in order to stay hydrated when, for example, performing outdoor jobs such as landscaping, farming, construction or road maintenance. Such a container may become exposed to dirt from one's hands or clothing, or from dirt that permeates into the vehicle by means of excessive dust, which may be found at one's jobsite or home. Furthermore, when riding on rough terrain, for example, a person's beverage container may be tossed around, thereby allowing the container to become damaged or the contents to seep out, causing a mess.

SUMMARY

A storage container that is attachable to a vehicle and configured to receive a beverage container includes a container body and a cover. The container body is removably attachable to the vehicle and defines a storage area for receiving the beverage container. The storage area has a size and shape that correspond generally to a size and shape of the beverage container. The cover is positionable over the storage area to sufficiently seal the storage area and protect the beverage container when the beverage container is positioned in the storage area.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a storage container that is attachable to a vehicle and configured to receive a cylindrical beverage container includes a container body that is removably attachable to the vehicle. The container body has an upwardly facing cylindrical opening for receiving the beverage container such that the beverage container is oriented generally upright. The opening has a shape that is complementary to the beverage container so that the container body fits closely around the beverage container. The storage container also includes a cover that is positionable over the opening and securable to the container body for sufficiently sealing the opening to protect the beverage container from dirt or debris. A flexible tether is connected to the container body and cover so that the cover remains connected to the container body when the cover is not positioned over the opening. Furthermore, the container body is detachable from the vehicle and attachable to another vehicle.

While exemplary embodiments in accordance with the invention are illustrated and disclosed, such disclosure should not be construed to limit the claims. It is anticipated that various modifications and alternative designs may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a storage container according to one embodiment of the invention installed in a vehicle and including a container body and a cover attached to the container body, wherein the storage container is configured to receive a beverage container;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the storage container with the cover removed, and showing a cylindrical storage area defined by the container body;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of FIG. 1, showing a movable engaging member that is engageable with the beverage container;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the storage container of FIG. 1, showing the beverage container positioned in the storage container; and

FIG. 5 shows a storage container according to another embodiment of the invention attached to a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a storage container 10 attached to a vehicle 12, such as a tractor, combine, or any other suitable vehicle. The storage container 10 is configured to receive a beverage container 14 and to protect the beverage container 14 from outside elements, such as dirt and debris. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the storage container 10 is positioned in an interior compartment of the vehicle 12. In other applications, the storage container 10 may be positioned in an exterior portion of a vehicle, such as a bed of a pick-up truck.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the storage container 10 includes a container body 16 that defines a storage area 18 for receiving the beverage container 14. The storage container 10 further includes a cover 20 that is positionable over the storage area 18 and securable to the container body 16 for sufficiently sealing the storage area 18 to protect the beverage container 14 from outside elements.

The container body 16 may be attached to the vehicle 12 in any suitable manner. For example, the container body 16 may be connected to a floor 22 of the vehicle 12 with a fastener 24, such as a nut and bolt shown in FIG. 3, or a screw that extends through an opening in the bottom of the container body 16 and into the floor 22. As other examples, the container body 16 may be connected to any suitable portion of the vehicle 12 using a hook and loop fastening system and/or one or more suction devices. With any of the above attachment means, the container body 16 may be readily removed from one vehicle 12 and mounted in another vehicle.

The storage area 18 of the container body 16 may have a size and shape that correspond generally to a size and shape of the beverage container 14. For example, the beverage container 14 may have a generally cylindrical shape, and the storage area 18 may define a generally cylindrical, upwardly facing opening that is sized slightly larger than the beverage container 14 so that the container body 16 fits closely around the beverage container 14. For example, the storage area 18 may be 0.5 to 2.75 inches wider than the beverage container 14. Furthermore, while the storage area 18 may have any suitable cross-section, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the storage area 18 has a circular cross-section. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the storage area 18 may be configured to receive the beverage container 14 so that the beverage container 14 remains generally upright.

While the storage area 18 may have any suitable size and shape, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the storage area 18 has a width, such as a diameter, and a height that is greater than the width. For example, the height may be at least 10% greater than the width. As another example, the height may be at least 20% greater than the width. As a more detailed example, the storage area 18 may have a width in the range of 10 to 12 inches and a height in the range of 12 to 14.5 inches in order to receive a variety of differently shaped 1 gallon beverage containers.

The storage container 10 may also include a movable engaging member 26 attached to one of the container body 16 and the cover 20 for securing the beverage container 14 within the storage area. 18. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the engaging member 26 includes an engaging arm 28 that is pivotally connected to the container body 16, and a spring member 30 associated with the engaging arm 28 for urging the engaging arm 28 inwardly. Referring to FIG. 4, the engaging arm 28 includes a flexible head 29 that is engageable with the beverage container 14 when the beverage container 14 is received in the storage area 18. Furthermore, the engaging arm 28 is configured to urge the beverage container 14 toward a side portion of the container body 16 such that the beverage container 14 may be secured between the engaging arm 28 and the container body 16. With such a configuration, the storage container 10 may receive and securely hold various beverage containers having different sizes and shapes.

As another example, the engaging member 26 may be configured as a flexible arm, such as a flexible plastic arm or spring steel arm, that is engageable with the beverage container 14 for securing the beverage container 14 in the storage area 18. Such a flexible arm may be connected directly to the container body 16, for example.

The container body 16 may further include an annular recess 32 for receiving the cover 20 when the cover 20 is positioned over the storage area 18. A seal, such as a rubber O-ring or gasket, may be positioned in the recess 32 or fitted about a perimeter of the cover 20 for further sealing the storage area 18 when the cover 20 is positioned over the storage area 18.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cover 20 may be connected to the container body 16 with a hinge 34 that facilitates movement of the cover 20 between an open position, show in FIG. 3, and a closed position, show in FIG. 4, in which the cover 20 is positioned over the storage area 18. The storage container 10 may further include a spring 36, such as a torsion spring, associated with the cover 20 for urging the cover 20 toward the open position or closed position. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the spring 36 is connected to the hinge 34 and engages the cover 20 such that the spring 36 urges the cover 20 toward the open position.

The storage container 10 may also include a locking device 38 connected to at least one of the container body 16 and the cover 20 for securing the cover 20 to the container body 16 when the cover 20 is positioned over the storage area 18. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the locking device 38 includes a clip or latch 40 connected to the cover 20 and engageable with a lip 42 on the container body 16 to secure the cover 20 in the closed position. The latch 40 may also serve as a handle for moving the cover 20 between the open and closed positions.

Alternatively, the cover 20 may be secured to the container body 16 in any suitable manner. For example, the cover 20 and container body 16 may each include a threaded portion, such as one or more annular threads, that enable the cover 20 to be connected to the container body 16 by rotating the cover 20 with respect to the container body 16.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment 110 of the storage container. The storage container 110 is similar to the storage container 10 and includes similar features. In that regard, the storage container 110 is removably attachable to a vehicle 112, and is configured to receive a beverage container 114 and protect the beverage container 114 from outside elements. The storage container 110 includes a container body 116 that defines a storage area 118 for receiving the beverage container 114, and a cover 120 that is positionable over the storage area 118 and securable to the container body 116 for sufficiently sealing the storage area 118.

As shown in FIG. 5, the storage container 110 includes a suction device 122, such as a suction cup or a suction clamp, and a hook and loop fastening system 124, such as Velcro®, for removably attaching the container body 116 to the vehicle 112. In the embodiment showing in FIG. 5, the suction device 122 is connected to a side portion of the container body 116, and a first portion of the fastening system 124, such as a hook member, is connected to a bottom portion of the container body 116. A second portion of the fastening system 124, such as a loop member, is secured to a floor 126 of the vehicle 112, such as with adhesive. The suction device 122 and/or fastening system 124 may be used to temporarily secure the container body 116 to a side wall 128 and/or floor 126 of the vehicle 112.

As another example, the storage container 110 may include multiple suction devices 122 and/or multiple hook and loop fastening systems 124 for temporarily securing the container body 116 to the vehicle 112. Alternatively, the storage container 110 may be attached to the vehicle 112 in any suitable manner.

The cover 120 may be secured to the container body 116 in any suitable manner in order to sufficiently seal the storage area 118. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, for example, the cover 120 includes a threaded perimeter 130 that screws into a threaded recess 132 formed in the container body 116. The threaded portions 130 and 132 may be configured to enable the cover 120 to be securely connected to the container body 116 with less than one revolution of the cover 120. For example, the threaded portions 130 and 132 may be configured such that one quarter to one half turn of the cover 120 results in the cover 120 being secured to the container body 116. Although a small gap is shown between the threaded portions 130 and 132 in FIG. 5 for drawing clarity purposes, the threaded portions 130 and 132 may be configured to provide a snug fit between the cover 120 and container body 116.

As another example, the container body 116 may be provided with a threaded exterior surface, and the cover 120 may be provided with a downwardly extending lip having a threaded interior surface that mates with the threaded surface of the container body 116. With such a configuration, the cover 120 may extend radially beyond the container body 116 when the cover 120 is secured to the container body 116.

As yet another example, the cover 120 may be secured to the container body 116 with one or more clips or latches attached to the cover 120 or container body 116.

The storage container 110 may also include a flexible tether 134, such as a nylon or rubber cord, connected to the container body 116 and cover 120 so that the cover 120 remains connected to the container body 116 when the cover 120 is not positioned over the storage area 118. The tether 134 may also be configured to prevent the cover 120 from touching the floor 126 of the vehicle 112 when the cover 120 is not positioned over the storage area 118. In addition, the cover 120 may include a handle 136 to assist in securing the cover 120 on the container body 116 over the storage area 118, and for removing the cover 120 to gain access to the storage area 118. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the tether 134 includes a first end connected to the handle 136, and a second end connected to the container body 116 such as with a fastener.

The storage containers 10 and 110 may be made of any suitable materials and in any suitable manner. For example, the container bodies 16 and 116 and covers 20 and 120 may each be made of molded plastic. Furthermore, the storage containers 10 and 110 may be made in a variety of different shapes and sizes to accommodate a wide variety of different beverage containers. For example, one embodiment may be sized to receive a 2 liter bottle, another embodiment may be sized to accommodate a ½ gallon jug, and yet another embodiment may be sized to receive a 1 gallon jug.

The above storage containers provide a simple and effective way to keep beverage bottles and jugs away from dirt and bacteria that may commonly be found in vehicles. Each storage container is configured to surround a beverage container on all sides, including the top, in order to keep dirt, dust and grime from coming into contact with the beverage container. Farmers, construction workers, hunters and other individuals that may frequently be dirty due to their profession or hobby can use this product to prevent their drink jugs from becoming contaminated.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. The words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, features from any above embodiment may be combined with another above embodiment. In addition, features from any above embodiment may be omitted. For example, the storage container 10 may be provided without engaging member 26.

Claims

1. A storage container that is attachable to a vehicle and configured to receive a beverage container, the storage container comprising:

a container body that is removably attachable to the vehicle and that defines a storage area for receiving the beverage container, the storage area having a size and shape that correspond generally to a size and shape of the beverage container; and

a cover that is positionable over the storage area to sufficiently seal the storage area and protect the beverage container when the beverage container is positioned in the storage area.

2. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a fastener for attaching the container body to the vehicle.

3. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a hook member and a loop member of a hook and loop fastening system attached to the container body for attaching the container body to the vehicle.

4. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a suction device connected to the container body for attaching the container body to the vehicle.

5. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a clamp connected to the container body for attaching the container body to the vehicle.

6. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the container body is configured to fit closely around the beverage container.

7. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the shape of the storage area is generally cylindrical.

8. The storage container of claim 7 wherein the storage area faces upwardly.

9. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a tether connected to the container body and cover so that the cover remains connected to the container body when the cover is not positioned over the storage area.

10. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the container body and the cover each include a threaded portion such that the cover is securable to the container body by rotating the cover with respect to the container body.

11. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a locking device connected to at least one of the container body and the cover for securing the cover to the container body when the cover is positioned over the storage area.

12. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a latch connected to at least one of the container body and the cover for securing the cover to the container body when the cover is positioned over the storage area.

13. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the cover is pivotally connected to the container body and is moveable between an open position and a closed position, in which the cover is positioned over the storage area, and wherein the storage container further includes a spring associated with the cover for urging the cover toward the open position.

14. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the storage area has a width and a height that is at least ten percent greater than the width.

15. The storage container of claim 1 further comprising a movable engaging member attached to one of the container body and the cover, the engaging member being engageable with the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the storage area and configured to secure the beverage container within the storage area.

16. The storage container of claim 15 wherein the engaging member is configured to urge the beverage container toward a side portion of the container body when the beverage container is received in the storage area.

17. The storage container of claim 16 wherein the engaging member includes an engaging arm and a spring member associated with the engaging arm for urging the engaging arm toward the beverage container.

18. A storage container that is attachable to a vehicle and configured to receive a cylindrical beverage container, the storage container comprising:

a container body that is removably attachable to the vehicle, the container body having an upwardly facing cylindrical opening for receiving the beverage container such that the beverage container is oriented generally upright, the opening having a shape that is complementary to the beverage container so that the container body fits closely around the beverage container;

a cover that is positionable over the opening and securable to the container body for sufficiently sealing the opening to protect the beverage container from dirt or debris; and

a flexible tether connected to the container body and cover so that the cover remains connected to the container body when the cover is not positioned over the opening;

wherein the container body is detachable from the vehicle and attachable to another vehicle.

19. The storage container of claim 18 further comprising a movable engaging member attached to one of the container body and the cover, the engaging member being engageable with the beverage container when the beverage container is received in the opening of the storage area and configured to secure the beverage container within the storage area.

20. The storage container of claim 18 wherein the container body and the cover each include a threaded portion such that the cover is securable to the container body by rotating the cover with respect to the container body.