Beverage container permitting multiple configurations

Abstract

A configurable beverage container includes a holder which may be configured to directly contain a beverage. In this configuration, the holder may be closed at a bottom with a base member, and may have a lid connected to a top thereof. Alternatively, the holder may support a separate container or cup. The cup may be lowered into the holder. A lid may be mounted directly to the cup. A lock ring may be used to secure the cup to the holder. A cover may be connected to the lock ring to cover the lid and cup there under. The container may store supplies such as cups, lids or beverage condiments. The container is easy to clean and permits multiple configurations.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers, and particularly those that are configured to contain liquids for human consumption.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of containers are known for holding liquids and other beverages and foodstuffs for consumption. These containers include mugs, cups and the like.

In order to reduce spillage of a beverage when a user is traveling, a variety of “travel” containers have been created. Some containers have a closed lid. This requires that a user remove the lid in order to access the beverage. This is inconvenient, such as when driving or the like.

Other containers have been developed that include a lid which seals to the container, the lid having a small drinking aperture. These containers allow a user to access the beverage more easily when engaged in other activities such as driving. On the other hand, the sealing configuration of the lid creates numerous problems. One problem is that bacteria, mold and the like may form on the lid, especially in the area of the seal. This is partly due to the difficulty in cleaning the lid.

In addition, each of the containers may have different sizes and configurations, preventing them from being used with one another.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is a container permitting multiple configurations. The container may be used to contain beverages or the like, such as for human consumption.

In one embodiment, the container comprises a holder. The holder may be a cylindrical body having a top and a bottom to which other components may be connected, and a generally open interior. The holder may be configured directly as a container, such as by connecting a base to the bottom thereof. A cap may be connected to the top of the holder as well. The cap may include a drink opening.

The holder may also be configured to hold another cup or container, which cup then comprises the primary container. The cup may be provided by a vendor or the user, and might be a generally rigid member or might be a flexible and/or collapsible liner. A lid may be connected to the cup. The cup may be lowered into the holder and be supported by the holder. To retain the cup (and lid if one is connected thereto) to the holder, a lock ring may be mounted over the cup and onto the holder. A cover may further be connected to the lock ring to cover the cup (and lid if connected thereto).

The container may be configured to house various supplies. For example, one or more cups may be stored in a bottom portion of the holder. One or more lids may be stored inside the cover. Beverage condiments or the like may also be stored in the container.

The container has numerous advantages. First, the container can be configured as a container or be configured to be used with another container (such as a cup or cup and lid combination provided by a vendor). The container is easy to clean and sanitize when used as a primary container. In particular, both the top and bottom of the holder can be opened and the base and cap separated there from, permitting thorough and easy cleaning of all the components. On the other hand, cups may be used with the holder, preventing the holder from being contaminated, and allowing the user to use a different clean cup at each use.

Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front plan view of an assembled beverage container in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 1 in a first configuration;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 1 in a second configuration;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of a holder of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 1, the holder containing one or more cups;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a holder in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a cap of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 2B;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the cap illustrated in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of a cup and lid of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of a flexible container and lid in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a lock ring of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the lock ring illustrated in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a front plan view, in partial cut-away, of a cover of the beverage container illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the cover illustrated in FIG. 8A containing one or more lids;

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom portion of a beverage container having an enlarged base;

FIG. 10A illustrates a lock ring fitted with an associated insert; and

FIG. 10B illustrates a cap fitted with an associated insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the invention.

One embodiment of the invention is a beverage container. In a preferred embodiment, the beverage container may be configured by the user into various configurations. In one embodiment, the beverage container comprises a holder which is capable of containing a beverage, and/or capable of containing a cup which is capable of containing a beverage. The beverage container may also be configured to hold various supplies. As detailed herein the container may be used to contain a variety of materials. The container has particular utility to fluid or liquids, such as beverages including coffee and tea and the like. However, the container may be used to contain other materials such as foodstuffs and, as indicted, supplies.

One embodiment of a beverage container 20 in accordance with the present invention will first be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 illustrates the beverage container 20 in a closed condition, wherein a cover 22 is connected to a top of a holder 24, and a base 26 is connected to a bottom of the holder 24. As illustrated, the beverage container 20 is generally cylindrical in shape, though it may have other configurations.

FIG. 2A illustrates additional components of one embodiment of a beverage container 20. As illustrated, the holder 24 may comprise a main body to which other components of the container 20 may be associated. In one embodiment, the holder 24 defines an interior space for housing or containing beverages, supplies or the like, as described in more detail below.

As described in more detail below and as illustrated in FIG. 2B, the holder 24 may be configured to directly contain a beverage by closing a bottom end 28 of the holder, such as with the base 26. A cap 26B may be connected to a top 30 of the holder 24. The cover 22 may be connected to the cap 26B.

In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, the holder 24 may house a cup or other container 32 which is configured to contain a beverage. A lid 34 may be connected to the cup 32. The cup 32 and connected lid 34 may be secured within the holder 24 with a lock ring 36. The lock ring 36 and the lid 34 of the cup 32 may then be covered by the cover 22. As disclosed below, in this embodiment, the cup 32 contains the beverage, as supported by the holder 24. In this configuration, the cup 32 can be used and then thrown away. The cup can then be replaced with a new cup.

Referring to FIG. 3, as indicated above, in one embodiment, the holder 24 is a generally cylindrical body having a bottom or bottom end 28 and a top or top end 30. Preferably, the holder 24 defines an interior space 38 for housing a beverage or other items. In order to access the interior space 38, the bottom and/or top 28,30 of the holder 24 may be open. In one embodiment, the bottom 28 may be closed and the top 30 may be open. In another preferred embodiment, both the bottom 30 and top 28 are open.

As illustrated, the holder 24 comprises a tube-shaped body. In this configuration, the holder 24 is essentially a cylindrical wall. The holder 24 may have other configurations. For example, the holder 24 might define a cylindrical-shaped interior, but have other shapes (such as irregular, square or the like) at the exterior. The height and diameter (or other outer dimensions) of the holder 24 may vary. The holder 24 may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, the holder 24 might be molded from plastic or be constructed of metal.

In a preferred embodiment, both the bottom and top 28,30 of the holder 24 are open or openable, thus providing access to the interior space 38. In this embodiment, the interior space 38 extends from end to end through the holder 24, as in the form of a passage.

The bottom 28 of the holder 24 may be selectively closed. In one embodiment, the base 26 may be connected to the bottom 28 of the holder 24. The base 26 may be configured to selectively connect to the holder 24. In one embodiment, this connection is via mating threads. As illustrated, the holder 24 may define threads 40 at the bottom end 28 thereof (preferably at the exterior) for mating connection to threads 42 of the base 26. Of course, the base 26 might be configured to connect to the holder 24 in other fashions, such as in a snap-fit or the like. Also, one or more seals, such as “o”-rings or the like, may be utilized to creating a sealing connection between the base and holder.

In one embodiment, the base 26 is a generally disk-shaped body that is closed. In this configuration, when the base 26 is connected to the holder 24, the bottom end 28 of the holder 24 is closed. The base 26 may be constructed of various materials and have various shapes. In one embodiment, the base 26 may be molded from plastic. The base 26 may have a similar outside shape and dimension to the holder 24, so as when mated therewith, the holder 24 and base 26 have a conforming shape.

The top 30 of the holder 24 may also be selectively closed. In one embodiment, the top 30 might be completely closed, such as with a cap which is similar in shape and configuration to the base 26. Other elements may be connected to the top 30 of the holder 24, depending upon the desired configuration of the container 20, as detailed further below. In one embodiment, one or more threads 44 are located at the top end 30 of the holder 24 for this purpose. Other elements having mating threads may then be connected to the top 30 of the holder 24. Of course, other elements might be connected in other manners, such as by snap fit or the like.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the holder 24 may have other configurations. For example, the body of the holder 24 may comprise an inner wall 46 and an outer wall 48. A space 50 may be defined between the walls 46,48. Air, insulation or other material might be located in this space 50. Such a configuration may be used to insulate the holder 24, such as to keep beverages located in the holder 24 either hot or cold, and to keep the exterior of the holder 24 from becoming too hot or cold to the touch.

As indicated above, in one embodiment, the holder 24 might be configured directly as a container, as illustrated in FIG. 2B. In such a configuration, as detailed above, the base 26 may be connected to the bottom 28 of the holder 24. A beverage may then be poured into and pour out of the top 30 of the holder 24. In a preferred embodiment, however, a cap may be connected to the top 30 of the holder 24. The cap could have a similar configuration to the base 26, i.e. one in which the cap is closed and does not permit fluid to flow there through. In another embodiment, however, the cap may be configured to permit a user to drink through the cap to permit fluid to otherwise be poured or dispensed through the cap.

One embodiment of such a cap 26B is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As illustrated, the cap 26B is configured to screw onto the top 30 of the holder 24 and provide a limited opening through which a beverage may flow there through from the holder 24. As illustrated therein, cap 26B has a generally planar top 52. In one embodiment the top 52 is generally circular in shape. A wall 54 extends outwardly from the top 52. Threads 56 are defined on the wall 54 for mating with the threads 44 at the top end 30 of the holder 24.

Preferably, at least one opening 58 is defined through the top 52 of the cap 26B. This opening 58 permits fluid to flow through the cap 26B. The opening 58 may have a variety of configurations, as is known in the art. For example, the opening 58 may be recessed into a portion of the cap 26B, whereby any fluid which is in the vicinity of the opening 58 drains back into the holder 24. In addition, there may be more than one opening, such as a primary opening through which fluid is intended to flow, and a secondary opening which permits air to flow into the holder 24 as fluid is displaced.

In one embodiment, a seal 60 is provided for sealing the cap 26B to the holder 24 in a manner preventing leakage. As illustrated, the seal 60 is located at the bottom of the top 52 of the cap 26B. The seal 60 extends around the top 52 adjacent the wall 54. In this manner, when the cap 26B is screwed onto the holder 24, the top end 30 of the holder 24 pressed against the seal 60, thus sealing it and the cap 26B to one another. Of course, other types of seals may be used, whether flat, “o”-ring or of other types.

In one embodiment, the cap 26B may be constructed from molded plastic. The cap 26B may have an outer dimension/shape similar to that of the holder 24, so that when connected to the holder 24, the cap 26B and holder 24 have a complementary shape. The cap 26B might also be constructed in various colors and of other materials.

In one embodiment, as detailed below, the cap 26B might be used as a base when a cup 32 is used with the holder 24 (such that the bottom of the holder does not need to be sealed). To facilitate such a use, small feet 62 might be located on the top 52 of the cap 26B. These feet 62 might be constructed as part of the lid or comprise separate elements, such as small rubber elements. The feet 62 are configured to engage a supporting surface and support the container 20 in a stable fashion, as detailed below.

As also described above and illustrated in FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, a cup or other container 32 may be used with the holder 24. FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate embodiments of a cup. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the cup 32 may be relatively rigid, having a base 62 and an upwardly extending sidewall 64. The cup 32 may be generally cylindrical in shape. As illustrated, a top end of the cup 32 opposite its base 62 may be open and larger in diameter than the base 62. In one embodiment, the sidewall 64 terminates at a rim 66 at the top end of the cup 62. This rim 66 may be formed as, or include a seal. Cups 32 having such a configuration are known in the art and may be formed from a variety of materials from plastic to foam to paper.

As illustrated, a lid 34 may be configured to mate to the cup 32. The lid 34 may have a variety of configurations. As illustrated, the lid 34 has a top 68 with a downwardly extending sidewall 70. Preferably, the sidewall 70 of the lid 34 is configured to engage the top of the cup 32. In one embodiment, the lid 34 is configured to snap-fit or otherwise engages the rim 66 of the cup 32. Of course, the lid 34 might attach to the cup 32 in other fashions.

Preferably, at least one opening 72 is provided in the top 68 of the lid 34. In this manner, fluid may be poured or flow through the lid 34 from the cup 32. In one embodiment, the opening 72 may be defined in a recessed portion of the lid 34, whereby excess fluid will drain back into the cup 32. Again, such lids 32 are well known, and they may be constructed from a variety of materials.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the cup 32A may comprise a liner 64A or other generally flexible, collapsible or partially collapsible member. For example, the liner 34A might comprise a flexible plastic sleeve or bag type member. Preferably, the cup 32A again is generally closed except at a top end or portion. In one embodiment, the cup 32A again terminates in a rim 66A. In this manner, a lid 34, such as that described above, may be connected to the cup 32A.

Referring to FIG. 2A, in one embodiment, the cup 32 (regardless of its type or form, including as a flexible liner) may be associated with the holder 24. Preferably, the cup 32 is mounted so that it extends into the interior space defined by the holder 24, and is at least supported by engagement of a top portion of the cup (such as the rim) by the holder 24. The cup 32 may be secured to the holder 24 with a cap which, instead of being configured as a drinking cap, is configured as a lock ring 36. One embodiment of a lock ring 36 is will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. As illustrated, the lock ring 36 preferably comprises an annular body 72. The body 72 has a first or bottom end 74 and a second or top end 76. The body 72 defines a passage 80 there through.

Preferably, the lock ring 36 is configured to connect to the holder 24, and preferably the top 30 of the holder. In an embodiment where the top 30 of the holder 24 is threaded, the lock ring 36 is preferably configured with mating threads 82. As illustrated, the threads 82 are located on an interior of the body 72, whereby the lock ring 36 threads over the top 30 of the holder 24.

In one embodiment, the lock ring 36 is configured to compress or retain a cup 32 between it and the holder 24. Preferably, the lock ring 36 includes a lip 84 which extends inwardly at the top 76 of the body 72. This lip 84 serves as a stop for limiting the upward movement of a cup 32 from the holder 24 when the lock ring 36 is connected to the holder. Preferably, a sealing connection is provided between the lock ring 36 and the cup 32 (or lid 34, if connected thereto). In one embodiment, a seal 86 is located beneath the lip 84. The seal 86 may be a variety of types. In one embodiment, the seal 86 is a flat seal.

The lock ring 36 may be constructed from a variety of materials, such as plastic, metal or the like. In one embodiment, an exterior of the lock ring 36 is generally smooth. The outer dimension of the lock ring 36 may be selected so that it is substantially the same as the outer dimension of the main portion of the holder 24, whereby when connected, the two elements appear to form a contiguous element.

The use of the lock ring 36 and additional aspects thereof will be described in greater detail below.

As further illustrated in FIG. 2, in one embodiment a cover 22 may be attached to the lock ring 36 to close the top of the lock ring 36. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate one embodiment of a cover 22 of the invention. As illustrated, the cover 22 comprises a body 88. A bottom 90 of the body 88 is generally open, while the remainder of the body, including a top 92, is preferably generally closed.

An interior of the cover 22 is generally open and accessible from the bottom 90. In one embodiment, the cover 22 is configured to connect to the lock ring 36. This connection may be in a variety of manners, such as via threads, a snap-fit or other configurations. In the embodiment illustrated, referring to FIG. 7B, the top 76 of the lock ring 36 has a notch 94 at the top, outer portion thereof. This notch 94 is configured to connect or accept the bottom portion of the cover 22 in snap-fit relation.

So that the cover 22 fits tightly to the lock ring 36, the bottom 90 of the cover 22 preferably has a mating or similar shape to the top 76 or other portion of the lock ring 36 to which the cover 22 is connected. The cover 22 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, an exterior of the lid 22 is generally smooth. The cover 22 may be configured so that it is similar in outer dimension to the lock ring 36.

In one embodiment, the cover 22 may be configured to contain or hold supplies, such as one or more lids 34. In one embodiment, the cover 22 may include an inwardly extending lip or stop 96 at an interior thereof for catching a bottom or other portion of one or more lids 34, as best illustrated in FIG. 8B. In addition, the cover 22 may include one or more guides 98 for further locating and/or retaining the lid(s) 34. For example, a single ring-shaped guide 98 may extend downwardly from the top 92 of the cover 22 at the interior thereof. This guide 98 may be sized and shaped to fit snugly around the top of a lid 34 placed therein. The cover 22 might otherwise define an interior compartment for housing supplies, or might utilize a lock ring or similar element which may be connected to the bottom portion 90 of the cover 22 to secure the supplies (such as lids 34) in the cover 22.

Additional aspects of the container 20, including methods of use thereof, will now be described.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in one embodiment, the container 20 may be configured to hold fluids or other materials with the holder 24 configured as the primary container. In particular, the base 26 may be connected to the bottom 28 of the holder 24, thus providing a vessel or container for holding fluids or other materials. As indicated, this connection may be by mating threads provided on the holder 24 and the base 26, but might be by other means of connection. At this time, fluids may be accessed through the open top 30 of the holder 24.

If desired, a cap 26B, such as that illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, might be connected to the top 30 of the holder 24. As indicated, this connection may also be by mating threads provided on the holder 24 and the cap 26B, but might be by other means of connection. At this time, fluids might be accessed through the cap 26B, such as through the one or more openings 58 therein.

On the other hand, the container 20 might be configured for use with a cup or other container 32 as the primary container. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, a cup 32 may associated with the holder 24. In one embodiment, the cup 32 is positioned in the holder 24 with its rim supported by the top 30 of the holder 30 (and thus the body of the cup 32 located in the interior of the holder 24). The cup 32 may be secured to the holder 24 with the lock ring 36. In a preferred embodiment, however, a lid 34 is also connected to the cup 32 in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Then the lock ring 36 is used to secure the lid/cup combination to the holder 24.

In one embodiment, the lock ring 36 is screwed onto the top 30 of the holder 24. At that time, the bottom portion of the lid 34 and the rim of the cup 32 are compressed between the lock ring 36 and the holder 24. This secures the cup 32 and lid 34 to the holder 24. As indicated above and illustrated in FIG. 7B, a seal 86 on the lock ring 36 serves to seal the lock ring 36 to the lid 34 (and the rim of the cup serves as seal to the holder 24). Preferably, at this time the lid 34 extends upwardly through the lock ring 36. In this manner, the opening 72 in the lid 34 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B) is accessible to a user. In this manner, the user can pour or drink fluid from the cup 32. If desired, the cover 22 may be located over the lid 34 by connecting the cover to the lock ring 36.

In the embodiment illustrated, the holder defines external threads for mating with internal threads on associated elements such as the cap, locking ring, base and the like. It will be appreciated that the holder might define internal threads for mating with external threads on those associated elements.

Various aspects of the invention will now be appreciated. First, the container of the invention has great flexibility, including permitting various configurations. For example, the container can be utilized to directly hold fluid or other material. On the other hand, the container can also be used with a cup. This cup may be provided by the user or by a third party. For example, a user might obtain a cup of coffee from a vendor. The user may then lower this cup into engagement with the holder and then lock it in place with the lock ring. In this manner, the user can obtain the benefits of the holder while still using an existing cup.

The configuration of the container facilitates cleaning. As indicted, in a preferred embodiment both the top and bottom of the holder may be opened, thus allowing the user to easily clean the entire interior of the holder. This overcomes issues with existing closed bottom containers where it is difficult to clean the bottom areas of the container. In addition, because the base, lid, cover, lock ring and other components of the container are separable, they can easily be cleaned as well. Even the seals used with these elements can be easily cleaned. For example, referring to FIG. 7B, the seal 86 of the lock ring 36 is easily accessed and can be removed for cleaning.

In addition, substantial benefits can be obtained by using a cup with the holder. In that instance, the cup contains the fluid or other material, thus preventing the material from contacting the holder at all. For example, when traveling, a user may not wish to fill the holder directly with fluid. This is because the user may not have adequate opportunity to clean the holder between subsequent uses. However, in the configuration of the invention, the user can utilize cups provided by a vendor or directly provided by the user to contain the fluid. Then the user can discard the cup when they are done with the beverage. At that time, the user can load a new cup, or use the holder without a cup (without having to clean the holder, since the cup was used as the primary container and did not contaminate the holder).

As indicated, advantageously, the user may utilize a cup provided by a vendor with the holder. However, the user may provide a cup or cups for use with the holder. As indicated above, such cups might comprise relatively rigid cups (as illustrated in FIG. 6A) or even flexible and/or collapsible liners (as illustrated in FIG. 6B). Such cups might be stored in the holder of the container. As illustrated in FIG. 3, one or more cups (whether rigid, flexible or the like) might be stored in the interior of the holder. For example, the cups might be compressed or stacked in the bottom of the holder and be accessible by removing the base. In this regard, the holder might be configured to retain the cups within the holder (such as with a catch, lip or the like). Likewise, one or more lids may be stored in the cover, as best illustrated in FIG. 8B. As illustrated, in this storage configuration, the stored cups and/or lids do not interfere with use of a cup and lid combination with the holder in holding fluid.

In accordance with the invention, a user may associate a new cup and lid with the holder in repeated fashion. In this manner, each time a user uses a new cup, the user is using a new and clean container. As one example, a user might obtain a cup of coffee from a vendor in the morning of a trip. The user might load that cup into the holder. At a later time during the day, the user may remove the cup and throw it away. At that time, the container still remains sanitary because no beverage was actually located in the holder. The user might then load another cup into the holder, and so on, without the need to clean the holder or other components of the container (it is noted that the user also drinks through the lid on the cup in such an embodiment, further eliminating the need for the user to clean a cap of the container, as is the case with current containers).

In one embodiment, other items may be stored within the container. For example, sweetener or cream packages may be stored within the holder, cover or the like, including within the bottom of each cup or in each lid which is stored therein. Other items which may be stored in the container include personal effects. Of course, the container could have other configurations facilitating storage of supplies.

For example, the base could be configured to be large enough to hold one or more cups or other supplies directly therein, as illustrated in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a base 26C. This base 26C has a substantial depth which, when connected to the holder, cooperates therewith to define a large interior storage space. That space might be used to contain various items including supplies and/or other items such as personal effects including keys, money or the like. It will be appreciated that the size and shape of the base 26C may vary, such as depending upon the desired size of the storage space to be created. In one embodiment, a user may associate different bases with the holder, thereby customizing the container 20 for particular applications (including different uses on different days, for example).

In one embodiment, as detailed above, the user may locate the base of the holder on the top of the holder to completely close the holder. For example, when a cup is associated with the holder, the bottom of the holder does not need to be closed. The user might remove the base and connect it to the top of the holder over the cap, such as to fully close the cup to prevent spillage during transport.

In one embodiment, the lock ring 36 may be converted into a cap to close the container. As illustrated in FIG. 10A, an insert 100 may be associated with the lock ring 36. This insert 100 preferably fits into the lock ring and closes the central opening therein. In this manner, the lock ring 36 can be used to close the container for storage of various items, including beverages or the like.

The insert 100 may have a variety of configurations. As illustrated, the insert may protrude through the opening in the lock ring 36. However, the insert could be generally planar. When the insert 100 protrudes through the lock ring 36, it may be used to define a larger interior space (such as when the holder is being used to hold items other than a beverage or to accommodate an upwardly extending cup lid).

Similarly, the cap 26B may be similarly configured with an insert. The insert may be located inside of the cap 26B for covering the drinking or other opening therein. In this manner, the cap 26B can be used at the bottom of the holder and contain beverages or other material, or it could be used at the top of the holder to close the top of the holder. In the case of use at the top of the holder, the user may remove the insert in order to turn the base into an cap, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

In accordance with the invention, a container is defined which is capable of directly holding a fluid or similar material. In addition, the container is capable of holding a separate or disposable container. The container permits a user to drink from the disposable container.

In one embodiment, the container may be configured as a kit. The kit may comprise one or more of each of the components described above. In this manner, the user may custom configure their container using the various individual elements of the kit.

It will be understood that the above described arrangements of apparatus and the method there from are merely illustrative of applications of the principles of this invention and many other embodiments and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A container permitting multiple configurations comprising:

a holder, said holder comprising a generally cylindrical body having a passage there through, said holder having a top and a bottom;

a base configured to connect to the bottom of said holder for selectively closing said bottom of said holder;

a cap configured to connect to said top of said holder, said cap having a top; and

a cover configured to connect to said cap to cover a top of said cap;

whereby said holder is configured to accept a cup therein with a rim of said cup positioned between said top of said holder and said cap to retain said cup to said holder.

2. The container in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cap is configured as a lock ring comprising an annular body having a central opening through which a lid connected to said cup may extend.

3. The container in accordance with claim 1 wherein top and bottom of said holder are threaded for mating engagement with threads of said base and cap.

4. A container kit comprising:

at least one holder comprising a generally cylindrical body having a passage there through, said holder having a top and a bottom;

at least one lock ring, said lock ring comprising an annual body having a passage there through, said lock ring configured to connect to said top of said holder;

at least one base, said base comprising a body configured to connect to said bottom of said holder to close said bottom of said holder;

at least one cover, said cover comprising a body having a top and a generally open bottom, said cover configured to connect to said top of said lock ring; and

at least one cap, said cap comprising a body having a top and a bottom and at least one passage through said top, said at least one cap configured to connect to said top of said holder.

5. The container kit in accordance with claim 4 wherein said cover is configured to accept in an interior portion thereof through said open bottom one or more cup lids.

6. The container kit in accordance with claim 4 wherein said body of said lock ring defines an inwardly extending lip and further comprising a seal located beneath said lip.

7. The container kit in accordance with claim 4 wherein said top and bottom of said holder are threaded externally, and wherein said at least one lock ring and at least one lid include threads configured to mate with said threaded top of said holder, and said at least one base includes threads configured to mate with said threaded bottom of said holder.

8. The container kit in accordance with claim 4 further comprising at least one cup.

9. The container kit in accordance with claim 8 wherein at least one cup is located in said holder.

10. The container kit in accordance with claim 4 wherein at least one lid is located in said cover.

11. The container kit in accordance with claim 4 wherein at least a portion of said body is defined by spaced first and second walls having an insulating material there between.

12. The container kit in accordance with claim 8 wherein said at least one cup comprises a flexible liner.