INSULATING CONTAINER
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for a container having a ceramic coating. The container includes an outer container having a first wall extending from a top edge to a bottom edge, an inner container received within the outer container having a second wall with an upper edge below the top edge of the outer container, a gap formed between the inner and outer containers, a handle coupled to the outer container, and a lid removably engaged with at least one of the first and second walls. The first wall has an intermediate section tapering between upper and lower sections, the ceramic coating is applied to an inner surface of the second wall from a lower edge to the top edge of the first wall to line an interior volume. The lid includes a mouth configured to receive a straw and disposed adjacent a perimeter edge of the lid.
The present disclosure relates to drinkware and, more specifically, to drinkware including a ceramic coating.
Description of the Background of the DisclosureBeverage containers can be useful to transport, physically protect, thermally insulate, and consume various fluids. Fluid beverages are often enjoyed at cold temperatures and, thus, it is desired for beverage containers to thermally insulate the fluid beverages contained therein. Metallic materials are often used to construct beverage containers to provide durability and insulation. However, the metallic materials may alter the taste of the fluid beverages upon contact, which can produce undesirable tastes and sensations to a user when consuming the fluid beverage from the beverage container.
SUMMARYVarious aspects are described in connection with illustrative implementations of a container disclosed herein.
In some aspects, a beverage container includes an outer container having a first wall that extends continuously from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the outer container is made of metal. The beverage container includes an inner container that is received within and circumscribed by the outer container, the inner container having a second wall with an upper edge that is disposed below the top edge of the outer container, the second wall extending continuously from the upper edge to a lower edge that is adjacent an inner base, wherein the second wall is made of metal. An interior volume is defined between the top edge of the first wall and the inner base. The first wall has an intermediate section that tapers in diameter between an upper section and a lower section, the upper section having a substantially constant diameter between the top edge and the intermediate section, and the lower section defines a reduced diameter that is smaller than the constant diameter of the upper section. The beverage container includes a gap that is formed between the inner container and the outer container, wherein the gap extends between the upper edge and the bottom edge, and wherein the gap extends between the inner base and an outer base of the outer container. The beverage container includes a handle that is coupled to an outer surface of body section of the outer container, the handle having a lowermost point that is disposed above the waist section of the outer container. The beverage container includes a lid that is removably, sealingly engaged with at least one of the first wall and the second wall to cover the interior volume, the lid having a mouth that is configured to be selectively opened or closed and the mouth further being configured to receive a straw therethrough, wherein the mouth is disposed adjacent to a perimeter edge defined by the lid. A ceramic coating is applied to an inner surface of the second wall from the lower edge to a coating cutoff between the lower edge and the top edge of the first wall, inclusive, to line the interior volume.
According to some aspects, the lid further includes a flipper that is rotatable to selectively open and close the mouth. According to some aspects, the ceramic coating may comprise a composition including proportions of a polymethylsiloxane, silica sol dispersion, manganese ferrite spinel, water, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide red. According to some aspects, the ceramic coating may comprise multiple layers of the coating. According to some aspects, the coating cutoff may be between about 70% and about 100% of an inside surface height measured between the inner base and the top edge. According to some aspects, the coating cutoff may be between about 70% and about 90% of the inside surface height. According to some aspects, the coating may vary in thickness. According to some aspects, the coating cutoff may be disposed below a fastening portion that secures the lid to the container. According to some aspects, the outer base may seal a vacuum within the gap. According to some aspects, the lid may engage the first wall.
According to some aspects, a beverage container includes an outer container having a first wall that extends continuously from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the outer container is substantially cylindrical and defines a longitudinal axis through a centerpoint defined by the top edge, wherein the outer container is made of metal. The beverage container includes an inner container received within and circumscribed by the outer container, the inner container having a second wall with an upper edge that is disposed below the top edge of the outer container, the second wall extending continuously from the upper edge to a lower edge that is adjacent an inner base, wherein the second wall is made of metal. An interior volume is defined between the top edge of the first wall and the inner base. The beverage container includes a gap formed between the inner container and the outer container between the upper edge and the bottom edge. The beverage container includes a handle coupled to an outer surface of body section of the outer container, the handle having a lowermost point that is disposed above the bottom edge of the outer container. The beverage container includes a lid that is removably, sealingly engaged with at least one of the first wall and the second wall to cover the interior volume, the lid having an aperture that is configured to receive a straw therethrough, wherein the aperture is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal axis. A ceramic coating is applied to an entirety of an inner surface of the second wall from the lower edge to the upper edge and to an upper portion of an inner surface of the first wall to completely line the interior volume.
According to some aspects, the lid may further include a spout that is rotatable to selectively open and close the aperture. According to some aspects, the ceramic coating may comprise a composition including proportions of a polymethylsiloxane, silica sol dispersion, manganese ferrite spinel, water, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide red. According to some aspects, the ceramic coating may comprise multiple layers of the coating. According to some aspects, the coating may vary in thickness. According to some aspects, the outer base may seal a vacuum within the gap. According to some aspects, the lid may define an upper lid section and a lower lid section, and the lower lid section may define an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the first wall. According to some aspects, the second wall may taper between the upper edge and the lower edge. According to some aspects, the straw may be coupled to the lid. According to some aspects, the coating may be applied to a portion of the first wall.
Various alternative implementations of the foregoing aspects are disclosed. The foregoing various aspects may be combined in any manner without limitation. The foregoing and other aspects and advantages of the disclosure will appear from the following description. In the description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which there is shown by way of illustration a preferred configuration of the disclosure. Such configuration does not necessarily represent the full scope of the disclosure, however, and reference is made therefore to the claims herein for interpreting the scope of the disclosure.
The present disclosure will be better understood and features, aspects, and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings.
Before the embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Aspects of the disclosure are capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSThe container 100 defines a longitudinal axis L that extends through a geometric center of the container 100 (e.g., of the inner container 108) and an axial direction is defined along the longitudinal axis L. The longitudinal axis L extends centrally through a top end 124 and a bottom end 128 of the container 100. The container 100 has an upper section 132, an intermediate section 136, and a lower section 140. The upper section 132 extends from the top end 124 to the intermediate section 136, and the lower section 140 extends from the intermediate section 136 to the bottom end 128.
Referring to
With reference to
The handle 116 is coupled to the outer wall 144 within upper section 132 and protrudes outwardly from the outer surface 160 in a direction, away from the longitudinal axis L, to define a handle opening 172. In particular, the handle 116 is provided in the form of a rotated, U-shaped element that is coupled to the outer surface 160 at an upper handle end 176 and a lower handle end 180. Both the upper handle end 176 and the lower handle end 180 are coupled to the outer wall 144 within the upper section 132 and disposed entirely, axially above the intermediate section 136 and the lower section 140. In some aspects, the handle 116 is formed of a plastic material, a metal material, or an organic material and is a separate component that is attached to the outer container 104. The upper handle end 176 and the lower handle end 180 may be secured to the outer wall 144 by using an adhesive, a fastener, a mechanical interlock, welding, or any suitable technique. The upper handle end 176 is arranged below the rim portion 164 of the outer wall 144 at the top end 124 of the outer container 104. In some embodiments, the handle 116 may be removably attached to the outer wall 144 by magnets, a mechanical interlock, an adhesive tape, fasteners, or any suitable method. In this way, the handle 116 can be repositioned or adjusted on the container 100 or may be removed entirely, as desired by the user. In some aspects, the handle 116 can be integrally formed with the outer container 104, so as to constitute a unitary component with the outer container 104. In some aspects, the handle 116 and the outer container 104 can be formed of the same materials or coated with the same materials. In some embodiments, the handle 116 and the outer container 104 are coated or treated with different materials from one another.
Referring again to
As described above, the gap 112 is formed between the inner container 108 and the outer container 104. In some embodiments, the gap 112 extends circumferentially around the longitudinal axis L between the inner container 108 and the outer container 104. As described above, the inner wall 184 of the inner container 108 and the outer wall 144 of the outer container 104 define diameters within the upper section 132, the intermediate section 136, and the lower section 140. It is appreciated that an outer diameter IOD of the inner wall 184 is less than an inner diameter OID of the outer wall 144 at any plane between the inner base 192 and the upper edge 188 that extends radially relative to the longitudinal axis L. The gap 112 therefore extends from the outer diameter IOD of the inner wall 184 to the inner diameter OID of the outer wall 144 between the inner base 192 and the upper edge 188. In some embodiments, the gap 112 extends below the inner base 192. Specifically, the gap 112 further extends from the inner base 192 of the inner wall 184 to the outer base 156 of the outer wall 144. In some embodiments, the gap 112 extends above the upper edge 188. Specifically, the gap 112 additionally extends from the engagement wall 228 to the outer wall 144 between the upper edge 188 and the top edge 148. It is therefore appreciated that an outer diameter EOD of the engagement wall 228 is less than an inner diameter OID of the outer wall 144 at any plane between the upper edge 188 and the top edge 148 that extends radially relative to the longitudinal axis L.
The gap 112 is substantially empty and void. In some embodiments, the construction of the inner container 108 and the outer container 104 is such that a vacuum is maintained within the gap 112. In some embodiments, the gap 112 is filled with insulative materials, such as, e.g., one or more fluids, one or more solids, one or more gases, or combinations thereof.
Referring to
As illustrated in
In the illustrated embodiment of
An inside surface 232 of the container 100 is defined along the inner wall 184 from the inner base 192 to the top edge 148 and includes the engagement wall 228. The inside surface 232 extends from the top edge 148 to the inner base 192, thereby surrounding and encompassing the interior volume 196 of the container 100. The inside surface 232 includes a fastening portion 236 between the top edge 148 and the upper edge 188 (e.g., along the engagement wall 228). The fastening portion 236 is configured to secure the lid 120 by engaging a corresponding fastening portion disposed around the lower lid section 212 (e.g., a threading, the gasket 204, or another known fastening mechanism). In some embodiments, the fastening portion 236 includes inner threading 240 disposed thereon and protruding inwardly toward the longitudinal axis L from the inside surface 232. In some embodiments, other types of fastening or closure mechanisms may be used, such as, e.g., an interlocking slot, and tab assembly. In some embodiments, the fastening portion 236 does not include any threading or fastener and, instead, a pressure-fit or interference fit is formed due to the relative dimensions of the inside surface 232 and the gasket 204 carried by the lid 120.
Still referring to
In some embodiments, the coating 244 is applied to the inside surface 232 between the inner base 192 and a coating cutoff 248, inclusive, which is disposed between the inner base 192 and the top edge 148. The coating cutoff 248 extends around the inside surface 232 along a plane that extends radially relative to the longitudinal axis L. In some embodiments, the coating cutoff 248 is disposed a coating distance 252 from the inner base 192 that is between about 50% and about 100% of an inside surface height 256 measured between the inner base 192 and the top edge. In some embodiments the coating distance 252 is between about 60% and about 100%, or about 60% and about 90%, or about 70% and about 100%, or between about 70% and about 90% of the inside surface height 256. In some embodiments, the coating cutoff 248 is disposed below the engagement wall 228 and the fastening portion 236 disposed thereon.
In some embodiments, the coating 244 contains multiple layers, such as, e.g., a first layer, a second layer, a third, layer, or a fourth layer, or more. In some embodiments, the coating 244 is applied discontinuously along the inside surface 232, such that there are areas or regions in which the coating 244 is absent. In some embodiments, the coating 244 varies in thickness T along the inside surface 232. In some aspects, the coating 244 is a composition including various proportions of a polymethylsiloxane, silica sol dispersion, manganese ferrite spinel, water, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide red, as illustrated in Table 1 below.
Referring briefly to
Step S108 includes drying the coating on the container at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined amount of time. Step S112 is a decision step at which the container and coating are inspected for defects. If the container or coating includes a defect, i.e., decision=YES, the method continues to step S116. If the container or coating does not include a defect, i.e., decision=NO, the method continues to step S120. The container 100 or the coating 244 can be inspected by a human or machine operator. For example, a surface of the container 100 or the coating 244 can be checked for scratches, cracks, dents, coating thickness, consistency of coating thickness, and other factors using sensors.
Step S116 is a decision step at which it is determined if the defect is repairable. If the defect is repairable, i.e., decision=YES, the method proceeds to step S124 where the defect is repaired, and continues on to step S120. If the defect is not repairable, i.e., decision=NO, the method proceeds to step S128 where the container is discarded.
Step S120 is also a decision step at which it is determined if the container requires another layer of the coating. If the container requires another layer of the coating, i.e., decision=YES, the method returns to step S104, and another layer of the coating is applied. If the container does require another layer of the coating, i.e., decision=NO, Step S132 includes polishing the container and coating. The container 100 can be polished using chemicals and a brush, cloth, or other applicator.
Step S136 includes marking the outer wall of the container with indicator(s). For example, the indicator can mark the containers that include or will include the ceramic coating. The indicator can be used by a machine or human operator throughout the manufacturing process. For example, after the indicator is applied, a conveyor system and any detectors thereof (e.g., human or machine) can identify and sort coated containers from uncoated containers. As described further below, indicator(s) can be a logo, a symbol, a design, and/or a pattern that can be applied using a variety of techniques.
In some embodiments, the indicator(s) are located on the outer wall, in any of an upper section, lower section, or intermediate section of the container. In some embodiments, the indicator(s) are applied using an adhesive, an engraver, a paint, a color contrast coating, an abrasion tool (such as a knurling tool to create a texture on the outer wall or exterior coating), or other technique of marking a surface. In some embodiments, the container includes an exterior coating along the outer wall thereof, and the indicator(s) are engraved (e.g., laser engraved, engraved with a cutting tool, or otherwise engraved) by removing one or more layers of the coating on the exterior wall.
In some embodiments, a color of one or more of the logo, symbol, design, or pattern indicator(s) is used to indicate the presence of the coating to the machine or human operator. For example, if the color of one or more of the logo, design, or pattern indicator(s) does not match a color of the exterior coating that covers the outer wall, the container may include the interior ceramic coating. In other examples, the presence of the indicator(s) that are a specific design or symbol indicates that the container includes the ceramic coating.
As described above, the indicator(s) can be detected by a human or machine detector. In some embodiments, the indicator(s) can be detected by a camera that is positioned adjacent a conveyor system transporting the container. Specifically, the camera can scan the outer wall of the container and determine if the container includes the ceramic coating. The camera can then communicate with the conveyor system transporting the container, to route the container to a correct fulfillment (e.g., packaging) station.
In some embodiments, after the container is polished, and prior to the container being marked with the indicator, the container is added to a marking system for marking the container with the indicator(s) or other logos, symbols, and designs. In some embodiments, the marking system includes a camera that is positioned adjacent a conveyor system of the marking system. The camera can detect a presence, or lack thereof, of the ceramic coating within the container. For example, the camera can measure a surface finish characteristic, such as light reflectivity, that differs between coated and uncoated surfaces. The camera can then communicate with the marking system to ensure that the containers including the ceramic coating, are marked with the indicator(s).
As described above, the container 100 can advantageously be coated with multiple layers of the coating 244 to increase a durability of the coating 244. For example, providing multiple layers of the coating can reduce a likelihood of cracking, scratching, or otherwise breaking through the coating 244 to the surface of the inner wall 184 or the outer wall 144 of the container 100 underneath the coating. In some embodiments, a number of layers of the coating 244 to be applied to the container 100 is predetermined by a procedure stored in a memory of a human or machine operator. In other examples, layers of the coating 244 are applied to the container 100 until the coating 244 is sufficiently thick (e.g., determined by a sensor controlled by the human or machine operator).
In some embodiments, throughout the method of
In some embodiments, the indicator applied in step S212 can mark the containers that will be coated with the ceramic coating in step S216. The indicator can be used by a machine or human operator throughout the manufacturing process. For example, after the indicator is applied, a conveyor system and any detectors thereof (e.g., human or machine) can identify and sort coated containers from uncoated containers. As described further below, indicator(s) can be a logo, a symbol, a design, and/or a pattern.
In some embodiments, the indicator(s) are located on the outer wall, in any of an upper section, lower section, or intermediate section of the container. In some embodiments, the indicator(s) are applied using an adhesive, an engraver, a paint, a color contrast coating, an abrasion tool (such as a knurling tool to create a texture on the outer wall or exterior coating), or other technique of marking a surface.
As described above, the indicator(s) can be detected by a human or machine detector. In some embodiments, the indicator(s) can be detected by a camera that is positioned adjacent a conveyor system that is transporting the container. Specifically, the camera can scan the container for the indicator(s) and determine if the container should be lined with the ceramic coating. If the indicator(s) are detected, the camera can then communicate with the conveyor system transporting the container, to route the container to a coating station for application of the ceramic coating.
Adding the indicator(s) to the containers prior to coating can enable the conveyor system to identify and direct those containers that are destined to be coated to the coating station while other containers, that do not include the indicator(s), are directed away from the coating station. As a result, the coating station can be integrated into the conveyor system (e.g., with an existing conveyor system), and the use of automation can enable faster and more efficient manufacturing assembly lines.
In some embodiments, the desired area of the inner wall 184 of the container 100 to be coated, and therefore a movement of the container relative to the automated arm, or movement of the coating arm, to coat the desired area, is based on the type of the container 100 that is being coated. For example, data regarding the specific areas to be coated can be stored within the coating system, and associated with the type of the container 100. The coating system can then control movement of the coating arm and dispensation of the coating to precisely coat one or more areas of the container as specified by the data associated with the type of the container 100. It is appreciated that the coating 244 can be applied using a sprayer, a brush, a roller, or another automated coating mechanism for applying a coating to a surface. Additionally, it is appreciated that the coating chamber can be climate controlled for temperature and humidity to ensure proper application of the coating 244.
Step S316 includes extending a second automated coating arm to an exterior of the container and rotating or otherwise moving the coating arm or the container as a coating is dispensed from the second coating arm onto an external surface of the container, such as applying the coating 244 onto the outer wall 144 of the container 100. Similar to the application of the coating 244 to the inner wall 184, the coating system can control movement of the second coating arm or the container and dispensation of the coating 244 to coat a specific area of the container 100 based on the data associated with the type of the container 100. Additionally, it is appreciated that the coating 244 can be applied using a sprayer, a brush, a roller, or another automated coating mechanism for applying a coating to a surface.
Step S320 includes wiping, squeegeeing, or otherwise removing excess coating from the surface of the container. In some embodiments, the removed excess coating can be reloaded into the first or second coating arms and reapplied to another container. Step S324 includes conveying the container to a drying chamber and drying the coating on the container. Step S328 includes conveying the container to a packaging station to be packaged and shipped to a user.
Turning back to
The illustrated container 300 of
Referring to
Still referring to
The inner wall 384 includes the engagement wall 428 that extends between the top edge 348 of the outer wall 344 and the upper edge 388. The engagement wall 428 defines a fourth diameter ID42 that is equal to the first diameter ID12 of the inner wall 384, so that the upper section 332 of the inner wall 384 defines a constant or uniform diameter. Still referring to
As illustrated in
In some embodiments, spout channels extending through the spout 460 taper between the upper spout section 464 and the lower spout section 468. Specifically, the spout channel in the upper spout section 464 may define a larger diameter than the spout channel in the lower spout section 468. This taper can provide smoother flow of fluids through the spout 460 and the spout channel. In some embodiments, a straw or other conduit (not shown) is connected to the lower spout section 468. The straw (not shown) can allow the spout 460 to access and convey fluids disposed in the lower section 340 of the container 300. In particular, a top end of the straw is removably press fit onto the lower spout section 468. The straw can abut the inner bottom of the lid 320 (e.g., a bottom of the upper lid section 408) to form a pressure-tight seal that minimizes or eliminates any intake of air or fluid from the top end of the straw when a user sucks through the spout 460, thereby concentrating the suction at the bottom end of the straw to maximize fluid extraction/dispensing from the container 300.
In some embodiments, the straw can be a straight, linear straw that extends parallel to the axis L2 from the lid 320 to the lower section 340 (e.g., to the inner base 392). In some embodiments, the straw can be sized or shaped to extend linearly or curvilinearly to be disposed at an oblique angle relative to the axis L2. The spout channel extending through the upper spout section 464 is designed to be selectively aligned with the spout channel extending through the lower spout section 468. As described above, the upper spout section 464 is rotatable between an open position and a closed position by engaging the engagement arm 470. In some embodiments, in the open position where the straw and the channels of the spout sections 464, 468 are aligned, the engagement arm 470 is sized and shaped to abut a recessed wall on an exterior side of the lid 320. This way, the maximum rotational distance of the spout 460 (e.g., the upper spout section 464) corresponds to full alignment and unrestricted flow of fluid through the straw and spout channels. It is also designed so that a partial rotational distance, i.e., rotating the spout 460 (e.g., the upper spout section 464) less than its full extent, causes partial alignment between the straw and the spout channels, to provide a reduced or restricted flow configuration. However, to avoid accidental or unintended leaking or dispensing of fluid from the spout 460, the partial rotation may be greater than 50% of the full rotational distance before fluid will flow through the spout channels. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lower spout section 468 is sized and shaped to prevent fluid from flowing around it, whether in the seated/closed position, the fully open position, or any partially rotated position.
It is also preferable that when the spout 460 is in the fully open position, the spout 460 extends obliquely outwardly relative to the axis L2 so that the outlet end of the spout channel (e.g., an end of the upper spout section 464 that is opposite the lower spout section 468) is positioned a greater distance from the axis L2 than the exterior surface of the lid 320. This position enables a user to have unobstructed access to the outlet of the spout channel. In some embodiments, when fully open, the outlet end of the spout channel is coextensive with the outer diameter OD32 of the lower section 340 of the outer wall 344. In some embodiments, when fully open, the outlet end of the spout is positioned a greater distance from the axis L2 than the exterior surface of the outer wall 344 in the lower section 340.
In some embodiments, the spout 460 includes an engagement arm 470 that a user can manipulate to rotate the upper spout section 464 between the open and closed position. Additionally, the lid 320 can include a hole 472 that is open while the spout 460 is in the open position and closed while the spout 460 is in the closed position. The hole 472 allows ambient air to flow into the container 300 to promote pressure equalization between the ambient environment and the interior volume 396 for a consistently smooth flow of fluid out of the container 300 through the spout 460.
Still referring to
The illustrated container 500 of
Referring to
Still referring to
In the present embodiment, the outer wall 544 includes the engagement wall 628 that extends between the top edge 548 of the outer wall 544 and the neck 676. The engagement wall 628 includes the fastening portion 640. The fastening portion 640 is configured to secure the lid 520 by engaging a corresponding fastening portion disposed around the lower lid section 612 (e.g., a threading, a gasket (not shown), or another known fastening mechanism). In some embodiments, the fastening portion 640 includes threading disposed thereon and protruding outwardly from the longitudinal axis L3 from the outer wall 544. In some embodiments, other types of fastening or closure mechanisms may be used, such as, e.g., an interlocking slot, and tab assembly. In some embodiments, the fastening portion 640 does not include any threading or fastener and, instead, a pressure-fit or interference fit is formed due to the relative dimensions of the outer wall 544 and sections of the lid 120.
Still referring to
Referring briefly to
In some embodiments, the handle 692 may be secured to the lid 520 by using an adhesive, a fastener, a mechanical interlock, welding, or any suitable technique. In some embodiments, the handle 692 may be removably attached to the lid 520 by magnets, a mechanical interlock, an adhesive tape, fasteners, or any suitable method. In this way, the handle 692 can be repositioned or adjusted on the lid 520 or may be removed entirely, as desired by the user. In some aspects, the handle 692 can be integrally formed with the lid 520, so as to constitute a unitary component with the lid 520. In some aspects, the handle 692 and the lid 520 can be formed of the same materials or coated with the same materials. In some embodiments, the handle 692 and the lid 520 are coated or treated with different materials from one another.
Referring again to
The illustrated container 700 of
Referring to
Referring to
In some embodiments, the handle 892 may be secured to the lid 720 by using an adhesive, a fastener, a mechanical interlock, welding, or any suitable technique. In some embodiments, the handle 892 may be removably attached to the lid 720 by magnets, a mechanical interlock, an adhesive tape, fasteners, or any suitable method. In this way, the handle 892 can be repositioned or adjusted on the lid 720 or may be removed entirely, as desired by the user. In some aspects, the handle 892 can be integrally formed with the lid 720, so as to constitute a unitary component with the lid 720. In some aspects, the handle 892 and the lid 720 can be formed of the same materials or coated with the same materials. In some embodiments, the handle 892 and the lid 720 are coated or treated with different materials from one another.
Referring to
The cap 884 is secured to the lid 720 using an arm 824 (see
Referring briefly again to
Referring to
Referring to
Still referring to
In the present embodiment, the outer wall 944 includes the engagement wall 1028 that extends between the top edge 948 and the upper edge 988 of the container 900. The engagement wall 228 defines a fourth diameter ID45 that is substantially constant or uniform between the top edge 948 and the upper edge 988. The engagement wall 1028 includes the fastening portion 1040. The fastening portion 1040 is configured to secure the lid 920 by engaging a corresponding fastening portion disposed around the lower lid section 1012 (e.g., a threading, a gasket 1004, or another known fastening mechanism).
Still referring to
Referring briefly to
In some embodiments, the mouth 1016 being disposed along the longitudinal axis L5 further mitigates the potential of spilling the fluid from the container 900 through the mouth 1016. Specifically, fluid may only escape the mouth 1016 without the use of the straw 1020 when the container 100 is tilted such that the fluid level is disposed along or above the longitudinal axis L5, relative to gravity, at the lid 920.
The illustrated container 1100 of
Referring to
Still referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 1144 includes the engagement wall 1228 that extends between the top edge 1148 and the upper edge 1188 of the container 1100. The engagement wall 1228 defines a fourth diameter ID46 that is substantially constant or uniform between the top edge 1148 and the upper edge 1188. The engagement wall 1228 includes the fastening portion 1240. The fastening portion 1240 is configured to secure the lid 1120 by engaging a corresponding fastening portion disposed around the lower lid section 1212 (e.g., a threading, a gasket 1204, or another known fastening mechanism). As illustrated in
Referring to
The illustrated container 1300 of
Referring to
Still referring to
In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 1344 includes the engagement wall 1428 that extends between the top edge 1348 and the upper edge 1388 of the container 1300. The engagement wall 1428 defines a fourth diameter ID47 that is substantially constant or uniform between the top edge 1348 and the upper edge 1388. The engagement wall 1428 includes the fastening portion 1440. The fastening portion 1440 is configured to secure the lid 1320 by engaging a corresponding fastening portion disposed around the lower lid section 1412 (e.g., a threading, the gasket 1404, or another known fastening mechanism). As illustrated in
Still referring to
The container 1300 of
Although various aspects are herein disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments, implementations, and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventive aspects and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the aspects have been noted, other modifications, which are within their scope, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It should be also understood that the scope of this disclosure includes the various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed herein, such that the various features, modes of implementation and operation, and aspects of the disclosed subject matter may be combined with or substituted for one another. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments or implementations described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.
Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.
The features, aspects and advantages are described above with reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but not to limit the present disclosure. While the devices and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms, several specific embodiments are discussed herein with the understanding that the embodiments described in the present disclosure are to be considered only exemplifications of the principles described herein, and the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated. Throughout the disclosure, the terms “about” and “approximate” mean plus or minus 5% of the number or value that each term precedes. In the drawings, like reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the drawings. Also, while the terms “front side,” “back side,” “top,” “base,” “bottom,” “side,” “forward,” and “rearward” and the like may be used in this specification to describe various example features and elements, these terms are used herein as a matter of convenience, e.g., based on the example orientations shown in the figures and/or the orientations in typical use. Unless otherwise stated, nothing in this specification should be construed as requiring a specific three dimensional or spatial orientation of structures in order to fall within the scope of the claims.
Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof.
In the description above, reference is made to one or more container structures. It is contemplated that any of the disclosed structures may be constructed from any polymer, composite, plastic, injection molded plastic, and/or metal/alloy material, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, it is contemplated that any manufacturing methodology may be utilized, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, one or more of welding, e.g., high frequency, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding of fabric, or metal/alloy welding, gluing, stitching, molding, injection molding, blow molding, stamping, deep-drawing, casting, die-casting, rotational molding, or additive manufacturing processes may be used, as well as various finishing processes, including drilling, deburring, grinding, polishing, sanding, or etching processes, among many others, may be utilized to construct the various container structures, or portions thereof, described throughout the disclosure.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITYNumerous modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only and is presented for the purpose of enabling those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The exclusive rights to all modifications which come within the scope of the appended claims are reserved.
Claims
1. A beverage container, comprising:
- an outer container having a first wall that extends continuously from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the outer container is made of metal;
- an inner container that is received within and circumscribed by the outer container, the inner container having a second wall with an upper edge that is disposed below the top edge of the outer container, the second wall extending continuously from the upper edge to a lower edge that is adjacent an inner base, wherein the second wall is made of metal, wherein an interior volume is defined between the top edge of the first wall and the inner base, wherein the first wall has an intermediate section that tapers in diameter between an upper section and a lower section, the upper section having a substantially constant diameter between the top edge and the intermediate section, and wherein the lower section defines a reduced diameter that is smaller than the constant diameter of the upper section;
- a gap that is formed between the inner container and the outer container, wherein the gap extends between the upper edge and the bottom edge, and wherein the gap extends between the inner base and an outer base of the outer container;
- a handle that is coupled to an outer surface of body section of the outer container, the handle having a lowermost point that is disposed above the intermediate section of the outer container; and
- a lid that is removably, sealingly engaged with at least one of the first wall and the second wall to cover the interior volume, the lid having a mouth that is configured to be selectively opened or closed and the mouth further being configured to receive a straw therethrough, wherein the mouth is disposed adjacent to a perimeter edge defined by the lid,
- wherein a ceramic coating is applied to an inner surface of the second wall from the lower edge to a coating cutoff between the lower edge and the top edge of the first wall, inclusive, to line the interior volume.
2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the lid further includes a flipper that is rotatable to selectively open and close the mouth.
3. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the ceramic coating comprises a composition including proportions of a polymethylsiloxane, silica sol dispersion, manganese ferrite spinel, water, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide red.
4. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the ceramic coating comprises multiple layers of the coating.
5. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the coating cutoff is between about 70% and about 100% of an inside surface height measured between the inner base and the top edge.
6. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the coating cutoff is between about 70% and about 90% of the inside surface height.
7. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the coating varies in thickness.
8. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the coating cutoff is disposed below a fastening portion that secures the lid to the container.
9. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the outer base seals a vacuum within the gap.
10. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the lid engages the first wall.
11. A beverage container, comprising:
- an outer container having a first wall that extends continuously from a top edge to a bottom edge, wherein the outer container is substantially cylindrical and defines a longitudinal axis through a centerpoint defined by the top edge, wherein the outer container is made of metal;
- an inner container received within and circumscribed by the outer container, the inner container having a second wall with an upper edge that is disposed below the top edge of the outer container, the second wall extending continuously from the upper edge to a lower edge that is adjacent an inner base, wherein the second wall is made of metal wherein an interior volume is defined between the top edge of the first wall and the inner base;
- a gap formed between the inner container and the outer container between the upper edge and the bottom edge;
- a handle coupled to an outer surface of body section of the outer container, the handle having a lowermost point that is disposed above the bottom edge of the outer container; and
- a lid that is removably, sealingly engaged with at least one of the first wall and the second wall to cover the interior volume, the lid having an aperture that is configured to receive a straw therethrough, wherein the aperture is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal axis,
- wherein a ceramic coating is applied to an entirety of an inner surface of the second wall from the lower edge to the upper edge and to an upper portion of an inner surface of the first wall to completely line the interior volume.
12. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the lid further includes a spout that is rotatable to selectively open and close the aperture.
13. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the ceramic coating comprises a composition including proportions of a polymethylsiloxane, silica sol dispersion, manganese ferrite spinel, water, aluminum oxide, and iron oxide red.
14. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the ceramic coating comprises multiple layers of the coating.
15. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the coating varies in thickness.
16. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein an outer base of the outer container is sealed to hold a vacuum within the gap.
17. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the lid defines an upper lid section and a lower lid section, and the lower lid section defines an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the first wall.
18. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the second wall tapers between the upper edge and the lower edge.
19. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the straw is coupled to the lid.
20. The beverage container of claim 11, wherein the coating is applied to a portion of the first wall.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 26, 2024
Publication Date: Feb 26, 2026
Inventors: Steve WHITWORTH (Katy, TX), David FINDLAY (Katy, TX), Rachel ROADES (Katy, TX)
Application Number: 18/815,023