TWI860780B - Beverage container system with interchangeable inserts - Google Patents

Abstract

A beverage container system is described herein. The beverage container system includes a container for containing beverages, and a cover assembly that can selectively close the beverage container. The cover assembly is coupled to the beverage container to form the beverage container system. The cover assembly includes an interchangeable insert and a collar. The cover assembly can control the flow of beverage from the beverage container. The collar can be used in conjunction with a variety of interchangeable inserts to provide different drinking methods and functions.

Description

Beverage container system with interchangeable inserts

The present invention relates to a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts.

Some beverage containers are known to use a lid with a closure feature or structure to prevent or reduce the spillage or leakage of the fluid in the beverage container. If the lid is damaged, the entire beverage container may need to be discarded. Furthermore, some people prefer to use different types of beverage containers for different occasions and for different beverages. In addition, users may want to share drinks with others and provide a clean drinking surface for each sharer. Users may also want to use the beverage container while part of the lid component of the beverage container is being cleaned, dried or repaired.

This specification illustrates and describes certain aspects of a beverage container system with an interchangeable insert. One aspect is a lid assembly. The lid assembly includes a collar. The collar can be mounted on the upper portion or neck of the beverage container. The collar defines a central opening. The central opening can removably accommodate an insert. The insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the beverage container. The insert includes a fluid channel and an opening structure. The fluid channel can form a fluid connection with the internal space of the beverage container. The opening structure can output the beverage in the beverage container. The collar includes an actuator. The actuator holds the insert in the central opening of the collar.

Other aspects include a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts. The beverage container system includes a collar. The beverage container system includes a beverage container that defines an internal space that can hold a beverage. The collar can be mounted on the upper portion or neck of the beverage container. The first insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the collar. The first insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the beverage container. The first insert includes a first fluid channel and a first opening structure. The first fluid channel allows the internal space of the beverage container to be fluidly connected to the first opening structure to facilitate the delivery of the beverage. The second insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the collar. The second insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the beverage container. The second insert includes a second fluid channel and a second opening structure. The second fluid channel can allow the inner space of the beverage container to be fluidically connected with the second opening structure so as to output the beverage.

Other aspects include an insert for a beverage container system. The insert includes an upper surface. The opening structure is a portion of the upper surface or extends from the upper surface. A fluid channel is formed in the insert. The fluid channel forms a fluid connection with the opening structure. The insert includes a first generally circular outer edge. The threads are located on the first generally circular outer edge. The threads can be removably engaged with the container. The upper surface forms a second generally circular outer edge, and the second generally circular outer edge has an edge.

For the purpose of this application, all terms describing relative positions (such as "upper", "middle", "lower", "outer", "inner", "above", "below", "bottom", "top", etc.) are based on the illustrated aspects of the present invention as a reference standard, but these terms do not limit the directions in which these embodiments can be used.

The beverage container system 10 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 15. The beverage container system 10 includes a beverage container 20 for holding beverages, and a cover assembly 50 that can selectively close the beverage container 20. The cover assembly 50 may be coupled to the beverage container 20 to form the beverage container system 10. The cover assembly 50 includes an interchangeable insert 100 and a collar 200. The cover assembly 50 can control the flow of beverage from the beverage container 20. The interchangeable insert 100 may include a variety of different versions and variations, depending on the user's drinking habits and preferences, and the different versions and variations may work with the same collar 200 and beverage container 20.

The interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 are removably connected or engaged with each other, as described below. In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 is engaged with the beverage container 20 in a threaded manner, thereby retaining the cap assembly 50 on the beverage container 20. To load a beverage into the beverage container 20, the interchangeable insert 100 may be unscrewed from the beverage container 20, and this action may also remove the collar 200 from the beverage container 20. The user may also remove the collar 200 from the interchangeable insert 100 and the beverage container 20 first, and then unscrew the interchangeable insert 100 from the beverage container 20.

The beverage container system 10 allows the user to replace the interchangeable insert 100 according to the drinking method, preference or occasion. Different interchangeable inserts 100 may include different opening structures. Different interchangeable inserts 100 may be used with the same collar 200. For example, a user may prefer to drink through a spout or wide opening structure when engaging in endurance activities, but the same user may prefer to drink through a straw-type opening structure when riding in a car, when wearing lipstick, or in other situations. A user may prefer to drink hot beverages through a straight drinking opening structure, but prefer to drink cold beverages through a spray or spout-type opening structure of the interchangeable insert 100. In addition, an interchangeable insert 100 may become contaminated or even lost over time. Therefore, if the beverage container system 10 can provide different and/or replaceable interchangeable inserts 100, the user can easily replace or replace the interchangeable insert 100 without having to repurchase the beverage container 20 and/or the ring 200.

The following description will focus on the beverage container 20. The beverage container 20 includes a wall 22 that defines an interior space 35 that can hold a beverage. The wall 22 at the upper portion or neck 24 of the beverage container 20 includes an inner surface 25 having an internal thread 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal thread 30 of the beverage container 20 can accommodate the external thread 105 of the interchangeable insert 100, thereby removably connecting or engaging the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20. The external thread 105 is formed at the lower portion 113 of the interchangeable insert 100.

The following description will be directed to the interchangeable insert 100. The interchangeable insert 100 is removably coupled to the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 may include any of a variety of opening structures (e.g., a drinking port, a nozzle, a spray feature, a spray feature, a straw (flexible, rigid, pivotal, etc.), an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, a mouthpiece, etc.). Please refer to Figure 2, which shows a variety of different non-limiting examples of the interchangeable insert 100. The opening structure is typically a portion of the upper surface 120 of the interchangeable insert 100 or extends from the upper surface 120. Of course, the interchangeable insert 100 may be modified to include almost any type of drinking port or drinking opening. Referring again to FIG. 2 , the bent straw insert 101 includes a flexible straw as an opening structure. The direct drinking insert 102 includes a lip-shaped feature as an opening structure to facilitate the user to drink the beverage directly. The hard pivotable straw insert 103 can be pivoted upward to an open position to provide an opening structure. The opening structure of the spout insert 104 allows fluid to flow out. In some embodiments, the system of the present invention may include more than one insert with the same opening structure (e.g., each insert has a straw of different shape, material or size), or the set of inserts may include all different types of opening structures (e.g., a first insert has a spout, a second insert has a straw, a third insert has a smooth ridge through which fluid can pass and has a drinking port, and so on). Any of the inserts 101-104 may be repeatedly removed and replaced with a different insert 101-104 or another insert. The interchangeable insert 100 includes an upper surface 120 and a bottom surface 130 that are substantially opposite to each other. In this aspect, the substantially circular first outer edge 114 of the interchangeable insert 100 includes an external thread 105. To avoid the creation of a vacuum and to facilitate fluid flow, some interchangeable inserts 100 include vents. The interchangeable insert 100 includes a fluid passage through which fluid can pass.

One type of the interchangeable insert 100, namely, a spout insert 104, will be described below with reference to Figures 4, 8 and 9. The spout insert 104 includes many features common to most interchangeable inserts 100. The spout insert 104 includes a fluid channel 106 that fluidly connects the interior space 35 of the beverage container 20 to the spout 108 to facilitate the flow of fluid from the beverage container 20 to the user. The spout 108 includes an opening structure 110 that allows fluid to flow out or be output from the spout insert 104. The spout insert 104 includes a vent 112 that promotes fluid flow and prevents the formation of a vacuum in the beverage container 20.

The upper surface 120 forms a tab 140. The tab 140 extends from a second generally circular outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120. The second generally circular outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120 is larger than the first generally circular outer edge 114 of the lower portion 113 of the interchangeable insert 100. Thus, the upper surface 120 protrudes beyond the lower portion 113 or is wider than the lower portion 113.

The interchangeable insert 100 includes a flange 150, which is located slightly lower than the upper surface 120. An insert recess 165 is formed in the flange 150. In this aspect, the tab 140 is located approximately opposite the insert recess 165, that is, approximately 180 degrees away from the insert recess 165. The above-mentioned features of the interchangeable insert 100 can be coordinated with the features of the collar 200 to allow the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 to be removably engaged or connected to each other, as described below. The external thread 105 is located on the first generally circular outer edge 114 of the interchangeable insert 100. The external thread 105 is located below the flange 150.

The following will be described with respect to the collar 200. In this aspect, the collar 200 is mounted on the upper portion or neck 24 of the beverage container 20. In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 is removably engaged with the central opening 210 of the collar 200. The collar 200 includes an upper rim 205 and a lower rim 212 at substantially opposite ends. The collar 200 includes an inner wall 215 and an outer wall 220. In this aspect, the inner wall 215 of the collar 200 does not have threads or other connecting structures. The inner wall 215 forms an inner rim 217. The collar 200 defines a central opening 210, and the central opening 210 can accommodate the interchangeable insert 100. The generally circular second outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120 of the interchangeable insert 100 is snapped into the inner edge 217 and the central opening 210 of the collar 200. The collar 200 includes a first complementary alignment element, which is designed as a collar recess 250 on the upper ring edge 205 of the collar 200, which can accommodate a second complementary alignment element, which is designed as a tab 140 of the interchangeable insert 100. In other embodiments, the first and second complementary alignment elements may be any complementary features, such as tabs and notches, male/female features, a set of indicators (such as arrows that can be aligned with each other), or other features that can facilitate the user to align the interchangeable insert 100 with the ring 200 in the correct orientation for installation, use or removal.

The collar 200 also includes an actuator 260. The actuator 260 includes a detent 265 that can be engaged or fixed to the insert recess 165 of the interchangeable insert 100. The actuator 260 is engaged to a shaft 270, which allows the actuator 260 to pivot. The collar 200 forms an outer housing 275 that can hold the actuator 260 in place. The biasing member 290 drives the actuator 260 inwardly and toward the insert recess 165. In this aspect, the user presses on the upper surface 280 of the actuator 260 to move the actuator 260 outwardly. This action allows the interchangeable insert 100 to be disengaged from the collar 200. The operation of the actuator 260 will be further described below.

In this aspect, the cover 300 is hinged to the collar 200. The cover 300 covers the interchangeable insert 100 to protect it from contamination by germs, dust, etc. The inner surface 302 of the cover 300 includes a gasket 305. A handle 310, which may be provided as needed, is hinged to the collar 200. In this aspect, a button 330 can be used to release the spring-loaded cover 300, and the cover 300 may be lifted upward when the button 330 is pressed. The buckle 340 fixes the cover 300 in a covering position above the collar 200. During operation, the buckle 340 must be opened before the cover 300 can be lifted. The user then releases the upper cover 300 by pressing the button 330. Similar button mechanisms are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,622,229 and 9,150,335, the entire text of which is incorporated herein by reference. Of course, the upper cover 300, the button 330, and the buckle 340 are not necessary and may be omitted or replaced by any other or similar lift-up closure structure, press-on closure structure, threaded closure structure, cover, top cover, etc.

In this aspect, the interchangeable insert 100 is coupled to the beverage container 20 in a manner that can be rotated along the thread. Referring to FIG. 2 , the wall 22 of the upper portion or neck of the beverage container 20 includes an inner surface 25 having an inner thread 30. The inner thread 30 of the beverage container 20 can accommodate the outer thread 105 of the interchangeable insert 100, thereby coupling the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20. The interchangeable insert 100 is inserted into the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20. The outer thread 105 of the interchangeable insert 100 is coupled to the inner thread 30 of the beverage container 20 in a manner that can be rotated along the thread, thereby screwing and/or fitting the collar 200 into and/or fitting over the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20. By coupling the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20 , the liquid in the beverage container 20 can be substantially sealed.

The gasket 180 is engaged to the bottom outer edge 185 of the interchangeable insert 100. In this aspect, the gasket 180 is held by an outer groove 190 next to the bottom outer edge. When the interchangeable insert 100 is connected to or fully screwed into engagement with the beverage container 20, the gasket 180 fits tightly against the beverage container 20.

The following will describe how to separate the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200 from each other with reference to FIGS. 12 to 15. In this aspect, in a static state, the biasing member 290 drives the actuator 260 to move inward or toward the interchangeable insert 100. When the user presses the upper surface 280 of the actuator 260, the biasing member 290 is compressed, thereby extracting the latch 265 from the insert recess 165 of the flange 150. After the latch 265 leaves the insert recess 165 or moves out of the insert recess 165, the interchangeable insert 100 is no longer locked to the collar 200. At this time, the interchangeable insert 100 is pressed or pulled downward and tilted toward the actuator 260, so that the protruding piece 140 can be disengaged from the collar recess 250 of the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 can move downward in this state and move out of the central opening 210.

The following will describe how to removably engage or connect the interchangeable insert 100 and the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 is first placed below the central opening 210 of the collar 200. The tab 140 of the interchangeable insert 100 is then aligned with the collar recess 250 of the collar 200. The interchangeable insert 100 is then pressed into position, causing the actuator 260 of the collar 200 to impact the edge 126 of the second generally circular outer edge 124 of the upper surface 120, causing the biasing member 290 of the actuator 260 to temporarily retract and be compressed. When the detent 265 passes the edge 126, the actuator 260 moves into the insert recess 165 of the flange 150. The detent 265 will rest below the edge 126 of the interchangeable insert 100, within the insert recess 165 of the flange 150. At this point, the interchangeable insert 100 is locked in place in the collar 200. As before, the user must depress the actuator 260 to separate the interchangeable insert 100 from the collar 200 again.

In other embodiments, the interchangeable insert 100 (or the collar 200 or other components of the cap assembly 50) may be coupled to the beverage container 20 in a manner other than threaded coupling, such as snap coupling, friction coupling, plug-in coupling, and other methods that can be used to attach the interchangeable insert 100 to the beverage container 20 according to the user's choice.

In this embodiment, the beverage container 20 has an insulated double-wall structure. In other embodiments, the beverage container 20 includes a non-insulated single-layer or multi-layer structure or other insulated structure. The beverage container 20 may be made of moldable food-grade plastic, thermoplastic plastic, stainless steel, other metals or metal alloys, other plastics, or any combination of the above items.

The enlarged view of FIG. 4A shows that the cover 300 covers a portion of the actuator 260. This design helps reduce the possibility of the actuator 260 being accidentally pressed or pressed inadvertently. For example, if the beverage container system 10 is stored in a backpack or the like, the cover 300 can prevent other items in the backpack from pressing the actuator 260. In other embodiments, the cover 300 may completely cover the actuator 260. In other embodiments, the actuator 260 may be completely exposed.

Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7 , the gasket 305 includes a plurality of sealing areas 307, 308, and 309, so that the same gasket 305 may be used with different interchangeable inserts 100 to seal or cover the corresponding drinking openings and vents. When using different interchangeable inserts 100, it may not be necessary to replace the gasket 305. The plurality of sealing areas 307, 308, and 309 include different shapes and sizes to match different interchangeable inserts 100. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 , when the upper cover 300 is closed, the first sealing area 307 can substantially contact and seal the vents 112 on the direct drinking insert 102 and the spout insert 104. To allow different inserts to easily share gaskets, the vents 112 on inserts 102 and 104 are located at approximately the same location. However, other inserts may not include vents 112, or include alternative vent closure features. The inner surface of the cover 300 may also include one or more gasket support structures to support or serve as a basis for the gasket structure.

Referring again to FIG. 6 , the second sealing area 309 is in the shape of a relatively long (higher) protrusion, and the third sealing area 308 is formed by a relatively short and wide surface surrounding the second sealing area 309. The combination of the second sealing area 309 and the third sealing area 308 can be closely fitted to the drinking opening of the spout-type insert 104. In this embodiment, the second sealing area 309 can also be closely fitted to the drinking opening of the direct drinking insert 102 (when the upper cover 300 is closed), and the second sealing area 309 can also be closely fitted to the top ridge of the opening structure 110 of the spout 108 of the hard pivotable straw-type insert 103.

In other embodiments, the inner wall 215 of the collar 200 may include an inner edge with threads to be rotatably engaged with the outer threads of the beverage container 20. In this embodiment, the interchangeable insert 100 may be press-fitted into the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20. The collar 200 may secure the interchangeable insert 100 in position in the upper opening 33 of the beverage container 20.

It should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific aspects described herein, and such aspects may be varied and modified in many ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the novel concepts defined in the appended claims. In addition, those skilled in the art can easily learn from the above description and the appended claims many other advantages of the content disclosed by the applicant.

[Knowledge] None [Invention] 10: Beverage container system 20: Beverage container 22: Wall 24: Upper part or neck 25: Inner surface 30: Internal thread 33: Upper opening 35: Inner space 50: Lid assembly 100: Interchangeable insert 101: Bend straw insert 102: Straight drink insert 103: Hard pivotable straw insert 104: Spout insert 105: External thread 106: Fluid channel 108: Spout 110: Opening structure 112: Vent 113: Lower part 114: First outer edge of substantially circular shape 120: upper surface 124: second substantially circular outer edge 126: edge 130: bottom surface 140: tab 150: flange 165: insert recess 180: gasket 185: bottom outer edge 190: outer groove 200: collar 205: upper ring edge 210: central opening 212: lower ring edge 215: inner wall 217: inner edge 220: outer wall 250: collar recess 260: actuator 265: detent 270: shaft 275: housing 280: upper surface 290: biasing member 300: Upper cover 302: Inner surface 305: Gasket 307: First sealing area 308: Third sealing area 309: Second sealing area 310: Handle 330: Button 340: Latch

[Figure 1] is a three-dimensional diagram of the beverage container system of the present invention; [Figure 2] is an exploded view of the interchangeable insert of the beverage container system; [Figure 3] is a top three-dimensional diagram of the beverage container system; [Figure 4] is a cross-sectional diagram of the beverage container system; [Figure 4A] is an enlarged view of the upper cover partially covering the actuator; [Figure 5] is a cross-sectional diagram of the gasket and the straight-drinking insert; [Figure 6] is a cross-sectional diagram of the gasket and the pivoting insert; [Figure 7] is a cross-sectional diagram of the gasket and the spout insert; [Figure 8] is a top three-dimensional diagram of the beverage container system; [Figure 9] is a top three-dimensional diagram of the beverage container system; [Figure 10] is a bottom three-dimensional diagram of the interchangeable insert; [FIG. 11] is a top perspective view of the interchangeable insert; [FIG. 12] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system, wherein the insert has not been removed; [FIG. 13] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system, wherein the actuator has been pressed; [FIG. 14] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system, wherein the insert has been tilted to facilitate removal; and [FIG. 15] is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container system, wherein the insert has begun to be removed.

20: Drink containers

101: Bend straw insert

102: Direct drinking insert

103:Hard pivotable straw insert

104: Outlet insert

105: External thread

200: Ring

205: Sheung Wan Fate

210: Central opening

215: Inner wall

217: Inner Edge

Claims (12)

A beverage container system with interchangeable inserts, comprising: a collar; a beverage container defining an inner space for containing beverages; the collar being sleeved on an upper portion or a neck portion of the beverage container; a first insert being removably connected to or engaged with the collar, and the first insert being removably connected to or engaged with the beverage container, the first insert comprising a first fluid channel and a first opening structure, wherein the first fluid channel enables the inner space of the beverage container to be filled with fluid. The second insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the collar, and the second insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the beverage container, the second insert includes a second fluid channel and a second opening structure, wherein the second fluid channel can make the internal space of the beverage container and the second opening structure form a fluid connection, so as to output the beverage, and the second opening structure is different from the first opening structure. A beverage container system as described in claim 1, wherein the first opening structure is one of a drinking mouth, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a spray feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, and a mouthpiece, and the second opening structure is another one of them. The beverage container system as described in claim 1 further comprises a third insert, which can be removably connected to or engaged with the collar, and the third insert can be removably connected to or engaged with the beverage container, and the third insert includes a third fluid channel and a third opening structure, wherein the third fluid channel can make the inner space of the beverage container and the third opening structure form a fluid connection so as to output the beverage. A beverage container system as described in claim 3, wherein the first opening structure, the second opening structure and the third opening structure are different from each other. An insert for a beverage container system with interchangeable inserts, the insert and at least another insert can be interchangeably assembled to a beverage container, the insert comprising: an insert including an upper surface; an opening structure that is a part of the upper surface or extends from the upper surface, and the opening structure is different from the opening structure of another insert; a fluid channel formed in the insert, the fluid channel and the opening structure form a fluid connection; the insert includes a generally circular first outer edge; a thread is located on the generally circular first outer edge, the thread can be removably engaged with a beverage container; and the upper surface forms a generally circular second outer edge, the generally circular second outer edge having an edge. An insert as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second substantially circular outer edge forms the rim, a flange is located below the rim, and an insert recess is formed in the flange. An insert as claimed in claim 6, wherein the insert recess is operable in conjunction with an actuator of a set of rings. An insert as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second substantially circular outer edge forms the edge and a tab extends from the edge. An insert as claimed in claim 8, wherein the protrusion is adapted to enter a notch of a collar. An insert as described in claim 9, wherein the protrusion is located substantially opposite an insert recess. An insert as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second substantially circular outer edge of the upper surface is larger than the first substantially circular outer edge. An insert as described in claim 5, wherein the opening structure is one of a drinking port, a drinking opening, a nozzle, a spray feature, a spray feature, a straw, an orifice, a tube, a nozzle, and a mouthpiece.

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