This application claims the benefit of priority to Taiwan Patent Application No. 111117347, filed on May 9, 2022. The entire content of the above identified application is incorporated herein by reference.
Some references, which may include patents, patent applications and various publications, may be cited and discussed in the description of this disclosure. The citation and/or discussion of such references is provided merely to clarify the description of the present disclosure and is not an admission that any such reference is “prior art” to the disclosure described herein. All references cited and discussed in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and to the same extent as if each reference was individually incorporated by reference.
The present disclosure relates to a beverage container assembly and a cover component thereof, and more particularly to a beverage container assembly and a cover component thereof that allow a user to carry along beverages or drinking water.
With the recent rise of environmental awareness, people are aiming to reduce a usage amount of disposable plastic containers. As such, carrying a thermos or a tumbler on one's person for storage of drinking water or beverages has become a trend in the modern-day society. Furthermore, in order to reduce a usage amount of plastic straws, people are also using reusable straws that are made of metal or glass for drinking beverages.
If a length of a straw that is used with a conventional thermos is too short, the entire straw may sink after being placed inside a container, so that it is necessary for a user to pull the straw out of an opening of the container with their fingers in order to use the straw. In addition, the straw can easily become unclean after being grasped by the user.
However, if the length of the straw is configured to be greater than a height of the opening of the container, an upper end of the straw will protrude above the opening of the container when the straw is inserted into the container. As a result, when a cover of the container is used for covering, the cover may structurally interfere with the upper end of the straw. In order to cover the opening of the container with the cover of the container, the straw needs to be taken out of the container for separate storage. Not only does such a process cause inconveniences in use, but the straw may easily come in contact with pollutants, thereby adversely affecting hygiene.
In view of the above, there are a number of inconveniences when using the existing container with the straw. Therefore, how to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies through an improvement in structural design has become one of the important issues to be solved in the related art.
In response to the above-referenced technical inadequacies, the present disclosure provides a beverage container assembly and a cover component thereof.
In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a beverage container assembly, which includes a beverage container, a straw, and a cover component. The beverage container has a container body, an accommodating space is formed inside the container body, an upper end of the container body has an opening end, and an inner side of the opening end has an inner threaded portion. The straw is capable of being received in the accommodating space of the container body, the straw is a reusable straw that is unbendable, the straw has a hollow tube, and a through hole is formed at a center of the hollow tube and has a diameter ranging between 6 mm and 15 mm. The cover component is disposed at the upper end of the beverage container. The cover component includes a first cover and a second cover. The first cover has a top portion and a sleeve portion that is linkable with the opening end. The top portion has a circular shape, the top portion defines a top surface and a bottom surface, the top portion includes an opening portion and a pivot portion that is protrudingly disposed on the top surface of the top portion, and the opening portion is a round hole that is disposed near an inner side of an outer periphery of the top portion. The sleeve portion is connected to the bottom surface of the top portion, and an outer side wall of the sleeve portion has an outer threaded portion that cooperates with the inner threaded portion. The second cover has a main body portion and a connecting arm that is connected to the main body portion. A bottom end of the main body portion has a sealed portion that cooperates with the opening portion, an inner side of the main body portion has a straw accommodating portion that is upwardly recessed from a bottom surface of the main body portion, a width of the straw accommodating portion is greater than a diameter of the straw, and a pivot end that is pivotally connected to the pivot portion is formed at an end of the connecting arm relative to the main body portion. The second cover is swingable around the pivot end, so that the main body portion of the second cover covers the first cover or departs from the first cover. When the second cover covers the first cover, the straw accommodating portion is located above the opening portion. A length of the straw is configured to be greater than a length between a bottom portion of the accommodating space of the container body and the top surface of the top portion, so that an upper end of the straw protrudes above the opening portion when the straw is placed inside the beverage container. The pivot portion is disposed at a side of the top portion relative to the opening portion, a center of the pivot portion has a longitudinal slot, a center of the longitudinal slot is aligned with a center of the opening portion, the longitudinal slot has two slot side walls that are parallel to each other, a distance between the two slot side walls is defined as a first distance, and the two slot side walls each have a first pivot hole that corresponds to each other. The connecting arm of the second cover is made of a plastic material having elasticity, two first pivots that protrude outward are respectively disposed at two sides of the pivot end of the connecting arm, and an expansion joint is formed at a center of the pivot end. The two first pivots correspond in position and diameter to the two first pivot holes, and a distance between terminal ends of the two first pivots is greater than the first distance, such that the two first pivots are capable of being fitted into the two first pivot holes. The expansion joint is a groove positioned between the two first pivots, and the groove has an opening that faces toward a terminal end of the pivot end. A width of the pivot end located at the expansion joint is deformably adjustable, so that the distance between the terminal ends of the two first pivots is able to be shortened to be less than the first distance to allow the two first pivots to be fitted into or separated from the two first pivot holes.
Therefore, in the beverage container assembly and the cover component thereof provided by the present disclosure, when the straw having a length greater than a height between the bottom portion of the accommodating space of the container body and the top surface of the first cover is used, the upper end of the straw can be directly exposed above the opening portion. In addition, without removal of the straw, the second cover can cover the first cover, and the upper end of the straw can be accommodated in the straw accommodating portion. Since the second cover can be easily detached from or assembled to the first cover, manufacturers may use second covers of different specifications in cooperation with the same first cover.
These and other aspects of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the embodiment taken in conjunction with the following drawings and their captions, although variations and modifications therein may be affected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the disclosure.
The described embodiments may be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, in which:
The present disclosure is more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrative only since numerous modifications and variations therein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Like numbers in the drawings indicate like components throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural reference, and the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on”. Titles or subtitles can be used herein for the convenience of a reader, which shall have no influence on the scope of the present disclosure.
The terms used herein generally have their ordinary meanings in the art. In the case of conflict, the present document, including any definitions given herein, will prevail. The same thing can be expressed in more than one way. Alternative language and synonyms can be used for any term(s) discussed herein, and no special significance is to be placed upon whether a term is elaborated or discussed herein. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any terms is illustrative only, and in no way limits the scope and meaning of the present disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the present disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given herein. Numbering terms such as “first”, “second” or “third” can be used to describe various components, signals or the like, which are for distinguishing one component/signal from another one only, and are not intended to, nor should be construed to impose any substantive limitations on the components, signals or the like.
Referring to
It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the inner cup body 120 and the outer cup body 110 of the beverage container 1 can be made of titanium metal plates. Further, an inner cup bottom portion 121 is formed at a bottom of the inner cup body 120, and the inner cup bottom portion 121 is downwardly recessed at a center position thereof. When the beverage contained in the accommodating space 140 includes granular ingredients (e.g., tapioca pearls, coconut jelly, and konjac), the granular ingredients can gather at the center position of the inner cup bottom portion 121 due to gravity (as shown in
Referring to
In the present embodiment, the inner cup bottom portion 121 of the inner cup body 120 is integrally formed at the bottom of the inner cup body 120 by way of stamping or drawing. The inner cup bottom portion 121 is formed by connecting a plurality of arc-shaped portions that have different radii of curvature, or has a non-spherical concave shape formed by a freeform surface with continuously changing radii of curvature. For example, as shown in
More specifically, in the present embodiment, the radii of curvature r1, r2, r3 of the inner cup bottom portion 121 (from a position at an outermost side toward the center position thereof) are arranged to gradually increase from outside to inside, such that a part of the inner cup bottom portion 121 that is close to the outer side has a smaller radius of curvature, and a part of the inner cup bottom portion 121 that is close to the center position thereof has a larger radius of curvature. In other words, the radii of curvature r1, r2, r3 has a relationship of r1<r2<r3. As such, half a width W of the inner cup bottom portion 121 is greater than a depth H of the inner cup bottom portion 121.
It should be noted that the inner cup bottom portion 121 of the present disclosure is configured in the above-mentioned manner for the reasons given below. Since the inner cup body 120 takes the form of a cylinder having an extremely high aspect ratio, and the titanium metal is a material that is difficult for molding and processing, several stamping or drawing processes need to be carried out before formation of the inner cup body 120 and the inner cup bottom portion 121. In addition, the titanium metal has a shape memory characteristic. If the inner cup bottom portion 121 is designed to have a spherical shape with one single radius of curvature, the inner cup bottom portion 121 is difficult to be formed and is prone to breakage. However, through the above-mentioned configuration, the inner cup bottom portion 121 of the present disclosure can overcome the shape memory characteristic of the titanium metal and can be easily formed. The aspect ratio of the inner cup bottom portion 121 is also reduced, thereby preventing occurrences of breakage during processing.
For the container body 100, an inner oxide layer 122 is formed on an inner side surface of the inner cup body 120, and an outer protective layer 111 is formed on an outer side surface of the outer cup body 110 (as shown in
More specifically, the inner oxide layer 122 is used for allowing a surface of the inner cup body 120 to have good antibacterial and anti-sticking properties. As such, the inner oxide layer 122 is a titanium oxide thin film in a rutile crystal form that is formed on the surface of the inner cup body 120 through a thermal oxidation process. Due to having a good photocatalytic activity, the inner oxide layer 122 has a good antibacterial property. Further, titanium oxide is a ceramic crystal material. Hence, the inner oxide layer 122 can be formed into a ceramic surface, such that the anti-sticking property of the inner cup body 120 can be improved. Since the inner oxide layer 122 is formed through the thermal oxidation process, the inner oxide layer 122 does not come into contact with an electrolytic solution during a manufacturing process thereof. This prevents the inner oxide layer 122 from being polluted by the electrolytic solution.
The outer protective layer 111 is used for enhancing abrasion resistance of the container body 100 and improving aesthetic appearance. As such, the outer protective layer 111 is a titanium-based compound (e.g., titanium oxide, titanium nitride, or titanium oxynitride) thin film that is formed on the outer side surface of the outer cup body 110 through the thermal oxidation process, an electrochemical process, or a micro-arc oxidation process. The outer protective layer 111 has high hardness and is abrasion resistant, so that the outer cup body 110 can be prevented from being worn down. In addition, the color of the outer protective layer 111 can be changed by adjusting a mixing ratio of working gases and a forming temperature during formation of the outer protective layer 111. Therefore, an outer surface of the outer cup body 110 can have various color changes, and the aesthetic appearance of the outer cup body 110 can be improved.
In the present embodiment, the straw 3 is a reusable straw that is unbendable (e.g., rigid). Preferably, the straw 3 has a hollow tube 400, and the hollow tube 400 is a tube made of plastic, glass, or metal materials, so that the straw 3 has sufficient strength and is not damaged as a result of repeated use. A through hole 410 that extends from an upper end to a lower end is formed at a center of the hollow tube 400 and has a diameter ranging between 6 mm and 15 mm, so as to allow the granular ingredients that have a large diameter to pass through. Accordingly, the straw 3 is suitable for drinking beverages that are added with solid granular ingredients (e.g., tapioca pearls, konjac, and fruit grains).
As shown in
The pivot portion 230 is protrudingly disposed on the top surface of the top portion 210. As shown in
A flange portion 212 is further disposed on the top surface of the top portion 210 of the first cover 200, and the flange portion 212 is located between an outer side of the opening portion 211 and the inner side of the outer periphery of the top portion 210. The flange portion 212 is an arc-shaped sheet having a diameter slightly greater than the diameter of the opening portion 211. From a cross-sectional view of the flange portion 212 (as shown in
The sleeve portion 220 is connected to the bottom surface of the top portion 210. A diameter of the sleeve portion 220 cooperates with an inner diameter of the opening end 130 of the beverage container 1. An outer side wall of the sleeve portion 220 has an outer threaded portion 221 that cooperates with the inner threaded portion 131, such that the sleeve portion 220 is threadedly engaged with the inner side of the opening end 130. Further, an upper end of the sleeve portion 230 is sleeved with a first sealing gasket 260. When the sleeve portion 220 is fixed with the inner side of the opening end 130 of the beverage container 1, the first sealing gasket 260 can be tightly fitted with the opening end 130. In this way, the first cover 200 is tightly fitted with the opening end 130 of the beverage container 1, so as to prevent beverages or drinking water from spilling out.
It should be noted that as shown in
Preferably, the metal inner liner 250 is made of a titanium metal plate. Since the titanium metal plate has characteristics of being non-toxic, erosion-resistant, anti-sticking and not prone to odor adsorption, chemical substances are not released into beverages or drinking water when the metal inner liner 250 is in contact with the beverages or the drinking water contained inside the beverage container 1. The metal inner liner 250 is not eroded when being in contact with acidic beverages, and the odor of the beverage is not adsorbed to the metal inner liner 250. Residue adhesion is also reduced. Accordingly, the hygiene of the drinking water can be improved, and pollution thereof can be prevented.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
The connecting arm 320 is made of a plastic material having elasticity, and the connecting arm 320 is integrally connected to another side of the main body portion 310. The pivot end 330 is formed at an end of the connecting arm 320 relative to the main body portion 310, and the pivot end 330 is pivotally connected to the pivot portion 230, so that the second cover 300 can be pivotally connected to the first cover 200. More specifically, in the present embodiment, two first pivots 332 that protrude outward are respectively disposed at two sides of the pivot end 330, and an expansion joint 331 is formed at a center of the pivot end 330. The two first pivots 332 correspond in position and diameter to the two first pivot holes 233 of the pivot portion 230, and a distance between terminal ends of the two first pivots 332 is greater than the first distance D1, such that the two first pivots 332 are capable of being fitted into the two first pivot holes 233. In this way, the connecting arm 320 is pivotally connected to the pivot portion 230.
The expansion joint 331 is a groove positioned between the two first pivots 332, and the groove has an opening that faces toward a terminal end of the pivot end 330. Since the connecting arm 320 has elasticity, a width of the pivot end 330 located at the expansion joint 331 is deformably adjustable, thereby allowing a distance between the two first pivots 332 to be shortened (to the extent that the distance between the terminal ends of the two first pivots 332 is able to be shortened to be less than the first distance D1). Then, the two first pivots 332 are able to be easily fitted into or separated from the two first pivot holes 233. Through the above-mentioned configuration, the second cover 300 can be easily assembled to or detached from the first cover 200, such that the second cover 300 is replaceable.
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
It should be noted that in the present disclosure, the pivot end 330 of the connecting arm 320 of the second cover 300 is configured to be quickly assembled to or detached from the pivot portion 230. In this way, according to different requirements, manufacturers can use the first cover 200 of the same specification in cooperation with the second cover 300 of different specifications. For example, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the straw 3 that is used with the beverage container assembly has different diameters, and the diameter of the straw accommodating portion 313 at the inner side of the main body portion 310 of the second cover 300 can also be changed according to the diameter of the straw 3. Therefore, the manufacturers provide multiple second covers 300 of which the straw accommodating portion 313 has different diameters. Different second covers 300 are selected in response to the diameter of the used straw 3, so as to allow the diameter of the straw accommodating portion 313 of the second cover 300 to cooperate with the straw 3.
When selling the beverage container assembly, the manufacturers or sellers can provide multiple straws 3 of different diameters for consumers to choose from. Further, according to the diameter of the straw 3 selected by the consumer, the second cover 300 of a corresponding specification can be used for customization purposes, or the straws 3 of different diameters can be arranged by the seller to cooperate with the second covers 300 of different specifications in each beverage container assembly. During use, the consumers are able to select the straw 3 of one diameter according to use requirements and replace the corresponding second cover 300 on their own, so as to provide a more convenient user experience.
Reference is made to
As shown in
In the present embodiment, an outer appearance of the second cover 300 can be changed according to practical requirements. The manufacturers only need to configure the pivot end 330 of the connecting arm 320 of the second cover 300 that has different shapes to cooperate with a pivot portion 230 of a first cover 200, to configure the connection portion 311 of the main body portion 310 to cooperate with the opening portion 211 of the first cover 200, and to configure the elastic engaging portion 340 to cooperate with a flange portion 212 of the first cover 200, so that the second covers 300 of different shapes are interchangeable and can be assembled to the first cover 200. That is, the second cover 300 can properly cover the first cover 200.
In conclusion, in the beverage container assembly and the cover component thereof provided by the present disclosure, when the straw having a length greater than a height between the bottom portion of the accommodating space of the container body and the top surface of the first cover is used, the upper end of the straw can be directly exposed above the opening portion. In addition, without removal of the straw, the second cover can cover the first cover, and the upper end of the straw can be accommodated in the straw accommodating portion.
Furthermore, in the present disclosure, by virtue of the width of the pivot end disposed at the terminal end of the connecting arm of the second cover being changeable, the second cover can be easily assembled to or detached from the first cover. Accordingly, the second cover allows for easy assembly and replacement.
The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure has been presented only for the purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the disclosure and their practical application so as to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure and various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains without departing from its spirit and scope.
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