BEVERAGE CONTAINER FOR STORAGE AND CONSUMPTION OF A BEVERAGE

BACKGROUND

Traditional beverage containers, such as cans and bottles, provide air-tight storage for various beverages. These containers provide an easy means for transporting beverages on-the-go and storing beverages. While convenient, when it comes to consuming the beverage, the opening and consumption process has remained the same for years. With cans, variations of the pull-tab mechanism have remained mostly unchanged for decades. With bottles, the same is true, as the traditional bottle top or twist-off variation have been commonplace and unimproved. When consuming a beverage from a traditional beverage container, the beverage exiting the container creates a pressure differential, resulting in a vacuum within the container. As such, air pushes into the container to fill the vacated volume. Due to a traditional beverage container having only having one opening, airflow into the bottle or can is limited. This limited flow can cause the well-known “glugging” or “gurgling” as air attempts to enter the bottle or can simultaneously with the liquid trying to escape. With carbonated beverages, the glugging of the beverage container can cause turbulence in the fluid flow, resulting in the beverage foaming, which can worsen beverage taste and give the consumer a sense of stomach bloating or fullness. In addition, the limited airflow into a traditional beverage container, and the resulting glugging effect, decreases speed in which a beverage can be poured or consumed.

Many users of canned beverages have tried to fix the airflow problem by piercing the can to create an additional opening with a knife, key, or other sharp object, such that the user consumes the beverage through one of the openings while air enters the can through the other opening so that the beverage and air are not flowing through the same opening. This process of beverage consumption is sometimes referred to as “shotgunning.” This attempted solution poses a number of problems, such as risk of injury to hands and mouth from jagged metal edges where the opening is created, risk of ingestion of metal particles, and the potential to spill or waste much of the beverage trying to pierce the can. As such, there is a need in the art for a device which improves speed and comfort of beverage consumption, while maintaining the transportation and storage advantages of traditional beverage containers.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to beverage containers designed for quick and smooth beverage flow from an easily transportable and storable container. The beverage container provides a convenient means to transport beverages, as well as comfortably and quickly pour or consume beverages. More specifically, the beverage containers according to the embodiments discussed herein address “glugging” or “gurgling” effects from traditional beverage containers due to the limited airflow into the traditional beverage containers, which may cause pressure differences inside and outside of the traditional beverage containers. Such pressure differences create a vacuum which can inhibit the flow rate of a beverage departing the container. Furthermore, the glugging or gurgling that occurs in traditional beverage containers can affect the smooth outflow of the beverage by having an inconsistent flow and increased turbulence of the beverage, causing foaming in carbonated drinks. In consumption, increased turbulence can lead to undesirable beverage taste and stomach discomfort. However, embodiments of beverage containers as disclosed herein address the negative effects of traditional beverage containers by increasing airflow into the beverage container relative to traditional beverage containers in order to reduce pressure differences, preventing or minimizing the flow issues associated with a traditional beverage container.

In one aspect, the container body may be shaped similar to a traditional soda or beer can, having a mostly cylindrical shape with tapers on one or both ends and a flat top and bottom, which define an internal volume of the container body. Alternatively, as discussed herein, the container body can be a bottle shape, or a cup with a lid. The container body can be made from an aluminum alloy or other suitable metal as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. The various pieces of the can may be made from the same material, or from varying materials to create the desired strength qualities. The container body may also be made from plastic or glass, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The container body may be made from two pieces, where a bottom piece is punched from a sheet of aluminum or steel and then drawn to three-dimensional form. The bottom piece may then be trimmed to have the suitable height and smooth edge. The top piece (or lid) may be made by punching a shape of suitable size, forming a blank, which is then stamped to have an edge and other three-dimensional features. The two pieces can then be coupled to define the container body by crimping or seaming the top edge.

In another aspect, the container body may have a first opening located on the container sidewall of the container body. Preferably, the first opening is located closer to the base of the container sidewall than the top, for example, between ¼ inch to 6 inches from the bottom of the container sidewall. Such a first opening may be round, oval, square, or a polygon shape. The first opening can be formed by use of a laser cutting machine. Alternatively, the first opening may be created by cutting or drilling, such as with a round drill bit of suitable size, or with a knockout punch or portable hand punch tool.

In another aspect, the beverage container may have a plug or cap to seal the first opening. Such a plug can be made from a flexible material such as plastic, silicone, or rubber. In preferred embodiments, the plug is substantially top hat shaped, having a central body portion and a flange. The plug may be positioned such that the beverage container is in a loaded configuration, where the flange is positioned in the internal volume of the container body and acts to seal the first opening, while the central body portion of the plug extends outwardly through the first opening to outside of the container body. The central body of the plug can be dimensioned of appropriate width or diameter to fit through the first opening. In various embodiments, the central body may have a diameter which is the same size or larger than the first opening, allowing the central body to contact the inner edge of the first opening when positioned wherein. Contact between the central body and the inner edge of first opening may provide an additional seal to prevent liquid or gas from exiting the internal volume of the container body.

The flange of the plug may have a diameter larger than that of the central body such that a seal can be created between the flange and the interior surface of the container body. The plug may also be positioned such that the beverage container is in a storage configuration, where the flange is positioned to contact the exterior surface of the container body and the central body of the plug extends inward into the internal volume of the container body. In this storage configuration, the flange may be flush or nearly flush with the outside surface of the container sidewall, such that the beverage container can be compactly stored in close proximity with other beverage containers, for example, for an efficient use of space.

In another aspect, the container body has a second opening. This second opening may preferably be located at the top of the beverage container, such as the opening at the top section of a traditional can or bottle.

In another aspect of the beverage container, a sealing device may be coupled with the container body to seal the second opening. In various embodiments, the device may allow the second opening to be sealed to both air and liquid in a closed position, and can be moved to an open position such that the second opening is unsealed. This sealing device can be resealable, such that it can be resealed to the closed position after being moved to the open position.

Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the claims below, not this summary. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description section below. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to determine the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by reference to the entire specification of this patent, all drawings and each claim.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and components of the following figures are illustrated to emphasize the general principles of the present disclosure. Corresponding features and components throughout the figures can be designated by matching reference characters for the sake of consistency and clarity.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a beverage container according to embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the beverage container of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a top view of the beverage container, showing an exemplary sealing device in a sealed configuration;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the beverage container, showing an exemplary sealing device in an unsealed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a plug according to embodiments of the present technology;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the beverage container in a loaded configuration;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the beverage container in a storage configuration;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary process of filling a beverage container with liquid;

FIGS. 8A-8D are perspective views illustrating an exemplary process of configuring a beverage container in a loaded configured by inserting a plug into a container body;

FIGS. 9A-9D are perspective views illustrating an exemplary process of consuming a beverage from the beverage container;

FIG. 10A-10B are perspective views of exemplary packaging means for beverage containers;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an alternative beverage container;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative beverage container;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of example implementations refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the subject matter. It will be evident, however, to those skilled in the art, that embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In general, well-known structures and techniques are not necessarily shown in detail.

The need for improvement to sealed beverage containers has existed for some time. For example, in recent years there has been a heightened desire from consumers for reusable containers. Sparked primarily from an interest in using less disposable bottles for environmental reasons, many companies have developed a variety of reusable water bottles from various materials. As an outgrowth of this, many of the same companies have expanded their market to capture a reusable alternative to plastic and paper cups, developing metal and vacuum insulated containers with lids for use with beverages, such as cocktails. Despite these developments, due to the carbonated nature of soda, energy drinks, and beer, many of these reusable containers have failed to provide a means to sufficiently air-seal to maintain the desired carbonation of these drinks. As such, the primary means for a consumer to transport and consume these beverages remains a single-use bottle or can, which largely have not been changed since the mid-20^thcentury.

In addition, while the material composition of many reusable beverage containers has changed, little development has occurred regarding the consumption methods of these containers. Namely, the layout remains largely to have one opening in the container that provides both the orifice to pour the beverage, and to resupply air to the vacated space in the container. Resultantly, portable beverage containers on the market today continue to “glug” when poured at a high rate, where, as the outpouring liquid and incoming air are forced through the same opening at the same time, the opening alternates between acting as an inlet for air and an outlet for the liquid, such that the flow of the liquid is uneven.

As the modern world continues to be increasingly mobile, and climate change and environmentalism become increasingly important, there is a need for a reusable beverage container which can be transported in a sealed configuration, and which allows for smooth and quick outflow of a beverage. Applications for such a beverage container range widely, for example, from an athlete, where a runner needs to quickly consume a beverage during a competition, to a student or professional, who quickly wishes to consume an energy drink on-the-go, or to a party-goer, who wishes to consume a beverage at fast-pace without the full-stomach feeling that results from a foamy, carbonated drink.

In other circumstances, the beverage container may be used to quickly pour a liquid out of the beverage container into a different container, such as a cup, glass, or mug, while minimizing the fizzing or foaming or the liquid (particularly a carbonated liquid). For example, such applications may allow a user to transport a beverage in the beverage container, and to then easily transfer the beverage to a glass while minimizing the loss in carbonation due to fizzing or foaming in the transfer.

In general terms, traditional beverage containers, particularly beverage cans and bottles, fail to provide sufficient airflow to remedy the pressure vacuum which occurs as the beverage vacates the container. As such, the lesser pressure (compared with atmospheric pressure) within a traditional beverage container acts to slow the exit flow of the beverage from the container, as it is pulling the liquid to balance the pressure differential within the container. Many consumers of sodas, energy drinks, and beer have modified traditional beverage cans by piercing an additional hole in the container, which is often referred to as “shotgunning.” While from a technical perspective, these makeshift modifications introduced additional airflow into the beverage cans, they also have drawbacks. Namely, a makeshift hole in an aluminum or metal container may result in sharp edges which can cut the mouth or hands of a user, and could even result in accidental consumption of metal particles. In addition, these makeshift modifications failed to create a device which could be transported in a sealed state, such that once a user wanted to consume the beverage they were forced to modify the traditional beverage container at that time. Further, once modified the traditional beverage container could not be safely used again after being emptied. Furthermore, while “shotgunning” carries a typical association to college students and party-goers, it is recognized that other demographics desire quick-consumable beverages, as is seen for example with energy shot products, or quick-squeeze sports water bottles. As such, a device which can be used with a variety of beverages, demographics, and settings is envisioned.

FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a beverage container 100. The beverage container 100 having a container body 102 which includes a top section 104, container sidewall 106, and a bottom section 108. The container sidewall 106 further has a first opening 110. The top section has a second opening 112. The beverage container may further include a sealing device 114 which operably seals and unseals the second opening 112.

The container body 102 is shown in FIG. 1 as the shape of a traditional beverage can (such as a soda or beer can), however the container body 102 may be constructed from varying shapes, such as a bottle shape, or a cup shape, as discussed below and shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. In various embodiments, the beverage container 100 may be reusable, such that a beverage can be consumed from the same beverage container 100 on repeated occasions. Additional features to assist in the beverage container being reusable, include utilizing durable materials that can withstand cleaning or washing of the beverage container 100, such as materials which are dishwasher safe.

The container body 102 may be constructed from an aluminum alloy, steel, or other metallic material. The container body 102 may be manufactured from one material, or alternatively from different materials for different portions of the container body 102, for various desired material properties, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Furthermore, the container body may be constructed from glass, plastic, or another suitable material.

In some embodiments, the bottom section 108 and container sidewall 106 may be manufactured by punching a blank out of aluminum alloy, steel, or similar material. The blank may then be drawn according to known processes to take the desired three-dimensional shape. After being drawn, the container sidewall top edge 118 may be trimmed and cut to suitable size for receiving the top section 104. The top section 104 may be manufactured by punching a second blank out of the same or similar material as the bottom section 108 and container sidewall 106. The second blank may then be stamped to be given its three dimensional shape, including forming a top section outside edge 116, which may be raised in comparison to the rest of the top section 104. In addition, the stamping process may result in creating the second opening 112 in the top section 104, and/or creating any desired holes or features suitable for mounting the sealing device 114. Finally, the top section 104 may be secured to the container sidewall 106 by crimping the top section outside edge 116 with the container sidewall top edge 118, creating an air-tight seal between the two material pieces and forming an internal volume within the container body.

In traditional filling of beverage containers, such as cans, the process may typically involve filling the internal volume of the container with a desired liquid prior to crimping the top section 104 to the container sidewall 106. However, in various embodiments, the top section 104 may be sealed (by crimping or otherwise) to the container sidewall 106 to form the internal volume of the container body without first filling the container body 102 with liquid.

In various embodiments, the thickness of the material used to create the container body 102 may be that of a typical soda or beer can. In other embodiments, aspects of the container body 102 may be manufactured from a thicker material, for example, to provide additional strength and material quality for repeated use.

The first opening 110 may be created in the container sidewall 106 at various times during the manufacturing process. For example, the first opening 110 may be created in the container sidewall 106 prior to attaching the top section 104 to the container sidewall 106, such as after drawing the blank to form the bottom section 108 and container sidewall 106, or the first opening 110 may be created after the top section is attached to the container sidewall 106.

The first opening 110 may be made using a laser cutting process, either manually or using a computer controlled laser cutter. In various embodiments, the first opening 110 may be created using drilling or cutting, such as with a saw, electric drill, knockout punch, or other punching or cutting tool. However, laser cutting may provide a smooth surface on the inner edge of the first opening 110 compared to other cutting methods, which has a number of advantages. For example, a smooth edge of the first opening 110 may be safer for a user of the beverage container 100, as it may not result in sharp edges which could injure a user's hands or mouth.

A smooth edge around the first opening 110 may additionally provide a smoother drinking experience. In fluid mechanics, a fluid flow may act in one of two states: laminar and turbulent. In a laminar state, the layers of the fluid maintain in relative steady state. Conversely, in turbulent flow, fluid layers are disrupted such that the direction of the flow is disturbed, for example in swirls of the fluid. In the context of a carbonated beverage, foaming or bubbling can occur from the creation of a turbulent flow condition, which causes the carbon dioxide molecules of the beverage to collide—ultimately causing foaming, and a resulting flat beverage. For example, pouring a carbonated beverage into a drink more slowly and at an angle against the side of the glass reduces its velocity, and thus the turbulence of the beverage, which ultimately limits the fizzing and foam bubbles at the top of the drink.

Treating the first opening 110 as a pipe or tube for purposes of analysis, Reynolds number, a dimensionless parameter which predicts whether a fully developed flow will be laminar or turbulent, is dependent in part on the hydraulic diameter of the pipe. In turn, the hydraulic diameter is ultimately dependent on the wetted perimeter, and therefore friction. As such, the friction of the surface the fluid is flowing through results in better laminar (or less turbulent) flow. This is seen frequently in various aerodynamic circumstances, including car racing, airplane designs, and the like, where smoother surfaces result in better aerodynamics. Thus, in terms of the first opening 110 of the container body 102, it thus may be beneficial to limit friction on the interior surface to provide a more laminar (or less turbulent) flow, to reduce the creation of foam or fizzing of the beverage exiting the container body 102.

While the focus herein is in reduced turbulence in having less friction in the first opening 110 by using laser cutting, it is also contemplated that nucleation may play a role in the creation of additional foaming or fizzing on a rough surface. Nucleation is the first step in the formation of a new thermodynamic phase. Specifically, heterogeneous nucleation tends to form on foreign surfaces or foreign particles (a “nucleation site”). In particular, heterogeneous nucleation tends to first form on areas having more friction, such as microscopically rough surfaces. This process occurs in the release of carbon dioxide in a carbonated beverage as well. This is seen, for example, in champagne in a champagne glass. The bubbles forming within the champagne first form (and stick) to areas of the glass which have scratches, dust, or other imperfections. Thus, in theory, the minimization of scratches and other imperfections on a surface in contact with a beverage may minimize the development of carbon dioxide bubbles, and thus minimizes their escape from the beverage. Therefore, a smooth edge on the first opening 110 of the container body 102, such as a first opening formed by laser cutting, may promote the retention of dissolved carbon dioxide within the beverage, thereby reducing the fizzing or foaming sensation when the carbon dioxide separates from the liquid molecules in the beverage.

Referring to FIG. 2, a side view of a container body 102 of the beverage container 100 of FIG. 1 is shown, including a top section 104, a container sidewall 106, a bottom section 108, and a first opening 110.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the top section 104 of the container body 102 is shown, the beverage container 100 includes a sealing device 114 in a sealed position 114A (or closed configuration) and an unsealed position 114B (or open configuration), respectively. The sealing device 114 is configured to be moved interchangeably from the unsealed position 114B to the sealed position 114A to seal the second opening 112. In the sealed position 114A the sealing device 114 may close the second opening, such as to prevent the escape of liquid or gas through the second opening 112. In the unsealed position 114A, the sealing device 114 allows liquid or gas to pass through the second opening, into and out of the interior volume of the container body 102.

The second opening 112 is shown located in the position of a traditional mouthpiece of a soda or beer can, located proximal to the top section outside edge 116. The second opening 112 may be of suitable size to correspond with the mouth of a user. In various embodiments, the second opening 112 may be square, oval, round, or of other suitable shape to receive the mouth of the user. In various embodiments, the container body 102 may not be configured to allow a beverage to be consumed through the second opening 112. For example, the second opening 112 may not be of suitable size or shape to correspond with the mouth of a user.

In various embodiments, the sealing device 114 may include a user element 302 and a closure element. The user element 302 may be located outside of the internal volume of the container body 102 and may optionally include a handle 306. Inside the internal volume of the container body 102 the closure element may pivot to seal the second opening 112 when the user element 302 is slid towards from the top section outside edge 116, and pivots to unseal the second opening 112 when the user element 302 is slid away from the top section outside edge 116 towards the center of the top section 104. The handle 306 may provide a means for the user to grasp a portion of the user element 302 to open or close the sealing device 114.

One exemplary sealing device 114 of FIGS. 3A and 3B is made by Xolution GmbH of Munich Germany. Specific aspects of the Xolution device can be found, for example, in U.S. Pat No. 10,781,012.

While the device sold by Xolution GmbH provides one means of resealably open and close the second opening 112, other devices which act to seal the second opening 112 are also contemplated. Preferably, embodiments of the sealing device act both to seal the second opening 112 to both air and liquid. For example, the closure element may be positioned externally on the top section 104 of the container body 102. Various embodiments may include a cap, such as a threaded twist-off cap (as discussed further in FIG. 11), a cork device, a plug, or similar device as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 4, a top perspective view of a plug 400 is shown. The plug 400 is shown having a central body portion 404 and a flange 402 extending radially from a first end 406 of the plug 400. While the flange 402 is shown to be only slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the central body portion 404, the flange 402 could optionally be much larger in diameter than the diameter of the central body portion 404, such as 5% to 50% larger.

In various embodiments, the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 may be varying in length, preferably having a length between 0.5 inches and 3 inches. The central body portion 404 may have a tapered cylindrical shape, such that the diameter at the first end 406 is larger than the diameter at the second end 408. The central body portion 404 of the plug 400 may be hollow (as shown and discussed in FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the central body portion 404 may have a conical shape, a pyramid shape, or other suitable shape for its intended purpose.

In various embodiments, ornamental features may be provided on the central body portion 404, such as grooves, patterns or other designs imprinted directly into the material of the plug 400 (such as for marketing or advertising purposes).

In various embodiments, the plug 400 may be flexible such that it can be resiliently deformable when manipulated by a user. The plug 400 can be made from plastic, silicone, rubber, or of other suitable material to give the desired resiliently deformable effect. In various embodiments, applying a pressure on the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 may cause the shape of the plug 400 to deform. When force or pressure is released from the central body portion 404, the plug 400 may return resiliently back to its previous shape. As discussed above, the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 may be hollow, which may allow additional deformation of the central body portion 404. As such, a plug 400 having a hollow central body portion 404 may be constructed from different material properties than a plug 400 having a non-hollow central body portion 404, or a central body portion 404 with a smaller hollow cavity.

Referring to FIG. 5, a top perspective view of a beverage container 100 is shown in a loaded configuration 500. In the loaded configuration 500, the plug 400 is positioned such that the flange 402 is positioned inside the internal volume of the container body 102, and where the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 extends outwardly from the internal volume of the container body 102 through the first opening 110. In the loaded configuration 500, the flange 402 may act as a seal to prevent air and liquid from escaping the internal volume of the container body 102. The seal may be achieved by a liquid inside the internal volume providing pressure against the interior of the container sidewall 106, pressing the flange 402 against the inside of the container sidewall 106.

In various embodiments, to provide a seal, the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 may be sized appropriately to fit within the first opening 110. In various embodiments, the central body portion 404 may be sized to be slightly larger in diameter than the diameter of the first opening 110 in order to define a press fit. In embodiments where the central body 404 has a tapered shape, as discussed previously, the diameter at the first end 406 may be slightly larger than the first opening 110, and/or the diameter at the second end 408 may be slightly smaller than the first opening 110. In some embodiments, the diameter of the of the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 at the first end 406 will be between 0.1 mm to 1 mm larger than the diameter of the first opening 110, ideally being about .5 mm larger. As a general principle, in some embodiments, the larger the diameter of first opening 110, the larger the difference may be between the diameter of the first end 406 of the plug 400 to the diameter of the first opening 110. For example, a first opening 110 having a smaller diameter may act to seal the first opening 110 with a diameter of the first end 406 of the plug 400 which is about a 0.5 mm larger than the diameter of the first opening 110. Conversely, a first opening 110 having a larger diameter may require a diameter of the first end 406 of the plug 400 which is .8 mm larger than the diameter of the first opening 110, for example.

In the loaded configuration 500, the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 may extend outwardly from the container sidewall 106 such that a user can grasp the plug by the central body portion 404.

Referring to FIG. 6, a top perspective view of a beverage container 100 is shown in a storage configuration 600. In the storage configuration 600, the flange 402 is positioned on the exterior of the container body 102, with the central body portion 404 extending inwardly into the internal volume of the container body 102 through the first opening 110. In various embodiments, the thickness of the flange may be between 0.5 mm and 10 mm thick, such that the flange 402 may be positioned on the outside of the container body 102 with the flange substantially planar with the outside of the container sidewall 106.

The storage configuration 600 allows for the beverage container 100 to occupy less space than the loaded configuration 500, and to avoid the plug 400 protruding outwardly from the container sidewall 106. As such, the beverage container 100 may be packaged in a container with a plurality of beverage containers 100 such that the container sidewall 106 of each beverage container 100 may be disposed proximally to each other, and preferably such that the container sidewall 106 of each beverage container 100 may be in substantial contact.

Packaging of circles in a defined space inevitably leads to waste. In its most efficient form, circles can be packaged in a hexagonal packaging arrangement, leading to a packaging density of about 90.7%. However, hexagonal packaging is often undesirable for small number of circles, as it would require the defined space (the outside package) to be non-rectangular. Thus, to maintain efficient packaging while utilizing a square or rectangular container, packaging circles in a square configuration, such that the circles are arranged linearly in both directions, leads to a packaging density of π/4 (˜78.5%). In such a configuration, the length and width of the rectangular box are equal to the sum of the diameters in each direction.

Altering the shape of the objects to be packaged to a non-circular shape can lead to increased waste. In some embodiments, the beverage container 100 with the plug 400 positioned such that the beverage container 100 is in the loaded configuration 500 may result in a packaging density less than that of beverage containers 100 without a plug 400, due to the protruding end of the plug 400 contacting adjacent beverage container sidewalls.

Accordingly, considered in a three-dimensional space, the arrangement density of the storage configuration 600 may be more efficient than the loaded configuration 500. In the loaded configuration 500, the majority of the width dimension of the beverage container 100 remains the same width as the container body, except for the space which may be occupied by the central body portion 404 protruding from the container sidewall 106. Thus, the volume at all other heights except for the height of the first opening 110 may be wasted when the containers are stored in the loaded configuration 500. Such embodiments of packaging are discussed further in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

As was discussed briefly in regards to FIG. 4, the plug 400 may be hollow such that a cavity exists from the first end 406 of the plug 400 though a portion of the central body portion 404. In various embodiments, the cavity may extend through a majority of the central body. For example, the thickness of the material forming the sides of the central body portion 404 and the second end 408 may be substantially the same. In various embodiments, the thickness of the material forming the sides of the central body portion 404 may be uniform. For example, a central body portion 404 which is tapered may have a hollow cavity which is similarly tapered, such that the exterior and interior surfaces of the central body portion 404 may be parallel. In other embodiments, the exterior shape of the central body portion 404 may be tapered, but the hollow cavity in the interior of the central body portion 404 may have a constant diameter (e.g. a cylindrical cavity). As such, the material forming the central body portion 404 may vary in thickness (e.g. become more thin) as it approaches the second end 408 of the plug 400.

Referring to FIG. 7, a method of filling the beverage container 100 is shown. In various embodiments, a beverage 702 from a traditional beverage source 704, such a can or bottle of a sports drink or a pitcher of a soda, may be poured into the beverage container 100 through the first opening 110 of the container body 102. The sealing device 114 may be positioned in a sealed position 114A, such that the beverage 702 cannot escape through the second opening 112. The beverage container 100 may be positioned horizontally with the first opening 110 positioned generally upwards, and/or the beverage container 100 may be positioned such that the bottom section 108 is higher or lower than the top section 104.

In various embodiments, the beverage container 100 may also be filled with a beverage 702 through the second opening 112, while the sealing device 114 is positioned in an unsealed position 114B. In such embodiments, during the filling of the internal cavity the plug 400 is positioned such that the beverage container 100 is in a loaded configuration 500, to prevent the beverage 702 from escaping through the first opening 110. Preferably, the beverage container 100 may be angled substantially upright such that the beverage 702 fills the internal volume of the container body 102 from the bottom section 108 towards the top section 104.

In various embodiments, the traditional beverage source 704 may be a traditional soda or beer can, or the traditional beverage source 704 may be a bottle, pitcher, keg, or other traditional beverage storage containers. In various embodiments, where the traditional beverage source 704 is a bulk storage container (such as a keg or pitcher, for example), the beverage container 100 may allow for ease of transporting and consuming a personal amount of the beverage 702. In some embodiments, filling the beverage container 100 directly from the traditional beverage source 704 (such as a keg, for example) allows for the user to limit the number of times the beverage 702 is transferred, which may limit carbonation loss from each transfer (such as if the beverage 702 were instead first transferred to a pitcher, then to the beverage container 100).

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, exemplary steps for inserting a plug 400 into a container body 102 such that the beverage container is configured in the loaded configuration 500 are shown. In FIG. 8A, pressure may be applied to the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 such that the plug 400 is deformed, such as deformed into an oval shape. In such an oval shape, the flange 402 of the plug 400 has a first diameter which is smaller than the first opening 110, and a second diameter which is larger than the first opening. In other embodiments, sufficient force may be applied to the central body portion 404 such that the flange is substantially linear in shape, such that the first diameter is negligible.

In various embodiments, providing a plug having a central body portion 404 which is hollow may allow for more flexibility, allowing the plug 400 to be more easily deformed into an oval or linear shape.

As shown in FIG. 7, liquid is introduced into the internal volume of the container body 102, replacing air within the internal volume. The air exits the first opening 110 as the liquid is introduced through the first opening 110. In some embodiments, the liquid may substantially occupy the entirety of the internal volume, wherein a portion of the air occupying the internal volume may remain within the internal volume. The steps performed in FIGS. 8A-8B may be performed with the beverage container 100 positioned so that the air remaining in the internal volume is positioned adjacent the first opening 110 so that inserting the plug 400 causes at least a portion of the remaining air to be displaced. In some embodiments, it is beneficial for the volume of the remaining air to correspond to the volume of the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 so that inserting the plug 400 into the first opening 110 only displaces air and does not displace liquid out of the internal volume.

In FIG. 8B, the flange 402 of the plug 400 may be inserted into the internal volume of the container body 102 while pressure is being applied to the central body portion 404 to deform the shape of the plug 400. The container body 102 may be positioned as described above with regards to FIG. 8A, particularly in embodiments where the container body 102 contains a liquid.

In various embodiments, to insert the flange 402 of the plug 400 into the container body 102, one edge of the larger, second diameter of the flange 402 may be inserted through the first opening 110 into the internal volume of the container body 102, with the central body portion 404 extending outside the internal volume of the container body 102. The plug 400 may then be pivoted such that the second (opposite) edge of the larger, second diameter of the flange 402 is deformed to fit through the first opening 110. The pressure applied to the central body portion 404 may then be released, such that the plug 400 may return to its original shape, while the flange 402 remains inside the internal volume of the container body 102. In various embodiments, the diameter of the first end of the plug 400 is as large or larger than the first opening 110, such that when the plug 400 returns to its original shape, the outside of the central body portion 404 contacts the inner edge of the first opening 110.

In FIGS. 8C and 8D, the beverage container 100 is shown with the plug 400 inserted such that the beverage container 100 is in a loaded configuration 500, and with the container body 102 in the upward position, such that the top section 104 is directly above the bottom section 108. In various embodiments, when liquid is contained within the container body 102, with the container body 102 positioned upwardly, the liquid may fill the internal volume from the bottom section 108 towards the top section 104, which may cause the liquid to exert hydrostatic pressure against the flange 402 of the plug 400. Such hydrostatic pressure may cause the flange 402 to be pressed against the internal of the container sidewall 106, which may act to seal the first opening 110, preventing the escape of the liquid. In various embodiments, the seal created by the flange 402 around the first opening 110 seals both the escape of liquid and gas.

In various embodiments, hydrostatic pressure exerted by the liquid on the flange 402 will vary based on the location of the first opening 110 vertically, relative to the bottom section 108 and top section 104. By positioning the first opening 110 lower on the container body 102, greater pressure may be exerted on the flange 402, when the container body 102 contains a liquid, providing a stronger seal. The height of the first opening 110 on the container sidewall 106 may vary, but in preferred embodiments may be located between 0.25 inches and 6 inches from the container sidewall bottom edge 120. In various embodiments, the first opening 110 is located closer to the container sidewall bottom edge 120 than the container sidewall top edge 118.

In various embodiments where the central body portion 404 is hollow, when the plug 400 is positioned such that the container body 100 in the loaded configuration 500, liquid within the internal volume of the container body 102 may fill the hollow cavity in the central body portion 404. In such embodiments, the seal may be maintained between the flange 402 and interior of the container sidewall 106, such that while liquid occupies the hollow cavity in the central body portion 404, the liquid is still contained within the beverage container 100.

Referring to FIGS. 9A-9D, a process for consuming a liquid from within the beverage container 100 is shown. In FIG. 9A, a process of removing the plug 400 from within the first opening 110 of the container body 102 is shown. As shown in FIG. 7, and discussed previously, liquid is introduced into the internal volume of the container body 102, replacing air within the internal volume. The air exits the first opening 110 as the liquid is introduced through the first opening 110. In some embodiments, the liquid may substantially occupy the entirety of the internal volume, wherein a portion of the air occupying the internal volume may remain within the internal volume. The step performed in FIGS. 9A may be performed with the beverage container 100 positioned so that the air remaining in the internal volume is positioned adjacent to the first opening 110 so that when removing the plug 400, liquid does not immediately begin to flow outward from the interior volume through the first opening 110, and instead is maintained within the interior volume of the container body 102. Similar to the process discussed in FIG. 8A, above, a squeezing force may be applied to the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 such that the central body portion 404 and the flange 402 are deformed to an oval shape, such that the diameter of the flange 402 is smaller in a first diameter and larger in a second diameter. In some embodiments, the squeezing pressure applied may be sufficient to essentially deform the flange to a linear shape. In the inverse of the process discussed in FIG. 8B, above, one edge of the second diameter of the flange 402 may be pivoted outward, at which point the second (opposite) edge of the second diameter of the flange 402 can be removed through the first opening 110 and out of the internal volume of the container body 102.

In other embodiments, rather than pivoting the flange 402 to allow the flange 402 to pass through the first opening 110, after a squeezing pressure is applied to the central body portion 404 of the plug 400, a pulling force can be exerted on the central body 404, directly away from the container body 102, such that the flange 402 is deformed to have a tubular shape, aligned with the central body portion 404, such that the flange 402 may be pulled through the first opening 110.

In FIG. 9B, the user of the beverage container 100 may position their mouth over the first opening 110 of the container body 102 as shown. The user may position their mouth such that their lips may contact and form a seal with the exterior surface of the container sidewall 106. In preferred embodiments, the container body 102 is maintained at the same or similar angle as discussed above regarding FIG. 9A, such that any air within the internal volume of the container body 102 is proximate to the first opening 110, and such that the liquid within the container body 102 does not immediately begin flowing into the mouth of the user or spill prior to the mouth of the user being correctly positioned over the first opening 110 of the container body 102.

In FIG. 9C, the user of the beverage container 100 may adjust the angle of the container body 102, preferably while maintaining their mouth over the first opening 110 and maintaining a seal between their lips and the exterior surface of the container sidewall 106. The angle of the container body 102 may be adjusted such that the top section 104 of the container body 102 is substantially vertical, such that the second opening 112 is elevated above the first opening 110. In various embodiments, the container body 102 may be rotated in a linear manner, such that the users neck rotates directly backwards. In other embodiments, the container body 102 may be rotated in an angled direction, such that the second opening 112 is elevated above the first opening 110 and the second opening 112 is closer to either the right or left side of the user's body. For example, the container body 102 may be rotated such that the second opening 112 is positioned away from the hand which is holding the bottom section 108 or container sidewall 106 of the container body 102, such that the sealing device 114 is located closer to the hand of the user which is not holding the beverage container 100 (the user's “free hand”).

With the free hand of the user, which is not holding the container body 102, the user may configure the beverage container into a dispensing configuration by moving the sealing device 114 from the sealed position 114A to the unsealed position 114B, such that the second opening 112 is open into the interior volume of the container body 102. In various embodiments, the user may use the handle 306 of the sealing device 114 to move the user element 302, which moves the closure element to release the seal on the second opening 112.

In FIG. 9D, consuming a liquid from the beverage container 100 through first opening 110 of the container body 102 is shown. Moving the sealing device 114 from the sealed position 114A to the unsealed position 114B (as discussed in reference to FIG. 9C) allows air to enter the second opening 112 to fill the space vacated by the liquid within the internal volume of the container body 102. As such, gravity allows the liquid within the internal volume of the container body 102 to exit the first opening 110 and into the mouth of the user. In preferred embodiments, the second opening 112 limits the vacuum effect of the liquid flowing from the container body 102, such that fizzing or foaming of the liquid, particularly with a carbonated beverage, is minimized. Further, the lack of a low pressure (vacuum) occurring in the voided space within the internal volume of the container body 102, may allow the liquid to exit the container body 102 at a much faster rate than if there was only one opening in the container body 102. In various embodiments, air may not enter the interior volume of the container body 102 through the first opening 110. For example, the mouth of the user may completely cover the first opening 110 such that no air is provided to the first opening 110.

In various embodiments, after the beverage container 100 is filled with a liquid, and the plug 400 is positioned such that the beverage container 100 is in a loaded configuration 500, the liquid may be consumed from the beverage container 100 through the second opening 112. In such embodiments, the sealing device 114 may be moved to a unsealed position 114B and the liquid may be consumed through the second opening 112, while the first opening 110 remains sealed with the plug 400. This provides, for example, varying means for a user to utilize the beverage container 100, such that during circumstances where the user desires to quickly consume the beverage, they may utilize the approach as shown and described in FIGS. 9A-9D. In other circumstances, where the user prefers to slowly consume the beverage, the beverage may be consumed similarly to a traditional beverage container through the second opening 112.

Referring to FIG. 10A, a packaging container 1002 for packaging a plurality of beverage containers 100 is shown. In FIG. 10A, four beverage containers are shown: a left rear beverage container 100A, a right rear beverage container 100B, a left front beverage container 100C, and a right front beverage container 100D. In various embodiments, the packaging container may hold two, three, four, five, six, or more beverage containers 100.

In FIG. 10A, the packaging container 1002 may be used to transport, market, and/or display a plurality of beverage containers 100. In various embodiments, the packaging container 1002 may be transparent or partially transparent such that the beverage containers 100 can be seen within the packaging container 1002. In some embodiments, the packaging container 1002 may be opaque or may have designs, logos, or other markings on the exterior surface.

In various embodiments, the packaging container 1002 may be made from various plastic polymers, such as for example, polyethylene terephthalate, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene, or may be made from a paper product (e.g. cardboard), or other suitable material as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

In various embodiments, the container bodies 102 may each have a plug 400 (not shown) positioned within the respective first openings 110 of the container bodies 102. In some embodiments, the plug 400 may be positioned such that the beverage container 100 is in a storage configuration 600 with the plug 400 positioned within the first opening 110. In the storage configuration 600, as discussed, the flange 402 may be substantially flush or in linear alignment with the container sidewall 106. As such, the exterior portion of each container body 102 may be in substantial contact with the other respective container bodies 102, such that little space is lost. In such a configuration, the packaging container 1002 may be sized to approximately to the same width as the plurality of container bodies 102. For example, the left rear beverage container 100A may be packaged such that its first opening 110 is facing substantially towards the left front beverage container 100C. Alternatively, providing the plug 400 of the left rear beverage container 100A such that the left rear beverage container 100A is in the loaded configuration 500, would require sufficient dimensioning in the packaging container 1002 to accommodate the portion of the central body portion 404 protruding from the container sidewall 106. However, in the storage configuration, the plug 400 of the left rear beverage container 100A may be dimensioned to the same size (or slightly larger) than the combined depth of the left rear beverage container 100A and the left front beverage container 100C. Similarly, positioning the plug 400 of the container bodies 102 such that the beverage container 100 is in the storage configuration 600 limits the necessary spacing between a container body 102 and the inside surface of the packaging container 1002. For example, the left front beverage container 100C may have its first opening 110 (and its flange 402) facing outward toward the interior surface of the packaging container 1002. In such a configuration, the container sidewall 106 may be proximate or in contact with the inside surface of the packaging container 1002.

Conversely, if the plugs 400 of the beverage containers 100 were positioned such that the beverage containers 100 are in a loaded configuration 500, the packaging container 1002 may need to be dimensioned much larger, such as to accommodate the width of the plurality of container bodies 102 plus the additional width of each respective central body portion 404 of their plug 400 which protrudes from the container body 102. As such, the storage configuration 600 may provide a space-saving advantage.

In other embodiments, the plugs 400 may be sold in separate packaging or packaged outside the first opening 110 of the container body 102. Such embodiments may allow the plurality of container bodies 102 to be packaged in a compact matter, where the outside of the container sidewall 106 of each container body 102 are in substantial contact.

Referring to FIG. 10B, another packaging means is shown for a plurality of beverage containers 100, wherein a beverage container holder 1004 is used. As shown in FIG. 10B, the beverage container holder 1004 may have a plurality of caps 1006 which may receive the top section outside edge 116 of the container body 102, removably securing the beverage container 100 to the beverage container holder 1004. In various embodiments, the beverage container holder 1004 may be made from plastic, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). In various embodiments, the beverage container holder 1004 may have round hollow rings or loops to receive the top section outside edge 116 of the container body 102. Such rings or loops may be similar to traditional six-pack beverage rings, and may be made for example from low-density polyethylene (LDPE).

In FIG. 10B, the beverage container holder 1004 is shown as being configured to receive four beverage containers 100. However, in various other embodiments the beverage container holder 1004 may receive two, four, six, or more beverage containers 100.

As discussed in detail in reference to FIG. 10A, the plug 400 of each of the beverage containers 100 may be positioned such that the beverage containers 100 are in the storage configuration 600 such that the container sidewall 106 of each beverage container can be located proximally to each other when attached to the beverage container holder 1004, or in contact with each other without the central body portion 404 of the plug 400 taking additional space (such as when the beverage container 100 is in the loaded configuration 500).

FIGS. 10A and 10B provide two exemplary storage and packaging means for the beverage containers 100 described herein. However, a variety of alternative packaging means may be utilized, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. In addition, with alternative beverage container shapes and sizes (as described for example in FIGS. 11 and 12), varying packaging means may be utilized to package multiple beverage containers 100.

Referring to FIG. 11, an alternative design for a beverage container 1100 is shown. In various embodiments, the beverage container 1100 may include a container body 1102, which may be shaped similar to a traditional beer bottle, wherein the container sidewall 1104 has a neck portion 1106 wherein the diameter of the container sidewall 1104 tapers inward towards the top of the container body 1102. The container body 1102 may be made of plastic (such as a soda bottle, for example), glass (such as a traditional beer bottle, for example), or from metal (such as aluminum alloy or steel, for example).

In FIG. 11, the container body 1102 may include a first opening 1108 which may be similar to the first opening 110 described previously, for example in FIG. 1. The beverage container 1100 may further include the plug 400 (discussed in relation to FIG. 4), and which may be positioned such that the beverage container 1100 in the loaded configuration 500 and storage configuration 600, as discussed in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively.

The beverage container 1100 may also have a second opening 1112 (not shown) at the top edge 1114 of the container body 1102. In various embodiments, the beverage container 1100 may further include a bottle cap 1116 which seals and unseals the second opening 1112. The bottle cap 1116 may act to seal the second opening 1112 by various means, including for example by having threads 1118 located in the inner portion of the bottle cap 1116, which mate with threads on the external surface of the container body 1102 proximal to the top edge 1114 of the container body 1102.

The beverage container 1100 may be used similarly to the beverage container 100 discussed previously, particularly in the processes described for example in relation to FIGS. 8A-9D. The bottle cap 1116 may provide one form of a sealing device 114, previously discussed. In use, a liquid may be poured into the beverage container 1100 through the first opening 1108 with the plug 400 removed. In such uses, the bottle cap 1116 is preferably acting to seal the second opening 1112 such that the liquid may not escape from the second opening 1112. Alternatively, a liquid may be poured into the beverage container 1100 through the second opening 1112, while the plug 400 is positioned such that the beverage container 1100 is in a loaded configuration 500 such that the liquid may not escape through the first opening 1108.

Referring to FIG. 12, an alternative design for a beverage container 1200 is shown. In various embodiments, the beverage container 1200 may include a container body 1202, which may be shaped similar to a traditional beverage cup, wherein the container sidewall 1203 defines a cup opening 1204 at the container sidewall top edge 1206. The beverage container 1200 may include a lid 1208, wherein the diameter of the of the lid 1208 corresponds with the diameter of the cup opening 1204 at the container sidewall top edge 1206, such that the lid 1208 resealably closes the cup opening 1204. The container body 1202 may be made of plastic (such as a soda bottle, for example), glass (such as a traditional beer bottle, for example), or from metal (such as aluminum alloy or steel, for example).

In FIG. 12, the container body 1202 may include a first opening 1210 which may be similar to the first opening 110 described previously, for example in FIG. 1. The beverage container 1200 may further include the plug 400 (discussed in relation to FIG. 4), and which may be positioned such that the beverage container 1200 is in the loaded configuration 500 and storage configuration 600, as discussed in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively.

In FIG. 12, the lid 1208 may releasably seal the cup opening 1204 by various means, for example including a gasket or seal around the outer edge of the lid 1208, and/or the inner edge of the cup opening 1204. In some embodiments, the lid 1208 may be secured to the container body 1202 by a threading on the lid 1208 which corresponds with receiving threads in the inner edge of the cup opening 1204. The lid 1208 may be made of the same material as the container body 1202, or may be made from a different material. The lid 1208, for example, may be made from a metal or metal alloy, plastic, or other suitable material as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art.

The lid 1208 of the container body 1202 may further include a second opening 1212, similar to the second opening 112 discussed previously. The beverage container 1200 may include a sealing device 1214, which may be similar to the sealing device 114 discussed previously. The sealing device 1214 may be the Xolution device discussed in relation to FIGS. 3A and 3B, or may be another suitable device to resealably open and close the second opening 1212. As shown in FIG. 12, an exemplary sealing device 1214 is attached to the exterior surface of the lid 1208 and is configured to slide from a sealed configuration 1214A to an unsealed position 1214B by operably moving the sealing device 1214 towards the interior of the lid 1208.

In various embodiments, a liquid may be added to the internal volume of the container body 1202 through the first opening 1210 or second opening 1212, or the lid 1208 may be removed from the container body 1202 such that liquid may be poured into the beverage container 1100 through the cup opening 1204.

In operation, when the lid 1208 is secured to the container body 1202 and the plug 400 is positioned such that the beverage container 1200 is in the loaded configuration 500 (as is shown in FIG. 12), the beverage container 1200 may be used similarly to the beverage container 100 discussed previously. For example, when filled with liquid, a user may consume a beverage through the first opening 1210 while air passes through the second opening 1212 into the internal volume of the container body 1202. In various embodiments, the liquid may be consumed similarly to a traditional beverage container, by consuming the liquid through the second opening 1212 or through the cup opening 1204 (i.e. while the lid 1208 is removed).

The descriptions above have concentrated on describing particular aspects and features. It should be understood, however, that various aspects and features may be combined whenever practical without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. That is, particular aspects and features described above with reference to one embodiment may be incorporated into one or more other embodiments, even though such alternate embodiments are not specifically shown.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purview of this application and the scope of the appended claims.

BEVERAGE CONTAINER FOR STORAGE AND CONSUMPTION OF A BEVERAGE

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CPC

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