BEVERAGE CONTAINER HOLDER

Abstract

A beverage container housing comprising a cylindrical holder having a base wall and an upwardly extending sidewall defining an interior of the housing. The holder has an open top end and its sidewall comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The housing comprises a cylindrical gasket which circumvents the upper portion of the holder. The gasket comprises an open base end, an open top end, and a sidewall extending between the base end and the top end. An inwardly extending ledge is disposed on an interior surface of the gasket sidewall, adjacent the top end of the gasket. At least one channel is defined in the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, wherein the at least one channel extends from the ledge toward the base end of the gasket and terminates in an opening at the base end of the gasket.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention is directed to beverage container holders. More particularly, the invention is directed to beverage container holders comprising a housing base portion and a vented gasket, providing for ease of insertion and removal of a beverage container from an insulated housing.

Description of the Related Art

Studies have shown that cold stimuli, such as with a cold drink, are perceived as pleasant in the mouth in spite of the fact that cold stimuli to the skin often causes discomfort and is undesirable in most situations. It was discovered that cold liquids are preferred to warm liquids as a thirst quencher and provide for a pleasant oral cooling. Biologically, humans have more cold receptors than warm receptors in the skin and therefore cold stimuli may cause reflex responses such as skin vasoconstriction, tensing of muscles and shivering designed to conserve body heat as an anticipatory response to any body cooling (e.g., why the sensation is usually unpleasant). Further, cooling sensations are related to a refreshing perception, and the most important characteristic that makes a food or drink refreshing has been reported to be cold, cool or icy temperatures. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 9,918,915 is directed to a composition for enhancing the cooling sensation and enhances the cooling and refreshing sensation provided by the coolant. This reference states that when the composition is applied to the oral cavity, immediate onset of a cooling sensation occurs that can last longer than about 15 minutes thereby providing long-lasting clean and fresh mouth feel. This pleasant cooling sensation for the oral cavity is why we enjoy cool or cold drinks and prefer a cold drink to a warm one.

There have been attempts to keep drinks cool as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,302,427. This reference discloses that beverages are often provided in cans and adding ice to a can has disadvantages. It can have the disadvantage of warming quickly through conductive walls and results in rapid heat transfer from ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature) to the liquid. This reference provides for a cooling device having a double-walled container of special structure; sealed between its walls is a liquid which, before use, is frozen in a suitable freezer. However, this reference has the disadvantage in that the can is not securely held into the holder and a portion of the can is exposed to the environment which increases warming. U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,745,776; 4,815,287 and 5,727,709 have the same disadvantage in that a portion of the can is exposed and is not secured to the holder.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,638,645 discloses a beverage container cooler that includes a cap that can secure the can to the holder. This reference, however, requires that the cap be removed to remove the can. Further, the cap is removed when the can is inserted into the cooler and then the cap is replaced. There is also a seal that is needed to be used and is placed between the cooler and the cap which increases complexity and is prone to being lost.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,604 is directed to a beverage shilling receptable that includes a threaded cap that is attached to the inner shell. The circular cap has an edge that extends down perpendicularly from the top or horizontal face of this cap and entirely encompasses the caps perimeter. The inner side of the caps perpendicular edge is a spiral threaded region. The cap has a circular hole stamped or cut in its horizontal top face such that it may be mated with a suitable cylindrical male component, in this case the top of inner shell. The cap contacts the can and when the cap is placed on the container, the can is difficult to remove as the cap and inner shell cause the can to create a suction when the can is attempted to be removed. While the cap is designed to lock the can in place, it also makes insertion and removal of the can difficult.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide for an insulated beverage container that receive a beverage container, such as a can, cover the beverage container and also allows for the beverage container to be removed according to the vacuum that can be created when the can is removed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above objectives are accomplished by providing a beverage container housing comprising a cylindrical holder having a base wall and an upwardly extending sidewall defining an interior of the housing. The holder has an open top end and its sidewall comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. The housing comprises a cylindrical gasket which circumvents the upper portion of the holder. The gasket comprises an open base end, an open top end, and a sidewall extending between the base end and the top end. An inwardly extending ledge is disposed on an interior surface of the gasket sidewall, adjacent the top end of the gasket. At least one channel is defined in the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, wherein the at least one channel extends from the ledge toward the base end of the gasket and terminates in an opening at the base end of the gasket. In an embodiment, the channel provides fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the environment. In an embodiment, the ledge is configured to contact a beverage container to form a seal when the beverage container is placed in the housing. In an embodiment, the holder sidewall comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and an insulating void disposed between the inner wall and outer wall. In an embodiment, the gasket is removably attached to the holder. In an embodiment, the housing additionally comprises a strap assembly (optionally elastic) attached to the outer wall of the holder. In an embodiment, the a cavity may be defined in the outer wall of the holder, configured to improve a user's the grip on the holder. In an embodiment, the resilient strap is disposed adjacent the cavity. In an embodiment, the upper portion of the holder sidewall comprises an upper edge defining the open top end and wherein the upper edge is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the gasket ledge. In an embodiment, the channel is defined by the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, the gasket ledge, and an outer surface of the upper portion of the holder. In an embodiment, the ledge prevents fluid within the channel from exiting the housing when the housing is inverted. In an embodiment, the upper portion of the holder and the lower portion of the holder form a lip therebetween and wherein the base end of the gasket is disposed adjacent the lip of the holder. In an embodiment, the opening at the base end of the gasket is defined by the base end of the gasket and the lip of the holder. In an embodiment, air and fluid can move between the interior of the housing and the external environment, when a beverage container is inserted into the housing, via the channel and opening at the base end of the gasket.

The above objectives are accomplished by further providing a beverage container holder comprising: a holder having an inner wall and an outer wall; an interior cavity defined in the holder configured for receiving a beverage container; a cap removably attached to the holder; a ledge included in the cap and disposed on an interior wall of the cap and configured to contact the beverage container to form a seal when the beverage container is placed in the holder; and, a channel defined in the cap in providing for fluid communications between the interior of the holder and the environment. The holder can include an outer opening defined by the cap and a lip included in the holder. The holder can include a void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall of the holder and the void can receive insulation. The holder can include a strap assemble. A resilient strap can be included in the strap assembly. The strap assembly can be removably attached to the holder. A cavity can be defined in the holder configure to improve the grip on the holder.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The construction designed to carry out the invention will hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specifications and by reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the invention is shown and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of aspects of the invention;

FIG. 4D is a bottom view of aspects of the invention; and,

FIG. 4E is a side view of aspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be described in greater detail. In an embodiment, the invention comprises an insulated housing for a canned beverage. The house may generally comprise, in an embodiment, a beverage container holder 10 which is removably attachable to a cap 12 (also referred to herein as a gasket). The holder 10 and the gasket 12 may each be generally cylindrical in shape. In an embodiment, the holder 10 comprises a base wall 11 and at least one sidewall 13 which extends upwardly from the base wall 11. In an embodiment, the holder 10 terminates in an open top end 15 (see FIG. 2). In an embodiment the holder sidewall 13 is generally vertical in configuration. In an embodiment, the base wall 11 and sidewall(s) 13 of the holder 10 form an interior space 23 that is shaped and sized to receive a commercially-available beverage can (i.e., a standard, slim, or any other sized can containing soda, beer, seltzer, cider, sparkling water, etc.). In an embodiment, the interior diameter of the sidewall (13) is slightly greater than the outside diameter of the beverage container it is designed to receive. Thus, in an embodiment, the fit between the beverage container 22 and the holder 10 is slidable, but in direct contact. The fit between the beverage container 22 and the holder 10 may comprise an interference fit or a friction fit in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the holder comprises stainless steel or any material known in the art known to have insulating properties.

In an embodiment, the entire inner diameter of the sidewall 13 of the holder 10 is consistent. That is, the inner diameter of the holder 10 may be the same along its entire length in an embodiment, from the base 11 to the open top end. In an embodiment, an upper portion 19 of the sidewall 13 of the holder 10 may have a smaller outer diameter than the lower portion 21 of the sidewall 13. In this embodiment, the upper portion 19 may have a lesser thickness (from inner surface to outer surface) than the lower portion 21 of the sidewall 13. In an embodiment, the upper portion 19 of the sidewall 13 may be a single wall wherein the lower portion 21 of the sidewall 13 may comprise a double wall.

In an embodiment, the upper portion 19 and the lower portion 21 may meet to form a lip 34. The lip 34 may be generally horizontal or angled with respect to the sidewall 13. In an embodiment, the lip 34 provides a stop for the gasket 12 as the gasket 12 is positioned onto the holder 10.

The gasket 12 can, in an embodiment, include a cylindrical sidewall 17 which comprises an outer surface 14, a curved top rim 16, and an inner surface 18. The bottom and top of the gasket may be open. An inwardly-extending ledge 20 can be included in the gasket, near the rim 16, and can be configured to contact the beverage container 22 in an interference-fit or friction-fit when the container 22 is inserted into the housing. In an embodiment, the inner diameter of the ledge 20 is less than the inner diameter of the inner surface 18 of the sidewall of the gasket. The ledge 20 may be generally horizontal in orientation or may be angled or curved inwardly with respect to the gasket sidewall.

In an embodiment, the gasket 12 comprises rubber, silicone, or a similar flexible material which has the ability to securely grip an aluminum can. In an embodiment, the gasket 12 is fitted over the upper portion 19 of the holder 10 such that the inner surface 18 of the gasket 12 is disposed adjacent and in direct contact with the outer surface of the upper portion 19 of the holder 10. In an embodiment, the fit between the inner surface 18 of the gasket 12 and the outer surface of the upper portion 19 of the holder 10 comprises an interference or friction fit. In an embodiment, the lower surface 27 (FIG. 4C) of the ledge 20 of the gasket 12 is disposed adjacent to and in direct contact with the top rim 25 of the upper portion 19 of the holder 10 when the gasket is positioned on the holder.

In an embodiment, the holder 10 can include an inner wall 24 and an outer wall 26 (i.e. forming a double wall construction). A void 28 can be disposed between the inner wall 24 and the outer wall 26. The void can be air-filled or can include a fluid or other form of insulation.

In an embodiment, one or more channels 30 can be defined in the inner surface 18 of the gasket. Each channel 30 may initiate at the ledge 20 of the gasket 12 and extend downwardly to the base 61 of the gasket 12. In an embodiment, the gasket 12 may comprise two (2) to six (6) channels 30. In an embodiment, the gasket may comprise four (4) channels 30 spaced equidistance about the circumference of the gasket 12. The channels 30 allow atmospheric and/or fluid communication between the interior 23 of the holder 10 and the surrounding environment when a can is disposed within the holder 10, as will be described. In an embodiment, the gasket 12 includes an opening 32 disposed along the base 61 (FIG. 4A) of the gasket 12, which connects the channel 30 to the surrounding environment, allowing fluid, condensation, or air to escape or enter the channel 30 and interior 23 of the holder 10. In this way, the channel(s) 30 comprise two-way vents. In an embodiment, the opening(s) 32 are formed along the base 61 of the gasket 12 and each opening 32 comprises change in the length of the gasket sidewall between the base and the top end of the gasket 12. That is, the length L₁ of the gasket, from top 63 to base 61, is less in the locations of the openings 32 than the length L₂ of the gasket 12 in other areas (see FIG. 4E). In some embodiments, the opening 32 may comprise a square, rectangle, irregularly angled configuration, curve, semi-circle, partial ellipse, or any other configuration known in the art.

The channel 30 and opening 32 provide the ease of insertion and removal of the beverage container within the holder 10. For example, as the container 22 in inserted into the housing, ambient air within the interior 23 can escape through the channel(s) 30 and openings 32, allowing a smooth insertion of the can. Without such channels, because the fit between the beverage container 22 and the housing is so tight, the ambient air within the interior 23 would be trapped, preventing full insertion of the container 22. Likewise, as the container 22 is removed from the housing, the channels 30 and openings 32 allow atmospheric air to move into the interior 23 of the housing. Without the channels 30 and openings 32, suction forces would retain the container 22 within the housing and/or make removal very difficult.

Further, the specific configuration and disposition of the channels 30 and opening 32 prevents undesirable leaks to spill from the interior 23 of the holder 10. This is best illustrated in FIG. 4C, which illustrates the gasket 12 in a bottom perspective view. At the top 63 of the gasket 12, the ledge 20 extends inwardly. When the gasket 12 is positioned on the holder 10, the ledge 20 abuts the top edge of the holder, creating a channel 30 which is closed off by the ledge 20 on the top 63 of the gasket 12. If the holder 10 is inverted, such as to drink from the beverage container 22, no condensation or other liquid can escape the channel 30 via the top 63 of the gasket. Rather, the only way that condensation or liquid can escape the channel is via the openings 32, which are positioned at the base of the gasket and encourage condensation displacement downwardly when the holder 10 is in its ordinary upright position. Thus, any liquid or condensation that escapes from the interior 23 of the holder 10 does not collect and pool around the rim of the housing and then spill onto a consumer when the housing is inverted, but instead the condensation is slowly released to the atmosphere downwardly, to the outside of the holder, in a manner which is negligible to the consumer. This is a significant improvement over the art.

Referring to FIG. 2, the beverage container 22 can be removably inserted into the holder 10. When the beverage container 22 is placed into the interior 23 of the holder 10, the gasket 12 can be placed over the beverage container and fluid that would normally be compressed in the inner area making placement of the cap difficult, can escape from the inner area through channel 30 and outer opening 32. Alternatively, however, the gasket 12 need not be removed from the holder 10 at all for insertion of the beverage container 22. In this embodiment, due to the channel 30 and the outer opening 32, a container 22 can be easily inserted into the holder 10, through the gasket 12, and retained in place. Likewise, the container 22 can be removed from the holder 10, through the gasket 12, using ordinary hand strength. In an embodiment, the channel opening 32 is disposed above the lip 34 of the holder 10, such that the channel opening 32 is defined by the gasket 12 and the holder lip 34. In an embodiment, the channel openings 32 are disposed through the thickness of the gasket 12, from outer surface 14 to inner surface 18, in the location of each channel 30. In an embodiment, the number of channel openings 32 is the same as the number of channels 30 and they are co-located within the circumference of the gasket 12.

In an embodiment, a cavity or indention 36 can be defined in the outer surface of the holder 10 so that the user can form a firm grasp on the holder 10 rather than the holder 10 simply being of a round cross section. The cavity 36 can include flat position lateral ramps 40, a top ramp 42, and a bottom ramp 44, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the cavity 36 may comprise an inward curvature of the outer surface of the holder 10. In an embodiment, the cavity 36 may be sized and positioned to accommodate one of more adult fingers in a grasping position. One or more of the ramps can include a circulate portion 46. An embossed or debossed image 48 (alphanumeric, graphic or both) can be included on the holder.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the container can include a strap assembly 50 that can include a carriage 52 received in a strap recess 54. The carriage can include an upper rod 56 and a lower rod 58 configured to receive a strap 60. The strap can be fabric, elastic, or other resilient material. The strap can be configured to receive one or more digits of the user (e.g., index finger) allowing the user to have improved retention security when holding the holder. The strap can also be used to carry the holder such as from a belt or other article. The strap assembly can be removeably attached to the holder. In one embodiment, the strap assembly is magnetically affixed to the holder. The strap assembly can include a plate 62 that can connect the upper rod to the lower rod. The plate can have a convex surface having the same or similar radius along a horizontal place as the container to provide for a consistent feel when holding the holder.

In another embodiment, the strap assembly may simply comprise a band of fabric, elastic, or other resilient material affixed to a plate, wherein the plate is affixed to the outer surface of the holder. In an embodiment, the affixation may be permanent. In an embodiment, the plate and strap are positioned adjacent the cavity 36.

Referring to FIG. 4A through 4E, in an embodiment, the channel 30 can include a shoulder portion 64 which joins the channel 30 to the opening 32 and the remainder of the base 61 of the gasket 12. In an embodiment, the channels 30 are formed in the gasket by varying the thickness of the gasket sidewall. That is, the gasket 12 can have a first thickness 66 and a second thickness 68 in the location of the channel(s) 30 where, in one embodiment, the second thickness is less than the first thickness. In an embodiment, the thickness of the gasket 12 changes gradually to form the channel(s) 30. In another embodiment, the thickness of the gasket changes abruptly, forming channel sidewalls 65 (FIG. 4A). In an embodiment, each channel 30 has two sidewalls which define the width of the channel 30. In an embodiment, the width of the channel is related to the number of channels presented. For example, a gasket 12 having four channels 30 may have narrower channels than a gasket 12 having only two channels 30. The sidewalls 65 of each channel 30 may each comprise shoulders 64. In an embodiment, the shoulders 64 may be curved, angled, or any other configuration known in the art.

In an embodiment the ledge 20 can be of a first material that is more resilient than a second material 70 included in the gasket 12. The ledge 20 can include a first thickness that allows the ledge to be more resilient than the remainder of the cap so that a seal is formed against a beverage container sidewall when a beverage container 22 is received in the gasket 12 and holder 10. The ledge 20, if interference fit against the container 22, can further prevent fluid from escaping from between the beverage container and gasket as a consumer drinks the beverage and can force any collected fluid to escape through the channel 30 and opening 32. The gasket 12 can include a rounded upper edge 72.

It is understood that the above descriptions and illustrations are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the following claims. Other embodiments as well as many applications besides the examples provided will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined not with reference to the above description, but should instead be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. The disclosures of all articles and references, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated by reference for all purposes. The omission in the following claims of any aspect of subject matter that is disclosed herein is not a disclaimer of such subject matter, nor should it be regarded that the inventor did not consider such subject matter to be part of the disclosed inventive subject matter.

Claims

1. A beverage container housing comprising: a cylindrical holder comprising a base wall and an upwardly extending sidewall defining an interior of the housing, and an open top end, wherein the holder sidewall comprises an upper portion and a lower portion;a cylindrical gasket which circumvents the upper portion of the holder, wherein the gasket comprises an open base end, an open top end, and a sidewall extending between the base end and the top end, wherein the sidewall comprises: an inwardly extending ledge disposed on an interior surface of the gasket sidewall, adjacent the top end of the gasket; andat least one channel defined in the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, wherein the at least one channel extends from the ledge toward the base end of the gasket and terminates in an opening at the base end of the gasket.

2. The beverage container housing of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel provides fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the environment.

3. The beverage container housing of claim 1, wherein the ledge is configured to contact a beverage container to form a seal when the beverage container is placed in the housing.

4. The beverage container housing of claim 1 wherein the holder sidewall comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and an insulating void disposed between the inner wall and outer wall.

5. The beverage container housing of claim 1, wherein the gasket is removably attached to the holder.

6. The beverage container housing of claim 1 additionally comprising a strap assembly attached to the outer wall of the holder.

7. The beverage container housing of claim 6, wherein the strap is elastic.

8. The beverage container housing of claim 1, including a cavity defined in the outer wall of the holder configured to improve a user's the grip on the holder.

9. The beverage container housing of claim 8 wherein a resilient strap is disposed adjacent the cavity.

10. The beverage container housing of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the holder sidewall comprises an upper edge defining the open top end and wherein the upper edge is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the gasket ledge.

11. The beverage container housing of claim 1, wherein the at least one channel is defined by the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, the gasket ledge, and an outer surface of the upper portion of the holder.

12. The beverage container housing of claim 11, wherein the ledge prevents fluid within the channel from exiting the housing when the housing is inverted.

13. The beverage container housing of claim 1, wherein the upper portion of the holder and the lower portion of the holder form a lip therebetween and wherein the base end of the gasket is disposed adjacent the lip of the holder.

14. The beverage container housing of claim 13, wherein the opening at the base end of the gasket is defined by the base end of the gasket and the lip of the holder.

15. The beverage container housing of claim 14, wherein air and fluid can move between the interior of the housing and the external environment, when a beverage container is inserted into the housing, via the channel and opening at the base end of the gasket.

16. A beverage container housing comprising: a cylindrical holder comprising a base wall and an upwardly extending sidewall defining an interior of the housing, and an open top end, wherein the holder sidewall comprises an upper portion and a lower portion defining a lip therebetweena cylindrical gasket disposed adjacent an outer surface of the upper portion of the holder, wherein the gasket comprises an open base end, an open top end, and a sidewall extending between the base end and the top end, wherein the sidewall comprises: an inwardly extending ledge disposed on an interior surface of the gasket sidewall, adjacent the top end of the gasket; andat least one channel defined in the interior surface of the gasket sidewall, wherein the at least one channel extends from the ledge toward the base end of the gasket and terminates in an opening at the base end of the gasket; andwherein the base end of the gasket is disposed adjacent the lip of the holder.

17. The beverage container housing of claim 16, wherein the at least one channel and opening provides fluid communication between the interior of the housing and the environment.

18. The beverage container housing of claim 16, wherein the holder sidewall comprises an inner wall, an outer wall, and an insulating void disposed between the inner wall and outer wall.

19. The beverage container housing of claim 16, wherein the gasket is removably attached to the holder.

20. The beverage container housing of claim 16 additionally comprising a resilient strap assembly attached to the outer wall of the holder.