BEVERAGE CONTAINER INSULATOR

Abstract

A beverage container insulator comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall. The beverage container insulator includes a generally cylindrical inner shell including an inner sidewall and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall. The inner shell is sized and shaped to nest inside the outer shell, forming an insulating cavity between the between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the beverage container insulator. The inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall form a hollow interior sized and shaped for receiving a beverage container. The inner sidewall includes a multiplicity of protrusions extending inwardly into the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator for engaging the beverage container.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure is directed to a beverage container insulator for receiving and holding a beverage container reliably, and more particularly to a durable beverage container insulator having an insulating cavity and little surface area contacting the container to slow heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container insulator and ambient surroundings and maintain beverage temperature.

Conventional beverage container insulators are made from a variety of materials, including foam, neoprene, metal, and cork. These insulators are used with beverage cans and bottles (broadly, containers) to thermally insulate the beverage container to maintain beverage temperature and limit exposing users to container temperature and condensate. Many of these beverage container insulators suffer from various drawbacks, including limited durability, limited insulative properties, and sloppy appearance. Moreover, many beverage container insulators add considerable bulk to containers making use cumbersome, particularly for users having smaller hands. Further, many beverage container insulators do not allow beverage containers to be removed easily when empty. Some of these insulators fail to release containers because friction between the containers and insulators is too great. And in some instances, insulators do not have provisions for releasing a vacuum between the container and insulator as the container is removed.

In view of the drawbacks present in many beverage insulators, there remains a need for an improved alternative beverage insulator that provides sufficient durability, compact size, comfortable grip, appropriate fit and retention, improved appearance, and enhanced insulation to maintain beverage temperature and limit user exposure to container temperature and moisture.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure includes a beverage container insulator for holding a beverage container and slowing heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container and ambient surroundings. The beverage container insulator comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall having an outer sidewall top edge and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall opposite the outer sidewall top edge. The outer sidewall has a generally cylindrical outer face and an outer sidewall height extending vertically between the outer sidewall top edge and the outer bottom wall. A generally cylindrical inner shell includes an inner sidewall having an inner sidewall top edge and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall opposite the inner sidewall top edge. The inner sidewall has a generally cylindrical inner face and an inner sidewall height extending vertically between the inner sidewall top edge and the inner bottom wall. The inner sidewall is sized to nest inside the outer sidewall forming a continuous annular space having a generally uniform width. The inner sidewall top edge is joined with the outer sidewall top edge forming a rim of the beverage container insulator. The inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall define a hollow interior of the beverage container in which the beverage container is held. The inner sidewall height is sized so a beverage container resting against the inner bottom wall extends above the rim of the beverage container insulator. The inner bottom wall is spaced above the outer bottom wall by a gap height measured along a centerline of the inner shell that is more than four times greater than the width of the annular space between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall. The inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, the inner bottom wall, and the outer bottom wall form a hermetically sealed insulating cavity between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the beverage container insulator. The inner sidewall has a multiplicity of protrusions circumferentially spaced around the inner sidewall. Each protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions extends inwardly from the inner face into the hollow interior by a distance sized so the protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions engages the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator so the multiplicity of protrusions space the beverage container from the inner face of the inner sidewall. The outer sidewall has a groove extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall and inwardly from the outer face.

In another aspect, the present disclosure includes an aluminum can insulator for holding an aluminum can and slowing heat transfer between liquid contained in the aluminum can and ambient surroundings. The aluminum can insulator comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall having an outer sidewall top edge and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall opposite the outer sidewall top edge. The outer sidewall has a generally cylindrical outer face and an outer sidewall height extending vertically between the outer sidewall top edge and the outer bottom wall. A generally cylindrical inner shell includes an inner sidewall having an inner sidewall top edge and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall opposite the inner sidewall top edge. The inner sidewall has a generally cylindrical inner face and an inner sidewall height extending vertically between the inner sidewall top edge and the inner bottom wall. The inner sidewall is sized to nest inside the outer sidewall forming a continuous annular space having a generally uniform width. The inner sidewall top edge is joined with the outer sidewall top edge forming a rim of the aluminum can insulator. The inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall define a hollow interior of the aluminum can insulator in which the aluminum can is held. The inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, the inner bottom wall, and the outer bottom wall form a closed, insulating cavity between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the aluminum can insulator. The inner sidewall includes a multiplicity of protrusions consisting of at least five protrusions arranged circumferentially around the inner sidewall and extending inwardly into the hollow interior of the aluminum can insulator for engaging a portion of the aluminum can when received in the hollow interior of the aluminum can insulator to space the portion of the aluminum can from the inner sidewall. The outer sidewall includes a groove extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure includes a beverage container insulator for holding a beverage container and slowing heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container and ambient surroundings. The beverage container insulator comprises a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall having an outer sidewall top edge and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall opposite the outer sidewall top edge. The outer sidewall has a generally cylindrical outer face and an outer sidewall height extending vertically between the outer sidewall top edge and the outer bottom wall. A generally cylindrical inner shell includes an inner sidewall having an inner sidewall top edge and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall opposite the inner sidewall top edge. The inner sidewall has a generally cylindrical inner face and an inner sidewall height extending vertically between the inner sidewall top edge and the inner bottom wall. The inner sidewall is sized to nest inside the outer sidewall forming a continuous annular space having a generally uniform width. The inner sidewall top edge is joined with the outer sidewall top edge forming a rim of the beverage container insulator. The inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall define a hollow interior of the beverage container insulator in which the beverage container is held. The inner sidewall height is sized so a beverage container resting against the inner bottom wall extends above the rim of the beverage container insulator. The inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, the inner bottom wall, and the outer bottom wall form a hermetically sealed insulating cavity between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the beverage container insulator. The inner sidewall has a multiplicity of protrusions consisting of at least five protrusions circumferentially spaced around the inner sidewall. Each protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions extends inwardly from the inner face into the hollow interior by a distance sized so the protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions engages the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator so the multiplicity of protrusions space the beverage container from the inner face of the inner sidewall. The outer sidewall has a groove extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall and inwardly from the outer face.

Other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent in view of the following description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate non-limiting examples.

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a first example of a beverage container insulator;

FIG. 2 is a top plan of the beverage container insulator of the first example;

FIG. 3 is a bottom plan of the beverage container insulator of the first example;

FIG. 4 is a cross section of the beverage container insulator of the first example taken in the plane of line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4A is a cross section similar to FIG. 4 showing an alternative configuration of the beverage container insulator shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation of a second example of a beverage container insulator;

FIG. 6 is a top plan of the beverage container insulator of the second example;

FIG. 7 is an elevational cross section of the beverage container insulator of the second example taken in the plane of line 7-7 of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 7A is a cross section similar to FIG. 7 showing an alternative configuration of the beverage container insulator of FIG. 7.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a first example of a beverage container thermal insulator designated in its entirety by reference number 21. Although it is envisioned the container insulator may have other configurations, such as for thermally insulating other container types for which slowing heat loss or gain is desired, the illustrated beverage container insulator is configured to hold a single- or multi-serving beverage container such as a can or bottle, as will be described in more detail. Accordingly inventive concepts and features disclosed herein are not intended to be limited to beverage container insulators for cans or bottles. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the container insulator may be used with other items, such as food containers.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, the illustrated beverage container insulator 21 includes a tubular (e.g., generally cylindrical) outer shell, generally indicated by 23, having an outer sidewall 25. The outer sidewall 25 has an outer sidewall bottom edge 27 and an outer sidewall top edge 29 opposite the bottom edge. The outer shell 23 includes an outer bottom wall 33 (see FIG. 3) spanning the outer sidewall 25 opposite the outer sidewall top edge 29. The outer sidewall 25 has an outer sidewall diameter Do and an outer sidewall height H_o extending between the outer bottom wall 33 and the outer sidewall top edge 29. The outer sidewall 25 and the outer bottom wall 33 define an interior space (FIG. 4). The outer sidewall 25 has a generally cylindrical outer face, also indicated by 25. The outer sidewall 25 further has a groove 39 extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall 25 and inwardly from the outer face. It should be understood that the circumferential groove 39 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 may be positioned in different vertical locations along the outer sidewall 25. Further, different numbers, spacings, and widths of circumferential grooves 39 are contemplated.

Turning to FIGS. 2 and 4, the beverage container insulator 21 further includes a tubular (e.g., generally cylindrical) inner shell, generally indicated by 43, including an inner sidewall 45 having an inner sidewall bottom edge 47 and an inner sidewall top edge 49 opposite the inner sidewall bottom edge. The inner sidewall 45 has a generally cylindrical inner face, also indicated by 45. It is contemplated that the inner shell 43 and outer shell 23 may be similarly or dissimilarly shaped. The inner sidewall 45 defines an inner sidewall diameter D_i less than the outer sidewall 25 diameter D_o, allowing the inner sidewall to nest inside the outer sidewall, forming a continuous annular space 53 between the inner sidewall and the outer sidewall (FIG. 4) having a generally uniform width W. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the annular space 53 may have widths W that vary or remain constant. Thus, it is envisioned that in some examples (not shown) the width W of the annular space 53 may vary vertically along the insulator 21 and/or around (e.g., circumferentially around) the insulator. The inner shell 43 includes an inner bottom wall 61 spanning the inner sidewall bottom edge 47 opposite the inner sidewall top edge 49 that is spaced above the outer bottom wall 33. The inner sidewall 45 has an inner sidewall height Hi extending between the inner bottom wall 61 and the inner sidewall top edge 49 opposite the inner bottom wall. The inner sidewall top edge 49 is joined with the outer sidewall top edge 29 forming a rim 57 of the beverage container insulator 21. The inner sidewall 45 and the inner bottom wall 61 define a hollow interior 63 of the beverage container insulator 21 sized and shaped for receiving and holding at least a portion of the beverage container therein. The inner sidewall height Hi is sized so a beverage container resting against the inner bottom wall 61 extends above the rim 57 of the beverage container insulator 21. The inner bottom wall 61 is spaced above the outer bottom wall 33 by a gap height G measured along a centerline C of the inner shell 43 that is more than four times greater than the width W of the annular space 53 between the outer sidewall 25 and the inner sidewall 45. For example, the inner sidewall 45 and the inner bottom wall 61 can be sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can (not shown). Although it is envisioned that the beverage container insulator 21 may have other dimensions, the illustrated inner sidewall 45 and inner bottom wall 61 are sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can having a nominal 66 mm diameter, and the illustrated outer face 25 of the outer sidewall has an outer sidewall diameter D_o less than about 75 mm.

As shown in FIG. 4, the inner sidewall 45 and the outer sidewall 25 together with the inner bottom wall 61 and the outer bottom wall 33 form a hermetically sealed insulating cavity 67 between the inner shell 43 and the outer shell 23 to slow conductive heat transfer through liquid contained in the beverage container insulator 21. It is envisioned that gas may be evacuated from the insulating cavity 67 to slow convection between the inner shell 43 and the outer shell 23 and enhance the insulative properties of the beverage container insulator 21 between the inner shell and the outer shell. Further, the inner sidewall 45 and the outer sidewall 25 are spaced by a narrow distance selected to slow convective heat transfer. It is envisioned that various conventional surface treatments, including coatings, may be applied to the opposing surfaces bounding the insulating cavity 67 to slow thermal radiation across the cavity. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, minimizing and slowing conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer enhances thermal insulation properties of the beverage container insulator 21.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4, the inner sidewall 45 has a first multiplicity of protrusions 71 extending inwardly from the inner face into the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21. The first multiplicity of protrusions 71 consists of three or more protrusions. The first multiplicity of protrusions 71 extend inwardly into the hollow interior by a distance sized so each protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions engages the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21 so the multiplicity of protrusions space the beverage container from the inner face 45 of the inner sidewall. In the example where inner sidewall 45 and the inner bottom wall 61 are sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can, such as a 66 mm diameter can, each protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions 71 engages the aluminum can when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21. The protrusions 71 in the first multiplicity of protrusions is circumferentially spaced around the inner sidewall 45 in the illustrated example. Moreover, the protrusions 71 in the first multiplicity of protrusions are equally spaced around the inner sidewall 45 in the illustrated example. Each of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned an equal distance above the inner bottom wall 61 in the illustrated examples. Other arrangements of protrusions 71 are envisioned. Although other configurations may be used, the first multiplicity of protrusions 71 illustrated herein includes ten protrusions.

The inner sidewall 45 includes a second multiplicity of protrusions 75 extending inwardly from the inner face into the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21. The second multiplicity of protrusions 75 consists of three or more protrusions. The second multiplicity of protrusions 75 extend inwardly into the hollow interior by a distance sized so each protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions engages the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21 so the multiplicity of protrusions space the beverage container from the inner face 45 of the inner sidewall. In the illustrated example, the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions 75 are circumferentially spaced around the inner sidewall 45 directly above corresponding protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions. The protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions are equally spaced around the inner sidewall 45. Each of the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is spaced an equal distance above the inner bottom wall 61. Other arrangements of protrusions 75 are envisioned. Although other configurations may be used, the second multiplicity of protrusions 75 illustrated herein includes ten protrusions. Although the illustrated example has an equal number of protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity to protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity, configurations having differing numbers are contemplated.

Each of the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is directly above one of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions in the illustrated example. Each of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned on a lower half of the inner sidewall 45, and each of the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned on a highest quarter of the inner sidewall. Specifically, each of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is centered about 15% to about 25% of the distance of the inner sidewall height Hi as measured at the centerline C of the inner shell 43 upward from the inner bottom wall 61 toward the inner sidewall top edge 49, and each of the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 5% to about 20% of the distance of the inner sidewall height Hi as measured at the centerline C of the inner shell 43 downward from the inner sidewall top edge 49 toward the inner bottom wall 61. More specifically, each of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 15% to about 25% of the distance of the inner sidewall height Hi as measured at the centerline C of the inner shell 43 upward from the inner bottom wall 61 toward the inner sidewall top edge 49, and each of the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 7% to about 15% of the distance of the inner sidewall height Hi as measured at the centerline C of the inner shell 43 downward from the inner sidewall top edge 49 toward the inner bottom wall 61. Even more specifically, each of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 20% of the distance of the inner sidewall height Hi as measured at the centerline C of the inner shell 43 upward from the inner bottom wall 61 toward the inner sidewall top edge 49, and each of the protrusions 75 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 10% of the distance of the inner sidewall height Hi as measured at the centerline C of the inner shell 43 downward from the inner sidewall top edge 49 toward the inner bottom wall 61.

The second multiplicity of protrusions 75 consists of a predetermined number of protrusions. In the illustrated example, the first multiplicity of protrusions 71 consists of a predetermined number of protrusions equal to that of the second multiplicity of protrusions 75. Each of the protrusions 71 of the first multiplicity of protrusions has a common predetermined size and shape. And each of the protrusions of the second multiplicity of protrusions 75 has a common predetermined size and shape. The common predetermined size and shape of the first multiplicity of protrusions 71 are generally the same as the common predetermined size and shape of the second multiplicity of protrusions 75. Although other shapes and configurations may be used, each protrusion of the first multiplicity of protrusions 71 is spherical-cap shaped, and each protrusion of the second multiplicity of protrusions 75 is spherical-cap shaped. Each of the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 71, 75 extends inwardly from the inner face 45 to a peak P of about 2% to about 4% of the distance of the inner sidewall diameter D_i of the beverage container insulator 21. More specifically, each of the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 71, 75 extends inwardly from the inner face 45 to a peak P of about 2.5% to about 3% of the distance of the inner sidewall diameter D_i of the beverage container insulator 21. Even more specifically, each of the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 71, 75 extends inwardly from the inner face 45 to a peak P of about 2.5% of the distance of the inner sidewall diameter D_i of the beverage container insulator 21. The distance each protrusion of the multiplicities of protrusions 71, 75 extends into the hollow interior from the inner face 45 is about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

As noted above, the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 71, 75 engage respective first and second portions of the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21 to (i) align the beverage container with the beverage container insulator, (ii) prevent the beverage container from tilting back and forth within the beverage container insulator 21, and (iii) space the respective first and second portions of the beverage container from the inner sidewall 45. This spacing by the protrusions 71, 75 centers the can within the beverage container insulator 21, creating an additional insulative dead air space between the beverage container and the inner sidewall 45. This insulative space further slows heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container and the inner sidewall 45 by limiting conduction to areas of contact between the beverage container and the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 71, 75. Moreover, although not wishing to be bound by a particular theory of operation, the dead air space between the beverage container and the inner sidewall 45 inhibits any condensation droplets forming on the outside of the beverage container to simultaneously contact the inner sidewall, thereby slowing conductive heat transfer between the condensation droplets and liquid contained in the beverage container.

FIG. 4A depicts an alternative configuration of the beverage container insulator 21A of the first example. The beverage container insulator 21A of this alternative configuration is constructed similarly to the beverage container insulator 21 shown in FIGS. 1-4, except that this alternative configuration has a first multiplicity of protrusions 71A, but not a second multiplicity of protrusions. An upper half of the inner sidewall 45A is devoid of protrusions. The multiplicity of protrusions 71A engage a portion of the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator 21A to (i) align the beverage container with the beverage container insulator and (ii) space the respective first and second portions of the beverage container from the inner sidewall 45A. Spacing the respective portions of the beverage container centers the container within the insulator 21A, creating an additional insulative dead air space between the beverage container and the inner sidewall 45A. This insulative space slows heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container and the inner sidewall 45A by limiting conduction to areas of contact between the beverage container and the multiplicity of protrusions 71A. Moreover, although not wishing to be bound by a particular theory of operation, the dead air space between the beverage container and the inner sidewall 45A inhibits any condensation droplets forming on the outside of the beverage container to simultaneously contact the inner sidewall, thereby slowing conductive heat transfer between the condensation droplets and liquid contained in the beverage container.

Turning to FIGS. 5-7, a second example of a beverage container insulator for insulating a beverage container is designated in its entirety by the reference number 121. The beverage container insulator 121 is constructed similarly to the beverage container insulator 21 shown in FIGS. 1-4. The beverage container insulator 121 comprises an outer shell, generally indicated by 123, an outer sidewall 125 (or outer face 125), an outer sidewall bottom edge 127, an outer sidewall top edge 129, an outer bottom wall 133, a circumferential groove 139, a generally cylindrical inner shell, generally indicated by 143, an inner sidewall 145 (or inner face 145), an inner sidewall bottom edge 147, an inner sidewall top edge 149, a rim 157, an inner bottom wall 161, a hollow interior 163, an insulating cavity 167, a first multiplicity of protrusions 171, a second multiplicity of protrusions 175, an outer sidewall diameter D_o′, an outer sidewall height H_o′, an inner sidewall diameter D_i′, and an inner sidewall height H_i′. Although it is envisioned that the beverage container insulator 121 may have other dimensions, the illustrated inner sidewall 145 and inner bottom wall 161 are sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can having a 57 mm diameter, and the illustrated outer face 125 of the outer sidewall has an outer sidewall diameter D_o′ less than about 67 mm.

Each of the protrusions 171 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned on a lower half of the inner sidewall 145, and each of the protrusions 175 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned on a highest quarter of the inner sidewall. Specifically, each of the protrusions 171 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 10% to about 20% of the distance of the inner sidewall height H_i′ as measured at a centerline C′ of the inner shell 143 upward from the inner sidewall bottom edge 147 toward the inner sidewall top edge 149, and each of the protrusions 175 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 5% to about 10% of the distance of the inner sidewall height H_i′ as measured at the centerline C′ of the inner shell 143 downward from the inner sidewall top edge 149 toward the inner sidewall bottom edge 147. More specifically, each of the protrusions 171 of the first multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 14% of the distance of the inner sidewall height H_i′ as measured at the centerline C′ of the inner shell 143 upward from the inner sidewall bottom edge 147 toward the inner sidewall top edge 149, and each of the protrusions 175 of the second multiplicity of protrusions is positioned about 7% of the distance of the inner sidewall height H_i′ as measured at the centerline C′ of the inner shell 143 downward from the inner sidewall top edge 149 toward the inner sidewall bottom edge 147.

Each of the protrusions 171 of the first multiplicity of protrusions has a common predetermined size and shape. And each of the protrusions of the second multiplicity of protrusions 175 has a common predetermined size and shape. The common predetermined size and shape of the first multiplicity of protrusions 171 are generally the same as the common predetermined size and shape of the second multiplicity of protrusions 175. Although other shapes and configurations may be used, each protrusion of the first multiplicity of protrusions 171 is spherical-cap shaped, and each protrusion of the second multiplicity of protrusions 175 is spherical-cap shaped. Each of the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 171, 175 extends inwardly from the inner face 145 to a peak P′ of about 2% to about 6% of the distance of the inner sidewall diameter D_i′ of the beverage container insulator 121. More specifically, each of the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 171, 175 extends inwardly from the inner face 145 to a peak P′ of about 3% to about 5% of the distance of the inner sidewall diameter D_i′ of the beverage container insulator 121. Even more specifically, each of the first and second multiplicities of protrusions 171, 175 extends inwardly from the inner face 145 to a peak P′ of about 4% of the distance of the inner sidewall diameter D_i′ of the beverage container insulator 121. The distance each protrusion of the multiplicities of protrusions 171, 175 extends into the hollow interior from the inner face 145 is about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

FIG. 7A shows an alternative configuration of the beverage container insulator 121A of the second example (i.e., insulator 121). In this alternative configuration, the beverage container insulator 121A is constructed similarly to the beverage container insulator 121 shown in FIGS. 5-7, except that the second multiplicity of protrusions is omitted and the insulator 121A only has one multiplicity of protrusions 171A. An upper half of the inner sidewall 145A is devoid of protrusions.

With respect to the first and second examples, a ratio of an overall height H_o, H_o′ of the beverage container insulator 21, 21A, 121, 121A to an overall diameter D_o, D_o′ of the beverage container insulator 21, 21A, 121, 121A is greater than about 1.5. With respect to the second example, a ratio of an overall height H_o′ of the beverage container insulator 121, 121A to an overall diameter D_o′ of the beverage container insulator 21 is greater than about 2.2.

The beverage container insulator may be formed from a number of materials, including metals, such as sheet stainless steel. The beverage container insulator may optionally include a surface treatment to enhance durability and appearance. Examples of such surface treatments include paint, decals, clear coats, powder coats, among others.

As various changes could be made to the constructions and methods described herein, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and can include other constructions and methods that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other constructions are intended to be within the scope of the claims if the structural elements of the constructions do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if the constructions include equivalent structural elements having insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

To the extent that the specification, including the claims and accompanying drawing, discloses any additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claims below, the disclosures are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claims such additional disclosures is reserved.

When introducing in this description and the claims, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

Claims

1. A beverage container insulator for holding a beverage container and slowing heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container and ambient surroundings, said beverage container insulator comprising: a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall having an outer sidewall top edge and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall opposite said outer sidewall top edge, said outer sidewall having a generally cylindrical outer face and an outer sidewall height extending vertically between the outer sidewall top edge and the outer bottom wall; anda generally cylindrical inner shell including an inner sidewall having an inner sidewall top edge and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall opposite said inner sidewall top edge, said inner sidewall having a generally cylindrical inner face and an inner sidewall height extending vertically between the inner sidewall top edge and the inner bottom wall, said inner sidewall being sized to nest inside the outer sidewall forming a continuous annular space having a generally uniform width, said inner sidewall top edge being joined with the outer sidewall top edge forming a rim of the beverage container insulator, said inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall defining a hollow interior of the beverage container insulator in which the beverage container is held; wherein: the inner sidewall height is sized so a beverage container resting against the inner bottom wall extends above the rim of the beverage container insulator;the inner bottom wall is spaced above the outer bottom wall by a gap height measured along a centerline of the inner shell that is more than four times greater than the width of the annular space between the outer sidewall and the inner sidewall;the inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, the inner bottom wall, and the outer bottom wall form a hermetically sealed insulating cavity between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the beverage container insulator;the inner sidewall has a multiplicity of protrusions circumferentially spaced around the inner sidewall, each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions extends inwardly from the inner face into the hollow interior by a distance sized so said protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions engages the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator so the multiplicity of protrusions space the beverage container from the inner face of the inner sidewall; andthe outer sidewall has a groove extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall and inwardly from the outer face.

2. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein said inner sidewall is sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can so each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions engages the aluminum can when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator.

3. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said inner sidewall is sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can having a 66 mm diameter so each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions engages the aluminum can when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator.

4. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 3 wherein said outer face of the outer sidewall has an outer diameter less than about 75 mm.

5. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 2 wherein said inner sidewall is sized and shaped to receive an aluminum can having a 57 mm diameter so each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions engages the aluminum can when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator.

6. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 5 wherein said outer face of the outer sidewall has an outer diameter less than about 67 mm.

7. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein the multiplicity of protrusions are equally spaced around the inner sidewall.

8. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 7 wherein each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions is centered about 15% to about 25% of the inner sidewall height above the inner bottom wall as measured at a centerline of the inner shell.

9. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein an upper half of the inner sidewall is devoid of protrusions.

10. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions is spherical-cap shaped.

11. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 10 wherein the distance each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions extends into the hollow interior from the inner face about 1 mm to about 3 mm.

12. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein a ratio of the outer sidewall height to the outer sidewall diameter is greater than about 1.5.

13. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 12 wherein a ratio of the outer sidewall height to the outer sidewall diameter is greater than about 2.2.

14. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 1 wherein the multiplicity of protrusions consists of ten protrusions.

15. An aluminum can insulator for holding an aluminum can and slowing heat transfer between liquid contained in the aluminum can and ambient surroundings, said aluminum can insulator comprising: a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall having an outer sidewall top edge and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall opposite said outer sidewall top edge, said outer sidewall having a generally cylindrical outer face and an outer sidewall height extending vertically between the outer sidewall top edge and the outer bottom wall; anda generally cylindrical inner shell including an inner sidewall having an inner sidewall top edge and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall opposite said inner sidewall top edge, said inner sidewall having a generally cylindrical inner face and an inner sidewall height extending vertically between the inner sidewall top edge and the inner bottom wall, said inner sidewall being sized to nest inside the outer sidewall forming a continuous annular space having a generally uniform width, said inner sidewall top edge being joined with the outer sidewall top edge forming a rim of the aluminum can insulator, said inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall defining a hollow interior of the aluminum can insulator in which the aluminum can is held; wherein: the inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, the inner bottom wall, and the outer bottom wall form a closed, insulating cavity between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the aluminum can insulator;the inner sidewall includes a multiplicity of protrusions consisting of at least five protrusions arranged circumferentially around the inner sidewall and extending inwardly into the hollow interior of the aluminum can insulator for engaging a portion of the aluminum can when received in the hollow interior of the aluminum can insulator to space the portion of said aluminum can from the inner sidewall; andthe outer sidewall includes a groove extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall.

16. An aluminum can insulator as set forth in claim 15 wherein said outer face of the outer sidewall has an outer diameter, wherein a ratio of the outer sidewall height to the outer sidewall diameter is greater than about 2.2.

17. An aluminum can insulator as set forth in claim 15 wherein the multiplicity of protrusions consists of ten protrusions.

18. A beverage container insulator for holding a beverage container and slowing heat transfer between liquid contained in the beverage container and ambient surroundings, said beverage container insulator comprising: a generally cylindrical outer shell including an outer sidewall having an outer sidewall top edge and an outer bottom wall spanning the outer sidewall opposite said outer sidewall top edge, said outer sidewall having a generally cylindrical outer face and an outer sidewall height extending vertically between the outer sidewall top edge and the outer bottom wall; anda generally cylindrical inner shell including an inner sidewall having an inner sidewall top edge and an inner bottom wall spanning the inner sidewall opposite said inner sidewall top edge, said inner sidewall having a generally cylindrical inner face and an inner sidewall height extending vertically between the inner sidewall top edge and the inner bottom wall, said inner sidewall being sized to nest inside the outer sidewall forming a continuous annular space having a generally uniform width, said inner sidewall top edge being joined with the outer sidewall top edge forming a rim of the beverage container insulator, said inner sidewall and the inner bottom wall defining a hollow interior of the beverage container insulator in which the beverage container is held;wherein: the inner sidewall height is sized so a beverage container resting against the inner bottom wall extends above the rim of the beverage container insulator;the inner sidewall, the outer sidewall, the inner bottom wall, and the outer bottom wall form a hermetically sealed insulating cavity between the inner shell and the outer shell to slow heat transfer through the beverage container insulator;the inner sidewall has a multiplicity of protrusions consisting of at least five protrusions circumferentially spaced around the inner sidewall, each protrusion of said multiplicity of protrusions extending inwardly from the inner face into the hollow interior by a distance sized so said protrusion of the multiplicity of protrusions engages the beverage container when received in the hollow interior of the beverage container insulator so the multiplicity of protrusions space the beverage container from the inner face of the inner sidewall; andthe outer sidewall has a groove extending circumferentially around the outer sidewall and inwardly from the outer face.

19. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 18 wherein said outer face of the outer sidewall has an outer diameter, wherein a ratio of the outer sidewall height to the outer sidewall diameter is greater than about 2.2.

20. A beverage container insulator as set forth in claim 18 wherein the multiplicity of protrusions consists of ten protrusions.