1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to beverage containers. More particularly, the present invention relates to a metal beverage container that is suitable for heating by induction heating and dispensing from a vending machine having an insulating label and snap-on ends that serve as a barrier to the heat radiating from the liquid and the container, thereby protecting the user from being scalded.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Typical conventional vending machines serving beverages in containers or cans have columns for storing beverage containers and chutes for delivering cans to an exit area of the machine. Vending machine beverages, including coffees, teas and hot chocolate, for example, that are to be served hot are advantageously stored at room temperature or below to preserve the flavor of such beverages. Such beverages must be heated prior to dispensing. The heating can be accomplished in a suitable manner in the vending machine. The heating may be done by induction or magnetic heating upon an order given by the purchaser by making a selection of a beverage and payment.
A need exists for a metal beverage container that is suitable for induction heating and for dispensing by a vending machine the resulting hot beverage. A need also exists for a beverage container that protects the purchaser from scalding his fingers and/or lips. In addition, a need exists for a container that reduces or prevents spillage of the hot beverage.
The present invention provides a beverage container with protective top and bottom end caps or covers that serve as protective covers and heat barriers. In one embodiment, the protective covers or caps are affixed to the beverage container in a snap-on or frictional engagement. Other structure may be utilized to attach the top and bottom end caps to the container. In one embodiment, the top and bottom end caps can be readily removed from the container, if desired.
The beverage container typically is one that is capable of being heated by induction heating, such as in a vending machine, and thus is hot upon dispensing. The top protective cover or cap conforms to the size of the lid of the beverage container, typically a metal can, so that when the heated liquid passes through the lid of the beverage container for consumption, the user's lips are protected from the heat of the container by the barrier.
In one embodiment, the protective cover or cap of the invention comprises a generally circular heat barrier cover having an inside wall and an outside wall. The walls extend upwardly forming an edge where the walls join. A floor in the cover is integrally joined to the inside wall providing a smooth surface and a first aperture for allowing the contained beverage to be dispensed therethrough when the aperture is aligned over the opening of the container. A spout is integrally formed on the cover adjacent the aperture, generally in the direction of flow of the liquid contents of the container. A second aperture is located on the floor of the cover adjacent the spout so that the user may access the mechanism for opening the container, which typically is a pop-top. In one embodiment, the first aperture follows the curvature of the inside wall of the cover to provide for efficient drinking and dispensing of the liquid directly from the container. In one embodiment, a circumferential flange provides snap-on attachment of the cover to a rim on the beverage container.
In one embodiment, an airspace is provided between the top of the container and the spout, which can provide further insulating properties to prevent heat from transferring from the container to the top protective cover.
Typically, the beverage container is cylindrical in shape and capable of holding liquids that are treated by induction heating. In one embodiment, the container also has a bottom snap-on end. The second circular heat barrier cover or bottom snap-on end generally conforms to the bottom of the container having an inside and outside wall. The walls extend downwardly forming an edge. The second heat barrier cover is attached to the rim of the bottom of the container by a circumferential flange. The beverage container includes a lid, a bottom and a circular wall connecting the two. The lid has suitable means for opening and for the egress of liquid to the user. The wall of the container is insulated to keep the liquid contents, which may be, for example, coffee, tea or hot chocolate at an increased temperature.
The heat barrier properties of the covers on the top and bottom ends prevent injury by users of the container while consuming heated liquids dispensed from a vending machine. The bottom end prevents heat damage to the surface where the container may be placed.
The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Referring to the FIGS. generally and in particular to
Any suitable material, including plastic, that has heat barrier properties may be utilized in the invention. Temperatures from heating by induction may approach 140° F. or more. By heat barrier it is meant that the heat from the liquid contained in a container 24 and thereby conducted to a heat conductible material comprising container 24 is substantially blocked so the user does not burn his/her lips upon immediate contact. A user's lips contact top snap-on cap or cover 12 when the user consumes the liquid directly from container 24. The heat barrier properties or characteristics of top cap or cover 12 and bottom cap or cover 14 are distinguished from mere heat insulation properties. Heat insulation primarily keeps the contents of a container at a desired temperature, or at least reduces the temperature loss. The heat barrier material is utilized in the top and bottom ends to prevent and/or reduce the risk of potential injury to the user.
Container 24 is preferably cylindrically shaped. A lid 26 is attached to the top of container 24 as shown in
In
A cross section of top snap-on cap or cover 12 is shown in
While the invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is to be understood that the invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements and such changes, modifications and rearrangements are intended to be covered by the following claims.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
3317087 | Landis | May 1967 | A |
4572016 | Okoshi | Feb 1986 | A |
5273182 | Laybourne | Dec 1993 | A |
6450358 | Berro | Sep 2002 | B1 |
6910598 | Gotz et al. | Jun 2005 | B2 |
7017769 | Talmon | Mar 2006 | B1 |
20010040163 | Song | Nov 2001 | A1 |
20030146226 | Couto | Aug 2003 | A1 |
20030178433 | Adams | Sep 2003 | A1 |
20030222083 | Pladsbjerg | Dec 2003 | A1 |
20040060935 | Perra | Apr 2004 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
20070095847 A1 | May 2007 | US |