This description relates generally to travel mugs and specifically to a transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids.
Traditional disposable coffee cups are made from paper and lined with polyethylene that cannot be removed by most recycling facilities, leading to plastic waste. On the other hand, traditional ceramic mugs can crack, break, or chip if not handled carefully, and larger ceramic coffee mugs may not keep a beverages hot for very long. Metal mugs cannot be used in a microwave to reheat a beverage, and can become warm on the outside, burning a user's hand. Moreover, a mug made of metal or other opaque material can present security issues when entering a correctional facility, courthouse, or airport security check.
Apparatus and systems for transparent scannable beverage containers with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids are disclosed. In some embodiments, a beverage container includes a cylindrical acrylic body sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. The body includes a transparent base and two transparent sidewalls extending from the base. The base and sidewalls define a chamber sized to contain 10-24 ounces of a beverage. The sidewalls are configured to thermally insulate the beverage. The chamber is open at a mouth of the body distal to the base. The body has a sidewall thread machined or molded onto a sidewall surface facing the chamber and proximal to the mouth, and a body thread machined or molded onto a body surface facing away from the chamber and proximal to the mouth.
A transparent rubber skin is shaped and sized to fit onto the body surface between the base and the mouth. The skin is configured to restrict the skin from slipping off the body, and reduce heat transfer from the chamber to a hand of a user gripping the skin for the container. A transparent acrylic handle having two ends is attached to the body surface proximal to the mouth at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user for carrying the container, and the handle is sized to permit the body to fit into the cup-holder. A first transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth to seal the chamber. The first lid has a first lid thread, complementary to the sidewall thread, machined or molded onto a first lid surface. The first lid includes a transparent acrylic latch. The first lid is configured to be screwed into the sidewall surface using the first lid thread and the sidewall thread by twisting the latch when the latch is placed in an open configuration. The latch is configured to permit the beverage to exit the first lid through an orifice in the first lid when the latch is placed in the open configuration for the beverage to be consumed. The orifice is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The latch is configured to seal the orifice when the latch is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the first lid.
A second transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The second lid has a second lid thread machined or molded onto a second lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The second lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the second lid thread and the body thread by twisting the second lid when the second lid is placed on the mouth. The second lid defines an opening shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the opening for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The second lid defines a spout shaped and sized to complement lips of the user for the beverage to be consumed through the spout.
A third transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The third lid has a third lid thread machined or molded onto a third lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The third lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the third lid thread and the body thread by twisting the third lid when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The third lid defines a hole shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the hole for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. A transparent rubber or plastic cover is sized to be placed onto each of the first lid, the second lid, and the third lid. The cover is shaped to encase the latch and the orifice to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the latch and the orifice when the first lid is placed in the mouth, encase the spout and the opening to prevent the transmission of germs proximate to the spout and the opening when the second lid is placed on the mouth, and encase the hole to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the hole when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The container is configured to receive one of the first lid, the second lid, or the third lid, and be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container.
In some embodiments, the container is free of metal. In some embodiments, the body surface comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the skin comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the handle comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the first lid comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the second lid comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the third lid comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the cover comprises an antimicrobial layer.
These and other aspects, features, and implementations can be expressed as apparatus, systems, components, and in other ways.
These and other aspects, features, and implementations will become apparent from the following descriptions, including the claims.
In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that the present embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.
This document presents systems and apparatus for a transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids. In some embodiments, a beverage container includes a cylindrical acrylic body sized to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. The body includes a transparent base and two transparent sidewalls extending from the base. The base and sidewalls define a chamber sized to contain 10-24 ounces of a beverage. The sidewalls are configured to thermally insulate the beverage. The chamber is open at a mouth of the body distal to the base. The body has a sidewall thread machined or molded onto a sidewall surface facing the chamber and proximal to the mouth, and a body thread machined or molded onto a body surface facing away from the chamber and proximal to the mouth.
In some embodiments, a transparent rubber skin is shaped and sized to fit onto the body surface between the base and the mouth. The skin is configured to restrict the skin from slipping off the body, and reduce heat transfer from the chamber to a hand of a user gripping the skin for the container. In some embodiments, a transparent acrylic handle having two ends is attached to the body surface proximal to the mouth at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user for carrying the container, and the handle is sized to permit the body to fit into the cup-holder. A first transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth to seal the chamber. The first lid has a first lid thread, complementary to the sidewall thread, machined or molded onto a first lid surface. The first lid includes a transparent acrylic latch. The first lid is configured to be screwed into the sidewall surface using the first lid thread and the sidewall thread by twisting the latch when the latch is placed in an open configuration. The latch is configured to permit the beverage to exit the first lid through an orifice in the first lid when the latch is placed in the open configuration for the beverage to be consumed. The orifice is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The latch is configured to seal the orifice when the latch is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the first lid.
In some embodiments, a second transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The second lid has a second lid thread machined or molded onto a second lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The second lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the second lid thread and the body thread by twisting the second lid when the second lid is placed on the mouth. The second lid defines an opening shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the opening for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. The second lid defines a spout shaped and sized to complement lips of the user for the beverage to be consumed through the spout.
In some embodiments, a third transparent acrylic lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The third lid has a third lid thread machined or molded onto a third lid surface and complementary to the body thread. The third lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the third lid thread and the body thread by twisting the third lid when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The third lid defines a hole shaped and sized to permit the drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the hole for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw. A transparent rubber or plastic cover is sized to be placed onto each of the first lid, the second lid, and the third lid. The cover is shaped to encase the latch and the orifice to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the latch and the orifice when the first lid is placed in the mouth, encase the spout and the opening to prevent the transmission of germs proximate to the spout and the opening when the second lid is placed on the mouth, and encase the hole to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the hole when the third lid is placed on the mouth. The container is configured to receive one of the first lid, the second lid, or the third lid, and be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container.
The advantages and benefits of the transparent scannable beverage container with multiple interchangeable multifunctional lids described herein include the ability to readily pass through security checkpoints, such as correctional facilities, detention facilities, airport security checkpoints, and other places where going through an x-ray scanning machine or metal detector is necessary. Many correctional facilities mandate there should be no metal in containers or that containers should be transparent. The double sidewalls of the container provide thermal isolation to the beverage within, such that the beverage can be consumed hot or cold at a later time. The multiple interchangeable multifunction plastic lids can be used one at a time to consume the beverage in different ways, e.g., using a spout like a sippy cup or through a straw. Moreover, some embodiments have a spill prevention slide latch. The hook shaped handle provides easy grab-N-go functionality while enabling the container to readily fit in a car's cupholder. The lids are transparent and shatter-resistant.
In addition, the container is corrosion resistant and, in some embodiments, repels stains. The tight fitted flip-open lid having a safety latch makes drinking from the container easy and prevents beverages from spilling. The design is lightweight and compact for portability, leak proof, and include a wide mouth to accommodate full size ice cubes, and is easy to fill with beverage. An air vent on the lid allows beverages to flow out smoothly, without gushing or overflowing. All surfaces that come into contact with beverages are BPA free. Importantly, the container, including handle and lids is fully transparent to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container at a security checkpoint when entering a correctional facility.
The body 104 includes a transparent base 108 and (in some embodiments) two transparent sidewalls extending from the base 108. Example sidewalls 204, 208 are illustrated and described in more detail with reference to
In some embodiments, the body 104 includes a transparent handle 116 having two ends 120, 124. The handle is made of a transparent plastic, acrylic, etc. The handle 116 is attached to the body surface 148 proximal to the mouth 136 at only one end 124 of the two ends 120, 124. The handle 116 is shaped to be gripped by a user for carrying or holding the container 100. The handle 116 is sized to permit the body 104 to fit into a cup-holder of a vehicle. A handle that is attached to the body 104 at both ends of the handle generally does not permit the body 104 to fit into a cup-holder.
In some embodiments, the lid 132 shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth 136 to seal the chamber 112. In some embodiments, the lid 132 permits the beverage to exit the lid 132 through an orifice in the lid 132. The terms orifice, hole, and opening are used interchangeably in the descriptions of the embodiments herein. The hole, orifice, or opening in the lid 132 can be shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw 144 to be inserted into the chamber 112 through the orifice for the beverage to be consumed through the drinking straw 144. In other embodiments, the lid 132 is shaped similar to a circular ring surrounding the mouth 136 and the mouth 136 is open even when the lid 132 is placed around the mouth 136 such that a user can drink the beverage by tipping the container 100 and holding their lips to an edge of the lid 132. In other embodiments, a user can put the straw 144 into the container through the lid 132 for drinking through the straw. In some embodiments, the lid 132 has a lid thread on a lid surface complementary to the body thread for screwing the lid 132 onto the body 104. The term “complementary” here means the lid thread and the body thread match each other's diameter and thread pitch such that they interlock when the lid 132 is screwed onto the body 104. For example, the lid 132 can be screwed into the body surface 148 using the lid thread and the body thread by twisting the lid 132 when the lid 132 is placed on the mouth 136.
In some embodiments, a transparent rubber or plastic cover 136 is sized to be placed onto the lid 132 and other lids, e.g., lids 300, 330, 380. The cover can have a hinge 140 to fasten onto another portion of the cover 136 or the lid 132. The cover 136 is shaped to encase the orifice to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the orifice when the lid 132 is placed on the mouth 136. Thus, the cover 136 prevents the spreads of germs, virus, COVID-19, bacteria, etc., in a hospital or other healthcare environment, nursing home, prison, school, etc. The container 100 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container 100 and the beverage within, e.g., at an airport security checkpoint, security entrance to a detention or correctional facility, sports event, school, etc. The container 100 has no metal or glass in it. The container 100 is designed to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container 100 for security.
In some embodiments, the body surface 148 includes an antimicrobial layer 128. The antimicrobial layer 128 contains an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the ability of microorganisms to grow on the surface of the container 100. The antimicrobial layer 128 is useful for use in various settings including clinics, industry, and even the home. The antimicrobial layer 128 can be functionalized in a variety of different processes. A coating can be applied to the body 104 that has a chemical compound which is toxic to microorganisms. In the alternative, it is possible to functionalize the body surface 148 by adsorbing a polymer or polypeptide and/or by changing its micro and nanostructure.
The chamber 216 is open at a mouth 224 of the body 220 distal to the base 212. In some embodiments, the body 220 has a sidewall thread 232 on a sidewall surface 228 facing the chamber 216 and proximal to the mouth 224. The sidewall thread 232 is a helical structure used to convert between rotational and linear movement or force for tightening a lid (e.g., lid 132 of
In some embodiments, the container 200 has a handle having two ends. The handle is attached to the body surface 240 proximal to the mouth 224 at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user. The handle is sized to permit the body 220 to fit into a cup-holder. In some embodiments, a lid (e.g., lid 300 of
Similar to the container 100 of
The lid 300 permits a beverage to exit the lid 300 through an orifice 316 in the lid 300 when a container on which the lid is affixed is tilted for the beverage to be consumed. In some embodiments, the hole or orifice 316 is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw (e.g., straw 144 of
The lid 330 includes a spout 334 shaped and sized to complement lips of a user for a beverage to be consumed through the spout 334. In some embodiments, a transparent rubber or plastic cover 360 is sized to be placed onto the lid 330. The cover 360 is shaped to encase at least the spout 334 to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the spout 334 when the lid 330 is placed in the mouth of the container. The lid 330 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the lid 330, the container, and the beverage. The lid 330 permits a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid 330. The lid 330 is free of metal and glass. In some embodiments, the cover 360 includes an antimicrobial layer 364. The antimicrobial layer 364 is similar to the antimicrobial layer 128 of
The lid 380 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the lid 380, the container, and the beverage. The lid 380 permits a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid 380. The lid 380 is free of metal and glass. Any and all of the lids described herein can have an antimicrobial layer.
In some embodiments, the container 400 includes a transparent rubber skin 404 shaped and sized to fit onto a body surface 408 between the base 412 and the mouth 416. The skin 404 is configured to restrict the skin 404 from slipping off the body 420 and reduce heat transfer from the chamber to a hand of a user gripping the skin 404. In some embodiments, the skin 404 comprises an antimicrobial layer. In some embodiments, the container 400 includes a transparent (e.g., acrylic) handle 432 having two ends. The handle 432 is attached to the body surface 408 proximal to the mouth 416 at only one of the two ends. The handle is shaped to be gripped by a user and sized to permit the body 420 to fit into a cup-holder. In some embodiments, the handle 432 includes an antimicrobial surface.
In some embodiments, the container 400 includes a transparent multifunctional lid 452 shaped and sized to be placed in the mouth 416 to seal the chamber. The lid 452 is interchangeable with other multifunctional lids, e.g., lids 300, 330, 380 illustrated and described in more detail with reference to
The container 400 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container 400 and the beverage. The container 400 is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container 400. The container 400 is free of metal and glass.
The lid 500 is configured to be screwed into a sidewall surface (e.g., sidewall surface 228 of
In some embodiments, instead of the lid thread 504, the lid 500 has a lid thread (similar to lid thread 384 of
The container 600 includes a transparent handle 632 having two ends 636, 640. The handle 632 is attached to a body surface 628 proximal to the mouth 624 at only one end 640 of the two ends 636, 640. The handle 632 is shaped to be gripped by a user. The container 600 includes a transparent multifunctional lid 644 shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth 624 to seal the chamber 620. The lid 644 is interchangeable with other multifunctional lids, e.g., lids 300, 330, 380 illustrated and described in more detail with reference to
In some embodiments, the container 600 includes a transparent rubber or plastic cover 656 sized to be placed onto the lid 644. The cover 656 is shaped to encase at least the latch 648 and the orifice 652 to prevent transmission of germs proximate to the latch 648 and the orifice 652 when the lid 644 is placed on the mouth 624. The container 600 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container 600 and the beverage. The container 600 is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container 600. The container is free of metal and glass.
In some embodiments, the body surface 628 comprises an antimicrobial layer 668. In some embodiments, the cover 656 comprises an antimicrobial layer 660. In some embodiments, the handle 632 comprises an antimicrobial layer 664.
In some embodiments, the container 700 includes a transparent rubber or plastic cover sized to be placed onto the lid 704. The cover is shaped to encase the spout 716 and the opening 708 to prevent the transmission of germs proximate to the spout 716 and the opening 708 when the lid 704 is placed on the body 712. The container 700 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container 700 is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container 700. The container 700 is free of metal and glass.
A transparent lid is shaped and sized to be placed on the mouth to seal the chamber. The lid includes a transparent slidable latch. The latch is configured to permit the beverage to exit the lid through an orifice in the lid when the latch is open. The orifice is shaped and sized to permit a drinking straw to be inserted into the chamber through the orifice. The latch is configured to seal the orifice when the latch is closed. The lid has a lid thread on a lid surface that is complementary to the body thread. The lid is configured to be screwed into the body surface using the lid thread and the body thread by twisting the lid when the lid is placed on the mouth.
The container is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The container is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the container.
The latch 904 is configured to seal the orifice 916 when the latch 904 is placed in a closed configuration to prevent the beverage exiting the lid 900. When the latch 904 is placed in the closed configuration, a portion 908 of the latch 904 covers the orifice 916. A portion 912 of the lid 900 engages with the portion 908 to provide a tighter fit when the latch 904 is placed in the closed configuration. The lid 900 is configured to be scannable by at least one of an x-ray machine or a metal detector for inspecting the container and the beverage. The lid 900 is configured to permit a visual inspection of the beverage through the lid 900.
The description and drawings herein are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. Further, various modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of the embodiments.
The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of the disclosure, and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms that are used to describe the disclosure are discussed above, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner regarding the description of the disclosure. For convenience, certain terms may be highlighted, for example using italics and/or quotation marks. The use of highlighting has no influence on the scope and meaning of a term; the scope and meaning of a term is the same, in the same context, whether or not it is highlighted. It will be appreciated that the same thing can be said in more than one way.
Consequently, alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, nor is any special significance to be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. Synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital of one or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specification including examples of any term discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning of the disclosure or of any exemplified term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specification.
It is to be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of this invention and that various modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/207,250, filed Feb. 19, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
Number | Name | Date | Kind |
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20180099783 | Ng | Apr 2018 | A1 |
20180170630 | Ayriss | Jun 2018 | A1 |
20190119030 | Price | Apr 2019 | A1 |
Number | Date | Country | |
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20220265030 A1 | Aug 2022 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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63207250 | Feb 2021 | US |