US20020027142A1

US20020027142A1 - Beverage holder

Info

Publication number: US20020027142A1
Application number: US09/922,334
Authority: US
Inventors: Calvin Klein
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-15
Filing date: 2001-08-03
Publication date: 2002-03-07
Also published as: WO2002014180A1; AU2001279179A1

Abstract

A beverage holder including a tubular housing with a chamber to hold a beverage can or beverage alone; a removable lid that seals to the housing, can rim, or both; and a variable flow, drink through, twist valve that seals to the lid. In such a configuration, a can of a beverage may be maintained in a manner that the carbonation does not escape from the beverage, keeping the beverage fresh and tasty for great periods of time.

Description

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/637,373, filed Aug. 15, 2000.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a re-usable and re-sealing beverage holder and, more particularly, to a generally cylindrical receptacle that can be used to hold and seal either a beverage can containing a consumable liquid or a consumable liquid by itself.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Once a can containing a carbonated beverage, such as beer or soda, is opened the liquid releases its carbonation fairly quickly. If the beverage is consumed immediately, the release of carbonation is not generally noticeable. However, often, a person opens a can of a carbonated beverage and is then distracted, interrupted, or simply allows time to elapse before that particular beverage is consumed. As the can is open and the beverage is exposed to the ambient atmosphere, the beverage eventually becomes “flat”, losing its “fizz”, freshness, and appeal.

Several products are available that provide a re-useable cover to be placed on the top of a can. However, an open soda can using a conventional cover typically still expends its carbonation fairly rapidly. This loss of carbonation occurs through an opening for ventilation. Such openings prevent the build-up of carbonation pressure that can blow, or pop, the added cover off of the can.

Some products exist where the attachable cover provides a seal capability. Such sealing covers are dependent upon clamping to the can by means of engaging the outside bottom edge of the can's upper rim. This edge is very narrow, and thus the clamping force is limited, and thus the amount of pressure that can be contained is limited. The re-useable life of such products is also limited as excessive wear occurs where the product interfaces with the metal outside bottom edge of the can's upper rim.

Still other products exist into which beverages may be poured to prolong freshness. Many of these containers require removal of a sealing lid or cap. This requires the use of two hands.

It has been found that a standard pivoting stem type Thermos™ valve slows the release of the sealed-in carbonation. Further, such valves can also be opened with one hand. There are technical problems with the use of the pivot-stem valve to evoke a substantially pressure-proof seal. The fit of the pivot-stem to its lid-housing cannot be precise enough to be substantially pressure-proof; therefore a seal component is required. This seal must compress between the pivot-stem and its lid-housing. This compression must be obtained when the pivot-stem is installed into the lid-housing, and must be maintained for the life of the product. All pivot-stem designs brought to the marketplace so far use a snap-lock assembly of the pivot-stem to the lid-housing. The compression of the seal is therefore non-adjustable. The compressive forces in the seal act to produce friction between the moving (pivoting) components. Wear results from this friction, thereby reducing the compression of the seal. The hole in the pivot-stem also causes wear and degradation of the seal. The hole in the pivot-stem must be outside of the seal when the valve is closed, and inside of the seal for drinking. Therefore, the hole must pass over the compressed seal to either open or close the valve. The seal becomes uncompressed as the hole passes over it, and the trailing edge of the hole recompresses the seal. This condition always wears the seal in the same place, and eventually causes the seal to fail at that location. Once the seal fails it cannot be replaced because of the one-time snap-lock assembly design.

There are also problems with flow characteristics of pivot-stem valves. The pouring of a liquid out of a container requires the flow out of liquid, and the flow in of air. The pivot-stem design prevents flow in and out simultaneously. Some designs incorporate an air check valve in addition to the ball-spout valve to alleviate this problem.

Another problem that is found with present beverage containers is that the beverage loses its chill while in the container. Typically, to counteract this, ice is used to maintain the carbonated beverage in a chilled or at least in a cold condition while the beverage is being consumed. However, in almost all cases, the beverage must be poured out of its first original container and into a different second container in order to take advantage of ice cubes within the second container. With respect to such beverages as beer, sparkling wine and other fermented or brewed beverages, the use of ice is against the customs of consumption.

Another problem encountered with present beverage containers is that condensation collects on the outside of a well-chilled container and can be a messy nuisance.

Another problem found in containers of the present art relates to the spilling of canned beverages. Beverage cans do not incorporate a means to close the hole once it has been opened. Spills are especially common in environments where a beverage can is subjected to jostling and to unexpected sudden movements such as in automobiles or boats, or around toddlers. Known drink holders and or soda can covers avoid outright spills, but leak through the pressure release hole when tipped over.

The prior art demonstrates a variety of inventions that address some of the problems stated above, but not all of them. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,408 illustrates a sealing cap for soda cans having various diameters. However, the patent does not disclose a bottom container for the soda can.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,596 teaches the use of a beverage dispensing mug which is capable of receiving a conventional beverage can, whereby the contents of the can may be maintained in a chilled condition and/or consumed without emptying the contents of the can into the mug. However, there is no provision for prolonging the life of the carbonation within the liquid once the can has been opened.

Another design is known wherein a snap-top spout resembling the shape of a beer bottle is snapped to a top rim of a soda can. This snap-top spout has provisions so that it may be snapped on to different diameter cans. However, the snap-top spout does not provide a means to preserve the carbonation in a can, once a can to which this top is attached is opened.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

We have invented a device that overcomes the problems found in the prior art. The first benefit of the present invention is that it provides a beverage holder employing a seal system capable of retaining a sealed chamber under normal carbonated beverage use conditions. This seal system to may be opened and re-sealed repeatedly while a beverage is consumed. When sealed, the carbonation is retained for a much longer period of time than an unsealed open beverage. When open, the beverage flow is virtually the same as if directly out of a standard can or bottle.

Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal system has adjustable seal compression by means of, in an exemplary embodiment of the invention, threaded coupling. This compensates for any wear that occurs in the seals or enclosure components. Furthermore, any wear in the threads and seals is uniformly distributed over all contact surfaces. Wear in the seals is minimal and harmless as the direction of friction radially conforms to the seal diameters and is not perpendicular to the seal diameter as it is with the pivot-stem valve.

Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal system has adjustable flow characteristics. The combination of seal and flow adjustment allows the seal to be released in a controlled manner and regulates drinking flow from sealed to fall open.

Another benefit of the present invention is that the seal system may be fully operable for drinking and sealing without the removal or complete separation of any of the seal system components. This allows one-handed operation.

Another benefit of the present invention is the variety of methods by which beverages may be contained inside the seal system. We will disclose several embodiments that encompass enclosing an entire open beverage can, enclosing poured in open beverages, and using the present invention seal system as a manufactured beverage container constituting new beverage packaging.

Another benefit of the present invention is that all components may be separable and may be reassembled by the consumer after cleaning. The sealing system can be embodied as such as a re-usable system, but can also be embodied as a one-use beverage package where components need not be separable.

Another benefit of the present invention is the capability to provide insulation by means of air gaps and other barriers to thermal conductivity around the can and within an optional dual wall housing. This prolongs the coolness of the contained beverage and eliminates sweating by collected condensation. The use of a medium that recharges by being frozen or chilled between the optional dual walls in the housing is yet another benefit.

It is still a further benefit of the present invention that it provides a beverage holder that can accommodate any inert liquid over the entire range of consumer friendly temperatures and prolongs the freshness and temperature of said contained liquids.

It is further benefit of the present invention that it is leak proof and spill proof when sealed and subjected to knock over or turbulence.

It is a further benefit of the present invention that it provides a beverage holder with a clip for attachment to clothing for “hands-free” portability.

It is a further benefit of the present invention that it provides a beverage holder that fits into standard vehicle cup holders.

Other benefits and advantages of the present invention will be come apparent as the description proceeds.

A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The benefits and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, wherein: [0028]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the beverage holder of the present invention. [0029]
FIG. 2A is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder shown in FIG. 1. [0030]
FIG. 2B is another perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder shown in FIG. 1. [0031]
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the beverage holder of the present invention. [0032]
FIG. 4 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder of FIG. 3. [0033]
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. [0034]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the beverage holder of FIG. 3 in which the outside bottom edge of the can's upper rim the outside bottom edge of the can's upper rim. [0035]
FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially cut-away, of the upper portions of the beverage holder of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0036]
FIG. 8A is a perspective view, partially cut away, of an exemplary cap element of the present invention. [0037]
FIG. 8B is another perspective view, partially cut away, of an exemplary cap element of the present invention. [0038]
FIG. 9 is a enlarged perspective view of detail of the cap element of FIG. 7B. [0039]
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the sealing cap of the present invention. [0040]
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a closure screw cap of the present invention. [0041]
FIG. 12 is another perspective view of the closure screw cap of FIG. 10. [0042]
FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view of a ball-spout of the present invention. [0043]
FIG. 13B is a cross-sectional view of the ball-spout of FIG. 12A, taken along the plane of line B-B of FIG. 12A.[0044]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there are shown in the drawings a number of presently preferred embodiments that are discussed in greater detail hereafter. It should be understood that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated. It should be further understood that the title of this section of this application (“Detailed Description of the Illustrative Embodiments”) relates to a requirement of the United States Patent Office, and should not be found to limit the subject matter disclosed herein. [0045]
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the [0046] beverage holder 20. FIG. 2A is a perspective view, partially cut away, of the beverage holder 20 of FIG. 1. Beverage holder 20 may be used to accommodate a hot or cold beverage alone. Alternatively, and preferably, the beverage holder 20 features a chamber 24, having a size that is sufficiently large to snugly receive a standard beverage can C. The beverage holder 20 has features to enable a re-sealing of the opened beverage can C as will be discussed in detail below. The beverage holder 20 includes a generally cylindrical housing 19 and a lid 12 that is inter-connectable with housing 19. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that while a beverage can C is described, any type of sealed container for holding carbonated beverages, including bottles, boxes and other types of cans (of any variety of materials and construction) and others, may be used with the present invention without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.
The [0047] lid 12 houses a first seal 13 and a second seal 14. Seal 14 seals housing 19 and lid 12. Seal 14 seals housing 19 and lid 12 together when a can C is not within beverage holder 20. Seal 13 seals lid 12 to the top rim R of beverage can C.
[0048] Beverage holder 20 further includes a twist valve 25 that is inter-connectable to the lid 12. Twist valve 25 is generally rotatable from a position that provides a substantially pressure-proof seal to an open position. Twist valve 25, and lid 12, in the present embodiment, have features that do not require removal of twist valve 25 for beverage flow through twist valve 25.
[0049] Housing 19 typically features a one piece molded construction, although, as known to persons having ordinary skill in the art, it may be alternatively comprised of multiple (e.g. inner and outer as described below in a further embodiment) components without departing from the novel scope of the present invention. Housing 19, further, features a plurality of reduced diameter extension portions 4 that extend below the main body 21 of housing 19. This reduction in diameter allows insertion of beverage holder 20 into standard cup holders typical of those found in automobiles. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that extension portion 4 may be removably attached, molded or otherwise formed as part of or as an addition to main body 21. Another embodiment of housing 19, to be described later, excludes extension 4. It will be understood, by persons having skill in the art, that the material, used in constructing housing 19, is preferably clear or translucent to permit visual access to the contents, but may also be colored to prevent visual access of contents.
Multiple convex [0050] inward protuberances 69 are located in tubular extension 4. The interior of tubular extension creates chamber 68. This provides the added benefit of a compartment to hold an ice pack; ice or chilled substances to cool can C.
[0051] Main Body 21 of housing 19 is above tubular extension 4 (tapered portion) and sloped surfaces 22. The main body 21 forms internal chamber 24 that contains the can C or any hot or cold beverage without can C. The main body 21 of housing 19 also typically features a plurality of convex inward protuberances 8 that are preferably oriented longitudinally and extend inward. The inward protruding ribs 8 touch and center the contained beverage can C and hold it centrally creating an insulation air gap 71 (FIG. 2B) between the can C and exterior wall of main body 21.
Multiple convex [0052] inward protuberances 69 are located in tubular extension 4. The top of each protuberance forms a surface 22 that is capable of supporting a beverage can C as described more fully below. Gaps between the shoulders 22 create air vent passages 70 around the bottom of the contained can C. This assures easy removal of can C as air can enter the chamber below can C as can C is pulled out of chamber 24. The shoulder 22 formed by multiple convex inward protuberances 69 in tubular extension 4 are configured such that shoulder 22 supports can C to clearly dispose the upper rim R of can C above upper edge 10 of housing 19. This permits the can C to be conveniently grasped and removed from the housing.
Protruding [0053] Ribs 72 & 73 are located near the top of the main body 21, on the exterior wall, to house a belt clip 75. Protruding ribs 72 extend outwardly from the main body 21 and are located between protruding ribs 73. Protruding ribs 72 support the belt clip 75 away from main body 21. The center rib 72 contains locking boss 74. Protruding ribs 73 also extend outwardly from main body 21 and are outward of ribs 72. Protruding ribs 73 encircle the belt clip 75 to retain the belt clip. A gap to slide the belt clip upward for assembly is created between the top of ribs 72 and the retainer portion of ribs 73. Locking boss 74 is ramped such that the upwardly sliding belt clip bends to pass over the locking bump which snaps into a hole on the belt clip once the belt clip is in the locked position. Protruding segment 76 of rim 11 stops the belt clip in the locked and assembled position and provides support structure and protection for the installed belt clip 75. Belt clip 75 can be attached to housing 19 to enable a user to clip the product onto a belt.
A [0054] circular ring 86 located at the bottom of housing 19, outside of circular depression 4A, and has a thicker wall than nominal wall thickness of housing 19 to provide added insulation and prevent sweating.
Reference will now be made to FIGS. 3, 4, [0055] 5 and 6, wherein further embodiments of the present invention are shown. The embodiments of FIGS. 3, 4, 5 and 6 are generally identical in most respects to the embodiments already described and illustrated in preceding figures, with the exceptions noted as follows.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, this embodiment of [0056] housing 19 does not include tubular extension portion 4. The present embodiment of housing 19 typically features a one-piece molded construction, although, it may be alternatively comprised of multiple components (e.g. inner and outer explained in the next embodiment). Main Body 21 of housing 19 extends to the bottom wall 77 of housing 19. Bottom wall 77 is the internal surface at the bottom of chamber 24 supports a beverage can C.
Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the present embodiment of [0057] housing 19 comprising an inner housing 1 and an outer housing 2 to form a second outer air gap 82 between housings. Air gap 82 is preferably air tight to prevent foreign matter from entering air gap 82. The preferred method for joining the inner and outer walls is ultrasonic welding. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that this method of joining is only one of a number of methods of joining, and that other methods of joining the walls and other elements of the present invention are contemplated and their use does not comprise a departure from the novel scope of the present invention. It will be further understood, that such methods of joinder are equally applicable to all embodiments of the present invention.
Further with respect to the present invention, [0058] Bottom wall 78 is the external surface at the bottom of housing 1. Bottom wall 78 has a preferably round solid boss 80 that is in the center of wall 78 and protrudes downward. Bottom wall 79 is the internal surface at the bottom of housing 80. Bottom wall 79 has a preferably round circular boss 81 protruding from upward at the center on the outside of the wall. Bosses 80 and 81 are configured such that boss 80 can slide into boss 81, but is not allowed any lateral freedom. This locks housing 1 and 2 radially, but allows variance in housing lengths. It should be understood that bosses 80 and 81 can be different shapes and reversed.
FIGS. 2A, 4, [0059] 6, and 7 are perspective cut-away views that all depict the preferred embodiment of lid 12. Lid 12 is coupled to twist valve 25 and housing 19. The preferred method of coupling is by means of complimentary threads that engage between lid 12 and housing 19, and lid 12 and twist valve 25. Coupling thread 40 of lid 12 and coupling thread 31 of twist valve 25 form the first complimentary threaded engagement between lid 12 and twist valve 25. Coupling thread 12B of lid 12 and coupling thread 9 (FIG. 6) of housing 19 form the first complimentary threaded engagement between lid 12 and housing 19. It is further preferred that the threaded coupling of lid to twist valve is separable to permit cleaning of said components. It is also further preferred that the threaded coupling of lid to housing is separable. This enables access to the internal chamber 24 of housing 19 and permits easy cleaning. The preferred coupling method described above is predicated upon a devise that is re-useable by the consumer to enhance or replace purchased beverage packaging. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that the preferred method of coupling is only one of a number of methods of coupling. Other methods of coupling the elements of housing 19, lid 12, and twist valve 25 are contemplated and their use does not comprise a departure from the novel scope of the present invention. Another embodiment of the present invention incorporates coupling of the lid 12 to housing 19 that is not separable to provide new beverage packaging that incorporates the benefits of the twist valve 25.
[0060] Coupling Threads 40 of lid 12 is the preferred embodiment to connect the twist valve 25 to lid 12. The connection applies compressive force between lid 12 and bottom sealing O-ring 48. Internal dual-lead threads on spout 41, of lid 12, is the preferred embodiment. The threads extend upwardly from left to right. The threads are dual lead and allow movement of the entire twist valve from a sealed position to an opened position with a ⅓ turn.
[0061] Spout 41 is a hollow cylinder at the top of lid 12 that houses the means to connect the twist valve 25. The lower interior wall also provides the side sealing rib 46. Rotational Stop Protrusion(s) 42 (FIG. 5) is an outward protrusion emanating from the middle body 43. This feature interacts with an opposing inward rotational stop protrusion 35 located on the thumb stem perimeter structure 34 of twist valve 25. The lid 12 stop protrusion 42 has a ramped side 46 of the protrusion and another side with no ramp. The preferred embodiment uses two stop features diametrically opposed to accommodate dual lead thread coupling of the twist valve 25 and lid 12. Description of the workings of the rotational stops is covered in the twist valve section: Rotational Stop Protrusion(s) 35. Middle Body 43 is a transitional body section between the lower body 55 and spout 41 consisting of a diameter section internally housing the container seal 14 and another diameter section internally housing the can seal 13. The rotational stop protrusion(s) 42 and flow indicator labels 63 are preferably located on the exterior wall of middle body 43.
[0062] Seal Body 51 is an annular protrusion containing pouring aperture 52 and is connected to the spout 41 and middle body 43. Preferably the seal body is of sufficient structure to support the compressive forces generated when the twist valve 25 is sufficiently tight to compress seal 48 thus sealing can C. Also preferable a seal body 51 shape that creates seal body chamber 56. Pouring Aperture 52 is an opening through seal body 51 that permits flow of the contents of can C out of the lid 12 and into the twist valve 25 when the valve is open. Preferably, the area of the pouring aperture is equal to the opening of can C with a circular shape.
[0063] Seal Body Chamber 56 is the volume inside the seal body 51. This space is preferable to allow use of the product when the pull tab 53 of can C is fully extended after opening. The contents of can C may enter seal body chamber 56 even when the can is sealed. This volume is preferably just small enough to accommodate the raised tab C to minimize beverage carbonation loss. Middle body chamber 57 is the interior volume of middle body 43. This volume is preferably shaped and sufficiently large to contain the top portion of a standard beverage can such that it can easily be grasped and removed from housing 19. Lower Body 55 is a hollow cylindrical structure at the bottom of lid 12. This feature preferably houses the coupling feature 12B to connect the lid 12 to housing 19 and has gripping protrusion(s) 58.
Lower body chamber [0064] 59 is the volume inside the lower body 55. Lower coupling threads 12B. This feature is the preferred embodiment to connect the lid 12 to housing 19. The connection applies compressive force to create either container seal or can seal. The container seal occurs between upper seal edge 10 of housing 19 and container seal 14. The can seal occurs between the rim R of can C supported by housing 19 and can seal 13. The coupling method preferably provides for mutually exclusive sealing of the can and container, that is to say that when the can is contained in the devise, the can seal engages before the container seal and precludes use of the container seal, and accommodates variance in can height. Internal dual lead threads on lower body 55 of lid 12 are the preferred embodiment. The threads extend upwardly. The preferred embodiment of lower coupling threads 12B allows use of all three embodiments of housing 19 interchangeably.
[0065] Container seal seat 61 is an annular cavity housed at the bottom of middle body 43 to fixably contain container seal 14. A sharp edged annular protrusion 60 is located in the bottom of the cavity to prevent liquid from leaking under and around the seal. Container Seal 14 is a component fabricated of elastomer material and fixably attached within container seal seat 61. Seal 14 is compressed between the upper seal edge 10 of housing 19 and lid 12. This seal is engaged when lid 12 is tightened and a can C is not present. Seal 14 is configured to permit sealing of various can rim R diameters. Can seal seat 62 is an annular cavity housed at the top of middle body 43 to fixably contain can seal 13. A sharp edged annular protrusion 60 is located in the bottom of the cavity to prevent liquid from leaking under and around the seal.
Can seal [0066] 13 is a component fabricated of elastomer material and fixably attached within can seal seat 62. Seal 13 is compressed between the upper rim R of can C supported by housing 19 and lid 12. This seal preferably has sufficient size to accommodate rim R variance in diameters. Creating a pressure resistant seal suitable to maintain beverage carbonation requires sealing of both can seal 13 and bottom seal 48 of twist valve 25. Can seal 13 preferably is sealed once during each can C use, while the twist valve bottom seal 48 is opened and closed between drinks.
Gripping [0067] Protrusions 58 are a plurality of protrusions in a radial pattern on lower body 55 that allow easy gripping to facilitate assembly and removal of the lid 12 from housing 19. Side Sealing Rib 46 is an annular protrusion with a preferably smaller diameter than the spout 41. This alleviates the side sealing o-ring 37 from interfering with the threaded portion of internal wall of the spout 41 as the twist valve 25 is inserted into lid 12. The inner diameter also preferably radially compresses the side sealing O-ring 37 to create a leak proof seal.
Flow indicator label(s) [0068] 63 indicate flow capacity through twist valve 25. Preferably, this feature consists of protruding graphics integrally molded on the exterior surface of middle body 43 that consists of a scale ranging from a no flow starting point to a full flow position of the twist valve rotation.
Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8A, [0069] 8B, 9 and 10, views, some partially cutaway of a preferred embodiment of a lid 12 and twist valve 25 are shown. Features of this embodiment will now be described. Twist valve 25 comprising a perimeter ring 26, which is a protrusion encircling the upper body 27 to provide connection between upper body 27 and thumb stem(s) structural ribs 34. Upper body 27 is a hollow cylindrical feature between the drinking orifice 29 and perimeter ring 26. Preferably the size of the upper body is similar to a standard beverage bottle spout. Thumb stem(s) 28 is a protrusion or plurality of protrusions to facilitate rotation of the entire twist valve 25. The preferred embodiment uses two thumb stems diametrically opposed to each other and symmetrical. The size of the thumb stems permits graphic instructional label(s) 36 and rotational stop feature(s) 35. The use of two diametrically opposed and symmetrical thumb stems also allows use of dual leads on thread 31 to connect the twist valve 25 to the lid 12.
Further, drinking [0070] orifice 29 is an opening at the top of the upper body 27 where a user places their mouth for drinking. Lower body 30 is a hollow cylindrical feature under the perimeter ring 26. This feature houses external coupling threads 31, side O-ring seating feature 32, and multiple, connective ribs 33. Coupling threads 31 is the preferred method to connect the twist valve 25 to lid 12. This connection allows the application of compressive force between lid 12 and sealing O-ring 48. Threads 31 extend upwardly from left to right and are dual lead, allowing movement of the entire twist valve from a sealed position to an opened position with a ⅓ turn. The external thread 31 of twist valve 25 engages the internal thread 40 of spout 41 of the lid 12.
Side O-ring seat (groove) [0071] 32 is an annular depression in the lower body 30 that holds the side sealing o-ring 37. The configuration of the side o-ring seat groove 32 is such that the side o-ring is compressed against side sealing radial rib 46 to create a leak proof seal. Connective Ribs 33 comprise a plurality of rib structures oriented in a circular pattern to support plate 38 within and offset from lower body 30 and upper body 27. In between each rib section 33 is a vent passage 39. It is preferable that the number of connective ribs 33 is sufficiently high to facilitate small vent passage apertures 39 that prevent bees (or other insects) from passing through the vent passages 39.
Thumb stem perimeter structure(s) [0072] 34 is a protruding surround for each thumb stem 28 to provide rigidity and connect the thumb stem(s) to the perimeter ring 26. The top of the thumb stem perimeter structure can flex to accommodate operation of the rotational stop feature 35. A rotational stop protrusion(s) 35 is an inward protrusion emanating from the thumb stem perimeter rib 34. This feature interacts with an opposing outward rotational stop protrusion 42 located on the exterior of middle body 43 of the lid 12. The twist valve rotational stop protrusion 35 has a ramp on either side of the protrusion. Ramp 44 is less inclined than ramp 45. Ramp 44 engages the ramped side 46 of the opposing outward rotational stop protrusion 42 on lid 12 as the twist valve is screwed on to the lid 12. The low incline of ramps 44 and 46 allows for easy bypass of the stop feature to the sealed position. Ramp 45 is inclined at 45 degrees. Ramp 45 ramp engages the opposing outward rotational stop protrusion 42 face with no ramp on lid 12, as the twist valve is unscrewed from the sealed position (fully tight) on lid 12. The stop features are positioned such that the stop makes contact when the twist valve is in the fully open position (⅓ turn). The twist valve cannot be opened further unless enough torque is applied to the twist valve to force the ramp 45 to jump over the opposing outward rotational stop protrusion 42 face with no ramp on lid 12. The preferred embodiment uses two stop features diametrically opposed to accommodate dual lead thread 31 coupling of the twist valve 25 and lid 12.
An [0073] instructional label 36 provides information regarding which direction to apply force to the thumb stem(s) 28 to seal or open twist valve 25. The preferred embodiment is integral molded protruding letters located on thumb stems 28. Side o-ring seal 37 is a component fabricated of elastomer material that is radially compressed between the lower body 30 of twist valve 25 and side sealing radial rib 46 of lid 12. Side o-ring seal 37 is rotationally fixed with respect to twist valve 25 and is rotationally free with respect to lid 12. Side o-ring seal 37 is compressed to evoke a leak-proof seal when the twist valve is engaged to the lid and slides up and down in a sealed state over the linear range of motion created by the threaded coupling between the twist valve and lid. The linear range of motion is bounded by the fully engaged sealed state of the bottom seal 49 and the retracted, fully open, flow position. Side o-ring seal 37 prevents liquid from escaping under and around the outside lower body 30 of the twist valve, thus the only path for escape is through the vent passages 39, through the upper body chamber 47, and out of the drinking orifice 29. It will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of sealing elements, of various materials, may be used without departing from the novel scope of the present invention.
Bottom [0074] seal support plate 38 is preferably a flat circular protrusion that supports the bottom o-ring seal 48 in bottom seal seat 49. This feature is separated from the upper body 27 and lower body 30 by vent passages 39 and is connected to the lower body by multiple connection ribs 33. Vent passage(s) 39 is a chamber bounded by the exterior diameter of support plate 38; the sides of two adjacent connective ribs 33; and wall contour 88. Wall contour 88 is the internal wall contour formed by the transitional contour from larger lower body diameter 30 to smaller upper body diameter 27. Each vent passage 39 allows flow of liquid from the lower body chamber 50 to the upper body chamber 47. Preferably there is a plurality of vent passages oriented in a circular pattern. The cumulative cross-sectional area of the vent passages is sufficiently large so as not to restrict the flow of liquid pourable from a standard can C opening 54. Furthermore, the vent passages 39 allow flow of liquid out while also simultaneously allowing flow of air the chamber containing the beverage. Furthermore, the vent passage 39 directs the path of the liquid. The path can be straight through but is preferably directed such that the flow changes direction from straight up to radially inward by as it enters the upper body chamber 47. This minimizes splash out of the drinking orifice as the seal is opened and pressure is released.
It will be seen that bottom seal seat (groove) [0075] 49 is an annular depression in the bottom seal support plate 38 that holds the bottom seal O-ring 48. Bottom Seal 48 is a component fabricated of elastomer material that is compressed between the bottom seal support plate 38 and seal body 51 of lid 12. The bottom seal 48 is raised and lowered with respect to seal body 51 of lid 12 as the twist valve 25 is rotated due to the threaded connection between the twist valve and the lid. Compression of bottom seal 48 determines the rotational stop of the twist valve and creates the substantially pressure-proof seal. The diameter of this component is slightly larger than the pouring aperture 52 of lid 12. Bottom seal 48 is fixed to twist valve 25, thus unscrewing the twist valve raises bottom seal 48 away from seal body 51 of lid 12 and liquid flow is enabled. The compression of bottom seal 48 is uniformly distributed around the entire contact surface, and is adjustable by means of the threaded coupling of twist valve 25 and lid 12. Compression adjustment of the seal provides two important benefits: First, the seal can be opened in a slow controlled manner to quietly release pressure inside the container. Secondly, any wear in either the bottom seal 48 or thread elements coupling the twist valve 25 and lid 12 can be overcome to attain a substantially pressure-proof seal. The preferred embodiment of this component 48 is a double seal O-ring. The flow rate through the twist valve is also adjustable by means of the threaded coupling between the lid 12 and twist valve 25.
[0076] Lower body chamber 50 of twist valve 25 is the volume inside lower body 30. This volume is not a requirement of the invention, but is preferred to permit a raised seal body 51 of lid 12 thus providing clearance for a raised pull tab 53 on can C. Upper body chamber 47 is the volume inside upper body 27 bounded by the vent passage(s) 39 and drinking orifice 29.
Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12 another [0077] closure screw cap 27 embodiment is shown. This embodiment has a drinking orifice feature that is used with screw cap 63 and is inter-connectable with all three housing 19 embodiments. The features of this embodiment will now be described in detail. Spout 41 is similar to the preferred embodiment except the coupling threads 40 are preferred as external. Bee Trap Ribs 64 are located at the top of and internal to spout 41. Preferably, the apertures through these ribs are sufficiently small to prevent bees from passing through the apertures and sufficiently large such that the cumulative cross-sectional area is equal to or greater that a standard can C opening 54. Drinking orifice 65 is the aperture at the top of spout 41 on which the user places their mouth for drinking. This drinking orifice is sealed off to provide an airtight seal when the screw cap 63 compresses seal 66 upon tightening.
[0078] Screw Cap 63 is a component with internal threads to couple with the coupling threads 40 to compress seal 66 and create a pressure resistant container. The user must remove screw cap 63 to drink from beverage holder 20. The screw cap also contains a feature to retain tether 67 that preferably does not limit rotation. Tether Strap 67 is a component to flexibly connect the screw cap 63 to lid 12. Preferably the tether strap is fixably attached to the top of the screw cap 63 and spout 41 with rotational freedom. Tether Strap Restraint 68 is a protrusion emanating from the exterior of lower body 55 of lid 12 to hold the tether strap out of the way for drinking.
Referring now to FIGS. 13A and 13B, another embodiment of a [0079] closure screw cap 27 is shown, and its features will now be described. This third type of closure screw cap embodiment discloses an improved sealing spout assembly. This embodiment is also inter-connectable with all three housing 19 embodiments. Pivot peg(s) 83 is a round boss that emanates inwardly from the lid 12 to interface with ball 16 along the ball pivot axis. There are two pivot peg bosses diametrically opposed to each other. The gap between the opposing pivot pegs is less than the width of ball 16. Recess (2) 84 are a round depression in the surface of the ball 16 oriented coaxial with the ball pivot axis. Recess(s) 84 are configured to have a slightly larger diameter than pivot pegs 83 to accept insertion of pivot pegs 83. Recess (2) 85 is a depression in the surface of the ball 16 to allow assembly of the ball 16 onto pivot pegs 83 from a specific direction. Recess(s) 84 are configured such that the ball is can only be easily snap fit assembled onto pivot pegs 83 when ball 16 is oriented in the open pouring position (unsealed and vertical). Thus, when the ball-spout is in the closed position (sealed and horizontal), the side of recess 84 has sufficient material to retain pivot pegs 83 against the forces created by seal compression and contents pressure. In this embodiment, the features to house the belt clip are preferably on the outermost housing 1. This allows an airtight joint between housing 1 and 2 to form air gap 82.
Although an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been shown and described, it is to be understood that various modifications and substitutions may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit and scope of the invention. [0080]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A beverage holder comprising:

a twist valve, lid, and housing;

said housing having a chamber for containing a beverage;

said lid having an opening that communicates with at least one vent passage that is defined in said twist valve;

said housing and said lid having first complementary elements that rotatably interconnect said lid and said housing;

said twist valve and said lid having second complementary elements that rotatably interconnect said twist valve and said lid;

said housing and said lid carrying third complementary elements to interface with and actuate a first annular compression seal component that engages when said lid and said housing are interconnected to form a first pressure-proof seal between said lid and said housing;

said twist valve and said lid carrying fourth complementary elements to interface with and actuate a second annular compression seal component that engages when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected to form a second pressure-proof seal between said at least one vent passage and said opening in said lid;

said second annular compression seal component is engagable, adjustable, and disengagable by means of complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said lid;

said second annular compression seal component, when disengaged, allows a liquid flow through said opening in said lid and then through said vent passages in said twist valve;

a flow rate of said liquid flow around said second annular seal component being adjustable by means of said first complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said lid;

said twist valve and said lid carrying fifth complementary elements to interface with and engage third annular seal component when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected to form a generally leak-proof seal;

said third annular seal component being constantly engaged when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected; and

said twist valve includes a drinking orifice element located above said elements to interconnect to said lid.

2. A beverage holder comprising:

a twist valve, lid, and housing;

said housing having a chamber for receiving a beverage can;

said lid having an opening that communicates with at least one vent passage that is in said twist valve;

the first complementary elements on said lid being adapted to interface with and actuate a first annular compression seal component that engages a top rim of said can when said lid and said housing are interconnected thereby forming a first pressure-proof seal between said lid and said can;

said twist valve and said lid carrying third complementary elements to interface with and actuate a second annular compression seal component that engages when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected thereby forming a second pressure-proof seal between vent passages in said twist valve and said opening in said lid;

said second annular compression seal component is engagable, adjustable, and disengagable by means of fourth complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said lid;

a flow rate of said liquid flow around said second annular seal component is adjustable by means of said first complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said lid;

said twist valve and said lid carrying fifth complementary elements to interface with and engage third annular seal component when said twist valve and said lid are interconnected to form a generally leak-proof seal; and

3. A beverage package comprising:

a twist valve and a container, said container having a chamber for receiving a beverage can and further having an opening that communicates with at least one vent passage in said twist valve;

said twist valve and said container having first complementary elements for rotatably interconnecting said twist valve and said container;

said twist valve and said container carrying second complementary elements to interface with and actuate an annular compression seal component that engages when said twist valve and said container are interconnected thereby forming a substantially pressure-proof seal between said at least one vent passage in said twist valve and said opening in said container;

said annular seal component compression is engagable, adjustable, and disengagable by means of third complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said container;

said annular compression seal component when disengaged allowing a liquid flow through said opening in said container then through said at least one vent passage in said twist valve;

a flow rate around said annular seal component being adjustable by means of said second complimentary interconnected elements of said twist valve and said container; and

said twist valve and said container carrying third complementary elements to interface with and engage a second annular seal component when said twist valve and said container are interconnected to form a leak-proof seal.

4. The beverage holder of claim 1 further including a spring-biased clip mounted on an exterior surface of said housing and being usable to releasably attach said clip to a selected object.

5. The beverage holder of claim 2 further including a spring-biased clip mounted on an exterior surface of said housing and being usable to releasably attach said clip to a selected object.

6. The beverage package of claim 3 further including a spring-biased clip mounted on an exterior surface of said housing and being usable to releasably attach said clip to a selected object.

7. The beverage holder of claim 2 with said housing carrying one or more elements to support and position said can with respect to said first annular compression seal also creates an air gap between said can and said housing interior walls.

8. The beverage package of claim 3 with said housing carrying one or more elements to support and position said can with respect to said first annular compression seal also creates an air gap between said can and said housing interior walls.

9. The beverage holder of claim 1 with said housing comprised of dual wall construction, with the interior wall carrying all of the elements disclosed in claim 1 and with the exterior wall carrying all of the elements disclosed in claim 4; and with an air gap between interior and exterior walls.

10. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said second annular compression seal component has a width sufficiently wide to seal a plurality of said can rim diameters.

11. The beverage package of claim 3 wherein said second annular compression seal component has a width sufficiently wide to seal a plurality of said can rim diameters.

12. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said first complementary elements are movable with respect to each other through a range of motion that is sufficiently long to accommodate a plurality of said can heights.

13. The beverage package of claim 3 wherein said first complementary elements are movable with respect to each other through a range of motion that is sufficiently long to accommodate a plurality of said can heights.

14. The beverage holder of claim 1 wherein said twist valve has at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of said twist valve with respect to said lid.

15. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said twist valve has at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of said twist valve with respect to said lid.

16. The beverage packaging of claim 3 wherein said twist valve has at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of said twist valve with respect to said lid.

17. The beverage holder of claim 1 wherein said lid valve has at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of said lid with respect to said housing.

18. The beverage holder of claim 2 wherein said lid has at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of said lid with respect to said housing.

19. The beverage packaging of claim 3 wherein said lid has at least one element protruding from said main body to assist in rotation of said lid with respect to said housing.

20. A beverage holder comprising:

a housing having a chamber for a beverage in a container;

a lid, sealably attachable to said housing, said lid having an opening and a cap, sealably engagable and re-engagable in said opening, said lid further comprising a first annular sealing ring and a second annular sealing ring;

said first annular sealing ring of said lid engaging said housing and said second annular sealing ring of said lid engaging said container when said lid and housing are attached together, such that when said cap is sealedly engaged on said lid, an airtight seal is formed between said lid and said housing and said lid and said container;

said cap being unsealable such that said beverage may be removed through said opening in said cap and resealable to reform said airtight seal.

21. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said container is a standard beverage can.

22. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said second annual sealing ring is of a thickness such that it may form seals with cans of a plurality of sizes.

23. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing and said lid comprise corresponding sets of threads and said lid may be screwed onto said housing.

24. The beverage holder of claim 23, wherein said housing and lid are each constructed with sufficient threads that they may be threaded together to different heights to accommodate different sized containers.

25. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing comprises an interior wall having at one rib thereon, such that said rib centers said container in said housing.

26. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing comprises an interior wall defining container conforming indentations, such that said when said beverage holder is sealed a thermal insulation air gap is formed about said container.

27. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing comprises an interior wall and an outer wall, said walls being separated by an insulating gap.

28. The beverage holder of claim 27 wherein said interior wall defines a container conforming indentations, such that said when said beverage holder is sealed a thermal insulation air gap is formed about said container.

29. The beverage holder of claim 20, wherein said housing is constructed of translucent materials.

30. The beverage holder of claim 29, wherein said translucent material is plastic.

31. The beverage holder of claim 20, including a beveled ridge for carrying a container having beveled walls at points above the bottom of the container.

32. The beverage holder of claim 31, including dual beveled ridges such that the container may be supported and so that air may flow about the container to allow the easy removal of the container from the holder.

33. A beverage holder comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing having a chamber for a beverage poured therein, said housing comprising an opening having connection threads;

a lid, having a generally cylindrical portion and having threads, on said cylindrical portion, corresponding to said housing threads, said lid being sealably attachable to said housing, said lid having an opening and a cap, sealably engagable and re-engagable in said opening, said lid further comprising a first annular sealing ring and a second annular sealing ring;

said first annular sealing ring of said lid engaging said housing and said second annular sealing ring of said lid engaging said threads of said housing and said lid, when said housing and lid are attached together, such that when said cap is sealedly engaged on said lid, an airtight seal is formed between said lid and said housing; said cap being unsealable such that said beverage may be removed through said opening in said cap and resealable to reform said airtight seal, said beverage being sealed between said housing and said cap.