Container and method for constructing a container

Abstract

The present invention provides a heat-insulating container, which can be configured to hold a certain amount of liquid, and the heat-insulating container includes a tank body, and the tank body has: a first inner wall, the first inner wall has a first end, and the first end has an opening extending into an internal reservoir; and a second outer wall, the second outer wall forms an outer shell. The opening can be sealed by a water outlet regulator, the water outlet regulator has a water outlet channel extending between the internal reservoir and a water outlet opening, and the water outlet opening is smaller than the opening of the tank body. The water outlet opening can be sealed by a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the water outlet regulator can be further detachably coupled to the cap, and the cap can be used as a cup, and the certain amount of liquid can be poured into the cup.

Description

[0001] This divisional application of the present invention is based on a patent application with an application date of October 17, 2017, an application number of 2017800641591, and an invention title of "Container and Method of Forming a Container".

[0002] Cross - reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 409,242, filed on October 17, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 508,793, filed on May 19, 2017. For any and all non - limiting purposes, the entire content of this application is incorporated herein by reference. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure broadly relates to containers and, more particularly, to beverage containers for consumable beverages or food. Background Art

[0005] Containers can be configured to store a quantity of liquid. The container can hold a potable liquid, either hot or cold, such as water, coffee, tea, non - alcoholic beverages, or an alcoholic beverage such as beer. Such containers can be formed of a double - wall vacuum - formed structure to provide insulation properties that help maintain the temperature of the liquid within the container. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the detailed description below. The present summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In some instances, an insulated container can be configured to hold a quantity of liquid. The insulated container can include a can body having a first inner wall, a second outer wall, and a bottom portion. The first inner wall has a first end with an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving the liquid, and the second outer wall and the bottom portion form an outer shell of the can body. The bottom portion can form a second end configured to support the can body on a surface.

[0008] The insulated container can include a pour regulator and provide a resealable pour opening. The pour regulator is configured to seal the opening of the can body, and the resealable pour opening is narrower than the opening of the can body, thereby facilitating more effective pouring of the contents of the internal reservoir of the can body into another container. In one instance, the other container can be a cup formed as a lid that is removably coupled to the top of the pour regulator.

[0009] The present invention includes:

[0010] 1. A heat-insulating container, comprising:

[0011] A tank body, the tank body comprising:

[0012] A first inner wall, the first inner wall having a first end portion, the first end portion having a threaded side wall and an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving a liquid;

[0013] A second outer wall, the second outer wall forming an outer shell of the tank body, the second outer wall having a second end portion, the second end portion being configured to support the tank body on a surface;

[0014] A sealed vacuum cavity, the sealed vacuum cavity forming a heat-insulating double-wall structure between the first inner wall and the second outer wall;

[0015] A water outlet regulator, the water outlet regulator comprising:

[0016] A bottom threaded surface, the bottom threaded surface being configured to be detachably coupled to the opening of the tank body and seal the opening;

[0017] A top threaded surface;

[0018] A grip ring, the grip ring being spaced between the bottom threaded surface and the top threaded surface, extending around the circumference of the water outlet regulator, and having at least one handle extending therefrom;

[0019] A cap, the cap being configured to be detachably coupled to and seal a water outlet opening on the top surface of the water outlet regulator, wherein the cap has a magnetic top surface and is configured to magnetically couple to a docking surface of the handle when detached from the water outlet opening; and

[0020] A cover, the cover being configured to be detachably coupled to the top threaded surface of the water outlet regulator.

[0021] 2. The heat-insulating container according to item 1, wherein the water outlet regulator further comprises a water outlet channel extending between the water outlet opening and the bottom surface of the water outlet regulator.

[0022] 3. The heat-insulating container according to item 2, wherein the water outlet channel has a uniform diameter between the water outlet opening and the bottom surface of the water outlet regulator.

[0023] 4. The heat-insulating container according to item 2, wherein the water outlet regulator further comprises a sealed internal cavity extending around the water outlet channel.

[0024] 5. The heat-insulating container according to item 4, wherein the sealed internal cavity is partially or entirely filled with a heat-insulating material.

[0025] 6. The heat-insulating container according to item 5, wherein the heat-insulating material is foam.

[0026] 7. The heat-insulating container according to item 4, wherein the sealed inner cavity includes a vacuum cavity.

[0027] 8. The heat-insulating container according to item 1, wherein the at least one handle further includes a cavity, and a magnetic material is positioned in the cavity.

[0028] 9. A heat-insulating container, comprising:

[0029] A tank body, the tank body comprising:

[0030] A first inner wall having a first end with a threaded sidewall and an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving a liquid;

[0031] A second outer wall forming an outer shell of the tank body, the second outer wall having a second end configured to support the tank body on a surface;

[0032] A sealed vacuum cavity forming a heat-insulating double-wall structure between the first inner wall and the second outer wall;

[0033] An opening regulator, the opening regulator further comprising:

[0034] An external bottom threaded surface configured to detachably couple to and seal the opening of the tank body;

[0035] An external top threaded surface;

[0036] A grip ring spaced between the external top threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface;

[0037] An internal threaded surface;

[0038] A plug-and-play structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the plug-and-play structure further comprising:

[0039] A threaded outer surface configured to detachably couple to the internal threaded surface;

[0040] A handle rigidly coupled to the top portion;

[0041] A retaining tab flexibly coupled to the bottom portion;

[0042] An external channel extending between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge; and

[0043] A cap is configured to be removably coupled to the outer top threaded surface of the opening adjuster.

[0044] 10. An insulated container according to item 9, wherein the plug-in structure can be partially removed from the opening adjuster when the threaded outer surface of the plug-in structure is disengaged from the internal threaded surface of the opening adjuster, wherein the retaining tab is configured to limit the extent to which the plug-in structure can be removed from the opening adjuster.

[0045] 11. An insulated container according to item 10, wherein the retaining tab includes a flexure configured to flex between a compressed structure and an expanded structure, and wherein when the plug-in structure is partially removed from the opening adjuster, the retaining tab is in the expanded structure and prevents the plug-in structure from being completely removed from the opening adjuster.

[0046] 12. An insulated container according to claim 11, wherein once a manual disengagement force is applied, the retaining tab is compressed into the compressed structure and the plug-in structure is completely removed from the opening adjuster.

[0047] 13. An insulated container according to claim 9, wherein the retaining tabs include three retaining tabs spaced equally around the circumference of the bottom portion of the plug structure.

[0048] 14. An insulated container according to claim 9, wherein the external channel includes three external channels spaced equidistantly around the plug-in structure.

[0049] 15. An insulated container according to claim 9, wherein the plug-in structure further includes an internal cavity, and wherein the internal cavity is partially or entirely filled with an insulating material.

[0050] 16. An opening regulator assembly comprising:

[0051] The opening regulator further comprises:

[0052] an exterior bottom threaded surface configured to removably couple to and seal an opening of a can;

[0053] External top threaded surface;

[0054] a gripping ring spaced between the outer top threaded surface and the outer bottom threaded surface;

[0055] Internal thread surface;

[0056] A plug-and-play structure, the plug-and-play structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the plug-and-play structure further comprising:

[0057] A threaded outer surface configured to be detachably coupled to the internal threaded surface;

[0058] A handle rigidly coupled to the top;

[0059] A retaining tab flexibly coupled to the bottom portion; and

[0060] An external channel extending between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge.

[0061] 17. The opening regulator assembly according to item 16, wherein when the threaded outer surface of the plug-and-play structure disengages from the internal threaded surface of the opening regulator, the plug-and-play structure is partially detachable from the opening regulator, wherein the retaining tab is configured to limit the degree to which the plug-and-play structure can be detached from the opening regulator.

[0062] 18. The opening regulator assembly according to item 17, wherein the retaining tab includes a flexure member configured to flex between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein when the plug-and-play structure is partially detached from the opening regulator, the retaining tab is in the expanded configuration and prevents the plug-and-play structure from being completely detached from the opening regulator.

[0063] 19. The opening regulator assembly according to item 18, wherein once a manual disengagement force is applied, the retaining tab compresses into the compressed configuration and the plug-and-play structure is completely detached from the opening regulator.

[0064] 20. The opening regulator assembly according to item 16, wherein the retaining tab includes three retaining tabs equally spaced circumferentially around the bottom portion of the plug-and-play structure.

[0065] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0066] The present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and is not limited to the drawings, in which like reference numerals indicate like elements, and in which:

[0067] Figure 1 An isometric view of a thermal insulation container is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0068] Figure 2 An isometric view of the thermal insulation container shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein is shown. Figure 1 Another isometric view of the thermal insulation container shown.

[0069] Figure 3 An isometric view of a heat-insulating container shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Figure 1 Another isometric view of the heat-insulating container shown.

[0070] Figure 4 An isometric view of a heat-insulating container shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Figure 1 An exploded isometric view of the heat-insulating container shown.

[0071] Figure 5 A more detailed isometric view of the top of a water outlet regulator shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0072] Figure 6 A more detailed isometric view of the bottom of a water outlet regulator shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0073] Figure 7 A cross-sectional isometric view of a water outlet regulator shown schematically in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0074] Figure 8 An isometric view of a cap shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0075] Figure 9 Schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a heat-insulating container in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Figure 1

[0076] Figures 10A to 10F Shows the steps of a molding process of a water outlet regulator 104 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0077] Figure 11 An isometric view of an opening regulator assembly shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein, the opening regulator assembly being configured to be detachably coupled to a heat-insulating container.

[0078] Figure 12 An isometric view of a plug-and-play structure shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Figure 11 An exploded isometric view of the opening regulator assembly shown.

[0079] Figure 13 An isometric view of a plug-and-play structure shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0080] Figure 14 A bottom view of an opening regulator shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0081] Figure 15A A cross-sectional view of a plug-and-play structure fully engaged with an opening regulator shown schematically in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0082] Figure 15B A cross-sectional view is schematically shown of a plug-and-play structure in a partially uncoupled configuration relative to an opening regulator in accordance with one or more aspects described herein.

[0083] In addition, it should be understood that the drawings may depict different scales of various components of the various examples; however, the disclosed examples are not limited to this specific scale. Detailed Description

[0084] In the following description of the various examples, reference is made to the drawings, which form a part of the various examples, and in which various examples are shown by way of illustration in which multiple aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that other examples may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0085] Figure 1 An isometric view is shown of a thermal insulation container 100 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one example, the container 100 may be configured to store a quantity of liquid. The container 100 may include a tank body 102, which is removably coupled to an outlet regulator 104 and a lid 106. When the lid 106 is removed from the outlet regulator 104, the lid 106 may be configured to serve as a cup, for example, a portion of the liquid stored in the tank body 102 may be poured into the cup. In one example, the tank body 102 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, however, it is contemplated that the tank body 102 may be implemented in any shape, such as a cube shape, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Additionally, in many examples, the tank body 102 may be represented as having a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, base, or thermal insulation base structure.

[0086] Figure 2 An isometric view is shown of... in accordance with one or more aspects described herein Figure 1 Another isometric view of the illustrated thermal insulation container 100 is shown. As Figure 2 shown, the lid 106 is removed from the outlet regulator 104 to expose a cap 108, which is removably coupled to the top surface 110 of the outlet regulator 104. As Figure 3 shown, when the cap 108 is removed from the outlet regulator 104, an outlet opening 112 is exposed, which extends through the outlet regulator 104 into the cavity of the tank body 102. Thus, the cap 108 may be configured to removably couple to the outlet opening 112 and seal the outlet opening 112. Thus, in one example, the outlet opening 112 provides an opening narrower than the opening 158 of the tank body 102 (e.g., see Figure 9) opening, so that when it is removed from the water outlet regulator 104, it provides for a more controlled / more targeted manual pouring of the contents of the tank 102 into another container (e.g., the lid 106). In one example, the water outlet opening 112 of the water outlet regulator 104 is off - center on the top surface 110 of the water outlet regulator 104. It is contemplated that the water outlet opening 112 can be located at any point on the top surface 110 and can be off - center as shown, or can be located at the center. In another example, the water outlet opening 112 may have a central axis (parallel to the rotational axis of the cylindrical shape of the water outlet opening 112) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 100 (e.g., the longitudinal axis parallel to the rotational axis of the cylindrical shape of the tank 102) and / or perpendicular to the plane of the top surface 110 of the water outlet regulator 104. In another alternative example, the central axis of the water outlet opening 112 may be at a non - 90 - degree angle relative to the top surface 110. In this regard, it is contemplated that any angle can be utilized without departing from the scope of the disclosure herein.

[0087] In one embodiment, the cap 108 includes a magnetic top surface 111. The magnetic top surface 111 may include a polymer outer layer covering a ferromagnetic structure (e.g., a metal sheet / other structural shapes may be positioned beneath the magnetic top surface 111). In another embodiment, all or part of the outer surface of the cap 108 may be composed of one or more metals and / or alloys. Thus, the magnetic top surface 111 can include an external material that is ferromagnetic or self - magnetized. In another embodiment, the magnetic top surface 111 can include one or more polymers second - formed over a magnet structure (e.g., a magnetized metal / alloy can be positioned within the cap 108 during molding).

[0088] As used herein, the term “magnetic” can relate to materials that are temporarily or “permanently” magnetized (such as ferromagnetic materials). Accordingly, the term “magnetic” can relate to materials (i.e., surfaces or objects, etc.) that can be magnetically attracted to a magnet (i.e., a temporary or permanent magnet) having a magnetic field associated therewith. In one example, a magnetic material can be magnetized (e.g., a permanent magnet can be formed). Additionally, various examples of magnetic materials can be used in conjunction with the disclosure described herein, such as nickel, iron, cobalt, or their alloys, etc.

[0089] As shown in FIG. 3, when the cap 108 is removed from the water outlet opening 112, the cap 108 can be magnetically coupled to the mating surface 114 of the water outlet regulator 104. Similar to the top surface 111 of the cap 108, the mating surface 114 of the water outlet regulator 104 can include magnetic material. In one example, the mating surface 114 can include one or more polymers second - formed over magnetic elements (such as metal sheets, foils, wires, etc.). In another example, the mating surface 114 can include a metal outer surface or a magnetic outer surface.

[0090] It can be envisioned that, in one example, the canister 102 and the lid 106 may be made primarily of an alloy (such as steel) or a titanium alloy, and the water outlet regulator 104 and the cap 108 may be made primarily of one or more polymers (except for the magnetic top surface 111 and the mating surface 114, etc.). However, it can further be envisioned that any of the elements described herein may be made of one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials, etc. Specifically, the container 100 may utilize one or more of steel, titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, impact-resistant polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and / or polypropylene, etc.

[0091] Figure 4 Shows an exploded isometric view of the container 100 in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. Specifically, Figure 4 Shows the water outlet regulator 104 removed from the canister 102, and the lid 106 and the cap 108 removed from the water outlet regulator 104. In one embodiment, the water outlet regulator 104 may include a bottom threaded surface 116 configured to removably couple to the threaded inner surface 118 of the canister 102. Additionally, the water outlet regulator 104 may include a top threaded surface 120 configured to removably couple to the threaded inner surface of the lid 106. Further, the threaded outer water outlet surface 122 is configured to removably couple to the threaded inner surface 124 of the cap 108.

[0092] However, it can be envisioned that, in an alternative embodiment and without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the previously described threaded surfaces may be reversed. In this alternative embodiment, the water outlet regulator 104 may include a bottom threaded surface configured to removably couple to the threaded outer surface of the canister 102, and the water outlet regulator 104 may include a top threaded surface configured to removably couple to the threaded outer surface of the lid 106. Additionally, the threaded inner water outlet surface of the water outlet opening 112 may be configured to removably couple to the threaded outer surface of the cap 108.

[0093] It can be envisioned that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the threaded surfaces discussed herein may include any thread geometry, including any pitch, angle, length, etc. Accordingly, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, any one of the bottom threaded surface 116, the threaded inner surface 118, the top threaded surface 120, the threaded inner surface of the lid 106, the threaded outer water outlet surface 122, and / or the threaded inner surface 124 may be fully engaged with the corresponding mating element by rotating the elements relative to each other any number of times. For example, two mating threaded elements of elements 116, element 118, element 120, element 122, and / or element 124 may be rotated by approximately a full turn, approximately 1 / 3 of a full turn, approximately Full rotation, approximately 1 full rotation, approximately 2 full rotations, approximately 3 full rotations, at least 1 full rotation or at least 5 full rotations, etc. to achieve complete engagement.

[0094] It can be further envisioned that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the detachable coupling between one or more of the tank body 102, the water outlet regulator 104, the lid 106, and the cap 108 may include additional or alternative coupling mechanisms, such as clamping elements, tabs, laces, or interference fittings, etc.

[0095] Figure 5 A more detailed isometric view of the top of the water outlet regulator 104 according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. The water outlet regulator 104 includes a bottom threaded surface 116 that is separated from the top threaded surface 120 by a grip ring 126. In one embodiment, the mating surface 114 is formed by a portion of a shank 128 extending from the grip ring 126. In one embodiment, the grip ring 126 is configured to be grasped by a user to couple the water outlet regulator 104 to the tank body 102 and / or the lid 106 and to remove the water outlet regulator 104 from the tank body 102 and / or the lid 106. Thus, in one example, when the user applies a manual torque to the water outlet regulator 104 to couple it to the tank body 102 and / or the lid 106 or to remove it from the tank body 102 and / or the lid 106, the shank 128 prevents or reduces the sliding of the user's hand around the grip ring 126. It can be further envisioned that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, in addition to Figure 5 showing a single shank 128 as shown, the grip ring 126 may also include multiple shank structures. Additionally, the grip ring 126 may include one or more adhesive or tacky materials, or surface textures such as knurling, which are configured to prevent or reduce the sliding of the user's hand when the user's hand rotates the water outlet regulator 104 relative to the tank body 102 and / or the lid 106.

[0096] In one example, the water outlet opening 112 of the water outlet regulator 104 provides access to a water outlet channel 130 that extends through the height of the water outlet regulator 104 (substantially parallel to direction 132) and extends all the way to the bottom surface 134 of the water outlet regulator 104, as Figure 6 shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional isometric view of the water outlet regulator 104 according to one or more aspects described herein is schematically shown. As Figure 7As shown, the water outlet channel 130 can extend from the water outlet opening 112 all the way to the bottom surface 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the water outlet channel 130 can have a diameter 136 that is substantially uniform throughout the length of the water outlet channel 130. However, it is contemplated that the water outlet channel can have different diameters and dimensions throughout the length of the channel that extends between the water outlet opening 112 and the bottom surface 134.

[0097] In one embodiment, the water outlet regulator 104 can include an internal cavity 138 that extends around the water outlet channel 130. This internal cavity 138 can be sealed by one or more manufacturing processes used to construct the water outlet regulator 104. Thus, in one example, the internal cavity 138 can contain a vacuum cavity to reduce heat transfer between the bottom surface 134 and the top surface 111, and vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, it is contemplated that the internal cavity 138 can be partially or entirely filled with one or more foam or polymer materials to increase the thermal resistance. In yet another example, one or more surfaces of the internal cavity 138 can be coated with a reflective material to reduce heat transfer due to radiation.

[0098] In one example, a magnet or magnetic material can be positioned behind the docking surface 114. Thus, in one embodiment, the magnet or magnetic material can be positioned within a cavity 140 within the handle 128. It is contemplated that any coupling mechanism can be utilized to position the magnet or magnetic material within the cavity 140, including gluing, interference fit, clamping, screwing, or riveting, etc. In another example, the magnet or magnetic material can be secondarily molded within the handle 128, and the cavity 140 is made to represent the volume occupied by the secondarily molded magnet or magnetic material.

[0099] In one example, the water outlet regulator 104 can be integrally formed. In another example, the water outlet regulator 104 can be formed from two or more elements that are joined together by another molding process, welding, gluing, interference fit, or one or more fasteners (rivets, tabs, screws, etc.). In one embodiment, the water outlet regulator 104 can be made of one or more polymers. However, it is contemplated that the water outlet regulator 104 can additionally or alternatively be made of one or more metals, alloys, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials, etc. The water outlet regulator 104 can be constructed by one or more injection molding processes. In one specific example, a multi-shot injection molding process (e.g., two-shot or three-shot, etc.) can be utilized to construct the water outlet regulator 104. It can further be contemplated that additional or alternative processes can be utilized to construct the water outlet regulator 104, including rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, gas-assisted molding, and / or casting, etc.

[0100] Figure 8An isometric view of a cap 108 according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. As previously described, the cap 108 can include a magnetic top surface 111. Thus, the cap 108 can be made of one or more polymer materials, and such that the magnetic top surface 111 includes one or more polymers overmolded over the magnetic material.

[0101] In the example shown, the cap 108 has a substantially cylindrical shape. However, it is conceivable that additional or alternative shapes can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the cap 108 can be a cubic shape, etc. The cap 108 includes gripping recesses 142a-c, which are configured to reduce or prevent the user's fingers from sliding when applying manual torque to the cap 108, and the purpose of applying manual torque is to connect the cap 108 to the threaded out-of-water surface 122 of the water outlet opening 112 or to remove the cap 108 from the threaded out-of-water surface. It is conceivable that any number of gripping recesses 142a-c can be utilized around the circumference of the cylindrical cap 108 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the cap 108 may include additional or alternative structural elements that are configured to increase the user's grip on the cap 108. For example, the outer cylindrical surface 144 of the cap 108 may include a viscous / rubber-coated material that is configured to increase the user's grip. Additionally, the outer cylindrical surface 144 may include a series of corrugations or knurling.

[0102] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the insulated container 100 is schematically shown, wherein the cap 108 is coupled to the threaded outer water outlet surface 122 , the cover 106 is coupled to the top threaded surface 120 of the water outlet regulator 104 , and the bottom threaded surface 116 of the water outlet regulator 104 is coupled to the threaded inner surface 118 of the tank body 102 .

[0103] The tank body 102 may include a first inner wall 146 and a second outer wall 148. A sealed vacuum cavity 150 may be formed between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148. This configuration can be utilized to reduce heat transfer between the reservoir 152 and the external environment 154 through the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148, and the reservoir 152 is configured to receive a large amount of liquid. Accordingly, the sealed vacuum cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148 can be referred to as a heat-insulating double-wall structure. Additionally, the first inner wall 146 may have a first end 156 that defines an opening 158 that extends into the inner reservoir 152 to receive a large amount of liquid. The second outer wall 148 may form the outer shell of the tank body 102. The second outer wall 148 may be formed by a side wall 160 and a bottom portion 162, and the bottom portion 162 forms a second end 164 to support the tank body 102 on a surface. A seam 163 may be formed between the second outer wall 148 and the bottom portion 162. In one example, the bottom portion 162 may be press-fitted onto the second outer wall 148. Additionally, the bottom portion 162 may be welded to the second outer wall 148. The weld seam may also be polished so that no seam appears on the bottom of the tank body 102.

[0104] The bottom portion 162 may include a recess 166 used during the vacuum forming process. As Figure 9 shown, the bottom portion 162 may cover the recess 166 such that the recess 166 is not visible to the user. The recess 166 may generally resemble a dome shape. However, other suitable shapes for receiving resin material during the manufacturing process may also be contemplated, such as a conical or frustoconical shape. The recess 166 may include a circular base 168 that converges at an opening 170 that extends into the second outer wall 148. As described below, the opening 170 may be sealed by a resin (not shown). During the formation of a vacuum between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148, the resin may seal the opening 170 to provide a sealed vacuum cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148, thereby forming a heat-insulating double-wall structure.

[0105] In an alternative example, the recess 166 may be covered by a disk of a corresponding shape (not shown) such that the recess 166 is not visible to the user. The circular base 168 may be covered by a disk, and the disk may be formed of the same material as the second outer wall 148 and the first inner wall 146. For example, the first inner wall 146, the second outer wall 148, and the disk may be formed of titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, or other metals or alloys. However, other materials and methods suitable for covering the recess 166 may be envisioned, as discussed herein and as discussed in U.S. Application No. 62 / 237,419, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0106] The tank body 102 can be constructed from one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. Additionally, the tank body 102 can be constructed using one or more hot working or cold working processes (such as stamping, casting, molding, drilling, grinding, forging, etc.). In one embodiment, the tank body 102 can be constructed using stainless steel. In a specific example, the tank body 102 can substantially be formed from 304 stainless steel or a titanium alloy. Additionally, one or more cold working processes used to form the geometry of the tank body 102 can cause the tank body 102 to be magnetic (attractable by a magnet).

[0107] In one example, the reservoir 152 of the tank body 102 can have an internal volume of 532 ml (18 fluid ounces). In another example, the reservoir 152 can have an internal volume ranging between 500 ml and 550 ml (16.9 fluid ounces and 18.6 fluid ounces) or between 1000 ml and 1900 ml (33.8 fluid ounces and 64.2 fluid ounces). In yet another example, the reservoir 152 can have an internal volume of at least 100 ml (3.4 fluid ounces), at least 150 ml (5.1 fluid ounces), at least 200 ml (6.8 fluid ounces), at least 400 ml (13.5 fluid ounces), at least 500 ml (16.9 fluid ounces), or at least 1000 ml (33.8 fluid ounces). The opening 158 in the tank body 102 can have an opening diameter of 64.8 mm. In another embodiment, the opening 158 can have an opening diameter of 60 mm and / or 70 mm or between them. The inner diameter 153 and height 155 of the reservoir 152 can be configured to receive a standard-sized 355 ml (12 fluid ounce) beverage can (aluminum can) (a standard 355 ml beverage can with an outer diameter of approximately 66 mm and a height of approximately 122.7 mm). Thus, the inner diameter 153 can be measured to be at least 66 mm, or between 50 mm and 80 mm. The height 155 can be measured to be at least 122.7 mm, or between 110 mm and 140 mm.

[0108] Additional or alternative methods of insulating the container 100 can also be contemplated. For example, the cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the outer wall 148 can hold various insulating materials that exhibit a low thermal conductivity. Accordingly, in certain examples, the cavity 150 can hold or partially hold air to form an air pocket for insulation, or can hold or partially hold a substantial amount of material such as a polymeric material or a polymeric foam material. In a specific example, the cavity 150 can hold or partially hold an insulating foam such as polystyrene. However, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, additional or alternative insulating materials can be used to fill or partially fill the cavity 150.

[0109] In addition, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the thickness of the cavity 150 can be embodied in any dimensional value. Moreover, the inner surface of one or more of the first inner wall 146 or the second outer wall 148 of the container 100 may include a silver-plated surface, a copper-plated surface, or be covered with a thin aluminum foil that is configured to reduce radiative heat transfer.

[0110] In one example, the lid 106 can be formed of one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials, etc. Additionally, the lid 106 can be formed using one or more of the injection molding or other manufacturing processes described herein. The lid 106 can include a solid structure or can include a double-wall structure similar to the can body 102, which has an inner wall 172, an outer wall 174, and a cavity 176 therebetween. It is also contemplated that the lid 106 can be thermally insulated such that the cavity 176 is a vacuum cavity constructed using the techniques described herein.

[0111] In one example, the can body 102 includes a shoulder region 182. Accordingly, the can body 102 can have an outer diameter 184 that is greater than the outer diameter 186 of the water outlet regulator 104. Thus, the outer wall 148 of the can body 102 can taper between points 188 and 190 along the shoulder region 182. In one example, the shoulder region 182 can improve the heat transfer performance (reduce the heat transfer rate) of the can body 102. Specifically, the shoulder region 182 can include a thermal insulator having a lower thermal conductivity (higher thermal resistance / thermal insulation) than the lid of the water outlet regulator 104 that seals the opening 158.

[0112] It is contemplated that the water outlet regulator 104 can include a lower gasket 178 that is configured to seal the opening 158 of the can body when the water outlet regulator 104 is detachably coupled to the can body 102. Additionally, the water outlet regulator 180 can include an upper gasket that is configured to resealably seal the lid to the water outlet regulator when the lid 106 is coupled to the water outlet regulator 104.

[0113] Figures 10A to 10F Steps of a molding process of the water outlet regulator 104 are shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. As previously mentioned, the water outlet regulator can be composed of one or more polymers and molded using a multi-shot injection molding process, etc. Thus, in one example, Figure 10AShows the intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1002 after the first injection molding of the polymer. The intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1002 includes a top threaded section 1004 and a bottom threaded section 1006, which will form the top threaded surface 120 and the bottom threaded surface 116 respectively when the molding process of the water outlet regulator 104 is completed. In one embodiment, the intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1002 includes a complete top surface 110 and a water outlet opening 112, which has a threaded outer water outlet surface 122 and a water outlet channel 130.

[0114] Figure 10B Shows the second intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1010 after the second injection molding. The second intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1010 includes a grip ring base structure 1112, which extends around the circumference of the second intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1010 and forms the underlying structural support surface for the third injection molding of the secondary molding for forming the grip ring 126, as referenced Figure 10C as described. Additionally, the second intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1010 includes a shank base structure 1114, which forms the underlying structural support surface for the third injection molding of the secondary molding for forming the shank 128. Furthermore, the shank base structure 1114 includes a plate bracket 1116, which in one embodiment is configured to hold the magnetic plate 1118 in a fixed position on the surface 1120 to form a docking surface 114 prior to the secondary molding. Additionally, the plate bracket 1116 may include clamping elements, which are configured to hold the magnetic plate 1118 in an interference fit prior to the secondary molding by the third injection molding. However, it is contemplated that the plate bracket 1116 may utilize additional or alternative elements to hold the magnetic plate 1118, including gluing, or using one or more fasteners, etc.

[0115] Figure 10C Shows the third intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1020 after the third injection molding of the polymer. Specifically, the third injection molding of the polymer is configured to secondary mold the grip ring base structure 1112 and the shank base structure 1114 to form a grip ring 126 and a shank 128 having a docking surface 114, as previously described. However, it is also contemplated that the grip ring base structure 1112 may be formed separately from the threads and threadedly connected and glued in place on the water outlet regulator structure 1010.

[0116] Figure 10D Shows Figure 10C a bottom view of the third intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1020. Specifically, Figure 10D shows entering the cavity (i.e., Figure 7the opening 1022 of the cavity 138) described in. Thus, foam 1024 can be injected into the cavity, as Figure 10D shown, to partially or fully fill the cavity, thereby increasing the thermal resistance of the water outlet regulator 104 once completed. It is contemplated that, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the foam 1024 can include any polymeric foam material.

[0117] Figure 10E shows a fourth intermediate water outlet regulator structure 1030 having a lower cap 1032 positioned to cover the opening 1022, as previously described with respect to Figure 10E stated. In one example, the lower cap 1032 (also referred to as the first injection molding for the process of shaping the bottom surface 134) can be formed by a fourth injection molding of a polymer injection molding process.

[0118] Figure 10F shows the complete water outlet regulator 104 (also referred to as the second injection molding for the process of shaping the bottom surface 134) after a fifth injection molding of the injection molding process. As shown, the fifth injection molding can be utilized to shape the seal element 1042, which seals the opening 102 (as previously described with respect to Figure 10E stated) and forms the bottom surface 134 of the complete water outlet regulator 104.

[0119] Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an opening regulator assembly 1100 according to one or more aspects described herein, the opening regulator assembly being configured to be removably connected to a thermal insulation container. In one example, the opening regulator assembly 1100 can be configured to be removably coupled to the thermal insulation container tank / bottle 102, as previously described in these disclosures. Figure 12 shows according to one or more aspects described herein Figure 11106. In one example, the assembly 1100 includes a cap 1202. The cap 1202 can be similar to the cap 106. In addition, the cap 1202 can be configured to be removably coupled to the opening adjuster 1204. In one example, the opening adjuster 1204 can have a substantially cylindrical geometry having an outer top threaded surface 1220 configured to engage with the inner threads of the cap 1202. In addition, the opening adjuster 1204 can include an outer bottom threaded surface 1222 configured to engage with the threaded inner surface of the tank body (such as the surface 118 of the tank body 102). The upper gasket 1208 and the lower gasket 1210 can be configured to seal the opening of the tank body 102 when the outer bottom threaded surface 1222 is removably coupled thereto. Furthermore, the upper gasket 1208 and the lower gasket 1210 may include any gasket geometry and / or materials without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0120] The gripping ring 1206 can extend around the circumference of the split adjuster 1204. The gripping ring 1206 can be spaced between the outer top threaded surface 1202 and the outer bottom threaded surface 1222. In one example, the gripping ring 1206 can be integrally molded with the cylindrical structure of the split adjuster 1204. In another example, the gripping ring 1206 can be formed separately and rigidly coupled to the cylindrical structure of the split adjuster 1204. For example, the gripping ring 1206 can be injection molded as a separate component and then coupled to the split adjuster 1204 by gluing, welding, and / or interference fit, etc. In another example, the gripping ring 1206 can be overmolded onto the split adjuster 1204.

[0121] The opening adjuster 1204 may include a top opening 1224 configured to receive a plug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may include a bottom portion 1216 having a substantially cylindrical sidewall and a top portion 1214 rigidly coupled thereto. In one example, the bottom portion 1216 may be rotationally welded to the top portion 1214, etc. Figure 13Another isometric view of a plug structure 1212 according to one or more aspects described herein is shown. In one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212 may include a threaded outer surface 1302 that is configured to be removably coupled to the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adjuster 1204. In one example, the plug structure 1212 may be configured to resealably seal the top opening 1224 of the opening adjuster 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302 is engaged with the internal threaded surface 1212 of the opening adjuster 1204. In addition, the top portion 1214 may be configured to extend beyond the sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 in a radial direction to form a sealing surface 1304. The sealing surface 1304 may be configured to abut the top lip of the opening adjuster 1204 at the top opening 1224. Thus, the sealing surface 1304 may include a gasket, and such a gasket may have any geometry (eg, a c-shaped gasket, etc.) and may be constructed of any material without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0122] The plug structure 1212 may include a handle 1306 rigidly coupled to the top portion 1214. The handle 1306 may extend beyond the diameter of the top portion 1214 and may be configured for manually actuating the threaded connection between the plug structure 1212 and the opening adjuster 1204, as well as for manual insertion / removal of the plug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may also include one or more external channels 1308. In a specific example, the plug structure 1212 may include three external channels 1308 equally spaced around the circumference of the outer side wall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212. However, it is contemplated that any number of external channels 1308 may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The external channels 1308 may be configured to extend between a channel top edge 1310 and a channel bottom edge 1312. In one embodiment, the depth of the external channel 1308 (e.g., the depth along the radial direction relative to the substantially cylindrical geometry of the outer sidewall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212) can be uniform along the longitudinal length of the external channel 1308 (e.g., along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical geometry of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212). In another embodiment, the depth of the external channel 1308 can be non-uniform and can transition from a first depth to a second depth less than the first depth along the channel transition region 1314. In some examples, the external channel 1308 can be configured to provide partial or full gas pressure relief / equalization between the external environment and the internal compartment of the tank 102 to which the opening regulator 1204 is removably coupled.

[0123] In one example, the plug and play structure 1212 may include an internal cavity that partially or fully houses a thermal insulating material such as foam (e.g., expanded polystyrene, etc.), and / or may include a vacuum cavity that is configured to reduce heat transfer therethrough.

[0124] Additionally, the plug and play structure 1212 may include retaining tabs 1316. As shown, the plug and play structure 1212 may include three retaining tabs 1316 that are equally spaced circumferentially around the base 1318 of the plug and play structure 1212. However, it is contemplated that any number of retaining tabs 1316 may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In one example, the retaining tab 1360 may include a flexure (e.g., one or more of the longitudinal surface 1322 and / or the radial surface 1320 may be configured to deform), which is configured to flex between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration. As Figure 13 shown, the retaining tab 1316 is in the expanded configuration.

[0125] In one example, the retaining tab 1316 may be configured to limit the extent to which the plug and play structure 1212 can be removed from the opening adjuster 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302 disengages from the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adjuster 1204. Specifically, when in the expanded configuration, the retaining tab 1316 may be configured to abut a retaining surface of the opening adjuster 1204. Figure 14 A bottom view of the opening adjuster 1204 is shown in accordance with one or more aspects described herein. In one implementation, the retaining tab 1316 may be configured to abut the retaining ridge surface 1402 of the opening adjuster 1204 when in the expanded configuration.

[0126] Figure 15A A cross-sectional view of the plug and play structure 1212 is schematically shown when fully engaged with the opening adjuster 1204. Specifically, Figure 15A the threaded outer surface 1302 of the plug and play structure 1212 that is coupled to the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adjuster 1204 is schematically shown. Additionally, when in the fully engaged configuration shown, the retaining tab 1316 may be spaced apart from the retaining ridge surface 1402 of the opening adjuster 1204. Figure 15B Another cross-sectional view of the plug and play structure 1212 is schematically shown in a partially uncoupled configuration relative to the opening adjuster 1204. Thus, as Figure 15BAs shown, the threaded outer surface 1302 of the plug-and-play structure 1212 can be disengaged from the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening regulator 1204. However, since the retaining tab 1316 abuts the retaining ridge surface 1402 of the opening regulator 1204, the plug-and-play structure 1212 can be prevented from being completely disassembled from the opening regulator 1204. Advantageously, this partial disengagement can allow the top opening 1224 to be unsealed, and in one example, the contents of the canister 102 to be poured out therefrom without completely disassembling the plug-and-play structure 1212 from the opening regulator 1204. Further advantageously, this function can allow the threaded connection between the opening regulator 1204 and the plug-and-play structure 1212 to be actuated with one hand, and the contents of the canister 102 to be poured out without completely disassembling the plug-and-play structure 1212 and holding it with the user's other hand, or placing it on the outer surface.

[0127] To completely disassemble the plug-and-play structure 1212 from the opening regulator 1204, a manual disengagement force can be applied to cause the retaining tab 1316 to transition from the Figure 15B expanded configuration shown to a compressed configuration that allows the retaining tab 1316 to move past the retaining ridge surface 1402. In one example, this manual disengagement force can be applied in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical structure of the bottom portion 1216. It is contemplated that any disengagement force can be utilized based on the specific geometry and material of the retaining tab 1316, etc., without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally or alternatively, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the retaining tab 1360 can be configured to abut one or more additional or alternative surfaces of the opening regulator 1204 when in the expanded configuration, such as the base surface 1502.

[0128] It is conceivable that the structure of the opening regulator assembly 1100 can be made of any material. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, one or more of the elements can be made of one or more polymers, metals, alloys, composite materials, ceramics or wood. Specifically, the opening regulator assembly 1100 can utilize one or more of steel, titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, impact-resistant polystyrene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene and / or polypropylene, etc. It is further conceivable that without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, any manufacturing method can be used to construct the elements of the opening regulator assembly 1100. In some instances, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, injection molding, blow molding, casting, rotational molding, compression molding, gas-assisted molding, thermoforming or foam molding, welding (e.g., spin welding), gluing or using fasteners (e.g., rivets, staples, screws, etc.) and the like can be utilized. In addition, it is conceivable that without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the elements of the opening regulator assembly 1100 shown and described can be constructed with any size value. Accordingly, for example, the described threads (e.g., threads of the threaded outer surface 1302, the inner threaded surface 1212, the outer top threaded surface 1220, and / or the outer bottom threaded surface 1222) may be configured in any thread geometry without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0129] In one example, an insulated container formed of a material may include a tank body having: a first inner wall having a first end, the first end having a threaded sidewall and an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving a liquid; and a second outer wall forming an outer shell of the tank body. The second outer wall may include a second end, the second end being configured to support the tank body on a surface. The tank body may also include a sealed vacuum cavity, the sealed vacuum cavity forming an insulated double-walled structure between the first inner wall and the second outer wall. The insulated container may also include a water outlet regulator, the water outlet regulator having a water outlet channel, the water outlet channel extending through the height of the water outlet regulator between a bottom surface of the water outlet regulator and a water outlet opening on a top surface of the water outlet regulator. The water outlet opening is sealed with a cap, the cap having a magnetic top surface, the magnetic top surface being configured to magnetically couple to a docking surface on a grip ring, the grip ring extending around the circumference of the water outlet regulator between the top threaded surface and the bottom threaded surface. The bottom threaded surface is configured to resealably seal the water outlet regulator to the opening of the can, and the top threaded surface is configured to removably couple the water outlet regulator to the cap.

[0130] In another example, the insulated container may include a tank having: a first inner wall having a first end with a threaded sidewall and an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving a liquid; and a second outer wall forming an outer shell of the tank. The second outer wall may include a second end configured to support the tank on a surface. The tank may also include a sealed vacuum cavity forming a thermally insulating double-wall structure between the first inner wall and the second outer wall. The insulated container may further include an opening regulator having an external bottom threaded surface for removably coupling to and sealing the opening of the tank. The opening regulator may also have an internal threaded surface, an external top threaded surface, and a grip ring located between the external top threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface. The insulated container may further include a plug and play structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion. The plug and play structure may also include a threaded outer surface configured to removably couple to the internal threaded surface of the opening regulator. The plug and play structure may also have a handle rigidly coupled to the top portion and a retention tab rigidly / flexibly coupled to the bottom portion of the plug and play structure. Additionally, an external channel may extend between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge of the plug and play structure. Further, the insulated container may include a cap configured to removably couple to the external top threaded surface of the opening regulator.

[0131] The present invention has been disclosed with reference to various examples above and in the accompanying drawings. However, the purpose served by this disclosure is to provide examples of various features and concepts related to this disclosure, rather than to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that various changes and modifications can be made to the above examples without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A heat-insulating container, comprising: a tank body, the tank body comprising: an inner wall, the inner wall having a first end portion, the first end portion having a threaded side wall and an opening extending into an internal reservoir for receiving a liquid; an outer wall, the outer wall forming the outer shell of the tank body, the outer wall having a second end portion configured to support the tank body on a surface; a sealed vacuum cavity, the sealed vacuum cavity forming a heat-insulating double-wall structure between the inner wall and the outer wall; an opening regulator, the opening regulator further comprising: an external bottom threaded surface configured to be detachably coupled to the threaded side wall of the tank body and seal the opening of the tank body, the external bottom threaded surface including an upper gasket and a lower gasket configured to seal the opening of the tank body when the opening regulator is detachably coupled to the threaded side wall of the tank body; an external top threaded surface; a gripping ring spaced between the external top threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface; an internal threaded surface; and a top opening extending through the gripping ring; a plug-and-play structure configured to be inserted into the top opening of the opening regulator, the plug-and-play structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the plug-and-play structure further comprising: a sealed heat-insulating internal cavity spaced between the substantially cylindrical top portion and the substantially cylindrical bottom portion; a threaded outer surface configured to be detachably coupled to the internal threaded surface of the opening regulator; a handle rigidly coupled to the top portion; and a cap configured to be detachably coupled to the external top threaded surface of the opening regulator.

2. The heat-insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the plug-and-play structure further comprises a retaining tab flexibly coupled to a circular base surface of the bottom portion, wherein the retaining tab includes a longitudinal surface extending from the circular base surface and a radial surface extending outwardly away from the longitudinal surface.

3. The heat-insulating container according to claim 2, wherein, according to the heat-insulating container of claim 1, when the threaded outer surface of the plug-and-play structure disengages from the internal threaded surface of the opening regulator, the plug-and-play structure is partially detachable from the opening regulator, wherein the retaining tab is configured to limit the degree to which the plug-and-play structure can be detached from the opening regulator.

4. The heat-insulating container according to claim 3, wherein the retaining tab includes a flexure member configured to flex between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein when the plug-and-play structure is partially detached from the opening regulator, the retaining tab is in the expanded configuration and prevents the plug-and-play structure from being completely detached from the opening regulator.

5. The heat-insulating container according to claim 4, wherein once a manual detachment force is applied, the retaining tab compresses into the compressed configuration, and the plug-and-play structure is completely detached from the opening regulator.

6. The heat-insulating container according to claim 2, wherein the retaining tab includes three retaining tabs that are equally spaced circumferentially around the bottom portion of the plug-in structure.

7. The heat-insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the plug-in structure further includes an external channel that extends between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge along a substantially cylindrical bottom portion of the plug-in structure, wherein the external channel has an uneven depth and transitions from a first depth to a second depth that is less than the first depth along a channel transition region parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug-in structure.

8. The heat-insulating container according to claim 7, wherein the external channel includes three external channels that are equally spaced around the plug-in structure.

9. The heat-insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the heat-insulating inner cavity is filled with heat-insulating foam.

10. The heat-insulating container according to claim 1, wherein the heat-insulating inner cavity includes a vacuum cavity.

11. An opening regulator assembly, comprising: an opening regulator, the opening regulator further comprising: an external bottom threaded surface configured to removably couple to a threaded sidewall of a can body and seal an opening of the can body, the external bottom threaded surface including an upper gasket and a lower gasket configured to seal the opening of the can body when the opening regulator is removably coupled to the threaded sidewall of the can body; an external top threaded surface; a gripping ring spaced between the external top threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface; an internal threaded surface; and a top opening extending through the gripping ring; a plug-in structure configured to be inserted into the top opening of the opening regulator, the plug-in structure having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the plug-in structure further comprising: a sealed heat-insulating inner cavity spaced between the substantially cylindrical top portion and the substantially cylindrical bottom portion; a threaded outer surface configured to removably couple to the internal threaded surface of the opening regulator; a handle rigidly coupled to the top portion.

12. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 11, wherein the plug-in structure further includes a retaining tab that is flexibly coupled to a circular base surface of the bottom portion, wherein the retaining tab includes a longitudinal surface extending from the circular base surface and a radial surface extending outwardly away from the longitudinal surface.

13. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 12, wherein when the threaded outer surface of the plug-in structure disengages from the internal threaded surface of the opening regulator, the plug-in structure is partially removable from the opening regulator, and wherein the retaining tab is configured to limit the extent to which the plug-in structure can be removed from the opening regulator.

14. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 13, wherein the retaining tab includes a flexure member configured to flex between a compressed configuration and an expanded configuration, and wherein when the plug-and-play structure is partially disassembled from the opening regulator, the retaining tab is in the expanded configuration and prevents the plug-and-play structure from being completely disassembled from the opening regulator.

15. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 14, wherein once a manual detachment force is applied, the retaining tab compresses into the compressed configuration and the plug-and-play structure is completely disassembled from the opening regulator.

16. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 12, wherein the retaining tab includes three retaining tabs equally spaced circumferentially around the bottom portion of the plug-and-play structure.

17. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 11, wherein the plug-and-play structure further includes an external channel that extends between a channel top edge and a channel bottom edge along a substantially cylindrical bottom portion of the plug-and-play structure, wherein the external channel has an uneven depth and transitions from a first depth to a second depth less than the first depth along a channel transition region parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug-and-play structure.

18. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 17, wherein the external channel includes three external channels equally spaced around the plug-and-play structure.

19. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 11, wherein the heat-insulating internal cavity is filled with heat-insulating foam.

20. The opening regulator assembly according to claim 11, wherein the heat-insulating internal cavity includes a vacuum cavity.

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