Beverage container with a telescoping band

Abstract

A beverage container may have: a can for containing liquid; a lid; and a strap for holding the beverage container. The strap is extendable between a retractable housing configuration and a withdrawable use configuration. For example, the strap may be biased toward a position within the housing by a biasing member such as a coil spring. The housing may be integrally formed with the can, permanently attached, or removably attached.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Beverage containers, especially insulated beverage containers with lids, are used for convenient carrying of beverages while jogging, walking, or traveling by car or plane. Most traditional beverage containers must be held in the hand, thus occupying one hand and preventing other activities. Embodiments of beverage containers include handles or straps that can extend into a use configuration or retract into a storage configuration. Background Technology

[0002] Beverage container carrying devices are designed to provide a way to carry beverage containers without using your hands. Many different types of devices exist to assist in carrying beverage containers, including, for example, handles, belts, backpacks, and chest carriers.

[0003] U.S. Patent No. 4,754,903 discloses a carrying device designed to cross over a person's shoulders and wrap around their neck to support a beverage container near the user's chest, thereby freeing up the hands for other purposes. U.S. Patent No. 5,060,835 describes a belt for attaching a beverage container to a user's waist to support the container when not in use.

[0004] The aforementioned carrying devices are inconvenient and require separate support devices. Therefore, there is a need for a beverage container that includes a convenient self-carrying system. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Beverage containers for carrying beverages are widely used, for example, when jogging, walking, or traveling by car or plane. Embodiments of beverage containers may include cans for containing liquids, and in some embodiments include lids for sealing the cans. Beverage containers may be flat-bottomed wine glasses, cups, insulated beverage containers, beverage insulation sleeves for containers (such as koozies or other insulation sleeves), or other beverage containers. Embodiments of beverage containers may also include a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes a retractable strap that can be, for example, held directly by the user, formed to loop over the shoulder, as a belt, worn diagonally across the chest, or hung on a stroller or other object.

[0006] Embodiments of the strap assembly include a housing with an outlet port, through which the strap extends from the interior of the housing. The strap may include a strap connector for attachment to a beverage container or other object to form a carrying loop for user use, or for attachment to another object such as a stroller. The strap connector may be attached to a container connector, surrounding a portion of the container, or otherwise attached to another part of the can or container. The strap is movable between a use configuration and a storage configuration via the outlet port, in which at least a portion of the strap extends outward from the interior of the housing through the outlet port to form a handle; and in the storage configuration, at least a portion of the strap retracts into the housing. Thus, when not needed, the strap does not interfere with the use of the beverage container, and there is no need to carry, wear, or attach the beverage container to another object. In some embodiments, the strap is biased toward the storage configuration by a biasing member. The biasing member may be, for example, a coil spring. In other embodiments, the strap may be manually wound onto a reel inside or outside the housing.

[0007] In some embodiments, the strap assembly can be reversibly attached to a can or beverage container, allowing the can to be used with or without the strap assembly. The strap assembly can be reversibly attached via any connection method capable of attaching, disconnecting, and reattaching without damaging the beverage container or the strap assembly. In other embodiments, the strap assembly can be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the can or beverage container. In other embodiments, the strap assembly can be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the lid of the can. The strap assembly can be reversibly attached to the can, beverage container, or lid via at least one of the following: threaded connection, magnetic connection, friction fit connection, offset button and orifice connector, snap-fit ​​connector, quick connector, and torsion lock connector.

[0008] The belt assembly may also include a lock that restricts the belt from moving against a biasing force of a biasing member. The lock is movably disposed within the housing and operates to selectively prevent belt retraction by selectively engaging with the belt. The lock may be automatically or manually operated. The lock can engage when the belt is extended to different lengths, allowing the belt to have multiple usage configurations, and the lock is configured to prevent belt retraction in each usage configuration.

[0009] The connector can be configured to reversibly or permanently connect to, for example, containers, cans, container connectors on containers, connectors on caps, and / or connect to the top of bottles via a ring.

[0010] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and readily understood, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention may also be practiced in many other ways besides those described herein, and similar modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0011] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention.

[0012] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "attachment," "fixed," "removably," and "permanently," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "holding" can refer to both fixed and detachable connections. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0013] Various aspects of the beverage container are presented in multiple embodiments, but those skilled in the art will understand that there are various variations and interchangeability of components in the various embodiments, all of which are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 An embodiment of a beverage container is depicted, which includes a can and a belt assembly integrally or permanently joined together; Figure 1A An embodiment of a biasing member is depicted, which provides a biasing force on the strip toward the receiving structure; Figure 2 An embodiment of a beverage container is depicted, the beverage container including a can with a lid, the lid including a strap component; Figure 3 An embodiment of a beverage container is depicted, the beverage container including a can, a belt assembly removably connected to the can, and a container connector attached to a lid; Figure 4 An embodiment of a beverage container is depicted, the beverage container including a threaded removable connection between a can (external thread) and a belt assembly (internal thread); Figure 5 A snap-on removable connector between a can and a belt assembly is depicted, the connector including a rib on a male extension extending from the can and a groove on a female portion of the belt assembly; Figure 6 A magnetically removable connector between a can and a belt assembly is depicted, the connector including a magnet disposed on one of a male extension extending from the can and a female portion of the belt assembly; and Figure 7 An embodiment is described with components permanently connected to the can and connectors permanently attached to the can. Detailed Implementation

[0015] People widely use beverage containers, for example, when jogging, walking, or traveling by car or plane. However, traditional beverage containers require users to hold the container in their hands or use belts, backpacks, or other devices attached to the body to carry it. Embodiments of beverage containers include easy-to-use straps that can reversibly move from a storage configuration within the housing to a usage configuration.

[0016] Embodiments of beverage containers include cans for containing liquids, and in some embodiments, a lid is included to reduce liquid spillage. In other embodiments, the beverage container includes an insulated sleeve for holding the liquid can or bottle. Thus, the beverage container can be a flat-bottomed wine glass, a cup, an insulated beverage container, a beverage insulated sleeve (such as a can sleeve), or other beverage containers. Embodiments of beverage containers may also include a strap assembly. The strap assembly includes a retractable strap that can be, for example, held directly by a user, formed to be worn around the shoulder, worn as a belt, slung across the chest, or hung on clothing, a stroller, or other object.

[0017] Embodiments of the strap assembly include a housing having an outlet port through which the strap extends. As described above, the strap may include a strap connector for attaching to a beverage container to form a carrying loop for user use, or for attaching to another object. The strap is movable between a use configuration and a storage configuration via the outlet port, in which at least a portion of the strap extends outward from inside the housing through the outlet port to expose more of the carrying strap; and in the storage configuration, at least a portion of the strap retracts into the housing. The strap can be retracted, for example, by winding it onto a spool. This way, when not needed, the strap does not interfere with the use of the beverage container, and the user does not need to carry, wear, or attach to another object to assist in carrying the beverage container. In some embodiments, the strap is biased toward the storage configuration by a biasing member. The biasing member may be, for example, a coil spring. When the strap retracts, the coil spring is tightened, thereby creating a biasing force on the strap toward the storage configuration.

[0018] In some embodiments, the strap assembly can be reversibly attached to the can, allowing the can to be used with or without the strap assembly. The strap assembly can be reversibly attached via any connection method capable of attaching, disconnecting, and reattaching without damaging the beverage container. In other embodiments, the strap assembly can be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the can. In other embodiments, the strap assembly can be permanently attached to or integrally formed with the can's lid. The strap assembly can be reversibly attached to the can or lid via at least one of, for example, threaded connection, magnetic connection, friction fit connection, bias button and orifice connector, snap-fit, quick connector, and torsion lock connector.

[0019] The belt assembly may also include a lock that restricts movement of the belt to hold the belt in a use configuration against a biasing force of a biasing member. The lock is movably disposed within the housing and operates to selectively prevent belt retraction by selectively engaging with the belt. The lock can engage when the belt is extended to any length, such that the belt can have multiple use configurations, and the lock is configured to prevent belt retraction in each use configuration. Such a lock and restricting member are known in the art.

[0020] The tape connector can be configured to reversibly or permanently connect to, for example, a container connector on a container, a connector on a cap, and / or the top of a bottle. The container connector can be configured to connect to the tape connector. The tape connector can be reversibly or permanently connected to the container connector.

[0021] Figure 1 An embodiment of a beverage container 10 including a strap assembly is depicted. This embodiment of the beverage container 10 includes a can 11 defining a reservoir for receiving liquid; and a lid 15 having a drinking spout. The embodiment also includes a strap assembly comprising a retractable strap 12, which can be used for convenient carrying of the beverage container 10 and for storing the strap 12. The shown strap assembly includes a housing 17 defining an outlet port 16. The strap assembly is configured such that the strap is movable between a use configuration and a storage configuration, in which at least a portion of the strap extends outward from inside the housing through the outlet port to form a handle; and in the storage configuration, at least a portion of the strap retracts into the housing.

[0022] With a coil spring 30 (e.g.) Figure 1A (As shown) The bias is for a retracted or concealed construction. Figure 1A In this configuration, the biasing member is a helical spring, but other biasing members, such as elastic members, may also be used. The biasing member is configured to bias the belt toward the retracted configuration. The locking member 14 is configured to prevent the belt 12 from retracting against the biasing force provided by the helical spring 30. The locking member can provide sufficient friction to hold the belt in the extended or used configuration, or otherwise lock the rotation of the belt in the used configuration, as known in the art. These locks are used on retractable measuring tapes and retractable ropes.

[0023] The strap 12 can be connected to the strap connector 13. The strap connector 13 is configured to connect to another connector or object. In this embodiment, the size of the strap connector 13 can also be set relative to the size of the outlet port 16 to prevent the strap and strap connector from being completely retracted into the housing 17 through the outlet port 16. The strap connector 13 can be reversibly connected to the container connector 18 to form a loop with the strap 12 in a usage configuration. Embodiments of the beverage container 10 also define a recess configured to receive the strap connector 13.

[0024] Figure 2 An embodiment of a beverage container 10 is depicted, the beverage container 10 including a strap assembly coupled to a lid 15 of a can 11. The lid 15 includes a housing 17, a retractable strap 12, and a strap connector 13. A biasing member ( Figure 2 (Not shown) is connected within the housing 17. As in other embodiments, the strap assembly may include a locking assembly 14. In this embodiment, the container connector 18 is connected to the can 11. Both the lid 15 and the strap assembly are reversibly connected to the can 11.

[0025] In any embodiment, the belt assembly can be reversibly connected to the can. For example, the belt assembly can be connected to the bottom, top, middle, side, or other part of the can. In such embodiments, the belt assembly can be reversibly connected to the can or lid via at least one of, for example, threaded connection, magnetic connection, friction fit connection, bias button and orifice connector, snap connector, quick connector, torsion lock connector, and other reversible connections.

[0026] The can is defined with an inlet located at the top of the can for receiving liquid flowing into the reservoir, and the container may include a cap for closing the inlet.

[0027] The belt assembly includes a lock movably disposed within the housing and operated to selectively prevent belt retraction by selectively engaging with the belt. The lock is configured to restrict the belt in a usage configuration. The belt can be restricted or locked in multiple usage configurations, and the lock is configured to prevent belt retraction in each usage configuration.

[0028] Figure 3 and Figure 4 An embodiment of a beverage container with a removable strap assembly is depicted. In this embodiment, the can 11 includes a male threaded connector 20. The strap assembly includes a female threaded connector 21 located on the inner surface of the housing 17. Figure 3 The illustration depicts a strap assembly connected to a can 11, wherein a strap 12 is withdrawn from a storage configuration to a use configuration, in which a strap connector 13 is connected to a can connector 14. In this use configuration, the strap 12 forms a loop that can be used by a user to sling the beverage container over their shoulder, around their neck, in their hand, or otherwise carry it.

[0029] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the beverage container is depicted, wherein the strap assembly is reversibly connected via a snap-fit ​​connector. In this embodiment, the can 11 includes a male connector 22 having a rib 24B, and the strap assembly includes a female connector 23 having a circumferential groove 24A for receiving the rib 24B to retain the strap assembly connected to the can 11. Figure 5 It depicts the strap 12 being partially pulled out from the storage structure to the use structure, so that it can be attached to a stroller or other object.

[0030] Figure 6 Another embodiment of the beverage container is depicted, wherein the strap assembly is reversibly connected via a magnetic connector. In this embodiment, the can 11 includes a male connector 22 having a magnet 24B, wherein the male connector 22 is received within a female connector 23, the female connector 23 including another magnet or magnetic material 24B. In other embodiments, the configuration of the magnet / magnetic material can be interchanged.

[0031] Figure 7 Another embodiment of the beverage container is depicted, wherein a strap assembly is permanently connected to the can 11. In this embodiment, a strap connector 13 is permanently connected to a container connector 14.

[0032] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the illustrative examples described above, and that the invention may be practiced in other specific forms without departing from its essential nature. Therefore, these embodiments and examples are to be regarded in all respects as illustrative rather than restrictive, and reference should be made to the appended claims rather than the foregoing description; and thus, all variations falling within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims are intended to be included therein.

Claims

1. A container comprising: A tank, defined as a reservoir for receiving liquids; as well as A strip component, wherein the strip component includes: A housing that defines an outlet port; A belt, including a belt connector, wherein the belt is movable between a use configuration and a storage configuration, wherein in the use configuration, at least a portion of the belt extends outward from inside the housing through the outlet port to form a handle; and in the storage configuration, at least a portion of the belt retracts into the housing; and A biasing member configured to bias the band toward the retracted structure.

2. The container of claim 1, wherein, The can is an insulated beverage container.

3. The container of claim 1, wherein, The belt assembly is reversibly connected to the tank.

4. The container according to claim 3, wherein, The belt assembly is reversibly connected to the bottom of the tank.

5. The container according to claim 3, wherein, The belt assembly is reversibly connected to the tank via at least one of the following: threaded connection, magnetic connection, friction fit connection, offset button and orifice connector, snap connector, quick connector, and torsion lock connector.

6. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The can is defined with an inlet located at the top of the can for receiving liquid flowing into the reservoir, and the container includes a cap for closing the inlet.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein, The belt assembly is connected to the lid of the can.

8. The container according to claim 6, wherein, The belt assembly is connected to the tank.

9. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The biasing component is a helical spring.

10. The container according to claim 1, wherein, The belt assembly includes a lock movably disposed within the housing and operable to selectively prevent the belt from retracting by selectively engaging with the belt.

11. The container according to claim 10, wherein, The band includes multiple usage configurations, and the lock is configured to prevent the band from retracting in each usage configuration.

12. The container according to claim 1, wherein, In the storage structure, the belt is partially wound around the helical spring.

13. The container of claim 1, further comprising a container connector configured to connect to the strap connector.

14. The container according to claim 13, wherein, The connector is reversibly connected to the container connector.

15. The container according to claim 14, wherein, The container is permanently connected to the container connector.

16. A method of using a strap for a beverage container, comprising: Pull the strap out of the storage structure inside the housing; The belt is locked in the withdrawable use configuration; as well as The beverage container is carried by the belt.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Pulling out the belt involves overcoming the bias member by pulling the belt.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The biasing component is a helical spring.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The housing is reversibly connected to the beverage container.

Images