Beverage container

Abstract

A beverage container (100) includes a container body (102) defining an interior and a female-threaded (128) opening. A straw body includes a base which includes a male-threaded lower feature and an upper connection feature. The male-threaded lower feature is engaged with the female-threaded opening of the container body. A straw engagement portion is projected from the base. A cap (104) includes a domed body which includes a mating connection feature for engaging with the upper connection feature of the base of the straw body (124).

Description

BEVERAGE CONTAINERCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 463,934, filed May 4, 2023, and United States Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 622,251, filed January 18, 2024, both entitled “BEVERAGE CONTAINER,” the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND

[0002] Drinking containers of various types are used to contain a liquid or beverage for drinking or using as needed. Some containers may include a drinking opening in a lid through which a beverage may be consumed, for example, by tilting the drinking container. Certain lids may enable access to the liquid via a straw inserted through a slit in the lid.SUMMARY

[0003] In an aspect, the technology relates to a beverage container including a container body defining an interior and a female-threaded opening, a straw body including a base including a male-threaded lower feature and an upper connection feature, wherein the male-threaded lower feature is engaged with the female-threaded opening of the container body, and a straw engagement portion projecting from the base, and a cap including a domed body including a mating connection feature for engaging with the upper connection feature of the base of the straw body. In an example, the base of the straw body includes a convex upper surface and wherein the straw engagement portion projects upward and downward from the convex upper surface, and wherein the straw body further includes a straw receiver projecting downward from the convex upper surface. In another example, the convex upper surface includes at least one drain. In yet another example, the beverage container further includes a straw topper removably coupled to the upwardly-projecting straw engagement portion, wherein an edge of the straw topper and the base define a gap therebetween. In still another example, the beverage container further includes a lanyard coupled at a first end to the base of the straw body and at a second end to a collar, wherein the collar is rotatably coupled to the cap.

[0004] In another aspect of the above aspect, the container body is insulated. In an example, the container body includes a sheathed upper portion. In another example, the sheathed upper portion defines at least one strap receiver. In yet another example, the beverage container further includes a strap coupled to the strap receiver. In still another example, the domed body includes a high-friction grip ring.

[0005] In another aspect, the technology relates to a container including an outer housing including a container base; an upper rim; and an outer perimeter wall connecting the container base with the upper rim, wherein the container base and the upper rim are aligned along a longitudinal axis; and wherein the outer perimeter wall includes a substantially non-uniform outer surface along the longitudinal axis; wherein a plurality of section planes are disposed along the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the plurality of section planes defines a non-round shape having a major axis and a minor axis; wherein the non-uniform outer surface is defined by a reference area of the outer perimeter wall, wherein the reference area is defined by a height of the outer perimeter wall from the container base to the upper rim and a width of the outer perimeter wall straddling the minor axis of each of the plurality of section planes; wherein a plurality of reference curvatures are disposed in the reference area at each of the plurality of section planes, and wherein the plurality of reference curvatures vary along substantially the entire longitudinal axis. In an example, the container further includes an inner housing disposed within and spaced apart from the outer housing. In another example, each of the plurality of section planes are substantially oval-shaped. In yet another example, each of the plurality of section planes defines a section plane area, wherein each section plane area of the plurality of section planes increases from a section plane closest to the container base to a section plane closest to the upper rim. In still another example, the plurality of section planes includes nine section planes.

[0006] In another aspect of the above aspect, the plurality of section planes are substantially evenly spaced within a tolerance of + / - 2 mm. In an example, the hollow container body includes at least one of aluminum, stainless steel, recycled stainless steel, spun stainless steel, and titanium, and having a nominal thickness of at least one of about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, and about 0.8 mm. In another example, the reference area includes a test area centered on a test location about 2 / 3 of the height of the outer perimeter wall from the container base. In yet another example, the test area is substantially square. In still another example, amaterial of test area is configured to withstand a normal force in a range of about 60 lbs. to 110 lbs. without undergoing a deflection thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary beverage container having a container body and a container cap, with the cap in a closed position, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 depicts a partial perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 1, with the cap in an open position, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a partial perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 1, with the cap in an open position, and including a straw topper, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 depicts a sectional partial perspective view of the beverage container of FIG. 3, with the cap in the closed position, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 is a front view of a container having an inner body and outer body, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.

[0012] FIGS. 6A-6C are views of a container, in accordance with examples of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] A beverage container (examples of which may be described as a reusable or disposable vessel, canteen, flask, or the like) is described herein. The beverage container includes a container body that may be insulated in certain examples. A straw body is secured to a mouth of the container body and may be coupled to a straw that extends down into an interior volume of the container body. A straw engagement portion extends upward from the straw body and may include a straw topper that may make drinking from the beverage container easier. Pressure applied to draw liquid from the container (e.g., during use of the straw engagement portion or the straw topper) may be relieved via a vent in the straw body. A cap is secured to the straw body or, in examples, to the container body, so as to protect the straw from damage or contact with dirt. The cap also seals the beverage container during movement thereof. Any liquid that may penetrate through the vent during movement of the beveragecontainer will be contained within the cap and will drain back down into the container interior. The cap may be coupled to the container body or straw body with a lanyard that prevents losing of the cap when removed from the container body. The beverage container may contain an outer body and an optional body (if an insulated beverage container is desirable). The outer body may have a non-round profde and may be configured (either by wall curvature, surface treatment, and / or material type / thickness) to resist defamation and damage. The depicted beverage container configurations include a number of these structural features, but any lesser number of structural features may be combined as required or desired for a particular application.

[0014] FIGS. 1-4 depict examples of two beverage container incorporating certain of the above features. FIGS. 1-4 are described concurrently and not every component described is depicted in every figure. The beverage container 100 has a container body 102 and a container cap 104. While the container 100 is described as being for liquids, the container 100 may be used for containing any other substances, materials, or items as required or desired.

[0015] The container body 102, which may be a hollow container body 102, has an upper end portion 106 with an opening such as, e.g., a female-threaded opening, an opposite lower end portion or base 108, and a middle portion 110 extending therebetween. The container body 102 defines an interior chamber 112 configured to hold liquids therein. The outermost extent of the container body 102 may be referred to as an outer housing 102a, while the interior chamber 112 is defined by an inner housing 102b. Between the outer housing 102a and the inner housing 102b may be an insulating void 115. A mouth of the upper end portion 106 is open for access to the interior chamber 112, and the lower end portion or base 108 is enclosed. The interior chamber 112 extends from the upper end portion 106 into the middle portion 110 and towards the lower end portion or base 108. The inner housing 102b may include an inner base that, for reference purposes, corresponds generally to base 108 (though spaced apart therefrom), and an upper connection feature 128, which may be male- or female- threaded so as to engage with a straw body 124, as described below.

[0016] In the example, the container body 102 has an oblong cross-sectional shape, with the upper end portion 106 having slightly wider dimensions than the lower end portion 108, though other container configurations (e.g., tapered, stepped, pitched, etc.) are contemplated. As illustrated, the container body 102 includes a sheathed upperportion 113, which may be overmolded onto or otherwise secured onto the container body 102. In examples, the container body 102 may be made of, or include, metal (such as stainless steel), glass, ceramics, hard plastics, any combination thereof, etc., while the sheathed upper portion 113 may be manufactured of, or include, resilient plastics, silicone, or other often softer materials that may alter the tactile feel and / or look of the container 100. The container body 102 is manufactured of a double-wall construction, so as to provide insulation for the liquids contained therein from a surrounding environment, although single-wall construction may also be used. The interior chamber 112 is surrounded in whole or in part by the insulating void 115, the presence of which either reduces or prevents heat loss from any liquid or substance held inside the interior chamber 112. The insulating properties of the insulating void 115 also helps keep cold liquids contained therein cold. The outer housing 102a may be include an outer perimeter surface 105, which may have an outer non-uniform shape over a length of a longitudinal axis “A” that extends from the base 108 to the upper end portion 106.

[0017] The sheathed upper portion 113, as well as the underlying container body 102 may define one or more strap receivers 116 for receiving a strap coupled thereto (not shown). For example, a strap receiver 116 may be or include a through portion 116a within the sheathed upper portion 113 of a shape and size sufficient to accommodate the strap. The shape of the through portion 116a forming the strap receiver 116 may be round, oval, square, rectangular, oblong, or the like. The strap enables the beverage container 100 to be worn over the shoulder or across the body of a user, or even carried by hand in a manner similar to a purse. The container cap 104 may be formed as a domed or otherwise shaped body 118 that may be textured for gripping (e.g., during screwing and unscrewing of the cap 104). In another example, the domed body 118 may have secured thereto a grip ring 120 that may be made of or include a high-friction material such as silicone, or that may have surface asperities, so as to aid in the grip and manipulation of the cap 104. The cap 104 may be retained with the container body 102 via, e.g., a lanyard or other connection feature 122.

[0018] A straw body 124 is secured to both the container body 102 and the container cap 104. On the container body 102 side, the straw body 124 includes a male-threaded lower feature 126 that may engage with a female-threaded feature 128 on the container body 102. Alternatively, the lower feature 126 may be a female-threaded lower featureand may engage with a male threaded feature 128 so that in other examples, the positions of the male- or female-threaded structures may be swapped. In another example, a bayonet, press-fit, or other type of mating structure may be utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 4, one or more resilient gaskets 130 may be used to both seal the connection between the interior chamber 112 and the straw body 124, as well as securely hold the straw body 124 to the interior chamber 112 as the container cap 104 is unscrewed from the straw body 124 (to allow for, e.g., drinking or otherwise removing a liquid or substance from the interior chamber 112). On the container cap 104 side, the straw body 124 includes an upper connection feature 132 that may engage with a mating connection feature 134 on the container cap 104, and a base 138. In examples, threaded connections, bayonet, press-fit, or other types of mating structures may be utilized. A gasket may be used to both seal the connection between the container cap103 and the straw body 124, but is not depicted.

[0019] The container cap 104 may be surrounded by and rotatably coupled to a collar 136 that is secured to the lanyard 122, the collar 136 being rotatably coupled to the container cap 104. The domed body 118 of the container cap 104 may have a mating connection feature for engaging with the upper connection feature 132 of the base 138 of the straw body 124. At an opposite end of the base 138, the lanyard 122 may be secured to the base 138 of the straw body 124. Thus, when rotating the container cap104 (to unscrew or screw the cap 104), the lanyard 122 may remain in a fixed location relative to the container body 102. In other examples, the lanyard 122 may be secured to a pair of collars, one for the container cap 104 and one for the container body 102.

[0020] The base 138 of the straw body 124 may include a convex upper surface, also referred to herein as a straw receiver 140 from which an axially-located (along longitudinal axis A) straw engagement portion 142 projects. The straw engagement portion 142 may project from the base 138 upward towards the cap 104, or downward towards the interior chamber 112. The straw receiver 140 is sized to receive a straw (not shown) that projects down into the interior chamber 112 from the convex upper surface or straw receiver 140. Thus, to use the beverage container, the straw engagement portion 142 may be coupled to the outside, inserted into the mouth of a user, and a vacuum force created via suction from the user, may be applied so as to draw liquid from the interior chamber 112 and into the mouth of the user. Negative pressure generated within the interior chamber 112 is relieved via one or more vents145 in the straw body 124, e.g., disposed around the straw engagement portion 142. The vents 145 may also constitute a drain for any liquid that may enter the volume disposed below the cap 104 (e.g., due to the beverage container 100 tipping on its side). Accordingly, the convex upper surface or straw receiver 140 may include at least one drain 145.

[0021] FIGS. 3 and 4 depict an example of the beverage container 100 that utilizes an optional straw topper 144 that may be used to cover the straw engagement portion 142. The straw topper 144 may take on any number of predetermined form factors (e.g., oblong, circular, etc.) that may make drawing liquid from the beverage container 100 easier or more desirable. In the event a straw topper 144 is utilized, a gap 146 may be present between the straw topper 144 and the straw body 124, so as to enable the venting / draining functionality described above with respect to the vents 145 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 4. The straw topper 144 may be removably coupled to the upwardly- projecting straw engagement portion 142, wherein an edge of the straw topper 144 and the base 138 may define the gap 146 therebetween.

[0022] Beverage containers including one or more of the components described above may be constructed with certain additional structural features that increase durability, performance, and user engagement. Such features may reduce or eliminate damage to the exterior of the container, so as to maintain aesthetics and / or insulative performance of the container. Damage in the form of surface dents detracts from the visual appeal of the container, at a minimum. Significant dents may cause the inner and outer housings to contact each other, thereby reducing the insulative properties of the container. Very significant dents may result in the failure of the container housing. While maintaining a smooth outer surface of the container is desirable, this may make gripping of the container difficult, e.g., during opening and closing of the cap. As such, surface textures disposed at certain locations may improve user engagement while still maintaining desirable aesthetics. FIGS. 5-6C below describe in more detail these structural features that improve durability, performance, and user engagement. As these features are primarily relevant to exterior surfaces of a beverage container, they are described in the context of another embodiment of beverage container 500 having a similar form factor of the beverage container 100 depicted above in FIGS. 1-4. The beverage container 500 may include any of the features also described above with regard to beverage containers 100, even if those features are not depicted in FIGS. 5-6C. Such features may include, but are not limited to, e.g., a straw engagement portion (142 in FIGS. 1-4), vents or drains (145 in FIGS. 1-4), strap receiver (116 in FIGS. 1- 4), etc. Conversely, features depicted only in FIGS. 5-6C, such as the surface textures, the wall curvatures, etc., may be incorporated into the beverage container 100 depicted in FIG. 1-4. Certain features originally described above in FIGS. 1-4 and also described in FIGS. 5-6C below are for illustrative purposes and to provide context for the further features and structural elements described below.

[0023] FIG. 5 is a front view of a container 500, in accordance with examples of the disclosure and are described concurrently. The container 500 includes a top portion 501 and a body portion 502. Removably secured to the top portion 501 may be a cap 504 and a lanyard 522 to prevent loss of the cap 504 once unsecured. Both the cap 504 and the lanyard 522 are atop a sheathed upper portion 513 of the beverage container 500 that forms the top portion 501.

[0024] The body portion 502 includes an upper rim 506, a middle portion 510, and a lower end portion or base 508. The body portion 502 includes an outer housing 502a that an outer perimeter surface 505. The outer housing 502a connects the container base 508 with the upper rim 506, which are aligned along longitudinal axis A. An outer perimeter surface or wall 505 comprises a substantially non-uniform outer surface about and along the longitudinal axis A. The outer perimeter wall 505 of the outer housing 502a may include a textured pattern 530 thereon, which may help a user more easily grip what otherwise may be the smooth outer wall 505. The textured pattern may be raised from or etched into the outer wall 505, or printed flat thereon with high friction paint. Another textured pattern 532 may be present on the upper portion 513.

[0025] FIGS. 6A-6C depict various views of another beverage container 600 and are described first concurrently. In general, the beverage container 600 includes a top portion 601 and a body portion 602. The body portion 602 terminates at an upper rim 606 and a base 608 at an opposite end. A plurality of imaginary section planes P1-P9, e.g., nine section planes, are disposed orthogonally to and along the longitudinal axis A, and each of the plurality of section planes P1-P9 defines a non-round shape having a major axis M and a minor axis m perpendicular to the major axis M on the same section plane P. Section plane Pl is generally at or proximate the base 608, while section plane P9 is at or proximate the upper rim 606.

[0026] In examples of beverage containers, each of the plurality of section planes Pl- P9 may be substantially oval shaped or some non-uniform, non-round shape. The plurality of section planes P1-P9 may be substantially evenly spaced within a tolerance of + / - 2 nun. In the depicted example, section planes P1-P8 are separated by about 20 mm, while section planes P8 and P9 are separated by about 18 mm, though other spacings are contemplated. A non-uniform (e.g., truncated oval, oval, oblong, etc.) outer wall 605 at each section plane P defines a section plane area. In examples, the section plane areas increase in size from P1-P9. This increase may be linear or nonlinear. The outer perimeter wall 605 at least partially defines a reference area 609, which is defined by a height of the outer perimeter wall 605 from the container base 608 to the upper rim 606 and a width w of the outer perimeter wall 605 straddling the minor axis m of each of the plurality of section planes P1-P9. The reference area 609 may include a test area 603 centered on a test location 603a about 2 / 3 of the height of the outer perimeter wall 605 from the container base 608. In the depicted container, this places the test location 603a substantially on section plane P6. In some examples, the test area 603 may be substantially square, round, or some other shape.

[0027] The material of the container 600 may be formed of or include a material configured to withstand a force applied perpendicularly to a surface of the test area 603 in a range of about 60 lbs. to 110 lbs., without undergoing a deflection. As the average human being can squeeze an object with a pressure of 20 to 50 PSI, the test area 603, or the reference area 609 more generally, may be configured so that a handgrip force, or pressure, in the range of a typical human grip strength results in substantially no deflection thereof. Such materials may include, for example, aluminum, stainless steel, recycled stainless steel, spun stainless steel, or titanium, having a nominal thickness of about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, or about 0.8 mm. Similar materials may be used for both the outer housing 602a and the inner housing 602b, though thicknesses of material used for the latter may be thinner, as that component is less susceptible to damage.

[0028] In more detail, FIG. 6A depicts the plurality of section planes P1-P9 extending along a length of the container 600, the section planes P1-P9 having cross-sections of the container 600 of varying radii or sizes along the longitudinal axis A. The container body 602 is a double-wall hollow container body that includes an outer housing 602a having a container base 608, a perimeter wall 605, and an upper rim 606. Given thevariation in section plane P areas, this may result in the container 600 having an inverted frustoconical shape, or another shape where a higher section plane P has a larger size (measured, e.g., as area) than a lower section plane P. The perimeter wall 605 may be inclined at an angle a formed between an edge of the container base 608 and an edge of the upper rim 606. The outer perimeter wall 605 connects the container base 608 with the upper rim 606 along the longitudinal axis A. In various examples, the outer perimeter wall 605 has an outer non-uniform shape over the length of the longitudinal axis A.

[0029] As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the interior chamber 612, is defined by an inner housing 602b and has an inside base 607. The inner housing 602b is disposed within the outer housing 602a of hollow container body 602, so as to be spaced apart from base 608 to maintain insulative properties. The inner housing 602b and the outer housing 602a defines an insulating void or space 615 therebetween. The inner housing 602b may also be inclined at an angle (not shown) from the container base 608 towards the upper rim 606, which may be the same as the angle a of the outer housing 602a illustrated in FIG. 6A. The space or insulating void 615 may include a vacuum (e.g., a pressure at or below atmosphere) therein to ensure thermal insulation of the interior chamber 612 so as to reduce, or prevent, thermal dissipation between any liquid held in the interior chamber 612 and an outside of the container 600. The space or insulating void 615 may have a uniform thickness along the longitudinal axis A, or may vary by some amount. In general, it is desirable that spacing between the inner housing 602b and outer housing 602a is maintained at all locations to prevent thermal transfer.

[0030] The outer non-uniform shape of the outer housing 602a and the inner housing 602b is illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B as non-round. The outer non-uniform shape of the outer housing 602a may have a narrowing shape extending from the upper rim 606 to the container base 608. The inner non-uniform shape of the inner housing 602b may also have a narrowing shape extending from the upper rim 606 to the inside base 607.

[0031] FIG. 6C depicts an example of the section plane P8, to illustrate the various radii of the outer housing 602a and the inner housing 602b. More specifically, the radii define reference curvatures of the outer perimeter surface 605 at the reference area 609 for each of the section planes P1-P9. It has been determined through testing that containers constructed consistent with such reference curvatures are particularly resistant to deformation. As noted above, the reference area 609 is defined in part by awidth w of the outer perimeter wall 605 that straddles the minor axis m. The reference curvature at each section plane P1-P9 is depicted in Table 1, below. Additionally, a reference curvature of the corresponding inner housing 602b is also depicted in Table 1. However, given that the inner housing 602b is rarely subjected to significant forces, the inner reference curvatures are less critical to resist deformation.Table 1

[0032] In the above Table 1, the reference curvatures of each section plane P1-P9 are illustrated. The example reference curvatures indicated above show the non-uniform nature of the outer perimeter wall 605 of the hollow container body 602. Because the inner housing 602b is above section plane Pl no inner reference curvature is available. Similarly, since the topmost section plane P9 is higher than an upper portion of the inner housing 602b, no inner reference curvature is available.

[0033] This disclosure describes some examples of the present technology with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which only some of the possible examples were shown. Other aspects can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein. Rather, these examples were provided so that this disclosure was thorough and complete and fullyconveyed the scope of the possible examples to those skilled in the art. Any number of the features of the different examples described herein may be combined into one single example and alternate examples having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Further, as used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one of element A, element B, or element C” is intended to convey any of: element A, element B, element C, elements A and B, elements A and C, elements B and C, and elements A, B, and C. It is to be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Further, one having skill in the art will understand the degree to which terms such as “about” or “substantially” convey in light of the measurement techniques utilized herein. To the extent such terms may not be clearly defined or understood by one having skill in the art, the terms such as “about” or “substantially” shall mean plus or minus ten percent.

[0034] Although specific aspects were described herein, the scope of the technology is not limited to those specific aspects. One skilled in the art will recognize other aspects or improvements that are within the scope of the present technology. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or operations are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein. Therefore, the specific structure, acts, or operations are disclosed only as illustrative aspects. The scope of the technology is defined by the following claims and any equivalents therein. Examples of the disclosure may be described according to the following aspects.

[0035] Aspect 1. A beverage container comprising: a container body defining an interior and a female-threaded opening; a straw body comprising: a base comprising a male-threaded lower feature and an upper connection feature, wherein the male- threaded lower feature is engaged with the female-threaded opening of the container body; and a straw engagement portion projecting from the base; and a cap comprising a domed body comprising a mating connection feature for engaging with the upper connection feature of the base of the straw body.

[0036] Aspect 2. The beverage container of aspect 1 , wherein the base of the straw body comprises a convex upper surface and wherein the straw engagement portionprojects upward and downward from the convex upper surface, and wherein the straw body further comprises a straw receiver projecting downward from the convex upper surface.

[0037] Aspect 3. The beverage container of aspect 2, wherein the convex upper surface comprises at least one drain.

[0038] Aspect 4. The beverage container of any of aspects 1-3, further comprising a straw topper removably coupled to the upwardly-projecting straw engagement portion, wherein an edge of the straw topper and the base define a gap therebetween.

[0039] Aspect 5. The beverage container of any of aspects 1-4, further comprising a lanyard coupled at a first end to the base of the straw body and at a second end to a collar, wherein the collar is rotatably coupled to the cap.

[0040] Aspect 6. The beverage container of any of aspects 1-5, wherein the container body is insulated.

[0041] Aspect 7. The beverage container of any of aspects 1-6, wherein the container body comprises a sheathed upper.

[0042] Aspect 8. The beverage container of aspect 7, wherein the sheathed upper defines at least one strap receiver.

[0043] Aspect 9. The beverage container of aspect 8, further comprising a strap coupled to the strap receiver.

[0044] Aspect 10. The beverage container of any of aspects 1-9, wherein the domed body comprises a high-friction grip ring.

[0045] Aspect 11. A container comprising: an outer housing comprising: a container base; an upper rim; and an outer perimeter wall connecting the container base with the upper rim, wherein the container base and the upper rim are aligned along a longitudinal axis; and wherein the outer perimeter wall comprises a substantially non- uniform outer surface along the longitudinal axis; wherein a plurality of section planes are disposed along the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the plurality of section planes defines a non-round shape having a major axis and a minor axis; wherein the non- uniform outer surface is defined by a reference area of the outer perimeter wall, wherein the reference area is defined by a height of the outer perimeter wall from the container base to the upper rim and a width of the outer perimeter wall straddling the minor axis of each of the plurality of section planes; wherein a plurality of reference curvatures are disposed in the reference area at each of the plurality of section planes,and wherein the plurality of reference curvatures vary along substantially the entire longitudinal axis.

[0046] Aspect 12. The container of aspect 11, further comprising an inner housing disposed within and spaced apart from the outer housing.

[0047] Aspect 13. The container of any of aspects 11-12, wherein each of the plurality of section planes are substantially oval-shaped.

[0048] Aspect 14. The container of any of aspects 11-13, wherein each of the plurality of section planes defines a section plane area, wherein each section plane area of the plurality of section planes increases from a section plane closest to the container base to a section plane closest to the upper rim.

[0049] Aspect 15. The container of any of aspects 11-14, wherein the plurality of section planes comprise nine section planes.

[0050] Aspect 16. The container of aspect 15, wherein the plurality of section planes are substantially evenly spaced within a tolerance of + / - 2 mm.

[0051] Aspect 17. The container of any of aspects 11-16, wherein the hollow container body comprises at least one of aluminum, stainless steel, recycled stainless steel, spun stainless steel, and titanium, and having a nominal thickness of at least one of about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, and about 0.8 mm.

[0052] Aspect 18. The container of any of aspects 11-17, wherein the reference area comprises a test area centered on a test location about 2 / 3 of the height of the outer perimeter wall from the container base.

[0053] Aspect 19. The container of aspect 18, wherein the test area is substantially square.

[0054] Aspect 20. The container of any of aspects 18-19, wherein a material of test area is configured to withstand a normal force in a range of about 60 lbs to 110 lbs without undergoing a deflection thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A beverage container comprising: a container body defining an interior and a female-threaded opening; a straw body comprising: a base comprising a male-threaded lower feature and an upper connection feature, wherein the male-threaded lower feature is engaged with the female-threaded opening of the container body; and a straw engagement portion projecting from the base; and a cap comprising a domed body comprising a mating connection feature for engaging with the upper connection feature of the base of the straw body.

2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the base of the straw body comprises a convex upper surface and wherein the straw engagement portion projects upward and downward from the convex upper surface, and wherein the straw body further comprises a straw receiver projecting downward from the convex upper surface.

3. The beverage container of claim 2, wherein the convex upper surface comprises at least one drain.

4. The beverage container of any of claims 1-3, further comprising a straw topper removably coupled to the upwardly-projecting straw engagement portion, wherein an edge of the straw topper and the base define a gap therebetween.

5. The beverage container of any of claims 1-4, further comprising a lanyard coupled at a first end to the base of the straw body and at a second end to a collar, wherein the collar is rotatably coupled to the cap.

6. The beverage container of any of claims 1-5, wherein the container body is insulated.

7. The beverage container of any of claims 1 -6, wherein the container body comprises a sheathed upper.

8. The beverage container of claim 7, wherein the sheathed upper defines at least one strap receiver.

9. The beverage container of claim 8, further comprising a strap coupled to the strap receiver.

10. The beverage container of any of claims 1 -9, wherein the domed body comprises a high-friction grip ring.

11. A container comprising: an outer housing comprising: a container base; an upper rim; and an outer perimeter wall connecting the container base with the upper rim, wherein the container base and the upper rim are aligned along a longitudinal axis; and wherein the outer perimeter wall comprises a substantially non- uniform outer surface along the longitudinal axis; wherein a plurality of section planes are disposed along the longitudinal axis, wherein each of the plurality of section planes defines a non-round shape having a major axis and a minor axis; wherein the non-uniform outer surface is defined by a reference area of the outer perimeter wall, wherein the reference area is defined by a height of the outer perimeter wall from the container base to the upper rim and a width of the outer perimeter wall straddling the minor axis of each of the plurality of section planes; wherein a plurality of reference curvatures are disposed in the reference area at each of the plurality of section planes, and wherein the plurality of reference curvatures vary along substantially the entire longitudinal axis.

12. The container of claim 11 , further comprising an inner housing disposed within and spaced apart from the outer housing.

13. The container of any of claims 11-12, wherein each of the plurality of section planes are substantially oval-shaped.

14. The container of any of claims 11-13, wherein each of the plurality of section planes defines a section plane area, wherein each section plane area of the plurality of section planes increases from a section plane closest to the container base to a section plane closest to the upper rim.

15. The container of any of claims 11-14, wherein the plurality of section planes comprise nine section planes.

16. The container of claim 15, wherein the plurality of section planes are substantially evenly spaced within a tolerance of + / - 2 mm.

17. The container of any of claims 11-16, wherein the hollow container body comprises at least one of aluminum, stainless steel, recycled stainless steel, spun stainless steel, and titanium, and having a nominal thickness of at least one of about 0.3 mm, about 0.4 mm, about 0.5 mm, about 0.6 mm, about 0.7 mm, and about 0.8 mm.

18. The container of any of claims 11-17, wherein the reference area comprises a test area centered on a test location about 2 / 3 of the height of the outer perimeter wall from the container base.

19. The container of claim 18, wherein the test area is substantially square.

20. The container of any of claims 18-19, wherein a material of test area is configured to withstand a normal force in a range of about 60 lbs. to 110 lbs. without undergoing a deflection thereof.

Images