Container and method for forming the container

Abstract

To provide an improved drink container used for drinkable beverages or foods.SOLUTION: An insulating container can be configured to retain a volume of liquid, and include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end having an opening extending into an internal reservoir, and a second outer wall forming an outer shell. The opening can be sealed with a spout adapter, the spout adapter having a spout channel extending between the internal reservoir and a spout opening, smaller than the opening of the canister. The spout opening may be sealed with a cap having a magnetic top surface, and the spout adapter may be further removably coupled to a lid that may be used as a cup into which the liquid can be poured.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) 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. The contents of these applications are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for all non - limiting purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure herein generally relates to containers, and more specifically to beverage containers for use with drinking beverages or foods.

Background Art

[0003] Containers can be configured to hold a certain quantity of liquid. The containers can be filled with warm or cold drinking liquids such as water, coffee, tea, soft drinks, or alcoholic beverages such as beer. These containers can be formed with a double - wall vacuum - formed structure to provide insulating properties that help maintain the temperature of the liquid inside the container.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] This summary is provided to introduce, in a simplified form, a selection of concepts that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] In certain examples, an insulated container can be configured to hold a certain quantity of liquid. The insulated container can include a canister having a first inner wall with an opening extending into an internal storage portion for containing the liquid, and a second outer wall and a bottom that can form an outer shell of the canister. The bottom can be configured to form a second end for supporting the canister on a surface.

[0006] The insulated container may include a spout adapter configured to seal the opening of the canister and provide a resealable spout opening narrower than the opening of the canister, thereby making it easier and more controllable to pour the contents of the internal storage section of the canister into another container. In one example, the other container may be a cup formed as a lid that is removably coupled to the top of the spout adapter. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] This disclosure is provided as an example, and similar reference numerals in the accompanying drawings indicate, but are not limited to, similar elements.

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of one or more embodiments of an insulated container described herein.

[0009] [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows another isometric view of the insulated container in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0010] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows further isometric views of the insulated container in Figure 1 according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0011] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the insulated container in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0012] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a more detailed isometric view of the top of a spout adapter according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0013] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a more detailed isometric view of the bottom of the spout adapter according to one or more embodiments described herein.

[0014] [Figure 7] Figure 7 schematically shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the pouring spout adapter according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0015] [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of a cap according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0016] [Figure 9] Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the heat-insulating container in FIG. 1 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0017] [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows the steps of the molding process of the pouring spout adapter 104 according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows the steps of the molding process of the pouring spout adapter 104 according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C shows the steps of the molding process of the pouring spout adapter 104 according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 10D] Figure 10D shows the steps of the molding process of the pouring spout adapter 104 according to one or more aspects described herein. [Figure 10E] Figure 10E shows the steps of the molding process of the pouring spout adapter 104 according to one or more aspects described herein. [[ID=3�]] [Figure 10F] Figure 10F shows the steps of the molding process of the pouring spout adapter 104 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0018] [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an opening adapter assembly configured to be removably coupled to the heat-insulating container according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0019] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows an exploded isometric view of the opening adapter assembly in FIG. 11 according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0020] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows an isometric view of a plug structure according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0021] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of an opening adapter according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0022] [Figure 15A] FIG. 15A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of a plug structure that fully engages with an opening adapter according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0023] [Figure 15B] FIG. 15B schematically shows another cross-sectional view of the plug structure in a configuration that is not partially coupled to the opening adapter according to one or more aspects described herein.

[0024] Furthermore, although these figures are to be understood as depicting different components of various examples at different scales, the disclosed examples are not limited to that particular scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] In the following description of various examples, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and show various examples as implementations of the aspects of the present disclosure. Other examples are to be understood as being available without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure and that structural and functional changes may be made thereto.

[0026] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of an insulated container 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In one example, the container 100 may be configured to hold a certain amount of liquid. The container 100 may include a canister 102 that is detachably coupled to a spout adapter 104 and a lid 106. The lid 106 may be configured to function as a cup, for example, from which a portion of the liquid held in the canister 102 can be poured when removed from the spout adapter 104. In one example, the canister 102 may be substantially cylindrical in shape, but the canister 102 may be embodied in any shape, such as a cubic shape, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Furthermore, in various examples, the canister 102 may be referred to as a bottom, base, or a substantially cylindrical insulated base structure.

[0027] Figure 2 shows another isometric view of the insulated container 100 in Figure 1, according to one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in Figure 2, the lid 106 is removed from the spout adapter 104 to expose a cap 108 that is detachably coupled to the top surface 110 of the spout adapter 104. As shown in Figure 3, when the cap 108 is removed from the spout adapter 104, it exposes a spout opening 112 that extends through the spout adapter 104 into the cavity of the canister 102. Accordingly, the cap 108 may be configured to detachably couple to the spout opening 112 and seal it (i.e., to be resealable). In one example, the spout opening 112 provides a narrower opening than the opening 158 of the canister 102 (see, for example, Figure 9), and therefore, when removed from the spout adapter 104, provides more controlled / more precise manual pouring of the contents of the canister 102 into another container such as the lid 106. In one example, the spout opening 112 of the spout adapter 104 is off-center from the top surface 110 of the spout adapter 104. The spout opening 112 may be located at any point on the surface 110, may be off-center as shown, or may be at the center. In another example, the spout opening 112 may have a central axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container 100 (i.e., a longitudinal axis parallel to the cylindrical axis of rotation of the canister 102) and / or perpendicular to the plane of the top surface 110 of the spout adapter 104 (parallel to the cylindrical axis of rotation of the spout opening 112). In another example, the central axis of the spout opening 112 may be inclined at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the top surface 110. In this regard, it is conceivable that any angle can be utilized without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0028] 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 (for example, a metal plate / other structural shape may be located below the magnetic top surface 111). In another embodiment, all or part of the outer surface of the cap 108 may be made of one or more metals and / or alloys. Accordingly, the magnetic top surface 111 may include an outer surface material that is ferromagnetic or magnetized itself. In yet another embodiment, the magnetic top surface 111 may include one or more polymers overmolded onto a magnetic structure (i.e., a magnetized metal / alloy may be located inside the cap 108 when it is molded).

[0029] As used herein, the term “magnetic” may refer to a material that can be magnetized temporarily or “permanently” (e.g., a ferromagnetic material). Thus, the term “magnetic” may refer to a material (e.g., a surface or object, etc.) that can be magnetically attracted to a magnet (e.g., a temporary or permanent magnet) having an associated magnetic field. In one example, a magnetic material may be magnetized (e.g., form a permanent magnet). Furthermore, with the disclosures described herein, various examples of magnetic materials such as nickel, iron, and cobalt, and their alloys, can be utilized.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, when the cap 108 is removed from the spout opening 112, it can be magnetically coupled to the mating surface 114 of the spout adapter 104. Similar to the top surface 111 of the cap 108, the mating surface 114 of the spout adapter 104 may include a magnetic material. In one example, the mating surface 114 may include one or more polymers overmolded onto a magnetic element (e.g., in particular a metal plate, foil, or wire). In another example, the mating surface 114 may include a metallic and magnetic outer surface.

[0031] In one example, the canister 102 and the lid 106 may be composed mainly of steel or an alloy such as a titanium alloy, and the spout adapter 104 and the cap 108 may be composed mainly of one or more polymers (except in particular the magnetic top surface 111 and the joint surface 114). However, each element described herein may further be composed of, among other things, one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. In particular, the container 100 may utilize one or more of, among other things, steel, titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, impact-resistant polystyrene, ABS resin, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and / or polypropylene.

[0032] Figure 4 shows an exploded isometric view of the container 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In particular, Figure 4 shows the spout adapter 104 removed from the canister 102, and the lid 106 and cap 108 removed from the spout adapter 104. In one embodiment, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom threaded surface 116 configured to be removably coupled to the threaded inner surface 118 of the canister 102. Furthermore, the spout adapter 104 may include an upper threaded surface 120 configured to be removably coupled to the threaded inner surface of the lid 106. Furthermore, the threaded spout outer surface 122 is configured to be removably coupled to the threaded inner surface 124 of the cap 108.

[0033] However, in alternative embodiments, the threaded surfaces described above can be reversed without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In these alternative embodiments, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom threaded surface configured to be removably coupled to the threaded outer surface of the canister 102, and the spout adapter 104 may also include an upper threaded surface configured to be removably coupled to the threaded outer surface of the lid 106. Furthermore, the threaded inner surface of the spout opening 112 may be configured to be removably coupled to the threaded outer surface of the cap 108.

[0034] The threaded surfaces discussed herein may, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, include, in particular, any thread shape, including any pitch, angle, or length of any thread state. Thus, the bottom threaded surface 116, the threaded inner surface 118, the upper threaded surface 120, the threaded inner surface of the lid 106, the threaded spout outer surface 122, and / or threaded inner surface 124 can be fully engaged with each other by rotating the mating elements relative to each other by any number of rotations, without departing from the scope of these disclosures. For example, two mating threaded elements in elements 116, 118, 120, 122, and / or 124 can be fully engaged by rotating the mating elements relative to each other by any number of rotations.

[0035] It is further conceivable that, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, the removable coupling between one or more canisters 102, the spout adapter 104, the lid 106 and the cap 108 may include additional or alternative coupling mechanisms such as mating elements, lids, shackles or fasteners.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a more detailed isometric view of the top of the spout adapter 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The spout adapter 104 includes a bottom threaded surface 116 separated from the upper threaded surface 120 by a grip ring 126. In one embodiment, the mating surface 114 is formed from a portion of a handle 128 extending from the grip ring 126. In one embodiment, the grip ring 126 is formed to be grasped by the user to connect or disconnect the spout adapter 104 to or from the canister 102 and / or lid 106. Accordingly, in one example, the handle 128 prevents or reduces the user's hand from slipping around the grip ring 126 when the user manually applies torque to connect or disconnect the spout adapter 104 to or from the canister 102 and / or lid 106. Without departing the scope of these disclosures, it is conceivable that the grip ring 126 may consist of a single handle 128 as shown in Figure 5, as well as a plurality of handle configurations. Accordingly, the grip ring 126 may include one or more adhesive or rubberized materials, or materials having a knurled surface texture, formed to prevent or reduce the user's hand from slipping when rotating the spout adapter 104 against the canister 102 and / or lid 106.

[0037] In one example, as shown in Figure 6, the spout opening 112 of the spout adapter 104 extends through the height of the spout adapter 104 (approximately parallel to the direction 132) and provides access to a spout channel 130 extending to the bottom surface 134 of the spout adapter 104. Figure 7 schematically shows an isometric cross-sectional view of the spout adapter 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein. As shown in Figure 7, the spout channel 130 may extend from the spout opening 112 to the bottom surface 134. In the illustrated embodiments, the spout channel 130 may have substantially the same diameter 136 throughout its length. However, it is conceivable that the spout channel may have different diameters and sizes throughout its length as it extends between the spout opening 112 and the bottom surface 134.

[0038] In one embodiment, the spout adapter 104 may include an internal cavity 138 extending around the spout channel 130. This internal cavity 138 may be sealed in one or more manufacturing processes used to form the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, in one example, the internal cavity 138 may include a vacuum cavity to reduce heat transfer between the bottom surface 134 and the top surface 111, or vice versa. Additionally or alternatively, the internal cavity 138 may be filled, partially or entirely, with one or more foamy substances or polymer materials to increase heat resistance. In yet another example, one or more surfaces of the internal cavity 138 may be coated with a reflective material to reduce magnetic heat conduction.

[0039] In one example, the magnet or magnetic material may be placed behind the mating surface 114. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the magnet or magnetic material may be placed in a cavity 140 within the handle 128. Any coupling mechanism, such as adhesive, fasteners, mats, screws, or rivets, may be used to place the magnet or magnetic material in the cavity 140. In another example, the magnet or magnetic material may be overmolded within the handle 128, thereby representing the amount of the cavity 140 occupied by the overmolded magnet or magnetic material.

[0040] In one example, the spout adapter 104 may be a single unit. In another example, the spout adapter 104 may be formed from two or more elements joined by another molding process, welding, bonding, fasteners, or one or more fasteners (such as rivets, knobs, screws). In one embodiment, the spout adapter 104 may be composed of one or more polymers. However, the spout adapter 104 may be additionally or alternatively composed of one or more metals, alloys, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. The spout adapter 104 may be constructed by one or more injection molding processes. In one specific example, a multi-shot injection molding process (e.g., two-shot, three-shot, etc.) may be used to construct the spout adapter 104. It is further conceivable that additional or alternative processes, including rotational molding, blow molding, compression molding, gas-assisted molding, and / or casting, may be used to construct the spout adapter 104.

[0041] Figure 8 shows an isometric view of the cap 108 according to one or more embodiments described herein. As previously stated, the cap 108 may include a magnetic top surface 111. Accordingly, the cap 108 may be composed of one or more polymer materials, and the magnetic top surface 111 may include one or more polymers overmolded onto a magnetic material.

[0042] In the illustrated example, the cap 108 is substantially cylindrical. However, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, additional or alternative shapes may be utilized. For example, the cap 108 may be cubic in shape, among other things. The cap 108 includes grip recesses 142a-c formed to prevent or reduce the slippage of the user's fingers when applying manual torque to the cap 108 to connect or disconnect it from the threaded outer spout surface 122 of the spout opening 112. Without departing from the scope of these disclosures, it is conceivable that any number of grip recesses 142a-c may be used around the circumference of the cylindrical cap 108. Furthermore, the cap 108 may include additional or alternative constitutive elements formed to enhance the user's grip on the cap 108. For example, the outer cylindrical surface 144 of the cap 108 may include a sticky / rubbed material formed to enhance the user's grip. Furthermore, the outer cylindrical surface 144 may include a series of corrugations or knurling.

[0043] Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the insulated container 100 in which the cap 108 is connected to the outer surface 122 of the threaded outer spout, the lid 106 is connected to the upper threaded surface 120 of the spout adapter 104, and the bottom threaded surface 116 of the spout adapter 104 is connected to the threaded inner surface 118 of the canister 102.

[0044] The canister 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 may be used to reduce heat conduction through the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148 between a reservoir 152 formed to contain a large amount of liquid and the external environment 154. Thus, the sealed vacuum cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148 may be referenced as an insulated double-wall structure. Furthermore, the first inner wall 146 may have a first end 156 that determines an opening 158 extending into an internal storage section 152 for containing a large amount of liquid. The second outer wall 148 may form the outer shell of the canister 102. The second outer wall 148 may be formed from a side wall 160 and a bottom 162 that form a second end 164 for supporting the canister 102 on its surface. A seam 163 may be formed between the second outer wall 148 and the bottom 162. In one example, the bottom 162 may be press-fitted onto the second outer wall 148. Furthermore, the bottom 162 may be welded to the second outer wall 148. The weld may also be polished so that the seam is not visible on the canister 102.

[0045] The bottom 162 may contain a dimple 166 used in the vacuum forming process. As shown in Figure 9, the bottom 162 covers the dimple 166 so that it is not visible to the user. The dimple 166 may generally be dome-shaped. However, other suitable shapes for housing the resin material, such as conical or frustoconical shapes, may be considered during the manufacturing process. The dimple 166 may include a circular base 168 converging into an opening 170 extending into the second outer wall 148. As described below, the opening 170 may be sealed by resin (not shown). While a vacuum is formed between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148, the resin seals the opening 170, providing a sealed vacuum cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the second outer wall 148, forming an insulating double-wall structure.

[0046] As an alternative example, the dimple 166 may be covered by a disc (not shown) of a corresponding shape so that the dimple 166 is not visible to the user. The circular base 168 may be covered by a disc which 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 disc may be formed of titanium, stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials or alloys. However, other suitable materials and methods for covering the dimple 166 have been considered, as described herein and incorporated as sufficient description herein.

[0047] The canister 102 may be constructed from one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. Furthermore, the canister 102 may be constructed using one or more high-temperature or low-temperature processing processes (e.g., compression molding, casting, molding, drilling, polishing, forging, etc.). In one embodiment, the canister 102 may be constructed using stainless steel. Specifically, the canister 102 may be constructed substantially from 304 stainless steel or a titanium alloy. Furthermore, one or more low-temperature processing processes used to form the geometric shape of the canister 102 may result in the canister 102 becoming magnetized (attracted to magnets).

[0048] In one example, the reservoir 152 of the canister 102 may have an internal water volume of 532 ml (18 fl. oz). In another example, the reservoir 152 may have an internal water volume ranging from 500 to 550 ml (16.9 to 18.6 fl. oz) or 1000 to 1900 ml (33.8 fl. oz to 64.2 fl. oz). In yet another example, the reservoir 152 may have an internal water volume of at least 100 ml (3.4 fl. oz), at least 150 ml (5.1 fl. oz), at least 200 ml (6.8 fl. oz), at least 400 ml (13.5 fl. oz), at least 500 ml (16.9 fl. oz), or at least 1000 ml (33.8 fl. oz). The opening 158 of the canister 102 may have an opening diameter of 64.8 mm. In another embodiment, the opening 158 may have an opening diameter of 60 mm or between 60 mm and 70 mm. The water tank 152 may have an inner diameter 153 and a height 155 formed to accommodate a standard-sized 355 ml (12 fl. oz) beverage (aluminum) can (a standard 355 ml beverage can with an outer diameter of approximately 66 mm and a height of approximately 122.7 mm). The inner diameter 153 can be measured at least 66 mm, or between 50 mm and 80 mm. The height 155 can be measured at least 122.7 mm, or between 110 mm and 140 mm.

[0049] Additional or alternative methods for insulating the container 100 have also been considered. For example, the cavity 150 between the first inner wall 146 and the outer wall 148 may be filled with various insulating materials exhibiting low thermal conductivity. Thus, in some examples, the cavity 150 may be filled or partially filled with air to form insulating air pockets, or with a large amount of material such as polymer material or polymer foam. In one specific example, the cavity 150 may be filled or partially filled with insulating foam such as polystyrene. However, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, additional or alternative insulating materials may be used to fill or partially fill the cavity 150.

[0050] Furthermore, the thickness of the cavity 150 can also be embodied by any dimensional value without exceeding the scope of these disclosures. In addition, one or more inner surfaces of the first inner wall 146 or the second outer wall 148 of the container 100 may consist of a silver surface, a copper-plated surface, or a surface covered with thin aluminum foil, formed to reduce heat conduction due to heat dissipation.

[0051] In one example, the lid 106 may be molded from one or more metals, alloys, polymers, ceramics, or fiber-reinforced materials. Furthermore, the lid 106 may be molded using one or more injection molding or other manufacturing processes as described herein. The lid 106 may be a solid structure or may include a double-wall structure, similar to the canister 102, having an inner wall 172, an outer wall 174, and a cavity 176 between them. Since the lid 106 can be insulated, the cavity 176 is considered to be a vacuum cavity made using the techniques described herein.

[0052] In one example, the cap 102 includes a shoulder region 182. Thus, the outer diameter 184 of the canister 102 may be larger than the outer diameter 186 of the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, the outer wall 148 of the canister 102 may taper along the shoulder region 182 between points 188 and 190. In one example, the shoulder region 182 can improve the thermal conductivity of the canister 102 (reduce thermal conductivity). In particular, the shoulder region 182 may provide lower thermal conductivity (higher heat resistance / insulation) insulation than the lid spout adapter 104 that seals the opening 158.

[0053] When the spout adapter 104 is attached thereto in a removable manner, the spout adapter 104 may include a bottom gasket 178 formed to seal the opening 158 of the canister 102. Furthermore, when attached, the spout adapter 180 may include a top gasket formed to reseal the lid 106 to the spout adapter 104.

[0054] Figures 10A to 10F illustrate steps in the molding process of the spout adapter 104 according to one or more embodiments described herein. As previously stated, the spout adapter can be composed of one or more polymers and can be molded using a multi-shot injection molding process or the like. Accordingly, in one example, Figure 10A shows an intermediate spout adapter structure 1002 formed by a first injection molding shot of polymer. The intermediate spout adapter structure 1002 includes an upper threaded section 1004 and a bottom threaded section 1006 that form an upper threaded surface 120 and a bottom threaded surface 116, respectively, when the molding process of the spout adapter 104 is complete. In one embodiment, the intermediate spout adapter structure 1002 includes a full top surface 110 and a spout opening 112 having a threaded outer spout surface 122 and a spout flow path 130.

[0055] Figure 10B shows a second intermediate spout adapter structure 1010 formed by a second injection-molded shot. The second intermediate spout adapter structure 1010 includes a grip ring base structure 1112 extending circumferentially to the second intermediate spout adapter structure 1010, which forms a structural support surface that serves as the basis for an overmolded third shot forming a grip ring 126, as shown by reference in Figure 10C. Furthermore, the second intermediate spout adapter structure 1010 includes a handle base structure 1114 that forms a structural support surface that serves as the basis for an overmolded third shot forming a handle 128. Furthermore, the handle base structure 1114 includes a plate mounting bracket 1116 configured to hold a magnetic plate 1118 fixed on the surface 1120 prior to overmolding and forming a mating surface 114 in one embodiment. Furthermore, the plate mounting bracket 1116 may include a mating element configured to hold the magnetic plate 1118 in an interlocking fit prior to overmolding in a third injection molding shot. However, it is conceivable that additional or alternative elements, such as adhesive or one or more fasteners, may be utilized in the plate mounting bracket 1116 to hold the magnetic plate 1118.

[0056] Figure 10C shows the third intermediate spout adapter structure 1020 formed by a third injection-molded shot of polymer. In particular, as previously mentioned, the third injection-molded shot of polymer is formed to overmolde the grip ring base structure 1112 and the handle base structure 1114, which form the grip ring 126 and the handle 128 at the joint surface 114. However, it is also conceivable that the grip ring base structure 1112 may be separately screwed and bonded and molded onto the spout adapter structure 1010.

[0057] Figure 10D shows a bottom view of the third intermediate spout adapter structure 1020 in Figure 10C. In particular, Figure 10D shows the opening 1022 to the cavity (cavity 138 shown in Figure 7, for example) before the formation of the bottom surface 134 of the spout adapter 104. Accordingly, the foam 1024 is injected into the cavity to partially or completely fill the cavity, as shown in Figure 10D, and once completed, enhances the heat resistance of the spout adapter 104. Without departing from the scope of these disclosures, it is conceivable that the foam 1024 may be made of any polymer foam material.

[0058] Figure 10E shows a fourth intermediate spout adapter structure 1030 having a bottom cap 1032 fitted to cover the opening 1022, as previously described in relation to Figure 10E. In one example, the bottom cap 1032 may be formed by a fourth shot of the polymer injection molding process (otherwise referred to as the first shot of the process for molding the bottom surface 134).

[0059] Figure 10F shows the complete spout adapter 104 formed by the fifth shot of the injection molding process (which is otherwise referred to as the second shot of the process for forming the bottom surface 134). As illustrated, the fifth injection molding shot may be used to form the sealing element 1042 that seals the opening 102 and forms the bottom surface 134 of the complete spout adapter 104, as previously shown in Figure 10E.

[0060] Figure 11 shows an isometric view of an opening adapter assembly 1100 configured to be removably coupled to the insulated container, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In one example, the opening adapter assembly 1100 may be formed to be removably coupled to the insulated container canister / bottle 102, as described above in these disclosures. Figure 12 shows an exploded isometric view of the opening adapter assembly 1100 in Figure 11, according to one or more embodiments described herein. In one example, the assembly 1100 includes a lid 1202, which may be similar to lid 106. Furthermore, lid 1202 may be formed to be removably coupled to an opening adapter 1204. In one example, the opening adapter 1204 may have a substantially cylindrical geometric shape with an external upper threaded surface 1220 formed to engage with an internal threaded portion of lid 1202. Accordingly, the opening adapter 1204 may include an external bottom threaded surface 1222 formed to engage with the threaded inner surface of the canister, such as the surface 118 of the canister 102. The upper gasket 1208 and lower gasket 1210 may be formed to seal the opening of the canister 102 when the external bottom threaded surface 1222 is coupled in a removable manner. Furthermore, the upper gasket 1208 and lower gasket 1210 may also include any gasket geometry and / or material without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0061] The grip ring 1206 may extend around the circumference of the opening adapter 1204. The grip ring 1206 may have a gap between the outer upper threaded surface 1202 and the outer bottom threaded surface 1222. In one example, the grip ring 1206 may be integrally molded with the cylindrical structure of the opening adapter 1204. In another example, the grip ring 1206 may be molded separately and rigidly bonded to the cylindrical structure of the opening adapter 1204. For example, the grip ring 1206 may be injection molded as a separate element and then bonded to the opening adapter 1204 by adhesive, welding, and / or fasteners, etc. In another example, the grip ring 1206 may be overmolded onto the opening adapter 1204.

[0062] The opening adapter 1204 may include an upper opening 1224 formed to accommodate the plug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may include a bottom portion 1216 having substantially cylindrical side walls and an upper portion 1214 rigidly coupled thereto. In one example, the bottom portion 1216 may be rotary welded to the upper portion 1214, etc. Figure 13 shows an isometric view of the plug structure 1212 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, the substantially cylindrical side walls of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212 may include a threaded outer surface 1302 that is removably coupled to an internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. In one example, when the threaded outer surface 1302 engages with the internal threaded surface 1212 of the opening adapter 1204, the plug structure 1212 may be formed to be sealed in a manner that allows it to be resealed into the upper opening 1224 of the opening adapter 1204. Furthermore, the upper portion 1214 may be formed to extend radially beyond the side wall of the bottom portion 1216 to form a sealing surface 1304. This sealing surface 1304 may be formed adjacent to the upper lip of the opening adapter 1204 at the upper opening 1224. Accordingly, the sealing surface 1304 includes a gasket, which may have any geometric shape (e.g., a C-shaped gasket) and may be made of any material, without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0063] The plug structure 1212 may include a handle 1306 rigidly coupled to the upper portion 1214. The handle 1306 may extend across the diameter of the upper portion 1214 and may be formed for manual operation of the threaded coupling between the plug structure 1212 and the opening adapter 1204, and for manual attachment and detachment of the plug structure 1212. The plug structure 1212 may include one or more external channels 1308. In one specific example, the plug structure 1212 may include three external channels 1308 spaced equally apart around the circumference of the outer side wall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212. However, it is considered that any number of external channels 1308 may also be utilized without departing from the scope of these disclosures. The external channels 1308 may be formed to extend between the upper end 1310 and the lower end 1312 of the channel. In one embodiment, the depth of the external channel 1308 (e.g., the depth along the radial direction with respect to the substantial cylindrical geometric shape of the outer side wall of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212) may be uniform along the longitudinal length of the external channel 1308 (e.g., along the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical geometric shape of the bottom portion 1216 of the plug structure 1212). In another embodiment, the depth of the external channel 1308 may not be uniform and may vary along the channel movement region 1314 from a first depth to a second depth shallower than the first depth. In one example, the external channel 1308 may be formed to provide partial or complete gas pressure release / equalization between the external environment and the inner chamber of the canister 102 to which the opening adapter 1204 is detachably coupled.

[0064] In one example, the plug structure 1212 may include an internal cavity partially or completely filled with an insulating material such as foam (e.g., polystyrene foam), and may also include a vacuum cavity formed through which heat conduction is reduced.

[0065] The plug structure 1212 may include additional retaining tabs 1316. As illustrated, the plug structure 1212 may include three retaining tabs 1316 spaced equally apart around the circumference of the base 1318 of the plug structure 1212. However, it is conceivable that any number of retaining tabs 1316 could be utilized without departing from the scope of these disclosures. In one example, the retaining tab 1360 may include a bend formed to expand and contract between a compressed shape and an extended shape (for example, one or more longitudinal surfaces 1322 and / or diameter surfaces 1320 may be formed to deform). As shown in Figure 13, the retaining tab 1316 is in an extended shape.

[0066] In one example, the retaining tab 1316 may be formed to restrict extension in the direction that the plug structure 1212 is removed from the opening adapter 1204 when the threaded outer surface 1302 is separated from the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. In particular, in the extended shape, the retaining tab 1316 may be formed adjacent to the retaining surface of the opening adapter 1204. Figure 14 shows a bottom view of the opening adapter 1204 according to one or more embodiments described herein. In one embodiment, in the extended shape, the retaining tab 1316 may be formed adjacent to the retaining raised surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204.

[0067] Figure 15A schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the plug structure 1212 when fully engaged with the opening adapter 1204. Figure 15A schematically shows the state in which the threaded outer surface 1302 of the plug structure 1212 is coupled with the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. Furthermore, in this fully engaged state, the retaining tab 1316 can maintain a distance from the retaining raised surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204. Figure 15B schematically shows another cross-sectional view of the plug structure 1212 in a configuration that is not partially coupled to the opening adapter 1204. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 15B, the threaded outer surface 1302 of the plug structure 1212 can be separated from the internal threaded surface 1218 of the opening adapter 1204. However, thanks to the retaining tab 1316 adjacent to the retaining raised surface 1402 of the opening adapter 1204, the plug structure 1212 can be prevented from being completely separated from the opening adapter 1204. Conveniently, this partial coupling prevents the upper opening 1224 from being sealed, and in one example, the contents of the canister 102 can be poured out without the plug structure 1212 being completely removed from the opening adapter 1204. Even more conveniently, this feature allows for one-handed operation of the threaded coupling between the opening adapter 1204 and the plug structure 1212, and the contents of the canister 102 can be poured out without the need to completely remove the plug structure 1212, or for the user to hold it with the other hand or place it on an external surface.

[0068] To completely remove the plug structure 1212 from the opening adapter 1204, a manual separation force may be used to facilitate the transition of the retaining tab 1316 from the extended shape shown in Figure 15B to a compressed shape that allows the retaining tab 1316 to move past the retaining raised surface 1402. In one example, this manual separation force may be applied in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylindrical structure of the bottom portion 1216. Without departing from the scope of these disclosures, it is conceivable that any separation force may be utilized based on the specific geometric shape and material of the retaining tab 1316, etc. Additionally or alternatively, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, the retaining tab 1360 may be formed adjacent to one or more additional or alternative surfaces of the opening adapter 1204, such as the base surface 1502, in the extended shape.

[0069] The structure of the opening adapter assembly 1100 is considered to be assembled from any material. For example, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, one or more of the described elements may be made from one or more polymers, metals, alloys, composites, ceramics, or wood. In particular, the opening adapter assembly 1100 may utilize one or more of the following, among others: steel, titanium, iron, nickel, cobalt, impact-resistant polystyrene, ABS resin, nylon, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, and / or polypropylene. Without departing from the scope of these disclosures, it is further considered that any manufacturing method may be utilized to assemble the described elements of the opening adapter assembly 1100. In some examples, without departing from the scope of these disclosures, injection molding, blow molding, casting, rotational molding, compression molding, gas-assisted molding, thermoforming, or foam molding, welding (e.g., rotary welding), bonding, or fasteners (e.g., rivets, nails, screws, etc.) may be utilized. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the illustrated and described elements of the opening adapter assembly 1100 can be made with any dimensional values ​​without departing from the scope of these disclosures. Thus, for example, the aforementioned thread shapes (e.g., the threaded outer surface 1302, the internal threaded surface 1212, the external upper threaded surface 1220, and / or the external bottom threaded surface 1222) can be made with any threaded geometric shape without departing from the scope of these disclosures.

[0070] In one example, an insulated container molded from a single material may include a canister having a first inner wall with a threaded sidewall and a first end with an opening extending to an internal storage compartment for holding liquid, and a second outer wall forming the outer shell of the canister. The second outer wall may include a second end configured to support the canister on its surface. The canister may include a sealed vacuum cavity between the first inner wall and the second outer wall forming an insulated double-wall structure. The insulated container may also include a spout adapter having a spout channel extending through the height of the spout adapter, located at the bottom surface and the spout opening on the top surface of the spout adapter. The spout opening is sealed by a cap having a magnetic top surface formed to magnetically couple with a mating surface on a grip ring extending around the circumference of the spout adapter between the upper threaded surface and the bottom threaded surface. The bottom threaded surface is formed to reseal the spout adapter to the opening of the canister, and the upper threaded surface is formed to reseal the spout adapter to the lid.

[0071] In another example, an insulated container may include a canister having a first inner wall having a first end with threaded sides and an opening extending to an internal storage compartment for containing liquid, and a second outer wall forming the canister's outer shell. The second outer wall may include a second end configured to support the canister on its surface. The canister may include a sealed vacuum cavity between the first inner wall and the second outer wall forming an insulated double-wall structure. The insulated container may include an opening adapter having an external bottom threaded surface for removably coupling to and sealing the opening of the canister. The opening adapter may also comprise an internal threaded surface, an external upper threaded surface, and a grip ring located between the external upper threaded surface and the external bottom threaded surface. The insulated container may also include a plug structure having a substantial cylindrical top and a substantial cylindrical bottom. The plug structure may also include a threaded outer surface formed to removably coupling to the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter. The plug structure may also have a handle rigidly coupled to the top and a retaining tab rigidly / flexibly coupled to the bottom of the plug structure. Furthermore, an external flow path may extend between the upper and lower ends of the flow path of the plug structure. In addition, the insulated container may include a lid formed to be removably coupled to the external upper threaded surface of the opening adapter.

[0072] This disclosure discloses the above and includes drawings that provide reference to various examples. However, the purpose of this disclosure is not to limit itself to the scope of this disclosure, but to provide examples of various features and concepts relating to this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous variations and modifications can be made to the examples described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An insulated container, Equipped with a canister, the canister is An inner wall having a threaded side wall and a first end with an opening extending to an internal storage section for liquid, An outer wall having a second end formed to support the canister on its surface, It includes a sealed vacuum cavity that forms an insulating double-wall structure between the inner wall and the outer wall, The aforementioned insulated container further comprises an opening adapter, the opening adapter is, An external bottom threaded surface formed to be removably coupled to the threaded side wall and to seal the opening of the canister, the external bottom threaded surface including an upper gasket and a lower gasket to seal the opening of the canister when the opening adapter is removably coupled to the threaded side wall of the canister, External upper threaded surface, A grip ring that leaves a gap between the external bottom threaded surface and the external upper threaded surface, The internal threaded surface and Includes an upper opening extending through the grip ring, The insulated container further comprises a plug structure formed to be inserted into the upper opening of the opening adapter, and the plug structure is An insulated and sealed internal cavity, A threaded outer surface formed to be removably connected to the threaded inner surface of the opening adapter, The upper part of the actual cylinder and the lower part of the actual cylinder, The upper portion includes a handle that is firmly attached to the upper part, The insulated container further comprises a lid formed to be removably coupled to the upper threaded surface on the outside of the opening adapter, The plug structure further comprises an external channel extending along the bottom portion between the upper end and lower end of the channel, wherein the external channel has an uneven depth and moves from a first depth to a second depth shallower than the first depth along a channel movement region parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug structure, an insulated container.

2. An insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the plug structure further comprises a retaining tab flexibly coupled to the cylindrical base surface of the substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the retaining tab including a longitudinal surface extending from the cylindrical base surface and a diameter surface extending outward from the longitudinal surface.

3. An insulated container according to claim 2, wherein when the threaded outer surface of the plug structure is separated from the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter, the plug structure is partially removable from the opening adapter, and the retaining tab is formed to limit the extent to which the plug structure is removable from the opening adapter.

4. An insulated container according to claim 3, wherein the retaining tab has a bend that is formed to expand and contract between a compressed shape and an extended shape, and when the plug structure is partially removed from the opening adapter, the retaining tab is in the extended shape, preventing the plug structure from being completely removed from the opening adapter.

5. An insulated container according to claim 4, wherein when a manual separation force is applied, the retaining tab is compressed into a compressed shape, and the plug structure is completely removable from the opening adapter.

6. An insulated container according to claim 2, wherein the retaining tabs comprises three retaining tabs that are equally spaced around the circumference of the bottom portion of the plug structure.

7. An insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the external flow path comprises three external flow paths configured to be equally spaced around the plug structure.

8. An insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the insulated internal cavity is completely filled with an insulating material.

9. An insulated container according to claim 1, wherein the insulated internal cavity is a vacuum cavity.

10. The opening adapter assembly comprises an opening adapter, and the opening adapter is An external bottom threaded surface formed to be removably coupled to the threaded side wall of the canister and to seal the opening of the canister, the external bottom threaded surface including an upper gasket and a lower gasket to seal the opening of the canister when the opening adapter is removably coupled to the threaded side wall of the canister, External upper threaded surface, A grip ring that leaves a gap between the external bottom threaded surface and the external upper threaded surface, The internal threaded surface and Includes an upper opening extending through the grip ring, The opening adapter assembly further comprises a plug structure formed to be inserted into the upper opening of the opening adapter, and the plug structure is An insulated and sealed internal cavity, A threaded outer surface formed to be removably connected to the threaded inner surface of the opening adapter, The upper part of the actual cylinder and the lower part of the actual cylinder, The upper portion includes a handle that is firmly attached to the upper part, The plug structure further comprises an external channel extending along the bottom portion of the plug structure between the upper end and lower end of the channel, wherein the external channel has an uneven depth and moves from a first depth to a second depth shallower than the first depth along a channel movement region parallel to the longitudinal axis of the plug structure, forming an opening adapter assembly.

11. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the plug structure further comprises a retaining tab flexibly coupled to the cylindrical base surface of the substantially cylindrical bottom portion, the retaining tab being an insulating container including a longitudinal surface extending from the cylindrical base surface and a diameter surface extending outward from the longitudinal surface.

12. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 11, wherein when the threaded outer surface of the plug structure is separated from the internal threaded surface of the opening adapter, the plug structure is partially removable from the opening adapter, and the retaining tab is formed to limit the extent to which the plug structure is removable from the opening adapter.

13. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 12, wherein the retaining tab constitutes a bend formed to expand and contract between a compressed shape and an extended shape, and when the plug structure is partially removed from the opening adapter, the retaining tab is in the extended shape, preventing the plug structure from being completely removed from the opening adapter.

14. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 13, wherein when a manual separation force is applied, the retaining tab is compressed into a compressed shape, and the plug structure is completely removable from the opening adapter.

15. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 11, wherein the retaining tab comprises three retaining tabs that are equally spaced on the circumference of the bottom portion of the plug structure.

16. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 15, wherein the external flow path comprises three external flow paths configured to be equally spaced apart around the plug structure, in an insulating container.

17. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the plug structure further comprises an internal cavity and is a thermally insulated container completely filled with the internal cavity or thermal insulation material.

18. An opening adapter assembly according to claim 10, wherein the insulated internal cavity is a vacuum cavity, an insulated container.

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