Beverage containers

Abstract

A beverage container is disclosed that includes a container body terminating at a periphery, having a sidewall, and defining an open top. The container includes an adapter attached to the container body and is switchable between a first configuration having a centrally located primary outlet for a user to drink from, and a second, inverted configuration forming a secondary outlet adjacent the sidewall. The secondary outlet can be open to allow the beverage to flow over the rim of the container for drinking. The rim of the container can be beveled and have a peak that is raised above the remainder of the rim.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a beverage container. The present invention relates to a beverage container that is particularly suitable for use by a user as a water bottle during exercise, although the invention is not limited thereto. This application is an exemplary application that is optimal for the description of the present invention. However, it is clear that the present invention can accommodate broader applications.

[0002] [Definitions] As used herein, the term "comprising" indicates that one or more elements are included, as appropriate to the context in which the term is used, without necessarily intending to exclude other elements. The same applies to the inflected forms (comprise, comprises) of such terms. In this specification and the claims, the term "shoulder" should be interpreted broadly and is not particularly limited to a specific geometric configuration.

Background Art

[0003] Water bottles used during exercise are well-known inventions. As the fitness boom has flourished, more people have incorporated regular exercise into their lives, and it has become extremely common for people to carry water bottles around.

[0004] An example of such a water bottle is shown in Figure 1. The water bottle has a cylindrical container body that tapers radially inward towards the neck, which has an open top that can be closed with a lid. When in use, the user can remove the lid and drink water from the water bottle. Users may have a tendency to consume large amounts of water in a short time. Therefore, the water bottle has a large central opening so that the user can drink a large amount of water in one sip. While water bottles are generally used to hold water, they can also hold other beverages such as sports drinks for post-exercise hydration, energy drinks, or soft drinks.

[0005] In recent years, there has also been an increase in users purchasing takeaway coffee from coffee vendors, filling coffee cups to take home. For certain products, such as Starbucks® coffee, this practice has become almost like a ritual. It is quite common to see many people walking the streets with takeaway coffee cups in hand.

[0006] Traditionally, takeaway coffee has been served in disposable containers such as paper cups. However, with the growing emphasis on sustainable living, there is a growing movement to reuse items such as cups. This has led to an increase in reusable coffee cups. These cups are carried by users, and they reuse the same cup each time they brew or purchase coffee.

[0007] The background technologies described above do not constitute, suggest, or should be interpreted as acknowledging that the referenced background technologies form part of common knowledge in Australia or any other country. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The applicant acknowledges that both water bottles and reusable coffee cups are popular and widely used.

[0009] The applicant further recognizes that it would be beneficial to improve existing products such as water bottles and reusable coffee cups to increase consumer choices.

[0010] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a beverage container that can be switched between use as a water bottle and use as a reusable coffee cup for drinking coffee. This beverage container has the effect of being able to be switched between use as a water bottle and a reusable coffee cup.

[0011] The applicant recognizes that a single beverage container capable of providing two functions—namely, use as a water bottle for hydration and use as a coffee cup for drinking small amounts of coffee—eliminates the need to own two separate containers, thereby eliminating the need to carry two separate containers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A beverage container provided as one embodiment of the present invention is A container body having side walls that terminate at the periphery and define the top, The adapter, which is attached to the container body and extends across the entire top, comprises a switchable adapter that forms a first upright configuration which forms a primary outlet which the user can open to drink liquid, and a second inverted configuration which forms a secondary outlet which the user can open to drink liquid.

[0013] The container body may have a base and an open top.

[0014] The secondary outlet may be adjacent to the side wall of the container body such that the liquid flowing out from the secondary outlet flows, for example, over the side wall to the peripheral edge of the container body.

[0015] The adapter may be positioned in the first upright configuration to allow drinking of the beverage from the primary outlet. Furthermore, the adapter may be removed from the container body, inverted, and reattached to the container body in the second inverted configuration. In the second inverted configuration, the user can sip the beverage flowing through the secondary outlet from the periphery of the container body.

[0016] The container body has shoulders on its side walls, and the adapter may abut against the shoulders in both the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration, thereby sealing the container body (when the secondary outlet is closed).

[0017] The shoulder portion may extend radially inward from the side wall at a substantially right angle to the side wall, or it may extend substantially around the entire circumference of the side wall. The shoulder portion may include a seal that seals the container body by the adapter when the adapter contacts the shoulder portion. The seal may include an elastic seal, such as rubber, having a shape complementary to the adapter.

[0018] Furthermore, the shoulder portion may be positioned at an axial distance from the peripheral edge of the container body, for example, it may be positioned axially downward from the peripheral edge.

[0019] The adapter may be displaced in a direction away from the shoulder, for example, in the axial direction, to open the secondary outlet and allow liquid to flow out through the secondary outlet. That is, the displacement of the adapter away from the shoulder creates a gap between the adapter and the shoulder at the periphery of the adapter, and this gap forms the secondary outlet.

[0020] The adapter is attached to the housing by complementary engagement structures provided on the adapter and the side wall of the container body, and the complementary engagement structures may be configured such that the adapter is allowed to move away from the shoulder so that the secondary outlet is formed between the shoulder and the adapter, for example, at the periphery of the shoulder.

[0021] The complementary engagement structure may be configured such that the same engagement structure is used to attach the adapter to the container body in both the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration.

[0022] The complementary engagement structure may be configured such that when the adapter is rotated on the container body, the adapter is displaced axially so as to move away from the shoulder portion, thereby opening the secondary outlet.

[0023] The complementary engagement structure may be helical or partially helical, for example, to open and close the secondary outlet by utilizing the relative rotation of the adapter on the container body to move the adapter on the container body closer to or further away from the shoulder on the container body, similar to how the rotation of a screw or thread-forming body displaces an element or nut axially along a shank.

[0024] The engagement structure on the container body may form at least one outwardly projecting rib, and the complementary engagement structure on the adapter may receive the outwardly projecting rib and form a pathway that allows the rib to slidably displace. The applicant has found that this configuration, in which the rib is formed on the container body and the pathway is formed on the adapter, reduces the chances of liquid being trapped on the surface of the container body. The applicant considers this desirable from a practical standpoint, and especially from a hygienic standpoint.

[0025] Alternatively, a path portion may be formed as the engaging structure portion on the container body side, and at least one rib protruding outward, for example, two ribs protruding outward, may be formed on the adapter side as the complementary engaging structure portion.

[0026] The container body and the complementary engaging structure portions on the adapter can be rotated relative to each other, for example, to a liquid passage position, at which the complementary engaging structure portions define or form a flow path that enables the container body and the adapter to flow liquid from the secondary outlet to the peripheral portion of the container.

[0027] The complementary engaging structure portions provided on each of the container body and the adapter extend around a part of their peripheries, and the engaging structure portions are not provided on the other parts of the peripheries of the container body and the adapter, and the other parts of the peripheries may be configured to be aligned with each other at the liquid passage position. Thereby, a flow path for the liquid to flow (or pass) through the complementary engaging structure portions is formed.

[0028] In one aspect, the engaging structure portion on the container body may have two ribs or rib portions that are radially opposed to each other.

[0029] Each of the ribs may be a single arc and may extend over 25% or less of the circumference of the container body, preferably 15% or less of the circumference of the container body. In this aspect, these ribs may be used for a bayonet-type connection.

[0030] On the other hand, the path portion formed on the adapter to receive the rib may extend over at least 60% of the circumference of the adapter.

[0031] Thus, since neither the rib elements nor the pathways extend to the entire periphery of the adapter, when they are in the liquid passage position, the liquid flow path is formed by the complementary engagement structure. The gap of the engagement structure on the container body coincides with the gap of the complementary engagement structure on the adapter in the liquid passage position, for example, when the secondary outlet is open. The flow path formed via the ribs and pathways allows the liquid to flow out along the container body from the secondary outlet toward the periphery of the container body.

[0032] The beverage container may include a liquid passage indicator. The liquid passage indicator may, for example, indicate to the user that the complementary engagement structure has rotated, for example, relative to the liquid passage position, forming a flow path that allows liquid to flow from the secondary outlet towards the edge.

[0033] The liquid passage indicator may include a confirmation shape provided on the adapter and / or the container body, which acts to confirm or stop the rotation of the adapter on the container body when the complementary engagement structure is rotated to the liquid passage position.

[0034] In one embodiment, the confirmation shape may include tabs provided on the side wall of the container body and on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter, respectively, which obstruct the rotation of the adapter on the container body and thereby inform the user that the complementary engagement structure of the adapter is in the liquid passage position.

[0035] The beverage container may include, for example, a sipping position indicator provided on the periphery that indicates a position suitable for sipping the beverage. The sipping position indicator may be aligned longitudinally with the flow path through the complementary engagement structure when the complementary engagement structure is in the liquid passage position.

[0036] The periphery of the container may be inclined to extend at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container body, and a projection may be formed on the inclined periphery that protrudes axially from the rest of the periphery. The sipping position indicator may be formed by this projection. Because the projection protrudes from the rest of the periphery, it is in a natural position for the user to sip the beverage and can intuitively indicate the sipping position on the periphery to the user.

[0037] The beverage container may include a closure body that is removably fitted to the primary outlet so that it can be selectively removed by the user. The user can selectively remove the closure body, for example, manually, and drink the beverage from the primary outlet.

[0038] The occluding body may be provided with a bayonet-type connector for attaching the occluding body to the container body to close the primary outlet. Alternatively, the occluding body may be provided with a screw-type connector for attaching the occluding body to the container body.

[0039] The primary outlet and the occluding body may be positioned substantially in the center of the container body, and in the first upright configuration, the primary outlet and the occluding body may form the top of the beverage container.

[0040] The container body may have a circular cross-sectional shape, and the adapter may have a complementary circular cross-sectional shape of a size that fits within the container body.

[0041] The adapter may have a first end configured to receive the container body while leaving a void, for example, a small void, and a second end that forms the primary outlet. The adapter may include a frustoconical portion between the first and second ends that tapers inward toward the second end. The adapter may further include a neck portion adjacent to the second end.

[0042] The adapter may include an outer circumferential surface adjacent to the first end, and the complementary engagement structure may be formed on this outer circumferential surface.

[0043] In the second inverted configuration, the adapter may initially be positioned to engage with the shoulder on the container body to close the secondary outlet and stop the flow of liquid from the secondary outlet. During use, the adapter can be rotated on the container body, moving it away from the shoulder to open the secondary outlet and allow liquid to flow out from the secondary outlet toward the periphery of the side wall. This allows the user to sip a beverage, such as a hot drink, from the periphery.

[0044] The adapter may include a handle-shaped body formed on the adapter to allow the user to rotate the adapter relative to the container body in the second inversion configuration. The handle-shaped body may be formed on the frustoconical portion of the adapter. In particular, the handle-shaped body may be formed on the surface facing the outside of the frustoconical portion of the adapter when the adapter is in the second inversion configuration.

[0045] The side wall of the container body may have an inner surface, and the engagement structure for engaging with the complementary engagement structure on the adapter may be formed on this inner surface.

[0046] The container body may include a first container element and a second container element that covers the first container element and is mounted circumferentially, the second container element may be detached from the first container element and function as a separate second beverage container for holding beverages.

[0047] The second container element may be removably attached to the first container element by friction, and may be configured so that a user can manually remove the second container element by sliding it axially away from the first container element.

[0048] The second container element, which can be withdrawn from the first container element, provides a second beverage container that offers further versatility and selectivity.

[0049] A beverage container provided as another embodiment of the present invention is, A container body having side walls that terminate at the periphery, The adapter, which is attached to the container body, is switchable between a first upright configuration that forms a primary outlet and a second inverted configuration that forms a secondary outlet. The beverage container may be equipped with one or more features of other embodiments of the present invention, either individually or in combination.

[0050] A beverage container for the user based on the present invention can be realized in various forms. Two embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The purpose of providing this detailed description is to show those interested in the subject matter of the present invention how to carry it out. However, it is clear that the specific nature of this detailed description is not intended to limit the comprehensive nature of the summary of the invention given above. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0051] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a conventional water bottle. [Figure 2] This is an overhead perspective view of a conventional reusable cup for holding hot beverages such as coffee. [Figure 3] This is an upper perspective view of a beverage container shown in a first upright configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a front view of the beverage container shown in Figure 3, which is part of the first configuration. [Figure 5] This is a side view of the beverage container shown in Figure 3, which is part of the first configuration. [Figure 6] This is a top view of the beverage container shown in Figure 1, which is the first configuration. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container shown in Figure 1, which is the first configuration. [Figure 8] This is an exploded perspective view of the beverage container shown in the first configuration in Figure 1. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the beverage container shown in Figure 1, in the first configuration with the outer cylindrical cup member removed. [Figure 10] This is a top-down perspective view of the beverage container shown in Figure 1 in the second inverted configuration. [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of the top of a beverage container having an adapter configured in an inverted position. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of the top of the beverage container shown in Figure 10, which has been inverted. [Figure 13] Figures 3 through 12 are top views of the adapters for the containers. [Figure 14] Figures 3 to 12 are perspective views of the container adapter. [Figure 15] Figures 3 to 12 are front views of the adapter for the container. [Figure 16] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the top of the beverage container in the first upright configuration shown in Figure 1 in more detail. [Figure 17] Figure 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the top of the beverage container in the second inverted configuration in more detail. [Figure 18] This is a partial cross-sectional view of the container according to the second embodiment when it is in the first upright configuration. [Figure 19] This is a cross-sectional view of the container in the second inverted configuration shown in Figure 18. [Figure 20] Figure 18 is a perspective view from above of the container. [Figure 21] Figure 18 is a top view of the adapter for the container. [Figure 22] Figure 21 is a top-down perspective view of the adapter. [Figure 23] Figure 21 is a front view of the adapter. [Figure 24] Figure 18 is a schematic plan view of the container body of the beverage container (some details have been omitted for clarity). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0052] Figures 1 and 2 show conventional, well-known beverage containers. These beverage containers do not constitute the invention as defined in this application, and therefore will not be described further in this detailed description.

[0053] In Figures 3 to 12, reference numeral 10 broadly refers to a beverage container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The beverage container 10 comprehensively includes a container body 12 having a base 14 and side walls 16, the side walls 16 terminating at a peripheral edge 18 to form the top of the container body 12. The beverage container 10 also includes an adapter 20 that is detachably attached to the side walls 16 and extends over the open top. The adapter 20 is switchable between a first upright configuration and a second inverted configuration.

[0055] In the first upright configuration shown in Figures 3 to 9, the adapter 20 is inclined inward so as to extend toward a primary outlet, or primary drinking spout 26, from which the user can drink water or a sports drink from the beverage container 10. In the second inverted configuration shown in Figures 10 to 15, the container 10 forms a secondary outlet between the periphery of the adapter 20 and the container body 12, broadly indicated by reference numeral 27. The secondary outlet 27 allows the user to sip liquid, such as hot liquids like coffee or tea, from the periphery 18 of the beverage container 10.

[0056] Next, we will describe in more detail the different components of the beverage container 10.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the container body 12 has a generally cylindrical shape, and accordingly, the base 14 also has a substantially circular shape. As a result, the peripheral edge 18 also has a corresponding circular shape, as shown in the figure.

[0058] The container body 12 includes a second cylindrical container body portion or element 28 that is circumferentially mounted to cover the first container body portion or element 29. Figures 8 and 9 show the cylindrical second container body portion 28 mounted to cover the first container body portion 29. The two body portions 28, 29 are configured to collectively form a smooth outer surface of the beverage container 10 when the second container body portion 28 is mounted to cover the first container body portion 29. That is, the outer surface of the second container body portion 28 is formed so that its surface height is aligned longitudinally with the outer surface of the top of the first container body portion 29. In Figure 9, the first container body portion 29 has been removed from the second container body portion 28 to form two beverage containers. The second container body portion 28 constitutes a beverage container without a lid.

[0059] The container body 12 has an inner surface 36 and a shoulder portion 40 that is spaced below the peripheral edge 18 and protrudes radially inward from the inner surface 36. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the shoulder portion 40 protrudes perpendicularly from the inner surface 36 of the side wall 14 and extends substantially around the entire circumference of the side wall 14.

[0060] Furthermore, the shoulder portion 40 is configured to form a recess for receiving the rubber seal 42. The rubber seal 42 is used to seal the adapter 20 to the inner surface 36 of the container body 12 in both its first and second configurations, as will be described in more detail below.

[0061] Next, the structural features of the adapter 20, which are shown in detail in Figures 3 to 15, will be described in detail. The adapter 20 includes an adapter body 50 which has a substantially circular shape in a plan view when attached to the container body 12. The adapter body 50 generally has a broad first end 52 that forms an adapter base 58 having an outer peripheral surface 51, and a second end 54 located opposite to the adapter, which is a narrow cylindrical portion or adjacent to the neck portion 59. In both the first and second configurations, the adapter base 58 is sized and configured to be received inside the inner surface 36 of the side wall 14 of the container body 12, leaving a small gap.

[0062] The adapter body 50 includes a conical portion 56. The conical portion 56 is located midway between the adapter base 58 and a narrow cylindrical portion, or neck portion 59. The conical portion 56 inclines radially inward away from the base 58 and then transitions into the neck portion 59. A primary opening, or primary outlet 26 (usable when the adapter 20 is in the first configuration), is formed by a second end 54, on which a removable closure, or lid, indicated by reference numeral 60, is fitted. When the adapter 20 and container 10 are in the first upright configuration, the user can remove the closure 60 and drink from the container 10.

[0063] The adapter 20 is operably attached to the container body 12 by complementary engagement structures, such as screw shapes or threads provided on both the container body 12 and the adapter 20.

[0064] As shown in the drawings, particularly in Figures 16 and 17, the engaging structure 72, for example, the screw threads, is formed on the inner surface 36 of the container body 12.

[0065] Accordingly, a complementary structural part 74, such as an external screw thread, is formed on the outer circumferential surface 51 of the adapter base 58. This screw thread is sized and configured to be complementary to the screw thread 72 of the container body 12, that is, to engage with the screw thread 72.

[0066] The adapter body 50 and the complementary engaging structures 74 and 72 on the container body 12 are each configured to use a common thread for removably mounting the adapter 20 onto the container body 12 in both the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration. Using a common thread 72 and 74 for mechanically mounting the adapter 20 onto the container body 12 in both the first and second configurations is beneficial because it simplifies both the structure and the manufacturing process.

[0067] When the complementary engagement structures 72, 74 rotate as completely as possible in one direction, the adapter body 50, specifically its base 58, comes into contact with the shoulder 40, specifically the seal 42 on the shoulder 40, sealing the secondary outlet 27 and preventing liquid from passing through it. By rotating or rotating the adapter body 50 on the container body 12, the axial position of the adapter body 50 on the container body 12 can be moved, and the adapter 12 can be moved away from the shoulder 40. This opens the secondary outlet, i.e., the opening 27, through which liquid can pass. The secondary outlet 27 is formed by the gap or space that is formed between the adapter body 50 and the shoulder 40 when the adapter body 50 is displaced away from the shoulder 40. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the secondary outlet 27 extends circumferentially around the container body 12, adjacent to the inner surface 36.

[0068] Another structural feature that contributes to the function of the beverage container 10 is that the threads 72 on the container body 12 are formed with gaps or interruptions along their length. This allows the liquid to flow out of the secondary outlet 27 and also through the threads 72 to the peripheral edge 18. Similarly, the adapter 20 also has interruptions or gaps along the length of its threads 74, allowing the liquid to flow out of the container and through the threads 74. The gaps in the external threads 74 of the adapter body 50 are aligned with the gaps in the threads 72 when the adapter body 50 is rotated sufficiently relative to the container body 12 to open the secondary outlet, so that the liquid from the secondary outlet 27 flows through the threads 72 and 74 to the peripheral edge 18. This position is called the liquid passage position of the complementary engagement structures 72 and 74. This position defines a flow path for the liquid discharged from the secondary outlet 27 to pass through or through the structural parts 72 and 74. The interaction of the engaging structural parts 72 and 74 in each of the first and second configurations is most clearly shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0069] The periphery 18 of the container is inclined, for example, so as is most clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5, that it does not extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container body 12. Thus, the periphery 18 has a projection, i.e., a sipping portion 76, that extends beyond the rest of the periphery 18. Because the projection 76 protrudes compared to the rest of the periphery 18, it becomes a natural position on the periphery 18 of the container 10 for the user to sip a beverage. Therefore, the liquid needs to flow from the outlet 27 to this portion 76 of the periphery 18. To assist this, the flow paths passing through the structural parts 72, 74 at the liquid passage position are aligned longitudinally with the projection 76 of the periphery 18 of the container body 12. This guides the liquid flowing through the flow paths at the liquid passage position of the engaging structural parts toward the projection 76 of the periphery 18.

[0070] Furthermore, the adapter 20 has a handle-shaped body 82 that protrudes from the adapter 20 when in the first configuration. The handle-shaped body 82 assists the user in rotating the adapter 20 on the container body 12 in order to attach it to the container body 12. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the handle-shaped body 82 protrudes from the outer surface of the conical portion 56 of the adapter body 50 and consists of two tabs that are diametrically opposed.

[0071] Furthermore, the opposing surfaces of the adapter body 50 in Figure 3, i.e., the inward-facing surfaces, are provided with an additional handle-shaped body 84 that protrudes upward from the adapter body 50 in the second inverted configuration. This additional handle-shaped body 84 allows the user to attach and secure the adapter 20 to the container body 12 in the second configuration. This assists the user in displacing the adapter 20 away from the shoulder portion 40 to open the secondary outlet 27. This allows the liquid to flow through the secondary outlet 27 and over the periphery 18 of the container body 12.

[0072] When in use, the beverage container 10 can be used as a water bottle or a sports drink bottle in the first configuration shown in Figures 3 to 9. The adapter 20 is mounted on the container body 12 in the first configuration, i.e., the upright configuration, and is inclined inward and upward toward the primary outlet, i.e., the primary opening 26, which is closed by a removable closure, i.e., the lid 60. The bottle or container 10 is typically used in this configuration when the user is exercising and needs hydration. The user can selectively remove the lid 60 when needed and drink the liquid through the primary outlet 26. In this configuration, the base 58 of the adapter body 50 abuts against the shoulder 40, sealing the circumferential surface of the adapter 20 to the container body 12, so that the liquid cannot flow out of the secondary outlet 27.

[0073] When the beverage container 10 is used for a second, different purpose, namely to sip the beverage from the peripheral edge 18 of the container body 12, the adapter can be changed to the second inverted configuration shown in Figures 10 to 15.

[0074] To achieve this, the adapter 20 is rotated or spun relative to the container body 12 in one direction until the adapter 20 separates from or detaches from the container body 12. Next, the adapter 20 is inverted (i.e., turned upside down) so that the adapter base 58 is on top and the neck portion 59 is on the bottom, and then reattached to the container body 12. In this inverted configuration, the neck portion 59 on the adapter body 50 and the occluding body 60 are received within the internal space of the container body 12. The occluding body 60 blocks the flow of liquid through the primary outlet 26, thereby closing the primary outlet 26.

[0075] As long as the adapter 20 is fully (and tightly) engaged with the container body 12, the adapter body 50 will contact the seal 42 of the shoulder portion 40, closing the secondary outlet 27 and effectively sealing the container 10.

[0076] If the user wishes to drink liquid from the beverage container 10 through the secondary outlet, i.e., the opening 27, the user rotates the adapter body 50 in the opposite direction to the direction in which it was rotated to secure it to the container body 12. This rotates the adapter body 50 away from the shoulder 40, creating a gap between the adapter body 50 and the shoulder 40 that forms the secondary outlet 27 through which the liquid can pass. The liquid can pass through the outlet 27 and through the complementary engagement structures 72, 74 of the body 12 and the adapter 20. As described above, there are gaps or interruptions in each continuum of the complementary engagement structures 72, 74, and these gaps or interruptions form a flow path through the engagement structure from which the liquid can flow out to the periphery 18. This state is shown in Figure 11, where the adapter 20 is displaced away from the shoulder 40, opening the secondary outlet 27.

[0077] In the second inverted configuration, the user can comfortably sip the liquid from the protruding portion 76 on the periphery 18 of the container 10. The gap in the threads 74 on the adapter 20 aligns with the gap in the threads 72 on the container body 12, allowing the liquid to flow through the engaging structures 72 and 74. Furthermore, as described above, the flow path formed through the barrier formed by the engaging structures aligns with the protruding portion 76 on the periphery 18 (so that the liquid flows toward the protruding portion). The second inverted configuration of the beverage container 10 is suitable for slowly sipping a beverage, such as a hot beverage like coffee or tea, from the rim, rather than drinking a large amount of beverage from the primary outlet 26.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, the container body 12 includes a second container portion 28 that is circumferentially attached to the first body portion 29. When in use, the second container portion 28 can be pulled out from the first body portion 29 and used as a second beverage cup for another user or for another beverage. This could be used, for example, when a couple shares a drink.

[0079] Figures 18 to 23 show a beverage container 10 according to the second embodiment. This embodiment has many similarities to the first embodiment. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals refer to the same components. Furthermore, the following description will focus on the differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment.

[0080] Similar to the first embodiment, the secondary outlet 27 is formed by a shoulder portion 40 provided on the container body 12 and a body 50 of the adapter 20 that engages with the body 12. The body 50 is displaced away from the shoulder portion 40 by the rotation of the adapter 20 on the body 12, opening the secondary opening 27 and allowing the liquid to pass through it.

[0081] The adapter 20 is operably mounted to the container body 12 by complementary engaging structures 74, 72, for example, complementary helices or threaded portions on the adapter 20 and the body 12, respectively. The complementary rib and path engaging structures 72, 74 allow for secure mounting of the adapter 20 to the container body 12, while also allowing for selective opening of the secondary outlet 27 to allow liquid to flow out of the container 10.

[0082] More specifically, in the second embodiment, the container body 12 has an inner surface 36 on which at least one outward-facing or outer rib or screw thread 72 is formed. Accordingly, an outer rib or a path complementary to the screw thread 72 or an internal screw thread 74 is formed on the outer circumferential surface 51 of the adapter base 58. That is, these are sized and configured to engage with the outer rib 72 on the container body 12.

[0083] The complementary engagement structures 74 and 72 on the adapter body 50 and the container body 12 are configured to allow the use of the same engagement structures (for detachably attaching the adapter 20 to the body 12) in both the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration. By using the same structures 72 and 74 in both the first and second configurations, both the structure and manufacturing of the components are simplified.

[0084] Next, the external ribs 72 provided on the inner surface of the main body 12 will be described in more detail. This embodiment includes two short ribs or rib portions 72, each extending a short distance along the circumference of the side wall 14. Furthermore, the two ribs or rib portions 72 may face each other radially in a plan view of the container body 12. This provides a suitable passage or path on the surface of the container body 12 for the liquid to flow through the ribs 72 to the peripheral portion 18 when the adapter 20 is in the second inversion configuration.

[0085] On the other hand, the path portion, or path forming portion 74, or internal threads formed on the adapter 20 extend to surround most of the circumference of the adapter 20. This has two gaps, or interruptions, around the circumference of the adapter 20, and these gaps can be aligned with the gaps between the ribs 72 on the container body 12. The gaps of the ribs 72 and the path portion 74 align with each other at the liquid passage position, forming a flow path through these engaging structures 72, 74 to the peripheral portion 18. The path portion 74 and the gaps formed along the longitudinal direction of the path forming portion 74 are shown in particular in Figures 19, 20, and 22.

[0086] Furthermore, the container body 12 has a confirmation shape body 88. The confirmation shape body 88 is intended to indicate to the user that the secondary outlet 27 is open and the adapter 20 is rotating on the container body 12 to a liquid passage position where the ribs 72 and the path portion 74 form a flow path through the structural portions 72 and 74, or to indicate that the rotation should be stopped.

[0087] In the embodiment illustrated herein, the confirmation shape 88 includes a projection on the outer surface of the adapter body 50 that engages with a complementary structural portion on the inner surface of the side wall 14 of the container body 12. The confirmation shape 88 is large enough to confirm the movement of the adapter 20, but is also sized to allow the adapter 20 to be displaced over the projection (by applying further force) if, for example, the user wishes to separate or detach the adapter 20 from the body 12.

[0088] As described above for the first embodiment, when the complementary structural parts 72 and 74 are in the liquid passage position, neither the ribs nor the pathways obstruct the flow of liquid from the secondary outlet 27 to the protruding part 76 on the peripheral edge 18. The confirmation shape body 88 assists the user in positioning the complementary structural parts in the liquid passage position.

[0089] When in use, the beverage container 12 is filled with the beverage to be sipped, and the adapter 20 is screwed onto the container body 12 in a second inverted configuration. The first rotation of the adapter 20 causes it to engage with a confirmation shape 88 for confirming the rotation of the adapter 20. The user then rotates the adapter 20 over the confirmation shape 88, applying further force until the adapter 20 stops and can no longer rotate. In this position, the adapter body 50 is sealed against the shoulder 40 of the container body 12, and the secondary opening 27 is closed.

[0090] If the user wishes to drink the beverage from the rim of the container body 12, the user rotates the adapter 20 back from the closed position (i.e., in the opposite direction to the first rotation) to the confirmation position where the confirmation shape body 88 confirms the rotation of the adapter 20. This opens the secondary opening 27 and forms a flow path through the engaging structures 72 and 74. When the beverage container is lifted by the user to drink the beverage, the liquid flows out of the secondary opening 27 through the flow paths formed in the complementary engaging structures 72 and 74, across the surface 36 of the container side wall 14, and to the protruding portion 76 on the peripheral edge 18.

[0091] Figures 21 to 24 schematically show the relative arrangement of the container body 12 and the adapter 20 for forming a flow path through the engagement structure. Figures 21 and 24 show the position of the path portion 74 on the adapter 20 and the position of the rib 72 on the container body 12, respectively, which are suitable for drinking liquid from the secondary opening 27. The gap in the rib 72 aligns with the gap in the path portion 74 to form a liquid passage from the secondary opening 27 to the protruding portion 76 of the peripheral edge 18. Furthermore, as shown in the figures, at this position, the container and the confirmation shape body 88 on the adapter are in the same relative position.

[0092] Referring to the drawings, the advantage of the beverage container described above is that it can provide a single container that can switch between an exercise bottle for the user to replenish fluids during exercise and a reusable cup, such as a reusable coffee cup, for sipping beverages.

[0093] This container allows for this switching between a first upright configuration and a second inverted configuration simply by removing the adapter from the container body and inverting it on the container body. One advantage of this beverage container is the ease with which it can be switched between the two configurations. This process is simple and requires minimal effort.

[0094] Furthermore, another advantage is that it is highly beneficial while possessing the beauty of a streamlined, mechanical design. Moreover, this beverage container is very stylish and "cool," while also being very practical and easy to use. Therefore, the applicant believes that this container will appeal to a wide range of consumers.

[0095] A further advantage of the beverage container illustrated here is that, when the adapter is in the first and second configurations, the first and second outlets each have positions where they are normally closed. The primary and secondary outlets can each be opened manually in the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration, respectively, thereby allowing the user to drink liquid from the beverage container.

[0096] In the first configuration, the occluding body is easily removed from the first opening. The second inverted configuration is used for sipping beverages. The second opening can be selectively opened by the user by rotating the adapter relative to the body, lifting the adapter away from the shoulder, and creating a gap between the adapter and the shoulder. This simple manual rotation to open and close the secondary opening to supply beverages to the rim of the beverage container is very useful.

[0097] Another advantage of the beverage container illustrated here is that, in both the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration, the adapter attached to the container body can be held using common threads on both the container body and the adapter. Using the same shape in this way simplifies the structure of the beverage container.

[0098] A further practical advantage is that the illustrated feature of providing a second container portion mounted circumferentially on top of the first container portion is extremely useful because it allows the beverage container to provide two beverage cups from a single beverage container.

[0099] A further advantage of the beverage container described above, with reference to the drawings, is that various components, including the adapter and the container body, can be molded using already established molding techniques, thus keeping the manufacturing cost of the beverage container low.

[0100] All matters included in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings are to be construed as illustrative only and not as limiting. Any modifications and variations that would be obvious to those skilled in the art are to be considered to be within the broad scope and spirit of the invention described herein. Details or structures can be modified without departing from the basic elements of the invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A beverage container, A container body having a base and side walls that terminate at the periphery and define an open top, An adapter attached to the container body and extending over the entire top portion, comprising an adapter that can switch between a first upright configuration that forms a substantially central primary outlet and a second inverted configuration that forms a secondary outlet adjacent to the side wall of the container body, The primary outlet can be opened by the user to drink the liquid that flows out from the primary outlet. The aforementioned secondary outlet allows liquid to flow out to the peripheral edge of the container body so that the liquid can be consumed. A beverage container in which the adapter can be removed from the container body, inverted, and reattached to the container body, thereby enabling switching between the first and second configurations.

2. In the beverage container according to claim 1, A beverage container wherein the container body has a shoulder portion on the side wall, and the adapter abuts against the shoulder portion in both the first upright configuration and the second inverted configuration to seal the container body.

3. In the beverage container according to claim 2, A beverage container wherein the adapter is displaced away from the shoulder portion to open the secondary outlet, allowing liquid to flow out through the secondary outlet.

4. In the beverage container according to claim 3, A beverage container wherein the adapter is attached to the container body by complementary engaging structures provided on the adapter and the side wall of the container body, and the complementary engaging structures are configured to allow the adapter to be displaced away from the shoulder so that the secondary outlet can be formed between the shoulder and the adapter.

5. In the beverage container according to claim 4, A beverage container wherein the complementary engagement structure is configured such that the same engagement structure is used to attach the adapter to the container body in both the upright configuration and the inverted configuration.

6. In the beverage container according to claim 4 or claim 5, A beverage container wherein the complementary engagement structure is configured such that when the adapter is rotated on the container body, the adapter is displaced axially so as to move away from the shoulder portion.

7. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 4 to 6, A beverage container wherein the complementary engagement structure on the container body forms at least one outwardly projecting rib, and the complementary engagement structure on the adapter receives the outwardly projecting rib and forms a path through which the rib can be slidably displaced.

8. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 4 to 7, A beverage container in which the complementary engagement structure of the container body and the adapter is rotatable to a liquid passage position, and in the liquid passage position, the container body and the adapter define a flow path that allows liquid to flow from the secondary outlet to the peripheral edge of the container by the complementary engagement structure.

9. In the beverage container according to claim 8, A beverage container wherein the complementary engagement structures provided on each of the container body and the adapter extend around a portion of their periphery, and the other portions of the periphery of the container body and the adapter are not accompanied by the engagement structures, and the other portions of the periphery align with each other at the liquid passage position.

10. In the beverage container according to claim 8 or claim 9, A beverage container further comprising a liquid passage indicator that shows the complementary engagement structure has been rotated to the liquid passage position.

11. In the beverage container according to claim 10, A beverage container wherein the liquid passage indicator is provided on the adapter and / or the container body and includes a confirmation shape that acts to confirm the rotation of the adapter on the container body when the complementary engagement structure rotates to the liquid passage position.

12. In the beverage container according to claim 11, A beverage container wherein the confirmation shape includes tabs provided on the side wall of the container body and on the outer circumferential surface of the adapter, respectively, which obstruct the rotation of the adapter on the container body and thereby inform the user that the complementary engagement structure is in the liquid passage position.

13. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 8 to 12, A sipping position indicator is provided on the peripheral edge, The sipping position indicator is aligned longitudinally with the flow path through the complementary engagement structure located at the liquid passage position in the beverage container.

14. In the beverage container according to claim 13, The peripheral edge of the beverage container is inclined to extend at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container body, forming a protruding portion that extends axially from the rest of the peripheral edge, and the sipping position indicator is formed by the protruding portion.

15. A beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further, A beverage container comprising a closure body that is removably attached to the primary outlet so that the user can selectively remove it in order to drink a beverage through the primary outlet.

16. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 15, The container body has a circular cross-sectional shape, The adapter is a beverage container having a complementary circular cross-sectional shape that is sized to fit within the container body.

17. In the beverage container according to claim 16, The aforementioned adapter is The first end portion is configured to be received within the container body while leaving a gap, The second end forming the primary outlet, A frustoconical portion located between the first end and the second end, which tapers inward in the direction toward the second end, A beverage container equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

18. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 17, A beverage container wherein the adapter comprises a handle-shaped body formed on the adapter to allow the user to rotate the adapter on the container body to achieve the second inverted configuration.

19. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 18, The container body is The first container element, A second container element is mounted circumferentially over the first container element, Equipped with, A beverage container wherein the second container element is detached from the first container element to form a separate second beverage container for holding a beverage.

20. In a beverage container according to any one of claims 1 to 19, The adapter is a beverage container having a frustoconical shape with a wide base and a narrow top, the narrow top being close to the central primary outlet.

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