Double walled semi-rigid silicone drinkware and dishware
A double-walled silicone beverage receptacle with an insulating void addresses temperature maintenance and spilling issues, offering flexibility and rigidity for durable use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SILIPINT PARTNERS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-20
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
Smart Images
Figure US20260208940A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 748,713 filed Jan. 23, 2025 of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
[0002] The present invention is directed to further improvements in semi-rigid beverage receptacles. Traditionally, the majority of beverage receptacles were made of glass. This included everyday reusable glassware, beer and soda bottles, wine bottles, milk jugs, and the like. However, glass receptacles are fragile and thus difficult to transport and are subject to frequent breakage. To address this problem, as well as others, beverage receptacles made from a number of different materials came about. These materials include different varieties of plastic, ceramics and other materials. However, all of these materials were designed to create a rigid beverage receptacle.
[0003] Historically, it was commonly accepted that semi-rigid beverage receptacles were undesirable. For example, compression of the sides of a receptacle could reduce its effective volume leading to spillage. Most commonly these were either disposable plastic or polystyrene cups or thin plastic cups. While they were suitable for one time use, these cheaper beverage receptacles all suffered from the same problem—they were subject to fatigue and failure.
[0004] Despite the disadvantages of disposable beverage receptacles, they do offer some advantages, including being less fragile. However, due to weakness or fatigue, any significant deformation or folding typically results in a tear, rendering the receptacle inoperable, and therefore the value of these features are not suitable for long term use. All of this changed with the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,225, which brought about semi-rigid drinkware made from silicone, which offered a longer life than conventional glassware, along with many other desirable advantages, including the ability to be dropped, crushed, other otherwise mistreated without harm. Silicone drinkware was widely accepted, and was particularly well suited for use by children or in outdoor dining, on pool decks, patios and the like. In addition, silicone drinkware has led to the adoption of silicone dishes, containers and the like.
[0005] Despite the above advantages, existing silicone drinkware and dishware does not perform was well as some other drinkware and dishware in terms of maintain the desired temperature of its contents, whether it be a beverage, food or the like. While silicone has a low thermal conductivity, it still does not perform as well as other modern receptables designed with insulation in mind. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a semi-rigid beverage receptacle, other drinkware and dishware products which maintain the temperature of the contained food or beverage longer than convention silicone drinkware and dishware. It is a further object of the invention to provide semi-rigid beverage receptacle with sufficiently rigid sides to prevent undesirable spilling when in use, while remaining flexible enough so as to be foldable and compressible when not in use, thereby preventing breakage.SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure includes certain embodiments for an insulated semi-rigid beverage receptacle. In certain embodiments of the present invention, an insulated semi-rigid beverage receptacle formed substantially of food-grade silicone is provided. In certain forms, the silicone beverage receptacle is in the form of a pint glass, mug, tumbler, or the like.
[0007] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent from the detailed drawings and descriptions provided herein. Each embodiment described is not intended to address every object described herein, and each embodiment does not include each feature described. Some or all of these features may be present in the corresponding independent or dependent claims, but should not be construed to be a limitation unless expressly recited in a particular claim.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a double walled beverage receptacle.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an outer shell of the double walled beverage receptacle of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the outer shell of FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an inner shell of the double walled beverage receptacle of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the inner shell of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the double walled beverage receptacle of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a double walled beverage receptacle.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a double walled beverage receptacle.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a double walled beverage receptacle.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a double walled beverage receptacle shaped as a mug.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage receptacle of FIG. 10 with a lid.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a double walled beverage receptacle shaped as a squeeze bottle.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of an of the rim portion of the beverage receptacle of FIG. 12.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a double walled beverage receptacle shaped as a mug with a handle.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view of an of the rim portion of the beverage receptacle of FIG. 14.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. Additionally, in the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views.
[0024] The present invention relates generally to drinkware, and in particular, to insulated drinkware including double walls where the receptacle and the lid are formed from pliable materials, such as silicone, and comparable dishware, such as bowls, containers and the like. The novel non-rigid drinkware and dishware may be formed into any one of the traditional drinkware or dishware shapes that may be double walled. However, for purposes of illustration, the novel containers of the present invention will be described herein with respect to an exemplary pint glass.
[0025] By being manufactured principally of silicone, the novel drinkware enjoys the following desirable characteristics: it is dishwasher safe, microwave safe, oven safe up to and exceeding 600° F., flexible / foldable, and under normal circumstances—unbreakable. Moreover, by including the novel features described herein, the drinkware and dishware additional exhibits the ability to maintain a desired temperature for longer period of time.
[0026] A front view of an illustrative double walled beverage receptacle 10 is shown in FIG. 1. The beverage receptacle 10 includes a base 22, a sidewall 24 and a rim section 30. The rim section 30 has an annular shape and is positioned at the distal end of the sidewall 24 with respect to base 22. Rim section 30 defines the opening to a receptacle cavity 28 that is defined within and formed by the sidewall 24 and the base 22.
[0027] The beverage receptacle 10 is formed from an outer shell 40 and an inner shell 60 that are bonded together to define a receptacle wall void 80 between the outer shell 40 the inner shell 60 (see FIG. 6). The receptacle wall void 80 formed between the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 60 insulates the receptacle cavity 28 to reduce heat transfer between the liquid or the solid that is positioned within the receptacle cavity 28 and the surrounding environment. This allows the liquid or solid positioned within the receptacle cavity 28 to be kept cold or hot, as desired, for a longer period of time. In some embodiments, the receptacle wall void 80 may be hermetically sealed, vacuum sealed, pressurized, or filled with a non-silicone insulating material.
[0028] In some embodiments, beverage receptable 10 has a height of between 5.25 inches and 6.5 inches and a maximum width between 3.25 and 4 inches and a minimum width of 1.5 and 3 inches. In other embodiments, the receptable 10 may have a height that is in the range of 3 to 18 inches, as desired. In some examples, the receptable 10 may have a height between 4 inches and 12 inches. Likewise, in some embodiments, the receptable 10 may have maximum width in the range of 2 to 10 inches, irrespective of any protruding handle. In certain examples, the receptable 10 has a maximum width between 3 inches and 6 inches. In the embodiment shown, the outer shell may have thickness in the range of 4 to 8 mm. In other embodiments, the receptable 10 may have a thickness that is in the range of 2 to 12 mm.
[0029] A perspective view of the outer shell 40 of beverage receptacle 10 is shown in FIG. 2. The outer shell 40 includes an outer shell base 42 and an outer shell sidewall 44 that extends from the outer shell base 42. An outer shell rim 46 is positioned at a distal end of the outer shell sidewall 44. The outer shell rim 46 defines the entrance to an outer shell cavity 48 that is surrounded by the outer shell sidewall 44 and the outer shell base 42.
[0030] The outer shell 40 has a height and width commensurate with the dimensions of receptable 10 identified above. However, in the embodiment shown, the outer shell may have thickness in the range of 4 to 8 mm. In other embodiments, the outer shell 40 may have a thickness that is in the range of 1 to 6 mm.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the top of outer shell 40 illustrating the outer shell rim 46 in greater detail according to this embodiment. As shown, the outer shell rim 46 includes an outer shell rim shelf 47 where an inner surface 51 of the outer shell sidewall 44 extends slightly radially outward toward an outer surface 52 of the outer shell sidewall 44. The outer shell cavity 48 at the outer shell rim 46 has a diameter that is slightly larger than the diameter of the outer shell cavity 48 where outer shell sidewall 44 meets outer shell rim shelf 47. Additionally, an outer shell rim divot 49 is defined through a distal surface of the outer shell rim 46 and extends at least partially (and in some form intermittently) around the circumference of the outer shell rim 46. In other forms, the outer shell rim divot 49 extends entirely around the circumference of the outer shell rim 46.
[0032] A perspective view of the inner shell 60 of beverage receptacle 10 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The inner shell 60 includes an inner shell base 62, an inner shell sidewall 64 that extends distally from the inner shell base 62, and an inner shell rim 66. The inner shell rim 66 defines the entrance to an inner shell cavity 78 that is surrounded by the inner shell sidewall 64 and the inner shell base 62.
[0033] In the embodiment shown, the inner shell rim 66 includes an inner shell rim base 67 and an inner shell rim lip 68. The inner shell rim lip 68 extends radially outward form the inner shell rim base 67, so that the inner shell rim lip 68 has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner shell rim base 67. Likewise, the inner shell rim base 67 extends radially outward from the inner shell sidewall 64, so that the inner shell rim base 67 has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner shell sidewall 64.
[0034] The inner shell 60 may also include one or more inner shell ribs 72 that are positioned on and extend outward from the inner shell sidewall 64 and wrap around to extend from a portion of the inner shell base 62. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the inner shell 60 includes a total of six inner shell ribs 72. The inner shell ribs 72 run vertically and are spaced evenly around the circumference of the inner shell sidewall 64. In other embodiments, more or fewer inner shell ribs 72 may be included on the inner shell sidewall 64 as desired, and such ribs 72 may run horizontally, diagonally or otherwise. In other forms, ribs 72 may be replaced by smaller or difference shaped protrusions, such as rods, nibs or the like which simply serve to maintain the spatial relationship between the inner shell 60 and the outer shell 40, and specifically between inner shell sidewall 64 and outer shell sidewall 44 to maintain receptacle wall void 80.
[0035] The inner shell 60 has a height that is equal to or less than the height of the outer shell 40, and the maximum width of the inner shell cavity 78 is less than the maximum width of the outer shell cavity 48. This allows the inner shell 60 to fit within the outer shell cavity 48. In some embodiments, the inner shell 60 has a height of approximately 5.5 inches and the inner shell cavity 78 has a maximum width of approximately 3.25 inches. In other embodiments, the inner shell 60 may have a height that is greater or less than 5.5 inches, as desired. In some examples, the inner shell 60 may have a height between 4.5 inches and 6.5 inches. Likewise, in some embodiments, the inner shell cavity 78 may have a maximum width that is greater or less than 3.25 inches. In certain examples, the inner shell cavity 78 has a maximum width between 2.5 inches and 3.25 inches. In the embodiment shown, the outer shell 40 may have thickness that is greater than the inner shell 60. However, in other embodiments the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 60 may have the same thickness or the inner shell 60 may have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the outer shell 40.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inner shell 60 illustrating the inner shell rim 66 in greater detail. As shown, an outer surface of the inner shell rim base 67 extends radially outward from an outer surface of the inner shell sidewall 64. The inner shell rim lip 68 extends radially outward from a distal end of the inner shell rim base 67. An inner shell rim flange 69 extends from a proximal facing surface of the inner shell rim lip 68. The inner shell rim flange 69 is shaped to fit within the outer shell rim divot 49.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 6, to form the beverage receptacle 10, the inner shell 60 is positioned within the outer shell cavity 48. The inner shell rim lip 68 is positioned on top of and extends over the outer shell rim 46, and the inner shell rim base 67 rests on the outer shell rim shelf 47. The inner shell ribs 72 are in contact, or at least in close proximity to, with the outer shell base 42 and the outer shell sidewall 44. A receptacle wall void 80 is formed between the outer shell base 42 and the inner shell base 62 and between the outer shell sidewall 44 and the inner shell sidewall 64. In some embodiments, the receptacle wall void 80 may be filled with air which acts as an insulator to assist to prevent heat transfer between the exterior environment and the substance within the receptacle cavity 28. In other embodiments, the receptacle wall void 80 may form a vacuum or be filling with non-silicone insulating materials to insulate the substance within the receptacle cavity 28 from the exterior environment. In another form, receptable void 80 may be filled with pressured air or some other gas or substance, such as argon, in order to provide insulation and also increase the structural rigidity of the beverage receptable 10 in several respects.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the inner shell 60 is bonded to the outer shell 40 by attaching the inner shell rim 66 to the outer shell rim 46. In some embodiments, the inner shell 60 is attached to the outer shell 40 using a compression molding process. However, in other embodiments, the inner shell 60 is attached to the outer shell 40 using glue, sonic welding or the like, or by using a silicone rubber. In other more specific forms, a silicone-based adhesive (such as SIL Poxy) or a cyanoacrylate (instant) adhesive with a primer specifically designed for silicone, like Permabond POP may be utilized for attaching inner shell 60 to the outer shell 40.
[0039] Although beverage receptacle 10 is shown as a pint glass in FIGS. 1-6, one of skill in the art shall readily appreciate that in other embodiments the beverage receptacle may have other shapes and / or forms, including any known conventional glassware shape. As an example, FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a beverage receptacle 110 in the form of a double walled mug with a handle 132. The beverage receptacle 110 is similar to beverage receptacle 10 in that beverage receptacle 110 includes an outer shell 140 and an inner shell 160. However, the shapes of the outer shell 140 and the inner shell 160 have been modified for this new shape.
[0040] The outer shell 140 includes an outer shell base 142 and an outer shell sidewall 144 that extends from the outer shell base 142. An outer shell rim 146 is positioned at a distal end of the outer shell sidewall 144. The outer shell rim 146 includes an outer shell rim shelf 147 where an inner surface of the outer shell rim 146 extends slightly radially outward from the inner surface of the outer shell sidewall 144. Additionally, an outer shell rim divot 149 is defined through a distal surface of the outer shell rim 146 and extends around the circumference of the outer shell rim 146.
[0041] The inner shell 160 is positioned within the outer shell cavity 148 and includes an inner shell base 162, an inner shell sidewall 164 that extends distally from the inner shell base 162, and an inner shell rim 166. The inner shell 160 defines an inner shell cavity 178. The inner shell rim 166 includes an inner shell rim base 167 and an inner shell rim lip 168. The inner shell rim lip 168 extends radially outward form the inner shell rim base 167, so that the inner shell rim lip 168 has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner shell rim base 167. Likewise, the inner shell rim base 167 extends radially outward from the inner shell sidewall 164, so that the inner shell rim base 167 has a cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner shell sidewall 164. The inner shell 160 also includes one or more inner shell ribs 172 that are positioned on and extend outward from the inner shell sidewall 164 and wrap around to extend from a portion of the inner shell base 162. An inner shell rim flange 169 extends from a proximal facing surface of the inner shell rim lip 168.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 7, the inner shell rim lip 168 is positioned on top of and extends over the outer shell rim 146, and the inner shell rim base 167 rests on the outer shell rim shelf 147. The inner shell rim flange 169 is shaped to fit within the outer shell rim divot 149. The inner shell ribs 172 are in contact with the outer shell base 142 and the outer shell sidewall 144. A receptacle wall void 180 is formed between the outer shell base 142 and the inner shell base 162 and between the outer shell sidewall 144 and the inner shell sidewall 164. In some embodiments, the receptacle wall void 180 may be filled with air which acts as an insulator to assist to prevent heat transfer between the exterior environment and the substance within the receptacle cavity 128. In other embodiments, the receptacle wall void 180 may form a vacuum to insulate the substance within the receptacle cavity 128 from the exterior environment. Similar to the beverage receptacle 10, the inner shell 160 is bonded to the outer shell 140 by attaching the inner shell rim 166 to the outer shell rim 146. In some embodiments, the inner shell 160 is attached to the outer shell 140 using a compression molding process. However, in other embodiments, the inner shell 160 is attached to the outer shell 140 using glue or a silicone rubber.
[0043] In other embodiments, the shape of the outer shell 40 and the inner shell 60 may be modified in other manners to create even more varieties of beverage containers. As an example, FIG. 8 shows a larger tumbler style beverage receptacle 210 with a handle 232. The beverage receptacle 210 includes an outer shell 240 and an inner shell 260 positioned within the outer shell 240 to form a receptacle wall void 280 between the outer shell 240 and inner shell 260 similar to beverage receptacle 10 and beverage receptacle 110.
[0044] An alternative style of a double walled beverage receptacle 310 in the shape of a pint glass is shown in FIG. 9. The beverage receptacle 310 includes a tapered outer shell 340 and a tapered inner shell 360 arranged within the outer shell 340. The outer shell 340 includes an outer shell base 342, an outer shell sidewall 344, and an outer shell rim 346. The inner shell includes an inner shell base 362, and inner shell sidewall 364, and an inner shell rim 366. A receptacle cavity 328 is defined within the inner shell 360. A sealed receptacle wall void 380 is formed between the outer shell 340 and the inner shell 360.
[0045] In the embodiment shown, the inner shell 360 is joined to the outer shell 340 by joining the inner shell rim 366 to the outer shell rim 346. In certain embodiments, the inner shell 360 is joined to the outer shell 340 using compression molding. In some instances, the compression molding process creates a parting line 382 that is formed where the outer shell rim 346 meets the inner shell rim 366. However, in other embodiments glue or another suitable securement method may be used at the parting line 382 to join the outer shell 340 to the inner shell 360.
[0046] In some embodiments, the outer shell rim 346 may include a lip that extends inward from an inner surface of the outer shell 340 to engage the inner shell 360 so that the parting line 382 is positioned on an inner surface of the beverage receptacle 310. In other embodiments, the inner shell 360 may include a lip that extends outward from an outer surface of the inner shell 360 to engage the outer shell 340, so that the parting line 382 is positioned on an outer surface of the beverage receptacle 310.
[0047] In some embodiments, the outer shell 340 has a height of approximately 6 inches and a maximum width of approximately 3.75 inches. In other embodiments, the outer shell 340 may have a height that is greater or less than 6 inches, as desired. In some examples, the outer shell 340 may have a height between 5 inches and 7 inches. Likewise, in some embodiments, the outer shell 340 may have maximum width that is greater or less than 3.75 inches. In certain examples, the outer shell 340 has a maximum width between 3 inches and 5 inches.
[0048] The inner shell 360 has a height that is less than the height of the outer shell 340, and the maximum width of the inner shell 360 is less than the maximum width of the outer shell 340. This allows the inner shell 360 to fit within the outer shell 340. In some embodiments, the inner shell 360 has a height of approximately 5.5 inches and a maximum width of approximately 3.25 inches. In other embodiments, the inner shell 360 may have a height that is greater or less than 5.5 inches, as desired. In some examples, the inner shell 360 may have a height between 4.5 inches and 6.5 inches. Likewise, in some embodiments, the inner shell 360 may have a maximum width that is greater or less than 3.25 inches. In certain examples, the inner shell 360 has a maximum width between 2.5 inches and 3.25 inches. In the embodiment shown, the outer shell 340 may have thickness that is greater than the inner shell 360. However, in other embodiments the outer shell 340 and the inner shell 360 may have the same thickness or the inner shell 360 may have a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the outer shell 340.
[0049] An alternative style of a double walled beverage receptacle 410 in the shape of a mug is shown in FIG. 10. The beverage receptacle 410 includes an outer shell 440 and a tapered inner shell 460 arranged within the outer shell 440. The outer shell 440 includes an outer shell base 442, an outer shell sidewall 444, and an outer shell rim 446. The outer shell 440 may also include a handle 432 that extends outward from the outer shell sidewall 444. The inner shell 460 includes an inner shell base 462, and inner shell sidewall 464, and an inner shell rim 466. A sealed receptacle wall void 480 is formed between the outer shell 440 and the inner shell 460. A receptacle cavity 428 is defined within the inner shell 460.
[0050] In the embodiment shown, the inner shell 460 is joined to the outer shell 440 by joining the inner shell rim 466 to the outer shell rim 446. In certain embodiments, the inner shell 460 is joined to the outer shell 440 using compression molding. In some instances, the compression molding process creates a parting line 482 that is formed where the outer shell rim 446 meets the inner shell rim 466. However, in other embodiments glue or another suitable adhesive may be used at the parting line 482 to join the outer shell 440 to the inner shell 460.
[0051] In some embodiments, the outer shell rim 446 may include a lip that extends inward from an inner surface of the outer shell 440 to engage the inner shell 460 so that the parting line 482 is positioned on an inner surface of the beverage receptacle 410. In other embodiments, the inner shell 460 may include a lip that extends outward from an outer surface of the inner shell 460 to engage the outer shell 440, so that the parting line 482 is positioned on an outer surface of the beverage receptacle 410. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 11, the beverage receptacle 410 may also include a lid 490 that fits over the outer shell rim 446 and covers the receptacle cavity 428 to provide a cover and further insulation to aid in keeping the contained beverage at its desired temperature for longer.
[0052] In other embodiments, the shape of the outer shell and the inner shell may be modified in other manners to create even more varieties of beverage containers. As an example, FIG. 12 shows a larger beverage receptacle 510 shaped as a squeeze bottle and including a lid 590 with a nozzle 595. The beverage receptacle 510 includes an outer shell 540 and an inner shell 560 positioned within the outer shell 540 to form a receptacle wall void 580 between the outer shell 540 and inner shell 560. The outer shell 540 includes an outer shell base 542, an outer shell sidewall 544, and an outer shell rim 546. The inner shell 560 includes an inner shell base 562, and inner shell sidewall 564, and an inner shell rim 566. A receptacle cavity 528 is defined within the inner shell 560.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 13, the outer shell 540 and the inner shell 560 of the beverage receptacle 510 may be connected to each other at the outer shell rim 546 and the inner shell rim 566. In the embodiment shown, the outer shell rim 546 includes outer shell divots 547 defined on an inner surface of the outer shell 540. The outer shell divots 547 are configured to receive inner shell outward rings 567 that extend from an outer surface of the inner shell 560. There are total of three outer shell divots 547 and inner shell outward rings 567 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13. However, in other embodiments, more divots and rings or few divots and rings may be present, as desired.
[0054] In some embodiments, the outer shell 540 and the inner shell 560 may be bonded by a compression molding process that seals the outer shell 540 and the inner shell 560 where the inner shell outward rings 567 mesh with the outer shell divots 547. In other embodiments, different attachment methods may be used to attach the outer shell 540 and the inner shell 560 to seal the receptacle wall void 580.
[0055] The inner shell rim 566 also includes inner shell inward rings 569 that extend from an inner surface of the inner shell 560. The lid 590 includes lid rings 599 that extend from an outer surface of the lid 590. The inner shell inward rings 569 and the lid rings 599 are alternatingly arranged so that the lid rings 599 fit between the inner shell inward rings 569. The interaction between the inner shell inward rings 569 and the lid rings 599 allows the lid 590 to be removably positioned within the inner shell rim 566. The lid 590 may substantially seal the receptacle cavity 528 when the lid 590 is fit onto the rim portion of the beverage receptacle 510. However, the lid 590 may be removed from the inner shell rim 566 by pulling the lid 590 away from the receptacle cavity 528.
[0056] In the embodiment shown, the inner shell 560 includes three inner shell inward rings 569 and the lid 590 includes two lid rings 599. In other embodiments, the inner shell 560 may include more or fewer inward rings 569 as desired and the lid 590 may include more or few lid rings 599 as desired. Although there is one more inner shell inward ring 569 than lid rings 599 to create the alternating arrangement in this embodiment, it should be recognized that in other embodiments, the rings may be arranged so that there is one more lid ring 599 than inner shell inward rings 569.
[0057] FIG. 14 shows another alternative embodiment of a beverage receptacle 610 that has a handle 632 and is larger than the beverage receptacle 410 that is shaped as a mug. The beverage receptacle 610 includes an outer shell 640 and an inner shell 660 positioned within the outer shell 640 to form a receptacle wall void 680 between the outer shell 640 and inner shell 660. The outer shell 640 includes an outer shell base 642, an outer shell sidewall 644, and an outer shell rim 646. The inner shell 660 includes an inner shell base 662, and inner shell sidewall 664, and an inner shell rim 666. A receptacle cavity 628 is defined within the inner shell 660.
[0058] As shown in greater detail in FIG. 15, the outer shell 640 and the inner shell 660 are connected at a connection ring 685 that extends between an inner surface 647 of the outer shell 640 and a top surface 667 of the inner shell 660. In some embodiments, the outer shell 640 is bonded to inner shell 660 by compression molding, and a parting line 682 is formed at the connection ring 685, where the outer shell 640 is bonded to the inner shell 660. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-15, the outer shell 640 extends above the connection ring 685 and the parting line 682 so that the outer shell 640 has a height that is greater than a height of the inner shell 660.
[0059] In some embodiments, each of the components of the bottle assemblies described above is formed principally or entirely from silicone—a synthetic rubber. The novel receptacle may be formed by suitable manufacturing methods such as injection molding or the like. Silicone is a low taint, non-toxic material, which meets the necessary requirements when contact with food is required. Silicone is already important product in the cookware industry, particularly bakeware and kitchen utensils, where rigidity is not a primary concern. It is used as an insulator in heat resistant potholders and similar, however it is more conductive of heat than the less dense fiber-based ones. Silicone oven mitts are able to withstand temperatures up to 357° C. (675° F.), and allow reaching into boiling water. According to the illustrated embodiment, the beverage receptacle 10 utilizes silicone within the same parameters as set forth by the FDA with respect to specified thicknesses and durometer.
[0060] Nevertheless, other pliable materials may be utilized without departing from the scope of the inventions. It shall be appreciated that any of a group of semi-inorganic polymers based on the structural unit R2SiO, where R is an organic group, characterized by wide-range thermal stability, high lubricity, extreme water repellence, and physiological inertness can be considered in the silicone family of products.
[0061] Furthermore, the inventive drinkware may be customized or personalized, such as by the inclusion of a logo on beverage receptacle 10. The unique properties of silicone allow the ability to apply printed or embedded physical logos to the outside surface or any other surface of the drinkware. Using appropriate inks and processes, these products can receive a variety of designs, and be used as retail housewares and promotional products.
[0062] Additionally, the silicone utilized can be produced in any Pantone color, or without pigment so as to be rendered nearly translucent. It is also possible to add to the raw material an additive that renders the finished cup phosphorescent (i.e. glow in the dark).
[0063] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. All equivalents, changes, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention as described herein and / or by the following claims are desired to be protected.
Claims
1. A beverage receptacle comprising:an outer shell including an outer shell base, an outer shell sidewall extending from said outer shell base, and an outer shell rim at a distal end of said outer shell sidewall;an inner shell including an inner shell base, an inner shell sidewall extending from said inner shell base, and an inner shell rim at a distal end of said inner shell sidewall;wherein said inner shell is bonded to the outer shell and a receptacle wall void is defined between said inner shell and said outer shell along the majority of the length of said beverage receptable, and wherein said receptacle wall void is hermetically sealed; andwherein said outer shell and said inner shell are each made substantially of silicone.
2. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said inner shell rim is bonded to said outer shell rim.
3. The beverage receptacle of claim 2,wherein said outer shell rim includes an outer shell rim divot;wherein said inner shell rim includes an inner shell rim lip that includes an inner shell rim flange; andwherein said inner shell rim flange is configured to fit within said outer shell rim divot when said inner shell is bonded to said outer shell.
4. The beverage receptacle of claim 2,wherein said outer shell rim defines an outer shell rim shelf;wherein said inner shell rim includes an inner shell rim base that extends radially outward with respect to said inner shell sidewall; andwherein said inner shell rim base is configured to be positioned on said outer shell rim shelf when said inner shell is bonded to said outer shell.
5. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, further comprising:one or more inner shell ribs;wherein each of said one or more inner shell ribs extend radially outward from said inner shell sidewall; andwherein said one or more inner shell ribs are positioned within said receptacle wall void when said inner shell is bonded to said outer shell.
6. The beverage receptacle of claim 5, wherein a first end of each of said one or more inner shell ribs is positioned at said inner shell rim, and wherein a second end of each of said one or more inner shell ribs is positioned at said inner shell base.
7. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said inner shell is bonded to said outer shell by compression molding.
8. The beverage receptacle of claim 7, wherein said inner shell rim is compression molded to said outer shell rim.
9. The beverage receptacle of claim 8, further comprising:a parting line between said inner shell and said outer shell formed where the inner shell is compression molded to said outer shell.
10. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said inner shell has a height that is less than a height of said outer shell.
11. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said inner shell sidewall defines a receptacle cavity, and wherein said receptacle cavity is configured to receive a fluid.
12. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, further comprising:a connection ring extending between an inner surface of said outer shell and a top surface of said inner shell; andwherein said inner shell is bonded to the outer shell by compression molding at said connection ring.
13. The beverage receptacle of claim 1,wherein said outer shell rim includes one or more outer shell divots defined in an inner surface of said outer shell; andwherein said inner shell rim includes one or more inner shell rings extending from an outer surface of said inner shell.
14. The beverage receptacle of claim 13, wherein each of said one or more inner shell rings is fit within a respective one of said one or more outer shell divots when said inner shell is bonded to said outer shell.
15. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein the beverage receptacle is in the shape of a pint glass.
16. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein the beverage receptacle is in the shape of a mug.
17. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said outer shell is made entirely of silicone.
18. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said inner shell is made entirely of silicone.
19. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein said outer shell and said inner shell are each made entirely of silicone.
20. The beverage receptacle of claim 1, wherein a thickness of said outer shell is greater than a thickness of said inner shell.