Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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HOT BEVERAGE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, INSERT, AND METHOD
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to an insert assembly for outfitting a
hot beverage container. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
insert
assembly for outfitting a lidded, hot beverage container intermediate the lid
and
container portions for enabling the drinker to slow the flow rate of hot
beverage so as
to transfer heat therefrom prior to consumption,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
The broad field of lids for hot beverage containers and hot beverage container
assemblies inclusive of lids is exceedingly well-developed. The art relating
to means
for cooling hot beverages prior to consumption is a bit more limited. In any
case, it is
most difficult to pinpoint the most pertinent art relevant to the present
invention given
the wide swath of art swept by beverage container constructions and
developments.
Nevertheless, some of the more pertinent prior art is believed to be briefly
described
hereinafter.
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United States Patent No. 5,873,493 ('493 Patent), which issued to Robinson,
for example, discloses an Integrally Molded Measurer Dispenser. The '493
Patent
describes a closure providing a side wall having first and second distal ends,
an inner
surface and an outer perimeter. A cone-shaped divider projects inwardly and
upwardly from a lower perimeter of the side wall and includes a drain-back
orifice
therethrough. The cone-shaped divider further includes an apex having an
opening
therethrough. The closure further provides a lid pivotally attached at an
outer
diameter thereof to the outer perimeter of the side wall first distal end by
an integral
hinge. The lid includes a shaped substantially conforming to the side wall
perimeter.
United States Patent No. 6,176,390 ('390 Patent), which issued to Kemp,
discloses a Container Lid with Cooling Reservoir. The '390 Patent describes a
container lid with a cooling reservoir for releasably covering a disposable
cup
containing a hot beverage. The cooling reservoir includes a side wall with a
small
opening to allow a small volume of the hot beverage to pass into the cooling
reservoir
in which the beverage sufficiently cools down to enable the consumer to sip
the
beverage.
United States Patent No. 7,448,510 ('510 Patent), which issued to
Pavlopoulos, discloses a Cup Assembly having a Cooling Compartment. The '510
Patent describes a cup assembly comprising a cup and a lid to define
therebetween a
first passage and a second passage to allow a liquid cooling compartment
between the
lid and the cup to be filled with liquid contained in the cup when the first
passage is
clear and the second passage is blocked and the liquid in the liquid cooling
compartment is able to flow out of an outlet in communication with the liquid
cooling
compartment when the second passage is clear and the first passage is blocked.
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United States Patent Application No. 2007/0062943, which was authored by
Bosworth, Sr., describes a container lid for a cup-type beverage which
includes within
the lid a disc-shaped media in which the lid is adapted to be releasably
affixed to the
beverage container and where the lid is protected from the beverage within the
container and wherein the disc may be removed from the lid and utilized for
entertainment purposes.
United States Patent Application No. 2010/0264150, which was authored by
Leon et al., describes a disposable beverage cup comprising a ledge between
the cup's
rim and the grasping portion of the cup that is commonly held in the user's
hand. The
ledge, which comprises a curb, a horizontal plane, and one or more
indentations, acts
as a barrier between the user's hand and other objects, preventing a lid that
has been
press fit onto the cup's rim from being dislodged. In order to remove the lid,
the user
must insert a finger and/or thumb into the indentation(s) and press upward on
the lid.
The cup has a contour between the ledge and the grasping portion with
ergonomic
features to increase the user's comfort in handling the cup.
United States Patent Application No. 2010/0320220, which was authored by
Hussey et al., describes a plastic lid for a drinks container, for example, a
coffee cup.
The plastic lid is provided with an ancillary access facility in the form of
an opening
or a part of the lid easily removable to form an opening. The ancillary access
facility
allows a person to drink from the container without removal of the lid. After
the
ancillary access facility has been cleaned or de-contaminated it is protected
by the
application of a protective cover. The protective cover may have a variety of
shapes,
for example, it may cover the entire lid or it may cover only a selected part
of the lid,
for example, only the area of the lid involving the ancillary access facility.
The
protective cover protects the ancillary access facility from the inadvertent
transfer of
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germs to the drinking area by the person dispensing the drinks as they push
the lid
down with their hands to seal the lid to the container top. The protective
covers are
arranged to be easily stripped from the lid by the application of mere finger
pressure.
From a consideration of the foregoing, it will be noted that the prior art
perceives a need for a low cost, disposable hot beverage container assembly
insert
construction which may be outfitted upon existing constructions so as to
enable the
user to quickly and easily slow the beverage flow rates for transferring heat
from the
hot beverage so as to avoid scalding prior to beverage consumption. In this
last
regard, the prior art perceives a need for such a combination hot beverage
container
insert assembly, and certain methodology supported thereby as summarized in
more
detail hereinafter.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
To achieve these and other readily apparent objectives, the present invention
essentially discloses a hot beverage container insert assembly for enabling a
user/drinker to effectively transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-
contained
beverage so as to cool the beverage before it enters the user's/drinker's
mouth. The
present invention is thus contemplated to provide certain low-cost, disposable
means
for transferring thermal energy from a relatively hot liquid beverage to
relatively cool
surroundings so as to prevent scalding before consumption thereof.
When viewed in combination with a hot beverage container assembly, the
present invention is believed to comprise a container structure, a lid
structure, and any
of a number of alternative insert structures. The essential container
structure is
believed to preferably comprise a container bottom, a container wall, and an
upper
container rim. The upper container rim has a rim perimeter, which rim
perimeter
preferably extends in a rim plane.
The lid structure is believed to preferably comprise a lip top, a lid wall,
and a
lower lid rim having a container rim-receiving groove. Thus, the lower lid rim
may
cooperably receive the upper container rim. The lid top comprises a primary
beverage
outlet, which outlet may be of various sizes and configurations. Although the
size and
shape of the primary outlet is not believed critical to the practice of the
present
invention, it is noted that larger primary outlets tend to outlet beverage
flow at a
greater rate and thus may more readily subject users/drinkers to scalding
should the
assembly-contained beverage be injuriously hot. Further, larger outlets are
prone to
spillage, and thus the present invention attempts to prevent scalding and/or
spillage by
providing certain beverage-damming means adjacent the primary beverage outlet.
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Central to the practice of the present invention are a number of insert
assemblies or insert structures. The primary or preferred insert structures
each
comprise an inner beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-engaging
structure.
The beverage-damming structure(s) and outer rim-engaging structure(s) differ
among
the primary or preferred embodiments, but all beverage-damming structure(s)
are
contemplated to be preferably formed from a semi-rigid material or providing
beverage-damming rigidity.
The rim-engaging structure(s) are preferably formed from a flexible, water-
impermeable material such as a thin layer of polymeric material and may either
be
laminated about the beverage-damming structure(s) or coated thereupon so as to
prevent absorption of water-based liquids into the material of the beverage-
damming
structure(s), or may be fixedly attached to the beverage-damming structure on
one
side thereof so as to provide critical skirt-like structure. Both the beverage-
damming
structure and the rim-engaging structure should be formed from water
impermeable,
food grade materials in this latter structural scenario.
As was introduced in the preceding paragraph, it is further contemplated in
the
case of a typical circular general shape for the upper container rim, lower
lid rim, and
beverage-damming structure(s), the rim-engaging structure(s) preferably
radiate or
extend outwardly from the beverage-damming structure(s) and thus may be said
to
provide a skirt-like structure to the beverage-damming structure(s). The skirt-
like
rim-engaging structure(s) are preferably received intermediate the upper
container rim
and the lower lid rim for providing several functions.
In this last regard, it is contemplate that the rim-engaging structures
essentially
function to (1) seal the space intermediate the upper container and lower lid
rims; (2)
connect the insert structure to the container structure and lid structure by
forming a
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tighter seal therebetween; and (3) define (a) a lower beverage-containing
compartment and (b) an upper beverage-cooling compartment by positioning the
beverage-damming structure(s) and opposed layers of the rim-engaging structure
substantially within the dam plane.
The insert structure comprises a first aperture, cut-out or primary dam outlet
and a second aperture, cutout or secondary dam outlet. The primary dam outlet
functions to outlet beverage from the beverage-containing compartment into the
beverage-cooling compartment, and the secondary dam outlet functions to inlet
air
from the beverage-cooling compartment to the beverage-containing compartment.
The beverage-cooling compartment receives heat from the beverage thereby
enabling
the beverage to cool before being further outlet via the primary beverage
outlet.
An alternative embodiment to the preferred construction according to the
present invention involves a lid structure specifically tailored to receive a
beverage-
damming structure. In this embodiment, the rim-engaging structure is
essentially
eliminated and certain structure-retaining means are formed in the lid
structure so as
to retain the beverage-damming structure. In this regard, the present
invention further
contemplates a beverage container lid assembly for outfitting a beverage
container so
as to enable a user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained
beverage.
The alternative lid assembly comprises, in combination, a lid structure and a
beverage-damming structure. The alternative lid structure(s) preferably
comprise a
lip top, a lid wall, and a lower lid rim outfitted with a rim-receiving
groove. The
primary difference between the preferred lid structure and the alternative lid
structure
is that the lid wall of the alternative lid structure comprises certain inner
dam-
retaining means, as variously exemplified.
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In addition to the foregoing structural considerations, it is further believed
that
the inventive concepts discussed support certain new methodologies and/or
processes.
In this regard, it is contemplated that the foregoing structural
considerations support a
heat-treatment method for selectively transferring heat from a relatively hot
assembly-
contained beverage.
The heat-treatment method may be said to comprise the steps of extending an
apertured beverage-damming structure in a plane parallel to an upper beverage
container rim whereafter a lid may be positioned over the beverage-damming
structure and upper beverage container rim.
A seal may then be formed between a lower beverage-containing compartment
and an upper beverage-cooling compartment via the beverage-damming structure.
A
beverage may be outlet from the beverage-containing compartment into the
beverage-
cooling compartment via the apertured beverage-damming structure; in which
latter
compartment heat may be transferred from the outlet beverage.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features of my invention will become more evident from a consideration
of the following brief descriptions of patent drawings:
Figure No. 1 is a first exploded top perspective view of a beverage container
assembly according to the present invention showing from top to bottom a lid
structure
(with small beverage outlet), a preferred insert assembly, and a container
structure.
Figure No. 2 is a second exploded top perspective view-of a beverage container
assembly otherwise depicted in Figure No. 1 but showing from top to bottom a
lid
structure (with large beverage outlet), and the preferred insert assembly
rotated 180
degrees relative to the lid structure.
Figure No. 3 is a partially exploded top perspective view of a beverage
container
assembly according to the present invention showing from top to bottom a lid
structure
(with primary beverage outlet and phantom beverage outlet rotated 180 degrees
from the
primary beverage outlet), the preferred insert assembly with primary dam
outlet situated
in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet, and container structure
with
preferred insert assembly seated thereupon.
Figure No. 4 is a top perspective view of a beverage container assembly
according to the present invention with lid structure and skirted insert
assembly seated
upon the container structure.
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Figure No. 5 is a top plan view of the preferred insert assembly according to
the
present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-
engaging
skirt structure.
Figure No. 5(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 5 showing in greater detail the primary dam outlet of the beverage-
damming
structure with a series of linearly aligned apertures formed through opposed
layers of
material coating the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 5(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 5 showing in greater detail the secondary dam outlet of the
beverage-
damming structure with an open aperture formed in the opposed layers of
material
coating the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 5(c) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 5(a) showing in greater detail the series of apertures formed in
the dual
layered structure formed from opposed layers of material coating the beverage-
damming
structure.
Figure No. 6 is a top plan view of a first alternative insert assembly
according to
the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 6(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 6 showing in greater detail the primary dam outlet of the beverage-
damming
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structure with a series of apertures formed through the beverage-damming
structure and
opposed layers of material coating the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 6(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 6 showing in greater detail the secondary dam outlet of the
beverage-
damming structure with an open slot formed in the opposed layers of material
coating
the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 6(c) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 6(a) showing in greater detail the series of apertures formed in
the triple-
layered structure comprising the beverage-damming structure and opposed layers
of
material coating the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 7 is a top plan view of a second alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 7(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 7 showing in greater detail the primary dam outlet of the beverage-
damming
structure with a wedge-shaped aperture formed at the edge of the beverage-
damming
structure and through opposed layers of material coating the beverage-damming
structure.
Figure No. 7(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 7 showing in greater detail the secondary dam outlet of the
beverage-
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damming structure with an open slot formed in the opposed layers of material
coating
the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 8 is a top plan view of a third alternative insert assembly
according to
the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 8(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 8 showing in greater detail the primary dam outlet of the beverage-
damming
structure with a semi-circular-shaped aperture formed at the edge of the
beverage-
damming structure and through opposed layers of material coating the beverage-
damming structure..
Figure No. 8(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 8 showing in greater detail the secondary dam outlet of the
beverage-
damming structure with an open slot formed in the opposed layers of material
coating
the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 9 is a top plan view of a fourth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 9(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 9 showing in greater detail the primary dam outlet of the beverage-
damming
structure with a wedge-shaped aperture formed at the edge of the beverage-
damming
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structure and through opposed layers of material coating the beverage-damming
structure.
Figure No. 9(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 9 showing in greater detail the secondary dam outlet of the
beverage-
damming structure with an open slot formed in the opposed layers of material
coating
the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 10 is a top plan view of a fifth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 10(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 10 showing in greater detail the primary dam outlet of the beverage-
damming
structure with an arcuate slot formed at the edge of the beverage-damming
structure
(having an arc-shaped cutout adjacent said slot) through opposed layers of
material
coating the beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 10(b) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 10 showing in greater detail the secondary dam outlet of the
beverage-
damming structure with an open slot formed in the opposed layers of material
coating
the beverage-damming structure at the site of an elliptical cutout formed in
the beverage-
damming structure.
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Figure No. 11 is an elevational side view of a generic lid structure according
to
the present invention showing a relatively large primary beverage outlet in
phantom.
Figure No. 12 is an elevational side view of a generic lid structure according
to
the present invention showing a relatively small primary beverage outlet in
phantom.
Figure No. 13 is a top plan view of the generic lid structure according to the
present invention otherwise shown in Figure No. 11 showing the relatively
large primary
beverage outlet.
Figure No. 14 is a top plan view of the generic lid structure according to the
present invention otherwise shown in Figure No. 12 showing the relatively
small
primary beverage outlet.
Figure No. 15(a) is a longitudinal sectional view of a generic insert assembly
according to the present invention showing a lower beverage-damming structure
and an
upper outer rim-engaging skirt structure fixedly (e.g. adhesively) attached to
the
beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 15(b) is a longitudinal sectional view of a generic insert assembly
according to the present invention showing an inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure (coating the beverage-damming structure).
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Figure No. 15(c) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 15(b) showing in greater detail the inner beverage-damming
structure and the
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 15(d) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 15(1) showing in greater detail the upper beverage-damming
structure and
the lower rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 16 is a longitudinal sectional view of a first generic alternative
lid
assembly according to the present invention showing a first alternative lid
structure with
an inner beverage-damming structure outfitted therewith via a dam-receiving
groove
formed in the lid wall.
Figure No. 16(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 16 showing in greater detail the junction site of the inner
beverage-damming
structure and the dam-receiving groove of the lid wall.
= Figure No. 17 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second generic
alternative lid
assembly according to the present invention showing a second alternative lid
structure
with an inner beverage-damming structure outfitted therewith via a dam-
supporting bead
= of flange formed in the lid wall.
Figure No. 17(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 17 showing in greater detail the junction site of the inner
beverage-damming
structure and the dam-supporting bead or flange of the lid wall.
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Figure No. 18 is a bottom plan view of a third alternative lid structure
showing a
series of circumferentially-spaced, dam-supporting beads formed in the lid
wall.
Figure No. 19 is a diagrammatic depiction of a series of generic beverage
container assemblies being sequentially angled relative to the horizon or
beverage
surface to show the various levels of beverage relative to the primary
beverage outlet of
the lid structure.
Figure No. 20 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from the
rightmost beverage container assembly in Figure No. 19 to show in more detail
the
beverage level relative to the primary beverage outlet.
Figure No. 21 is a diagrammatic depiction of a series of generic beverage
container assemblies outfitted with the preferred insert assembly according to
the present
invention showing the assemblies being sequentially angled relative to the
horizon or
beverage surface to show the various beverage surface positions relative to
the beverage-
damming structure as positioned adjacent the primary beverage outlet.
Figure No. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from the
rightmost beverage container assembly in Figure No. 21 to show in more detail
the
beverage flow rates adjacent the primary beverage outlet.
Figure No. 23 is an enlarged diagrammatic exploded side view depiction
showing, from top to bottom, a lid structure, a generic insert assembly, and a
container
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structure (with contained beverage) according to the present invention to show
relative
positions of the elements before assembly.
Figure No. 24 is an enlarged diagrammatic assembled side view depiction of the
structures otherwise depicted in Figure No. 23 showing, from top to bottom,
the lid
structure, the generic insert assembly, and the container structure according
to the
present invention to show relative positions of the elements after assembly.
Figure No. 24(a) is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view as sectioned from
Figure No. 24 to show in more detail the relative (exaggerated) positions of
the elements
after assembly.
Figure No. 25 is a diagrammatic first sequential depiction of a beverage
surface
position relative to certain beverage-damming means according to the present
invention
showing beverage being outlet via a single aperture based on a first angle of
inclination.
Figure No. 26 is a diagrammatic second sequential depiction of a beverage
surface position relative to certain beverage-damming means according to the
present
invention showing beverage being outlet via two apertures based on a second
angle of
inclination.
Figure No. 27 is a diagrammatic third sequential depiction of a beverage
surface
position relative to certain beverage-damming means according to the present
invention
showing beverage being outlet via three apertures based on a third angle of
inclination.
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Figure No. 28 is a diagrammatic fourth sequential depiction of a beverage
surface position relative to certain beverage-damming means according to the
present
invention showing beverage being outlet via four apertures based on a fourth
angle of
inclination.
Figure No. 29 is a top plan view of a sixth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 30 is a top perspective view of the sixth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 31 is an edge view of the sixth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 32 is a top plan view of a seventh alternative insert assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 33 is a top perspective view of the seventh alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
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Figure No. 34 is an edge view of the seventh alternative insert assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 35 is a top plan view of an eighth alternative insert assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 36 is a top perspective view of the eighth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 37 is an edge view of the eighth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 38 is a top plan view of a ninth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure and an outer
rim-
engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 39 is a top perspective view of the ninth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
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Figure No. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the ninth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention as sectioned from Figure No. 38 showing
inner
beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 41 is a top plan view of a tenth alternative insert assembly
according
to the present invention showing beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 42 is a top perspective view of the tenth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure.
Figure No. 43 is a cross-sectional view of the tenth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention as sectioned from Figure No. 41 showing
inner
beverage-damming structure sandwiched between radiant heat reflective
structures.
Figure No. 44 is a top plan view of an eleventh alternative insert assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 45 is a top perspective view of the eleventh alternative insert
assembly according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming
structure
and an outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the eleventh alternative insert
assembly according to the present invention as sectioned from Figure No. 44
showing
inner beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
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Figure No. 47 is a top plan view of a twelfth alternative insert assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 48 is a top perspective view of the twelfth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention showing inner beverage-damming structure
and an
outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
Figure No. 49 is a cross-sectional view of the twelfth alternative insert
assembly
according to the present invention as sectioned from Figure No. 47 showing
inner
beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-engaging skirt structure.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS AND METHODOLOGY
Referring now to the drawings with more specificity, the preferred
embodiments of the present invention primarily concern a (hot) beverage
container
insert assembly for enabling a user/drinker to effectively transfer heat (as
generically
referenced at 100) from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage 101 so as
to
cool the beverage 101 before it enters the user's/drinker's mouth. The present
invention is thus contemplated to provide certain low-cost, disposable means
for
transferring thermal energy from a relatively hot liquid beverage 101 to
relatively cool
surroundings so as to prevent scalding primarily and/or spillage secondarily.
When viewed in combination with a hot beverage container assembly, the
present invention is believed to comprise a container structure as at 10, a
lid structure
as at 11, and any of a number of alternative insert structures as generally
depicted and
referenced at 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17. The essential container structure is
believed
to preferably comprise a container bottom as at 18, a container wall as at 19,
and an
upper container rim as at 20. The upper container rim 20 has a rim perimeter,
which
rim perimeter preferably extends in a rim plane as generally referenced at
102.
The lid structure 11 is believed to preferably comprise a lip top 21, a lid
wall
22, and a lower lid rim 23 having a container rim-receiving groove 24. Thus,
the
lower lid rim 23 receives or is otherwise cooperable with the upper container
rim 20
as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 4, 19, 21, and 24. The lid top 21
comprises a
primary beverage outlet 25, which outlet 25 may be of various sizes and
configurations. Figure Nos. 13 and 14 depict generic circular outlets 25(a)
and 25(b)
of differing diameters as comparatively seen in Figure Nos. 11 and 12.
Circular outlet
22
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25(a) for example, comprises a relatively larger diameter than the diameter of
circular
outlet 25(b).
Other outlet shapes are contemplated such as oval outlets or generally
rectangular outlets. The size and shape of the primary outlet 25 is not
believed critical
to the practice of the present invention, although it is noted that larger
primary outlets
25 tend to outlet beverage flow (as at 103) at a greater rate and thus may
more readily
subject users/drinkers to scalding should the assembly-contained beverage 101
be
injuriously hot. The present invention is thus believed particularly designed
for lid
structures 11 having relatively large primary beverage outlets 25.
Central to the practice of the present invention are the insert assemblies or
insert structures 12 ¨ 17. The insert structures 12 ¨ 17 each preferably
comprise an
inner beverage-damming structure as at 26 and an outer rim-engaging structure
as at
27. The beverage-damming structure(s) 26 and outer rim-engaging structure(s)
27
differ among the embodiments 12 ¨ 17, but all beverage-damming structure(s) 26
are
contemplated to be preferably formed from a semi-rigid, thermally-insulative,
food-
grade, and heat-resistant material. In this last regard, it is contemplated
that the
material should undergo minimal or minimized structural/dimensional changes
when
heat 100 is transferred into the material.
It is thus contemplated that the material construction of the beverage-damming
structure(s) 26 may preferably be defined by cardboard, card stock, or foam-
like or
type material(s) since these types of materials are typically relatively low
cost
materials yet provide the desired properties or characteristics. The beverage-
damming structure 26 is preferably sized and shaped for receipt within the rim
perimeter and, being received, preferably extends in a dam plane 104 coplanar
with,
or parallel to the rim plane 102 as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 23 and
24.
23
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With regard to the thermally insulative properties of the preferred material
construction, it is contemplated that beverage-damming structure 26 may
provide
some modest heat-insulative properties by reflecting radiant heat 100 back
towards
assembly-contained beverage 100 as generally depicted in Figure No. 24. In
this
regard, the beverage-opposing surface(s) of the insert structures 12 ¨ 17 may
be
outfitted with a heat-reflective coating or material so as to effect a radiant
barrier as at
30 (e.g. a highly polished thin polymeric or metallic film).
The rim-engaging structure(s) 27 are preferably formed from a flexible, water-
impermeable, food grade material such as a thin layer of polymeric or foam-
like
material and may either be laminated about the beverage-damming structure(s)
26 or
coated thereupon so as to prevent absorption of water-based liquids into the
material
of the beverage-damming structure(s) 26 as generally depicted in Figure Nos.
15(b)
and 15(c), or may be fixedly attached to one surface of the beverage-damming
structure 26 so as to provide the critical skirt-like structure to the
beverage-damming
structure as generally depicted in Figure Nos. 15(a) and 15(d).
In this last regard, it is noted that the typical shape of the upper rim of a
coffee
cup or similar other beverage container is generally circular. Given a
circular general
shape for the upper container rim 20, lower lid rim 23, and beverage-damming
structure(s) 27, the rim-engaging structure(s) 27 preferably radiate or extend
outwardly from the beverage-damming structure(s) 26 and thus may be said to
provide a skirt-like structure to the beverage-damming structure(s) 26.
Referencing Figure Nos. 23 and 24, it will be seen that the rim-engaging
structure(s) 27 are preferably received intermediate the upper container rim
20 and the
lower lid rim 23 within the groove 24 for (1) sealing the space intermediate
the upper
container and lower lid rims 20 and 23 (akin to providing the function of a
gasket); (2)
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connecting the insert structure to the container structure 10 and lid
structure 11 by
forming a tighter seal therebetween; and (3) defining (a) a lower beverage-
containing
compartment 105 and (b) an upper beverage-cooling compartment 106 by
positioning
the beverage-damming structure(s) 26 and opposed layers of the rim-engaging
structure 27 substantially within the dam plane 102.
It will be noted that the beverage-damming structure(s) 26 of lid structure 12
preferably comprises a first aperture or cut-out as generically referenced at
28 and a
second aperture or cutout as generically referenced at 29. The first cutout 28
(outfitted with beverage-permeating means) primarily functions to outlet
beverage
101 from the beverage-containing compartment 106 into the beverage-cooling
compartment 105, and the second cutout 29 primarily functions to inlet air
from the
beverage-cooling compartment 105 to the beverage-containing compartment 106.
The beverage-cooling compartment 105 receives heat 100 from the beverage 101
thereby enabling the beverage 101 to cool before being further outlet via the
primary
beverage outlet 25.
The first cutout 28 (outfitted with beverage-permeating means) may
secondarily function, however, to inlet air from the beverage-cooling
compartment
105 to the beverage-containing compartment 106, and the second cutout 29 may
secondarily function to outlet beverage 101 from the beverage-containing
compartment 106 into the beverage-cooling compartment. In this regard, the
reader is
directed to Figure Nos. 2 and 3, and from an inspection of said figures, it
may be seen
that either the lid structure 11 or the insert structures 12 (as well as lid
structures 13 ¨
17) may be rotated relative to one another for positioning the first and
second
apertures 28 and/or 29 in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet
25.
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Whether the beverage flow 103 is outlet through the first cutout 28 or the
second aperture 29, the beverage-cooling compartment 105 receives heat 100
from the
beverage 101 thereby enabling the beverage 100 to cool before being further
outlet
via the primary beverage outlet 25. It is contemplated that the beverage-
damming
structure 6 and the rim-engaging structure 27 slows the beverage rate of flow
103 so
as to enable heat 100 transfer from the flow 103. The user may very easily
adjust the
lid structure 11 relative to the chosen insert structure (as exemplified by
structures 12
¨ 17) by rotating either element 11 or 12 (or 13 ¨ 17) about the axis of
rotation
depicted and referenced at 110 so as to achieve optimum, user-controlled
beverage
flow 103 at a reduced or optimum, user-selected beverage temperature.
As was previously noted, the beverage-damming structure 26 is preferably
coated by the rim-engaging structure 27 so as to prevent moisture from
absorbing into
the beverage-damming structure 26. It should thus be noted that any number of
beverage-letting structures or beverage-permeating means (e.g. apertures or
slots)
may be formed in the rim-engaging structure 27 at the site(s) exemplified by
first and
second cutout/apertures 28 and 29 for enabling beverage 101 to permeate
through the
example cutout/aperture(s) 28 or 29 and contribute to the beverage flow 103.
Beverage lettering structures (e.g. apertures or slots may also be formed in
the
beverage-damming structure(s) 26 of structures 1 3 ¨ 17 as described in more
detail
hereinafter.
The preferred embodiment according to the present invention is contemplated
to be lid insert structure 12 as generally depicted and referenced in Figure
Nos. 1 ¨ 3,
5 ¨ 5(b), 21, and 22. Lid insert structure 12 preferably comprises a beverage-
damming structure 26 having opposed wedge-shaped first and second apertures 28
and 29. The first cutout 28, while similarly shaped as second aperture 29, is
relatively
26
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larger than second aperture 29. The rim-engaging structure 27 may be formed so
as to
coat the beverage-damming structure 26 with opposed layers of liquid
impermeable
material. At the cutout 28, the material of the rim-engaging structure 21
forms a dual-
layered structure 31.
If the first cutout 28 may be said to define a primary dam outlet and the
second
aperture 29 (i.e. an open wedge-shaped aperture) may be said to define a
secondary
dam outlet, it will be recalled that the primary and secondary dam outlets may
be
selectively situated in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet 25.
Given
insert structure 12, it is contemplated that the primary dam outlet may
preferably
comprise a series of linearly aligned apertures 32 radiating outwardly
equidistant from
opposed edges 33 of the first cutout 28 or primary dam outlet.
When the lid structure 11, container structure 10 and insert structure 12 are
assembled, the apertures 32 extend inwardly from the upper container rim 20
and the
lower lid rim 23 for enabling the user to control beverage flow 103 rates via
the series
of apertures 32 by angling the beverage container assembly relative to the
horizon or
beverage surface 109 as is generally and comparatively depicted in a series of
views
set forth in Figure Nos. 25 ¨ 28.
A comparative inspection of Figure Nos. 25 ¨ 28 will illustrate for the reader
that together the beverage damming structure 26, rim-engaging structure 27,
and
beverage-permeating means (as exemplified in this example by apertures 32),
operate
to slow the beverage flow 103 rate for enabling heat 100 to transfer from the
beverage
101 within the beverage-cooling compartment 106.
Figure No. 25 depicts a first, minimized angle of inclination in which the
horizontal beverage surface 109 is elevated above the outermost aperture 32 so
as to
enable beverage flow 103 therethrough. Figure No. 26 depicts a second,
relatively
27
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greater angle of inclination of the dual-layered structure 31 relative to the
angle of
inclination in Figure No. 25. It will be seen from an inspection of Figure No.
26 that
the horizontal beverage surface 109 is elevated above the outer two most
apertures 32
so as to enable increased beverage flow 103 relative to the flow 103 depicted
in
Figure No. 25.
Figure No. 27 depicts a third, relatively greater angle of inclination of the
dual-layered structure 31 relative to the angle(s) of inclination in Figure
Nos. 25 and
26. It will be seen from an inspection of Figure No. 27 that the horizontal
beverage
surface 109 is elevated above the outer three most apertures 32 so as to
enable
increased beverage flow 103 relative to the flow(s) 103 depicted in Figure
Nos. 25
and 26.
Figure No. 28 depicts a fourth, relatively greater angle of inclination of the
dual-layered structure 31 relative to the angle(s) of inclination in Figure
Nos. 25 ¨ 27.
It will be seen from an inspection of Figure No. 28 that the horizontal
beverage
surface 109 is elevated above the outer four most apertures 32 so as to enable
increased beverage flow 103 relative to the flow(s) 103 depicted in Figure
Nos. 25 ¨
27.
It is thus contemplated that the series of apertures 32 are linearly aligned
within the primary dam outlet located at first cutout 28 for enabling
incremental
secondary beverage outlets (or beverage-permeating means) from the beverage-
containing compartment 105 depending on the angle of inclination of dual-
layered
structure 31 relative to the horizon or beverage surface 109.
Lid structure 13 is believed similar in construction to lid structure 12 but
for
apertures 46 (akin to apertures 32) that extend through three layers of
material,
namely the outer layers of rim-engaging structure 27 and inner layer of
beverage-
28
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damming structure 26. The primary dam outlet may be said to be defined by the
apertures 46 and the second aperture (i.e. a radiating slot 47 through said
three layers)
may be said to define a secondary dam outlet. It will be recalled that the
primary and
secondary dam outlets as defined by apertures 46 and slot 47 may be
selectively
situated in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet 25.
With reference to insert structure 13, it is thus contemplated that the
primary
dam outlet may preferably comprise a series of apertures 46 adjacent one edge
of the
beverage-damming structure 26. When the lid structure 11, container structure
10 and
insert structure 13 are assembled, the apertures 46 extend inwardly and
outwardly
adjacent the upper container rim 20 and the lower lid rim 23 for enabling the
user to
control beverage flow 103 rates via the series of apertures 46 by angling the
beverage
container assembly relative to the horizon or beverage surface 109.
Lid structure 14 comprises a relatively wide wedge-shaped aperture 48 as the
primary dam outlet that extends through three layers of material, namely the
outer
layers of rim-engaging structure 27 and inner layer of beverage-damming
structure
26. The primary dam outlet may be said to be defined by the aperture 48 and
the
second aperture (i.e. a radiating wedge-shaped slot 49 through said three
layers) may
be said to define a secondary dam outlet. It will be recalled that the primary
and
secondary dam outlets as defined by aperture 48 and slot 49 may be selectively
situated in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet 25.
With reference to insert structure 14, it is thus contemplated that the
primary
dam outlet may preferably comprise a single wedge-shaped aperture 48 adjacent
one
edge of the beverage-damming structure 26. When the lid structure 11,
container
structure 10 and insert structure 14 are assembled, the aperture 48 extends
inwardly
and outwardly adjacent the upper container rim 20 and the lower lid rim 23 for
29
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enabling the user to control beverage flow 103 rates via the aperture 48 by
angling the
beverage container assembly relative to the horizon or beverage surface 109.
Lid structure 15 comprises a relatively wide semi-circular shaped aperture 50
as the primary dam outlet that extends through three layers of material,
namely the
outer layers of rim-engaging structure 27 and inner layer of beverage-damming
structure 26. The primary dam outlet may be said to be defined by the aperture
50
and the second aperture (i.e. a radiating wedge-shaped slot 51 through said
three
layers) may be said to define a secondary dam outlet. It will be recalled that
the
primary and secondary dam outlets as defined by aperture 50 and slot 51 may be
selectively situated in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet 25.
With reference to insert structure 15, it is thus contemplated that the
primary
dam outlet may preferably comprise a single semi-circular-shaped aperture 50
adjacent one edge of the beverage-damming structure 26. When the lid structure
11,
container structure 10 and insert structure 15 are assembled, the aperture 50
extends
inwardly and outwardly adjacent the upper container rim 20 and the lower lid
rim 23
for enabling the user to control beverage flow 103 rates via the aperture 50
by angling
the beverage container assembly relative to the horizon or beverage surface
109.
Lid structure 16 comprises a relatively wide wedge-shaped aperture akin to
aperture 48 as the primary dam outlet that extends through three layers of
material,
namely the outer layers of rim-engaging structure 27 and inner layer of
beverage-
damming structure 26. The primary dam outlet may be said to be defined by the
aperture 48 and the second aperture (i.e. a radiating 'slot 47 through said
three layers)
may be said to define a secondary dam outlet. It will be recalled that the
primary and
secondary dam outlets as defined by aperture 48 and slot 47 may be selectively
situated in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage outlet 25.
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With reference to insert structure 16, it is thus contemplated that the
primary
dam outlet may preferably comprise a single wedge-shaped aperture 48 adjacent
one
edge of the beverage-damming structure 26. When the lid structure 11,
container
structure 10 and insert structure 16 are assembled, the aperture 48 extends
inwardly
and outwardly adjacent the upper container rim 20 and the lower lid rim 23 for
enabling the user to control beverage flow 103 rates via the aperture 48 by
angling the
beverage container assembly relative to the horizon or beverage surface 109.
Lid structure 17 comprises an arcuate slot 52 formed through the dual-layered
structure 31 adjacent an arcuate first cutout 53 formed in the beverage-
damming
structure 26 and together define the primary dam outlet. The primary dam
outlet may
be said to be defined by the slot 52 and the second aperture (i.e. a radiating
slot 54
formed centrally relative to an elliptical type structure as at 55 formed in
the
beverage-damming structure 26). The slot 54 is thus formed through two layers
of
material coating the beverage-damming structure 26 at the site of the
elliptical
structure 55. The slot 52 may be said to define a secondary dam outlet. It
will be
recalled that the primary and secondary dam outlets as defined by slot 52 and
slot 54
may be selectively situated in inferior adjacency to the primary beverage
outlet 25.
With reference to insert structure 17, it is thus contemplated that the
primary
dam outlet may preferably comprise a single arcuate-shaped slot 52 adjacent
one edge
of the beverage-damming structure 26. When the lid structure 11, container
structure
10 and insert structure 17 are assembled, the slot 52 extends inwardly and
outwardly
adjacent the upper container rim 20 and the lower lid rim 23 for enabling the
user to
control beverage flow 103 rates via the slot 52 by angling the beverage
container
assembly relative to the horizon or beverage surface 109.
31
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An alternative embodiment to the preferred construction according to the
present invention involves a lid structure specifically tailored to receive a
beverage-
damming structure. In this embodiment, the rim-engaging structure is
essentially
eliminated and certain structure-retaining means are formed in the lid
structure so as
to retain the beverage-damming structure. In this regard, the present
invention further
contemplates a beverage container lid assembly for outfitting a beverage
container so
as to enable a user to transfer heat 100 from a relatively hot assembly-
contained
beverage 101.
The alternative lid assembly comprises, in combination, a lid structure as
variously depicted and referenced at 40(a), 40(b), and 40(c) and a beverage-
damming
structure as at 41. As with lid structure 11, lid structures 40(a), 40(b), and
40(c) each
preferably comprise a lip top 21, a lid wall 22, and a lower lid rim as at 23
outfitted
with a rim-receiving groove 24. Thus, lower lid rim 23 receives an upper
beverage
container rim 20, and the lid top 21 comprises a primary beverage outlet as at
25. The
primary difference between lid structure 11 and lid structures 40(a), 40(b),
and 40(c)
is that the lid wall 22 of lid structures 40(a), 40(b), and 40(c) further
comprises certain
inner dam-retaining means, as variously exemplified.
It is contemplated, for example, that the dam-retaining means of lid structure
40(a) may be exemplified by a dam-receiving groove as depicted and referenced
at
42. It is contemplated, for example that the beverage-damming structure 41
could be
formed into a circular shape having a certain diameter and that the transverse
cross-
section of the lid wall 22 would comprise the groove 42 having a diameter
slightly
larger in magnitude relative to the diameter of the beverage-damming structure
41 so
as to receive the beverage-damming structure 41 as generally depicted in
Figure Nos.
16 and 16(a). Given a certain structural thickness for the beverage-damming
structure
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41 as at 43, it is contemplated that the groove 42 will have a slightly
greater edge-
receiving thickness so as to receive the thickness 43 as further depicted in
Figure No.
16(a).
It is further contemplated that the dam-retaining means of lid structure 40(b)
may be exemplified by a dam-receiving or dam-retaining flange as depicted and
referenced at 44. If, for example, the beverage-damming structure 41 is formed
into
the shape of a circle having a certain diameter and that the transverse cross-
section of
the lid wall 22 would comprise a dam-retaining flange or bead as at 44 having
a
diameter slightly lesser in magnitude relative to the diameter of the beverage-
damming structure 41 so as to retain the beverage-damming structure 41
intermediate
the bead 44 and the sloped angle of the wall 22 as generally depicted in
Figure Nos.
17 and 17(a).
It is further contemplated that the bead 44 or the bead-like structure may be
discontinuous. That is to say, the bead-like structure may not extend the
entire
periphery of the inner wall 22. In this regard, it is contemplated a series of
circumferentially-spaced dam-retaining beads or protrusions 45 could also
extend
radially inwardly from the lid wall 22 for retaining the beverage-damming
structure
41 in assembled relation with the lid structure 40(c) as generally depicted in
Figure
No. 18.
The alternative lid assembly construction generally depicted in Figure Nos. 16
¨ 18 comprising, in combination, a lid structure as variously depicted and
referenced
at 40(a), 40(b), and 40(c) and a beverage-damming structure as at 41 with
exemplified
dam-retaining means is believed best suited for lid structures having
relatively larger
primary beverage outlets as generally depicted and referenced at 25(a). In
this regard,
it is noted that larger outlets 25(a) tend to have relatively greater flow
rates (as at 103
33
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in Figure No. 20) and are more prone to spillage and thus the beverage-damming
structure 41 as directly attached to the lid structure(s) 40(a), 40(b), and/or
40(c)
(having relatively larger primary beverage outlets 25(a)) via the dam-
retaining means
is believed well adapted to slow the flow rate 103 and/or prevent spillage.
Further, it is contemplated that while the beverage-damming structure 26
preferably lies in a dam plane 104 substantially parallel to the upper
container rim
plane as at 102, the beverage-damming structure 41 need not necessarily lie in
a dam
plane 107 that is substantially parallel to the lower rim plane 108 as is
generally
depicted and illustrated in Figure Nos. 16 and 17. If, for example, the lid
top 21 were
angled or obliquely aligned relative to the lower rim plane, the beverage-
damming
structure 41 may be preferably held substantially parallel to the lid top 21
via the
dam-retaining means and the essence of the invention would still be practiced.
The
foregoing is exemplary and should not be viewed as limiting.
It is contemplated the beverage-damming structure 41 is substantially
identical
to beverage-damming structure 26, but for an added water-impermeable
characteristic, and thus beverage-damming structure 41 is preferably formed
from a
semi-rigid, thermally-insulative, heat-resistant, food grade and water-
impermeable
material such as a wax-coated (or coated with a similar other hydrophobic
material)
card stock, cardboard or foam-like type material. The beverage-damming
structure 41
is preferably sized and shaped for cooperable engagement with the select dam-
retaining means. Being selectively engaged with the dam-retaining means, the
beverage-damming structure 41 has been shown extending in a dam plane parallel
107
to the lower lid rim plane 108 of the lower lid rim 23, although it is
contemplated that
this structural configuration is not necessarily to the practice of this
alternative
embodiment, as heretofore described.
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The beverage-damming structure 41 and lid structure(s) 40(a-c), thus
assembled, define lower a beverage-receiving compartment 112 and an upper
beverage-cooling compartment 111. When outfitted upon the upper beverage
container rim 20, the beverage-receiving compartment 112 extends into the
beverage-
containing compartment 105. The beverage-damming structure 41 comprises first
and second apertures as selected from any of the various apertures or slots
(e.g.
apertures 28, 29, 46, 48, and 50 and/or slots 47, 49, 51, 52, and 54)
otherwise defined
or described with reference to beverage-damming structure 26.
As with the first dam outlet of the lid structures 12 ¨ 17, the first aperture
of
beverage-damming structure 41 primarily functions to outlet a beverage 101
from the
beverage-containing compartment 105 into the beverage-cooling compartment 111.
The second aperture of beverage-damming structure 41 primarily functions to
inlet air
from the beverage-cooling compartment 111 into the beverage-containing
compartment 105. The beverage-cooling compartment 111 is akin to compartment
106 for receiving heat 100 from the outlet beverage 101 before said outlet
beverage
101 exits the primary beverage outlet 25.
Figure Nos. 29 ¨ 49 depict sixth through twelfth alternatives to the insert
assembly according to the present invention. Figure Nos. 29 ¨ 31 depict the
sixth
alternative; Figure Nos. 32 ¨ 34 depict the seventh; Figure Nos. 35 ¨ 37
depict the
eighth; Figure Nos. 38 ¨40 depict the ninth; Figure Nos. 41 ¨43 depict the
tenth; Figure
Nos. 44 ¨ 46 depict the eleventh; and Figure Nos. 47 ¨ 49 depict the twelfth.
The sixth alternative embodiment 91 as depicted in Figure Nos. 29¨ 31
comprises an inner beverage damming structure as at 26; an outer rim-engaging
skirt
structure as at 27; a radiant energy-reflective structure as at 30; and a pair
of opposed air-
letting cylindrical segments (orthogonal to the plane of the structure 26) as
at 60. The
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structure 26 comprises an aperture or cut-out akin to cut-out 28. The sixth
alternative
embodiment further comprises a raised V-shaped beverage-damming structure as
at 61,
and markings 62(a) and 62(b) formed upon the structure 30, which markings
denote
(perforated) locations for removing structure from the beverage-damming
structure 26.
The seventh alternative embodiment 92 as depicted in Figure Nos. 32¨ 34
comprises an inner beverage damming structure as at 26; an outer rim-engaging
skirt
structure as at 27; a radiant energy-reflective structure as at 30; and a pair
of opposed air-
letting cylindrical segments as at 60. The structure 26 comprises a circular
chord cut-out
as at 63. Markings 62(a) and 62(b) are formed upon the structure 30 for
denoting
(perforated) locations for removing structure from the beverage-damming
structure 26.
The eighth alternative embodiment 93 as depicted in Figure Nos. 35 ¨37
comprises an inner beverage damming structure as at 26; an outer rim-engaging
skirt
structure as at 27; a radiant energy-reflective structure as at 30; a series
of air-letting
cylindrical segments (orthogonal to the plane of the structure 26) as at 60,
one of which
segment 60 is positioned centrally and three of which segments 60 are linearly
aligned
along a chord length adjacent one edge of the structure 26. Markings 62(a) and
62(b) are
formed upon the structure 30 for denoting (perforated) locations for removing
structure
from the beverage-damming structure 26.
The ninth alternative embodiment 94 as depicted in Figure Nos. 38 ¨ 40
comprises an inner dome or bowl-shaped beverage damming structure as at 126;
an
outer, laterally-extending rim-engaging strap structure as at 64; and a
radiant energy-
reflective structure as at 30(b). An aperture or cut-out akin to aperture 50
is formed in
the structure 126 as well as a series of air-letting apertures 65 laterally
opposed the
aperture 50 and aligned adjacent the edge of the structure 26.
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The tenth alternative embodiment 95 as depicted in Figure Nos. 41 ¨43
comprises a dome or bowl-shaped beverage damming structure as at 126; and
convex
and concave radiant energy-reflective structures respectively referenced at
30(a) and
30(b) for sandwiching the structure 126 therebetween. The structure 126
preferably
comprises an aperture or cut-out akin to aperture 50 and a series of air-
letting apertures
65 laterally opposed the aperture 50 aligned adjacent the edge of the
structure 126.
The eleventh alternative embodiment 96 as depicted in Figure Nos. 44 ¨ 46
comprises a dome or bowl-shaped beverage damming structure as at 126; an
outer,
laterally-extending rim-engaging strap structure as at 64; and a radiant
energy-reflective
structure as at 30(b). The structure 126 preferably comprises a hybrid
aperture or cut-out
66 comprising a semi-circular cutout portion as at 66(a) and a V-shaped cutout
or portion
66(b). A series of air-letting apertures 65 are formed in the structure 126
laterally
opposed the aperture 66 and aligned adjacent the edge of the structure 126.
The twelfth alternative embodiment 97 as depicted in Figure Nos. 47 ¨ 49
comprises a dome or bowl-shaped beverage damming structure as at 126; an
outer,
laterally-extending rim-engaging skirt structure as at 27; and a radiant
energy-reflective
structure as at 30(b). The structure 126 preferably comprises a semi-circular
aperture or
cut-out 50. A series of air-letting apertures 65 are formed in the structure
126 laterally
opposed the aperture 50 and aligned adjacent the edge of the structure 126.
While the foregoing specifications set forth much specificity, the same should
not be construed as setting forth limits to the invention but rather as
setting forth
certain preferred embodiments and features. For example, as prefaced
hereinabove, it
is contemplated that the present invention essentially provides a beverage
container
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insert assembly for outfitting a lidded beverage container so as to enable a
user to
transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage.
The insert assembly according to the present invention may be said to
essentially comprise a beverage-damming structure (as at 26) and a rim-
engaging
structure (as at 27). The beverage-damming structure is preferably formed from
a
semi-rigid material for providing beverage-damming rigidity, and is preferably
sized
and shaped for receipt within all upper beverage container rim perimeter. The
beverage-damming structure is preferably extendable in a dam plane parallel to
the
upper beverage container rim perimeter. The dome- or bowl-shaped structures
126 all
have an outer edge or rim that extends in a plane, and when the structure 126
is
utilized, it is believed that the outer edge or rim extends in a plane
paraleel to the
container rim.
The rim-engaging structure is attached to, or coated upon the beverage-
damming structure and formed from a flexible material extending outwardly from
the
beverage-damming structure. The rim-engaging structure is receivable
intermediate
an upper container rim and a lower lid rim for (1) sealing the space
intermediate the
upper container and lower lid rims, (2) connecting the insert assembly the
upper
container and lower lid rims, and (3) defining a lower beverage-containing
compartment and an upper beverage-cooling compartment when outfitted upon a
lidded beverage container.
The beverage-damming structure comprises at least a first aperture and at
least
one second(ary) aperture. The first aperture functions primarily to outlet a
beverage
from the beverage-containing compartment into the beverage-cooling
compartment.
The second(ary) aperture(s) function primarily to inlet air from the beverage-
cooling
compartment into the beverage-containing compartment, which may optionally be
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outfitted with elements 60. The beverage-damming structure slows the flow rate
of
the beverage into the beverage-cooling compartment, which compartment receives
heat from the outlet beverage for cooling the same prior to its entry into a
user's
mouth via a primary beverage outlet formed in the lidded beverage container.
Alternatively, the present invention contemplates a beverage container lid
assembly for outfitting a beverage container so as to enable a user to
transfer heat
from a relatively hot assembly-contained beverage. It is contemplated that the
alternative lid assembly comprises a lid structure as referenced at 40(a-c),
and a
beverage-damming structure as referenced at 41. The lid structure(s) according
to the
alternative embodiment comprise a lip top, a lid wall, and a lower lid rim.
The lower
lid rim receives an upper beverage container rim; the lid top has a primary
beverage
outlet; and the lid wall having inner dam-retaining means.
The beverage-damming structure is formed from a semi-rigid material for
providing beverage-damming rigidity and is sized and shaped for cooperable
engagement with the dam-retaining means. The beverage-damming structure may
thus be engaged cooperably with the dam-retaining means, and when engaged,
extends in a dam plane parallel to the lower lid rim. The beverage-damming
structure
and lid structure thus define a lower beverage-receiving compartment and an
upper
beverage-cooling compartment when outfitted upon the upper beverage container
rim.
The beverage-damming structure comprises first and second(ary) apertures.
The first aperture primarily functions to outlet a beverage from the beverage-
containing compartment into the beverage-cooling compartment, and the
second(ary)
aperture(s) primarily function to inlet air from the beverage-cooling
compartment into
the beverage-containing compartment. The beverage-cooling compartment receives
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heat from the outlet beverage before said outlet beverage exits the primary
beverage
outlet.
In addition to the foregoing structural considerations, it is further believed
that
the inventive concepts discussed support certain new methodologies and/or
processes.
In this regard, it is contemplated that the foregoing structural
considerations support a
heat-treating method for selectively transferring heat from a relatively hot
assembly-
contained beverage.
The heat-treatment method may be said to comprise the steps of extending an
apertured beverage-damming structure in a plane parallel to an upper beverage
container rim whereafter a lid may be positioned over the beverage-damming
structure and upper beverage container rim. A seal may then be formed between
a
lower beverage-containing compartment and an upper beverage-cooling
compartment
via the beverage-damming structure. A beverage may be outlet from the beverage-
containing compartment into the beverage-cooling compartment via the apertured
beverage-damming structure; in which latter compartment heat may be
transferred
from the outlet beverage.
The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set
forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation
consistent with the
description as a whole
40
