KR20140040117A - Hot beverage container assembly, insert, and method - Google Patents

Abstract

The insert assembly is equipped with a lidded beverage that allows a user to transfer heat from a relatively hot, assembly-containing beverage to prevent burns before consuming the beverage. The insert assembly preferably comprises a dam structure and a rim-connecting structure. The dam structure is formed of a semi-hard material and has a size and shape that can be accommodated around the upper edge of the vessel structure. The rim-connected structure is formed of a flexible material and extends outwardly from the beverage-dam structure. The rim-connecting structure is housed between the container top rim and the lid defining the beverage-containing compartment and the beverage-cooling compartment. The insert structure includes first and second holes for discharging the beverage between the beverage-containing compartment and the beverage-cooling compartment and for injecting air. The beverage-cooling compartment receives heat from the beverage to allow the beverage to cool before the beverage is discharged through the main outlet of the lid.

Description

Hot Beverage Container Assemblies, Inserts and Methods {HOT BEVERAGE CONTAINER ASSEMBLY, INSERT, AND METHOD}

This International Patent Application is filed with (1) non-preliminary pending US Patent Application Nos. 12 / 932,010, filed with the US Patent Office on February 16, 2011, and (2) with the US Patent Office on March 28, 2011. Claim the benefit of US Patent Application No. 61 / 516,023.

The present invention generally relates to an insert assembly mounted to a hot beverage container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hot beverage container with a lid, which is mounted between the lid and the container portion, to slow the flow rate of the hot beverage in order to enable the drinker to transfer heat before consuming the beverage. It relates to an insert assembly mounted to.

The wide range of techniques for hot beverage container assemblies including lids and lids for hot beverage containers are already very well developed. In comparison, the technique of means for cooling a hot beverage before the beverage is consumed is limited. In any case it is very difficult to point out the most suitable prior art associated with the present invention in view of the technology of a wide range of beverage containers. Nevertheless, several prior arts that are considered suitable are described below.

For example, US Pat. No. 5,873,493 (herein '493 patent), issued to Robinson, discloses an Inter Molded Measurer Dispenser. This' 493 patent describes a finish providing a sidewall having first and second distal ends, an inner surface and an outer perimeter. The cone-shaped divider includes a back discharge orifice that projects inwardly and upwardly from and below the bottom periphery of the sidewall. The cone-shaped divider also has a top with an opening. The finish also provides a lid attached as an axis of rotation around the outer periphery of the first end of the side wall at the outer periphery by an integrated hinge. The lid includes a shape that is substantially adapted to the perimeter of the sidewall.

US Pat. No. 6,176,390 (hereinafter referred to as the '390 patent), issued to Kemp, discloses a Container Lid with Cooling Reservoir. The '390 patent describes a container lid having a cooling reservoir for removably covering a disposable cup containing a hot beverage. The cooling reservoir includes a sidewall having a small opening that allows a small volume of hot beverage to pass into the cooling reservoir, in which the beverage is cooled enough to allow the user to sip the beverage.

US Pat. No. 7,448,510 (hereinafter referred to as' 510 patent), issued to Pavlopoulos, discloses a Cup Assembly having a Cooling Compartment. The '510 patent includes a first passageway and a second passageway between the cup and the lid so that when the first passage is empty and the second passageway is blocked, the beverage cooling compartment between the cup and the lid is filled with the beverage in the cup, The cup structure will be described in which the beverage flows to the outlet communicating with the beverage cooling compartment when the two passages are empty and the first passage is blocked.

US Patent Application No. 2007/0062943, prepared by Bosworth, includes a disc shaped medium in the lid, in which the lid is detachably attached to the beverage container and the lid is protected from the beverage in the container. It describes a container lid for a cup-type beverage, wherein the disc is removed from the lid so that it can be used for entertainment purposes.

US patent application 2010/0264150, prepared by Leon et al., Includes a protrusion between the rim of the cup and the handle of the cup that is usually held in the user's hand. This protrusion serves as a border between the user's hand and other objects, including a curb, a horizontal surface and one or more serrated shapes, to prevent the lid pressed snugly over the rim of the cup. To remove the lid, the user must insert the finger and / or thumb into the serration and force upwards. The cup has an ergonomic contour between the protrusion and the handle to allow the user to handle the cup comfortably.

US Patent Application 2010/0320220, prepared by Hussey et al., Describes a plastic lid for a beverage container such as, for example, a coffee cup. This plastic lid is provided with a part that can be easily removed while forming an opening-shaped incidental access means or opening. This incidental access allows the user to drink from the container without removing the lid. After the secondary access means have been cleaned and disinfected, it is protected by a protective cover. The protective cover may have a variety of shapes, for example, may cover the entire lid or cover only selected portions of the lid, such as some areas of the lid including incidental access means. This protective cover prevents inadvertent transfer of bacteria to the beverage area by incidental access means when sealing the lid onto the container while pushing the lid down with a human hand. This protective cover is installed such that it is easily removed from the lid only by finger pressure.

From the above review, it is inexpensive and suitable for the existing structure, which allows the user to quickly and easily slow down the flow of the beverage to transfer heat from the hot beverage so as to prevent burns before drinking the beverage. It will be appreciated that a beverage container structure insert is needed. In this regard the hot beverage container insert structure and methodology are described in detail below.

To achieve these objectives, the present invention provides a hot beverage container insert that allows a user / drinker to effectively transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-containing beverage to allow the beverage to cool before reaching the user / drink's mouth. Provide an assembly. Thus, the present invention is a low cost and post-use means that transfer heat energy from a relatively hot liquid beverage to a relatively cold surrounding to prevent burns before consuming the beverage.

In view of the hot beverage container assembly, the present invention includes any one of the container structure, the lid structure and many alternative insert structures. The vessel structure preferably comprises a vessel bottom, a vessel sidewall and a vessel top rim. The top edge of the container includes a perimeter around the perimeter that extends to the perimeter plane.

The lid structure preferably includes a lid bottom rim having a lid top, a lid sidewall and a container lid-receiving groove. Thus, the lid bottom rim cooperatively receives the vessel top rim. The lid top includes a beverage main outlet that can have a variety of size and shape configurations. Although the size and shape of the main outlet is not critical to the practice of the present invention, the larger the size of the main outlet, the faster the rate of beverage flow discharged, making it easier for the user / drinker to burn if the assembly-containing beverage is hot. Moreover, larger outlets are likely to cause the beverage to spill and thus the present invention prevents burns or spills by providing a beverage-damming means adjacent the beverage main outlet.

At the heart of the practice of the present invention are many insert assemblies or insert structures. Main and preferred insert structures include an inner beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-engaging structure, respectively. The beverage-dam structure (s) and the outer rim-connecting structure (s) differ between the main or preferred embodiments, but all the beverage-dam structure (s) are made of semi-rigid material, or the beverage-dam solid It is desirable to be able to.

The rim-engaging structure (s) is preferably formed of a flexible, water-impermeable material, such as a thin film of polymeric material, and is laminated to the beverage-dam structure (s). Or coated thereon to prevent the water-based liquid from being absorbed into the beverage-dam structure (s), and also fixedly attached to one side of the beverage-dam structure to provide a skirt-like structure. Both the drink-dam structure and the rim-connected structure must be made of a water impermeable, food grade material.

As introduced above, typical circular general shaped container top edges, lid bottom edges and beverage-dam structure (s), border-connection structure (s) are contemplated, preferably the edge-connection structure (s) It extends outwards from the beverage-dam structure (s) and is called a skirt-like structure for the beverage-dam structure (s). The rim-connecting structure (s), such as this skirt, is preferably accommodated between the container top rim and the lid bottom rim to provide several functions.

In this regard, the edge-connecting structures can be used to: (1) seal the space between the container top edge and the lid bottom edge; (2) connecting the insert structure to the container structure and the lid structure by providing a rigid seal; And (3) positioning the beverage-dam structure (s) and the rim-connecting structure substantially within the dam plane to define (a) the beverage-containing compartment at the bottom and (b) the beverage-cooling compartment at the top.

The insert structure includes a first hole, cutout or major dam outlet, and a second hole, cutout or incidental dam outlet. The primary dam outlet function is to discharge the beverage from the beverage-containing compartment to the beverage-cooling compartment, and the secondary dam outlet function is to inject air from the beverage-cooling compartment to the beverage-containing compartment. The beverage-cooling compartment receives heat from the beverage and cools the beverage before it is discharged through the beverage main outlet.

In an alternative embodiment according to the invention, the lid structure is specially tailored to receive the beverage-dam structure. In this embodiment the rim-connecting structure is essentially removed and structure-retaining means are formed in the lid structure to maintain the beverage-dam structure. In this regard, the present invention also proposes a beverage container lid assembly mounted to a beverage container for allowing a user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-containing beverage.

Alternative lid assemblies include a combination of lid structures and beverage-dam structures. The alternative lid structure (s) preferably includes a lid bottom rim provided with a lid top, lid sidewall and rim-receiving groove. The main difference between the preferred lid structure and the alternative lid structure is that the lid side wall of the alternative lid structure includes various internal dam-retaining means.

In addition to the structural considerations described above, novel methodologies and / or processes can be discussed. In this regard, the structural considerations discussed so far support the heat-transfer method for selectively transferring heat from relatively hot assembly-containing beverages.

The heat-transfer method includes extending a beverage-dam structure with holes on a plane parallel to the beverage container top rim, and placing a lid on the beverage-dam structure and the beverage container top rim.

Through the beverage-dam structure, a seal can be formed between the lower beverage-containing compartment and the upper beverage-cooling compartment. The beverage is discharged from the beverage-containing compartment to the beverage-cooling compartment through the perforated beverage-dam structure, and heat is transferred from the beverage discharged from the beverage-cooling compartment.

1 is an assembled perspective view of a beverage container structure according to the present invention, showing a lid structure (with a small beverage outlet), a preferred insert structure and a container structure, from top to bottom.
FIG. 2 is a second assembled perspective view of the beverage container structure shown in FIG. 1, with only a lid structure (having a large beverage outlet), preferred insert structure and container structure, and from top to bottom, with the preferred insert assembly in the lid structure; Show that it is rotated 180 degrees relative to
Fig. 3 is a partially assembled plan perspective view of the beverage container structure according to the present invention, from top to bottom, with a lid structure (marked with a ghost outlet in a position rotated 180 degrees from the main outlet of the beverage and the main outlet of the beverage); A preferred insert structure having a main dam outlet located below and adjacent to the main outlet of the beverage and a vessel structure having a preferred insert structure thereon is shown.
4 is a top perspective view of a beverage container structure according to the present invention having a lid structure and a skirted insert structure positioned over the container structure.
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a preferred insert structure according to the present invention showing the interior beverage-damming structure and the exterior rim-engaging skirt structure.
FIG. 5A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 5 showing in detail the main dam exit of the beverage-dam structure with a series of linearly arranged holes formed through the layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure.
FIG. 5B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 5 showing in detail the incident dam outlet of the beverage-dam structure with an open hole formed in the layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure.
FIG. 5C is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 5A showing in detail the series of holes formed in the double layer structure from the layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure. FIG.
Figure 6 is a plan view of a first alternative insert structure, in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 6A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6 showing in detail the main dam outlet of the beverage-dam structure with the beverage-dam structure and the series of holes formed through the layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure.
FIG. 6B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 6 detailing the incident dam outlet of the beverage-dam structure with open slots formed in layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure.
FIG. 6C is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 6A showing in detail the series of holes formed in the triple layer structure including the beverage-dam structure and the layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure.
Figure 7 is a plan view of a second alternative insert structure according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 7A is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 7, wherein the main dam of the beverage-dam structure has wedge-shaped holes formed at the edge of the beverage-dam structure and penetrating through layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure; FIG. Show the exit in detail.
FIG. 7B is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 7 showing in detail the incident dam outlet of the beverage-dam structure with an open slot formed in the layers of coating material of the beverage-dam structure.
Figure 8 is a plan view of a third alternative insert structure according to the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 8A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 8, in which the main dam of the beverage-dam structure has semicircular-shaped holes formed at the edge of the beverage-dam structure and penetrating through layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure; FIG. Show the exit in detail.
FIG. 8B is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 8 showing in detail the incident dam outlet of the beverage-dam structure with an open slot formed in the layers of coating material of the beverage-dam structure.
Figure 9 is a plan view of a fourth alternative insert structure according to the invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 9A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 9 showing a main dam of a beverage-dam structure formed at the edge of the beverage-dam structure and having a wedge-shaped hole formed through the layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure; FIG. Show the exit in detail.
FIG. 9B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 9 showing in detail the incident dam outlet of the beverage-dam structure with an open slot formed in the layers of coating material of the beverage-dam structure.
Fig. 10 is a plan view of a fifth alternative insert structure according to the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Fig. 10A is an enlarged partial view of Fig. 10, with an arc shaped slot formed at the edge of the beverage-dam structure and penetrating through layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure (the arc adjacent to the slot). The main dam exit of the beverage-dam structure (with the shaped cutout) is shown in detail.
FIG. 10B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 10, with the incidental dam exit of the beverage-dam structure having an open slot formed in layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure at the site of the elliptical cutout formed in the beverage-dam structure; Shows in detail.
11 is a side view of the lid structure according to the present invention, showing a relatively large main beverage outlet.
Figure 12 is a side view of the unique lid structure according to the present invention, showing a relatively small main beverage outlet.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of the unique lid structure according to the invention, shown in FIG. 11, showing a relatively large main beverage outlet.
FIG. 14 is a plan view of the unique lid structure according to the invention, shown in FIG. 12, showing a relatively small main beverage outlet.
15A is a cross-sectional view of the insert assembly according to the present invention, showing a lower beverage-dam structure and an upper outer rim-connected skirt structure attached to and secured (ie attached) to the beverage-dam structure.
Fig. 15B is a cross-sectional view of the insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure (coated in the beverage-dam structure).
FIG. 15C is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 15B showing details of the inner drink-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure. FIG.
FIG. 15D is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 15A, showing in detail the upper beverage-dam structure and the lower rim-connected skirt structure. FIG.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first alternative lid structure, in accordance with the present invention, showing a first alternative lid structure having an internal beverage-dam structure mounted through a dam-receiving groove formed in the lid wall.
FIG. 16A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 16 showing details of the connection portion of the inner beverage-dam structure and the dam-receiving groove of the lid side wall.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of a second alternative lid structure, in accordance with the present invention, showing a second alternative lid structure having an internal beverage-dam structure mounted through a dam-supporting bead or flange formed on the lid wall.
FIG. 17A is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 17 showing details of the connection portion of the inner beverage-dam structure and the dam-supporting bead or flange of the lid sidewall. FIG.
FIG. 18 is a bottom view showing a third alternative lid structure in which a series of dam-supporting beads are circumferentially disposed on the lid side wall.
Figure 19 shows the various levels of the beverage to the beverage main outlet of the lid structure by sequentially tilting the beverage container with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface.
FIG. 20 is a partial enlarged view of the rightmost view of FIG. 19 showing the water level of the beverage to the beverage main outlet in more detail.
Fig. 21 is a beverage container assembly equipped with a preferred insert structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the beverage container assembly is sequentially tilted with respect to a horizontal or beverage surface to a beverage-dam structure located adjacent to the beverage main outlet. Shows various beverage surface locations for
FIG. 22 is a partial enlarged view of the rightmost view of FIG. 21 showing the beverage flow velocity in the vicinity of the beverage main outlet in more detail.
Figure 23 shows the relative position of each component prior to assembling the assembly structure according to the present invention, from top to bottom showing the lid structure, the insert assembly, the container structure (with the beverage contained).
FIG. 24 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 23 after assembly, showing the relative position of each component after assembly, and from top to bottom showing the lid structure, insert assembly, container structure.
FIG. 24A is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 24 showing (exaggerated) the relative positions of the components after assembly.
Figure 25 is a first sequential depiction of the beverage surface for the beverage-dam means according to the invention, showing the beverage is discharged through one hole as the first angle is tilted.
Figure 26 is a second sequential depiction of the beverage surface for the beverage-dam means according to the invention, showing the beverage is discharged through the two holes as the second angle is tilted.
Figure 27 is a third sequential depiction of the beverage surface for the beverage-dam means according to the invention, showing the beverage is discharged through the three holes in accordance with the tilt of the third angle.
Figure 28 is a fourth sequential depiction of the beverage surface for the beverage-dam means according to the present invention, showing that the beverage is discharged through the four holes as the fourth angle is tilted.
Figure 29 is a plan view of a sixth alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
30 is a top perspective view of a sixth alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 31 is a corner view of a sixth alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 32 is a plan view of a seventh alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 33 is a plan perspective view of a seventh alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 34 is a corner view of a seventh alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Fig. 35 is a plan view of an eighth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 36 is a plan perspective view of an eighth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Fig. 37 is a corner view of an eighth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 38 is a plan view of a ninth alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Fig. 39 is a plan perspective view of a ninth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 40 is a cross sectional view of a ninth alternative insert assembly according to the invention shown in FIG. 38, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 41 is a plan view of a tenth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the beverage-dam structure therein.
Figure 42 is a plan perspective view of a tenth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the beverage-dam structure therein.
FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of a tenth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention shown in FIG. 41, showing an internal beverage-dam structure sandwiched between radiant heat reflecting structures. FIG.
Figure 44 is a plan view of an eleventh alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 45 is a plan perspective view of an eleventh alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of an eleventh alternative insert assembly according to the invention shown in FIG. 44, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Fig. 47 is a plan view of a twelfth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention, showing the inner beverage-dam structure and the outer rim-connected skirt structure.
Figure 48 is a top perspective view of a twelfth alternative insert assembly in accordance with the present invention, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.
FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of a twelfth alternative insert assembly according to the present invention shown in FIG. 47, showing an inner beverage-dam structure and an outer rim-connected skirt structure.

Hereinafter, referring to the drawings, the (hot) beverage container insert assembly allows the user / drinker to effectively transfer heat 100 from the beverage 101 contained in the relatively hot assembly so that the beverage 101 can be used in the mouth of the user / drinker. Preferred embodiments of the present invention for a (hot) beverage container insert assembly that allow the beverage 1014 to cool before entering. Thus, the present invention provides a low cost and writeable means for transferring thermal energy from a relatively hot liquid beverage 101 to a relatively cold surrounding, primarily to prevent burns and, consequently, to spills. It is to prevent that.

Looking at a hot beverage container assembly, the present invention relates to a container structure as indicated by 10 and a lid structure as indicated by 11 and an insert structure as indicated by 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17. It contains one insert structure. The vessel structure preferably comprises a vessel bottom indicated with reference numeral 18, a vessel wall indicated with reference numeral 19 and a vessel top rim indicated with reference numeral 20. The vessel top rim 20 has a perimeter around the perimeter, which preferably extends to the perimeter plane indicated by reference numeral 102.

The lid structure 11 preferably comprises a lid bottom rim 23 having a lid top 21, a lid side wall 22 and a container rim-receiving groove. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 4, 19, 21 and 24, the lid bottom rim 23 accommodates or fits the vessel top rim 20. The lid top 21 includes a beverage main outlet 25, which may have a variety of size and shape configurations. 13 and 14, circular outlets 25 (a) and 25 (b) of different diameters are shown, as also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. FIG. Circular outlet 25 (a) may be formed, for example, with a diameter that is relatively larger than the diameter of circular outlet 25 (b).

Other outlet shapes may be considered, such as elliptical outlets or generally rectangular outlets. The size and shape of the main outlet 25 is not critical to the practice of the present invention, but the larger main outlets 25 tend to increase the speed of the beverage flow 103 being discharged and thus the beverage contained in the assembly. When 101 is hot, there is a tendency for the user / drink to be burned easily. Thus, the present invention is specifically designed for lid structures where the beverage main outlets 25 are relatively larger.

At the heart of the practice of the present invention are insert assemblies or insert structures 12-17. The insert structures 12-17 are each preferably an inner beverage-damming structure and an outer rim-connecting structure, indicated by reference numeral 27, indicated with reference numeral 26. (S) (outer rim-engaging structure). The beverage-dam structure (s) 26 and the rim-connecting structure (s) 27 are different in Examples 12-17, but all beverage-dam structure (s) 26 are preferably semi-rigid. It is considered to be formed of insulating, food-grade and heat-resistant materials. In this regard, these materials are considered to be those in which the structure / size changes are minimized when heat 100 is transferred into the material.

Thus, the material of the beverage-dam structure (s) 26 is preferably defined by cardboard, card stock and foam-like or such type of material (s), This is because materials of this type are typically relatively inexpensive and provide the desired properties or properties. The beverage-dam structure 26 is preferably sized and shaped to be received within the periphery of the rim, as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, when received, the dam plane 104 is in contact with the rim plane 102. They are parallel or in the same plane.

With regard to the thermal insulation properties of the preferred material, the beverage-dam structure 26 is somewhat moderate thermal insulation properties, given that the heat 100 returns to the beverage 100 contained in the assembly, as shown in FIG. It may be provided to have. In this regard, the surfaces facing the beverage in the insert structures 12-17 may be heat-reflective coatings or such materials (e.g., very shiny, thin polymeric to act as the radiation barrier 30). Or a metallic film).

The rim-connecting structure (s) 27 is preferably a flexible, water impermeable, food-grade material, such as a thin film of polymeric or foam-like material, shown in FIGS. 15B and 15C. As such, a thin film laminated to or coated on the beverage-dam structure (s) 26 to prevent the water-based liquid from being absorbed by the material of the beverage-dam structure (s) 26, or 15A and 15D, it is fixedly attached to one surface of the drink-dam structure 26 to provide a skirt-like structure for the drink-dam structure.

In this regard, the typical shape of the upper rim of a coffee cup or other similar beverage container is generally circular. Given that the container top rim 20, the lid bottom rim 23 and the drink-dam structure (s) 27 are of general circular shape, the rim-connected casting (s) 27 are preferably radial or beverage. It extends outwards from the dam structure (s) 26 and thus can be represented as providing a skirt-like structure to the drink-dam structure (s) 26.

Referring to Figures 23 and 24, the rim-connecting structure (s) 27 are preferably housed in a groove 24, between the vessel upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23 (1) Sealing the space that mediates the upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23 (easy to provide a function such as a gasket); (2) connect the insert structure to the container structure 10 and the lid structure 11 by forming a rigid seal; And (3) by placing a layer of the rim-connecting structure 27, which is in the beverage-dam structure (s) 26 and substantially in the dam plane 102, (a) the lower beverage-containing compartment 105 and ( b) Define the upper beverage-cooling compartment 106.

The beverage-dam structure (s) 26 of the lid structure 12 preferably comprises a first hole or cutout, indicated at 28 and a second hole or cutout, indicated at 29. The first cutout 28 (means through which the beverage penetrates) mainly serves to discharge the beverage 101 from the beverage-containing compartment 106 to the beverage-cooling compartment 105 and the second outcut 29 Primarily causes air to enter the beverage-containing compartment 106 from the beverage-cooling compartment 105. The beverage-cooling compartment 106 receives heat 100 from the beverage 101 to allow the beverage 101 to cool before being discharged through the beverage main outlet 25.

The first outcut 28 (means through which the beverage penetrates) also serves a secondary function of injecting air from the beverage-cooling compartment 105 into the beverage-containing compartment 106. 2 and 3, the lid structure 11 or insert structures 12 (and lid structures 13-17) may cause the first and second holes 28 and / or 29 to exit the beverage main outlet. It can be seen that it can be rotated relative to each other while positioned adjacent to below 25.

Whether the flow of beverage 103 flows through the first cutout 28 or the second cutout 29, the beverage-cooling compartment 105 receives the heat 100 from the beverage 101 and drinks the beverage. Allow 100 to cool before exiting through the beverage main outlet 25. The beverage-dam structure 6 and the rim-connecting structure 27 slow the rate of the beverage flow 103 so that heat 100 is transferred from the flow 103. The user can easily adjust the lid structure 11 with respect to the selected insert structure (e.g., structures 12-17) by rotating the components 11 or 12 (or 13-17) with the axis of rotation indicated as 110 as the axis of rotation. It is possible to achieve a user-controlled beverage flow 103 that is appropriate for reduced, or suitable user-selected beverage temperatures.

As already indicated, the drink-dam structure 26 is preferably coated by the rim-connecting structure 27 to prevent moisture from being absorbed into the drink-dam structure 26. Thus, for example, first and second cutouts / holes 28 and 29 are formed that allow the beverage 101 to pass through the cutouts / holes 28 or 29 to contribute to the beverage flow 103. As will be appreciated, a structure (eg, holes or slots) for passing any number of beverages is formed in the rim-connection structure 27. The beverage passage structures (eg holes or slots) formed in the beverage-dam structure (s) 26 in the 13-17 structures are as described in more detail below.

A preferred embodiment according to the present invention considers a lid insert structure 12, as shown in Figures 1-3, 5-5B, 21 and 22. The lid insert structure 12 preferably has opposing wedge-shaped first and second holes 28, 29. The first cutout 28 is similar in shape to the second hole 29 but is relatively larger than the second hole 29. The rim-connecting structure 27 may be formed to coat the beverage-dam structure 26 with layers of liquid impermeable material. In the cutout 28, the material of the edge-connected structure 21 forms a bilayer structure 31.

The first cutout 28 is the primary dam exit and the second hole 29 (ie, the open wedge-shaped hole) can be defined as the secondary secondary dam exit, which is the primary dam exit and secondary The dam outlet can optionally be placed adjacent to the lower portion of the main beverage outlet 25. In a given insert structure 12, the primary dam exit is preferably linearly radially outwardly, equidistant from the opposing edges 33 of the first cutout 28 or the primary dam exit. It may include a series of holes 32 disposed therein.

When the lid structure 11, the container structure 10 and the insert structure 12 are assembled, the holes 32 spread inwardly from the container upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23, FIG. 25. And as shown in FIG. 28, allows the user to adjust the speed of the beverage flow 103 through the series of holes 32 by tilting the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface 109.

25-28 show that the beverage dam structure 26, the rim-connection structure 27 and the beverage-penetrating means (e.g., the holes 32) together slow down the flow of the beverage flow 103 and heat up. It is described that the 100 is to be delivered from the beverage 101 into the beverage-cooling compartment 106.

25 is inclined at a first, minimized tilt angle, such that the beverage surface 109 is raised above the outermost opening 32 to allow the beverage flow 103 to pass. FIG. 26 is a second, tilted bi-layer structure 31 at an angle that is relatively larger than the tilt angle of FIG. As shown in FIG. 26, the beverage surface 109 rises above the outer two holes 32 to enable a relatively increased beverage flow 103 compared to FIG.

FIG. 27 is a tilting of the bi-layer structure 31 at an angle that is relatively larger than the tilt angle of the third, FIGS. 25 and 26. As shown in FIG. 27, the beverage surface 109 rises above the outer three holes 32 to enable a relatively increased beverage flow 103 compared to FIGS. 25 and 26. FIG.

FIG. 28 is a tilt of the bi-layer structure 31 at an angle that is relatively larger than the tilt angle of the fourth, FIGS. 25-27. As seen in FIG. 28, the beverage surface 109 rises above the outer four holes 32 to enable a relatively increased beverage flow 103 compared to FIGS. 25-27.

The series of holes 32 are linearly aligned in the main dam exit located at the first cutout 28 so that the beverage-in accordance with the angle of tilting the bi-layer structure 31 with respect to the beverage surface 109. The number of beverage outlets (or beverage-penetrating means) from which the beverage is discharged from the containing compartment 105 is increased.

The lid structure 13 passes through three layers of material, i.e., through the outer layers of the rim-connecting structure 27 and the three layers of the inner layer of the beverage-dam structure 26, with holes 46 (holes ( 32) is similar to the lid structure 12, except that it is formed. The primary dam outlet is defined by holes 46, and the second hole (ie the spinning slot 47 formed through the three layers) defines an additional dam outlet. The primary and secondary dam outlets, defined by the holes 46 and the slots 47, can optionally be located adjacent the underside of the beverage main outlet 25.

For the insert structure 13, it preferably comprises an adjacent series of holes 46 at one edge of the beverage-dam structure 26. When the lid structure 11, the container structure 10 and the insert structure 13 are assembled, the holes 46 extend inward and outward of the adjacent container upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23. Allows the user to adjust the beverage flow 103 speed through a series of apertures 46 by tilting the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface 109.

The lid structure 14 extends through the three layers consisting of three layers of material, the outer layers of the rim-connection structure 27 and the inner layers of the beverage-dam structure 26, as the main dam outlet. A relatively wide wedge-shaped hole 48. The primary dam outlet is defined by a hole 48, and an additional hole (ie, a spinning wedge-shaped slot 49 formed through the three layers) defines an additional dam outlet. The primary and secondary dam outlets, defined by the holes 48 and the slots 49, can optionally be located adjacent the bottom of the beverage main outlet 25.

For the insert structure 14, it preferably includes one adjacent hole 48 at one edge of the beverage-dam structure 26. When the lid structure 11, the container structure 10 and the insert structure 14 are assembled, the holes 48 extend into and out of the adjacent container upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23 so that the user Allow the beverage container assembly to adjust the speed of the beverage flow 103 through the aperture 48 by tilting the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface 109.

The lid structure 15 extends through the three layers consisting of three layers of material, the outer layers of the rim-connection structure 27 and the inner layers of the beverage-dam structure 26, as the main dam outlet. And a relatively wide semicircular hole 50. The primary dam outlet is defined by a hole 50, and an additional hole (ie, a spinning wedge-shaped slot 51 formed through the three layers) defines an additional dam outlet. The primary and secondary dam outlets, defined by the holes 50 and the slots 51, can optionally be located adjacent the bottom of the beverage main outlet 25.

For the insert structure 15, it preferably comprises one semicircular hole 50, adjacent one edge of the beverage-dam structure 26. When the lid structure 11, the container structure 10 and the insert structure 15 are assembled, the holes 50 extend into and out of the adjacent container upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23 so that the user Allow the beverage container assembly to adjust the speed of the beverage flow 103 through the aperture 50 by tilting the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface 109.

The lid structure 16 extends through the three layers consisting of three layers of material, the outer layers of the rim-connection structure 27 and the inner layers of the beverage-dam structure 26, as the main dam outlet. It includes a relatively wide wedge shaped hole 48. The primary dam outlet is defined by a hole 48, and an additional hole (ie, a spinning slot 47 formed through the three layers) defines an additional dam outlet. The primary and secondary dam outlets, defined by holes 48 and slots 47, can optionally be located adjacent the beverage main outlet 25 below.

For the insert structure 16, it preferably includes one wedge shaped hole 48, adjacent one edge of the beverage-dam structure 26. When the lid structure 11, the container structure 10 and the insert structure 15 are assembled, the holes 48 extend into and out of the adjacent container upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23 so that the user Allow the beverage container assembly to adjust the speed of the beverage flow 103 through the aperture 48 by tilting the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface 109.

The lid structure 17 includes an arc-shaped slot 52 formed adjacent to the arc-shaped first cutout 53 formed in the beverage-dam structure 26 and penetrating through the bilayer structure 31, both Defines the main dam outlet. The primary dam outlet is defined by the slot 52 and the second hole (ie, the radial slot 54 formed centrally with respect to the elliptical structure 55 formed in the beverage-dam structure 26). The slot 54 is thus formed through two layers of material coating the beverage-dam structure 26 in the part of the elliptical structure 55. Slot 52 defines an additional dam exit. The primary and secondary dam outlets, defined by slots 52 and 54, may optionally be located adjacent to the bottom of the beverage main outlet 25.

For the insert structure 17, it preferably comprises one adjacent arc shaped slot 52 of one edge of the beverage-dam structure 26. When the lid structure 11, the container structure 10 and the insert structure 15 are assembled, the slot 52 extends into and out of the adjacent container upper rim 20 and the lid lower rim 23 so that the user Allow the beverage container assembly to adjust the speed of the beverage flow 103 through the slot 52 by tilting the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal or beverage surface 109.

A preferred embodiment according to the invention has a lid structure specially tailored to receive a beverage-dam structure. In this embodiment, the rim-connecting structure is essentially removed and structure-retaining means are formed in the lid structure to maintain the beverage-dam structure. In this regard, the present invention devises a beverage container lid structure tailored to the beverage container, allowing the user to transfer heat 100 from the beverage 101 contained in the relatively hot assembly.

Alternative lid structures include lid structures labeled 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) and beverage-dam structures labeled 41. The lid structure 11, the lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) are preferably in the lid top 21, the lid side wall 22 and the edge-receiving groove 24, respectively. And a lid bottom rim 23 fitted. Thus, the lid lower rim 23 receives the beverage container upper rim 20 and the lid top 21 includes a beverage main outlet 25. The main difference between the lid structure 11 and the lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) is that of the lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c). Lid sidewall 22 further includes internal dam-holding means of various embodiments.

For example, the dam-holding means of the lid structure 40 (a) may be considered as a dam-receiving groove, for example indicated by 42. The beverage-dam structure 41 is, for example, circular with a certain diameter and is formed to cross the cross section of the lid sidewall 22 and, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 16A, of the beverage-dam structure 41. The beverage-damping structure 41 is received by including a groove 42 having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter. Given the thickness 43 of the drink-dam structure 41, as shown in FIG. 16A, the groove 42 may have a slightly larger edge-receiving thickness to accommodate the thickness 43.

The dam-holding means of the lid structure 40 (b) can be exemplified by a dam-receiving or dam-holding flange, as shown at 44. For example, the beverage-dam structure 41 is circular having a specific diameter, is formed to cross the cross section of the lid sidewall 22, and as shown in FIGS. 17 and 17A, the beverage-dam structure 41 is shown. The beverage-dam structure 41, including a dam-holding flange or bead, denoted by reference numeral 44, having a slightly smaller diameter as compared to the inclined angle of the bead 44 and the side wall 22. In between.

Bead 44 or a structure similar to beads may not be continuous. In other words, the bead-like structure may not be present over the entire circumference of the inner wall 22. In this regard, as shown in Fig. 18, a series of circumferentially-located dam-holding beads or protrusions (assembled with the lid structure 40 (c) to maintain the beverage-dam structure 41). 45 extends radially inward from the lid sidewall 22.

The lid assembly structure shown in FIGS. 16-18 is characterized in that the beverage-dam structure 41 has various lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) and the dam-holding means illustrated. It is constructed in combination and optimized for lid structures having a relatively larger beverage main outlet, indicated by reference numeral 25 (a). In this regard, the larger outlet 25 (a) tends to have a higher flow rate (103 in FIG. 20) and is easier to shed, so that through the dam-holding means, the (relatively large beverage main outlet 25a) Having a beverage-dam structure 41 directly attached to the lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) may slow the fluid flow 103 and prevent spillage.

In addition, the beverage-dam structure 26 is preferably placed on the dam plane 104 or substantially parallel to the vessel upper rim plane 102, while the beverage-dam structure 41 is shown in FIG. 16. And do not necessarily lie in the dam plane 107 substantially parallel to the lower border plane 108 as shown in FIG. For example, if the lid top 21 is angled or oblique to the lower rim plane, the beverage-dam structure 41 may preferably be substantially parallel to the lid top 21 via dam-holding means. In this case, the core of the present invention is still implemented. The embodiments discussed above are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting.

The beverage-dam structure 41 is substantially the same as the beverage-dam structure 26, except for the water-non-translucent property, so that the beverage-dam structure 41 is wax-coated (or other similar hydrophobic material). Is formed of semi-rigid, thermally insulating, heat-resistant, food-grade water-impermeable materials, such as cardboard, cardboard and foam-like type materials. Preferably, the beverage-dam structure 41 has a shape and size adapted to the selected dam-holding means. With regard to the dam-holding means, the beverage-dam structure 41 extends to the dam plane 107 and is parallel to the lid bottom rim 108, but this structural feature is not conducive to the implementation of this alternative embodiment described so far. It is not necessary.

The beverage-dam structure 41 and the lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) are assembled to form the lower beverage-receiving compartment 112 and the upper beverage-cooling compartment 111. do. When mounted to the beverage container upper rim 20, the beverage-receiving compartment 112 extends into the beverage-containing compartment 105. The drink-dam structure 41 includes first and second holes, which are various holes and slots (eg, holes 28, 29, 46, 48 and 50 and / or slots 47). , 49, 51, 52 and 54) or are defined and described in connection with the beverage-dam structure 26.

With respect to the first dam outlet of the lid structures 12-17, the primary function of the first opening of the beverage-dam structure 41 is to allow the beverage 101 to be removed from the beverage-containing compartment 105. 111). The primary function of the second opening of the beverage-dam structure 41 is to inject air from the beverage-cooling compartment 111 into the beverage-containing compartment 105. The beverage-cooling compartment 111 receives heat 100 from the beverage 101 that is discharged before the beverage 101 that is discharged, similar to the compartment 106, reaches the beverage main outlet 25.

Figures 29-49 show sixth to twelfth alternative insert structures according to the present invention. Figures 29-31 are the sixth alternative, Figures 32-34 are the seventh alternative, Figures 35-37 are the eighth alternative, Figures 38-40 are the ninth alternative, and Figures 41-43 are the tenth alternative 44 to 46 show an eleventh alternative and FIGS. 47 to 49 show a twelfth alternative, respectively.

A sixth alternative embodiment 91 shown in FIGS. 29-31 includes an internal beverage dam structure 26; Outer rim-connected skirt structure 27; Radiation energy-reflective structure 30 and a pair of opposing air-outer cylindrical portions 60 (perpendicular to the plane of structure 26). Structure 26 includes a cut-out similar to a hole or cut-out 28. A sixth alternative also further includes markings 62 (a), 62 (b) formed on the raised V-shaped beverage-dam structure 61 and the structure 30, the markings being beverages. -The position of the part to be removed by the dam structure 26 is drilled with a dotted line or there is a sign of removal.

32-34, the seventh alternative embodiment 92 includes a beverage dam structure 26 therein; An outer border-connected skirt structure 27; Radiant energy-reflective structure 30 and a pair of opposing air-outlet cylindrical portions 60. Structure 26 includes a round chord cut-out 63. The markings 62 (a), 62 (b) are formed on the structure 30 to be punctured or removed by a dotted line at the position of the portion to be removed by the drink-dam structure 26.

An eighth alternative embodiment 93, shown in FIGS. 35-37, includes a beverage dam structure 26 therein; An outer border-connected skirt structure 27; A radiant energy-reflective structure 30 and a series of air-outer cylindrical portions 60 (perpendicular to the plane of the structure 26), one of which is centrally located and the other three The portions 60 are arranged linearly along a chord length adjacent one edge of the structure 26. The markings 62 (a), 62 (b) are formed on the structure 30 to be punctured or removed by a dotted line at the position of the portion to be removed by the drink-dam structure 26.

38 through 40, a ninth alternative embodiment 94 includes an internal dome or bowl shaped beverage dam structure 126; An externally extending border-connecting strap structure 64; And radiant energy-reflective structure 30 (b). A hole or hole-like cut-out 50 is formed in the structure 26 and is arranged to the left and right opposite the hole 50 and adjacent to the edge of the structure 26, so that a series of air-venting holes 65 ) Is formed.

The tenth alternative embodiment 95 shown in FIGS. 41-43 includes a dome or bowl shaped beverage dam structure 126; Convex and concave radiant energy-reflective structures 30 (a) and 30 (b) sandwiching the structure 126 in between. The structure 126 preferably comprises a cut-out 50, similar to a hole or a hole, which is arranged to face the hole 50 side to side and adjacent the edge of the structure 126, so that a series of air- Discharge holes 65 are formed.

Eleventh alternative embodiment 96 shown in FIGS. 44-46 includes a dome or bowl shaped beverage dam structure 126; An externally extending border-connecting strap structure 64; And radiant energy-reflective structure 30 (b). The structure 126 preferably includes a hybrid hole or cut-out 66, wherein the cut-out 66 includes a semicircular cutout portion and a V-shaped cutout portion. Opposite to the left and right of the hole 66 and arranged adjacent to the edge of the structure 126, a series of air-venting holes 65 are formed in the structure 126.

Eleventh alternative embodiment 97 shown in FIGS. 47-49 includes a dome or bowl shaped beverage dam structure 126; An outer left and right border-connected skirt structure 27; And radiant energy-reflective structure 30 (b). Structure 126 preferably includes a semicircular hole or cutout 50. A series of air vent holes 65 are arranged in structure 126 opposite the hole 50 from side to side and arranged adjacent to the edge of structure 126.

The foregoing detailed description does not limit the invention but describes the preferred embodiments and features of the invention. The present invention provides a beverage container insert assembly, mounted to a beverage container with a lid, to allow a user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-containing beverage.

The insert assembly according to the invention essentially comprises a beverage-dam structure 26 and a rim-connecting structure 27. The beverage-dam structure is preferably formed of a semi-rigid material capable of providing beverage-dam strength and is of a size and shape that can be accommodated within the beverage container upper rim diameter. The beverage-dam structure preferably extends in the dam plane parallel to the periphery of the beverage container upper rim. The dome shaped or bowl shaped structures 126 all have outer edges or borders extending in the plane such that when the structure 126 is used, the outer edges or borders extend in a plane parallel to the container border.

The rim-connected structure is formed of a flexible material and is attached to or coated on the beverage-dam structure and extends outward from the beverage-dam structure. The rim-joint structure is located between the vessel top rim and the lid bottom rim, thereby (1) sealing the space between the vessel top rim and the lid bottom rim, and (2) connecting the insert structure to the vessel top rim and the lid bottom rim. And (3) distinguishing the lower beverage-containing compartment and the upper beverage-cooling compartment when applied to a beverage container with a lid.

The beverage-dam structure includes at least one hole and at least one incidental hole. The primary function of the first aperture is to discharge the beverage from the beverage-containing compartment into the beverage-cooling compartment. The primary function of the incidental holes is to inject air from the beverage-cooling compartment into the beverage-containing compartment, which may optionally be provided in the elements 60. The beverage-dam structure may slow down the rate at which the beverage flows into the beverage-cooling compartment, which receives heat from the beverage being dispensed and allows the beverage to enter the user through a beverage main outlet formed in the beverage container with the lid. It is cooled before entering the mouth.

The present invention also provides a beverage container lid assembly that is applied to a beverage container in order to allow a user to transfer heat from a relatively hot assembly-containing beverage. This alternative lid assembly includes lid structures 40 (a), 40 (b) and 40 (c) and a drink-dam structure 41. Lid structure (s) according to this alternative embodiment includes a lid top, sidewall and lid bottom rim. The lid bottom rim receives the beverage container top rim, the lid top has the main outlet of the beverage and the lid sidewall has an internal dam-holding means.

The beverage-dam structure is formed of semi-rigid material to provide beverage-dam robustness and has a size and shape suitable for the dam-holding means. Thus, the beverage-dam structure and lid structure, when applied to the beverage upper rim, define the lower beverage-receiving compartment and the upper beverage-cooling compartment.

The beverage-dam structure comprises a first hole and a second or secondary hole, the primary function of which is to discharge the beverage from the beverage-containing compartment into the beverage-cooling compartment, and the primary function of the secondary hole is Air is injected from the beverage-cooling compartment into the beverage-containing compartment. The beverage cooling compartment receives heat from the discharged beverage before the discharged beverage exits the beverage main outlet.

In addition to the above structural considerations, inventive concepts supporting new methods and / or processes can be discussed. In this regard, the above structural considerations support heat-treatment methods that selectively transfer heat from relatively hot assembly-containing beverages.

The heat-treatment method includes the step of allowing the perforated beverage-dam structure to extend in a plane parallel to the beverage container top rim, and placing the lid on the beverage-dam structure and the beverage container top rim. The beverage-containing compartment at the bottom and the beverage-cooling compartment at the top may be sealed. The beverage is discharged from the beverage-containing compartment into the beverage-cooling compartment through the perforated beverage-dam structure, and the beverage-cooling compartment is transferred with heat.

The preferred embodiments and methodologies of the present invention described above are not limiting, and modifications thereof are intended within the scope and spirit of the specification and the accompanying drawings.

Claims (22)

A beverage container assembly for transferring heat from a relatively hot, assembly-containing beverage, the beverage container assembly comprising:
A container structure, comprising: a container structure comprising a container top edge having a container bottom, a container sidewall, and a border perimeter extending on a border plane;
CLAIMS 1. A lid structure comprising: a lid structure having a lid top with a main outlet for a beverage, a lid sidewall and a lid bottom rim receiving the container top rim; And
Insert structure,
A beverage-damming structure formed of semi-rigid material and sized and shaped to be received within the perimeter of the border and extending on a dam plane parallel to the border plane when received;
A rim-engaging structure extending outwardly from the beverage-dam structure and formed of a flexible material, the rim-connecting structure being accommodated between the container upper rim and the lid lower rim, (1) Seal the space between the vessel top rim and the lid bottom rim, (2) connect the beverage-dam structure to the vessel and lid structure, (3) the beverage-containing compartment at (a) the bottom and (b) the beverage- at the top Define a cooling compartment, a first aperture for discharging a beverage from said beverage-containing compartment to said beverage-cooling compartment and a second aperture for injecting air from said beverage-cooling compartment into said beverage-containing compartment; And an insert structure to allow the beverage to cool before being discharged through the main outlet by receiving heat from the beverage from which the beverage-cooling compartment is discharged.
The beverage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the beverage-dam structure comprises an insulating material to limit heat transfer from the beverage contained within the beverage-containing compartment.
The beverage container assembly of claim 1, wherein the beverage-dam structure is coated by the rim-connecting structure, wherein the first and second holes extend through the rim-connecting structure.
The method of claim 1, wherein the first hole defines a major dam outlet, the second hole defines a secondary dam outlet, and the primary and secondary dam outlets are adjacent to the lower portion of the beverage main outlet. Beverage container assembly, characterized in that the position can be selectively positioned.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the major dam outlet comprises a series of holes, the series of holes extending inwardly from the top and rim bottoms of the container to allow the user to rotate the beverage container assembly with respect to the horizontal plane. A beverage container assembly, characterized in that for controlling the flow rate of the beverage through the holes in the.
6. The beverage container assembly of claim 5, wherein the series of apertures is arranged linearly in the major dam exit to increase beverage discharge from the beverage-containing compartment according to the angle of inclination with respect to the horizontal plane.
A beverage container insert assembly provided in a beverage container with a lid to move heat away from a relatively hot, assembly-containing beverage, the beverage container insert assembly comprising:
Beverage-damming, a dam plane formed of semi-rigid material and sized and shaped to be contained within the upper rim of the beverage container, wherein a portion of the beverage-dam structure is parallel to the beverage container upper rim plane. A drink-dam structure extending on the bed; And
A rim-engaging structure, extending outwardly from the beverage-dam structure and formed of a flexible material, received between the upper edge of the container and the lower edge of the lid, the lower beverage-containing compartment and the upper beverage Define a cooling compartment, a first aperture for discharging a beverage from the beverage-containing compartment to the beverage-cooling compartment and a second aperture for injecting air from the beverage-cooling compartment into the beverage-containing compartment And a rim-connecting structure for receiving heat from the beverage from which the beverage-cooling compartment is discharged.
8. The beverage container insert assembly of claim 7 wherein the beverage-dam structure comprises an insulating material to limit heat transfer from the beverage contained within the beverage-containing compartment.
8. The beverage container insert assembly of claim 7 wherein the beverage-dam structure is coated by the rim-connecting structure, wherein the first and second holes extend through the rim-connecting structure.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first hole defines a major dam outlet, the second hole defines a secondary dam outlet, and the primary and secondary dam outlets are adjacent to the lower portion of the beverage main outlet. Beverage container insert assembly characterized in that the position can be selectively positioned.
12. The lid of claim 10 wherein the primary dam outlet comprises a series of holes, the series of holes extending inwardly from the top and bottom lids of the container to allow the user to tilt the lidd beverage container against a horizontal plane. Wherein the beverage flow rate is adjustable through the series of apertures.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the series of holes is arranged linearly within the main dam outlet to increase beverage discharge from the beverage-containing compartment according to the angle of inclination of the beverage container with lid relative to the horizontal plane. Beverage container insert assembly.
A beverage container lid assembly provided in a beverage container to move heat away from a relatively hot, assembly-containing beverage,
CLAIMS 1. A lid structure comprising: a lid structure having a lid top with a main outlet for a beverage, a lid sidewall and a lid bottom rim receiving the container top rim; And
A drink-damming structure, formed of semi-rigid material and having a size and shape for cooperatively connecting with the dam-retaining means, wherein the drink-dam structure cooperates with the dam-holding means. Connected to define a lower beverage-accommodating compartment and an upper beverage-cooling compartment, wherein the first hole and air for discharging a beverage from the beverage-containing compartment to the beverage-cooling compartment are separated from the beverage-cooling compartment. And a second hole for injecting into the beverage-containing compartment, the beverage-damping structure containing heat from the beverage before the beverage-cooling compartment is discharged to the beverage main outlet.
14. The beverage container insert assembly of claim 13 wherein the beverage-dam structure comprises a thermal insulator to limit the transfer of heat from the beverage contained in the beverage container.
The method of claim 13, wherein the first hole defines a major dam outlet, the second hole defines a secondary dam outlet, and the primary dam outlet and the secondary dam outlet are adjacent to a lower portion of the beverage main outlet. Beverage container insert assembly characterized in that the position can be selectively positioned.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the primary dam outlet comprises a series of holes, the series of holes extending inwardly from the upper and lower lids of the container to allow the user to tilt the beverage container against the horizontal plane. A beverage container insert assembly for controlling the rate of beverage flow through the holes.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the series of holes is arranged linearly in the main dam outlet to increase beverage discharge from the beverage-containing compartment according to the angle of inclination of the beverage container with lid relative to the horizontal plane. Beverage container insert assembly.
A beverage heat-treatment method for selectively transferring heat from a relatively hot assembly-containing beverage, the method comprising:
Allowing a portion of the perforated beverage-damming structure to extend in a plane parallel to the beverage container upper rim;
Positioning a lid over the beverage-dam structure and the beverage container upper rim;
Forming a lower beverage-containing compartment and an upper beverage-cooling compartment sealed through the beverage-dam structure and the lid;
Discharging a beverage from the beverage-containing compartment into the beverage-cooling compartment through the perforated beverage-dam structure; And
And transferring heat from the discharged beverage to the beverage-cooling compartment.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising discharging the beverage from the beverage-cooling compartment through a beverage main outlet formed in the lid.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising insulating the beverage-containing compartment through the perforated beverage-dam structure prior to discharging a beverage from the beverage-containing compartment.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising selectively rotating the lid about a beverage container axis prior to placing the lid on the beverage container top rim.
19. The method of claim 18, comprising selectively controlling the rate of beverage flow entering the beverage-cooling compartment by selectively tilting the beverage-dam structure with respect to the beverage surface.

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