Receptacles – Closures – Tethered closure
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-13
2001-03-27
Moy, Joseph M. (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Closures
Tethered closure
C220S739000, C220S754000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06206223
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to insulated beverage containers. Specifically, the invention relates to an insulated beverage cooler having an insulated, mating, hinged lid.
2. Description of Related Art
The desirability of consuming a can of beer or soda in a chilled state, regardless of the temperature of the environment in which these beverages are consumed, has prompted the development of apparatus to insulate these chilled beverages during consumption. One such device of contemporary popularity is a can holder molded into an insulative cup configuration suitable for receiving a beverage can. Such insulative cups are most popular outdoors where an uninsulated beverage would quickly absorb the heat of the environment.
Several such devices used for chilling beverage cans include: U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,426 issued to Pitchford et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,583 issued to Kelley et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,741,176 issued to Johnson et al. The problem with each of these inventions is that they contain a multitude of parts, require some preparation before use and generally introduce inconveniences in dispensing and closing, particularly if the user of these devices is using them while simultaneously engaging in sports, handiwork, or other activities requiring one free hand, or to repeatedly set down and pick up the beverage without fear of spilling the contents.
Other inventions employ refrigerants, multiple layers or dead air space surrounding the beverage can to keep the can insulated. Among those are: U.S. Pat. No. 4,183,226 issued to Moore; U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,445 issued to Huskins; U.S. Pat. No. 5,361,604 issued to Pier et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,149 issued to Riche. One main problem with each of these receptacles is that the insulating structures require more space and are thus more difficult to hold. In addition, with each of these devices, the top of the receptacle is left open and thus the contents of the beverage within the receptacle are subject to warming, invasion by insects and air-borne debris, and spilling if the receptacle is tipped over. Finally, some of the refrigerating devices require preparation or refrigeration prior to use and are thus inconvenient.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,344,303, issued to Kelly, Jr., is a foam receptacle that may serve its intended purpose, but it is not spill resistant and again, there is no lid. The problem with the above devices is that the top surface becomes a vehicle for heat transfer. Also, without having a lid, the receptacle is not capable of preventing intrusion by insects and airborne debris that may be encountered in many different environments, for example when using an electric saw.
British Pat. No. GB 2240332, issued to Christopher Rudland, includes a receptacle for a carbonated beverage with a lid. However, the Rudland device has multiple parts, is pressurized, and has a screw-on lid making it inconvenient for rapid, previously described uses, or one-handed operation.
None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is an insulating receptacle for a beverage can that is light weight, compact, simple in construction, insulates the entire can surface from heat exchange, and protects an open can from air-borne debris, bees, black flies, and other insects. The receptacle lid also prevents accidental spillage of the contents of the can. The lid can be operated, i.e. opened and closed, by the thumb of a single hand. A resilient hinge assembled through two collinear slots, one in the main body and one in the lid, maintains a connection between the lid and main body of the receptacle, and tethers the lid to the main body when the lid is in its opened position.
Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a simple, light-weight, easy to use can cooler for a single can.
Another object of the invention is to provide a can cooler receptacle that is form fitted so as to be snug against a can.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a can cooler receptacle having a sloped upper surface to facilitate easy insertion of a can.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a can cooler receptacle with an insulating lid that can quickly mate with the body of the receptacle without any twisting or turning of the lid, and can be operated with a single hand.
It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a can cooler having an insulating lid that is snug against the surface of the can, and that is flush with the main body of the receptacle.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a two-part can cooler consisting of a body connected to a flexible, light weight hinge that requires no fasteners on the lid or body.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.
These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2951615 (1960-09-01), Crane
patent: 3451536 (1969-06-01), O'Leary et al.
patent: 3995445 (1976-12-01), Huskins
patent: 4183226 (1980-01-01), Moore
patent: 4344303 (1982-08-01), Kelly, Jr.
patent: 4526289 (1985-07-01), Schiemann
patent: 4620426 (1986-11-01), Pitchford et al.
patent: 4741176 (1988-05-01), Johnson et al.
patent: 4793149 (1988-12-01), Riche
patent: 5004114 (1991-04-01), Terbrusch et al.
patent: 5044512 (1991-09-01), Giancaspro et al.
patent: 5165583 (1992-11-01), Kouwenbry
patent: 5261554 (1993-11-01), Forbes
patent: 5325988 (1994-07-01), Ekern
patent: 5361604 (1994-11-01), Pier et al.
patent: 5564583 (1996-10-01), Kelley et al.
patent: 6014850 (2000-01-01), LeMire
patent: 6039207 (2000-03-01), Adamek
patent: 2220642 (1990-01-01), None
patent: 2240332 (1991-07-01), None
Litman Richard C.
Moy Joseph M.
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