PROTECTIVE TOP FOR BEVERAGE CONTAINER

[0001] Drinking from rigid beverage containers can result in tooth contact with hard rims. Chips or fractures may occur, particularly with containers formed of glass, ceramic, or metal. Dental treatment involves cost and time, and more severe fractures may require prosthetic replacement

[0002] There is a need for a removable top that reduces direct tooth-to-rim contact while accommodating varied container sizes and shapes, and that is durable, washable, and reusable.

[0003] Embodiments provide a removable protective top and a beverage container assembly to reduce direct tooth-to-rim contact.

[0004] In some embodiments, the annular exterior wall and the annular interior wall may be substantially parallel, or they may be configured with a taper, a divergence, or a convergence toward the lower tip to accommodate various container rim profiles.

[0005] In some embodiments, the top includes an annular exterior wall extending downward along an outer surface of a container rim, an annular interior wall extending downward along an inner surface of the rim, and a bridge region connecting the exterior wall and the interior wall at a top of the removable protective top, the bridge region being smoothly curved where it connects to the annular exterior wall, the bridge region having a central opening.

[0006] In some embodiments, the top further includes one or more of: (i) an exterior-wall thickness adjacent to the bridge region greater than an exterior-wall thickness adjacent to the lower tip; (ii) the exterior wall extending farther downward than the interior wall, or the interior wall extending farther downward than the exterior wall; (iii) converging/diverging walls from the central axis, and (iv) multi-layer constructions in which the exterior wall, the interior wall, and/or the bridge region include inner and outer layers formed of different materials, the inner layer positioned to contact the rim for the walls and a lower layer of the bridge region integrally joined to the walls, and (v) various dimensional implementations, such as different height ranges, wall-thickness ranges, circumferential widths, and material hardness ranges.

[0007] In some embodiments, a beverage container assembly includes a container having a rim and any of the tops described herein installed on the rim.

[0023] The following description and drawings describe representative embodiments. Variations and modifications may be implemented based on the description herein. Where appropriate, well-known elements are omitted or simplified to avoid obscuring relevant details. For clarity, definitions of certain terms used herein follow.

[0024] As used herein, “embodiment” refers to an example implementation. The embodiments described herein are examples and are not limiting. Individual features, elements, and operations may be combined in any suitable manner unless stated otherwise. No single embodiment should be construed as preferred or required over another. A reference to “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” does not require that all embodiments include the referenced feature, advantage, or mode of operation.

[0025] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a removable protective top 100 applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1A, the removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 having a central opening 108, an annular interior wall 104, and an annular exterior wall 106. The bridge region 102 connects the exterior wall 106 and the interior wall 104 at a top of the removable protective top 100. The bridge region 102 may be smoothly curved where it connects to the annular exterior wall 106.

[0026] In some embodiments, the interior wall 104 and the exterior wall 106 may each taper toward respective lower tips 104a and 106a. Inner surfaces of the interior wall 104 and the exterior wall 106 that face one another may be radially spaced, with respect to a central axis CL, by a first distance D1 on a plane P1 near the bridge region 102 and by a second distance D2 on a plane P2 near the lower tips 104a and 106a, where D1 is less than D2. The interior wall 104 may extend downward along an inner surface of a container rim and the exterior wall 106 may extend downward along an outer surface of the container rim. Additional features may be provided in other embodiments, for example thickness gradients (see FIG. 1B), wall-length variations (see FIGS. 1C-1D), diverging/converging walls (see FIGS. 2A-2B), multi-layer constructions (see FIGS. 3A-3D), projections (see FIG. 4), and lid-coupling structures (see FIG. 5A-5B).

[0027] In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 is sized to fit glass cups, bottles, ceramic mugs, such as coffee mugs and tea mugs, metal thermoses, tumblers, wine/coupe/martini glasses, whiskey/pint glasses, and shot/espresso glasses. A single profile as shown in FIG. 1A is applied across categories by selecting dimensions within disclosed ranges.

[0028] In some embodiments, the tips 104a, 106a include rounded edges defined by edge radii that are smaller than a local wall thickness. The wall thickness may change monotonically from the tip toward the bridge region 102 without reversal.

[0029] FIG. 1B is an enlarged cross-sectional detail applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1B, an exterior wall 106 may include a first thickness tE1 adjacent to a bridge region 102 and a second thickness tE2 adjacent to an exterior tip 106a. The thickness may be measured as a shortest distance between inner and outer surfaces of the exterior wall on a section normal to a central axis CL. In some embodiments, tE1 is greater than tE2. The terms “adjacent to the bridge region” and “adjacent to the lower tip” denote locations near the bridge region 102 and near the tip 106a along a vertical extent of the wall.

[0030] FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1C, a removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL. In the embodiment of FIG. 1C, the exterior wall 106 extends farther downward than the interior wall 104. Axial lengths may be measured from an upper surface of the bridge region 102 to the respective tips 106a and 104a along the central axis CL, such that a length LE of the exterior wall 106 is greater than a length LI of the interior wall 104 (LE>LI). Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0031] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1D, a removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL. In the embodiment of FIG. 1D, the interior wall 104 extends farther downward than the exterior wall 106. Axial lengths may be measured from an upper surface of the bridge region 102 to the respective tips 104a and 106a along the central axis CL, such that a length LI of the interior wall 104 is greater than a length LE of the exterior wall 106 (LI>LE). Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0032] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2A, a removable protective top 100 may include an exterior wall 106 and an interior wall 104 configured to accommodate a container rim having a flared or outwardly widening profile. In this embodiment, the exterior wall 106 and the interior wall 104 diverge from a central axis CL in a direction extending away from the bridge region 102. This configuration facilitates engagement and sealing with outwardly widening profiles.

[0033] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2B, a removable protective top 100 may include an exterior wall 106 and an interior wall 104 configured to accommodate a container rim having a tapered or inwardly narrowing profile. In this embodiment, the exterior wall 106 and the interior wall 104 converge toward a central axis CL in a direction extending away from the bridge region 102. This configuration facilitates engagement and sealing with inwardly narrowing profiles.

[0034] FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2C, a removable protective top 100 may include an exterior wall 106 and an interior wall 104 configured to accommodate a container rim having both a significant vertical height and a flared or outwardly widening profile. In this embodiment, the exterior wall 106 and the interior wall 104 extend downward from a bridge region 102 by a substantial length and are inclined toward a central axis CL in a direction extending away from the bridge region 102. The interior wall 104 is inclined more steeply toward the central axis CL than the exterior wall 106 such that, at a lower region of the walls, a lower tip of the interior wall 104 is closer to the central axis CL than a corresponding lower portion of the exterior wall 106. This deep-wall configuration defines a rim-receiving channel that follows a slope of a container wall and provides an increased contact area along the rim, allowing the removable protective top 100 to hug the container wall and maintain a secure, substantially leak-resistant fit during use.

[0035] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3A, a removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL. The exterior wall 106 may include two layers of different materials, including an inner layer 106i positioned to contact a container rim R and an outer layer 106o forming an exposed surface, the layers being joined along an interface indicated by distinct hatching. Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0036] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3B, a removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL. The interior wall 104 may include two layers of different materials, including an inner layer 104i positioned to contact a container rim R and an outer layer 104o forming an inner surface facing toward the container interior, the layers being joined along an interface indicated by distinct hatching. Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0037] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3C, a removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL. The bridge region 102 may include two layers of different materials, including an upper layer 102u forming an exposed upper surface and a lower layer 102l integrally joined to the interior wall 104 and the exterior wall 106, the layers being joined along an interface indicated by distinct hatching. Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0038] FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3D, a removable protective top 100 may include a bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL. The bridge region 102 may include two layers of different materials, including an upper layer 102u and a lower layer 102l; the interior wall 104 may include an inner layer 104i and an outer layer 104o; and the exterior wall 106 may include an inner layer 106i and an outer layer 106o. Interfaces between layers may be indicated by distinct hatching. Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0039] In some embodiments, the multi-layer constructions shown in FIGS. 3A-3D may be formed of different materials selected to provide distinct functional characteristics. For example, an inner layer may be formed of a material having a relatively lower hardness or higher friction coefficient to enhance sealing against a container rim, while an outer layer may be formed of a material having greater durability, stiffness, or aesthetic properties. The selection of materials for the respective layers may vary among embodiments and is not limited to silicone-based formulations.

[0040] In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 includes an elastomeric, water-resistant material that stretches beyond its original form. Such a material is taste neutral, saliva/mouth safe, BPA-free, non-toxic, and non-reactive with common beverages. In some embodiments, the elastomeric material may include silicone. The use of this material facilitates elastic compliance of the removable protective top 100 to accommodate variations in standard container sizes. Furthermore, the removable protective top 100 may be dishwasher safe and heat resistant up to boiling water temperature.

[0041] In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 has a hardness between about 20 and about 40 on the Shore A durometer scale. A relatively low durometer hardness allows the removable protective top 100 to deform under bite loads and contact forces, providing a soft interface that reduces the risk of damaging a user's teeth during use. Material examples may include silicone, thermoplastic urethane, or combinations thereof, provided that the resulting material exhibits the above-described elastomeric and safety characteristics.

[0042] In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 is formed by compression or injection molding. In some embodiments, layers shown in FIGS. 3A-3D are co-molded or over-molded. In some embodiments, dimensional tolerances for wall height and a bridge-region width are controlled to match standard container sizes with elastic compliance to accommodate variations.

[0043] In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 includes visible designs, branding, alphanumeric markings, or color patterns on the bridge region 102 or exterior surfaces of the walls.

[0044] In some embodiments, the removable protective top is configured to engage rims of beverage containers having outside diameters between about 45 mm and 100 mm and inside diameters between about 40 mm and 92 mm. For example, stoneware mugs, coffee cups, tumblers, kids cups, water glasses, stemware, whiskey glasses, and slim-neck bottles may have rim outside diameters within a range from about 40 mm to 110 mm, and rim inside diameters within a range from about 35 mm to 100 mm.

[0045] In some embodiments, each of the exterior wall and the interior wall extends downward from a bridge region by a height between about 5 mm and 20 mm. In many examples, the exterior wall and the interior wall both have heights of about 8 mm, and in certain slim-bottle embodiments the exterior wall height is between about 8 mm and 15 mm, while the interior wall height is about 8 mm.

[0046] In some embodiments, the walls of the removable protective top have a substantially uniform thickness between about 0.5 mm and 3.00 mm. For example, for many cup embodiments, a wall thickness is between about 0.5 mm and 1.50 mm, and for slim-neck bottle embodiments an exterior wall thickness is between about 1.50 mm and 2.0 mm, while an interior wall thickness is between about 1.25 mm and 1.50 mm.

[0047] In some embodiments, the bridge region forms an annular band surrounding the rim, the band having a circumferential length between about 90 mm and 330 mm. In some embodiments, the annular band has a band width between about 35 mm and 120 mm measured along the circumference. For example, many cup embodiments have band circumferential lengths between about 90 mm and 330 mm, whereas slim-neck bottle embodiments may have band circumferential lengths of about 35-120 mm.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a perspective detail view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, an outer surface of an exterior wall 106 may include a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 150. The projections 150 may be distributed around the exterior wall 106 adjacent to a bridge region 102 or at another axial location. The removable protective top 100 may otherwise include the bridge region 102, an interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, the exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a, and a central opening 108 about a central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A. Radial spacings D1 and D2 may be measured on planes P1 and P2 normal to the central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A, with D1 less than D2.

[0049] In some embodiments, an inner surface of an interior wall 104 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced projections 150. The spaced projections 150 are arranged around the interior wall 104 and may be positioned adjacent to a bridge region 102 or at another axial location. The removable protective top 100 further includes the bridge region 102 with a central opening 108, the interior wall 104 with a tip 104a, and an exterior wall 106 with a tip 106a about a central axis CL as described with reference to FIG. 1A.

[0050] In some embodiments, an outer surface of the exterior wall 106 is free of outward projections along at least a portion of its axial length to reduce peeling by lateral grasping, and the top is removed by lifting along the central axis CL.

[0051] In some embodiments, the interior wall 104 and the exterior wall 106 each include curvature that follows a curvature of a container rim R. In some embodiments, inner surfaces of the walls include textures such as micro-ribs, dimples, or a matte skin.

[0052] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5A, a bridge region 102 includes an upstanding annular rim 120 that surrounds a central opening 108 and is concentric with a central axis CL. The rim 120 rises axially from an upper surface of the bridge region 102 and is continuous around 360°. In some embodiments, the rim 120 has an inner cylindrical surface bounding the central opening 108, an outer cylindrical surface, and a top land that is flat or slightly crowned. A root fillet blends the rim 120 to the bridge region 102 without a sharp corner, and draft angles are provided on exposed walls suitable for molding. In some embodiments, an axial height of the rim 120 is between 0.5 and 2 times a local thickness of the bridge region 102, and a radial width of the rim 120 is between 0.5 and 2 times a radial width of the top land.

[0053] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view applicable to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5B, the rim 120 may include an optional circumferential recessed feature 122 formed on its outer peripheral surface. The recessed feature 122 may extend continuously around the rim 120 and may define a profile that includes an upper lip region and a lower shoulder region, with a groove portion positioned radially inward of adjacent outer wall surfaces. The transitions between the upper lip, groove portion, and lower shoulder may include smooth fillet radii, and the sidewalls of the recessed feature may incorporate small draft angles to facilitate molding. In some embodiments, a depth of the recessed feature 122 may range from 5% to 30% of a radial width of the rim 120, and the recessed feature may be positioned approximately at mid-height of the rim 120. This recessed geometry is optional and may be included in versions of the removable protective top that incorporate additional grip, retention, or decorative functionality.

[0054] In some embodiments, the rim 120 and recessed feature 122 may define an attachment interface for optional accessories, such as removable lids, caps, shields, or auxiliary sealing members. The geometry may allow these accessories to snap, press, or twist into engagement with the removable protective top 100, enabling additional functionalities such as sealing, splash prevention, controlled dispensing, or transport protection.

[0055] It may further be understood that in other embodiments other accessories may be contemplated which fit over or around other embodiments of the rim. For example, in a specific embodiment a mesh or sieve structure may be configured to fit over a beer bottle version of the rim.

[0056] In some embodiments, an annular rim 120 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced bayonet lugs arranged around the rim 120. Each lug includes (i) an entry ramp surface having an axial rise over a circumferential arc, (ii) a circumferential stop shoulder, and (iii) a top land. Lugs project radially from the rim 120 and have filleted transitions to the rim. In some embodiments, the rim 120 includes a local thickening beneath each lug on the bridge region 102.

[0057] In some embodiments, the bayonet pattern is multi-start, with two or three ramped paths beginning at different angular positions. In some embodiments, the lug height is less than a height of the rim 120, and the lug width measured circumferentially exceeds the lug height. In some embodiments, a lead-in chamfer is provided at a ramp entrance, and a relief pocket is provided behind the stop shoulder.

[0058] In some embodiments, the bridge region 102 includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced thread segments arranged around the central opening 108. Each thread segment follows a common pitch and lead angle and is separated from adjacent segments by circumferential gaps. In some embodiments, the segments form a two-start or three-start pattern, each segment subtending an arc of 30°-120°. A thread form includes opposed flank surfaces at an included angle and rounded crest and root radii. Segment bases are supported by local ribs on the bridge region 102.

[0059] In some embodiments, the bridge region 102 includes a circumferential groove, radial channels extending between the central opening 108 and an outer perimeter of the bridge region, or an embedded ring concentric with the central axis CL. In some embodiments, the interior wall 104 includes an inward-facing annular bead adjacent to the bridge region 102, and/or the exterior wall 106 includes an outward-facing annular bead adjacent to the bridge region 102.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a sectional view applicable to an embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, a beverage container assembly includes a container having a rim R and a removable protective top 100 on the rim. The rim R is received between an interior wall 104 and an exterior wall 106 of the removable protective top. A bridge region 102 joins the walls at an upper side and has a central opening 108. The bridge region 102 may be smoothly curved where it connects to the annular exterior wall 106. The assembly is arranged about a central axis CL.

[0061] The beverage container used in the assembly may be one of many various types. In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 may be sized to fit glass cups, bottles, ceramic mugs, such as coffee mugs and tea mugs, metal thermoses, tumblers, wine/coupe/martini glasses, whiskey/pint glasses, and shot/espresso glasses.

[0062] In some embodiments, the removable protective top 100 is removable and reusable, and is washable including in a dishwasher cycle. In some embodiments, installation includes pressing the removable protective top 100 downward while advancing a container rim R upward between the walls to seat the rim between the interior wall 104 and the exterior wall 106. Removal includes applying an upward force along the central axis CL.

[0063] The foregoing description and figures illustrate representative embodiments and modes of operation. These embodiments are examples and are not limiting. Variations, alternatives, and combinations may be devised by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the description herein.

[0064] The embodiments described herein are illustrative and not limiting. Variations and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the description herein.