CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 16/863,379 filed Apr. 30, 2020, which is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S. Non-provisional application Ser. No. 16/100,153 filed Aug. 9, 2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/653,185 filed Apr. 5, 2018, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

An insulated container for maintaining the temperature of food and/or beverage contained therein is generally described. More specifically, an insulated container having a vacuum-insulated outer container and a removable glass insert that protects a user's lips from contacting the outer container, is described.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Maintaining the temperatures of food and beverages is vital to enjoying the complete characteristics they have to offer. Various types of containers are used to maintain the temperatures of the contents (food or beverage) of such containers. For instance, when beverages are placed in such containers, ice is often added to the beverages, such that that they are in contact with the ice and become cooler based on the contact. A disadvantage with such coolers is that once the ice melts, it dilutes the beverage contained therein and the beverage may become warm. Another disadvantage is that once the beverage has been in the container for some time, large amounts of liquid (i.e., condensation) may form on the external surface of the container, which may make the container slippery and cause it to fall out of the user's hands. This may be dangerous to the user and others nearby, particular when the containers are made of glass. In some instances, when the contents of the container are hot (such as soup or other heated food), the container may be too hot and uncomfortable to the user's hands.

Some insulating containers may be made of metals. While such metallic containers may provide insulative properties, a disadvantage with these metallic containers is that they may result in the leaching of metals into the food or beverages contained therein. Some metallic containers may be made of stainless steel, which is often manufactured using a nickel alloy, such as nickel-iron. Iron and nickel have been found to leach into some alkaline and acidic foods and beverages, which may be hazardous to a user's/consumer's health.

In view of the disadvantages associated with presently available food and beverage containers, there is a need for an insulating container that maintains the temperature of food or beverages, and prevents the formation of condensation on an external surface of the container. Additionally, there is a need for an insulating container that maintains the temperature of hot or cold food and/or beverages contained therein, while also reducing a user's exposure to leached metals.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may be associated with an insulated container. The insulated container includes a double-walled structure. The double-walled structure is vacuum-insulated and is composed of a metal. A glass structure is arranged within a hollow interior of the double-walled structure and may be removed for cleaning or replacement. The glass structure includes a body and a sipping portion extending from the body. The sipping portion protrudes from the open end of the double-walled container, and provides hygienic /sanitary protection so that a user's lips do not come into contact with the double-walled structure. The insulated container further includes a deformable flange that secures the glass structure to the double-walled structure.

According to an aspect, the present embodiments may also be associated with a vacuum-insulated container that maintains the temperature of hot or cold food and/or beverages contained therein. The vacuum-insulated container includes an inner container and an outer container spaced apart from the inner container so that a gap is formed between them. The gap is evacuated of air, and the inner container and the outer container are coupled and sealed at their respective open ends. The vacuum-insulated container further includes a glass structure arranged within the inner container, and a deformable flange that secures the glass structure to the inner container. Food and/or beverages positioned in the vacuum-insulated container are not in direct contact with the inner or outer containers, but receive the benefit of imparted by the evacuation of air between the inner or outer containers. The glass structure includes a body and a sipping portion that extends from the open ends of the inner and outer containers. The sipping portion allows users to drink from the vacuum-insulated container without having their lips directly contact the inner and outer containers. The deformable flange may be compressed against an inner surface of the inner container in order to secure the glass structure in place.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments thereof and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, exemplary embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a top down, perspective view of an insulated container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a bottom, perspective view the insulated container of FIG. 1A, illustrating a coaster according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1C is a side, perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a top down, perspective view of an insulated container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1E is a bottom, perspective view the insulated container of FIG. 1D, illustrating a coaster according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a double-walled structure of the insulated container of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3A is an exploded view of an insulated container including a deformable flange, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3B is a partial perspective and exploded view of an insulated container including a gasket, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the gasket of FIG. 3B;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a flange positioned on a glass structure of the insulated container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4B is another perspective view of a flange positioned on a glass structure of the insulated container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a flange of the insulated container of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is a top view of a flange for use with an insulated container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5C is a top, perspective view of a flange for use with an insulated container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5D is a side, perspective view of a flange for use with an insulated container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a side, perspective view of an insulated container, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 6A, illustrating an inner surface and stepped portions of a double-walled structure, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6D is a side, perspective view of an insulated container including a glass structure having a frustoconical shape, according to an aspect;

FIG. 6E is a top down, perspective view of the insulated container of FIG. 6D;

FIG. 6F is a side, perspective of the glass structure of the insulated container of FIG. 6D;

FIG. 7 is a side, perspective view an insulated container, illustrating indentations formed in an external surface of the container, according to an aspect;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum-insulated container including inner and outer containers, according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9A is a side view of an insulated container, illustrating bilateral indentations formed in an external surface of the container of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9B is side view of an insulated container, illustrating bilateral indentations formed in an external surface of the container of FIG. 1D;

FIG. 10A is a partial exploded view of an insulating container including a collar, according to an aspect;

FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the insulating container of FIG. 10A, illustrating the collar secured to the insulating container, according to an aspect;

FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view of insulating container of FIG. 10B;

FIG. 10D is a partial view of the cross-sectional view of the insulating container of FIG. 10C;

FIG. 11A is a partial exploded view of an insulating container including a collar, according to an aspect;

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the insulating container of FIG. 11A, illustrating the collar secured to the insulating container, according to an aspect;

FIG. 11C is a cross-sectional view of insulating container of FIG. 11B;

FIG. 12A is a partial exploded view of an insulating container including a collar, according to an aspect;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the insulating container of FIG. 12A, illustrating the collar secured to the insulating container, according to an aspect;

FIG. 12C is a cross-sectional view of insulating container of FIG. 12B;

FIG. 12D is a partial view of the cross-sectional view of the insulating container of FIG. 12C;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an insulating container including a cover, according to an aspect;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the insulating container of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15A is a side view of a cover configured for use with the insulating container of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 15A;

FIG. 16 is a top down, perspective view of the insulating container of FIG. 13 including a glass structure; and

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the insulating container of FIG. 13.

Various features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the following detailed description, along with the accompanying figures in which like numerals represent like components throughout the figures and text. The various described features are not necessarily drawn to scale, but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to some embodiments.

The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims. To facilitate understanding, reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For purposes of illustrating features of the embodiments, examples will now be introduced and referenced throughout the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these examples are illustrative and not limiting, and are provided purely for explanatory purposes.

FIGS. 1A-3B, 6A-7 and 9A-9B illustrate an insulated container 10, and its associated components. The insulated container 10 may include a double-walled structure 20, which may be vacuum-insulated. The type of material selected to form the double-walled structure 20 may be based at least in part on the material's capability for repeated and long-term use. According to an aspect, the double-walled structure 20 is composed of a metal, such as stainless steel. The type of metal selected for the double-walled structure may be based, at least in part, on its strength. For example, the double-walled structure 20, when made of stainless steel, may have superior strength-to-weight ratio, which may help to form a more stable insulated container 10, as compared to containers composed of aluminum, glass, ceramic, or various plastic materials.

The double-walled structure 20 includes a closed end/base 22 and an open end/rim portion 24. As illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1E, the closed end 22 is generally planar and may include a raised platform/coaster 70. The coaster 70 may be dimensioned so that it covers less than a total surface area of the closed end 22. The coaster f70 may include and/or be formed from materials that reduce friction between the double-walled structure 20 and smooth/slippery surfaces, such as glass, granite, wood, and the like. According to an aspect, the coaster 70 is formed from a variety of materials, including rubber, plastic, and foam, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The coaster 70 may help stabilize the insulated container 10 when the insulated container 10 is positioned on slippery surfaces. The coaster 70 may help prevent potential spill of contents of the insulated container 10 and, in some instances, damage of the surface on which it is placed.

A side wall 26 extends between the closed and open ends 22, 24. The side wall 26 and the closed end 22 together form a hollow interior/internal space 28, which receives materials or additional structures/containers therein. According to an aspect, the side wall 26 has a generally circular cross-section (see, for example, FIG. 6B) along at least a portion of its length L1 (FIG. 1C). As illustrated in FIGS. 1D-1E, the outer diameter of the double-walled structure 20 may increase from the closed end 22 to the open end 24. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C, the side wall 26 is contoured so that it has a generally convex outer surface 27 close to the closed end 22. In this configuration, the outer diameter of the double-walled structure 20 may increase from the closed end 22 to an intermediate position 26a along the side wall 26 (FIGS. 1A-1B, and 2), and decrease from the intermediate position 26a to the open end 24, so that the double-walled structure 20 has a contoured side wall 26. In an embodiment, and as illustrated in FIG. 1D and FIG. 1E, the side wall 26 is contoured so that it has a generally convex outer surface 27 close to the open end 24. The contoured side wall 26 may provide increased available space (that may be subjected to a vacuum) between walls of the double-walled structure.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, FIGS. 6B-6C and FIG. 6E, the double-walled structure 20 may include at least one stepped portion 29 formed in its inner surface 25. The stepped portion 29 is illustrated as partially extending from the open end 24 towards the closed end 22. The inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 may be generally planar, with the stepped portion 29 having an increased inner diameter. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the double-walled structure 20 has a first inner diameter ID2 along the stepped portion 29, and a second inner diameter ID3 extending from the stepped portion 29 to the closed end 22. The first inner diameter ID2 may be greater than the second inner diameter ID3, which may help facilitate securing an additional structure within the hollow interior 28, as described in detail hereinbelow. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 2, the second inner diameter ID3 may be substantially uniform from the stepped portion 29 towards the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20. In an embodiment, the second inner diameter ID3 may gradually decrease from the stepped portion 29 towards the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20 to receive a glass structure 30 (as seen in, for instance, FIGS. 6D-6F).

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 7, the double-walled structure 20 may include a plurality of indentations 50 formed in its outer surface 27. The indentations 50 may be recessed areas/depressions formed in the side wall 26. The indentations 50 may be recessed from the overall structure, and according to one aspect the indentions 50 maintain an outwardly rounded/curved surface (i.e., bowed area) or a flattened area. In the illustrated embodiment, the indentations 50 extend from the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20 to an intermediate position between the closed end 22 and the open end 24. However, other possibilities are contemplated. In an embodiment, the indentations 50 are configured as rectangular-shaped areas, the longer sides of the rectangular-shaped areas extending from the closed end 22 towards the open end 24. The indentations 50 partially extend from the outer surface 27 inward towards the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, and may function as grip areas/surfaces for placement of the user's fingers to help provide a more secure/stable grip for a user of the insulated container 10. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D and FIG. 7, the indentions 50 may include one of more tactile portions 52 (such as stamped letters, numbers, or markings) that further help to enhance the user's grip on the insulated container 10. The tactile portion 52 may include raised or indented (not shown) areas. The indentations 50 may also enhance the user's comfort when holding the insulated container 10, accessing the contents of the insulated container 10, or pouring or drinking from the insulated container 10. In some embodiments, the indentations 50 may span more than 50% of a length L1 of the double-walled structure 20. The indentations 50 may span from about 50% to about 85% the total length L1 of the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect, the indentations 50 may be from about 30 mm to about 40 mm wide.

In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 9A and 9B, the indentations 50 are bilateral indentations 50 (i.e., a pair of indentations) formed on opposite portions of the outer surface 27 of the double-walled structure 20. It is to be understood, however, the number of indentations 50 provided on the outer surface 27 may be modified. For instance, a single indentation 50 may be formed in the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect, 3, 4, 5, or more indentations 50 may be provided.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, FIGS. 6D-6E and FIG. 7, the insulated container 10 further includes a glass structure 30. The glass structure 30 is configured for receiving food and beverage therein, so that the food and beverage does not contact the double-walled structure 20. The glass structure 30 is dimensioned to be removably arranged within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20. When arranged and secured within the double-walled structure 20, the glass structure 30 may be protected from breakage, which may occur if a glass vessel slips and falls from a user's hands. According to an aspect, the glass structure has a length L3 that is less than (see, for instance, FIG. 6D) or substantially the same as (not shown) the length L1 of the double-walled structure 20.

According to an aspect, the glass structure 30 includes a body 36 having an open upper end 37 and a base end (second end or closed end) 34. The body 36 may be formed with a variety of shapes that facilitate arrangement of the glass structure 30 within the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 6D-6F, the body 36 may taper from the upper end 37 towards the base end 34, such that the body 36 has a frustoconical shape. In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the body 36 is configured as a substantially cylindrical structure. The dimensions of the glass structure 30, including its upper end 37 and base end 34, range from amounts effective for retaining food and/or beverage within the glass structure 30, and removing the food and/or beverage therefrom.

The glass structure 30 further includes a sipping portion 32 extending from the open upper end 37 of the body 36. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 1C, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F, the sipping portion 32 includes a shoulder 31b, a sipping end 31a, and a side wall 33 extending between the sipping end 31a and the shoulder 31b. According to an aspect, the side wall 33 extends around the upper end 37 of the glass structure 30. The side wall 33, including the shoulder 31b protrudes from the upper end 24 of the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 6F, the side wall 33 may be substantially straight/linear. In an embodiment (not shown), the side wall 33 of the sipping portion 32 flares outwardly, with an outer diameter OD4 of the sipping end 31a being greater than an outer diameter OD1 of the shoulder 31b. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 6A, the sipping portion 32 flares inwardly, with the outer diameter OD4 of the sipping end 31a being less than the outer diameter OD4 of the shoulder 31b. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 7-8, the side wall 33 is outwardly bowed/curved, which may enhance a user's comfort when drinking or sipping from the container 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 6F, the shoulder 31b of the sipping portion 32 is seated on top of the open end 24 of the double-walled structure 20. The sipping end 31a of the sipping portion 32 extends away from the open end 24, thereby preventing users from directly contacting their lips to the double-walled structure 20. This may eliminate or substantially reduce the risk that users will directly contact their lips with the material used to make the double-walled structure (such as metallic materials).

The glass structure 30 further includes an outer diameter OD2 along the body 36, extending from the upper end 37 to the base end 34. According to an aspect the outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 is less than the outer diameters OD1, OD4 of the sipping and shoulder ends 31a, 31b of the sipping portion 32. The outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 may be less than a first inner diameter ID2 of the double-walled structure 20, so that the body 36 of the glass structure 30 can be disposed in the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20, with only the sipping portion 32 outwardly extending therefrom. According to an aspect, when the glass structure 30 is disposed in the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20, a total length L2 of the container 10 is greater than the length L1 of the double-walled structure 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D and FIG. 6F, the glass structure 30 may further include one or more stepped interior portions (recesses or contours) 39 at the sipping portion 32. The stepped interior portion 39 is formed in the inner surface of the glass structure 30. The stepped interior portion 39 may aid in enhancing a user's comfort when drinking from the container.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6E, the insulated container 10 further includes a deformable flange 40. The deformable flange 40 is positioned around the body 36 of the glass structure 30, so that when the glass structure 30 is positioned within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure, the deformable flange 40 is compressed between the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure. The deformable flange 40 may help to protect the glass structure 30 from breaking when the glass structure 30 is secured in the double-walled structure 20 by the deformable member 40.

According to an aspect, the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, along the stepped portion 29, includes a plurality of ribs (not shown) that receive the protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40. This may help facilitate a semi-permanent attachment of the double-walled structure 20 to the glass structure 30.

FIGS. 4A-4B and FIGS. 6A-6B, 6D and 6F illustrate the generally positioning of the deformable flange 40. The deformable flange 40 may be positioned on the glass structure 30 from the second end, and moved up towards the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32. FIG. 4A illustrates the deformable flange 40 extending around the body 36 of the glass structure 30 in a spaced apart configuration from the sipping portion 32. As illustrated in FIGS. 4B, 6A-6B, 6D and 6F, the deformable flange 40 may be positioned adjacent the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate the deformable flange 40 in more detail. The deformable flange 40 includes a main body 42 that is able to conform to the shape of the glass structure 30. In an embodiment, when positioned around the body 36 of the glass structure 30, the deformable flange 40 has a generally cylindrical (FIG. 6A) or a generally conical or frustoconical shape (FIGS. 6D and 6F).

It is contemplated that the deformable flange 40 may be secured to the glass structure 30 by a friction fit. Additional securing mechanisms may be provided on surfaces of the deformable flange 40 to aid with securing the flange 40 onto to the glass structure 30 and to double-walled structure 30. According to an aspect, an inner surface 43 of the deformable flange 40 includes a plurality of threads for engaging with corresponding threads formed on the body 36 of the glass structure 30 (not shown). As illustrated in FIG. 5B, FIG. 5C and FIG. 5D, the inner surface 43 of the deformable flange is smooth, which may facilitate ease of placement around the body 36 of the glass structure 30. The threads of the deformable flange 40 and optionally, the threads on the body 36 of the glass structure 30, may be one of continuous threads or interrupted threads. As used herein, “continuous threads” may mean a non-interrupted threaded closure having a spiral design (e.g., extending around the skirt like a helix), while “interrupted threads” may mean a non-continuous/segmented thread pattern having gaps/discontinuities between each adjacent thread.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5D, the threads may be a plurality of protrusions 44 that extend from an outer surface 41 of the body 42. The plurality of protrusions may be continuous/uninterrupted (i.e., formed contiguously around the main body 42 of the flange 40. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 5B-5D, the protrusions 44 may be interrupted (i.e., having multiple segments, or the protrusions 44 being spaced apart from each other, that extend generally around a circumference of the body 42).

The protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40 are flexible and engage the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect, the deformable flange 40 engages the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, at the stepped portion 29. The deformable flange 40 may be composed of any material that is flexible, and may be repeatably compressed and/or is able to maintain compression for an extend period of time. According to an aspect, the deformable flange 40 is composed of at least one of rubber, plastic, and silicone. The deformable member may be made by formed by an injection molding process, or in any other suitable manner.

The deformable flange 40 has an inner diameter ID1 and an outer diameter OD3. The inner diameter ID1 of the deformable flange 40 may be substantially the same size as, or slightly less than, the second diameter OD2 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30. This allows the deformable flange to be secured to the body 36 without slipping off. According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD3 of the deformable flange 40, includes the protrusions 44, and is greater than the inner diameter ID2 of the double-walled structure 20. When the deformable flange 40 is secured to the glass structure 30, and the glass structure 30 including the deformable flange is arranged in the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20, the deformable flange 40 is compressed between the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 and the glass structure 20.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the container 10 includes a gasket 60. The gasket 60 may be secured between the glass structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20. The gasket 60 engages with the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, at the stepped portion 29, and the body 36 of the glass structure 30, adjacent the lip portion 33. The gasket 60 may be utilized with or without the deformable flange 40 positioned between the structures 20, 30. According to an aspect, when the container 10 includes the gasket 60 and the deformable flange 40, the gasket 60 is adjacent the lip portion 33 of the glass structure 30, and the deformable flange 40 is adjacent the gasket 60, such that the gasket 60 is sandwiched between the shoulder portion 31b of the sipping portion 32 of the glass structure 30 and the deformable flange 40.

The gasket 60 may help secure the glass structure 30 to the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the gasket 60 includes a plurality of threads 62 extending along at least one of its inner 61 surface and outer surface 63. The threads 62 may be continuous threads or interrupted threads, selected, at least in part, on the corresponding threads formed on at least one of the body 36 of the glass structure 30 and the inner surface of the double-walled structure (at the stepped portion). The gasket may be dimensioned similar to the deformable flange 40, described hereinabove, with inner and outer diameters that facilitate its ability to seal areas between the glass structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20, as well as secured the glass and double-walled structures 30, 20 together.

According to an aspect, the gasket 60 helps seal against the introduction of food contents and fluids in areas between the glass structure 30 and the double-walled structure 20. The gasket 60 may help to absorb vibration around the glass structure 30, and prevent the glass structure 30 from breaking in the event that the container 10 falls from a surface or out of a user's hands. The gasket 60 may be formed from plastic, silicone, rubber, or any type of material that provides sealing and shock absorption properties. According to an aspect, the gasket 60 may be positioned between the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32 and the deformable member 40.

Embodiments of the disclosure are further directed to a vacuum-insulated container 10′. The vacuum-insulated container/insulated container 10′ may be configured substantially as described hereinabove with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B, 6A-7 and 9A-9B.

As shown in FIG. 8 and according to an aspect, the vacuum-insulated container 10′ includes an inner container 21a, and an outer container 21b spaced apart from the inner container 21a (the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b may function as the double-walled structure 20 described hereinabove and illustrated in FIGS. 1-3B, 6A, 6B and 7). The inner and outer containers 21a, 21b may both be formed of a metal, such as stainless steel. A plurality of indentations 50, substantially as described hereinabove and illustrated in FIG. 7 may be formed in an external surface 27 of the outer container 21b. The indentations 50 facilitate a comfortable use of the vacuum-insulated container 10′. The inner container 21a has a generally cylindrical shape, while the outer container 21b has is contoured so that it is generally bell-shaped. A gap 23 is formed between the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b. The gap 23 between is devoid of air by virtue of creating a vacuum between the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b. The created vacuum reduces the number of molecules present in the gap 23 that could potentially transfer heat by conduction.

Each of the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b includes a closed end 22′, 22″ and an open end 24′, 24″. A side wall 26′, 26″ extends between each of the respective closed ends 22′, 22″ and respective open ends, 24′, 24″ of the containers 21a, 21b. The inner container 21a and the outer container 21b are coupled and sealed along their respective open ends 24′, 24″ so that external air is prevented from passing through the seal and into the gap 23. This may retard the transference of heat by conduction and/or convection, so that food particulates and/or beverages positioned in vacuum-insulated container 10′ do not gain or lose heat.

The inner container 21a includes at least one stepped portion 29 formed in its inner surface 25. As described hereinabove with respect to the double-walled structure 20, the stepped portion 29 partially extends from the open end 24′ towards the closed end 22 of the inner container 21a. The stepped portion 29 is configured for engaging at least one of a deformable flange 40 and a gasket 60, which secures a glass structure 30 that is inserted into the inner container 21a. The deformable member 40 and gasket 60 may be configured substantially as described hereinabove and illustrated in FIGS. 3C and 5A-5D. According to an aspect, the inner container 21a includes a first inner diameter ID2 along the stepped portion 29, and a second inner diameter ID3 extending from the stepped portion 29 to the closed end 22′. The first inner diameter ID2 is greater than the second inner diameter ID3, which facilitates the positioning/placement of the deformable flange 40 and/or the gasket 60 adjacent the stepped portion 29.

The vacuum-insulated container 10′ further includes a glass structure 30 arranged within a hollow interior 28 of the inner container 21a, and the deformable flange 40 circumferentially extending around the glass structure 30. In this embodiment, the glass structure 30 is similar to the glass structure 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F, and described hereinabove. Thus, for purposes of convenience and not limitation, the various features, attributes, and properties, and functionality of the glass structure 30 and the deformable flange 40 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, and FIGS. 6D-6F are not repeated here.

The glass structure 30 is dimensioned to partially fit in the inner container 21a of the vacuum-insulated container 10′, with its sipping portion 32 extending from the hollow interior 28 of the inner container 21a. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32 extends over the respective open ends 24′, 24″ of the containers 21a, 21b. It is contemplated that the upper end 37 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30 may be secured to the open ends 24′, 24″, at least in part by the deformable flange 40 extending around the circumference of the glass structure 30 and being secured at the stepped portion 29 of the inner container 21a.

According to an aspect, the outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30 is less than the first inner diameter ID2 of the inner container 21a, which helps to ensure that the body 36 may be received in the inner container 21a. According to an aspect the outer diameter OD2 of the body 36 is less than the outer diameters OD1, OD4 of the sipping and shoulder ends 31a, 31b of the sipping portion 32. The shoulder end/portion 31b may be seated at the open ends open end 24′, 24″of the inner and outer containers 21a, 21b.

The plurality of protrusions 44 of the deformable flange 40 engage the inner surface 25 of the inner container 21a, and helps to retain the glass structure 30 within the hollow interior 28. According to an aspect, when the outer diameter OD3 of the deformable flange 40 is greater than the inner diameter ID2 of the inner container 21a, the deformable flange 40 is compressed between the body 36 of the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the inner container 21a, which may help secure the inner container 21a, the deformable flange, and the glass structure 30 together.

FIGS. 10A-10D, FIGS. 11A-11C and FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate further embodiments of an insulated container 10. The insulated container 10 includes a double-walled structure 20, which may be vacuum-insulated and composed of metal. The double-walled structure 20 may be configured substantially as described hereinabove, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-3B, FIGS. 6A-7 and FIGS. 9A-9B. Thus, for purposes of convenience and not limitation, the various features, attributes, and properties, and functionality of the glass structure 30 and the deformable flange 40 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-3B, FIGS. 6A-7 and FIGS. 9A-9B are not repeated here.

The insulated container 10 further includes a glass structure 30. The glass structure 30 may be configured substantially as described hereinabove, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, FIGS. 6D-6E and FIG. 7. Thus, for purposes of convenience and not limitation, the various features, attributes, and properties, and functionality of the glass structure 30 discussed in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E, FIGS. 3A-3B, FIGS. 4A-4B, FIGS. 6A-6B, FIGS. 6D-6E and FIG. 7 are not repeated here.

As described hereinabove, the glass structure 30 receives food and beverage, so that the food and beverage does not contact the double-walled structure 20. The glass structure 30 is dimensioned to be removably arranged within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20. When arranged within the double-walled structure 20, the glass structure 30 may be protected from breakage, which typically occur if a glass vessel slips and falls from a user's hands.

FIG. 10A illustrates a collar 80 for being positioned on the glass structure 30. The collar 80 is positioned over the sipping portion 32 of the glass structure 30, thereby forming a sipping surface. According to an aspect, the collar 80 is formed from a flexible material, such as rubber or silicone. Alternatively, the collar 80 may be formed from a substantially rigid material such as plastic. The collar 80 may be formed by injection molding or 3D printing processes. The collar 80 may be biased or frictionally engaged over the sipping portion 32 of the glass structure 30.

According to an aspect, the collar 80 includes an end wall 82 and a skirt 84 extending from the end wall 82. As demonstrated in FIG. 10B, FIG. 10C and FIG. 10D, when the collar 80 is positioned over the sipping portion 32, the end wall 82 of the collar 80 is in a facing relationship with the sipping end 31a of the sipping portion 32, while the skirt 84 engages the sipping portion 32. When in engagement with the sipping portion 32, the collar 80 is retained on the glass structure 30.

According to an aspect, the skirt 84 includes a first skirt/outer skirt 84a connected to or otherwise extending from a first end of the end wall 82, and a second skirt/inner skirt 84b connected to or otherwise extending from the second end of the end wall 82. The first skirt 84a is spaced apart from the second skirt 84b, so that when the collar 80 is positioned over the sipping portion 32 the first skirt 84a extends around the outer portion of the sipping portion 32 and the second skirt extends around an inner portion/surface 38 of the sipping portion 32. FIG. 10C and FIG. 10D illustrates a biasing portion 85, which may include a protrusion, that extends from the first skirt 84a in a direction towards the second skirt 84b. When the collar 80 is positioned over the sipping portion 32, the biasing portion 85 may snap around the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32. In embodiments including the protrusion, the protrusion may be dimensioned for frictional engagement with the upper end of the glass structure 30 to further secure the collar 80 to the sipping portion 32.

According to an aspect and as described hereinabove, the sipping end 31a of the glass container 30 has an outer diameter OD4 and the shoulder end 31b of the glass container 30 has an outer diameter OD1. The outer diameter OD1 of the shoulder end 31b may be larger than the outer diameter OD4 of the sipping end 31a, which may help to facilitate securing the collar 80 onto the sipping portion 32.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11C, the first skirt 84a is elongated such that it extends over and beyond the sipping portion 32 and around at least a portion of the side wall of the double-walled structure 20. In this configuration, the collar 80 frictionally engages the side wall of the double-walled structure 20, such that the collar 80 is retained on the double-walled structure 20 and the glass structure 30.

The collar 80 may be threadingly secured to the external surface 27 of the double-walled structure 20. In this configuration, the elongated first skirt 84a includes a thread 86a formed in its inner surface and the double-walled structure includes a corresponding thread 86b formed on its external surface 27 adjacent the open end 24. The collar 80 may be positioned over and around the sipping portion 32 (FIG. 11A) and then rotated so that it is secured to the insulated container 10 (FIG. 11B). According to an aspect (not shown), the second skirt 84b includes a thread that is engageable with an inner surface 38 of the glass structure 30. It is contemplated that the collar 80 may include threads on both the first skirt 84a and the second skirt 84b to secure the collar 80 to the insulated container 10.

As seen in FIG. 11C, when the collar 80 is threadingly secured to the double-walled structure 20, the elongated first skirt 84a extends beyond the shoulder end 31b of the glass structure and entirely covers the side wall 33 of sipping portion 82. When a user drinks from the insulated container 10, the user's lips only contacts the collar 80.

FIGS. 12A-12D illustrate a further embodiment of the insulated container 10. The insulated container 10 includes a collar 80 including an end wall 82, a first skirt/outer skirt 84a connected to or otherwise extending from a first end of the end wall 82, and a second skirt/inner skirt 84b connected to or otherwise extending from the second end of the end wall 82. A pivotable lever/wing 88 may also extend from the first end of the end wall 82. The pivotable lever 88 may be a stamped out or cut out portion of the first skirt 84a. The pivotable lever 88 is movable between closed and open configurations. FIG. 12A illustrates the pivotable lever 88 in an open configuration prior to the collar 80 being positioned on the sipping portion 32 of the glass structure 30. When the collar 80 is positioned on the sipping portion 32 (FIG. 12B), the pivotable levers 88 may be moved to the closed configuration and latched under the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32 (see FIG. 12C and FIG. 12D). This helps to ensure that the collar 80 is fastened to the glass structure 30. As illustrated in FIG. 12D, a biasing portion 85, which may include a protrusion, may be formed on an inner surface of the pivotable lever 88 to help facilitate engagement of the pivotable lever 88 with the shoulder end 31b of the sipping portion 32. The biasing portion 85 may be engageable with the shoulder end 31 of the sipping portion 32.

In each of the embodiments described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10A-12C, since the collar 80 is removably secured to the insulated container 10, when a first person drinks from the insulated container 10, the collar 80 can be replaced with a second collar 80 so that a second person can drink from the container.

Further exemplary embodiments of the disclosure are associated with an insulated container 200 as shown in FIGS. 13-17. As seen, for instance, in FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 17, the insulated container 200 may include a double-walled structure 20 and a glass structure 30 generally configured according to, and to the extent not inconsistent with, the exemplary embodiments described above. Thus, for purposes of convenience and not limitation, various similar features, attributes, properties, and functionality of the double-walled structure 20 and the glass structure 30 discussed in connection with the exemplary embodiments above may not be repeated hereinbelow.

For example, the double-walled structure 20 may be vacuum-insulated and composed of metal. The double-walled structure 20 includes a closed end 22, an open end 24, and a side wall 26 extending between the closed end 22 and the open end 24. The side wall 26 and the closed end 22 together form a hollow interior 28. It is contemplated that the side wall 26 may be straight or contoured. For example, and as illustrated in FIG. 13, FIG. 14 and FIG. 17, the side wall 26 is outwardly bowed.

The double-walled structure 20 includes a stepped portion 29 formed on its inner surface 25. The stepped portion 29 extends from the open end 24 into the hollow interior 28, and in a direction towards the closed end 22. According to an aspect, the stepped portion 29 has a first inner diameter, and a portion extending from the stepped portion 29 to the closed end has a second inner diameter. The first inner diameter of the stepped portion 29 is greater than the second inner diameter and the outer diameter of the body of the glass structure is less than the first inner diameter of the stepped portion 29. According to an aspect, an internal thread 86c extends along a surface of the stepped portion 29. The internal thread 86c may be configured for engaging corresponding threads 96 on a cover 90 (shown, e.g., in FIG. 14 and FIGS. 15A-15B, and discussed further hereinbelow).

The glass structure 30 is configured for arrangement within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20. According to an aspect, the glass structure 30 includes a body 36 having an open upper end 37, and a closed base end 34 spaced apart from the open upper end 37. As illustrated in FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, when the glass structure 30 is positioned within the hollow interior 28, the body 36 of the glass structure 30 may be spaced apart from the inner surface 25 (and thus, the side wall 26) of the double-walled structure 20. In this configuration, a gap 99 is formed between the body 36 of the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20.

In an embodiment and as illustrated in FIG. 14, and FIGS. 16-17, the glass structure 30 includes one or more recessed portions 139a, 139b. The body 36 may include a first recessed portion 139a extending inwardly (i.e., in a direction away from the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20) from a point on the body 36 (such as from the open upper end 37) towards the closed based end 34. A second recessed portion 139b may extend inwardly (i.e., in a direction away from the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20) from a point on the body (such as the closed base end 34) towards the open upper end 37. The second recessed portion 139b is spaced apart from the first recessed portion 139a. When the glass structure 30 is positioned within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20, the gap 99 may include enlarged gap areas 199a, 199b formed between at least the space between the first recessed portion 139a and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, and a space between the second recessed portion 139b and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 14 and FIG. 17, the exemplary insulated container 200 further includes a retainer/cup 100. The retainer 100 may be positioned in the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20. The retainer 100 according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 14 and FIG. 17 has an open cup-like structure but may take any configuration consistent with this disclosure.

FIG. 14 and FIG. 17 illustrate the retainer 100 including a bottom wall 102 and a side wall 104 extending upwardly from the bottom wall 102. As shown in FIG. 17, the glass structure 30 may be positioned within the retainer 100, such that the closed base end 34 of the glass structure 30 is adjacent at least a portion of the bottom wall 102 of the retainer 100. The retainer 100 may help to secure the glass structure 30 within the double walled structure 20. According to an aspect, the retainer 100 may function as a guide to ensure proper placement or positioning of the glass structure 30 within the double-walled structure 20. As illustrated in FIG. 17, when the glass structure 30 is positioned in the retainer 100, and the retainer 100 is positioned in the double-walled structure 20, the enlarged gap areas 199a, 199b may extend with a uniform width between the first recessed portion 139a of the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20.

FIG. 17 illustrates, among other things, the closed base end 34 of the glass structure 30 being nested snugly within the retainer 100. While the retainer 100 may be dimensioned to fit snugly around the second recessed portion 139b of the body 36 of the glass structure, it is contemplated that the height of the retainer 100 may be less than the height of the second recessed portion 139b. The retainer 100 may be dimension and formed from a material for frictionally retaining the second recessed portion 139b within a chamber 107 (bound by the side wall 104 and the closed based end 102) of the retainer 100. The second enlarged gap area 199b between the second recessed portion 139b and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 may have a uniform width, and the side wall 104 of the retainer 100 may occupy all or a portion of the second enlarged gap area 199b. Compressive forces against the side wall 104 of the retainer 100 from and between each of the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 and the second recessed portion 139b of the glass structure body 36 may tighten and thereby enhance frictional engagement and retention between the side wall 104 and each of the inner surface 25 and the second recessed portion 139b.

According to an aspect of the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 14, the retainer 100 includes a plurality of ridges 106 extending outwardly from the side wall 104 and the bottom wall 102 of the retainer 100. In the exemplary embodiment, the ridges 106 are integrally formed with the retainer 100. Each ridge 106 extends along an entire longitudinal length of the side wall 104 and continues radially inwardly along a portion of the bottom wall 102. The compressive force and frictional engagement between the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20 and the retainer 100 are against the ridges 106. In other embodiments, the ridge(s) 106 may take any configuration and/or alternatively be any structure or feature consistent with this disclosure. For example, the ridge 106 may extend along all or any portion of the side wall 104 and/or the bottom wall 102 (or none of one or the other), be continuous or one or more discrete features arranged in any configuration, pattern, variation of shapes and sizes, etc., and be one or more integral features, and/or separate structures attached by melding, adhesive, insertion into receptacles on the retainer 100, and the like. The retainer 100 (with or without the ridges 106) may help maintain the closed end 34 of the glass structure 30 in a position at the closed end 22 of the double-walled structure 20. The retainer 100 may be formed, without limitation, from a polymer and/or any material(s) that exhibit compressibility and frictional forces against the glass structure 30 and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, consistent with this disclosure. In an aspect, the retainer 100 may be formed from one or more materials that withstand shock and help prevent breaking of the glass structure 30 in the event of impacts, shaking, or other forces that may damage the glass structure 30.

According to an aspect and as further illustrated in FIG. 14, the insulated container 200 further includes a cover 90 for enclosing contents of the insulated container 200. The cover 90 is shown in isolation in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B. The cover 90 includes a sipping portion 92, which may protrude from the open end 24 of the double-walled structure 20 (as seen, for example in FIG. 13 and FIG. 17) and a skirt 94 positioned within the first enlarged gap area 199a. According to an aspect, the skirt 94 is detachably coupled to the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20, at a position within the first enlarged gap area 199a. The skirt 94 may be mechanically or frictionally secured to the inner surface 25 by any known techniques or components consistent with this disclosure.

According to an aspect and as illustrated in FIG. 14, FIG. 15A and FIG. 17, the skirt 94 includes the outer thread 96 in the exemplary embodiment. The outer thread 96 may be configured for engagement with the internal thread 86c of the double-walled structure 20. The outer thread 96 and the internal thread 86c may each include a continuous thread or a plurality of non-continuous/interrupted threads. When positioned in the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20, the skirt 94 extends around the first recessed portion 139a of the glass structure 30. It is contemplated that the skirt 94 may be dimensioned such that it fits within the first enlarged gap area 199a and is rotatable therein, for making the threaded connection to the double-walled structure 20. Alternatively, and according to an aspect, the skirt 94 is dimensioned to fit within the first enlarged gap area 199a while frictionally engaging one or both of the first recessed area 139a of the glass structure 20 and the inner surface 25 of the double-walled structure 20. The skirt 94 may include one or more features, components, or configurations for frictionally engaging one or both of the first recessed area 139a and the inner surface 25.

FIG. 14, FIG. 15B and FIG. 17 each illustrate the cover 90 having a closed end wall 91. The closed end wall 91 extends between the sipping portion 92 and the skirt 94 (FIG. 14 and FIG. 15A) and is configured to close at least a portion of the open end 24 of the double-walled structure 20 and/or the open upper end 37 of the glass structure 30. According to an aspect, the closed end wall 91 extends inwardly from the sipping portion 92, and the skirt 94 extends downwardly from the closed end wall 91.

As illustrated in FIG. 15B, an opening 93 is formed through the closed end wall 91 of the cover 90, to provide access to the contents of the insulated container 200. A moveable element 95 may be secured to the closed end wall 91 and may be moveable between an open position and a closed position. According to an aspect, the moveable element 95 may slide along a track (not shown) formed in the closed end wall 91, to reveal or open the opening 93 and provide access to the contents when in the open position or close the opening 93 to prevent access/avoid spilling the contents when in the closed position. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 17, when the cover 90 is secured in place (i.e., in a covering relationship with the open end 24 of the double-walled structure 20 and the open upper end 37 of the glass structure 30), and the moveable element 95 closes the opening 93, the glass structure 30 and any contents positioned therein are enclosed within the hollow interior 28 of the double-walled structure 20.

According to an aspect, an additional opening 97 may be formed through the closed end wall 91 of the cover. The additional opening 97 may be a vent port. The additional opening 97 is spaced apart from the opening 93, such that when moveable element 95 reveals the opening 93, the additional opening 97 is closed. When the moveable element 95 closes the opening 93, the additional opening 97 is open and the contents of the insulated container 200 is vented.

The insulated container 200 may include one or more flanges. Such flanges may be formed from plastic, silicone, rubber, or any type of material that provides sealing and shock absorption properties. As illustrated in FIG. 17, for example, a first deformable flange 40a may be arranged between the sipping portion 92 and the skirt 94 of the cover 90. In this configuration, the first deformable flange 40a engages the inner surface 25 adjacent the open end 24 of the double-walled structure 20. The insulated container 200 may include a second deformable flange 40b arranged between the open upper end 37 of the body 36 of the glass structure 30 and the cover 90. The second deformable flange 40b may help to seal contents of the glass structure, such as liquids, and may also help to prevent the glass structure 30 from breaking in the event of impact, shaking, forces, etc.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially developed as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, sub-combinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present disclosure after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, configurations and aspects, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments, configurations, or aspects hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together.

In this specification and the claims that follow, reference will be made to a number of terms that have the following meanings. The terms “a” (or “an”) and “the” refer to one or more of that entity, thereby including plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, references to “one embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “an embodiment” and the like are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term such as “about” is not to be limited to the precise value specified. In some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Terms such as “first,” “second,”“upper,” “lower etc. are used to identify one element from another, and unless otherwise specified are not meant to refer to a particular order or number of elements.

As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate a possibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possession of a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualify another verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, or possibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of “may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparently appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. For example, in some circumstances an event or capacity can be expected, while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—this distinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used in the claims, the word “comprises” and its grammatical variants logically also subtend and include phrases of varying and differing extent such as for example, but not limited thereto, “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” Where necessary, ranges have been supplied, and those ranges are inclusive of all sub-ranges therebetween. It is to be expected that variations in these ranges will suggest themselves to a practitioner having ordinary skill in the art and, where not already dedicated to the public, the appended claims should cover those variations.

The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the present disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects of the present disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the present disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, the claimed features lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

Advances in science and technology may make equivalents and substitutions possible that are not now contemplated by reason of the imprecision of language; these variations should be covered by the appended claims. This written description uses examples to disclose the method, machine and computer-readable medium, including the best mode, and also to enable any person of ordinary skill in the art to practice these, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope thereof is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.