Thin-Walled Metal Cup

The present invention relates generally to the field of metal containers. The present invention relates specifically to thin-walled metal cups such as short tumblers (i.e., lowball, rocks glass, etc.) or snack cups. A typical short tumbler is fabricated from a material like glass and is designed to contain a liquid. Although reusable, glass is brittle and therefore prone to breakage and can be expensive to manufacture because of material costs and the high energy requirements. Additionally, due to the heaviness or weight of the glass containers, there may be high transportation costs. Furthermore, it is not just the use of metal which is important, it is also the selection of the metal and particular configuration changes from a typical glass container which are important. In particular, the container must be configured to permit high speed, economical manufacturing, configured to permit dense packing for shipping, and configured to include a similar volume and/or have a volume indicator associated with the typical volume of liquid in a short tumbler.

Similarly, snack cups are frequently fabricated from materials like plastic and are designed to contain food (e.g., crackers, nuts, fruit, etc.). However, plastic snack cups are frequently designed for single use. The production of such plastic snack cups negatively impacts the environment because a large proportion of plastic cups are sent to landfills and may end up adding to pollution of the environment. Given the negative environmental impacts associated with single use plastic cups, metal would be a more desirable material from which to manufacture a reusable snack cup.

One embodiment of the invention relates to a metal tumbler. The metal tumbler includes a first end and a second end opposing the first end. The first end includes a bore. The metal tumbler further includes a rim and a sidewall. The rim extends between an outer edge and an inner edge. The rim is centered on a longitudinal axis. The sidewall extends between the first end and the second end of the tumbler and extends along the longitudinal axis. The sidewall includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of tapered sections. The plurality of tapered sections extend between the first end and the second end of the tumbler. The tumbler includes a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the rim and centered on the longitudinal axis. The circular surface connects to a trough at an outside edge of the circular surface. An upper edge of one of the plurality of tapered sections indicates a volume of 6 ounces.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a one-piece metal tumbler. The metal tumbler includes an open end with a bore and a closed end opposing the open end. The metal tumbler further includes a rim and a sidewall. The rim extends between an outside edge an inside edge and the rim is centered on a longitudinal axis. The sidewall extends between the open end and the closed end of the tumbler. The sidewall includes a first tapered section with a first upper edge, a second tapered section with a second upper edge, and a third tapered section coupled to the rim. The tumbler further includes a bottom with a circular surface generally parallel to the rim and centered on the longitudinal axis. The circular surface connects to a trough at an outside edge of the circular surface. The first tapered section is positioned between the bottom and the second tapered section. The first upper edge indicates a first volume and the second upper edge indicates a second volume.

Another embodiment of the invention relates to a one-piece metal cup. The metal cup includes a first end having a bore and a second end opposing the first end of the cup. The cup further includes a rim and a sidewall. The rim defines a first width between an outer edge, an inner edge, and a flat portion positioned between the outer edge and the inner edge and having a second width. The sidewall extends between the first end and the second end of the cup and extends along a longitudinal axis. The sidewall includes an exterior surface, an interior surface, and a plurality of tapered sections. The plurality of tapered sections extend between the first end and the second end of the cup. The cup further includes a bottom having a circular surface generally parallel to the rim and centered on the longitudinal axis. The circular surface connects to a trough on an outside edge of the circular surface.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and/or shown in the accompany drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. In addition, alternative exemplary embodiments relate to other features and combinations of features as may be generally recited in the claims.

Referring generally to the figures, various embodiments of a metal container, such as a short tumbler and/or a snack cup, are shown. In various embodiments, the short tumbler and snack cup are formed from a metal material. As discussed herein, Applicant has developed a multi-tapered metal tumbler with a number of improvements relative to glass tumblers and/or single-use plastic cups. In various embodiments, the short metal tumbler includes a wall thickness that is relatively small allowing for an overall smaller weight of the cup while the metal material creates a robust short tumbler suitable for multiple uses. The metal tumbler includes one or more tapered sections allowing both for dense packaging and provides one or more volume indicators associated with the typical volumes of liquid in a short tumbler.

Furthermore, the multi-tapered shape of the short tumbler allows for improved grasping for users.

As discussed herein, Applicant has developed a one-piece multi-tapered metal snack cup with a number of improvements. In various embodiments, the metal snack cup includes a wall thickness that is relatively small allowing for an overall smaller weight of the cup while the metal material creates a robust metal snack cup suitable for multiple uses. The metal snack cup includes one or more tapered sections allowing both for dense packaging and storage of the snack cups when empty. Furthermore, Applicant believes the use of common tapered sections, a common sealing ledge and/or lip and/or common geometries allow for easy height adjustment to meet specific volume requirements. In various embodiments, the metal snack cup includes a rim having a width that is relatively large to allow for easy application of a lid and/or sealing of a lid onto the metal snack cup. The metal material, the reusable nature of the metal snack cup, and the tapered shape contribute to decreased negative health and environmental impact (i.e., less chemical ingestion by users, pollution, dense packing, etc.) compared to conventional plastic snack cups.

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a short metal tumbler, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Metal tumblerincludes a bodycoupled to a rolled top edge shown as rim. Bodyextends along and is centered on a longitudinal axis, shown as a central axisbetween a top end or first endand a bottom or second end. The top end or first endis positioned adjacent to a rimand the bottom or second endopposes the top end. Top endof bodyincludes an opening or borecentered around a longitudinal axis, shown as central axis.

Bodyis at least partially defined by a sidewall. Bodyfurther includes an exterior surfaceand an interior surface. An inner edgeof rimat least partially defines bore. Boreextends along and is centered on longitudinal axisbetween top endand bottom end. In various embodiments, metal tumblermay include a container lid or cover. The container cover may be any element that allows the metal tumblerto be sealed such that the container is capable of enclosing a liquid (i.e., prevent spilling). In various specific embodiments, the cover is one of a snap top, cellulose, or foil cover.

In various specific embodiments, metal tumbleris formed as a single, unitary, integral, or one-piece cup. In various embodiments, metal tumbleris formed from metals such as steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys (e.g., 3104), etc. In a specific embodiment, metal tumbleris formed from stainless steel. In various embodiments, metal tumblercan be utilized with various laminate lids. For example, when heat sealing is used, a polypropylene (PP) laminate or organic coating is utilized with metal tumbler. As another example, when heat sealing is not used, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) laminate is utilized with metal tumbler.

Referring to, side views of metal tumblerare shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As noted above, bodyand/or sidewallinclude more than one taper or tapered section. In various embodiments, sidewallincludes a first tapered section, a second tapered sectionand a third tapered section. First tapered sectionextends generally upward from a bottom wall. Bottom wallincludes a bottom wall edgeat second endof metal tumblerand a trough(see e.g.,) at the periphery of bottom wall. First tapered sectionis positioned between bottom walland second tapered section. Second tapered sectionis positioned between first tapered sectionand third tapered section. Third tapered sectionis positioned between second tapered sectionand rim.

Bodyand/or sidewallfurther includes one or more transition surfaces. Such transition surfaces or sections may be smooth continuous curved sections. A first transition sectionconnects first tapered sectionand second tapered section. A second transition sectionconnects second tapered sectionand third tapered section. In other embodiments, the thin-walled cup could include a body with a different number of sections and transition surfaces (e.g., 4 sections and 3 transition surfaces, 6 sections and 5 transition surfaces etc.).

Sidewallincludes an upper boundary or upper edgeof first tapered section. Upper boundaryis positioned between first tapered sectionand second tapered section. Sidewallfurther includes a lower boundary or edgeof second tapered section. An upper boundary or edgeof second tapered sectionis positioned between second tapered sectionand third tapered section. Sidewallfurther includes a lower boundary or edgeof third tapered section. In various embodiments, the metal tumbleris entirely stackable due to the taper.

In various specific embodiments, upper boundaryof first tapered sectionis positioned to indicate a volume of about 6 oz (e.g., 6 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz). In various specific embodiments, upper boundaryof second tapered sectionis positioned to indicate a volume of about 9 oz (e.g., 9 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz). In general, metal tumblerand specifically borecan contain about 12.5 oz. of liquid (e.g., 12.5 oz plus or minus 0.5 oz).

In various specific embodiments, the tapered sections,,,andof sidewallmay have varying angles relative to a reference parallel to longitudinal axis. In various embodiments, tapered sectionhas a height defined between bottomand upper edgethat is greater than a height of second tapered sectionand third tapered section. The height of second tapered section is defined between lower edgeand upper edgeof second tapered section. The height of third tapered sectionis defined between lower edgeof third tapered sectionand a bottom of rim. In various embodiments, a height of second tapered sectionis the same as a height of third tapered section. In various other embodiments, the height of second tapered sectionis different than the third tapered section.

Referring to, a first height, shown as His defined between rimand a lower boundary or edgeof third tapered section. In various specific embodiments, His between. 60 and 0.90 inches and more specifically between 0.70 and 0.85 inches. A total height of metal tumbler, shown as His defined between a top of rimand a bottom edgeof trough. In a specific embodiment, His between 2.8 and 3.5 inches and mores specifically between 3.1 and 3.4 inches. In such an embodiment, His about 3.254 inches ±0.02 inches.

Referring to, metal tumbler and specifically rimis tightly curved and includes a thickness, shown as T. Tis defined between a top of rimand a bottom of rim. In a specific embodiment, Tis between 0.05 and 0.09 inches, more specifically between 0.060 and 0.080 and in such an embodiment is about 0.07 inches ±0.01 inches. In various specific embodiments, Tis less than 0.1 inches.

Referring to, various diameters of metal tumblerare shown according to an exemplary embodiment. At top endof cylindrical wall, a first diameter shown as Dis defined between outside edges of rim. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 3.1 and 3.5 inches and more specifically between 3.2 and 3.4 inches. In such embodiments Dis about 3.327 inches ±0.01 inches.

Boreand interior surfacedefine a second diameter, shown as D. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 85% and 99% of D, specifically between 90% and 99% of Dand more specifically between 94% and 97% of D. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 3 and 3.3 inches and more specifically between 3.1 and 3.2 inches. In such embodiments Dis about 3.187 inches ±0.01 inches.

At bottom endof cylindrical wall, a third diameter shown as D. Dis defined as an outside diameter at first tapered section. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 2.6 and 3.0 inches and in such embodiments Dis about 2.818 inches ±0.01 inches. In a specific embodiment Dis between 75% and 90% of D, specifically between 80% and 90% of Dand more specifically between 82% and 86% of D. In a specific embodiment, Dis about 84.7% of D.

Referring to, a top view and bottom view of metal tumblerare shown. Troughand specifically bottom edgedefines a lowermost point of bottom wall. Bottom wallfurther includes an exterior bottom surfaceconnected to trough. As shown in, troughincludes a depth. The depth of troughis defined between bottom surfaceand bottom edge. In various specific embodiments, the depth of troughis between 0.04 and 0.08 inches, more specifically between 0.050 and 0.070 inches, and in such an embodiment is about 0.06 inches ±0.01 inches.

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a metal snack cup, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Snack cupis substantially the same as tumblerexcept for the differences discussed herein. Snack cupincludes a bodycoupled to a rolled top edge shown as rim. Bodyextends along and is centered on a longitudinal axis, shown as a central axisbetween a top end or first endand a bottom or second end. The top end or first endis positioned adjacent to a rimand the bottom or second endopposes the top end. Top endof bodyincludes an opening or borecentered around a longitudinal axis, shown as central axis.

Bodyis at least partially defined by a sidewall. Bodyfurther includes an exterior surfaceand an interior surface. An inner edgeof rimat least partially defines bore. Rimextends between inner edgeand an outer edge. In various embodiments, rimincludes a flat and/or planar portion. In other words, in such embodiments rimforms a flange. A width, W, of rimis defined between inner edgeand outer edge. In various embodiments, Wis between 0.1 and 0.2 inches and more specifically between 0.15 and 0.19 inches. In a specific embodiment, Wis about 0.169 inches ±0.02 inches.

Applicant believes having a flat or planar portion of the rim as discussed herein provides a surface that allows for improved coupling to a lid. For example, Applicant believes that the of a sealing a lid to snack cupis improved by the flat and/or planar portion of the rim. In various embodiments, the planar or flat portion of rimis between 30% and 50% of W, specifically between 35% and 45% of Wand more specifically between 38% and 42% of W. In a specific embodiment, the flat or planar portion of rimis between 0.05 and 0.08 inches and more specifically between 0.06 and 0.07 inches. In such embodiments, the flat or planar portion of rimis about 0.067 inches ±0.01 inches.

Boreextends along and is centered on longitudinal axisbetween top endand bottom end. In various embodiments, metal snack cupmay include a container lid or cover (see e.g., lidin, etc.). The container cover may be any element that allows the metal snack cupto be sealed such that the container is capable of enclosing solid food and/or a liquid. In various specific embodiments, the cover is one of a snap top, cellulose, films (e.g., PP laminate, PET laminate, etc.), organic coating systems or foil cover. In various embodiments, the cover is configured to be utilized with snack cuphaving various volumes (e.g., height of snack cup varies) and/or rimgeometries (e.g., varied rim geometry).

In various specific embodiments, metal snack cupis formed as a single, unitary, integral, or one-piece cup. In various embodiments, metal snack cupis formed from metals such as steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys (e.g., 3104), etc. In a specific embodiment, metal snack cupis formed from stainless steel. In various embodiments, metal snack cupcan be utilized with various laminate lids. For example, when heat sealing is used, a polypropylene (PP) laminate is utilized with metal snack cup. As another example, when heat sealing is not used, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) laminate is utilized with metal snack cup.

Referring to, side views of metal snack cupare shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. As noted above, bodyand/or sidewallinclude more than one taper or tapered section. In various embodiments, sidewallincludes a first tapered section, a second tapered sectionand a third tapered section. First tapered sectionextends generally upward from a bottom wall. Bottom wallincludes a bottom wall edgeat second endof metal snack cupand a trough(see e.g.,) at the periphery of bottom wall.

Referring to, a height, shown as His defined between rimand a lower boundary or edgeof third tapered section. In various specific embodiments, His between 0.60 and 0.90 inches and more specifically between 0.70 and 0.85 inches. A total height of metal snack cup, shown as His defined between a top of lipand a bottom edgeof trough. In a specific embodiment, His between 2.8 and 3.5 inches and mores specifically between 3.1 and 3.4 inches. In such an embodiment, His about 3.254 inches ±0.02 inches.

Referring to, rimis tightly curved and includes a thickness, shown as T. In a specific embodiment, Tis between 0.05 and 0.09 inches, more specifically between 0.060 and 0.080 and in such an embodiment is about 0.07 inches ±0.01 inches. In various specific embodiments, Tis less than 0.1 inches. In various specific embodiments, Tis less than 0.08 inches.

Referring to, various diameters of metal snack cupare shown according to an exemplary embodiment. At top endof cylindrical wall, a diameter shown as Dis defined between outside edgesof lip. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 3.2 and 3.6 inches and more specifically between 3.4 and 3.6 inches. In such embodiments Dis about 3.525 inches ±0.01 inches.

Boreand interior surfacedefine a second diameter, shown as D. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 85% and 99% of D, specifically between 85% and 95% of Dand more specifically between 88% and 92% of D. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 3 and 3.3 inches and more specifically between 3.1 and 3.2 inches. In such embodiments Dis about 3.187 inches ±0.01 inches.

At bottom endof cylindrical wall, metal snack cuphas a third diameter shown as D. Dis defined as an outside diameter at first tapered section. In a specific embodiment, Dis between 2.6 and 3.0 inches and in such embodiments Dis about 2.818 inches ±0.01 inches. In a specific embodiment Dis between 70% and 86% of D, specifically between 75% and 85% of Dand more specifically between 78% and 82% of D. In a specific embodiment, Dis about 80% of D.

Referring to, a top view and bottom view of metal snack cupare shown. Troughand specifically bottom edgedefines a lowermost point of bottom wall. Bottom wallfurther includes an exterior bottom surfaceconnected to trough.

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a metal snack cup, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Snack cupis substantially the same as snack cupexcept for the differences discussed herein. Snack cupincludes a bodycoupled to a rolled top edge shown as rim. Bodyextends along and is centered on a longitudinal axis, shown as a central axisbetween a top end or first endand a bottom or second end. The top end or first endis positioned adjacent to a rimand the bottom or second endopposes the top end. Top endof bodyincludes an opening or borecentered around a longitudinal axis, shown as central axis.

Bodyis at least partially defined by a sidewall. Bodyfurther includes an exterior surfaceand an interior surface. An inner edge of rimat least partially defines bore. Rimextends between an inner edge and an outer edge. In various embodiments, rimincludes a flat and/or planar portion. In other words, in such embodiments rimforms a flange. In such embodiments, the size and/or shape of rimallows for sealing a cover or lidonto snack cup. In various specific embodiments, lidincludes a tabto allow for opening and/or pealing lidoff of snack cup.

Sidewallincludes a first tapered section, a second tapered sectionand a third tapered section. A first transition sectionis positioned between first tapered sectionand second tapered section. A second transition sectionis positioned between second tapered sectionand third tapered section. In various embodiments, the metal snack cupis entirely stackable due to the tapered shaped. In various specific embodiments, metal snack cupand specifically boreis configured to contain about.5 oz of food (e.g., cookies, crackers, etc.). In other words, snack cupis configured to hold 3.5 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz of food.

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a metal snack cup, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Snack cupis substantially the same as snack cups,except for the differences discussed herein. In various specific embodiments, metal snack cupand specifically boreis configured to contain about 8 oz of food (e.g., 8 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz).

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a metal snack cup, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Snack cupis substantially the same as snack cups,,except for the differences discussed herein. In various specific embodiments, metal snack cupand specifically boreis configured to contain about 5.3 oz of food (e.g., 5.3 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz).

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a metal snack cup, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Snack cupis substantially the same as snack cups,,,except for the differences discussed herein. In various specific embodiments, metal snack cupand specifically boreis configured to contain about 4 oz of food (e.g., 4 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz).

Sidewallincludes a first tapered sectionand a second tapered section. A transition sectionis positioned between first tapered sectionand second tapered section. In various embodiments, the metal snack cupis entirely stackable due to the tapered shaped.

Referring to, a metal container, shown as a metal snack cup, is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. Snack cupis substantially the same as snack cups,,,,except for the differences discussed herein. Sidewallincludes a first tapered sectionand a second tapered section. A transition sectionis positioned between first tapered sectionand second tapered section. In various specific embodiments, metal snack cupand specifically boreis configured to contain about 3.5oz of food (e.g., 3.5 oz plus or minus 0.25 oz).

It should be understood that the figures illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, and it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. Accordingly, this description is to be construed as illustrative only. The construction and arrangements, shown in the various exemplary embodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter described herein. Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any process, logical algorithm, or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that any particular order be inferred. In addition, as used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more component or element, and is not intended to be construed as meaning only one.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” means the joining of two components directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional member being attached to one another. Such joining may be permanent in nature or alternatively may be removable or releasable in nature. As used herein, “rigidly coupled” refers to two components being coupled in a manner such that the components move together in a fixed positional relationship when acted upon by a force.

While the current application recites particular combinations of features in the claims appended hereto, various embodiments of the invention relate to any combination of any of the features described herein whether or not such combination is currently claimed, and any such combination of features may be claimed in this or future applications. Any of the features, elements, or components of any of the exemplary embodiments discussed above may be used alone or in combination with any of the features, elements, or components of any of the other embodiments discussed above.

In various exemplary embodiments, the relative dimensions, including angles, lengths and radii, as shown in the Figures are to scale. Actual measurements of the Figures will disclose relative dimensions, angles and proportions of the various exemplary embodiments. Various exemplary embodiments extend to various ranges around the absolute and relative dimensions, angles and proportions that may be determined from the Figures. Various exemplary embodiments include any combination of one or more relative dimensions or angles that may be determined from the Figures. Further, actual dimensions not expressly set out in this description can be determined by using the ratios of dimensions measured in the Figures in combination with the express dimensions set out in this description.