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Title:
DRINKWARE ACCESSORY
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2023/196681
Kind Code:
A9
Abstract:
A reservoir adapter for a tumbler. The tumbler has a body defining an interior and having a generally cylindrical outer profile and an internal wall defining a beverage container of a predetermined capacity. The reservoir adapter includes a body defining a reservoir channel in fluid communication with a top opening at an upper portion of the body and a bottom opening at a bottom portion of the body. The body including a lower member for being securely received within the interior of the tumbler; the reservoir channel in fluid communication with an interior of the tumbler via the lower member. T body including an upper member defining a lid receiving portion for receiving a lid for the tumble. The top opening of the reservoir in fluid communication with the upper member. The body includes a central portion disposed between the lower and upper member of the body. The central portion has an interior sidewall defining a portion of the reservoir channel and an exterior sidewall offset from the interior sidewall. The central portion having at least one compartment defined by the offset between the interior sidewall and the exterior sidewall. At least one compartment for housing at least one speaker and at least one processor for processing instructions for operating the speaker.

Inventors:
LOVERN CHARLES (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US2023/018079
Publication Date:
January 04, 2024
Filing Date:
April 10, 2023
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
LOVERN CHARLES (US)
International Classes:
A47G19/22
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BOSS, Gerald (US)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1. A reservoir adapter for a tumbler, said tumbler having a body defining an interior, said body having a generally cylindrical outer profile and an internal wall defining a beverage container of a predetermined capacity; said reservoir adapter comprising: a body defining a reservoir channel in fluid communication with a top opening at an upper portion of said body and a bottom opening at a bottom portion of said body; said body including a lower member for being securely received within the interior of said tumbler; said reservoir channel in fluid communication with an interior of said tumbler via said lower member; said body including an upper member defining a lid receiving portion for receiving a lid for said tumbler, said top opening of said reservoir in fluid communication with said upper member; said body including a central portion disposed between said lower and upper member of said body; said central portion having an interior sidewall defining a portion of said reservoir channel and an exterior sidewall offset from said interior sidewall; said central portion having at least one compartment defined by said offset between said interior sidewall and said exterior sidewall, said at least one compartment for housing at least one speaker and at least one processor for processing instructions for operating said speaker.

2. The reservoir adapter of claim 1 wherein said reservoir channel is at least one inch in diameter providing a reservoir for containing a fluid capacity greater than the tumbler.

3. The reservoir adapter of claim 2 wherein said ports are circumferentially disposed along said first outer wall portion wherein said at least one speaker is disposed to project sound perpendicular to the profile of the tumbler in a lateral direction.

4. The reservoir adapter of claim 2 including a first and second port on the front side of said first outer wall portion, offset from each other and at least two speakers are disposed within said component cavity with one speaker positioned to communicate with said first port directing sound forward of said reservoir adapter and a second speaker positioned to communicate with said second port directing sound forward of said reservoir adapter.

5. The reservoir adapter of claim 4 wherein an operational control port is located on the rear side of said first outer wall portion permitting access to operational control features such as volume, rewind, and Bluetooth connectivity.

6. The reservoir adapter of claim 1 wherein interior wall surface of said upper reservoir portion has a smooth profile extending from said component cavity roof to said upper rim of said upper adaptor portion; a plurality of segmented threads are carried by said interior wall surface; said segmented threads comprising a plurality of male thread members extending outward from said interior wall portion; each of said male thread member having a general length being offset from an adjacent male tab; said male tabs carried circumferentially around the interior wall surface within lid receiving region.

7. The reservoir adapter of claim 6 wherein said male thread members include a plurality of threads which comprise an upper and lower row of male thread members wherein respective male thread members are vertically aligned and offset from each other while also being horizontally offset from adjacent male thread members.

8. The reservoir adapter of claim 1 wherein said lower adapter portion includes a threaded portion for being matingly engaged with a tumbler.

9. The reservoir adapter of claim 1 wherein said lower adaptor portion carries a flexible ring circumferentially around the outer surface of said lower adaptor portion for matingly engaging with a tumbler.

10. The reservoir adapter of claim 9 wherein wherein said lower adapter portion includes a threaded portion for being matingly engaged with a tumbler and said lower adaptor portion carries a flexible ring circumferentially around the outer surface of said lower adaptor portion for matingly engaging with a tumbler.

11. The reservoir adapter of claim 1 wherein said electrical components include a lighting mechanism for displaying lights on the periphery of said reservoir adapter.

12. The reservoir adapter of claim 1 wherein said electrical components include a fan mechanism wherein a fan is operationally controlled for projecting an air flow through an exeternal port.

13. The reservoir adapter of claim 12 including a fluid carried within said component cavity and operationally controlled for being carried in front of said fan for being dispersed by the operation of said fan.

14. A beverage container comprising: a tumbler having a body defining an interior, said body having a generally cylindrical outer profile and an internal wall defining a beverage container of a predetermined capacity; a reservoir adapter a body having a first outer wall portion defining an upper adapter portion having generally the same outer profile and width as said tumbler, said first outer wall portion being of a general width having an upper adapter portion interior wall surface; and a second outer wall portion defining a lower adapter portion of a smaller width for being received within said interior of said tumbler; said upper adaptor portion terminating in an upper rim defining a top; and said lower adapter portion having a bottom; an internal wall extending from said bottom to an upper internal wall terminating endpoint vertically offset from said upper rim; said internal wall offset from said first and second outer wall portion, said upper internal wall terminating endpoint being positioned beneath said upper rim of said upper adaptor portion defining a lid receiving region; said internal wall defining a beverage channel for permitting beverage carried by said tumbler interior to pass through the interior of said body for consumption, said beverage channel being centrally disposed within said upper adapter portion; a lid assembly having an upper lid portion which is generally circular of a predetermined depth having a flat upper surface and a flat lower surface defining a lid rim for resting upon said upper rim said lid assembly includes a lid extension member for being received within said lid receiving region and engaging said internal wall for maintaining said lid assembly in place.

15. The beverage container of claim 14 wherein said beverage channel has the ability to store at least two fluid ounces of beverage providing for an additional reservoir capacity of beverage greater than the beverage container’s capacity

16. The beverage container of claim 14 wherein interior wall surface of said upper reservoir portion has a smooth profile extending from said component cavity roof to said upper rim of said upper adaptor portion; a plurality of segmented threads are carried by said interior wall surface; said segmented threads comprising a plurality of male thread members extending outward from said interior wall portion; each of said male thread member having a general length being offset from an adjacent male tab; said male tabs carried circumferentially around the interior wall surface within lid receiving region.

17. The beverage container of claim 16 wherein said reservoir adapter includes male thread members include a plurality of threads which comprise an upper and lower row of male thread members wherein respective male thread members are vertically aligned and offset from each other while also being horizontally offset from adjacent male thread members.

18. The beverage container of claim 17 wherein said reservoir adapter includes a lower adapter portion including a threaded portion for being matingly engaged with said tumbler.

19. The beverage container of claim 17 wherein said reservoir adapter includes a lower adaptor portion carrying a flexible ring circumferentially around the outer surface of said lower adaptor portion for matingly engaging with said tumbler.

20. The beverage container of claim 14 wherein said reservoir adapter includes an upper adaptor portion terminating in an upper rim defining a top; and said lower adapter portion having a bottom; an internal wall extending from said bottom to an upper internal wall terminating endpoint vertically offset from said upper rim; said internal wall offset from said first and second outer wall portion defining a component cavity for receiving electrical components; said internal wall defining a beverage channel for permitting beverage carried by said tumbler interior to pass through the interior of said body for consumption, said beverage channel being centrally disposed within said upper adapter portion; said beverage channel having the ability to store at least two fluid ounces of beverage providing for an additional reservoir capacity of beverage greater than the beverage container’s capacity; a component cavity roof extending from said interior wall surface of said upper adaption portion to said internal wall terminating endpoint for covering said component cavity; said component cavity roof being vertically offset in a lower position from said upper rim; a component cavity floor carried by said upper adaptor portion is offset from said component cavity roof for defining a bottom of said component cavity; a plurality of ports defined within said first outer wall portion enabling for the electrical components housed within the component cavity to interact with the ambient environment and provide access point for external communication with the electrical components housed within the component cavity.

21. The beverage container of claim 14 wherein the reservoir adapter includes electrical components including a speaker assembly which includes electrical components: at least one audio speaker; a wireless transceiver to transmit and receive wireless signals; a hardware processor to process wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver and to output audible signals through the audio speaker.

22. The beverage container of claim 21 wherein the reservoir adapter includes ports circumferentially disposed along said first outer wall portion wherein said at least one speaker is disposed to project sound perpendicular to the profde of the tumbler in a lateral direction.

2. 23. A reservoir adapter for a tumbler, said tumbler having a body defining an interior, said body having a generally cylindrical outer profile and an internal wall defining a beverage container of a predetermined capacity; said reservoir adapter comprising: a body having a first outer wall portion defining an upper adapter portion having generally the same outer profile and width as said tumbler, said first outer wall portion being of a general width having an upper adapter portion interior wall surface; and a second outer wall portion defining a lower adapter portion of a smaller width for being received within said interior of said tumbler; said upper adaptor portion terminating in an upper rim defining a top; and said lower adapter portion having a bottom; an internal wall extending from said bottom to an upper internal wall terminating endpoint vertically offset from said upper rim; said internal wall offset from said first and second outer wall portion defining a component cavity for receiving electrical components; said internal wall defining a beverage channel for permitting beverage carried by said tumbler interior to pass through the interior of said body for consumption, said beverage channel being centrally disposed within said upper adapter portion; said beverage channel having the ability to store at least two fluid ounces of beverage providing for an additional reservoir capacity of beverage greater than the beverage container’s capacity; a component cavity roof extending from said interior wall surface of said upper adaption portion to said internal wall terminating endpoint for covering said component cavity; said component cavity roof being vertically offset in a lower position from said upper rim; said internal wall terminating endpoint being positioned beneath said upper rim of said upper adaptor portion defining a lid receiving region; said lid receiving region defined by an interior portion of said first outer wall portion and having a depth defined by the offset of said component cavity roof from said upper rim; a component cavity floor carried by said upper adaptor portion is offset from said component cavity roof for defining a bottom of said component cavity; and a plurality of ports defined within said first outer wall portion enabling for the electrical components housed within the component cavity to interact with the ambient environment; said electrical components includes a speaker assembly which includes electrical components: at least one audio speaker; a wireless transceiver to transmit and receive wireless signals; a hardware processor to process wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver and to output audible signals through the audio speaker; said beverage channel has the ability to store at least two fluid ounces of beverage providing for an additional reservoir capacity of beverage greater than the beverage container’s capacity; and said wherein interior wall surface of said upper reservoir portion having a smooth profile extending from said component cavity roof to said upper rim of said upper adaptor portion; a plurality of segmented threads are carried by said interior wall surface; said segmented threads comprising a plurality of male thread members extending outward from said interior wall portion; each of said male thread member having a general length being offset from an adjacent male tab; said male tabs carried circumferentially around the interior wall surface within lid receiving region; and wherein said male thread members include a plurality of threads which comprise an upper and lower row of male thread members wherein respective male thread members are vertically aligned and offset from each other while also being horizontally offset from adjacent male thread members.

Description:
DRTNKWARE ACCESSORY

PRIORITY CLAIM

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 63/328,885 entitled Tumbler Accessory having a filing date of April 08, 2023; U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 63/359,938 entitled Tumbler Accessory having a filing date of July 11, 2022; U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 63/413,659 having a filing date of December 15, 2022; U.S. Design Patent Application having serial number 29/855,672 entitled Tumbler Accessory having a filing date of October 6, 2022; and U.S. Design Patent Application having serial number 29/855,686 entitled Tumbler Accessory having a filing date of October 6, 2022. The contents of each and every priority document are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a drinkware accessory which may be incorporated with a stainless steel tumbler to assist in providing additional drinking capacity as well as other functional features.

DESCRIPTION

Current drinkware trends include stainless steel tumblers of certain sizes, 20 oz, 22 oz, 30 oz, and 32 oz. These stainless steel tumblers are commonly utilized for containing hot or cool beverages for consumption while on-the-go such as at sporting events, camping, the beach, while also at home. Such drinkware is made by the applicant under the PURE® mark. T h e s e tumblers include a stainless steel body with a lid enclosing the interior of the tumblers to prevent spillage. The lid typically includes an opening for dispensing the contents with a closure mechanism such as a slide for covering or uncovering the dispensing opening. Such tumblers have become constant companions as the consumers venture into social settings. Providing additional capabilities utilizing the tumbler body may enhance the enjoyment of the environment by the consumers.

Additionally, the various stainless steel tumbler manufacturers utilize multiple configuration of lids to enclose the respective tumbler interiors preventing spillage and the like. One such manufacturer “Yeti”® utilizes a lid which includes a frictional flange for frictionally engaging the interior of their respective tumblers for maintaining the lid in place. “Pure®” tumblers utilize a lid which is secured by a threaded interior of the tumbler mating with threads on the lid. The respective lids do not mate with the other tumblers. Utilizing a system which enables both lids to be secured with the tumbler may be advantageous.

Accordingly it is an object of the invention to increase the enjoyability of a drinkware by a consumer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The foregoing objects and advantages of the present invention may be more readily understood by one skilled in the art with reference being had to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements are designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective of an example of a stainless steel tumbler design utilizing an adapter reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded front perspective of a stainless steel tumbler design utilizing an adapter reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a complete drinking system utilizing a stainless steel tumbler, an adapter reservoir and a lid according to an embodiment of a present invention with ;

FIG. 4 is a left perspective view of an adapter reservoir body configured to receive electrical components according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right perspective view of an adapter reservoir body configured to receive electrical components according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of an adapter reservoir body configured to receive electrical components according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an adapter reservoir with certain electrical components housed within the reservoir and a cover according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a top view of an adapter reservoir with certain electrical components housed within the reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an adapter reservoir with certain electrical components housed within the reservoir according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the interior of the adapter reservoir according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the adapter reservoir includes a fan according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention wherein the adapter reservoir includes a fan and misting system according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the adapter reservoir includes a light according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the invention wherein the adapter reservoir includes a power pack according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a schematic of the adapter reservoir functioning as a speaker according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a schematic of the adapter reservoir functioning as a fan with a mister according to the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a schematic of the adapter reservoir functioning as a light according to the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic of the adapter reservoir functioning as a power pack according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates an exploded view of the multiple configurations of the adapter reservoir for assembly into a tower according to the present invention;

FIG. 20 illustrates the multiple configurations of the adapter reservoir assembled into a tower according to the present invention;

FIG. 20A illustrates nested wires for the tower configuration shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 21 illustrates a cap and base for an adapter reservoir according to the present invention; FIGS. 22-30 illustrate a segmented thread system for incorporating both lids which utilize a flange for retention and a thread system according to the present invention.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A reservoir adapter for a tumbler. The tumbler has a body defining an interior and having a generally cylindrical outer profile and an internal wall defining a beverage container of a predetermined capacity. The reservoir adapter includes a body defining a reservoir channel in fluid communication with a top opening at an upper portion of the body and a bottom opening at a bottom portion of the body. The body including a lower member for being securely received within the interior of the tumbler; the reservoir channel in fluid communication with an interior of the tumbler via the lower member. T body including an upper member defining a lid receiving portion for receiving a lid for the tumble. The top opening of the reservoir in fluid communication with the upper member. The body includes a central portion disposed between the lower and upper member of the body. The central portion has an interior sidewall defining a portion of the reservoir channel and an exterior sidewall offset from the interior sidewall. The central portion having at least one compartment defined by the offset between the interior sidewall and the exterior sidewall. At least one compartment for housing at least one speaker and at least one processor for processing instructions for operating the speaker.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

To provide additional features to the consumer the present invention incorporates an accessory or adaptor reservoir for increasing and or extending the volume of the respective drinkware. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter can increase the cubic volume of the traditional stainless steel tumbler over eleven inches resulting in the ability to store approximately 3.5 fluid ounces thereby increasing the volume of a thirty ounce tumbler over 10%. The reservoir adapter also provides additional functional features.

In the preferred embodiment, the adapter is designed in a specific manner in order to house electrical components providing the adapter with additional functionality while also contributing to the additional volume of the stainless steel tumbler. In this manner, the adapter is configured to be carried by the top of the tumbler in a secured manner while also configured to receive a lid in a secured manner thereby maintaining the functionality of the stainless steel tumbler.

The electrical components which the adapter may house includes at least one speaker, a Bluetooth® receiver, lights, at least one fan, a water supply for being dispensed in the proximity of the fan, a power source, control logic circuitry, audio logic circuitry, as well as other electronic components to control the functionality of the electrical components of the adapter. In this manner, an adapter may be a singular unit functioning as a speaker, or as an additional adapter as a singular unit functioning as a fan, or as an additional adapter functioning as a lamp, or as an additional adapter functioning as a power bank. These singular multiple adapters may be stacked upon each other forming a tower. When forming a tower, nested electrical connectors connecting the respective adapters to the power bank may be utilized wherein the electrical connectors overlap with one another in a nested format.

As shown in FIGs. 1 and 2, drinking system A includes a stainless steel tumbler 100 which may be of any size ranging from fourteen ounces to thirty-two ounces. The stainless steel tumbler 100 as shown is a thirty ounce tumbler. The tumbler has a vessel body 102 having a cylindrical profile for containing liquid and an opening 104 for receiving a lid assembly. Vessel body 102 has an upper rim 106 of a predefined radius defining vessel opening 104. The tumbler includes an upper internal portion 108 in communication with the opening 104 beneath rim 106 for receiving lid assembly 300.

Lid assembly 300 includes an upper lid portion 302 which is generally circular of a predetermined depth having a flat upper surface 304 and a flat lower surface 306 defining lid rim 308 for resting upon upper rim 106 of stainless steel tumbler 100. In this manner, lid assembly 300 and vessel body 102 form a planar smooth surface when integrated. Lid assembly 300 includes a lid extension member 310 designed for being received within vessel opening 104. Lid extension member extends 310 downward from the flat lower surface 306 of lid rim 308 a predetermined distance. The primary purpose of lid extension member is for integration or frictional engagement with the internal portion of vessel body 108 thereby maintaining lid assembly 300 in engagement with the stainless steel tumbler body 102. Lid assembly 300 preferably includes a flange 312. The flange may be utilized for frictional engagement with the interior of the stainless steel tumbler body thereby maintaining the lid assembly in place with the tumbler. Additionally, lid extension member 310 may include threads 314 for matingly engaging with the upper internal portion 108 of tumbler 100 if internal portion 108 includes receiving threads. This lid assembly configuration is customary when the lid assembly is integrated directly onto the tumbler.

The reservoir adapter 200 is designed to integrate with the standard configuration of a lid assembly and tumbler. The lid includes a drinking passage which extends from the bottom of the lid through the lid body and includes a drinking aperture located in the top surface of the lid. The drinking aperature is generally closed utilizing a variety of mechanisms including a sliding tab for covering the aperture, a pivoting tab for opening or closing the aperature or a straw which is carried through the drinking passage.

In the preferred embodiment the reservoir adapter 200 includes a central body 210 defining a central channel 220 which has a top opening 202 at the top portion 204 of the reservoir adapter and a bottom opening 206 at the bottom portion 208 of the reservoir adapter for communicating with the interior of the tumbler enabling fluid to flow from the interior of the tumbler through the reservoir adapter for consumption. The reservoir adapter 200 includes a lower member 220 for being securely received within the upper internal portion 106 of tumbler 100. The reservoir adapter 200 includes an upper member 240 which forms a periphery around central channel 220. Upper member 240 extends upwardly from the central body portion of the reservoir adapter a general height forming an internal lid receiving portion 242 for receiving a lower portion lid assembly 300. In the preferred embodiment, internal lid receiving portion 242 has sufficient depth for receiving lid assembly lower portion 302 such that the lid assembly lower portion is integrated within the profile of the reservoir.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tumbler with the reservoir adapter and lid. The lid may preferably have a straw attached to a spout. As shown in Figure 2, the lower portion of the reservoir may include a threaded portion which matingly engages a threaded portion of the upper tumbler. FIG. 3 illustrates the combined drinking system A with the central orientation of reservoir adapter 200 receiving lid assembly 300 and being received and carried by tumbler 100. This orientation enables a consumer to interchange the various functional reservoir adapters or to maintain the normal configuration of the tumbler with an associated lid. FIGs 4 through 10 illustrate the primary body of the reservoir adapter. The reservoir adapter preferably is a single integral unit designed with three distinct operational features. The first feature is the upper portion 500 of the reservoir adapter. Upper portion 500 enables the reservoir adapter to receive a lid assembly 300. Preferably, upper portion 500 enables a lid assembly 300 which may be secured utilizing a thread configuration or a flange assembly for frictional engagement. The second feature is the middle portion 510 which simultaneously provides for a fluid reservoir storing additional fluid beyond the capacity of the tumbler and provides for the housing of electrical components enabling the adapter reservoir to provide certain functionality. The third feature is the lower portion 520 of the reservoir adapter. Lower portion 520 enables the reservoir adapter to be matingly attached to the interior of a tumbler body. Lower portion 520 is preferably configured to matingly attach to an interior of a tumbler body which either contains threads or is adapted to utilize a flexible flange such as a rubber flange which is carried circumferentially around the base of the lower portion 520 for frictional engagement with the interior of the tumbler body.

As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, upper portion 500 includes an upper portion upper rim 502 which has a circumference generally equal to the circumference of lower rim of the lid assembly and an upper portion lower rim 503. Upper portion upper rim 502 is adapted to enable the lower rim of the lid assembly to abut and sit onto the upper portion upper rim 502. Upper portion internal sidewall 504 extends upward from middle portion roof 522 to upper portion upper rim 502. Upper portion internal sidewall 504 defines lid receptacle cavity 506 for receiving the lower portion of lid assembly 300. The upper portion includes an upper portion external sidewall

508 which in conjunction with upper portion internal sidewall 504 forms upper portion rim 502.

Upper portion external sidewall 508 is preferably a continuation of middle portion sidewall 512. Middle portion 510 provides for the essential features of the invention. Middle portion roof 522 extends from the middle portion sidewall 512 laterally towards the center of the reservoir adaptor terminating with an edge which abuts central wall 600. Preferably middle portion roof is sloped downwards from the sidewall to the central wall. This enables fluid which happens to pass through the reservoir cavity 612 to flow back down into the interior of the tumbler and not stay stagnant if the roof had been planar. In this manner, fluid which is retained in the reservoir adapter is gravitationally urged to flow into the tumbler and reservoir cavity 612 preventing for a certain amount of fluid from becoming puddled on the middle portion roof.

In this manner a smooth and continuous profile is provided. Middle portion sidewall 512 includes several middle portion openings 514 defined by middle portion sidewall 512 permitting various components to interact with the ambient environment. Middle portion openings 514 are disposed along the side of reservoir adapter 200. This orientation enables the reservoir adapter to provide functionality while simultaneously permitting for the inclusion of a lid being retained in the upper portion of the reservoir adapter and also permitting the reservoir adapter being retained by a tumbler’s interior.

Fig. 6. illustrates a downward view of the reservoir adapter 200. The reservoir adapter includes an outer sidewall 512 of a cylindrical design which has a similar profile as a tumbler such that when the reservoir adapter is carried by a tumbler there is a single plane defined by the reservoir adapter and the tumbler outerwall. The reservoir adapter includes a central wall 600 which defines the reservoir cavity 612. Central wall 600 extends from the floor of the reservoir adapter 200 and extends upward preferably to a height equal to the upper rim of the outer sidewall. This design provides for a flat profile upper surface for receiving a reservoir adapter lid. The reservoir adapter floor 613 extends from the bottom of the central wall 600 to the bottom of the outer sidewall 512 in a manner leaving the reservoir cavity unobstructed at the bottom of the reservoir adapter.

As shown in Fig. 6, the central wall 600 is offset from the outer sidewall 512 defining component compartments 614-624. Component compartments 614-624 have a general width extending from the inner portion of the outer wall to the central wall. The compartments have a general height which is defined by the height of the inner portion of the outer wall and the height of the central wall. Each of the chamber’s height and width are defined by the respective distance between the outer wall and the central wall and the height of the outer wall and the central wall. In this manner, the chambers each have boundaries defined by the outer wall and the central wall. The components are all isolated from the central reservoir channel providing for a waterproof environment for the various electronics.

The respective compartments may communicate with the ports defined within the outerwall for communication to the ambient environment. Depending on the functional capabilities of the reservoir adapter, the ports provide access from the internal portion of the reservoir body to the ambient environment. Component compartments 614-624 provide areas for housing electrical components. A power source such as a battery may provide operational power for the electrical components of the reservoir adapter. The power source can be a rechargeable battery via a standard input, such as a mini USB port/connection, thunderbolt, etc. A printed circuit board having operational control of the electrical components may include a central processing unit, processor cores, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other hardware circuitry used for controlling various functions and operations of the functional systems . The operational controls may provide compression and decompression techniques, volume control, Bluetooth® connectivity, connectivity with other reservoir adapters which have Bluetooth® capabilities with speakers. Memory may be provided for storing apps or songs which may be processed by a processor. The processor also controls the operational function of the related electrical components.

The component compartments are preferably positioned circumferentially around the central wall defining reservoir cavity 612 in between the central wall and exterior wall. Outer sidewall 512 includes openings providing access to the electrical components enabling the components to be charged or operated by a user for such things as volume control and the like. The reservoir cavity is separated from the internal chamber which houses the various electronics by the central wall. In this manner fluid may flow from the tumbler through the central reservoir cavity in a normal manner.

Fig. 7 illustrates certain electrical components 650 being housed within respective component compartments. The electrical components are interconnected via wiring 601 which extends around the central wall 600. Also shown in Fig. 7 is an upper reservoir adapter cap 640. Upper reservoir adapter cap includes housing 642 which defines a central cap channel 644. The upper reservoir adapter cap bottom 646 has a width equal to the offset of the central wall 600 and outer sidewall 512 for enclosing component compartments 614-624. As shown in Fig. 5, the inner portion of the outerwall may have a generally hexagon shape defining six separate chambers for housing various electrical or mechanical components. The multiple compartments enable the reservoir adapter to provide various operations in addition to providing a reservoir for providing additional fluid capacity.

In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir adapter may be utilized as a speaker. Figs. 8 and 9 illustrates a speaker 800 housed within a component compartment and aligned with a speaker port defined in the exterior of the reservoir adapter sidewall. In this manner, the speaker is disposed between the reservoir channel and the outer sidewall. As shown in Fig. 9, operational control functions 802 are positioned on the exterior of the reservoir adapter sidewall. These control functions are operated by touch and interact with the logic systems 650 shown in Fig. 7. Preferably a plurality of speakers are presented on opposing sides of the tumbler providing a dynamic stereo effect. Additionally by being located along the vertical profile of the tumbler, the soundwaves from the speaker may be directed directly to a consumer while the tumbler is in its normal upright position containing fluid. In this configuration, a user may utilize the straw with the tumbler in an upright position while the speaker is directly pointing to the user so the user may enjoy the sound directly coming to them. This provides for a better user experience than if the sound was coming from the bottom of the tumbler or from the lid. Additionally, when the tumbler is not in use, the consumer may position the tumbler in a normal upright position in a cup holder or the like with the soundwaves from the speaker directly pointing to the user, thus providing for an enjoyable sound experience.

The reservoir adapter of may contain a speaker assembly which includes electrical components preferably of at least one audio speaker; a wireless transceiver to transmit and receive wireless signals; a hardware processor to process wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver and to output audible signals through the audio speaker. In the preferred embodiment ports are circumferentially disposed along the first outer wall portion and wherein at least one speaker is preferably disposed to project sound perpendicular to the profde of the tumbler in a lateral direction. In a preferred embodiment, a first and second port on the front side of the first outer wall portion are offset from each other and at least two speakers are disposed within the component cavity with one speaker positioned to communicate with the first port directing sound forward of the reservoir adapter and a second speaker positioned to communicate with the second port directing sound forward of the reservoir adapter. Preferably an operational control ports is located on the rear side of the first outerwall portion permitting access to operational control features such as volume, rewind, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Fig 10 is a cross sectional view of a potential construction of the invention.

Figs 1 1 -12 illustrates an additional operational reservoir adapter. Tn this embodiment, a fan 700 is operationally positioned within the respective compartments for blowing air through a grate positioned around the outer wall. Fig. 11 illustrates the fan operating with a mister 704. Mister 704 includes a water reservoir 706 positioned within the body of the reservoir adapter which is in communication with nozzles 708 which are located in the proximity of fan 700 such that an atomization of water may be presented in the air flow of caused by the rotating fan. A pump 710 provides the fluid from the reservoir to the nozzle for dispersing. Operational controls regulate the operation of the fan and mister such that the fan may operate by itself and varying speeds or in combination with the mister for dispensing the fluid.

Fig. 13 illustrates an additional embodiment wherein the adapter reservoir functions as a lantern. In this embodiment, LEDs 716 are positioned within the cavities to illuminate outward from the body. Operational controls such as brightness and power are provided. The various LED’s may be of different colors and can be programmed to spell out certain phrases, such as sports teams or the like. Fig. 13 illustrates the utilization of an upper cap 718 which is designed for being received within the upper portion of the reservoir adapter in a manner similar to a drinking lid. A bottom end cap 720 fits over the bottom of the reservoir adapter sealing off the bottom. Bottom endcap enables the reservoir adapter to be placed on a nightstand.

Fig. 14 illustrates an additional embodiment wherein the adapter reservoir functions as a er supply. In this embodiment, multiple power supplies 722 are configured to provide a power bank.

FIGS. 15, 16, 17, 18 illustrate operational components of the various embodiments. As shown in Fig. 15, the speaker embodiment includes a processor 850 for controlling the operations of the speaker including controlling the Bluetooth components, the charging of the respective battery 852, processing of speaker logic instructions 854 and the control of information to and from memory 856. Memory may also include storing applications which the processor processes for controlling the operation of the speaker. As shown in FIG. 16, the similar components are utilized for a fan and misting embodiment with the inclusion of fan and misting instructions 856 controlling the operation of the misting and fan operation. Such instructions include the volume of water to include in the misting process, the speed of the fan and the timing of operation of the nozzles for directing the water to the fan. As shown in FIG. 17, the similar components are utilized for a fan and misting embodiment with the inclusion of light logic instructions 858 controlling the operation of the misting and fan operation. Such instructions include the brightness of the lights, the color of the lights, and which vectors of the adapter are lit. As shown in FIG. 18, the similar components are utilized for a fan and misting embodiment with the inclusion of power supply logic instructions 860 controlling the operation of the power supply. Such instructions include channeling power from one power supply within the power bank to another power supply in the event one power supply is going low in power. Oher instructions include identifying the power of each cell.

FIG. 19 and 20 the flexibility of the invention. As shown in Fig. 12, a first reservoir adapter is a power source 900 having a plurality of power cells for charging the respective batteries of other reservoir adapters. A second reservoir 902 adapter may include speakers and function as a speaker. A third reservoir adapter may include a fan 904 . A fourth reservoir adapter 906 may include a plurality of lights sufficient to illuminate a room or act as a night light. Each of these reservoirs are configured to be enjoined with one another with the respective lower portions being threaded being received with the respective upper lid receiving portion of the adjacent reservoir adapter. FIG. 20 illustrates a completed tower with the respective reservoir adapters adjoined to one another for utilization outside of a tumbler environment. A flange 920 for mating with the interior of a tumbler is shown .

FIG 20A illustrates a nested connection system according to the present invention. In this system, various connecting electrical cords have a semi rigid shape which enables them to hold a configuration which preferably “C” shaped which enables a respective connecting electrical cord to fit within the profile and an interiorly positioned connecting electrical cord.

Fig. 21 illustrates a single reservoir adapter utilized outside of a tumbler environment by itself. In this embodiment, a cap 1000 and base 1002 are utilized for supporting the reservoir adapter. In the preferred embodiment the base is magnetized enabling the base to be secured in any position on a metallic surface. FIGS 22 and 23 illustrate a segmented thread attachment system utilized by the invention for retaining lids. The segmented thread attachment system includes a plurality of horizontally and vertically offset tabs 1100 attached to the inner wall of the reservoir adapter in the lid retaining area. The segmented threads provide a surface area for attaching a threaded portion of a lid while also providing sufficient surface area to retain a lid which does not utilize a threaded portion but instead utilizes a flange for frictional engagement. The applicant has discovered that utilizing a solid thread engagement provides too much resistance prohibiting a flange system to be utilized as it cannot be sufficiently deflected past the threads. The incorporation of the segmented thread systems provides sufficient gaps enabling the flange to compress past the segmented threads until they pass through the segment thread area and can provide frictional engagement with the interior of the lid receptacle of the upper portion of the reservoir adapter.

The segmented threads preferably have a first row of segmented threads 1102 vertically offset from a second row of segment threads 1104. Within these rows, the first segment thread 1106 is horizontally offset from a second segment thread 1108 with a thread gap 1110 disposed therebetween. FIG. 24 illustrates a segmented thread system ready for receiving a lid.

In the industry lids are attached to tumblers utilizing predominantly two attachment systems. The first system identified in FIGS. 25, 26, 27 incorporates a lid which utilizes a deformable flange 1200 which compresses against the interior of a tumbler and utilizes frictional engagement for maintaining the lid in place. The second system identified in FIGS. 28, 29, 30 is a lid which utilizes threads 1202 for matingly engaging threads of a tumbler for maintaining the lid in place. FIG. 30 illustrates a straw 1204 which may be disposed throughout the reservoir channel into the tumbler interior The segmented thread attachment system includes a plurality of male thread members which comprise an upper and lower row of male thread members wherein respective male thread members are vertically aligned and offset from each other while also being horizontally offset from adjacent male thread members. The segmented threads extend along the interior wall surface along the entire circumference of the interior wall. As shown in FIGS. 28-30, the male thread members from a segmented thread for receiving a counterpart male thread member of a threaded lid. The threaded member of the threaded lid initially being positioned above the reservoir adapter for subsequent attachment. The lid is subsequently threaded and maintained in a locked and secured position with the male thread member of the lid being positioned between respective vertical male thread members of the reservoir adapter.

FIGS. 25, 26, 27 illustrate the attachment of the flange attachment system. The flange is initially in position to be received within the reservoir adapter. The flange is compressed by the segmented male members and eventually is retained beneath a male threaded member in frictionally engagement with the interior of the tumbler wall.

The segmented construction has proven important in enabling both types of lids to be serviced by the invention. If the segments are too few, then the threaded system does not work, if the segments are too many, then the flange is restricted from being pushed through the layers of segmented threads, preventing the flange system from being secured. In the preferred embodiment, a spacing of one male threaded member every thirty degrees, or at least twelve disposed around the internal circumference along a slight incline plane consitituting a thread. In the preferred embodiment a first segmented thread of twelve male thread members are presented in a general first linear row and a lower segmented thread row is established with vertically parallel male threads. Tn the preferred embodiment at least eighteen total segmented threads are utilized.

Additionally, the interior wall of the reservoir adapter is planar smooth with no detents in the wall. This is required in order to maintain a sealed engagement with the flange system.

The lower adapter portion of the reservoir adapter may include a threaded portion for being matingly engaged with a tumbler. In the preferred embodiment the lower adaptor portion carries a flexible ring circumferentially around the outer surface of said lower adaptor portion for matingly engaging with a tumbler and a threaded portion.

It may be seen that a more advantageous design for a tumbler may be had according to the present invention by utilizing the reservoir adapter. This additional reservoir increases the capacity of the tumbler and adapter. This additional volume is an important feature. For customers, tumblers are typically evaluated on ounces per cost. Accordingly, the more ounces a tumbler can provide, then the cost is reduced.

Additionally, an important feature of this invention is the ability of the adapter to act as an overflow for the tumbler. For instance, many users monitor their daily intake of fluids. For example, a 30 oz tumbler with 30 oz of water is monitored. However, if the individual wants to put ice into the container, and the container is already filled with 30 oz, then the water will overflow. Additionally, if the individual stops short of the rim of the tumbler to put ice into the tumbler, then the volume of water is not an accurate 30 oz and the person keeping tabs of their intake will have an inaccurate volume. Accordingly, the reservoir adapter provides additional volume to hold the increase of water from the ice cubes. The individual can fill the tumbler to the 30 oz capacity, and with the reservoir adapter in place add ice cubes until the reservoir adapter is full.

The reservoir adapter is preferably designed for mating engagement between a stainless steel tumbler and a lid. The three piece assembly provides a unique drinking experience. For this purpose, the reservoir adapter is designed to be received in mating engagement with both the lid and the tumbler body. This may be accomplished by the reservoir having a lower body portion which is threaded in a male configuration for matingly attachment to the interior of the tumbler in a threaded engagement. Additionally, the lower body portion may include a flange including a flange for frictional engagement with the interior of the tumbler. Additionally, the upper portion of the adapter includes an internal threaded component for receiving the male thread components of a corresponding lid. Both the upper and lower internal adapter portions may be designed as either a male or female receiver for receiving a male or female mating portion of the lid or tumbler or bottle. In either setting the adapter has a certain height to provide for an internal reservoir. A lid covers the internal components stored in the respective compartments.

In operation, a first reservoir adapter may be matingly attached to a second reservoir adapter forming a tower structure of varying components. For instance, in a first scenario, a first reservoir adapter may be a speaker assembly with a speaker contained within the body of the adapter with a processor, memory, a microphone, a battery, a power connector for charging the battery, a gps system, a wifi system, a Bluetooth system, a digital display.

A second reservoir adapter may include a fan assembly with fan blades contained within the body of the adapter with a processor, memory, a battery, a power connector for charging the battery, air inlets defined within the housing and air channels for communicating the air from the air inlets to the fan blades. A misting system may be included which includes a fluid reservoir within the body of the adapter and a pump system for communicating fluid from the reservoir to the front of the fan blades for dispersion into the ambient environment. In the preferred embodiment, the reservoir adapter includes a single housing configuration which may be utilized for both the speaker and fan assemblies.

In operation the first and second reservoir adapters may be connected with the bottom portion of the second reservoir adapter being received within the upper opening of the first reservoir adapter and supported. A third reservoir adapter may include lights sufficient to provide lighting for an outdoor campsite.

Additional adapters may include a power supply which enables each of the reservoir adapters to be connected and powered.

In a preferred embodiment, the power charging port of each adapter may be vertically aligned with the power ports of the power charging port. The power charging port may have sufficient charging ports for multiple tower components. In this example 3 charging ports are present with the power supply reservoir adapter for powering a speaker, lamp, and fan reservoir adapter. As each tower component is stacked one upon the other, the distance between the respective charging ports of a reservoir adapter and the power supply adapter will vary from the closest reservoir adapter which is connected with the power supply to the farthest reservoir adapter. An aspect of this invention is three separate charging wires of varying lengths and which may be nested within each other such that each reservoir adapter may be connected via their charging ports to the respective charging port of the power supply. The respective wires have rigid upper and lower connector portions and a flexible intermediary portion which provides for a [ shape structure of varying lengths for nesting.