INSULATING MINIATURE BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH KEYCHAIN

Abstract

The present invention provides for a miniature beverage container with a keychain attached to the miniature beverage container to connect the miniature beverage container to an item. The miniature beverage container can include a beverage holding chamber for storing liquid. The miniature beverage container can include a removable lid that can be engaged and disengaged from an open end of the miniature beverage container.

Claims

1. A double-walled, stainless steel beverage container comprising: a beverage holding chamber sized to hold 4.5 ounces of liquid or less; a threaded, removable lid having a sealable opening to facilitate consumption of a liquid from the beverage holding chamber; and a keychain comprising a first end having a first connecting mechanism to connect to the miniature beverage container and a second end having a second connecting mechanism for connecting to another item.

2. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the double-walled, stainless steel beverage container comprises: an exterior wall; and an interior wall, wherein the exterior wall and the interior wall are separated by a vacuum.

3. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein: the beverage holding chamber comprises an open end; and a threaded portion in the open end that corresponds with a corresponding threaded portion of the removable lid, wherein the open end is closed by engagement of the threaded portion with the corresponding threaded portion, and wherein the open end is opened by disengagement of the threaded portion from the corresponding threaded portion.

4. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the removable lid further comprises: a protrusion; and an opening on the protrusion, wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain is connectable to the beverage container by engagement of the first connecting mechanism with the opening on the protrusion, and wherein the keychain disconnects from the beverage container by disengagement of the first connecting mechanism from the opening on the protrusion.

5. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising: a handle; and an opening on the handle, wherein the keychain connects to the beverage container by engagement of the first connecting mechanism with the opening on the handle, and wherein the keychain disconnects from the beverage container by disengagement of the first connecting mechanism from the opening on the handle.

6. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising: a removable straw disposed in the sealable opening of the removable lid; and one or more protrusions on the removable straw disposed at one end of the removable straw such that the one or more protrusions provide resistance against accidental removal from the sealable opening.

7. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism are linked via a set of connected links.

8. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the first connecting mechanism and the second connecting mechanism are linked via a fabric band.

9. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the removable lid further comprises a sealing mechanism to close the sealable opening to prevent liquid in the beverage holding chamber from spilling if the beverage container is inverted.

10. The beverage container of claim 1, further comprising: an indentation on a closed end of the beverage container that provides stability for the beverage container when rested upon a flat surface, wherein the beverage holding chamber comprises a corresponding indentation.

11. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the removable lid further comprises an opening to allow air to pass into the beverage container.

12. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the beverage container of claim 1 has a cylindrical shape with a surface that facilitates decoration by sublimation.

13. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the beverage holding chamber is sized to hold 3.75 ounces of liquid or less.

14. The beverage container of claim 4, wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain and the second connecting mechanism of the keychain are linked via a set of connected links, and wherein the first connecting mechanism is a clasp that connects the keychain to the protrusion and the second connecting mechanism is a ring that connects the keychain to a personal item.

15. The beverage container of claim 4, wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain and the second connecting mechanism of the keychain are linked via a fabric band, and wherein the first connecting mechanism is a first clasp that connects the keychain to the protrusion and the second connecting mechanism is a second clasp that connects the keychain to a personal item.

16. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain and the second connecting mechanism of the keychain are linked via a set of connected links

17. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain and the second connecting mechanism of the keychain are linked via a fabric band.

18. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the removable lid further comprises: a protrusion, wherein the protrusion includes a clip that corresponds with a corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism, wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain is connectable to the beverage container by engagement of the first connecting mechanism with the clip of the protrusion, and wherein the keychain disconnects from the beverage container by disengagement of the first connecting mechanism from the clip of the protrusion.

19. The beverage container of claim 1, wherein the threaded, removable lid includes: a first opening and a second opening; and a sealing mechanism to close the first opening and the second opening to prevent liquid in the beverage holding chamber from spilling if the beverage container is inverted.

20. The beverage container of claim 5, wherein the beverage container has a cylindrical shape tapered at a bottom portion of the beverage container, wherein the tapered bottom portion includes a protrusion wherein the first connecting mechanism of the keychain and the second connecting mechanism of the keychain are linked via a set of connected links, and wherein the first connecting mechanism is a clasp that connects the keychain to the protrusion of the removable lid and the second connecting mechanism is a ring that connects the keychain to a protrusion of the tapered bottom portion of the beverage container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate views of an example miniature beverage container, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate views of an example removable lid, an example miniature beverage container, and an example keychain, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an example removable straw, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an example variation of a miniature beverage container, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] The figures depict various embodiments of the present invention for purposes of illustration only, wherein the figures use like reference numerals to identify like elements. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as one skilled in the art would recognize, even if not expressly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated in the figures can be employed without departing from the principles of the present invention described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] As background, beverage containers, such as tumblers, are growingly increasingly popular among consumers. For example, some consumers enjoy using beverage containers as a way to reduce use of disposable cups. Some consumers enjoy using beverage containers to keep their hot beverages hot. Some beverage containers come with additional features that improve their utility. For example, some beverage containers come with lids that help protect against spills. In general, beverage containers come in common sizes such as 16 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz sizes.

[0020] Under conventional approaches, beverage containers are designed to maximize size so as to be able to carry more liquid. Because beverage containers are designed to maximize size, beverage containers come in sizes such as 16 oz, 24 oz, and 32 oz to maximize the volume of liquid that can be carried in the beverage containers without the beverage containers becoming unwieldy. However, these beverage containers are still relatively large. People generally carry these beverage containers in their hands or in beverage container holders, such as beverage container holding sleeves on some backpacks. This can be inconvenient for people, especially if there is no desire to carry a large volume of liquid. Thus, conventional approaches are deficient with regard to beverage containers for smaller volumes of liquid.

[0021] The present invention provides for an improved approach that addresses the deficiencies arising from conventional approaches. The present invention provides for a miniature beverage container with a keychain attached to the miniature beverage container to connect the miniature beverage container to an item. The miniature beverage container can include a beverage holding chamber for storing liquid. The miniature beverage container can include a removable lid that can be engaged and disengaged from an open end of the miniature beverage container. Engaging the removable lid with the open end of the miniature beverage container can close the miniature beverage container, storing liquid within the beverage holding chamber of the miniature beverage container. Disengaging the removable lid with the open end of the miniature beverage container can open the miniature beverage container, allowing access to the beverage holding chamber of the miniature beverage container. In some instances, the keychain can be connected to the removable lid via a first connecting mechanism, such as a clasp, ring, clip, or latch. The keychain can be connected to a protrusion with an opening on the removable lid. The keychain can include a second connecting mechanism to connect to an item, such as a set of keys, a belt loop, and the like. In some instances, The removable lid can include an opening to allow users to consume liquid from the miniature beverage container without removing the removable lid. The removable lid can include a sealing mechanism, such as a latch, slider, closure, and the like, that can be closed to prevent liquid from spilling from the miniature beverage container and opened to allow liquid to be consumed from the miniature beverage container, even if inverted. In some instances, a removable straw can be inserted into the opening of the removable lid.

[0022] These and other features of the present invention, as further described below, advantageously provide people with a convenient beverage holding container that can store liquid and easily carried. The miniature beverage container is also useful as a decorative accessory while providing functional benefits.

[0023] For example, the present invention can provide for a miniature beverage container with a keychain that a user can use to connect the keychain to a set of keys. In this example, the keychain can have a first connecting mechanism that connects the keychain to a removable lid of the miniature beverage container and a second connecting mechanism that connects the keychain to the set of keys. The user can store the miniature beverage container, and the set of keys, in a pocket, a bag, a backpack, and the like. In this example, the user can have liquid stored in the miniature beverage container. To consume the liquid, the user can disengage the removable lid from the miniature beverage container to open the miniature beverage container. Liquid can be consumed from the open end of the miniature beverage container. When the user is finished consuming the liquid, the user can engage the removable lid with the miniature beverage container to close the miniature beverage container. The miniature beverage container can be stored (e.g., in the pocket, the bag, the backpack, and the like) to be used later. As illustrated in this example, the user has convenient access to the miniature beverage container and does not need to carry the miniature beverage container with the user's hands. Additionally, the miniature beverage container serves as a decorative accessory for holding the user's keys while providing a functional benefit of storing liquid for consumption by the user. Further details regarding the present invention are provided below.

[0024] FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate views of an example miniature beverage container, according to various embodiments of the present invention. The views illustrated herein are depicted in simplified form to highlight features of the present invention. Description relating to one view of the example miniature beverage container may not be reiterated for the other views to avoid repetition rather than to exclude features.

[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view 100 of a miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a threaded portion 106 near the open end of the miniature beverage container 102. The threaded portion 106 can correspond with a corresponding threaded portion on a removable lid (e.g., screw top). The miniature beverage container 102 can be closed by engaging the removable lid with the open end of the miniature beverage container 102. The removable lid can be engaged with the open end of the miniature beverage container 102 by turning the removable lid such that the threaded portion 106 of the miniature beverage container 102 engages with the corresponding threaded portion on the removable lid. The miniature beverage container 102 can be opened by disengaging the removable lid from the open end of the miniature beverage container 102. The removable lid can be disengaged from the open end of the miniature beverage container 102 by turning the removable lid such that the threaded portion 106 of the miniature beverage container 102 disengages with the corresponding threaded portion of the removable lid. The direction by which the removable lid is turned to engage with the open end of the miniature beverage container 102 can be opposite of the direction by which the removable lid is turned to disengage from the open end of the miniature beverage container 102.

[0026] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for opening and closing the miniature beverage container 102. For example, the present invention provides for a removable lid that engages with an open end of the miniature beverage container 102 via a friction fit, a snap on mechanism, a latch, a clip, or other engagement mechanism. Many variations are possible. In some instances, the removable lid can be engaged with or disengaged from the open end of the miniature beverage container via other mechanisms (e.g., friction fit, latch). Other configurations of the removable lid are possible, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular configuration.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the miniature beverage container 102 includes a beverage holding chamber 104. The beverage holding chamber 104 can be double-walled. That is, the beverage holding chamber 104 can include an interior wall and an exterior wall separated by a gap with at least a partial vacuum therein. The beverage holding chamber 104 can be defined by various sizes to store various volumes of liquid. For example, the beverage holding chamber 104 can be of a size sufficient to store 1.5 oz of liquid. Other sizes (e.g., 3 oz, 4.5 oz, 5 oz, 6.5 oz, 7 oz) are possible, and the present invention is not limited to a particular size for the beverage holding chamber 104.

[0028] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to the double-walled feature for the beverage holding chamber 104. For example, the present invention provides for a beverage holding chamber 104 that is single-walled. Many variations are possible.

[0029] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view 110 of the miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a removable lid 112. The removable lid 112 includes a protrusion 116 to which a keychain 114 is connected. As illustrated in FIG. 1B, the keychain 114 comprises a set of connected links that form the keychain 114. The keychain 114 includes a first connecting mechanism 118 and a second connecting mechanism 120. The first connecting mechanism 118, in this example, is a clasp that connects the keychain 114 to the protrusion 116 of the removable lid 112. The second connecting mechanism 120, in this example, is a ring that connects the keychain 114 to a personal item, such as a set of keys. The keychain 114 can be detached from the removable lid 112 by disengaging the first connecting mechanism 118 from the protrusion 116. For example, the first connecting mechanism 118 can be opened to disengage the first connecting mechanism 118 from the protrusion 116. By detaching the keychain 114 from the removable lid 112, a user can easily access the miniature beverage container 102 without detaching the keychain 114 from the personal item to which it is connected. The keychain 114 can be detached from the personal item by disengaging the second connecting mechanism 120 from the personal item. For example, the second connecting mechanism 120 can be slid off the personal item to disengage the second connecting mechanism from the personal item. By detaching the second connecting mechanism 120 from the personal item, a user can access the miniature beverage container 102 and/or attach the miniature beverage container 102 to a different personal item.

[0030] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for the keychain 114. The keychain 114 can comprise a set of links of various materials (e.g., metal, plastic). The keychain 114 can comprise a band of various materials (e.g., metal, plastic, fabric). In some instances, the first connecting mechanism 118 can be a ring, clip, latch, or other connecting mechanism. The second connecting mechanism 120 can be a clasp, clip, latch, or other connecting mechanism. For example, the keychain 114 can comprise a fabric band with clasps as the first connecting mechanism 118 and the second connecting mechanism 120. Many variations are possible.

[0031] FIG. 1C illustrates a side view 130 of the miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a removable lid 112. The removable lid includes a protrusion 116 to which a keychain 114 is connected. The keychain 114 comprises a set of connected links that form the keychain 114. The keychain 114 includes a first connecting mechanism 118 (e.g., clasp) that connects the keychain 114 to the protrusion 116 of the removable lid 112. The keychain 114 includes a second connecting mechanism 120 (e.g., ring) that connects the keychain 114 to a personal item. As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the first connecting mechanism 118 connects to the protrusion 116 by engaging the first connecting mechanism 118 with an opening in the protrusion 116. The first connecting mechanism 118 can engage with the opening in the protrusion 116 by opening the first connecting mechanism 118, positioning the first connecting mechanism 118 near the opening in the protrusion 116, and allowing the first connecting mechanism 118 to close through the opening in the protrusion 116. The first connecting mechanism can be disengaged with the opening in the protrusion 116 by opening the first connecting mechanism 118 and positioning the first connecting mechanism 118 away from the opening in the protrusion 116. As illustrated in this example, the opening in the protrusion 116 allows for the keychain 114 to be easily connected to the removable lid 112 and easily disconnected from the removable lid 112. Furthermore, the opening in the protrusion 116 facilitate a variety of connecting mechanisms (e.g., clasps, rings, clips, latches)

[0032] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for engaging with a keychain. The protrusion 116 can include a ring, a clip, a clasp, a latch, or other connecting mechanism compatible with the first connecting mechanism 118 of the keychain 114. For example, the protrusion 116 can include a clip that corresponds with a corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism 118. In this example, the keychain 114 can be connected to the removable lid 112 by engaging the clip of the protrusion 116 with the corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism 118. The keychain 114 can be disconnected from the removable lid 112 by disengaging the clip of the protrusion 116 with the corresponding clip that defines the first connecting mechanism 118. Many variations are possible.

[0033] FIG. 1D illustrates an interior view 150 of the miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a beverage holding chamber 104. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a removable lid 112. The removable lid includes a protrusion 116 to which a keychain 114 is connected. The keychain 114 includes a first connecting mechanism 118 (e.g., clasp) that connects the keychain 114 to the protrusion 116 of the removable lid 112. The keychain 114 includes a second connecting mechanism 120 (e.g., ring) that connects the keychain 114 to a personal item. As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the miniature beverage container 102 includes a threaded portion 106 that corresponds with a corresponding threaded portion 154 on the removable lid 112. The removable lid 112 can be disengaged from the miniature beverage container 102, opening the miniature beverage container 102, by turning the removable lid such that the threaded portion 106 disengages with the corresponding threaded portion 154. The removable lid 112 can be engaged with the miniature beverage container 102, closing the miniature beverage container 102, by turning the removable lid such that the threaded portion 106 engages with the corresponding threaded portion 154.

[0034] In this example, the removable lid 112 includes a first opening 152 through which a user can consume liquid from the beverage holding chamber 104. The removable lid 112 includes a second opening 156 through which air can pass and allow the liquid to flow through the first opening 152. The first opening 152 and the second opening 156 allows a user to consume liquid from the miniature beverage container 102 without removing the removable lid 112.

[0035] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for the removable lid 112. In some instances, the removable lid 112 can include a sealing mechanism (e.g., latch, slider, closure, lid). For example, the removable lid 112 can include a slider that opens and closes the first opening 152 and the second opening 156. The slider can be closed the first opening 152 and the second opening 156. This prevents liquid from leaking through the removable lid 112. The slider can be opened to allow air to pass through the first opening 152 and the second opening 156. This allows a user to drink from the miniature beverage container 102. In some instances, the miniature beverage container 102 can include a removable straw that is inserted through the first opening 152. The first opening 152 can include a sealing material (e.g., rubber, flexible plastic) that allows the removable straw to be inserted into the opening while preventing liquid from escaping the miniature beverage container 102 through the first opening 152. Many variations are possible.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 1D, the miniature beverage container 102 includes an indentation 160 at a closed end of the miniature beverage container 102. The indentation 160 can allow the miniature beverage container 102 to be stable when rested upon a flat surface. The beverage holding chamber 104 can include a corresponding indentation 158 that provides room for the indentation 160 without compromising the beverage holding chamber 104.

[0037] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to the indentation feature for the miniature beverage container 102. For example, the present invention provides for a miniature beverage container 102 that has a soft material (e.g., rubber, soft plastic) on the closed end to allow the miniature beverage container 102 to be stable when rested upon a flat surface. Many variations are possible.

[0038] FIG. 1E illustrates an exploded view 170 of the miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a removable lid 112. The removable lid includes a protrusion 116 to which a keychain 114 is connected. The keychain 114 comprises a set of connected links that form the keychain 114. The keychain 114 includes a first connecting mechanism 118 (e.g., clasp) that connects the keychain 114 to the protrusion 116 of the removable lid 112. The keychain 114 includes a second connecting mechanism 120 (e.g., ring) that connects the keychain 114 to a personal item. As illustrated in FIG. 1E, the removable lid 112 includes a corresponding threaded portion 154 that corresponds with a threaded portion of the miniature beverage container 102. The removable lid 112 can be disengaged from the miniature beverage container 102 by turning the removable lid such that the threaded portion disengages with the corresponding threaded portion 154. The removable lid 112 can be engaged with the miniature beverage container 102 by turning the removable lid such that the threaded portion 106 engages with the corresponding threaded portion 154.

[0039] FIG. 1F illustrates an interior view 180 of the miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a beverage holding chamber 104. As illustrated in FIG. 1F, the miniature beverage container 102 includes a threaded portion 106 at an open end of the miniature beverage container 102 that corresponds with a corresponding threaded portion on a removable lid. The miniature beverage container 102 includes an indentation 160 at a closed end of the miniature beverage container 102. The beverage holding chamber 104 includes a corresponding indentation 158.

[0040] FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate views of an example removable lid, an example miniature beverage container, and an example keychain, according to various embodiments of the present invention. The views illustrated herein are depicted in simplified form to highlight features of the present invention. Description relating to one view of the example removable lid, the example miniature beverage container, and the example keychain may not be reiterated for the other views to avoid repetition rather than to exclude features.

[0041] FIG. 2A illustrates a top view 200 of a removable lid 112. The removable lid 112 includes a protrusion 116 to which a keychain is connected. The keychain includes a first connecting mechanism 118 (e.g., clasp) that connects the keychain to the protrusion 116 of the removable lid 112. The keychain includes a second connecting mechanism 120 (e.g., ring) that connects the keychain to a personal item. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the first connecting mechanism 118 connects to the protrusion 116 by engaging the first connecting mechanism 118 with an opening 202 in the protrusion 116. The first connecting mechanism 118 can engage with the opening in the protrusion 116 by opening the first connecting mechanism 118, positioning the first connecting mechanism 118 near the opening 202 in the protrusion 116, and allowing the first connecting mechanism 118 to close through the opening 202 in the protrusion 116. The first connecting mechanism can be disengaged with the opening 202 in the protrusion 116 by opening the first connecting mechanism 118 and positioning the first connecting mechanism 118 away from the opening 202 in the protrusion 116.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the removable lid 112 includes a first opening 152 through which a user can consume liquid from the beverage holding chamber 104. The first opening 152 can have a wide elliptical shape to facilitate liquid consumption. The removable lid 112 includes a second opening 156 through which air can pass and allow the liquid to flow through the first opening 152. The second opening 156 can have a small circular shape that allows air to pass through while The first opening 152 and the second opening 156 allows a user to consume liquid from the miniature beverage container 102 without removing the removable lid 112. It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular shape for the first opening 152. For example, the first opening 152 can have a circular shape to facilitate insertion of a removable straw. Many variations are possible.

[0043] FIG. 2B illustrates a bottom view 230 of a miniature beverage container 102. The miniature beverage container 102 includes a removable lid with a protrusion 116 to which a keychain is connected. The keychain includes a first connecting mechanism 118 (e.g., clasp) that connects the keychain to the protrusion 116. The keychain includes a second connecting mechanism 120 (e.g., ring) that connects the keychain to a personal item. As illustrated in FIG. 2B, the miniature beverage container 102 includes an indentation 160 at a bottom end of the miniature beverage container 102. The indentation 160 can be a circular shape to match the cylindrical shape of the miniature beverage container 102.

[0044] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular shape for the miniature beverage container 102 or the indentation 160. In some instances, the miniature beverage container 102 can be have a round, spherical, tapered, conical, barrel, rectangular, cylindrical, or other shape. In some instances, the miniature beverage container 102 can have a combination of shapes. For example, the miniature beverage container 102 can have a combination of a cylindrical top and a tapered bottom. The indentation 160 can have a shape that matches the shape of the miniature beverage container 102. For example, the miniature beverage container 102 can have a rectangular shape, and the indentation 160 can have a matching rectangular shape. Many variations are possible.

[0045] FIG. 2C illustrates views 260, 280 of an example keychain 114. In this example, the keychain 114 comprises a set of connect links that form the keychain 114. The keychain 114 includes a first connecting mechanism 118, which can be a clasp, ring, clip, latch, and the like. The first connecting mechanism 118 can connect the keychain 114 to a miniature beverage container. The keychain 114 includes a second connecting mechanism 120, which can be a clasp, ring, clip, latch, and the like. The second connecting mechanism 120 can connect the keychain 114 to a personal item.

[0046] FIG. 3 illustrates a view 300 of an example removable straw 302. In this example, the removable straw 302 includes a protrusion 304 near one end of the removable straw 302. The protrusion 304 prevents the removable straw 302 from falling out of a miniature beverage container after the removable straw 302 has been inserted. For example, the removable straw 302 can be inserted into an opening on a removable lid of a miniature beverage container. The opening can include a sealing material that allows the removable straw 302 to be inserted and forms a friction fit around the removable straw 302 while the removable straw 302 is inserted. The sealing material can provide resistance against the removable straw 302 from falling out of the miniature beverage container and help to keep liquid from escaping the miniature beverage container outside the removable straw 302. The protrusion 304 can provide additional resistance against the removable straw 302 from falling out of the miniature beverage container.

[0047] It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular configuration for the removable straw 302. The removable straw 302 can be defined by a tube of various shapes (e.g., cylindrical). The removable straw 302 can be of a variety of materials (e.g., metal, plastic). The removable straw 302 can have a variety of features (e.g., bending feature, drinking valve). Many variations are possible.

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates a view 400 of a variation of a miniature beverage container 406. In this example, the variation of the miniature beverage container 406 includes a removable lid 404, a removable straw 402, and a handle 410. The variation of the miniature beverage container 406 has a mixed shape with a top cylindrical portion 408 and a bottom tapered portion 412. The variation of the miniature beverage container 406 includes a keychain 422. The keychain 422 can be attached to the miniature beverage container 406 at various locations. For example, removable lid 404 can have a protrusion 420a where the keychain 422 can connect. The handle 410 can have an opening 420b where the keychain 422 can connect. The bottom tapered portion 412 can have a protrusion 420c where the keychain 422 can connect. It should be understood the present invention is not limited to a particular location where the keychain 422 can attach. Many variations are possible.

[0049] In one aspect of the present invention, the miniature beverage container has a cylindrical shape and made of a material conducive to application of a decoration through sublimation. In this example, the cylindrical shape is advantageous for facilitating the sublimation process as it allows the decoration to be applied smoothly around the miniature beverage container. Additionally, the keychain can be attached to a removable lid of the miniature beverage container. This advantageously avoids protrusions or cavities on the miniature beverage container and further allows the sublimation to be performed smoothly on the miniature beverage container.

[0050] In one aspect of the present invention, the beverage container is made of one or a combination of various materials. For example, the beverage container can be made of stainless steel. Stainless steel can be an advantageous because stainless steel is durable and typically does not react to beverages, unlike other metals. Other materials (e.g., plastic, silicon, glass, acrylic, aluminum) and combinations of materials can also be advantageous, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular material or a particular combination of materials.

[0051] In one aspect of the present invention, the beverage container has one or more structural features. For example, the beverage container can be double-walled. The double-walled feature of the beverage container can be advantageous for preventing condensation from forming on the outer surface of the beverage container, which may damage an ornamental decoration on the beverage container, and for insulating beverages in the beverage container. The double-walled feature of the beverage container can encompass the sides and the bottom of the first portion (e.g., beverage holding chamber) of the beverage container. Other structural features (e.g., single-walled feature) and combinations of features can also be advantageous, and the principles of the present invention are not limited to a particular feature or a particular combination of features.

[0052] The miniature tumbler can include a beverage holding chamber for holding a small amount (e.g., 1.5 oz, 3 oz, 4.5 oz, 5 oz, 6.5 oz, 7 oz) of liquid.

[0053] The language used herein has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter. It is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the various embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the present invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

[0054] As used herein, the term or may be construed in either an inclusive or exclusive sense. Moreover, the description of resources, operations, or structures in the singular shall not be read to exclude the plural. Conditional language, such as, among others, can, could, might, or may, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or steps.

[0055] Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. Adjectives such as conventional, traditional, normal, standard, known, and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in the future. The presence of broadening words and phrases such as one or more, at least, but not limited to or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent.

[0056] Reference in this specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, other embodiments, another embodiment, in various embodiments, or the like means that a particular feature, design, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearances of, for example, the phrases according to an embodiment, in one embodiment, in an embodiment, in various embodiments, or in another embodiment in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, whether or not there is express reference to an embodiment or the like, various features are described, which may be variously combined and included in some embodiments but also variously omitted in other embodiments. Similarly, various features are described which may be preferences or requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

[0057] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, it will be evident that the various modifications and changes can be made to these embodiments. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. The foregoing specification provides a description with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. It will be evident that various modifications can be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense.