PORTABLE DRINKING ACCESSORY AND CASE AND KIT CONTAINING SAME

Abstract

A portable kit for utilizing a flavouring agent with a beverage contained in a beverage can may include a drinking accessory having a substantially annular body portion surrounding a central opening, an attachment portion configured to engage an upper rim of the beverage can and a flared drinking portion including a drinking sidewall extending axially away from the gripping portion in a first direction and terminating in a drinking rim configured to receive a flavouring agent. The kit can also include a portable, multi-chamber carrying case having a first container and a second container each configured to axially receive the drinking rim of the drinking accessory and a lid that is configured to releasably cover and seal the second upper end. The kit may be configurable in a transport configuration in which the containers are sealed and a use configuration in which the containers are accessible.

Claims

1. A portable kit for utilizing a flavouring agent with a beverage contained in a beverage can having an upper end with a top surface having a drinking opening and that is bounded by an upper rim, the kit comprising: a) a drinking accessory of unitary, one-piece construction for connecting to a beverage can having an upper end with a top surface that includes a drinking opening and is bounded by an upper rim, the drinking accessory comprising: i. a substantially annular body portion defining a body axis and having an inner surface surrounding a central opening and an opposing outer surface; ii. an attachment portion extending laterally inwardly from the inner surface of the body portion and being configured to engage an upper rim of the beverage can in a detachable, snap-fit manner to form a substantially liquid-tight seal between the attachment portion and the upper rim to mount the drinking accessory to the upper the beverage can with the central opening registered above the top surface of a drinking can, the attachment portion being configured so that when the drinking accessory is mounted to the upper rim the drinking accessory is rotatable relative to the beverage can with the body while maintaining the liquid-tight seal and registration of the central opening with the top surface; iii. a flared drinking portion including a drinking sidewall extending axially away from the gripping portion in a first direction and terminating in a drinking rim configured to receive a flavouring agent, the drinking rim having a first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section around the drinking rim, wherein when the drinking accessory is mounted to the upper rim with the first section rotationally registered above the drinking opening in the beverage can the drinking rim is rotatable with the attachment portion relative to the beverage can while attached to the upper rim to bring the second section into rotational registration with the drinking opening without detaching the drinking accessory from the beverage can; b) a portable, multi-chamber carrying case for separately carrying a liquid and a flavouring agent, the carrying case comprising: i. a first container having a first lower end bounded by a first base wall and a first sidewall extending axially from the first base wall to an open first upper end that is configured to axially receive the drinking rim of the drinking accessory, the first container having a first fastening portion; ii. a second container having a second lower end bounded by a second base wall and a second sidewall extending axially from the second base wall to an open, second upper end that is configured to axially receive the drinking rim of the drinking accessory, the second container comprising a second fastening portion that is releasably engageable with the first fastening portion; and iii. a lid that is configured to releasably cover and seal the second upper end; wherein the kit is configurable in a transport configuration in which the second fastening portion is engaged with the first fastening portion and the first upper end is covered and sealed by the second container and the second upper end is covered and sealed by the lid so that the first and second containers are sealed and fluidly isolated from each other; and a use configuration in which the first upper end and the second upper end are each accessible to enable axial insertion and removal of the drinking rim of the drinking accessory.

2. The kit of claim 1, wherein the drinking accessory further comprising a stabilizing portion including a flared stabilizing sidewall extending axially away from the gripping portion in an opposing second direction and terminating in a lower rim, the stabilizing sidewall being configured to at least partially laterally surround and closely compliment a shape of the upper end of the beverage can, whereby when the drinking accessory is mounted to the beverage can the stabilizing sidewall is closely spaced to the upper end of the beverage can and tilting of the drinking accessory relative to the drinking can is inhibited by interference between the stabilizing sidewall and the upper end of the drinking can.

3. The kit of claim 2, wherein the annular body portion has a smaller diameter in a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the body axis than each of the drinking rim and the lower rim.

4. The kit of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the body portion is exposed to be engaged by a user while the drinking accessory is in use and extends parallel to the body axis and the drinking sidewall and lower sidewall are inclined relative to the body axis.

5. The kit of claim 1, wherein the attachment portion comprises a laterally inwardly extending rib and a lip extending axially from the rib that cooperate to bound a mounting groove that is sized and configured to axially receive and retain the upper rim of the beverage can in a snap-fit manner.

6. The kit of claim 5, wherein the groove has a lateral width that is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

7. The kit of claim 5, wherein at least one of the rib and the lip are resiliently flexible and are configured to flex to accommodate axial insertion or removal of the upper rim from the groove and to bear and seal against the upper rim when the upper rim is received within the groove.

8. The kit of claim 5, wherein the drinking accessory is formed from a single plastic material and the substantially liquid-tight seal is formed by direct engagement between the attachment portion and the upper rim of the beverage can in the absence of a sealing member formed from a different material.

9. The kit of claim 5, wherein an exposed, laterally extending upper surface of the rib and an inclined, inner surface of the drinking sidewall intersect to define a shoulder portion that is configured to contact the beverage when the drinking accessory is in use.

10. The kit of claim 1, wherein one of the first container and the second container is configured to retain a liquid and the other one of the first container and the second container is configured to retain a granular flavouring agent.

11. The kit of claim 10, wherein the one of the first container and the second container that is configured to retain the liquid further comprises centrally located protrusion that extends upwardly from the respective base wall thereby defining a generally annular liquid flow region that is configured to accommodate the drinking rim of the drinking accessory.

12. The kit of claim 1, wherein the lid further comprises an outer surface that is exposed when the carrying case is in the transport configuration and that includes an accessory mount that is configured to releasably retain the drinking accessory.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein the accessory mount comprises at least two spaced apart clamping members extending from the outer surface and configured to releasably receive the drinking accessory in a press-fit manner.

14. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first container and second container are independently accessible.

15. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first container and second container are separable from each and independently movable when in the use configuration.

16. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion comprise complimentary threads that mesh with each other in a substantially liquid tight manner.

17. The kit of claim 1, wherein the first container has a generally cylindrical configuration with a first diameter in a lateral direction and the second container has a generally cylindrical configuration with second diameter in the lateral direction that is substantially equal to the first diameter.

18. The kit of claim 1, wherein the lid is connectable to the second upper end via a rotary, bayonet type fastening mechanism in which tabs on one of the lid and the second upper end can be rotatably received within corresponding slots on the other of the lid and the second upper end.

19. A portable, multi-chamber carrying case for separately carrying a liquid and a flavouring agent, the carrying case comprising: a) a first container having a first lower end bounded by a first base wall and a first sidewall extending axially from the first base wall to an open first upper end that is configured to axially receive a drinking rim of a drinking accessory, the first container having a first fastening portion; b) a second container having a second lower end bounded by a second base wall and a second sidewall extending axially from the second base wall to an open, second upper end that is configured to axially receive the drinking rim of the drinking accessory, the second container comprising a second fastening portion that is releasably engageable with the first fastening portion; and c) a lid that is configured to releasably cover and seal the second upper end; wherein the carrying case is configurable in a transport configuration in which the second fastening portion is engaged with the first fastening portion and the first upper end is covered and sealed by the second container and the second upper end is covered and sealed by the lid so that the first and second containers are sealed and fluidly isolated from each other; and a use configuration in which the first upper end and the second upper end are each accessible to enable axial insertion and removal of the drinking rim of the drinking accessory.

20. The carrying case of claim 19, wherein one of the first container and the second container is configured to retain a liquid and the other one of the first container and the second container is configured to retain a granular flavouring agent.

21. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein the one of the first container and the second container that is configured to retain the liquid further comprises centrally located protrusion that extends upwardly from the respective base wall thereby defining a generally annular liquid flow region that is configured to accommodate the drinking rim of the drinking accessory.

22. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein the lid further comprises an outer surface that is exposed when the carrying case is in the transport configuration and that includes an accessory mount that is configured to releasably retain the drinking accessory.

23. The carrying case of claim 22, wherein the accessory mount comprises at least two spaced apart clamping members extending from the outer surface and configured to releasably receive the drinking accessory in a press-fit manner.

24. The carrying case of claim 19, wherein the first container and second container are independently accessible.

25. The carrying case of claim 19, wherein the first container and second container are separable from each and independently movable when in the use configuration.

26. The carrying case of claim 19, wherein the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion comprise complimentary threads that mesh with each other in a substantially liquid tight manner.

27. The carrying case of claim 19, wherein the first container has a generally cylindrical configuration with a first diameter in a lateral direction and the second container has a generally cylindrical configuration with second diameter in the lateral direction that is substantially equal to the first diameter.

28. The carrying case of claim 19, wherein the lid is connectable to the second upper end via a rotary, bayonet type fastening mechanism in which tabs on one of the lid and the second upper end can be rotatably received within corresponding slots on the other of the lid and the second upper end.

29. A drinking accessory of unitary, one-piece construction for connecting to a beverage can having an upper end with a top surface that includes a drinking opening and is bounded by an upper rim, the drinking accessory comprising: a) a substantially annular body portion defining a body axis and having an inner surface surrounding a central opening and an opposing outer surface; b) an attachment portion extending laterally inwardly from the inner surface of the body portion and being configured to engage an upper rim of the beverage can in a detachable, snap-fit manner to form a substantially liquid-tight seal between the attachment portion and the upper rim to mount the drinking accessory to the upper the beverage can with the central opening registered above the top surface of a drinking can, the attachment portion being configured so that when the drinking accessory is mounted to the upper rim the drinking accessory is rotatable relative to the beverage can with the body while maintaining the liquid-tight seal and registration of the central opening with the top surface; c) a flared drinking portion including a drinking sidewall extending axially away from the gripping portion in a first direction and terminating in a drinking rim configured to receive a flavouring agent, the drinking rim having a first section and a second section spaced apart from the first section around the drinking rim, wherein when the drinking accessory is mounted to the upper rim with the first section rotationally registered above the drinking opening in the beverage can the drinking rim is rotatable with the attachment portion relative to the beverage can while attached to the upper rim to bring the second section into rotational registration with the drinking opening without detaching the drinking accessory from the beverage can.

30. The drinking accessory of claim 29, further comprising a stabilizing portion including flared stabilizing sidewall extending axially away from the gripping portion in an opposing second direction and terminating in a lower rim, the stabilizing sidewall being configured to at least partially laterally surround and closely compliment a shape of the upper end of the beverage can, whereby when the drinking accessory is mounted to the beverage can the stabilizing sidewall is closely spaced to the upper end of the beverage can and tilting of the drinking accessory relative to the drinking can is inhibited by interference between the stabilizing sidewall and the upper end of the drinking can.

31. The drinking accessory of claim 30, wherein the annular body portion has a smaller diameter in a lateral direction that is orthogonal to the body axis than each of the drinking rim and the lower rim.

32. The drinking accessory of claim 30, wherein the outer surface of the body portion is exposed to be engaged by a user while the drinking accessory is in use and extends parallel to the body axis and the drinking sidewall and lower sidewall are inclined relative to the body axis.

33. The drinking accessory of claim 29, wherein the attachment portion comprises a laterally inwardly extending rib and a lip extending axially from the rib that cooperate to bound a mounting groove that is sized and configured to axially receive and retain the upper rim of the beverage can in a snap-fit manner.

34. The drinking accessory of claim 33, wherein the groove has a lateral width that is between about 1 mm and about 5 mm.

35. The drinking accessory of claim 33, wherein at least one of the rib and the lip are resiliently flexible and are configured to flex to accommodate axial insertion or removal of the upper rim from the groove and to bear and seal against the upper rim when the upper rim is received within the groove.

36. The drinking accessory of claim 33, wherein the drinking accessory is formed from a single plastic material and the substantially liquid-tight seal is formed by direct engagement between the attachment portion and the upper rim of the beverage can in the absence of a sealing member formed from a different material.

37. The drinking accessory of claim 33, wherein an exposed, laterally extending upper surface of the rib and an inclined, inner surface of the drinking sidewall intersect to define a shoulder portion that is configured to contact the beverage when the drinking accessory is in use.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts, and in which:

[0106] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one example of a drinking accessory.

[0107] FIG. 2 is a top view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 1.

[0108] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 1

[0109] FIG. 4 is a side view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 1.

[0110] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 4, taken along section A-A.

[0111] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 1, wherein (a) the drinking accessory is positioned over a typical beverage can and (b) the drinking accessory is reversibly coupled to a typical beverage can.

[0112] FIG. 7 is the cross-sectional view of the drinking accessory in FIG. 5, wherein the drinking accessory is coupled to a typical beverage can.

[0113] FIGS. 8(a)-(f) illustrate top views of an example of the drinking accessory in FIG. 1 in use, wherein (a) is a typical beverage can, (b) is the drinking accessory before a flavouring agent is added, (c) is the drinking accessory after it has been “loaded” or “rimmed” with a flavouring agent, (d) is the loaded drinking accessory coupled to a beverage can, (e) is the loaded drinking accessory from FIG. 8(d) after the user has taken a drink from the beverage can, and (f) is the loaded drinking accessory from FIG. 8(e) after the user has rotated the drinking accessory in the direction of the arrow.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of a second example of a drinking accessory.

[0115] FIG. 10 is a top view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 9.

[0116] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 9.

[0117] FIG. 12 is a side view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 9.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the drinking accessory of FIG. 11, taken along section A-A.

[0119] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of one example of a carrying case;

[0120] FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the carrying case of FIG. 14;

[0121] FIG. 16 is a side view of the carrying case of FIG. 14;

[0122] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16;

[0123] FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17;

[0124] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 17;

[0125] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a lid for the carrying case of FIG. 14;

[0126] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one container from the carrying case of FIG. 14;

[0127] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of another container from the carrying case of FIG. 14;

[0128] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one example of a kit that includes the carrying case of FIG. 14 and the drinking accessory of FIG. 9 connected together; and

[0129] FIG. 24 is a side view of the kit of FIG. 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0130] Various apparatuses or processes will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus or process described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0131] The teachings described herein relate to a removable drinking accessory for beverage cans that can be secured to the top of a beverage can. The removable accessory may help facilitate the use of a rimming and/or flavouring agent, for example by allowing a flavouring to be placed on the drinking accessory, such that when the user drinks the beverage through the drinking accessory, the liquid of the beverage flows from the drinking opening in the top of the can and through the drinking accessory, where the liquid can pick up the flavouring coating the drinking accessory, to the user's mouth. The drinking accessory may also allow the user to drink the beverage from the can without the user's mouth coming into direct contact with the beverage can.

[0132] Preferably, the drinking accessory can preferably be rotated relative to the can, thereby allowing new portions of the drinking accessory to be brought into alignment/registration with the drinking opening in the top surface of the can. The device can optionally be removed from an open can, more flavouring can be added, and the drinking accessory can be secured back on the open can, without having to upset the contents of the can.

[0133] Optionally, the drinking accessory may be of integral, one-piece construction and may be configured to form a substantially liquid-tight seal with the beverage can without the need for a separate gasket or sealing member. This may help simplify construction and maintenance of the drinking assembly.

[0134] Optionally, the drinking accessory may also include a generally downwardly extend collar or stabilizing portion that can extend below the attachment location (e.g. below the rim of the beverage can) to engage other portions of the can. Preferably, such a stabilizing portion can be somewhat flared, with a wider lower opening, such that is may help guide or align drinking accessory with the rim of the can as it is being attached. This may help facilitate easier mounting of the accessory. The stabilizing portion may also be shaped to compliment the shape of the intended beverage cans and may have sidewall portion that is a generally similar shape and configuration to the outer surfaces of the intended can. In this arrangement, when the drinking accessory is attached to the can the stabilizing portion may be closely spaced to the outer surface of the can, and optionally may be in contact with the surface of the can. This may help resist tilting of the drinking accessory relative to the beverage can, as pivoting of the drinking accessory relative to its axis (and the longitudinal axis of the can) may be inhibited by the contact/interference between the sidewall of the stabilizing portion and the outer surface of the can. This may be helpful if a user uses the drinking accessory to hold or tip the combination of the drinking accessory and beverage can toward his/her mouth when drinking as it may help reduce the likelihood of the drinking accessory becoming unintentionally detached.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8, one example of a removeable drinking accessory 100 is illustrated. This drinking accessory 100 is show as being of unitary, one-piece construction and is configured to for connecting to a beverage can 102 (see FIG. 6). The beverage can 102 in this example includes an upper end 104 with a top surface 106 that includes a drinking opening 108 and is bounded by an upper rim 110. The drinking accessory 100 can be positioned to form a seal with the rim 110 of the can 102 that is substantially liquid-tight. This can reduce the chances of any of the beverage leaking out between the rim 110 and the drinking accessory 100 when in use. The drinking accessory may be configured to pair with any suitable type and size of beverage can 102. For example, the drinking accessory 100 may be configured to pair with a standard 355 mL aluminum beverage can, a 310 mL “slim can”, a 473 mL “tallboy” can, or a 740 mL “King can”.

[0136] Referring again to FIG. 1, in this example, drinking accessory 100 includes a body portion 120 that defines a body axis 122 and that has an inner surface 124 that surrounds and helps define a central opening 126, and an opposing outer surface 128 (see also FIG. 5). The body portion 120 is generally annular in this illustrated example so that it can generally match the shape of the beverages cans that is intended to be mounted on. Optionally, the body portion 120 may have a different shape in examples in which the accessory 100 is configured to attach to cans or containers that have a different shape (e.g. oval, etc.). In this example, the outer surface 128 of the body portion 120 is exposed to be engaged by a user while the drinking accessory 100 is in use and is generally planar and extends substantially parallel to the body axis 122.

[0137] Preferably, the drinking accessory 100 includes a gripping or attachment portion that is configured to help attach the drinking accessory 100 to a suitable beverage can. In this example the drinking accessory 100 also includes an attachment portion 130 that extends laterally inwardly (e.g. in a direction that is generally orthogonal to the axis 122) from the inner surface 124 of the body portion 120. The attachment portion 130 is configured to engage the upper rim 110 of the beverage can 102 in a detachable, snap-fit manner to form a substantially liquid-tight seal between the attachment portion 130 and the upper rim 110 to mount the drinking accessory 100 to the upper end 104 the beverage can 102. Preferably, the drinking accessory 100 can be mounted so that its central opening 126 is substantially, laterally aligned with and registered above the top surface 106 of a drinking can 102. In this position most of the top surface 106 remains visible and exposed when the drinking accessory 100 is mounted on the can 102. This can also allow liquid flowing out of the drinking opening 108 when the can 102 is tilted to flow through the central opening 126 in order to reach the mouth of the user/drinker.

[0138] Preferably, as described in more detail herein, the attachment portion 130 is configured so that when the drinking accessory 100 is mounted to the upper rim 110 the drinking accessory 100 is rotatable about its axis 122 relative to the beverage can 102 while maintaining the substantially liquid-tight seal and registration of the central opening 126 with the top surface 106. This may help the drinking accessory 100 be repositioned relative to the can 102 while in use, without requiring that the drinking accessory 100 be removed. This may be advantageous if the drinking accessory 100 is coated with a flavouring agent and/or is wet from having been exposed to the beverage as it may reduce the likelihood of the user's hands becoming soiled and/or unintentionally dislodging flavouring agent.

[0139] Preferably, the drinking accessory 100 also includes a drinking portion that extends generally upwardly from the attachment portion (as referenced when the drinking accessory 100 is mounted to the top of a can). The drinking portion includes a drinking rim and is configured to contact the lips of a user. Preferably, the drinking rim is generally smooth which may help increase user comfort and may help simulate the rim of a drinking glass. The rim is also preferably configured to receive and hold the rimming or flavouring agent. Optionally, the drinking portion may be flared so that it gets generally wider toward the drinking rim than it is at the attachment portion. This may help provide a drinking rim that has a larger perimeter/circumference than the rim 110 of the can 102 to which it is mounted. This may provide a somewhat more comfortable user experience and/or may also help the drinking accessory hold more of the rimmer/flavouring agent than would be possible if the rim 110 itself were directly coated. This flared or inverse tapered arrangement may be achieved using any suitable configuration, including by providing a generally smooth sidewall that is inclined relative to the accessory axis 122 and extends from the attachment portion 130 to the drinking rim.

[0140] In the illustrated example, the drinking accessory 100 has a drinking portion 132 that is provided in the form of a generally, flared upper portion that is connected to and extends up and away from the gripping or attachment portion 130. In this arrangement, the drinking portion 132 includes a sidewall 134 that has a lower end adjacent the attachment portion 130 and terminates at an upper, drinking rim 136 that extends along its top surface and is configured to be engaged by the lips of a user. The rim 136 is preferably configured such that a flavouring agent can optionally be placed on it. For example, the flavouring agent may be a liquid or gel-based agent and/or may be a generally granular type of seasons such as salt, celery salt, sugar, spices, or the like. When the accessory 100 is in use, the user's mouth will contact the rim 136 and liquid from the beverage can may flow across the rim 136, picking up flavouring placed on the rim 136 that is in the path of the liquid.

[0141] Optionally, the drinking accessory 100 may also include a suitable alignment and/or stabilizing portion that can extend below the attachment portion 130. This lower, stabilizing portion can be provided to help secure the drinking accessory 100 on the can 102, and optionally to help prevent unwanted tilting and/or detachment of the drinking accessory 100. The stabilizing portion may also help guide and/or align the drinking accessory 100 relative to the can 102 while it is being attached, such as by providing a tapered or inclined region that can help laterally align the drinking accessory 100 and can 102 as the accessory 100 is lowered onto the can in a generally axial direction. This lower, stabilizing portion may also be configured to provide additional outer surfaces that can help a user grip the drinking accessory 100. The lower portion may have an analogous configuration to the drinking portion 132 or may have a different configuration.

[0142] In the illustrated example, the stabilizing portion of the drinking accessory 100 includes a generally flared or widening lower portion 140 that includes a sidewall 142 that extends generally axially, downwardly and away from the attachment portion 130 and terminates in a lower rim 144. The stabilizing portion 140 is configured in this example so that it will at least partially overlap the upper end 104 of the can 102 in the vertical, axial direction. It is also configured so that the rim 144 has a larger diameter in the lateral direction than the central opening 126, and in this example the diameter of the rim 144 is also larger than the diameter of the drinking rim 136. In other examples, the drinking rim 136 may be equal to or larger than the lower rim 144. In this configuration (see FIGS. 3 and 4), the annular body portion 120 has a smaller diameter 150 in the lateral direction than the diameters 152 and 154 of the drinking rim 136 and the lower rim 144.

[0143] In this configuration, the stabilizing portion 140 is a generally fructo-conical section that tapers/narrows upwardly toward the attachment portion 130. When the drinking accessory 100 is being axially lowered onto the upper end 104 of the can 102 engagement between the can 102 and the sidewall 142 may tend to urge the drinking accessory 100 into lateral alignment with the can 102.

[0144] Preferably, the stabilizing sidewall 142 can be configured to at least partially laterally surround and closely compliment the shape of the upper end 104 of the beverage can 102, as shown in FIG. 7. In this configuration, when the drinking accessory 100 is mounted to the beverage can 102 the stabilizing sidewall 142 can be relatively closely spaced to the outer portions or surfaces of the upper end 104 of the beverage can 102. With this close lateral spacing, tilting of the drinking accessory 100 about the axis 122 relative to the drinking can 102 may tend to bring the sidewall 142 into contact with the outer surface of the can 102. This interference between the stabilizing sidewall 142 and the upper end 104 of the drinking can 102 may help inhibit tilting of the drinking accessory 100 while it is in use. This may help keep the attachment portion 130 in its desired position and orientation relative to the rim 110.

[0145] Preferably, the gripping or attachment portion 130 includes the mechanism and is configured to secure the drinking accessory 100 to the top of a beverage can 102. More preferably, the attachment portion 130 is the part of drinking accessory 100 that physically contacts the rim 110 and helps provide the substantially liquid-tight seal between the drinking accessory 100 and the can 102. In some embodiments, the gripping portion 130 engages with the top rim 110 of a beverage can 102 and the seal is only provided between the rim 110 and the engagement portion 130. Alternatively, the engagement portion 130 may also form a seal with other portions of the can 102, such as the top surface 106.

[0146] To help engage and seal against the rim 110, the attachment portion 130 preferably includes at least one generally laterally, inwardly extending rib that can contact and seal against the rim 110. This may be sufficient to provide a desired level of sealing in some examples. In other examples, the attachment portion 130 may also be configured to include one or more axially extending engagement or contact members, such as a lip member, that can work together with the rib to help provide the desired seal, engage the rim 110 and optionally form part of the interior drinking surfaces of the accessory 100.

[0147] In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, the gripping portion 130 includes an annular rib 156 that extends generally, laterally inwardly from the body portion 120 and into the central opening 126. The rib 156 is positioned on an interior surface of the gripping portion 130. The illustrated rib 156 is preferably configured to engage the radially outer surface of the rim 110 of a beverage can 102 (see FIG. 5). In some embodiments, the rib 156 provides a laterally inward, circumferential pressure against the outer surface 110a of the top rim 110 of a beverage can 102 to provide the desired seal. In other embodiments, the rib 156 may provide an outward pressure against the inner surface 110b of the top rim 110 of a beverage can 102. The rib 156, and optionally other relevant portions of the accessory 100 is sized to engage the rim 110 in a generally snap-fit or slight interference fit manner, and preferably may be sufficiently resilient to deform slightly when being attached or detached and to exert a sufficient contact pressure when in use, preferably without the need for a separate biasing member, sealing member (gasket, o-ring, etc.) or latch/fastening member. This can help facilitate relatively easy, one-step attachment and removal of the accessory 100. The absence of a separate sealing member may help simplify construction and/or maintenance of the accessory 100. That is, the drinking accessory 100 may be formed from a single plastic material and the substantially liquid-tight seal is formed by direct engagement between the attachment portion 130 (e.g. the rib 156) and the upper rim 110 of the beverage can in the absence of a sealing member formed from a different material. Alternatively, in some examples of the accessory 100 (or 1100 below) a gasket, o-ring or similar sealing member may be included to help seal against the rim 110.

[0148] Another example of a drinking accessory 1100 is illustrated in FIGS. 9-14. This accessory 1100 is generally similar to the drinking accessory 100 and like features are annotated using like reference characters indexed by 1000. In this embodiment, the gripping portion 130 comprises a generally laterally inwardly extending rib 1156 and also includes a generally axially extending, and generally annularly shaped lip 1158 that extends axially from the distal (e.g. laterally inner end) of the rib 1156. Both the rib 1156 and the lip 1158 form part of and are located on the interior surface of the gripping, attachment portion 130. This lip 1158 may also engage the can 102 (preferably the rim 110) and may help secure the drinking accessory 1100 onto the top of the can 102.

[0149] As illustrated in FIG. 13, in this example the lip 1158 and rib 1156 cooperate to bound a mounting groove 1160 that has a lateral width 1162 that is sized and configured to axially receive and retain the upper rim 110 of the beverage can in a snap-fit manner. In this arrangement, the mounting portion 1130 can have a generally L-shaped cross-sectional structure that with the lateral rib portion that extends away (generally inwardly) from the gripping portion 1130 and the axial lip portion that extends generally, axially downwardly (i.e. toward the top of the can 102 when the device is in use). In this example, the lip 1158 can bear and preferably seal against a laterally inner surface 110b of the top rim 110 of a beverage can 102, the rib 1156 can bear against and preferably seal against an upper edge of the rim 110 and an inner surface 1164 of the attachment portion 1130 that faces the lip 1158 can bear against an outer facing surface of the rim 110 when the accessory 1100 is snapped into place.

[0150] In this configuration, an inner face of the lip 1158 may come into contact with the liquid exiting the can 102 when a user is drinking from the accessory 1100. Similarly, a laterally extending upper surface of the rib 1156 and an inclined, inner surface 1166 of the drinking sidewall 1134 intersect to define a shoulder portion that is also configured to contact the beverage when the drinking accessory 1100 is in use. These surfaces may also help re-direct liquid that is running down the inner surface 1166 of the drinking accessory 1100 (for example, when putting the can 102 down after taking a sip) onto the upper wall 106 of the can 102 and/or toward the drinking opening 108 instead of trickling into the interface between the rib 1126 and the can 102. This may help reduce the chances of liquid leaking between the drinking accessory 1100 and the can 102.

[0151] In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the surface 1164 may provides an inward pressure against the outer surface 110a of the top rim 110 of the beverage can 102 and the lip 1158 can provide an outward pressure against the inner surface 110b of the top rim 110 of the beverage can 102. This combined inward and outward pressure against the top rim of the beverage can may help create a seal between the drinking accessory 1100 and the beverage can 102.

[0152] Preferably, while the drinking accessory is in use it can be rotated relative to the can when the drinking accessory is secured to the beverage can. For example, when drinking out of a conventional glass with an open upper end that includes a rimmer or flavouring agent, a user can rotate the glass so that different portions of the rim of the glass are in the drinking location, which can allow the user to consume the flavouring from the entire perimeter of the rim of the glass. However, a conventional beverage can includes only one opening for drinking, and therefore the user's lips tend to only touch one portion of the rim of the can—the section of the rim that is registered with the drinking opening 108. Making the present drinking accessory rotatable relative to the can may help facilitate rotationally moving different sections the rim of the drinking accessory into registration or alignment with the drinking opening 108 in the top of the can so that a user can enjoy all the flavouring on the drinking accessory while still holding the can in its preferred drinking orientation. While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory or mode of action, the configuration of the mounting portion 130/1130 and generally resilient nature of the material forming mounting portion 130 and 1130 may help facilitate rotation of the accessory relative to the can rim 110, while maintaining a substantially liquid tight seal between the drinking accessory and the can 102.

[0153] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of the drinking accessory 100 in use with a typical beverage can 102, and accessory 1100 may be used in an analogous manner. In this example, a rimmer or flavouring agent 168 can be placed around the rim 136 of the drinking accessory 100 by first dipping the drinking rim 136 into a liquid and then dipping the still wet rim 136 into a container holding the desired rimming agent (FIG. 7c). That is, in some embodiments, it may be preferable to first moisten the rim 136 of the drinking accessory 100 by dipping the rim 136 in water or another suitable liquid before the flavouring agent 168 is added, as this may make it easier for the flavouring agent 168 to stick to the rim 136. Once the flavouring agent 168 had been added or “loaded” on the rim 136 of the drinking accessory 100, the drinking accessory 100 can be mounted on the upper end of a beverage can 102 (FIG. 7) with a first section of the rim, such as section 170 aligned/registered with the drinking opening 108. When the user drinks the beverage, the liquid can pick up the flavouring agent as it flows over section 170 the rim 136 of the drinking accessory 100 to the user's mouth. As the user drinks the beverage, the flavouring agent 168 in a first section 170 of the rim 136 that is registered with the drinking opening 108 of the can 102 (and the user's mouth) is consumed (FIG. 7e). Once the flavouring agent 168 in the first section 170 of the rim 136 has been consumed, the user can rotate the drinking accessory 100 to bring a second section 175 of the rim 136 into registration with the drinking opening 108 of the can 102, thereby allowing the user to access more flavouring agent 40 (FIG. 7f). These steps can be repeated until all flavouring agent 40 has been consumed from the rim 25. Then, if the user desires, the drinking accessory 100 can be removed from the can 102, more flavouring agent 168 can be added, and the drinking accessory 100 can be re-mounted on the can 102 and the process repeated.

[0154] Optionally, the drinking accessory 100 is preferably of unitary construction and is formed from a sufficiently resilient, and generally rigid material (e.g., plastic), but may be made from other materials in some embodiments and may optionally be made from two or more pieces.

[0155] Optionally, a portable, multi-chamber carrying case can be provided for use with the drinking accessories described herein. The carrying case is preferably configured to include two or more separately accessible flavour reservoir chambers, optionally provided in different containers, which can allow a single carrying case to hold two or more different flavouring agents, preferably in fluid isolation from each other and without mixing. This can help prevent contained liquids from spilling or leaking and can help prevent contained dry ingredients and/or granular flavouring agents from being wetted or otherwise contaminated with liquid before their intended use. Optionally two or more dry containers/chambers can be provided, for example, a carrying case may include a quantity of salt in a first reservoir chamber, a quantity of sugar in a second reservoir chamber, and a quantity of celery salt in a third reservoir chamber.

[0156] Often, it can be easier for flavouring agents to stick to the rim of the drinking accessory if the rim is moistened before the flavouring agent is added. In some embodiments, the carrying case can include a liquid reservoir chamber for storing a suitable quantity of water, juice, or other liquid. Alternatively, the liquid reservoir could be filled with a quantity of liquid from within the beverage can by pouring a relatively small amount of the beverage from the can into the liquid reservoir. Preferably, the liquid reservoir is sized to allow the rim of the drinking accessory to be inserted into the reservoir and dipped in a relatively small volume of liquid contained therein. In some embodiments, the liquid reservoir could be configured to function as a storage compartment for the drinking accessory.

[0157] In some embodiments, the flavour reservoir chamber may also function as the storage chamber for the drinking accessory when not in use. In some embodiments, the rim of the drinking accessory may be positioned within the reservoir when in a transit/storage configuration within the carrying case. This may allow a single chamber to function as both a flavour reservoir and a storage compartment. Alternatively, the carrying case may have an externally accessible accessory mount and/or attachment mechanism such that a drinking accessory can be connected to an exterior surface of the carrying case so as to be transported in unison with the carrying case.

[0158] In some embodiments, the carrying case may also be configured to contain a quantity of a flavouring agent that can be applied to the rim of the drinking accessory. In some embodiments, the carrying case may also include a reservoir chamber that can hold a quantity of salt, spices, or other flavouring agents that a user may desire. In such embodiments, the reservoir may be configured to receive at least the rim of the drinking accessory, such that the user may dip the rim of the drinking accessory into the reservoir to load the flavouring agent onto the rim.

[0159] Referring to FIGS. 14-24, one example of a portable carrying case 200 for a drinking accessory kit is illustrated. In this example the carrying case 200 includes a first container 202 that provides a first chamber or interior having a first lower end 204 bounded by a first base wall 206 and a first sidewall 208 extending axially from the first base wall 206 to an open first upper end 210 that is configured to axially receive the drinking rim (such as rim 136 or 1136) of a drinking accessory (100 or 1100). That is, the generally circular first container 202 has a lateral width 212 (or diameter in this case) that is sized to be at least equal to, and preferably slightly greater than the diameter 152 or 1152 of the drinking rim 136 or 1136. The first container 202 preferably includes at least a first fastening portion that can be used to help attach the first container to other portions of the carrying case 200 as described herein. In the illustrated example, the first container 202 has a cylindrical first container side wall 208, and a first container rim is disposed along a top surface of the first container side wall 208.

[0160] The carrying case 200 in this example also includes a second container 220 having a second lower end 222 bounded by a second base wall 224 and a second sidewall 226 extending axially from the second base wall 224 to an open, second upper end 228 that is configured to axially receive the drinking rim of the drinking accessory, That is, the lateral width 230 (or diameter in this case) of the first container 220 is sized to be at least equal to, and preferably slightly greater than the diameter 152 or 1152 of the drinking rim 136 or 1136. Optionally, as shown in this example, the generally circular second container 220 has a width 230 that is about the same as the width 212 of the first container 202. This may help the carrying case 200 have a generally uniform width along its height and/or may help facilitate stacking of the containers 202 and 220 as shown. Alternatively, the widths 212 and 230 may be different. Optionally, in some embodiments, one or more container 202 and 220 may also be sized and shaped to accommodate the lower rims 144 and 1144 of the drinking accessories. This may allow substantially the entire drinking accessory 100 or 1100 to be received entirely within one of the containers 202 or 220, for example for internal storage within the carrying case 200. Optionally, one or both of the widths 212 and 230 may also be sized to accommodate the insertion of the rim of a conventional drinking glass or other such container. This may help facilitate use of the carrying case 200 and its contents in combination with glassware if available (for example if some guests at a gathering are using drinking glasses) while also enabling use with the drinking accessory 100 or 1100.

[0161] Preferably, the second container 220 can include a second fastening portion that is configured to releasably engageable with the first fastening portion on the first container to help join the containers 202 and 220 together.

[0162] A lid 232 is provided to generally match the size and shape of the upper end 228 o the second container 220 so that it can be positioned to releasably cover and seal the second upper end 228 when the carrying case is in use. The lid 232 is openable, and optionally detachable as shown.

[0163] In this example, the carrying case 200 is configurable in a transport configuration (FIGS. 14, 23 and 24) in which the second fastening portion is engaged with the first fastening portion and the first upper end 210 is covered and sealed by the second container 220 and the second upper end 228 is covered and sealed by the lid 232 so that the first and second containers 202 and 220 are sealed and their interior chambers are fluidly isolated from each other. The carrying case 200 is also preferably configurable in a use configuration (FIGS. 21 and 22) in which the first upper end 210 and the second upper end 228 are each accessible to enable axial insertion and removal of the drinking rim (e.g. 1136) of the drinking accessory (e.g. 1100).

[0164] Preferably, each container 202 and 220 is independently openable and closeable such that the first container 202 and second container 220 are separable from each and independently movable converting from the transport configuration to the use configuration. More preferably, one of the containers can be sealed by the lid 232 (the second container 220 in this example) while the other container (first container 202) may be sealed by engagement with the second container 220. This can help simplify operation of the carrying case and/or help reduce its overall size as a separate lid is not needed to seal the first container 202.

[0165] In the illustrated example, second fastening portion on the lower portion of the second container 220 includes a threaded portion 236 and the complimentary first fastening portion on the upper end of the first container 202 includes a mating or intermeshing threaded portion 238 (FIG. 18). This can allow the two containers to be threaded together to seal the first container 202 in a suitable manner, and unthreaded to provide access to the first container 202. Preferably, if the first container 202 is used to hold a liquid, the connection between the first and second containers 202 and 220 can be substantially liquid tight to help prevent leakage. The threads in this example may mesh tightly enough to prevent liquid from leaking out of the first container 202. That is, the second container bottom forms a substantially liquid tight seal with the rim at the upper end of the first container.

[0166] To close the upper end 228 of the second container 220 the lid 232 can be secured to the second container 220 using any suitable mechanism, including a press or snap fit. If the second container 220 is not intended to store liquids then the seal between the lid 232 and the second container 220 need not be liquid tight, although it may be in some examples. Optionally, instead of threads the lid may be secured to the second container 220 using any suitable type of fasteners or connectors. In the illustrated example the lid 232 is connectable to the second upper end 228 via a rotary, bayonet type fastening mechanism 240 in which tabs 242 (FIGS. 15 and 19) on the second upper end 228 can be rotatably received within corresponding slots 244 on the underside of the lid 232. Alternatively, the tabs 242 may be on the lid 232 slots 244 may be provided on the second container 220 (or a different attachment mechanism may be used).

[0167] Optionally, to help secure the drinking accessory with the carrying case 200 a suitable accessory mount or docking portion on a suitable area of the case 200. In the illustrated example, the lid 232 includes an outer surface 246 that is exposed when the carrying case 200 is in the transport configuration and that includes an accessory mount 248 that is configured to releasably retain the drinking accessory 1100 (FIGS. 20 and 23-24). The accessory mount 248 can be of any suitable configuration to receive a corresponding drinking accessory and may include at least two spaced apart clamping members extending from the outer surface 246 and configured to releasably receive the drinking accessory in a press-fit manner. In this example, the lid 232 includes three clamping members 250 that are spaced apart from each other in a generally triangular arrangement and are positioned on a circumference that is generally equal to the outer width of the lower rim 1144 (or 144). Alternatively, the clamping members 250 may be arranged and positioned on a circumference that is generally equal to the outer width of the drinking rim 1136. Optionally the docking portion may be configured so to receive either the drinking rim 1136 or lower rim 1144 such that the drinking accessory 100 can be connected to the lid 232 in either orientation.

[0168] Optionally, the one of the containers may include an internally positioned docking portion which, like the first docking portion, the second docking portion can be configured to receive the drinking accessory. For example, the second docking portion may include a raised circular central portion with an angled perimeter that is configured to receive the flared upper portion of the drinking accessory. In some embodiments, the second docking portion may also be configured to receive the lower portion of the drinking accessory, such that the drinking accessory 100 can be received in the second container 80 in either orientation.

[0169] Optionally, any of the containers that are configured to hold a liquid, such as the first container 202 in this example, may include some type of protrusion or other surface feature that rises above the base wall to help define a relatively smaller liquid flow region (i.e. smaller than the total foot print of the first container 202) so that a desired depth of liquid for dipping can be provided while using a relatively smaller amount of liquid than would be needed if the entire base wall of the container was flat and unobstructed. For example, in the illustrated example the first base wall 206 is shaped to include a raised portion that provides a protrusion 266 that extends upwardly from the plane containing the rest of the base wall 206. In this configuration, the first container 202 defines a generally annular liquid flow region 268 that is configured to accommodate the drinking rim 1136 of the drinking accessory.

[0170] Optionally, a suitable liquid retaining member can be positioned with liquid flow region 268 to help at least partially sequester and/or retain the liquid while the case 200 is in transit. The liquid retaining member may be any type of object that can temporarily retain, absorb or otherwise contain the liquid, while still allowing the liquid to be released and to be transferred to the drinking rim 1136 when in use. This may help reduce the sloshing or spilling or liquid while in transit. It may also help reduce the total amount of liquid needed to adequately coat the drinking rim 1136 and may help reduce the chances of the liquid spilling or pooling toward one portion of the case 200 if the case is jostled or is not level when in use. The liquid retaining member may have any suitable shape that is generally complementary to the shape of the liquid retaining container (e.g. first container 202 in this example). The liquid retaining member may optionally be removable for cleaning, replacement or the like. Some examples of suitable materials for the liquid retaining member may include a sponge, a plastic mesh, a cloth or fabric or the like. One schematic example of an annular liquid retaining member 270 is shown using dashed lines in FIG. 17. This liquid retaining member 270 is preferably made from a sponge material that can absorb liquid and then when contacted by the drinking rim 1136 the sponge can be compressed thereby releasing at least some of the liquid to coat the drinking rim 1136.

[0171] Preferably, a drinking accessory (including 100 or 1100 as described herein) may be provided with a suitable and complimentary carrying case to provide a portable kit for utilizing a flavouring agent with a beverage contained in a beverage can. The interconnectivity of the accessory and the carrying case may help as user more conveniently transport the pieces of the kit together. The relatively small and sealable nature of the carrying case may also help facilitate transportation of the a pre-loaded carrying case and/or help facilitate the return transport of a used carrying case while reducing the chances of spilling or leaking its contents. The complimentary sizing of the carrying case and drinking accessory may also help reduce the amount of liquid and flavouring agent that is used with the kit, as the containers are configured to closely match the size and configuration of the drinking accessory to provide a sufficient amount/depth of the liquid and flavouring agent without being oversized such that excess quantities of the rimming components are needed and/or wasted.

[0172] While the carrying case 200 is shown as being generally cylindrical when configured in the transport configuration, in other examples the carrying case may have a different shape when its pieces are attached together.

[0173] In the illustrated example, the liquid is shown as being stored in the lower container 202 while the granular seasoning is stored in the upper container 220. In other examples, the containers may be arranged differently such that the liquid container is located above the seasoning container when the case 200 is in its transport configuration.

[0174] In FIGS. 16-24 the case 200 is shown having two containers 202 and 220. Other examples of the case may include more than two containers. For example, a third container can be provided that is to be stacked on top of the second container 220 when the case is close. This additional container could be configured to hold any other items, and preferably could be configured to contain garnishes such as lemon wedges, lime wedges, pickles, celery stalks, beans and other types of garnishes that may be used in combination with the rimmed drinking accessory. In such an example, the second container 220 could be configured to threadingly engage the first container 202 as shown, but instead of being sealed by the lid 232 the upper end of the second container 220 could include a threaded portion that is analogous to that shown on the first container 202 in this example. The additional third container could then have the same configuration as container 220, such that it could threadingly engage the upper end of the second container and its upper end could be sealed by the lid. Alternatively, the containers 202 and 220 may have the same configuration as shown in the present figures, and one or more intermediary containers could be provided having upper and lower threaded regions such that they can be threadingly connected between the containers 202 and 220. The kits described herein may include one or more of these intermediary containers such that the case 200 may be configured to include 2, 3, 4 or more separate containers when in use. The user may then select a desired number of containers for a given use of the kit.

[0175] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments.

[0176] All publications, patents and patent applications referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety.