U.S. patent application number 09/826270 was filed with the patent office on 2001-09-13 for elastomeric valve for spill-proof feeding devices.
This patent application is currently assigned to Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Aridgides, Steve, Harper, Donald L., McDonough, Justin E., Morano, Emanuel, Sinisi, John.
Application Number | 20010020623 09/826270 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23888101 |
Filed Date | 2001-09-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010020623 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McDonough, Justin E. ; et
al. |
September 13, 2001 |
Elastomeric valve for spill-proof feeding devices
Abstract
A feeding device, which is especially adapted for use by
infants, toddlers and the like, includes a drinking cup, a lid and
a flow control valve. The drinking cup includes a body and an
overmolding which partially covers the body to function as a bumper
and to provide gripping surfaces for a user. The lid has a
spoutless design which allows a user to simulate drinking from a
conventional open-mouthed cup and which also maximizes liquid
evacuation from the drinking cup. The flow control valve has a
polygonally-shaped body with a plurality of corners and a
liquid-dispensing nipple which is located in one of the corners so
that the flow control valve can be positioned adjacent to a
peripheral edge of the lid, thereby promoting the complete
evacuation of liquid from the drinking cup. The size, shape and
rigidity of the valve body inhibits it from being inserted into the
throat of a user or other individual.
Inventors: |
McDonough, Justin E.;
(Kenvil, NJ) ; Aridgides, Steve; (Yardley, PA)
; Harper, Donald L.; (Flemington, NJ) ; Morano,
Emanuel; (Totowa, NJ) ; Sinisi, John;
(Warminster, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Ralph W. Selitto, Jr.
P.O. Box 1477
Edison
NJ
08818-1477
US
|
Assignee: |
Johnson & Johnson Consumer
Companies, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23888101 |
Appl. No.: |
09/826270 |
Filed: |
April 4, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09826270 |
Apr 4, 2001 |
|
|
|
09475558 |
Dec 30, 1999 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 15/147 20130101;
A47G 19/2272 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A drinking cup, comprising a body and a single layer elastomeric
overmolding partially covering said body.
2. A drinking cup according to claim 1, wherein said body has a
closed bottom and an open top, said overmolding completely covering
said bottom of said body.
3. A drinking cup according to claim 2, wherein said body has a
sidewall extending between said top and said bottom of said body,
said overmolding partially covering said sidewall.
4. A drinking cup according to claim 3, wherein said overmolding
includes a plurality of ribs spaced apart on said sidewall of said
body, thereby forming a plurality of gripping surfaces.
5. A drinking cup according to claim 4, wherein said ribs extend
circumferentially about said sidewall of said body.
6. A drinking cup according to claim 5, wherein said sidewall of
said body includes a plurality of depressions, each depression
extending longitudinally along said body and being sized and shaped
so as to form a handgrip.
7. A drinking cup according to claim 6, wherein said overmolding
substantially covers each of said depressions in said sidewall of
said body.
8. A drinking cup according to claim 1, wherein said body is made
from a relatively brittle material and said overmolding is made
from a softer material which has shock-absorbing properties,
whereby said overmolding functions as a bumper for said body.
9. A drinking cup according to claim 8, wherein said overmolding
enhances the grippability of said body.
10. A drinking cup according to claim 9, wherein said overmolding
has skid-resistant properties.
11. A drinking cup according to claim 1, wherein said body is made
from a translucent material and said overmolding is made from an
opaque material.
12. A drinking cup according to claim 11, wherein said translucent
material is clarified polypropylene and said opaque material is a
thermoplastic elastomer.
13. A drinking cup according to claim 1, wherein said body is made
from a translucent thermoplastic material and said overmolding is
made from an opaque elastomeric material.
14. A drinking cup according to claim 13, wherein said translucent
thermoplastic material is selected from the group consisting of
polystyrene (PS), polystyrene-acrylonitrile (PSAN),
acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS), stryrene-maleicanhydride
(SMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylcyclohexane, and
copolymers and blends thereof.
15. A drinking cup according to claim 13, wherein said opaque
elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of
thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers, and copolymers and
mixtures thereof.
16. A drinking cup according to claim 1, wherein a bi-component
molding process is used to apply said overmolding to said body.
17. A drinking cup according to claim 16, wherein said bi-component
molding process results in a fusion bond between said body and said
overmolding.
18. A drinking cup according to claim 17, wherein said bi-component
molding process is a two-shot injection molding process.
19. A drinking cup according to claim 18, wherein said fusion bond
has a bond strength that is equal to or greater than the tensile
strength of said material of said overmolding.
20. A drinking cup according to claim 19, wherein said overmolding
is made from a thermoplastic elastomer and said body is made from
clarified polypropylene.
21. A drinking cup according to claim 20, wherein said
thermoplastic elastomer has a durometer value of about 50 A to
about 80 A.
22. A lid, comprising a substantially closed top having at least
one liquid-dispensing orifice therein and valve-receiving means
positioned below said top in communication with said at least one
orifice, said valve-receiving means being integral with an internal
sealing ring positioned adjacent to a peripheral edge of said
lid.
23. A lid according to claim 22, wherein said valve-receiving means
is a tubular sleeve.
24. A lid according to claim 23, wherein said sleeve has a free end
and at least one valve-engaging tab depending from said free end of
said sleeve.
25. A lid according to claim 24, wherein said free end of said
sleeve includes a plurality of valve-engaging tabs, each of said
tabs having an arcuate shape.
26. A lid according to claim 22, further comprising a raised rim
having sloping flanks which merge into said tip, said flanks
cooperating with said tip to form a pocket having a size and shape
selected to accommodate a user's nose.
27. A flow control valve, comprising a polygonally-shaped body
having a plurality of corners; a liquid-dispensing nipple
positioned in one of said corners of said body; a lower surface;
and rigidifying ribbing depending from said lower surface of said
body.
28. A flow control valve according to claim 27, wherein said nipple
includes a fluid passageway extending therethrough; a
small-diameter portion remote from said body; a large diameter
portion proximate to said body, said large diameter portion
communicating with said passageway and said small-diameter portion;
and a slitted diaphragm positioned within said small-diameter
portion of said nipple.
29. A flow control valve according to claim 28, wherein said nipple
includes an annular shoulder between said large-diameter portion
and said small-diameter portion.
30. A flow control valve according to claim 29, wherein said nipple
extends from an upper surface of said body.
31. A flow control valve according to claim 30, wherein said body
includes a handle depending from said lower surface.
32. A flow control valve according to claim 31, wherein said handle
has a fin-like shape.
33. A flow control valve according to claim 32, wherein said handle
includes a pair of ribs, one on each side of said handle.
34. A flow control valve according to claim 32, wherein said handle
includes a peripheral rib.
35. A flow control valve according to claim 30, wherein said body
has at least one hole extending therethrough from said upper
surface to said lower surface, said at least one hole being spaced
from said nipple.
36. A flow control valve according to claim 27, further comprising
a semi-circular collar disposed about nipple, said collar
cooperating with said nipple to form a semi-circular trough sized
and shaped to frictionally retain a free end of tubular member
depending from a lid into which said flow control valve may be
inserted.
37. A flow control valve according to claim 36, wherein said trough
has a bottom provided with at least one female member sized and
shaped to frictionally engage a mating male member.
38. A flow control valve according to claim 27, further comprising
plugging means for partially plugging said passageway in said
body.
39. A flow control valve according to claim 38, wherein said
plugging means includes a retaining strap pivotally attached to
said body, said retaining strap including a plug sized and shaped
so as to be removably received within said passageway in said
body.
40. A flow control valve according to claim 39, wherein said body
includes a plurality of cutouts and said plug includes a plurality
of cutouts, each cutout in said body communicating with said
passageway and being alignable with a corresponding cutout in said
plug when said plug is received within said passageway.
41. A flow control valve according to claim 40, wherein said
passageway includes a circular groove and said plug includes at
least one bead sized and shaped so as to be removably retained in
said groove when said plug is received within said passageway.
42. A flow control valve according to claim 41, wherein said
retaining strap has a first surface which faces said body when said
plug is received within said passageway, said plug extending from
said first surface.
43. A flow control valve according to claim 42, wherein said
retaining strap includes a second surface opposite said first
surface and a handle extending from said second surface.
44. A flow control valve according to claim 43, wherein said
retaining strap is connected to said body by a living hinge.
45. A flow control valve according to claim 27, wherein said flow
control valve has a monolithic construction.
46. A flow control valve according to claim 27, wherein said body
has a generally triangular shape.
47. A flow control valve according to claim 27, wherein said nipple
includes a flexible diaphragm having a slit extending therethrough,
the portion of said diaphragm adjacent to said slit being thicker
than the remainder of said diaphragm.
48. A flow control valve according to claim 27, wherein said nipple
includes a flexible diaphragm having a slit extending therethrough
and being of substantially uniform thickness.
49. A closure assembly for a cup, comprising a lid having a
substantially closed top with at least one liquid-dispensing
orifice therein and receiving means positioned below said top in
communication with said at least one orifice, said receiving means
being integral with an internal sealing ring positioned adjacent to
said peripheral edge of said lid; and a flow control valve having a
polygonally-shaped body with a plurality of corners and a
liquid-dispensing nipple positioned in one of said corners of said
body, said nipple being removably received within said receiving
means of said lid.
50. A closure assembly according to claim 49, wherein said
receiving is a tubular sleeve having a free end and at least one
tab depending from said free end of said sleeve.
51. A closure assembly according to claim 50, wherein said flow
control valve includes a semi-circular collar disposed about
nipple, said collar cooperating with said nipple to form a
semi-circular trough sized and shaped to frictionally retain said
free end of said sleeve.
52. A closure assembly according to claim 51, wherein said free end
of said sleeve includes a pair of arcuate tabs extending therefrom
and said trough has a bottom provided with a pair or arcuate slots,
each of said slots being sized and shaped to frictionally engage a
corresponding one of said tabs.
53. A closure assembly according to claim 52, wherein said lid
includes a raised rim having sloping flanks which merge into a tip,
said flanks cooperating with said tip to form a pocket having a
size and shape selected to accommodate a user's nose.
54. A closure assembly according to claim 53, wherein said flow
control valve has a monolithic construction.
55. A closure assembly according to claim 54, wherein said body of
said flow control valve has a generally triangular shape.
56. A closure assembly according to claim 49, wherein said nipple
includes a flexible diaphragm having a slit extending therethrough,
the portion of said diaphragm adjacent to said slit being thicker
than the remainder of said diaphragm.
57. A feeding device, comprising a cup having a body and an
elastomeric overmolding partially covering said body, said
overmolding being made out of a material different from said body;
a lid removably attached to said body and having a substantially
closed top with at least one liquid-dispensing orifice therein and
receiving means positioned below said top in communication with
said at least one orifice, said receiving means being positioned in
close proximity to a peripheral edge of said lid; and a flow
control valve having a polygonally-shaped body with a plurality of
corners and a liquid-dispensing nipple positioned in one of said
corners of said body, said nipple being removably received within
said receiving means of said lid.
58. A feeding device according to claim 57, wherein said lid
includes an internal sealing ring positioned adjacent to said
peripheral edge of said lid, said receiving means including a
tubular sleeve which merges into said sealing ring, said sleeve
having a free end and at least one tab depending from said free end
of said sleeve.
59. A feeding device according to claim 58, wherein said flow
control valve includes a semi-circular collar disposed about
nipple, said collar cooperating with said nipple to form a
semi-circular trough sized and shaped to frictionally retain said
free end of said sleeve.
60. A feeding device according to claim 59, wherein said free end
of said sleeve includes a pair of arcuate tabs extending therefrom
and said trough has a bottom provided with a pair of arcuate slots,
each of said slots being sized and shaped to frictionally engage a
corresponding one of said tabs.
61. A feeding device according to claim 60, wherein said lid
includes a raised rim having sloping flanks which merge into a tip,
said flanks cooperating with said tip to form a pocket having a
size and shape selected to accommodate a user's nose.
62. A feeding device according to claim 61, wherein said flow
control valve has a monolithic construction.
63. A feeding device according to claim 62, wherein said body of
said flow control valve has a generally triangular shape.
64. A feeding device according to claim 57, wherein said nipple
includes a flexible diaphragm having a slit extending therethrough,
the portion of said diaphragm adjacent to said slit being thicker
than the remainder of said diaphragm.
65. A feeding device according to claim 57, wherein said body is
made from a translucent thermoplastic material and said overmolding
is made from an opaque elastomeric material.
66. A feeding device according to claim 65, wherein said
translucent thermoplastic material is selected from the group
consisting of polystyrene (PS), polystyrene-acrylonitrile (PSAN),
acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene (ABS), stryrene-maleicanhydride
(SMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylcyclohexane, and
copolymers and blends thereof.
67. A feeding device according to claim 65, wherein said opaque
elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of
thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers, and copolymers and
mixtures thereof.
68. A feeding device according to claim 57, wherein a bi-component
molding process is used to apply said overmolding to said body.
69. A feeding device according to claim 68, wherein said
bi-component molding process results in a fusion bond between said
body and said overmolding.
70. A feeding device according to claim 69, wherein said
bi-component molding process is a two-shot injection molding
process.
71. A feeding device according to claim 70, wherein said fusion
bond has a bond strength that is equal to or greater than the
tensile strength of said material of said overmolding.
72. A feeding device according to claim 71, wherein said
overmolding is made from a thermoplastic elastomer and said body is
made from clarified polypropylene.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/475,558, filed Dec. 30, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to spill-proof feeding
devices, and, more particularly, to such vessels which are
especially adapted for use by infants, toddlers or handicapped
individuals.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Feeding devices, such as training cups, for infants, young
children and the like are often provided with a cap or other
closure having an apertured spout and an elastomeric valve designed
for actuation by a differential pressure or through deformation.
Some of these valves include a first valve member to control liquid
flow out of the spout and a second valve member to control air flow
into the vessel or cup (see, for instance, WIPO Publication No. WO
99/39617). The provision of two valve members is disadvantageous
because it doubles the sanitation and misfunction problems and
increases manufacturing costs.
[0004] In an effort to overcome the foregoing problems, elastomeric
valves have been proposed which employ a single valve member.
Typically, these valves employ a slitted membrane designed to
control the flow of both liquid and air therethrough (see, for
instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,621). The particular valve disclosed
in U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,621 is made from multiple parts, thereby
complicating manufacture, assembly and cleaning. Because some of
the parts are small, there is a safety problem if the valve
inadvertently comes apart during use.
[0005] All of the valves described above suffer from leakage and/or
spillage of liquid when there associated vessels are shaken,
dropped or abruptly inverted. Such leakage and/or spillage is
created by the sudden impact of liquid against the slitted valve
membrane, momentarily opening the membrane to allow the
unintentional passage of liquid. In the industry, this phenomenon
is commonly referred to as the "trampoline" effect.
[0006] One attempt to minimize the aforementioned "trampoline"
effect involves increasing the thickness and/or decreasing the area
of the active valve membrane. This solution has, however, decreased
the flow potential of a valve by increasing the differential
pressure or deformation force required to open it, while also
restricting the flow rate through the valve, thereby making it
harder for a user to drink therefrom.
[0007] Another attempted solution to the "trampoline" effect
problem involves encapsulating the valve in a cartridge. In the
past, this solution has required a cartridge or other housing with
multiple parts, resulting in a complex multi-piece assembly which
is subject to the same problems as those described above in
connection with U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,621.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a new and improved feeding
device which includes a novel drinking cup, lid and flow control
valve. The feeding device, which is especially adapted for use as a
trainer cup for infants, toddlers and the like, overcomes many of
the problems and disadvantages associated with the prior art
devices discussed above.
[0009] With respect to the new and improved drinking cup, it
includes a body and an overmolding which partially covers the body.
The overmolding performs a number of advantageous functions. For
instance, in addition to reinforcing the body of the cup, the
overmolding can be made from a softer material than the cup body,
whereby it functions as a bumper or shock absorber. Even if an
impact caused the cup body to crack or fracture, the overmolding
would capture the resulting fragments, thereby making for a safer
overall product. In one embodiment, the overmolding includes a
plurality of horizontal ribs which are spaced apart in a vertical
array and which extend circumferentially around the cup body. In
this embodiment, the material and design of the overmolding
cooperate to improve the grippability of the cup, especially when
it is wet. The cup can be rendered skid resistant by applying the
overmolding to the bottom surface of the cup. An attractive and
unique appearance can be achieved by making the cup body from a
translucent material, while making the overmolding from an opaque
material. When applied to the cup body in a distinctive pattern or
design, the overmolding functions as a permanent decoration.
[0010] The new and improved lid of the present invention has a
spoutless design which allows a user to simulate drinking from a
conventional open-mouthed cup. More particularly, the lid includes
a raised, arcuate rim formed from opposed sloping flanks which
merge into a tip provided with liquid-dispensing orifices. To allow
a user to drink therefrom without neck extension, the flanks
cooperate with the tip to form a pocket adapted to receive the
user's nose. The lid also has a receptacle for a flow control valve
which is positioned in close proximity to a peripheral edge of the
lid to thereby maximize liquid evacuation from an associated
cup.
[0011] Turning now to the new and improved flow control valve, it
has a polygonally shaped body with a plurality of corners and a
liquid-dispensing nipple positioned in one of the corners. By
positioning the nipple in a corner of the valve body, the flow
control valve can be positioned adjacent to the peripheral edge of
an associated lid, thereby promoting the foregoing objective of
maximum liquid evacuation. In a preferred embodiment, the valve
body has a generally triangular shape selected so as to deter its
entry into the throat of a user or other individual, even upon
folding or squeezing of the valve body. This safety feature can be
enhanced by molding the flow control valve as a unitary or
monolithic component, thereby eliminating small separate parts.
Because the flow control valve is typically molded from a
relatively soft and flexible material, such as silicone or some
other suitable elastomer, reinforcing ribs may be applied to the
valve body in order to increase its rigidity. To facilitate
assembly and disassembly, the flow control valve may be provided
with a handle. It is also possible to provide the flow control
valve with a strap and plug combination adapted to regulate the
flow of liquid through the nipple in a manner which avoids
excessive pressure surges that could cause the undesired
"trampoline" effect described hereinabove.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the present invention,
reference is made to the following detailed description of various
exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a feeding device
constructed in accordance with the present invention and comprised
of three basic components; namely, a drinking cup, a lid and a flow
control valve;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the lid and flow control
valve of FIG. 1 in an assembled state;
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view, looking from below, of the
flow control valve illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the flow control valve
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0017] FIG. 5 is cross-sectional view, taken along section line V-V
of FIG. 4 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of the flow
control valve shown in FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a rear elevational view of the flow control valve
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the flow control valve shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0020] FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the flow control valve shown
in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0021] FIG. 9 is side elevational view of the flow control valve
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line
X-X of FIG. 9 and looking in the direction of the arrows, with the
flow control valve being shown in a normal or relaxed position;
[0023] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10, except
that the flow control valve is shown in a deflected position;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a perspective view, looking from below, of an
alternate embodiment of the flow control valve shown in FIGS.
1-11;
[0025] FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the flow control valve
shown in FIG. 12;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line
XIV-XIV of FIG. 13 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of
the flow control valve shown in FIG. 13;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view, looking from below, of
another alternate embodiment of the flow control valve shown in
FIGS. 1-11;
[0028] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the flow control
valve shown in FIG. 15;
[0029] FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the flow control valve
shown in FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the flow control valve
shown in FIG. 15;
[0031] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the flow control valve
shown in FIG. 15;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the flow control valve shown
in FIG. 15;
[0033] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line
XXI-XXI of FIG. 20 and looking in the direction of the arrows, with
the flow control valve being shown in a non-operating position;
[0034] FIG. 22 is cross-sectional view, taken along section line
XXII-XXII of FIG. 20 and looking in the direction of the arrows,
with the flow control valve in its non-operating position;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 21, except
that the flow control valve is shown in an operating position;
[0036] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 22, except
that the flow control valve is shown in its operating position;
[0037] FIG. 25 is a perspective view, looking from above, of yet
another alternate embodiment of the flow control valve shown in
FIGS. 1-11;
[0038] FIG. 26 is a rear elevational view of the flow control valve
shown in FIG. 25;
[0039] FIG. 27 is a bottom plan view of the flow control valve
shown in FIG. 25;
[0040] FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the flow control valve shown
in FIG. 25;
[0041] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view, taken along section line
XXIX-XXIX of FIG. 28 and looking in the direction of the arrows, of
the flow control valve shown in FIG. 28;
[0042] FIG. 30 is a perspective view, looking from below, of an
alternate embodiment of the lid shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; and
[0043] FIG. 31 is a perspective view, similar to FIG. 30, showing
the flow control valve of FIGS. 25-29 assembled to the lid of FIG.
30.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a spill-proof feeding device 10
for infants, toddlers or handicapped individuals includes the
following components: a drinking cup 12; a lid 14; and a flow
control valve 16. Each of these components will be described in
detail below.
[0045] The drinking cup 12 includes a body 18 having a bottom 20,
which defines a closed end of the drinking cup 12, and an upper rim
22, which defines an open end of the drinking cup 12. The upper rim
22 of the cup body 18 is provided with external threads 24 for a
purpose to be described hereinafter. The cup body 18 also includes
a plurality of elongated depressions 26 in a sidewall 27 thereof,
the depressions 26 being spaced at equal arcuate increments about
the periphery of the sidewall 27. Each depression 26 extends
upwardly from the bottom 20 of the cup body 18 toward the upper rim
22, terminating short of the external threads 24. The depressions
26 are sized, shaped, and oriented so as to provide gripping
surfaces (i.e., handgrips) for the fingers and/or hands of an
infant or other user of the drinking cup 12. While useful, the
depressions 26 could be omitted, whereby the cup body 18 would
simply have a cylindrical shape.
[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the cup body 18 is made from a
thermoplastic material, such as clarified polypropylene marketed by
Basell USA, Inc. of Wilmington, Del. under the tradename PP-SR549M,
which has translucent properties so that the contents of the
drinking cup 12 can be viewed externally by an observer for liquid
type and level identification. As used herein, the term
"thermoplastic materials" is intended to mean resins, which do not
possess the properties of an elastomer, that repeatedly soften when
heated and harden when cooled. Of course, any other suitable
thermoplastic material having translucent properties could be used
for the cup body 18, including, but not limited to, polystyrene
(PS), copolymers of carboxylic acid monomers with ethylene,
polystyrene-acrylonitrile (PSAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene styrene
(ABS), stryrene-maleicanhydride (SMA), cellulose ethers,
polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene (PE), polyamides, polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene (PP), polyvinylcyclohexane, and
copolymers and blends thereof. The materials suitable for use in
making the cup body 18 are typically relatively brittle, especially
when cooled to below room temperature (e.g., immediately after the
drinking cup 12 has been removed from a refrigerator or the like).
As a result, when the cup body 18 is made from such materials, it
is susceptible to breakage or cracking when dropped.
[0047] To reinforce the cup body 18, it is provided with an
overmolding 28, which also performs other useful functions
described below. Structurally, the overmolding 28 includes a solid
base 30, which may either partially or completely cover the bottom
20 of the cup body 18, a plurality of relatively narrow, horizontal
ribs 31, which extend circumferentially about the sidewall 27 of
the cup body 18 at spaced intervals, and a plurality of relatively
wide, vertical ribs 32, one for each of the depressions 26. The
design of the overmolding 28 can be varied. For instance, the
generally horizontal ribs 31 and/or the generally vertical ribs 32
can be replaced or supplemented by horizontal and/or vertical ribs
having a plain shape or a particular pattern or design, such as a
variety of different geometric configurations selected to impart a
unique decorative look to the drinking cup 12. In order to maintain
a spacing between the base 30 and an underlying support surface
(e.g., a tabletop or a countertop), the base 30 may be provided
with a plurality of feet 33 (only one of which is visible in FIG.
1).
[0048] The overmolding 28 may be comprised of a thermoplastic
elastomer, a thermoset elastomer, a thermoset material, a
thermoplastic material, or copolymers or mixtures thereof. It is
preferable that the overmolding 28 be comprised of an elastomer,
i.e., a thermoplastic elastomer, a thermoset elastomer, or
copolymers or mixtures thereof. In a preferred embodiment of the
drinking cup 12 of the present invention, the overmolding 28 is
made from an engineered thermoplastic elastomer, such as vulcanized
rubber marketed by Advanced Elastomer Systems of Akron, Ohio under
the trademark SANTOPRENE 8271-75.
[0049] The overmolding material can be applied to the cup body 18
by any conventional bi-component molding process, including, but
not limited to, two-shot injection, insert molding or co-injection
molding. In addition, known conventional extrusion bonding
processes, such as co-extrusion or crosshead extrusion, can be used
to apply the overmolding material to the cup body 18. Conventional
welding processes can also be used to apply the overmolding
material to the cup body 18, including hot air welding, hot plate
welding, spin welding, sonic welding or induction bonding.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, a conventional two-shot injection
bonding process is utilized wherein the cup body 18 is molded from
the aforesaid PP-SR549M clarified polypropylene in a first shot
injection step. Next, during a second shot injection step, the
SANTOPRENE 8271-75 thermoplastic elastomer is applied and binded,
and preferably fusion bonded, to the cup body 18 to form the
overmolding 28. The aforesaid two-shot injection process is a
conventional process and is described in further detail in publicly
available technical literature provided, for example, by Advanced
Elastomer Systems of Akron, Ohio.
[0051] Because the materials used to make the overmolding 28 are
generally softer than the materials used to make the cup body 18,
the overmolding 28 improves the grippability of the drinking cup
12, especially when it is wet, and inhibits the drinking cup 12
from being slid along a support surface such as a counter top or
table top, thereby rendering the drinking cup 12 skid resistant. In
addition, the softer overmolding 28 functions as a bumper or shock
absorber, thereby inhibiting breakage especially when the drinking
cup 12 is cold. Even if the cup body 18 were to crack for any
reason, the overmolding 28 would capture the resulting fragments,
thereby making for a safer overall product. In addition, because
the overmolding 28 preferably forms a bond with the cup body 18,
and is thus not removable therefrom, it is not necessary to use an
adhesive between the overmolding 28 and the cup body 18 during
production. Moreover, due to the desirable elastomeric properties
of the elastomeric overmolding 28 and its ability to effectively
bond to the cup body 18, the drinking cups 12 of the present
invention need only possess a single layer of elastomer in the
overmolding. Although the thickness of this elastomeric layer may
vary depending upon, for example, the particular elastomer chosen
and the aesthetic effect desired, the thickness of the single
overmolding layer may range from about 0.040 inches to about 0.125
inches, e.g., from about 0.060 inches to about 0.070 inches. Last,
but not least, the overmolding 28 provides a layer of thermal
insulation, which inhibits condensation from forming on the
drinking cup 12, while also functioning as a permanent decoration
when it is applied to the cup body 18 in an aesthetically pleasing
pattern or design.
[0052] The following discussion provides information concerning the
criteria for the selection among the thermoplastic materials and/or
thermoset materials that may be used to make the cup body 18 and
the thermoplastic elastomers and/or thermoset elastomers that may
be used to make the overmolding 28.
[0053] As used herein, the term "elastomer" shall mean all
substances having the properties of natural, reclaimed, vulcanized,
or synthetic rubber. The term "thermoset materials" is used herein
to refer to resins that undergo chemical change during processing,
as a result of exposure to pressure and temperature over time to
become permanently insoluble, infusible, and hard; "thermoset
materials" do not possess the properties of an elastomer. Examples
of thermoset materials include, but are not limited to,
pulyurethanes, polyesters, phenolic materials and copolymers and
mixtures thereof.
[0054] A thermoplastic elastomer is a flexible elastomer that is
comprised of two or more polymers and provides substantially the
same performance characteristics as thermoset rubber, for example,
with respect to elongation, material softness (durometer) and
tensile strength, while offering substantially the same processing
benefits typically associated with traditional thermoplastic
materials, e.g., the material repeatedly softens when heated and
hardens when cooled. For example, thermoplastic elastomers can be
used in traditional injection molding, extrusion blow molding and
injection blow molding manufacturing processes and the process
settings (e.g., temperature and pressure) are very close to the
settings used for thermoplastic resins. There are two categories of
thermoplastic elastomers: engineered thermoplastic elastomers and
soft olefins.
[0055] Engineered thermoplastic elastomers ("TPEs") are a
combination of vulcanized rubber, typically an ethylene-propylene
thermopolymer rubber (ethylene propylene diene monomer "EPDM"),
with other polymers, such as polypropylene, to achieve performance
properties, e.g., elongation, softness (durometer) and tensile
strength, equivalent to those associated with traditional thermoset
rubbers while processing like a thermoplastic. TPEs are also known
as thermoplastic valcanizates, elastomer alloys, and dynamic
vulcanized alloys. Variation in durometer, or softness, is achieved
by varying the proportion of standard polypropylene in the
compound. The greater the proportion of polypropylene, the harder
the elastomer, i.e., the higher the durometer value. TPEs of
varying durometer (and thus of varying polypropylene content) are
publicly available from commercial suppliers, such as Advanced
Elastomer Systems. In a preferred embodiment, TPE used to make the
overmolding 28 has a durometer of about 50 A to about 80 A, e.g.,
from about 72 A to 77 A.
[0056] Soft olefins ("TPOs") are non-crosslinked rubber phase
styrenics (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene "SEBS",
styrene-butadiene-styrene "SBS", or styrene block copolymers
"SBC"), polyurethane elastomers ("TPUs"), copolyesters ("COPEs"),
polyamide elastomers (polyether block polyamides "PEBAs") and
copolymers and mixtures thereof. Variation in durometer, or
softness, is achieved by varying the proportion of mineral oil in
the compound. The added advantage of TPOs is that a wider range of
material softness and material clarity is available. For example,
the TPOs manufactured by and available from GLS Corporation, of
McHenry, Ill., range from a very soft 3 A durometer (almost gel
like) to a harder 90 A durometer. In comparison, SANTOPRENE TPE,
available from Advanced Elastomer Systems of Akron, Ohio, is not
available having softness values of less than 35 A durometer.
[0057] Both of the foregoing categories of thermoplastic elastomers
(i.e., TPEs and TPOs) can be used to bond to themselves or other
thermoplastic materials such as polystyrene (PS),
polystyrene-acrylonitrile (PSAN), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene
(ABS), stryrenemaleicanhydride (SMA), polycarbonate (PC),
polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene (PP),
polyvinylcyclohexane and many other resigns and blends thereof. The
selection between TPEs and TPOs depends upon the characteristics
desired in the finished product. For example, engineered TPEs are
preferred where achieving better heat stability and slightly higher
strength properties are deemed important. TPOs, on the other hand,
are preferred where softer durometer is desired and/or the product
design requires a clear material.
[0058] Thermoset elastomers are elastomers that undergo chemical
change during processing, as a result of exposure to pressure and
temperature over time to become permanently insoluble and
infusible. If excessive heat is added to a thermoset elastomer
after cross-linking is complete, the elastomer degrades rather than
melts. Examples of thermoset elastomers are natural and synthetic
rubbers such as latex, nitrile, millable polyurethane, silicone,
butyl, EPDM and neoprene, which attain their properties through
vulcanization. While thermoset elastomers can be used in some
two-shot injection applications, the strength of the bond obtained
between the thermoset elastomer of the overmolding 28 and the
thermoplastic material of the cup body 18, such as polypropylene,
is relatively inferior in comparison to the fusion bond created
between a thermoplastic elastomer and polypropylene, the preferred
thermoplastic material for the cup body 18.
[0059] Multi-component material drinking cups can be manufactured
by using any thermoplastic or thermoset elastomer in combination
with any rigid or semi-rigid material, either thermoplastic or
thermoset, by selecting the bonding process that provides the
adhesion characteristics desired for the particular application.
The level of adhesion achieved between materials depends on the
combination of the particular materials used and the bonding
process selected. The preferred level of adhesion for the present
invention is provided by a fusion bond being formed between the
elastomeric overmolding and the substrate thermoplastic
material.
[0060] More particularly, a fusion bond is a cohesive bond between
two materials wherein intermolecular interaction has occurred, at
least to some degree, at the interface between the two materials,
forming an interphase therebetween that is comprised of some of
each material. In order for fusion bonding to occur, it is required
that the two materials be chemically compatible and that they melt
at approximately the same temperature. For example, the PP-SR549M
polypropylene and the SANTOPRENE 8271-75 thermoplastic elastomer,
mentioned above, satisfy the foregoing requirements. There are many
degrees of fusion bonding, which can be tested and quantified
through conventional tensile testing. For example, as will be
discussed further hereinafter, in connection with the present
invention, one indicator that a fusion bond has been achieved is
where there is a cohesive failure, i.e., tearing or ripping, of the
elastomeric overmolding 28 prior to its separation from the
polypropylene cup body 18.
[0061] Commercial suppliers of TPE and TPO provide recommendations
for matching the proper grade of elastomer product (e.g., to be
used for the overmolding 28) to the specific substrate
thermoplastic resin being used (e.g., for the cup body 18) to
achieve a bond. The following recommendations are provided by GLS
Corporation of McHenry, Ill., for matching GLS Corporation's TPO
products to specific substrate thermoplastic resins.
1 Substrate Thermoplastic Resin GLS Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPO)
Polypropylene (PP) Dynaflex Polyethylene (PE) G2780, D2109
Polystrene (PS)/HIPS D3200 series ABS OM1040, OM1060, OM1262
Propionate OM2040, OM2060 Copolyester OM2040, OM2060
[0062] For thermoplastic elastomers that are commercially available
from Advanced Elastomer Systems of Akron, Ohio, a satisfactory
fusion bond is achieved using the SANTOPRENE 8000 series TPE and
VYRAM grades PTE for the overmolding 28 on a cup body 18 that is
made of polypropylene, polyethylene or nylon resins substrates.
[0063] TPEs achieve a preferable fusion bond when polypropylene
resin is used for the substrate thermoplastic material since most
TPEs are polypropylene based. The preferable bond strength may be
achieved when the TPE overmolding 28 fatigues, fails and tears,
before it can be pulled away from the substrate thermoplastic
material, i.e., away from the cup body 18, during tensile testing.
Such fatigue, failure and tearing of the TPE overmolding 28
indicates that the fusion bond between the TPE and the substrate
thermoplastic material is greater than the tensile strength of the
TPE. However, the actual bond strength value will differ depending
on, for example, the TPE grade, substrate resin selected, and
process conditions. More particularly, with respect to the present
invention, it is preferred that a fusion bond be achieved which has
a bond strength that is equal to or greater than the tensile
strength of the particular overmolding material that is selected.
In this regard, it should be noted that the softer the TPE or TPO
selected, the lower its durometer value, and thus the weaker the
bond between the substrate thermoplastic material and the TPE or
TPO.
[0064] For example, as discussed above in a preferred embodiment of
the present invention, SANTOPRENE 8271-75, a TPE product available
from Advanced Elastomer Systems, is overmolded onto a cup body 18
made of clarified polypropylene marketed as PP-SR549M by Basell
USA, Inc. These particular materials have been found to offer the
preferred bonding characteristics, while meeting the durability and
safety requirements of the present invention. The bond strength
between these two particular materials is greater than the tensile
strength of the thermoplastic elastomer. Thus, the thermoplastic
elastomer fails (i.e., fatigues or tears) before the fusion bond
between the two materials fails. These circumstances represent a
preferable fusion bond between the two materials.
[0065] As mentioned above, in a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, a conventional two-shot molding process may be utilized
to form the cup body 18 and apply the overmolding 28 thereto. Such
a two-shot molding process can be performed using a single machine
with two independent injection units, each of which dispenses a
different material. Alternatively, two separate conventional
molding machines may be used along with a rotating table to supply
parts from one machine to another in a step intermediate to the
first and second shot steps of the process.
[0066] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a
commercially available Engel 330 Ton bi-component injection-molding
machine with a robotic arm transfer may be used to perform the
two-shot molding process. The molding machine includes a first shot
molding cavity with an associated primary runner system, a second
shot molding cavity with an associated secondary runner system and
a robotic arm to transfer the molded cup body 18 from the first
shot molding cavity to the second shot cavity for application of
the overmolding 28 thereto. In this embodiment, the cup body 18 is
formed during a first shot molding step, wherein the first shot
molding cavity is closed and the first material (i.e., a substrate
thermoplastic material such as polypropylene) is shot through a
primary runner system, as in conventional molding processes, to
fill the first shot molding cavity and then allowed to cool. The
injection pressure under which the substrate thermoplastic material
(i.e., the polypropylene) is shot into the first shot molding
cavity should be between 1,000-1,200 pounds per square inch
("psi"). The injection temperature of the substrate thermoplastic
material should be between 400-420 degrees Fahrenheit (".degree.
F."). The cooling time for the molded polypropylene cup body 18 in
the first shot molding cavity is approximately 6-10 seconds. Next,
the first shot molding cavity opens and a robot removes the molded
polypropylene cup body 18 from the first shot molding cavity and
inserts it into a second shot molding cavity, whereupon the second
shot cavity closes. It should be noted that the temperature of the
molded polypropylene cup body 18 must be hot to the touch, i.e.,
100-160.degree. F., to achieve a preferable fusion bond with the
TPE during the second shot molding step.
[0067] The overmolding 28 is then applied to the cup body 18 during
the second shot step of this embodiment. In particular, the second
shot molding cavity is closed and the overmolding material (i.e.,
TPE) is shot through the secondary runner system in a conventional
manner and is molded into the overmolding 28. The injection
pressure under which the TPE is shot into the second shot molding
cavity should be between 400 psi and 1,800 psi, and preferably
between 1,000 psi and 1,400 psi. The holding pressure for the TPE
during this second shot step of the process should be between 400
psi and 1,800 psi, and preferably between 800 psi and 1,000 psi.
The injection temperature of the TPE should be between 300.degree.
F. and 450.degree. F., and preferably between 350-370.degree. F.
Lastly, the overmolded drinking cup 12 with the TPE overmolding 28
is allowed to cool for approximately 1-20 seconds, and preferably
for 3-7 seconds. After sufficient cooling, the second shot molding
cavity opens and the drinking cup 12 is ejected therefrom.
[0068] The factors affecting the quality of the TPE-polypropylene
fusion bond that results from the foregoing two-shot molding
process depends upon a number of factors, including, but not
limited to, the injection and hold pressure under which the TPE is
processed during molding, the injection temperature of the TPE, the
hold/cooling time of the TPE during the second shot process step,
and the temperature of the substrate thermoplastic material of the
cup body 18. The preferred ranges for these operating conditions
have been provided above.
[0069] By selecting a polypropylene based thermoplastic elastomer
(such as SANTOPRENE 8271-75 mentioned above) for the overmolding
28, and a polypropylene resin (such as PP-SR549M also mentioned
above) for the cup body 18, and by using a two-shot injection
molding process with the appropriate process operating conditions,
an effective fusion bond is achieved between the overmolding 28 and
the cup body 18. Ideally, the fusion bond between the TPE
overmolding 28 and the polypropylene cup body 18 is stronger than
the tensile strength of the TPE alone, i.e., the TPE will fatigue
or tear before the fusion bond fails.
[0070] The remaining components of the spill-proof feeding device
10 according to the present invention will now be described in
further detail. The lid 14 includes a raised, arcuate rim 34 formed
from opposed sloping flanks 36 which merge into a tip 38 provided
with orifices 40 designed to permit fluid flow therethrough in a
manner to be described hereinafter. The provision of the flanks 36
impart a basically spoutless design to the lid 14, while the size
and shape of the entire rim 34 are specifically selected to allow a
user to simulate drinking from a conventional open-mouthed cup. It
should be noted, in this regard, that the flanks 36 cooperate with
the tip 38 to form a pocket (P) adapted to receive the user's nose
(see FIG. 2).
[0071] With particular reference to FIG. 2, the lid 14 also
includes a circular skirt 42 which is provided with internal
threads 44 adapted to threadedly engage the external threads 24 on
the upper rim 22 of the cup body 18, whereby the lid 14 can be
removably applied to the drinking cup 12. A circular sealing ring
46 is positioned within the lid 14 in close proximity to the skirt
42. The skirt 42 and the sealing ring 46 are arranged
concentrically so that they can perform a function which will be
described hereinafter.
[0072] An internal, tubular sleeve 48 extends below the orifices
40, terminating in a lower edge 50. The sleeve 48 forms a generally
cylindrical socket 52 having a size and shape selected so as to
releasably receive the flow control valve 16 in a manner which will
be described in greater detail below. It should be noted that the
sleeve 48 actually merges into, i.e., is integral with, the sealing
ring 46 (i.e., there is no space between the sleeve 48 and the
sealing ring 46), whereby the sleeve 48 is located in close
proximity to the periphery of the lid 14 as defined by the skirt
42. Unlike prior art drinking cups, which employ lids having
sleeves that are not merged with their sealing rings, the drinking
cups of the present invention beneficially provide the users with
the ability to imbibe substantially all of the cups' contents as a
result of employing a lid having a sleeve 48 that is merged with
its sealing ring 46.
[0073] The lid 14 is preferably made from polyethylene or any other
suitable material. Unlike the cup body 18, the lid 14 is preferably
opaque so that the flow control valve 16 will not be visible
through the lid 14 when it is applied to the drinking cup 12.
[0074] In its most basic form as shown in FIGS. 1-11, the flow
control valve 16 includes a generally triangular-shaped body 54
with a substantially flat upper surface 56 and a substantially flat
lower surface 58. A fin-like handle 60 extends from the lower
surface 58 of the valve body 54. Linear ribs 62 extend outwardly
from opposite sides of the handle 60 for a purpose to be described
hereinafter.
[0075] A nipple 64 projects from the upper surface 56 of the valve
body 16 in the vicinity of one of its rounded apices. The nipple 64
has a lower, thick-walled section 66 and an upper, thin-walled
section 68, which is separated from the lower section 66 by an
annular inclined shoulder 70. Both of the sections 66, 68 have
truncated, conical shapes such that they taper upwardly away from
the upper surface 56 of the valve body 16.
[0076] The outer diameter and taper of the lower section 66 are
specifically selected so as to form a fluid-tight seal when the
nipple 64 is inserted into the socket 52 of the lid 14. The upper
section 68 is tapered in order to facilitate manufacture and
assembly, as will be described in greater detail below.
[0077] The upper section 68 of the nipple 64 includes a circular
diaphragm 72, which is provided with a slit 74 (see, for instance,
FIGS. 2, 5, 7, 8, 10 and 11) along a diameter thereof so that fluid
can flow through the nipple 64 in a manner to be described
hereinafter. For reasons which will also be described hereinafter,
in one embodiment of the present invention, the central region of
the diaphragm 72 has a greater thickness than the remainder of the
diaphragm 72. In this embodiment, in its normal (i.e., relaxed)
state or position, the diaphragm 72 is convex relative to the valve
body 54 and the slit 74 is closed (see FIG. 10). Upon deflection of
the diaphragm 72 in a direction away from the valve body 54, the
slit 74 opens so as to communicate with a passageway 76 which
extends through the valve body 54 and the nipple 64 (see FIG.
11).
[0078] The flow control valve 16 is preferably molded from silicone
or any other suitable elastomer, either a thermoplastic or a
thermoset. While such materials render the flow control valve 16
quite flexible, the size, shape, and rigidity of the valve body 16
are specifically selected so as to inhibit entry into the throat of
an infant or other user, even upon folding or squeezing of the
valve body 16.
[0079] In order to assemble the feeding device 10, the handle 60 of
the flow control valve 16 would be gripped between the thumb and
forefinger of an individual, who would then insert the nipple 64
into the socket 52 of the lid 14 until the upper surface 56 of the
valve body 54 engages the lower edge 50 of the internal sleeve 48.
It should be noted that the ribs 62 make the handle 60 easier to
grip, while the tapers on the lower and upper sections 66, 68 of
the nipple 64 facilitate insertion into the socket 52. As indicated
above, the tapered lower section 66 of the nipple 64 also forms a
fluid-tight seal when it is fully seated in the socket 52, thereby
inhibiting air or liquid to bypass the passageway 76 by flowing
around the nipple 64 rather than through it. Because the shoulder
70 and the upper section 68 do not come into contact with the walls
of the socket 52, the diaphragm 72 is isolated from any forces
applied to the nipple 64 when it is seated in the socket 52 of the
lid 14. Such isolation of the diaphragm 72 ensures that the slit 74
will not be opened inadvertently.
[0080] Before or after the insertion of the flow control valve 16
into the lid 14, the drinking cup 12 is filled with a desired
amount of liquid. Thereafter, the lid 14 is manually screwed on to
the upper rim 22 of the cup 12. When the lid 14 has been completely
tightened, its skirt 42 and sealing ring 46 sealingly capture the
upper rim 22 of the drinking cup 12 therebetween, thereby
inhibiting leakage of liquid through the threaded joint formed by
the threads 24, 44. The feeding device 10 is now ready to dispense
the liquid to a user.
[0081] In use, the feeding device 10 is gripped by a user or an
attendant and then lifted until the tip 38 is placed in the user's
mouth. As indicated above, the depressions 26 make the cup body 18
easier to grip, especially when the user is an infant or a
handicapped individual. Tilting of the drinking cup 12 causes the
liquid contained in the cup body 18 to flow into the passageway 76
of the nipple 64. When the user then creates a negative pressure
within the internal sleeve 48, such as by sucking through the
orifices 40, the liquid is drawn against the diaphragm 72, thereby
moving the diaphragm 72 from its normal position, in which the slit
74 is closed, to a deflected position, in which the slit 74 is
open. The decreased thickness of the diaphragm 72 at its outer
extremity (see FIG. 11) promotes the proper and complete opening of
the slit 74. As long as the slit 74 remains open, liquid can flow
through the passageway 76 in the nipple 64 and then out the lid 14
through the orifices 40 in the tip 38. The location of the nipple
64 and the orifices 40 in close proximity to the extremities of the
drinking cup 12 and the lid 14, respectively, allows maximum
evacuation of the liquid from the feeding device 10.
[0082] When the differential pressure acting of the valve drops to
a predetermined level, the diaphragm 72 automatically returns to
its normal or relaxed position, thereby closing the slit 74 and
preventing any further flow of liquid through the nipple 64. Air
is, however, allowed to be drawn back into the nipple 64 through
the slit 74 in order to equalize any pressure differential
occurring within the drinking cup 12 as a result of the liquid
dispensing operation described above. In the event that liquid is
trapped in the internal sleeve 48 between the orifices 40 and the
diaphragm 72, the trapped liquid flows back into the nipple 64
along with the air. Sealing of the slit 74 is promoted by the
increased thickness of the diaphragm 72 in the vicinity of the slit
74 (see FIG. 10). It is noted that, in an alternative embodiment,
the diaphragm 72 may be of substantially uniform thickness and have
a straight or flat, rather than concave, shape relative to the
valve body 54.
[0083] At the conclusion of a dispensing operation, the lid 14 can
be unscrewed from the drinking cup 12 to allow for easy cleaning of
the individual components. Cleaning is further facilitated by
removing the flow control valve 16 from the lid 14 and cleaning
these components individually. Removal of the flow control valve 16
can be accomplished quickly and efficiently by simply gripping the
handle 60 as described above and then pulling on it until the
nipple 64 of the flow control valve 16 is dislodged from the socket
52 of the lid 14. After all of the individual components have been
properly cleaned, the feeding device 10 can be reassembled as
described above in preparation for another dispensing
operation.
[0084] Each individual component of the feeding device 10 can be
replaced by similar or different components. For instance, the lid
14 can receive various different flow control valves. One alternate
flow control valve is shown in FIGS. 12-14, while other alternate
flow control valves are shown in FIGS. 15-24 and 25-29,
respectively.
[0085] What follows are descriptions of the three alternate flow
control valves referred to above. In describing these alternate
embodiments, elements which correspond to elements described above
in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1-11 will be designated
by corresponding reference numerals increased by one hundred, two
hundred and three hundred, respectively. Elements of the alternate
embodiments having no counterparts in FIGS. 1-11 will be designated
by odd numbered reference numerals. Unless otherwise specified, the
alternate embodiments are constructed and operate in the same
manner as the flow control valve 16 of FIGS. 1-11.
[0086] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, a flow control valve 116 includes
a generally triangular-shaped body 154 having an upper surface 156
and a lower surface 158. In order to rigidify the valve body 154,
the lower surface 158 is provided with peripheral ribbing 159
extending from one side of a fin-like handle 160 (which could be
rendered expendable by the ribbing 159) to an opposite side
thereof, as well as a central rib 161 bisecting the peripherally
ribbed portion of the lower surface 158 into two sections 163. The
enhanced rigidity of the valve body 154 ensures that the flow
control valve 116 will pass the most stringent small parts tests,
such as those required in the United States and Canada, which have
been promulgated to prevent the sale of products having parts that
can easily become lodged in an infant's throat.
[0087] As a further safety means, the flow control valve 116 is
provided with a pair of holes 165, one in each of the sections 163.
Each of the holes 165 can function as an emergency air passageway
in the event that the flow control valve 116 becomes lodged in a
user's throat. The holes 165 may also be sized and shaped to
receive the rack pins of an automatic dishwasher.
[0088] With reference now to FIGS. 15-24, a flow control valve 216
includes a generally triangular-shaped body 254 having an upper
surface 256 and a lower surface 258. A retaining strap 259 is
pivotally attached to one side of the valve body 254 by a living
hinge 261 (see FIGS. 18 and 21). If the retaining strap 259 is made
from a sufficiently flexible material, the living hinge 261 may be
eliminated.
[0089] The retaining strap 259 has a fin-like handle 260, which
depends from an upper surface 263 of the retaining strap 259. A
tapered plug 265, which will be described in greater detail below,
depends from a lower surface 267 of the retaining strap 259. The
plug 265 has a plurality of snap beads 269, whose function will be
described hereinafter, and a plurality of cutouts 271, whose
function will also be described hereinafter. While three snap beads
269 and three cutouts 271 are depicted, it should be understood
that their number could be reduced or increased within practical
limitations.
[0090] The lower surface 258 of the valve body 254 is also provided
with a plurality of cutouts 273, which cooperate with the cutouts
271 in a manner to be described hereinafter. The cutouts 273
communicate with a passageway 276 provided in a nipple 264
projecting from the upper surface 256 of the valve body 254. The
passageway 276 includes a circular groove 275 (see FIGS. 21 and
22), whose function will be described below.
[0091] Before inserting the flow control valve 216 into a cap, such
as the lid 14 of FIGS. 1-11, the handle 260 can be gripped to pivot
the retaining strap 259 about a pivot axis defined by the living
hinge 261 until the plug 265 is inserted into the passageway 276 in
the valve body 254. The insertion of the plug 265 is facilitated by
the fact that its taper matches that of the passageway 276. When
the plug 265 has been fully inserted into the passage 276 (see
FIGS. 23 and 24), the snap beads 269 are releasably received in the
groove 275, while the cutouts 271 are aligned with the cutouts
273.
[0092] In use, liquid flows around the edges of the strap 259,
through the aligned cutouts 271, 273 and into the passageway 276 of
the nipple 264. The liquid is then discharged from the nipple 264
through a slitted diaphragm 272, which operates in the same manner
as the diaphragm 72 of FIGS. 1-11. The retaining strap 259 promotes
proper operation of the diaphragm 272 by performing a damming
function which deflects the flowing liquid so as protect the
diaphragm 272 from excessive pressure surges that could be produced
if the liquid were allowed to impact the diaphragm 272 without
first being deflected. During a feeding operation, the cutouts 271,
273 create a siphoning effect that maximizes liquid evacuation.
[0093] At the conclusion of a feeding operation, the handle 260 can
be gripped and pulled, thereby dislodging the plug 265 from the
passageway 276. The flow control valve 216 may then be removed from
its associated cap. Of course, before dislodging the plug 265 and
removing the flow control valve 216, it would be necessary to
detach the lid from its associated cup. The ability to dislodge or
remove the plug 265 from the passageways 276 makes the flow control
valve 216 easier to clean.
[0094] Referring to FIGS. 25-29, a flow control valve 316 includes
a generally triangular-shaped body 354 having an upper surface 356
and a lower surface 358. In order to rigidify the valve body 354,
the lower surface 358 is provided with peripheral ribbing 359
extending from one side of a fin-like handle 360 (which could be
rendered expendable by the ribbing 359) to an opposite side
thereof, as well as a central rib 361 bisecting the peripherally
ribbed portion of the lower surface 358 into two sections 363. The
enhanced rigidity of the valve body 354 ensures that the flow
control valve 316 will pass the most stringent small parts tests,
such as those required in the United States and Canada, which have
been promulgated to prevent the sale of products having parts that
can easily become lodged in an infant's throat.
[0095] As a further safety means, the flow control valve 316 is
provided with a pair of holes 365, one in each of the sections 363.
Each of the holes 365 can function as an emergency air passageway
in the event that the flow control valve 316 becomes lodged in a
user's throat. The holes 365 may also be sized and shaped to
receive the rack pins of an automatic dishwasher.
[0096] As can be appreciated, the foregoing features are common to
the flow control valve 116 of FIGS. 12-15. The flow control valve
316 does, however, employ additional features which are not common
to the flow control valve 116 or to any of the other flow control
valve embodiments described above. These additional features will
be described hereinbelow.
[0097] The handle 360 includes its own peripheral ribbing 367 for
the purpose of rigidifying the handle 360. The peripheral ribbing
367 also makes the handle 360 easier to grip and therefore replaces
the ribs 162 employed by the handle 160 of the flow control valve
116 (see FIGS. 12-15).
[0098] The upper surface 356 of the flow control valve 316 includes
a semi-circular collar 369 which extends more than half way around
a nipple 364 forming a semi-circular trough 371, whose function
will be described hereinafter. A pair of arcuate slots 373 is
provided in the bottom of the trough 371 on opposite sides of the
nipple 364. Each of the slots 373 extends from the upper surface
356 of the valve body 354 to a lower surface 358 thereof for a
purpose to be described hereinafter.
[0099] Referring now to FIGS. 30 and 31, the flow control valve 316
is especially adapted for use with a lid 314, which is identical to
the lid 14 of FIGS. 1 and 2 except that it includes a pair of
arcuate tabs 375 on a lower edge 350 of an internal, tubular sleeve
348. The size and shape of the tabs 375 are complementary to those
of the slots 373 in the flow control valve 316. Thus, when the flow
control valve 316 has been assembled on the lid 314, the tabs 375
extend through the slots 373 (see FIG. 31) to provide a visual and
tactile indication that the flow control valve 316 has been
properly and completely inserted. The size and shape of the tabs
375 and the slots 373 can be varied, as long as they are
complementary to each other. For instance, the tabs 375 could be in
the form of round pins or posts, while the slots 373 could be in
the form of round holes.
[0100] The tabs 375 also cooperate with the slots 373 to increase
the interference contact between the valve body 354 and the lid
314, thereby reducing the possibility that the flow control valve
316 may be inadvertently dislodged from the lid 314. The
interference contact between the valve body 354 and the lid 314 is
further increased by the collar 369, which frictionally engages the
outer surface of the sleeve 348 when the sleeve 348 has been
inserted into the trough 371 between the collar 369 and the nipple
364.
[0101] It will be understood that the embodiments described herein
are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make
many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit
and scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications
are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as
defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *