U.S. patent application number 09/829893 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-10 for non-spillable beverage container.
Invention is credited to Li, Hongbiao.
Application Number | 20020145000 09/829893 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25255838 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020145000 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Li, Hongbiao |
October 10, 2002 |
Non-spillable beverage container
Abstract
A non-spillable beverage container. The container includes a
cover having a straw opening and a second vent opening. The vent
opening is covered by a diaphragm attached at a plurality of points
on the second vent opening. The diaphragm prevents the passage of
air through the vent opening. With the vent opening covered, liquid
contained within the container is locked within the container and
prevented from exiting through a straw inserted within the straw
opening. When a user inhales through the straw, air drawn through
the straw from the interior of the container causes the diaphragm
to bend downwardly and allow the passage of air into the container.
The liquid may then exit through the straw. When the user
discontinues inhaling through the straw, the diaphragm closes the
vent opening and prevents liquid from exiting via the straw.
Inventors: |
Li, Hongbiao; (Plano,
TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael L. Diaz
Michael L. Diaz, P.C.
555 Republic Drive, Suite 200
Plano
TX
75074
US
|
Family ID: |
25255838 |
Appl. No.: |
09/829893 |
Filed: |
April 10, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/709 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2231/022 20130101;
B65D 2205/00 20130101; A47G 2400/027 20130101; B65D 47/06 20130101;
A47G 21/18 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/709 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A non-spillable container, the container comprising: a beverage
container holding a liquid within an interior of the container; a
cover attached to the container, said cover having: a straw opening
sized to accommodate a straw; and a vent opening having selectably
closing means for preventing the passage of liquid and air through
said opening; and a straw inserted within the straw opening;
whereby the vent opening is biased closed when a user is not
drinking from the container and opens when the user inhales through
the straw causing the vent opening to be opened and liquid to pass
through the straw.
2. The non-spillable container of claim 1 further comprising a
sealing means for preventing seepage of the liquid from exiting
between an exterior portion of the inserted straw and the straw
opening.
3. The non-spillable container of claim 1 wherein the cover is
detachable from the beverage container.
4. The non-spillable container of claim 1 wherein the closing means
includes a diaphragm attached to the vent opening.
5. The non-spillable container of claim 4 wherein the diaphragm is
attached at a plurality of points located on an edge of the vent
opening, said diaphragm allowing entry through the vent opening
through a plurality of unattached points on the edge of the vent
opening.
6. The non-spillable container of claim 1 further comprising a tube
extending downwardly from the cover to the interior of the beverage
container, said vent opening being attached to the tube.
7. The non-spillable container of claim 6 wherein the vent opening
includes a diaphragm attached to the vent opening.
8. The non-spillable container of claim 7 wherein the diaphragm is
attached at a plurality of points located on an edge of the vent
opening, said diaphragm allowing entry through the vent opening
through a plurality of unattached points on the edge of the vent
opening.
9. The non-spillable container of claim 6 wherein the tube includes
a plurality of expandable petals, said petals biased in a closed
position preventing the passage of the liquid or air until the user
inhales through the straw, thereby opening the petals and said vent
opening.
10. The non-spillable container of claim 1 wherein the closing
means is a diaphragm having a slit, said slit allowing the passage
of air when the user inhales through the straw.
11. The non-spillable container of claim 1 wherein the straw
includes a plurality of closeable sections, whereby the sections
are biased closed to prevent the passage of the liquid through the
straw and the sections open when the user inhales through the
straw.
12. The non-spillable container of claim 1 wherein the straw
includes a closeable opening in which the opening is biased closed
until the user inhales through the straw.
13. A selectably closeable straw for use on a beverage container,
said straw comprising: a straw having an orifice running
longitudinally through a length of said straw; and closing means to
close a portion of the orifice, said closing means preventing the
passage of liquid through the orifice; whereby a user inhales
through the straw to open the orifice and allow the passage of
liquid through the orifice.
14. The selectable closeable straw of claim 13 wherein the closing
means is a plurality of expandable sections biased to an expanded
position to prevent liquid from passing through the orifice and
opening to allow the passage of liquid through the orifice when the
user inhales through the straw.
15. A non-spillable container, the container comprising: a beverage
container holding a liquid within an interior of the container; a
cover attached to the container, said cover having a straw opening
sized to accommodate a straw; a closeable vent opening biased to a
closed position to prevent the passage of air through said opening;
a straw inserted within the straw opening; whereby the vent opening
is biased closed when a user is not drinking from the container and
opens when the user inhales through the straw causing the vent
opening to open and allow the passage of air through the vent
opening.
16. The non-spillable container of claim 15 wherein the closeable
vent opening is located on the cover.
17. The non-spillable container of claim 15 wherein the closeable
vent opening includes a plurality of small openings attached to a
section of elastomeric material.
18. The non-spillable container of claim 15 wherein the closeable
vent opening includes a small opening attached to a section of
elastomeric material.
19. The non-spillable container of claim 15 wherein the closeable
vent opening is located on the beverage container.
20. The non-spillable container of claim 15 wherein the closeable
vent opening includes a slit opening biased to the closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Technical Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to beverage containers and, more
particularly, to a beverage container having a cover preventing the
inadvertent spillage of liquids contained within the beverage
container.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] It is quite common for a beverage container to be
accidentally tipped over, causing the liquid contents of the
beverage container to spill out of the interior of the beverage
container. Many times the beverage container is utilized in an area
where it is particularly undesirable to spill the contents, such as
within the interior of an automobile. In addition, the problem of
spillage is particular acute when dealing with children. Children
tend to be clumsy and not as cautious as adults, resulting in even
a greater risk of spillage of the beverage container. A beverage
container is needed which provides an effective and economical way
of preventing unwanted spillage of the contents of the beverage
container.
[0005] Although there are no known prior art teachings of a
solution to the aforementioned deficiency and shortcoming such as
that disclosed herein, prior art references that discuss subject
matter that bears some relation to matters discussed herein are
U.S. Pat. No. 4,441,640 to Lottick (Lottick), U.S. Pat. No.
5,018,635 to Whittaker (Whittaker), U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,705 to Lynd
et al. (Lynd), and PCT Patent Application Number PCT/CA92/00170 to
Castro (Castro).
[0006] Lottick discloses a non-spillable drinking container having
a resiliently flexible material with a drinking straw sealably
mounted therethrough. The drinking straw is moveable toward and
away from the bottom of the container. The lower end of the
drinking tube is provided with an elastic diaphragm connected to
the bottom of the container. Tension on the drinking straw away
from the bottom of the container causes the lower end of the tube
to be lifted away from the bottom and perforations in the diaphragm
to be stretched open to allow fluid flow through the perforations
in the diaphragm and out through the drinking straw. In the absence
of tension being applied to the drinking straw causes it to be
pulled away from the bottom of the container. Holding the container
upside down or the application of pressure on the walls of the
container will not cause liquid to leak from the non-spillable
drinking container. Although Lottick utilizes the diaphragm to
prevent the exit of liquids located in the container, Lottick does
not teach or suggest utilizing the second opening to regulate the
fluid exit from the container.
[0007] Whittaker discloses a fluid containment and access device
for use with a beverage container having an upper beaded rim and an
opening for flow of the contents from within the volume of the
container. Additionally the device includes a flexible lid, an
integral straw, and a vent with a closure. The lid fits securely
upon the top of the beverage container to form a fluid-tight seal.
The straw has a first end extending above the lid and a second end
that extends through the opening substantially to the bottom of the
container. The vent closure is moveable between a first position to
permit the flow of air into the container and a second position to
prevent the flow of air into the beverage container. Again,
although Whittaker discloses a beverage container having two
openings, a straw, and a means for opening and closing the second
opening to allow or prevent the flow of fluids from the straw,
Whittaker does not teach or suggest the opening and closing of the
second opening by inhaling through the straw. Whittaker requires
the manual opening and closing of the second opening.
[0008] Lynd discloses a bottle and drinking tube assembly for
dispensing liquids. The bottle has an open top body formed from a
resilient plastic material and adapted to be collapsed upon
application of moderate hand pressure and a cap for closing the top
through which the bottle is filled. An aperture is formed in the
cap for receiving an elongated drinking tube that extends to the
bottom of the bottle and has an end exterior of the bottle from
which the liquid is discharged. A fluid seal is formed between the
cap and tube. A selectively operable venting valve is also provided
in the cap to alternately permit airflow into the bottle enabling
the user to sip the liquid through the tube or to prevent fluid
outflow from the bottle when the bottle is collapsed to forcibly
expel liquid through the tube. Additionally, Lynd discloses a
container having two openings which includes an openable vent
located at the second opening. However, Lynd suffers from the
disadvantage of requiring the manual opening and closing of the
vent, rather than the opening of the vent being regulated by the
user's inhalation.
[0009] Castro discloses a non-spillable drinking cup having a
perforated cover and an internally and resiliently hinged flap for
closing the perforation in the cover. The perforation is located
adjacent the periphery of the cup for allowing the upper lip of the
user to downwardly press the cover to open the perforation.
Additionally, the cover cup includes a vent which opens when the
user is pressing against the cover with his lip. However, Castro
does not teach or suggest utilizing the inhalation of the user to
open the vent. Rather, Castro requires the downward pressure by a
user's lip on the cover to open the vent, which can be extremely
difficult for children to operate.
[0010] Thus, it would be a distinct advantage to have a device for
preventing the inadvertent spillage of liquids from the interior of
a beverage container, yet requires no additional manipulation by a
user of the beverage container. It is an object of the present
invention to provide such an apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In one aspect, the present invention is a non-spillable
container. The container includes a beverage container holding a
liquid within an interior of the container and a cover attached to
the container. The cover includes a straw opening sized to
accommodate a straw and a vent opening having selectably closing
means for preventing the passage of liquid and air through said
opening. A straw is inserted within the straw opening. The vent
opening is biased closed when a user is not drinking from the
container and opens when the user inhales through the straw causing
the vent opening to be opened and liquid to pass through the
straw.
[0012] In another aspect, the present invention is a selectably
closeable straw for use on a beverage container. The straw includes
a straw having a closeable orifice running longitudinally through a
length of the straw. When the orifice is closed, the liquid is
prevented from passing through the straw. When a user inhales
through the straw, the orifice is opened to allow the passage of
liquid through the orifice.
[0013] In still another embodiment, the present invention is a
non-spillable container. The container includes a beverage
container holding a liquid within an interior of the container and
a cover. The cover includes a straw opening sized to accommodate a
straw and a vent opening having a diaphragm covering the vent
opening. The diaphragm is biased to a closed position to prevent
the passage of air through the opening. In addition, a straw is
inserted within the straw opening. The vent opening is biased
closed when a user is not drinking from the container and opens
when the user inhales through the straw, causing the diaphragm to
open and allow the passage of air through the vent opening.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention will be better understood and its numerous
objects and advantages will become more apparent to those skilled
in the art by reference to the following drawings, in conjunction
with the accompanying specification, in which:
[0015] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of the container
having a cover in the preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover removed from the container
in the preferred embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover in an alternate embodiment
of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cover removed from
the container in a second alternate embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the cover in a third
alternate embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of FIG. 5 with the petals
opened outwardly when a user is drinking in the third alternate
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the straw
illustrating a fourth alternate embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0022] FIG. 7B is a front perspective view of the straw of FIG. 7A
illustrating the sections in an open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0023] The present invention is a beverage container preventing the
inadvertent spillage of liquids contained within the interior of
the beverage container. FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views
of the container 20 having a cover 22 in the preferred embodiment
of the present invention. The cover 22 includes a straw opening 24
having a straw 26 inserted within the opening. The cover 22 also
includes an orifice 28 covered by a diaphragm 30. Additionally,
seepage from an area around the outer surface of the inserted straw
and the straw opening may be optionally prevented by use of a
conventional sealing device 32 common in some types of beverage
container/straw combinations.
[0024] The cover 22 may be constructed of any material preventing
the seepage of liquids contained in the beverage container 20. In
the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover is
constructed of a conventional plastic material commonly used in
beverage container covers. Additionally, the straw 26 may be
constructed and configured similarly to any conventional straw used
in existing beverage containers. For the present invention to work
in its best mode, the cover 22 must provide an air tight seal
between the cover and the container to prevent air flow through the
edges of the cover. The beverage container may be any shape and
constructed of any material which allows liquid to be container
within the interior of the container.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a top view of the cover 22 removed from the
container 20 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
The diaphragm 30 covers the orifice 28 and is constructed of a
material preventing the transfer of liquid and air contained within
the container from exiting through the orifice. In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm is constructed
of an elastomeric material or any flexible material. The diaphragm
30, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is
affixed to the cover 22 on two edges 42a and 42b of the orifice.
Preferably, the edges 42a and 42b are affixed by a glue substance,
however, the diaphragm may be affixed to the orifice in various
configurations. Alternatively, the diaphragm may be integrally
constructed with the cover. In various other embodiments, the
diaphragm may be affixed to different points on the edges of the
orifice. Additionally, the orifice, as well as the diaphragm may be
any shape (e.g., square, triangle, etc.). In the preferred
embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm allows air to
enter the interior of the container when a user inhales through the
straw 26 (with the cover attached to the container 20).
[0026] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation of the
container 20 and the cover 22 will now be explained. A beverage is
contained within the interior of the container 20. The cover 22 is
affixed to the top of the container in a conventional manner,
preferably forming an air tight seal. The straw is inserted through
the straw opening 24. Preferably, the sealing device 32 or any
other sealing device is used to prevent seepage of the liquid from
exiting from around the outer surface of the straw and the straw
opening. The diaphragm 30 covers the orifice 28. When the cover is
placed on the container, an air tight seal between the outer edges
of the cover and the upper portion of the container is preferably
created. Additionally, since the orifice 28 is covered, the passage
of air is prevented through the orifice. The closure of the orifice
prevents liquid from exiting through the straw. By preventing the
passage of air through all openings except the straw, liquid is
prevented from exiting via the straw.
[0027] When a user of the container 20 wishes to drink, the use
inhales and sucks on the straw 26. By drawing air through the straw
from the interior of the container, the air pressure within the
interior of the container is decreased. Additionally, the diaphragm
is sucked inwardly toward the interior of the container. Since the
diaphragm is only attached at one or more points on the orifice 28,
the diaphragm flexes downwardly and air is allowed to enter the
interior of the container through points of the diaphragm not
attached to the orifice. By allowing air to enter the interior of
the container, the user can easily draw out liquid from the
container via the straw. Once the user discontinues inhaling on the
straw, the air pressure within the interior of the container is
equalized with the outside pressure, thereby allowing the diaphragm
to return to its original position (i.e., flat against the orifice
28). The diaphragm then prevents air from entering or exiting the
interior of the container through the orifice 28. Additionally, as
discussed above, the liquid is prevented from exiting through the
straw 26. Thus, when the container is not being used for drinking,
no liquids may exit from the container. Additionally, the user can
automatically drink from the container by merely inhaling (sucking)
on the straw. Thus, no additional manipulation is required by the
user.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cover 22 in an alternate
embodiment of the present invention. In this configuration, the
diaphragm 30 includes two cross slits 44. The slits may allow the
passage of air through the orifice while preventing the passage of
liquid from exiting through the orifice. Alternatively, the
diaphragm may have just one slit. Additionally, the diaphragm may
be completely connected with the orifice, rather than only being
connected at specific points along the edge of the orifice, as
discussed for FIG. 2.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 3, the operation of this alternate
embodiment will now be explained. As discussed above, the cover 22
is affixed to the top portion of the container 20. The straw 26 is
inserted into the straw opening 24. The diaphragm 30 covers the
orifice 28. Without the user inhaling on the straw, the contents of
the container cannot exit through the straw. The diaphragm prevents
air from entering the interior of the container, which prevents any
liquid from exiting through the straw. Additionally, the diaphragm
prevents the exit of any liquid through the orifice 28. When the
user desires to drink, the user inhales through the straw, thereby
causing air to be sucked outwardly from the interior of the
container. This outflow of air causes the slits 44 to be drawn
downwardly, thus providing an opening of the orifice 28. With the
orifice opened, air may enter the interior of the container. By
allowing the air to enter the interior of the container, liquid may
be drawn out through the straw by the user. When the user
discontinues use of the straw, the diaphragm returns to its
original position (i.e., closed). Thus, in the closed
configuration, no liquids may exit from the container.
[0030] Alternatively to utilizing the orifice 28, the cover may
include a covering 29 with a plurality of small holes 31. The
covering 29 may be constructed of an elastomeric material. When the
user is not inhaling through the straw 26, the covering 29 is in a
closed state whereby the holes are closed. When the user inhales
through the straw, air is drawn out from the interior of the
container, which causes the covering to flex downwardly. The
flexing of the covering allows the holes to open and air to pass
through the covering. In an alternate embodiment of the present
invention, one or more small holes may be located on the cover 22
or on the beverage container 20. The hole or holes must remain in a
closed position, yet open when the user inhales through the straw.
Any closeable opening may be used which is actuated to an open
position upon the inhalation by the user through the straw.
[0031] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the cover 22 removed
from the container 20 in a second alternate embodiment of the
present invention. In this version, the orifice 28 includes a
downwardly extending tube 50 having a small vent opening 52. The
tube provides an opening leading through the vent opening into an
interior portion of the beverage container (when the cover is
attached to the container). The tube opening includes a diaphragm
54 covering the vent opening 52. The diaphragm 54 may be affixed in
the same manner as diaphragm 30 (i.e., affixed at one or more
points along an edge of the vent opening). The diaphragm 54 is
preferably constructed of a flexible material preventing the
passage of liquids and air when in the closed position.
[0032] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 also works in a similar
fashion as discussed for FIGS. 1-3. The cover 22 is attached to the
container 20, forming an air tight seal. The orifice is covered by
the tube 50 extending into the interior of the container. The tube
includes the vent opening 52, which is covered by the diaphragm 54.
As with the diaphragm 30, the diaphragm 54 is preferably only
partially affixed to the vent opening. When the user is not
inhaling through the straw 26, the diaphragm 54 completely covers
the vent opening 52, thus preventing the exit of liquids within the
container and the entrance or exit of air. By preventing the flow
of air through the vent opening, the liquids contained within the
interior of the container cannot exit through the straw. When the
user inhales through the straw, air is drawn from the interior of
the container, causing the diaphragm to bend inwardly. This inward
pull of the diaphragm 54 allows air to pass through the vent
opening. With the allowance of the passage of air through the vent
opening, liquid contained within the container may then be drawn
out through the straw by the user.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the cover 22 in a
third alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this
alternate embodiment, the orifice 28 includes a plurality of
openable petals 60. Although FIG. 5 illustrates two petals, any
plurality of petals may be used. FIG. 5 illustrates the petals in
the closed position, preventing the passage of liquids or air flow.
In the closed position, no liquids or air passes through the
orifice 28. The petals are biased to the closed position.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of FIG. 5 with the petals
60 opened outwardly when a user is drinking in the third alternate
embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, when the user
inhales through the straw 26 (not shown in FIG. 6), the air
pressure within the interior of the container 20 is decreased,
thereby causing the expansion (opening of the petals 60). This
opening of the orifice 28 allows any liquid contained in the
container 20 to be sucked out through the straw. When the user
discontinues inhaling through the straw, the petals return to their
biased closed position, preventing the passage of air through the
orifice.
[0035] The tubes 52 and 60 may be integrally formed with the cover
22 or provide as separate inserts attached through the orifice 28.
In alternate embodiment of the present invention, the tubes may be
located on the beverage container side walls, rather than the
cover.
[0036] FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of the straw 26
illustrating a fourth alternate embodiment of the present
invention. The straw includes expandable sections 70. FIG. 7A
illustrates the sections in the closed position. FIG. 7B is a front
perspective view of the straw 26 of FIG. 7A illustrating the
sections 70 in the open position. The straw 26 may be used with the
cover 22 having the orifice 28 or with any conventional cover for a
beverage container. The sections are pivoted and biased to a closed
position depicted in FIG. 7A. The straw 26 provides additional
protection against accidental leakage of liquids contained within
the container.
[0037] In operation (referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B), when the user
is not inhaling through the straw, the sections 70 are collapsed to
the closed position. In this position, liquid may not pass through
the straw. When a user desires to draw liquid through the straw,
the user inhales and sucks liquid through the straw. The outflow of
air through the straw causes the sections 70 to expand outwardly,
allowing the liquid to pass through the straw. When the user
discontinues inhaling through the straw, the sections return to
their original closed position, thereby preventing the flow of
liquids through the straw. Although sections are illustrated in
FIGS. 7A and 7B, any closeable orifice which opens with the
inhalation of air through the straw may be utilized to prevent the
flow of liquid through the straw. Additionally, the sections may be
an inserted or integrally connected with the interior of the
straw.
[0038] The container and cover of the present invention provide
many advantages over existing beverage/cover system. The container
allows a user to confidently lay their beverage container down
without the fear of spilling liquid contained within the container.
Specifically, the container is biased to prevent any liquid from
spilling from the container. In order to drink from the container,
the user merely has to inhale through the straw. The cover 22
allows liquid to pass through the straw automatically by the user
inhaling through the straw. Existing beverage containers requires
the user to manually open and close openings when drinking is
desired. With the cover 22, the user merely inhales through the
straw to allow liquid to pass through the straw. When the user is
finished drinking, the container automatically returns to a closed
position preventing the passage of liquid from the container. Thus
the user need not perform any additional manipulation to open or
close the beverage container.
[0039] Additionally, the present invention provides additional
security against leakage from the straw by utilizing collapsible
sections to prevent the undesired passage of liquid through the
straw. Again, when the user wishes to drink, the user merely
inhales on the straw to allow passage of the liquid. The sections
automatically close when the user discontinues use of the
straw.
[0040] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of
the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing
description. While the apparatus shown and described has been
characterized as being preferred, it will be readily apparent that
various changes and modifications could be made therein without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the
following claims.
* * * * *