U.S. patent application number 10/607419 was filed with the patent office on 2004-01-01 for trainer cup adapter lid for a beverage can.
Invention is credited to Flink, Christopher M., Reeves, Lauren H..
Application Number | 20040000551 10/607419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29782633 |
Filed Date | 2004-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040000551 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flink, Christopher M. ; et
al. |
January 1, 2004 |
Trainer cup adapter lid for a beverage can
Abstract
A lid for a rimmed beverage container. The lid has a body with a
circular periphery. A lower wall depends from the periphery of the
body portion in a first direction, and has an interior wall surface
defining a sealing feature operable to sealably engage the rim of
the container. A spout extends in a second direction from the body
portion, and defines a flow limiting facility to permit passage of
beverage fluids under suction, and to limit passage of fluids under
gravity. The flow limiting facility may be one or more apertures of
limited size, or a valve in the spout, and the wall may include
several different diameter sealing features, such that different
size containers may be used.
Inventors: |
Flink, Christopher M.;
(Menlo Park, CA) ; Reeves, Lauren H.; (Menlo Park,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Langlotz Patent Works, Inc.
Bennet K. Langlotz
Patent Attorney
P.O. Box 759
Genoa
NV
89411
US
|
Family ID: |
29782633 |
Appl. No.: |
10/607419 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60391755 |
Jun 26, 2002 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/258.3 ;
220/713; 220/714; 220/717 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2517/0049 20130101;
B65D 47/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/258.3 ;
220/714; 220/713; 220/717 |
International
Class: |
B65D 051/20; A47G
019/22 |
Claims
1. A lid for a beverage container having a rim comprising: a body
portion having a circular periphery; a lower wall depending from
the periphery of the body portion in a first direction; the lower
wall having an interior wall surface defining a sealing feature
operable to sealably engage the rim of the container; a spout
extending in a second direction from the body portion; and the
spout having a flow limiting facility operable to permit passage of
beverage fluids under suction, and to limit passage of fluids under
gravity.
2. The lid of claim 1 wherein the flow limiting facility is an
aperture of limited size.
3. The lid of claim 1 wherein the flow limiting facility is a
valve.
4. The lid of claim 1 wherein the lid is formed of a flexible
plastic material.
5. The lid of claim 1 wherein the sealing feature is a rib sized to
engage a gap below the rim of a can.
6. The lid of claim 1 wherein the spout protrudes from the body at
a position away from the center of the body.
7. The lid of claim 1 wherein the spout defines multiple
apertures.
8. The lid of claim 1 including a vent aperture defined in the
body.
9. The lid of claim 1 wherein the lower wall is tapered, and
defines a plurality of sealing features, such that several
different sizes of beverage containers may be accommodated.
10. A lid for a beverage container having an opening comprising: a
body portion having attachment means for removably sealably
engaging the container about the opening; and the body portion
having a flow limiting facility operable to permit passage of
beverage fluids under suction, and to limit passage of fluids under
gravity.
11. The lid of claim 10 wherein the flow limiting facility is a
valve.
12. The lid of claim 10 wherein the flow limiting facility is an
aperture with a width less than a selected threshold.
13. The lid of claim 10 wherein the aperture is defined in a spout
portion protruding from the body.
14. The lid of claim 10 wherein attachment means includes a skirt
having an inner rib operable to engage the rim of a convention
beverage can.
15. The lid of claim 10 wherein the skirt is flared, and defines a
plurality of ribs, such that several different sizes of beverage
containers may be accommodated.
16. The lid of claim 10 wherein the spout protrudes from the body
at a position away from the center of the body.
17. The lid of claim 10 wherein the wherein the body portion
defines multiple apertures, such that fluid may flow readily under
suction, but not in response to gravity.
18. The lid of claim 10 including a vent aperture defined in the
body.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This is a non-provisional application based on provisional
application No. 60/391,755, filed Jun. 26, 2002.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention is directed to spill-resistant
drinking vessels, and to accessories for beverage containers.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a lid for use in
combination with an aluminum beverage can, and specifically to such
a lid which permits beverage to be consumed with the lid in place,
while at the same time being constructed to resist spillage of the
beverage when the can is tipped, jostled or dropped.
[0004] A trainer cup (also commonly referred to as a sippy-cup) is
a cup or mug provided with a lid having a mouthpiece--usually a
spout--associated therewith. These products are well known and have
been designed to bridge the gap between the use of a baby's feeding
bottle and the use of a normal cup or glass by a young child. A
trainer cup will often be a child's first step in learning to feed
itself.
[0005] A trainer cup typically comprises an open-mouthed generally
cup-shaped container and a lid for the open-mouthed container. The
lid has a spout associated with it, and the lid may be removably
attached to the open-mouthed container. Some prior art arrangements
of trainer cups include lids with a spout containing an opening
typically in the form of a slot or a plurality of apertures. These
openings provide a flow passage for withdrawal of the contained
liquid and greatly reduce the amount of liquid that spills if the
container is tipped or overturned. Another approach to the problem
has been to provide a valved spout arrangement to further reduce
the amount of liquid that may spill.
[0006] Trainer cups are particularly useful when on the go--such as
when transporting a young child in an automobile, train, stroller,
or airplane for a prolonged period of time. These mobile
environments might become exceedingly messy were it not for
spill-resistant trainer cups. However, existing trainer cups are
easily forgotten, misplaced, lost, or made too dirty for continued
use on a particular outing. Existing trainer cups are generally
much too large to allow a parent to easily or comfortably keep a
spare in a purse, coat pocket, pant pocket or automobile glove
compartment.
[0007] Trainer cups may be filled with separately purchased fruit
juice or other beverages. This is done by removing--often by
unscrewing--the lid from the open-mouthed container and pouring a
beverage therein before replacing and tightening the lid and
offering the trainer cup to a young child. This process can seem
frustratingly time-consuming when dealing with an upset young
child.
[0008] Beverages such as apple, tomato, orange and other juices
that would be suitable for young children to drink are commonly
packaged in aluminum cans. Cans are an economical way to store and
sell beverages and are thus rather ubiquitous. Large varieties of
canned beverages are readily available in grocery stores, gas
stations, convenience stores, vending machines, street vendors,
restaurants, and even on airplanes. The cans are inexpensive,
portable, easily recycled, and don't pose the risk of shattering as
glass bottles may.
[0009] Consumers enjoy the convenience beverage cans offer and
commonly open and drink directly from such cans. Young children
often wish to emulate older siblings and adults and may become
fussy when offered a drink that does not closely resemble what
others have. Parents, however, hesitate to give canned beverages to
young children due to the risk of messy spillage and concerns that
the metal edge of the opening in the top of the can may pose a
hazard to the lips, gums or tongue of a young child who may be
teething.
[0010] Accordingly, besides the objects and advantages of the
trainer cups described above, several objects and advantages of my
present invention are:
[0011] to provide an adapter lid that will permit a young child (or
infirm adult) to drink from a conventional beverage can in the
manner he/she would from a spill-resistant trainer cup;
[0012] to provide an adapter lid that in combination with a
beverage can will provide trainer cup functionality, but that may
be manufactured at significantly lower costs than a complete
trainer cup assembly since no cup portion is needed;
[0013] to provide an adapter lid that is significantly more compact
and portable than entire trainer cup assemblies so that it may be
easily kept in a purse, pocket, glove compartment, etc. and be
placed on a beverage can upon purchase of the can;
[0014] to provide an adapter lid that stacks in a nested fashion
with identical adapter lids to minimize space needed at retail or
in storage at home or in transit;
[0015] to provide an adapter lid that shields the user's mouth from
the potentially sharp edges of the opening in the top of the
aluminum beverage can;
[0016] to provide an adapter lid that covers the top of the
beverage can to prevent a young child from accidentally breaking
off the aluminum opening tab and accidentally swallowing or choking
on it;
[0017] to provide an adapter lid that allows beverage to be drunk
with the lid in place but that will keep stinging insects such as
bees that might otherwise be accidentally swallowed out of the
beverage;
[0018] to provide an adapter lid that in combination with a
beverage can will provide trainer cup functionality, but that does
not require the cleaning of a cup before reuse since the can may be
recycled or otherwise disposed of;
[0019] to provide an adapter lid that in combination with a
beverage can will provide trainer cup functionality and fit into
typical cup holders within an automobile or other environment;
[0020] to provide an adapter lid that provides a means to help lift
up on the aluminum opening tab on the beverage can to assist in
opening the beverage before attaching the adapter lid itself;
[0021] to provide an adapter lid that is so inexpensive and
recyclable that it may be disposed of after a single use;
[0022] to provide an adapter lid that may be offered in a range of
colors so that children may more easily identify which is their
drink in a group setting such as a picnic or party;
[0023] to provide an adapter lid that provides a highly visible
surface suitable for displaying advertising messaging.
[0024] Still further objects and advantages will become apparent
from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.
[0025] The disclosed embodiments meet some or all of these
objectives by providing a lid for a rimmed beverage container. The
lid has a body with a circular periphery. A lower wall depends from
the periphery of the body portion in a first direction, and has an
interior wall surface defining a sealing feature operable to
sealably engage the rim of the container. A spout extends in a
second direction from the body portion, and defines a flow limiting
facility to permit passage of beverage fluids under suction, and to
limit passage of fluids under gravity. The flow limiting facility
may be one or more apertures of limited size, or a valve in the
spout, and the wall may include several different diameter sealing
features, such that different size containers may be used.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the invention.
[0027] FIG. 2 is a section view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0028] FIG. 3 is a section view of an alternative embodiment of the
invention.
[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further alternative
embodiment of the invention.
[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a still further alternative
embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED AND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 shows an adapter lid 11 constructed in accordance
with the invention. It is shown positioned over a conventional
aluminum beverage can 21 in combination with which it is intended
to be used. The adapter lid includes a top portion 12 and a side
portion or skirt 13. The top portion 12 has an aperture formed
therethrough, and the side portion 13 extends downwardly from the
top portion 12. The top portion is a circular panel, and the side
portion is a downwardly depending rim that flares slightly outward
as it depends from the periphery of the panel 12. The top portion
and the side portion define a unitary construction having an inner
side and an outer side. The adapter lid 11 may be constructed as a
unitary molded plastic part. The lid is formed of a slightly
flexible food-safe washable material such as polypropylene, with
more flexible alternatives being vinyl or rubber. The flexibility
permits slight stretching of the rim to engage and disengage from
containers, as will be discussed below.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, a rim-engaging annulus 14 is formed
between the top portion 12 and the side portion 13 on the inner
side. The annulus is essentially a rib that faces inward into the
space defined by the side portion 13, and defines an
inwardly-facing channel 20 above the annular rib. The rim-engaging
annulus 14 is configured to be releasably engagable with the rim 22
of a beverage can 21. When installed on a can, the rib 14 resides
below the rim 22, and the rim 22 resides within the channel 20.
[0033] A release lever 15 for aiding in the removal of the adapter
lid from the beverage can extends from the side portion 13 on the
outer side. The lever is a flat protrusion extending laterally from
the lower edge of the side wall 13, in a common plane with the
inner annular rib 14.
[0034] A mouthpiece spout 16 extends upwardly from the top portion
12 and communicates with the aperture formed through the top
portion. The spout is positioned well off center on the lid, toward
one edge opposite the lever 15. At the top of the mouthpiece spout
16 are a number of small mouthpiece apertures 18 that communicate
with the interior of the lid, and through which beverage may be
sipped. These mouthpiece apertures 18 may be set in a mouthpiece
recess 17 as shown to further minimize drips.
[0035] In operation, one uses the adapter lid 11 in combination
with a conventional beverage can 21. The user may convert a
conventional beverage can into a spill-resistant trainer cup by
assembling the adapter lid 11 to the top of the beverage can
21.
[0036] The can is preferably opened in a normal manner by lifting
up on the pull-tab 23 to create the can opening 24. If the user is
unable to easily grip the pull-tab (as is sometimes the case) or
does not wish to risk breaking a long fingernail, the release lever
means 15 may be employed to pry the pull-tab 23 up from the top
surface of the can. This may be accomplished by sliding the free
end of the release lever means 15 in between the pull-tab 23 and
the top outer surface of the can. This action will provide better
access to the pull-tab for the user's finger and will aid in the
opening process.
[0037] Once the beverage can 21 has been opened, the adapter lid is
pressed down over the top of the open can such that the
rim-engaging annulus 14 snaps over and fully engages the groove
below the can's rim 22 to create a seal. The flexibility of the lid
allows slight stretching of the rim, and/or compression of the rib
to allow it to pass over the can's rim. The lid should not be
excessively flexible, because the seal and connection between the
lid and the can should be tight enough to avoid unwanted removal by
a child. The mouthpiece spout 16 and the can opening 24 should be
substantially aligned for optimal performance.
[0038] The user may now drink beverage by sipping from the
mouthpiece spout 16 and drawing the liquid through the mouthpiece
apertures 18. The bottom of the can may be raised upwards as the
user keeps the mouthpiece spout in his/her mouth (tilting the
assembly so the beverage flows from within the can 21 into the
mouthpiece spout 16). Suction created by the user's mouth draws
liquid through the mouthpiece apertures 18 and into his/her mouth
for consumption. In between sips, air may flow through the
mouthpiece apertures to equalize or nearly equalize pressure in the
can. If the can 21 with adapter lid 11 on it is jostled or
overturned during use or transport, very little (if any) beverage
will be spilled due to the small spout apertures, and the closed
container that resists fluid flow by vacuum forces.
[0039] In the preferred embodiment, the apertures 18 are each of
limited size. This limits spillage because the surface tension of a
beverage will cause the apertures of an upended container to seal
the apertures against incursion of air. Thus, the vacuum lock
serves to prevent spillage of more than a minimal amount of the
beverage. Larger apertures may be suitable when a longer passage,
such as a straw, or extended spout bore, is employed. The aperture
must be smaller than a size that would allow fluid to be poured
from the lidded container.
[0040] When the user has consumed the contents of the can, the
adapter lid may be easily removed from the can 21 by an adult by
pulling upward on the release lever 15 until the rim-engaging
annulus 14 releases from the can's rim 22. The empty can may now be
recycled or otherwise disposed of. The adapter lid may be washed
and stored for repeated usage or likewise recycled or disposed
of.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows an adapter lid 11' that is adapted for
attachment to several different sizes of cans 21 with different
sized rims 22. This is accomplished by providing differently sized
channel recesses 20 in the inner surface of the side portion 13.
The recesses 20 are concentric to each other but spaced from each
other and occupy spaced apart planes parallel to the lid panel 12.
The recesses 20 are progressively large in diameter as they
progress away from the panel, and as the side portion 13 flares
outwardly. Each of the recesses has an inclined wall that is
inclined outwardly and an associated rim-engaging annulus 14a, b
& c. Each channel is sided to accommodate a different
convention beverage can size. For cans of significantly different
sizes, different lids may be required
[0042] In operation, one uses the FIG. 3 embodiment of adapter lid
11' in combination with a conventional beverage can 21 in a nearly
identical manner as one uses the preferred embodiment described
above. The adapter lid is pressed down over the top of the open can
such that one of the multiple rim-engaging annuli 14a, b, or c
snaps over and fully engages the can's rim 22 to create a seal. The
adapter lid will seat lower on smaller diameter cans and higher on
larger diameter cans. As conventional beverage cans may be offered
in a few different diameters that may be close enough to one
another to appear identical without careful inspection, the user
may assemble this adapter lid 11' to a beverage can without concern
for the can's size. Other aspects of operation are identical to
those described in detail above for the preferred embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a further alternative
embodiment of an adapter lid 11" constructed in accordance with the
present invention. It has a mouthpiece spout 16 provided with a
mouthpiece valve 31, which comprises a membrane 32 of resiliently
flexible material formed generally at its center with at least one
slit or other piercing 33 which is normally sealed. The membrane 32
is dished inwardly of the mouthpiece spout, but when suction is
applied, it is caused to invert to allow liquid to be drawn through
its slit(s) 33. The valve may be co-molded in place or it may be
assembled separately from the underside of the adapter lid. In
alternative embodiments, the flow limiting facility may be any
suitable means, including a bite valve such as found on water
carrier backpacks for outdoor recreational use.
[0044] In operation, one uses this embodiment of adapter lid 11" in
combination with a conventional beverage can 21 in an identical
manner as one uses the preferred embodiment described in detail
above. The valve 31 is intended to provide an added degree of
spill-resistance.
[0045] FIG. 5 shows a further alternative embodiment of an adapter
lid 11'". This embodiment includes an air-intake aperture 19
through the top portion 12 to allow air to flow into the system to
equalize or nearly equalize the pressure within the can 21 as
beverage is drawn out of the mouthpiece apertures 18 of the adapter
lid 11'". The air-intake aperture 19 is sized and positioned to
minimize the likelihood of any liquid leaking out through it during
use of the product, but a valved arrangement could alternatively be
employed to further reduce any potential leakage.
[0046] In operation one uses this embodiment of adapter lid 11'" in
combination with a conventional beverage can 21 in a nearly
identical manner as one uses the preferred embodiment described in
detail above. The air-intake aperture 19 allows the user to sip
from the mouthpiece apertures continually without a vacuum being
created within the beverage can 21 as fluid is withdrawn. Air,
which would otherwise need to flow into the can through the
mouthpiece apertures which may be blocked during continual sipping,
may enter through the air-intake aperture to equalize or nearly
equalize pressure within the system. Other aspects of operation are
identical to those described in detail above for the preferred
embodiment.
[0047] Although the description above is provided in terms of
preferred and alternative embodiments, these should not be
construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely
providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred
embodiments of this invention. For example, the adapter lid could
be constructed of other materials such as molded rubber, vinyl,
waxed paper, or formed aluminum. The adapter lid could employ
various other known means for providing spill-resistance such as a
narrow slit or slot instead of small apertures in the mouthpiece
spout, or a folding straw or folding integral tube arrangement
instead of the mouthpiece spout. The adapter lid could be a plug
that fits snuggly into the can opening rather than engaging the can
rim. The adapter lid could be formed of an elastic, resilient
material that could stretch to fit over the top of different sizes
of cans. The adapter lid could have walls that extend down from the
top portion around or into the can opening to minimize the contact
that the beverage makes with the outer surfaces (top) of the can
during use. The adapter lid could employ a resiliently flexible
O-ring to insure a tight seal between the adapter lid and can rim.
The adapter lid could be formed without a mouthpiece recess. The
adapter lid could be made in various sizes to accommodate all size
cans including very small ones. The adapter lid could have a
separate spill-proof valve assembly (as in known trainer cups) that
may be assembled to the adapter lid under the mouthpiece spout and
which can be disassembled for washing. The adapter lid may be
produced in any color.
[0048] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the
appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the
examples given.
* * * * *