U.S. patent application number 10/404904 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-12 for cup assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to Playtex Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Randolph, Ross Steven.
Application Number | 20050098567 10/404904 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33158487 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050098567 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Randolph, Ross Steven |
May 12, 2005 |
Cup assembly
Abstract
A cup is provided having a lid with a spout defined by walls
tapered towards a distal end of the spout. The lid has handles
extending therefrom that are preferably formed of a first and
second material having different Shore A hardnesses to define a
rigid portion and a gripping portion.
Inventors: |
Randolph, Ross Steven;
(Rockaway, NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHARLES N.J. RUGGIERO, ESQ
OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO & PERLE, L.L.P.
10th FLOOR
ONE LANDMARK SQUARE
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Playtex Products, Inc.
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Family ID: |
33158487 |
Appl. No.: |
10/404904 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10404904 |
Apr 1, 2003 |
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29168356 |
Oct 1, 2002 |
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D476849 |
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29168356 |
Oct 1, 2002 |
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09908099 |
Jul 18, 2001 |
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6607092 |
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09908099 |
Jul 18, 2001 |
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09645975 |
Feb 4, 2000 |
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6422415 |
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09645975 |
Feb 4, 2000 |
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09019765 |
Feb 6, 1998 |
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6050445 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/710.5 ;
220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/06 20130101;
B65D 2251/02 20130101; B65D 2251/06 20130101; B65D 2543/00046
20130101; B65D 51/165 20130101; B65D 47/2031 20130101; A47G 19/2272
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/710.5 ;
220/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lid for a cup comprising: a lid body removably securable to
said cup; and a spout having an orifice, a front wall and a rear
wall, said spout being secured to said lid body, wherein said front
and rear walls are convex defining a substantially ellipsoidal
shape, wherein said front wall has a first radius of curvature,
wherein said rear wall has a second radius of curvature, and
wherein said first and second radii of curvature are substantially
equal.
2. The lid of claim 1, wherein said first and second radii of
curvature are between about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches.
3. The lid of claim 2, wherein said first and second radii of
curvature are about 5.0 inches.
4. The lid of claim 1, wherein said spout has a distal end and a
proximal end, wherein said distal end has a distal width of between
about 0.5 inches to about 0.9 inches and a distal depth of between
about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches, and wherein said proximal
end has a proximal width of between about 0.8 inches to about 1.2
inches and a proximal depth of between about 0.25 inches to about
0.75 inches.
5. The lid of claim 4, wherein said distal width is about 0.69
inches and said distal depth is about 0.20 inches, and wherein said
proximal width is about 0.97 inches and said proximal depth is
about 0.56 inches.
6. The lid of claim 1, wherein said spout has first and second side
walls, wherein said first side wall is inwardly tapered toward said
distal end at a first taper angle of between about 5.degree. to
about 18.degree., and wherein said second side wall is inwardly
tapered toward said distal end at a second taper angle of between
about 5.degree. to about 18.degree..
7. The lid of claim 6, wherein said first taper angle is about
12.degree. and said second taper angle is about 12.degree..
8. The lid of claim 1, wherein said front wall is inwardly tapered
toward said distal end at a third taper angle of between about
5.degree. to about 15.degree., and wherein said rear wall is
inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a fourth taper angle of
between about 5.degree. to about 15.degree..
9. The lid of claim 8, wherein said third taper angle is about
13.5.degree. and said fourth taper angle is about 13.5.degree..
10. The lid of claim 1, wherein said spout has a top wall with an
upwardly convex shape, and wherein said top wall has a third radius
of curvature between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches.
11. The lid of claim 10, wherein said third radius of curvature is
about 0.38 inches.
12. The lid of claim 1, wherein said spout has a height between
about 0.8 inches to about 1.8 inches.
13. The lid of claim 12, wherein said height is about 1.20
inches.
14. A lid for a cup comprising: a lid body removably securable to
said cup; and a spout having distal and proximal ends and an
orifice, said spout being secured to said lid body, wherein said
spout has a distal cross-sectional area A.sub.1 at said distal end,
wherein said spout has a proximal cross-sectional area A.sub.2 at
said proximal end, wherein said spout has a height h, and wherein
said spout has a rate of change of cross-sectional area equal to
(A.sub.2-A.sub.1)/h of between about 0.1 to about 1.0.
15. The lid of claim 14, wherein said rate of change of
cross-sectional area is about 0.27.
16. The lid of claim 14, wherein said spout further comprises a
front wall and a rear wall, and wherein said front and rear walls
are convex.
17. The lid of claim 16, wherein said front wall has a first radius
of curvature, wherein said rear wall has a second radius of
curvature, and wherein said first and second radii of curvature are
substantially equal.
18. The lid of claim 17, wherein said first and second radii of
curvature are between about 3.0 to about 7.0.
19. The lid of claim 18, wherein said first and second radii of
curvature are about 5.0 inches.
20. The lid of claim 14, wherein said distal end has a distal width
of between about 0.5 inches to about 0.9 inches and a distal depth
of between about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches, and wherein said
proximal end has a proximal width of between about 0.8 inches to
about 1.2 inches and a proximal depth of between about 0.25 inches
to about 0.75 inches.
21. The lid of claim 20, wherein said distal width is about 0.69
inches and said distal depth is about 0.20 inches, and wherein said
proximal width is about 0.97 inches and said proximal depth is
about 0.56 inches.
22. The lid of claim 14, wherein said spout further comprises first
and second side walls, wherein said first side wall is inwardly
tapered toward said distal end at a first taper angle of between
about 5.degree. to about 18.degree., and wherein said second side
wall is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a second taper
angle of between about 5.degree. to about 18.degree..
23. The lid of claim 22, wherein said first taper angle is about
12.degree. and said second taper angle is about 12.degree..
24. The lid of claim 14, wherein said spout further comprises front
and rear walls, wherein said front wall is inwardly tapered toward
said distal end at a third taper angle of between about 5.degree.
to about 15.degree., and wherein said rear wall is inwardly tapered
toward said distal end at a fourth taper angle of between about
5.degree. to about 15.degree..
25. The lid of claim 24, wherein said third taper angle is about
13.5.degree. and said fourth taper angle is about 13.5.degree..
26. The lid of claim 14, wherein said spout has a top wall with an
upwardly convex shape, and wherein said top wall has a third radius
of curvature between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches.
27. The lid of claim 26, wherein said third radius of curvature is
about 0.38 inches.
28. The lid of claim 24, wherein said spout has a height between
about 0.8 inches to about 1.8 inches.
29. The lid of claim 28, wherein said height is about 1.20
inches.
30. A cup assembly comprising: a cup defining an inner volume; a
lid threadingly securable to said cup; and a spout having distal
and proximal ends, an orifice, top, front and rear walls, and first
and second side walls, said spout being secured to said lid, said
orifice being disposed through said top wall and in fluid
communication with said inner volume when said lid is secured to
said cup, wherein said front wall has an outwardly convex shape and
is inwardly tapered toward said distal end, wherein said rear wall
is inwardly tapered toward said distal end, wherein said first side
wall is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a first taper
angle, wherein said second side wall is inwardly tapered toward
said distal end at a second taper angle, and wherein said first
taper angle substantially equals said second taper angle.
31. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said top wall has an
upwardly arcuate shape.
32. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said rear wall is at
least partially outwardly convex.
33. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said spout further
comprises chamfered edges disposed between said top wall, said
front wall, said rear wall, said first side wall and said second
side wall.
34. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said lid has an upwardly
dome-like shape.
35. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said distal end has a
distal width of about 0.69 inches and a distal depth of about 0.20
inches, and wherein said proximal end has a proximal width of about
0.97 inches and a proximal depth of about 0.56 inches.
36. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said height is about 1.20
inches.
37. The cup assembly of claim 30, wherein said lid has a vent hole
formed therein, said vent hole being in fluid communication with
said inner volume.
38. The cup assembly of claim 37, further comprising a flow control
valve in fluid communication with said orifice and said inner
volume, wherein said valve limits flow from said inner volume
through said orifice.
39. The cup assembly of claim 38, wherein said lid has a lower
surface with a first mating member and a second mating member, said
first mating member being disposed under said spout and placing
said valve in fluid communication with said orifice, and said
second mating member being disposed under said vent hole and
placing said valve in fluid communication with said vent hole.
40. A cup assembly comprising: a cup defining an inner volume; a
lid removably securable to said cup; and a spout having distal and
proximal ends, an orifice, a front wall and a rear wall, said spout
being secured to said lid and said orifice being in fluid
communication with said inner volume, wherein said front wall is
inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a first taper angle of
between about 5.degree. to about 15.degree., and wherein said rear
wall is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a second taper
angle of between about 5.degree. to about 15.degree..
41. The cup assembly of claim 40, wherein said first taper angle is
about 13.5.degree. and said second taper angle is about
13.5.degree..
42. The cup assembly of claim 40, wherein said spout further
comprises first and second side walls, wherein said first side wall
is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a third taper angle
of between about 5.degree. to about 18.degree., and wherein said
second side wall is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a
fourth taper angle of between about 5.degree. to about
18.degree..
43. The cup assembly of claim 42, wherein said third taper angle is
about 12.degree. and said fourth taper angle is about
12.degree..
44. The cup assembly of claim 40, wherein said distal end has a
distal width of between about 0.5 inches to about 0.9 inches and a
distal depth of between about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches, and
wherein said proximal end has a proximal width of between about 0.8
inches to about 1.2 inches and a proximal depth of between about
0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches.
45. The cup assembly of claim 44, wherein said distal width is
about 0.69 inches and said distal depth is about 0.20 inches, and
wherein said proximal width is about 0.97 inches and said proximal
depth is about 0.56 inches.
46. The cup assembly of claim 40, wherein said spout has a top wall
with an upwardly convex shape, and wherein said top wall has a
first radius of curvature between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5
inches.
47. The cup assembly of claim 46, wherein said first radius of
curvature is about 0.38 inches.
48. The cup assembly of claim 40, wherein said spout has a height
between about 0.8 inches to about 1.8 inches.
49. The cup assembly of claim 48, wherein said height is about 1.20
inches.
50. The cup assembly of claim 40, wherein said front and rear walls
are convex.
51. The cup assembly of claim 50, wherein said front wall has a
second radius of curvature, wherein said rear wall has a third
radius of curvature, and wherein said second and third radii of
curvature are substantially equal.
52. The cup assembly of claim 51, wherein said second and third
radii of curvature are between about 3.0 inches to about 7.0
inches.
53. The cup assembly of claim 52, wherein said second and third
radii of curvature are about 5.0 inches.
54. The cup assembly of claim 40, further comprising a flow control
valve in fluid communication with said orifice and said inner
volume, wherein said valve limits flow from said inner volume
through said orifice.
55. The cup assembly of claim 40, further comprising at least one
handle.
56. The cup assembly of claim 55, wherein said handle has a rigid
portion and a gripping portion, said rigid portion being formed
from a first material, said gripping portion being formed from a
second material, and said first and second materials being
integrally molded, and wherein said first material has a higher
Shore A hardness than said second material.
57. A cup assembly comprising: a cup defining an inner volume; a
lid removably securable to said cup; and a spout having an orifice
and distal and proximal ends, said spout being secured to said lid
and said orifice being in fluid communication with said inner
volume, wherein said spout has a distal depth d.sub.1 at said
distal end and a proximal depth d.sub.2 at said proximal end,
wherein said spout has a height h, and wherein said spout has a
rate of change of depth equal to (d.sub.2-d.sub.1)/h of between
about 0.1 to about 0.7.
58. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said rate of change of
depth is about 0.30.
59. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said spout has a distal
width w.sub.1 at said distal end and a proximal width w.sub.2 at
said proximal end, and wherein said spout has a rate of change of
width equal to (w.sub.2-w.sub.1)/h of between about 0.1 to about
0.6.
60. The cup assembly of claim 59, wherein said rate of change of
width is about 0.23.
61. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said spout further
comprises front and rear walls, wherein said front wall is inwardly
tapered toward said distal end at a first taper angle of between
about 5.degree. to about 15.degree., and wherein said rear wall is
inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a second taper angle of
between about 5.degree. to about 15.degree..
62. The cup assembly of claim 61, wherein said first taper angle is
about 13.5.degree. and said second taper angle is about
13.5.degree..
63. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said spout further
comprises first and second side walls, wherein said first side wall
is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a third taper angle
of between about 5.degree. to about 18.degree., and wherein said
second side wall is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a
fourth taper angle of between about 5.degree. to about
18.degree..
64. The cup assembly of claim 63, wherein said third taper angle is
about 12.degree. and said fourth taper angle is about
12.degree..
65. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said distal depth d.sub.1
is between about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches and said proximal
depth d.sub.2 is between about 0.25 inches to about 0.75
inches.
66. The cup assembly of claim 65, wherein said distal depth d.sub.1
is about 0.20 inches, and wherein said proximal depth d.sub.2 is
about 0.56 inches.
67. The cup assembly of claim 59, wherein said distal width w.sub.1
is between about 0.5 inches to about 0.9 inches and said proximal
width w.sub.2 is between about 0.8 inches to about 1.2 inches.
68. The cup assembly of claim 67, wherein said distal width w.sub.1
is about 0.69 inches, and wherein said proximal width w.sub.2 is
about 0.97 inches.
69. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said spout has a top wall
with an upwardly convex shape, and wherein said top wall has a
first radius of curvature between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5
inches.
70. The cup assembly of claim 69, wherein said first radius of
curvature is about 0.38 inches.
71. The cup assembly of claim 57, wherein said spout has a height
between about 0.8 inches to about 1.8 inches.
72. The cup assembly of claim 71, wherein said height is about 1.20
inches.
73. The cup assembly of claim 61, wherein said front and rear walls
are convex defining a substantially ellipsoidal shape.
74. The cup assembly of claim 73, wherein said front wall has a
second radius of curvature, wherein said rear wall has a third
radius of curvature, and wherein said second and third radii of
curvature are substantially equal.
75. The cup assembly of claim 74, wherein said second and third
radii of curvature are between about 3.0 inches to about 7.0
inches.
76. The cup assembly of claim 75, wherein said second and third
radii of curvature are about 5.0 inches.
77. The cup assembly of claim 57, further comprising a flow control
valve in fluid communication with said orifice and said inner
volume, wherein said valve limits flow from said inner volume
through said orifice.
78. The cup assembly of claim 57, further comprising at least one
handle.
79. The cup assembly of claim 78, wherein said handle has a rigid
portion and a gripping portion, said rigid portion being formed
from a first material, said gripping portion being formed from a
second material, and said first and second materials being
integrally molded, and wherein said first material has a higher
Shore A hardness than said second material.
80. A cup assembly comprising: a cup defining an inner volume; a
lid removably securable to said cup; and a spout having an orifice
and distal and proximal ends, said spout being secured to said lid
and said orifice being in fluid communication with said inner
volume, wherein said spout has a distal width w.sub.1 at said
distal end and a proximal width w.sub.2 at said proximal end,
wherein said spout has a height h, and wherein said spout has a
rate of change of width equal to (w.sub.2-w.sub.1)/h of between
about 0.1 to about 0.6.
81. The cup assembly of claim 80, wherein said rate of change of
width is about 0.23.
82. The cup assembly of claim 80, wherein said spout further
comprises front and rear walls, wherein said front wall is inwardly
tapered toward said distal end at a first taper angle of between
about 5.degree. to about 15.degree., and wherein said rear wall is
inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a second taper angle of
between about 5.degree. to about 15.degree..
83. The cup assembly of claim 82, wherein said first taper angle is
about 13.5.degree. and said second taper angle is about
13.5.degree..
84. The cup assembly of claim 80, wherein said spout further
comprises first and second side walls, wherein said first side wall
is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a third taper angle
of between about 5.degree. to about 18.degree., and wherein said
second side wall is inwardly tapered toward said distal end at a
fourth taper angle of between about 5.degree. to about
18.degree..
85. The cup assembly of claim 84, wherein said third taper angle is
about 12.degree. and said fourth taper angle is about
12.degree..
86. The cup assembly of claim 80, wherein said distal width w.sub.1
is between about 0.5 inches to about 0.9 inches and said proximal
width w.sub.2 is between about 0.8 inches to about 1.2 inches.
87. The cup assembly of claim 86, wherein said distal width w.sub.1
is about 0.69 inches, and wherein said proximal width w.sub.2 is
about 0.97 inches.
88. The cup assembly of claim 80, wherein said spout has a top wall
with an upwardly convex shape, and wherein said top wall has a
first radius of curvature between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5
inches.
89. The cup assembly of claim 88, wherein said first radius of
curvature is about 0.38 inches.
90. The cup assembly of claim 80, wherein said spout has a height
between about 0.8 inches to about 1.8 inches.
91. The cup assembly of claim 90, wherein said height is about 1.20
inches.
92. The cup assembly of claim 82, wherein said front and rear walls
are convex defining a substantially ellipsoidal shape.
93. The cup assembly of claim 92, wherein said front wall has a
second radius of curvature, wherein said rear wall has a third
radius of curvature, and wherein said second and third radii of
curvature are substantially equal.
94. The cup assembly of claim 93, wherein said second and third
radii of curvature are between about 3.0 inches to about 7.0
inches.
95. The cup assembly of claim 94, wherein said second and third
radii of curvature are about 5.0 inches.
96. The cup assembly of claim 80, further comprising a flow control
valve in fluid communication with said orifice and said inner
volume, wherein said valve limits flow from said inner volume
through said orifice.
97. The cup assembly of claim 80, further comprising at least one
handle.
98. The cup assembly of claim 97, wherein said handle has a rigid
portion and a gripping portion, said rigid portion being formed
from a first material, said gripping portion being formed from a
second material, and said first and second materials being
integrally molded, and wherein said first material has a higher
Shore A hardness than said second material.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims
priority in, co-pending U.S. Design application Ser. No.
29/168,356, filed Oct. 1, 2002, the disclosure of which is
incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. This application
is also a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority in,
co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 09/908,099, filed Jul. 18,
2001, which is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/645,975 filed on Feb. 4, 2000 and issued as
U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415, which was a continuation of prior U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/019,765 filed on Feb. 6, 1998 and
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445, the disclosures of which are
incorporated in their entirety herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to cups. More particularly,
the present invention relates to infant cup assemblies.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Cups designed especially for use by infants or children are
known. Such cups may include orifices that are intended to reduce
spillage of fluid from the cup. These cups have drinking orifices
and separate air vents, which allow the user to drink from the
orifice without creating excessive vacuum in the cup.
[0006] However, drinking orifices and air vents are liable to leak
liquid stored in the cup between feedings, or if dropped during
use. Drinking orifices and the surrounding lid structure through
which the orifices are disposed, have a lasting effect on the
child's lip placement which can impact the child's ability to feed
and swallow.
[0007] Certain cups have been developed that use valving mechanisms
at the orifice and at the air vent. These valves respond to suction
generated during feeding to open and allow liquid to pass through
the orifice and to allow air to enter the air vent when a vacuum is
developed in the interior of the cup. Patents disclosing such
valves include U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,013 to Belanger, U.S. Pat. No.
6,422,415 to Manganiello, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445 to Manganiello
and U.S. Pat. No. RE 37,016 to Morano, which are commonly assigned
or licensed to the assignee of the present application. Applicant
hereby incorporates the disclosure of these patents by
reference.
[0008] Other cups designed for use by infants or children are
intended to facilitate the gripping of the cup by the infant.
Contemporary devices often employ gripping structures that are
formed on the surface of the bottle.
[0009] A baby bottle with an outer surface that has been adapted to
provide handles intended to allow infants and children to better
grip the bottle, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,203 to
Malcolm. The bottle has at least two sets of handles that are
formed integrally with the bottle by a plurality of recesses
extending vertically along a substantial length of the bottle. The
recesses have either side walls that converge towards each other as
they extend towards a central longitudinal axis of the bottle or
side walls that are parallel to each other. The lobe shaped handles
resulting from the converging side walls and the rectangular shaped
handles resulting from the parallel side walls, allow an infant or
child to partially grasp or hold the handles. The disclosed bottles
provide limited assistance to infants or children because they do
not allow for a complete or nearly complete closure of the infants
hands around the handles.
[0010] Accordingly, there is a need for cups having lids and
orifices that facilitate use by children, including promoting
proper lip closure around the orifice. There is a further need for
cups having handles, which facilitate gripping and grasping by
infants, and motivate infants to use such handles. There is also a
need for handles on cups having sufficient strength to withstand
use by children.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] It is an object of the present invention to provide a cup
assembly that reduces or eliminates leakage and spillage.
[0012] It is another object of the present invention to provide
such a cup assembly that facilitates use of the spout.
[0013] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
such a cup assembly that facilitates generation of a suction force
and promotes improved flow-rate through the orifice.
[0014] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide such a cup that promotes proper lip closure.
[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
such a cup assembly that promotes better lip approximation.
[0016] It is another further object of the present invention to
provide such a cup assembly that assists infants and children in
holding the cup assembly.
[0017] It is yet a further object of the present invention to
provide such a cup assembly that promotes better hand-to-mouth
coordination.
[0018] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide such a cup assembly that promotes independent cup drinking
in the child.
[0019] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are provided by a lid for a cup comprising a lid body
removably securable to the cup and a spout having an orifice, a
front wall and a rear wall. The spout is secured to the lid body,
and the front and rear walls are convex defining a substantially
ellipsoidal shape. The front wall has a first radius of curvature,
the rear wall has a second radius of curvature, and the first and
second radii of curvature are equal.
[0020] In another aspect of the invention, a lid for a cup is
provided which comprises a lid body removably securable to the cup,
a spout having distal and proximal ends, and an orifice. The spout
is secured to the lid body. The spout has a distal cross-sectional
area A.sub.1 at the distal end and a proximal cross-sectional area
A.sub.2 at the proximal end. The spout also has a height h. The
spout has a rate of change of cross-sectional area equal to
(A.sub.2-A.sub.1)/h of between about 0.1 to about 1.0.
[0021] In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly is
provided which comprises a cup defining an inner volume; a lid
threadingly securable to the cup; and a spout having distal and
proximal ends, an orifice, top, front and rear walls, and first and
second side walls. The spout is secured to the lid. The orifice is
disposed through the top wall and is in fluid communication with
the inner volume when the lid is secured to the cup. The top wall
has an upwardly arcuate shape. The front wall has an outwardly
convex shape and is inwardly tapered toward the distal end. The
rear wall is inwardly tapered toward the distal end. The first side
wall is inwardly tapered toward the distal end at a first taper
angle. The second side wall is inwardly tapered toward the distal
end at a second taper angle. The first taper angle equals the
second taper angle.
[0022] In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly is
provided which comprises a cup defining an inner volume; a lid
removably securable to the cup; and a spout having distal and
proximal ends, an orifice, a front wall and a rear wall. The spout
is secured to the lid and the orifice is in fluid communication
with the inner volume. The front wall is inwardly tapered toward
the distal end at a first taper angle of between about 5.degree. to
about 15.degree., and the rear wall is inwardly tapered toward the
distal end at a second taper angle of between about 5.degree. to
about 15.degree..
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly is
provided which comprises a cup defining an inner volume; a lid
removably securable to the cup; and a spout having an orifice and
distal and proximal ends. The spout is secured to the lid and the
orifice is in fluid communication with the inner volume. The spout
has a distal depth d.sub.1 at the distal end, a proximal depth
d.sub.2 at the proximal end, and a height h. The spout has a rate
of change of depth equal to (d.sub.2-d.sub.1)/h of between about
0.1 to about 0.7.
[0024] In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly is
provided which comprises a cup defining an inner volume; a lid
removably securable to the cup; and a spout having an orifice and
distal and proximal ends. The spout is secured to the lid and the
orifice is in fluid communication with the inner volume. The spout
has a distal width w.sub.1 at the distal end and a proximal width
w.sub.2 at the proximal end. The spout has a height h. The spout
has a rate of change of width equal to (w.sub.2-w.sub.1)/h of
between about 0.1 to about 0.6.
[0025] The first and second radii of curvature can be between about
3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches. The spout can have a distal width
of between about 0.5 inches to about 0.9 inches, and a distal depth
of between about 0.1 inches to about 0.25 inches. The spout can
have a proximal width of between about 0.8 inches to about 1.2
inches, and a proximal depth of between about 0.25 inches to about
0.75 inches.
[0026] The spout can have the first side wall inwardly tapered
toward the distal end at a first taper angle of between about
5.degree. to about 18.degree., and the second side wall inwardly
tapered toward the distal end at a second taper angle of between
about 5.degree. to about 18.degree.. The front wall can be inwardly
tapered toward the distal end at a third taper angle of between
about 5.degree. to about 15.degree., and the rear wall can be
inwardly tapered toward the distal end at a fourth taper angle of
between about 5.degree. to about 15.degree.. The spout can have the
top wall with an upwardly convex shape with a third radius of
curvature between about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches. The spout
can have a height between about 0.8 inches to about 1.8 inches.
[0027] There can also be a flow control valve in fluid
communication with the orifice, the vent hole and the inner volume,
with the valve limiting flow from the inner volume through the
orifice. The spout can have an ellipsoidal cross-sectional area.
The spout can have a distal end, and can be inwardly tapered toward
the distal end. The spout can have a top wall, with the orifice
being disposed through the top wall, and with the top wall having
an upwardly dome-like shape.
[0028] Other and further objects, advantages and features of the
present invention will be understood by reference to the
following.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cup assembly of the
present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the cup assembly of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a top view of the cup assembly of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a front view of the flow control valve for the cup
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the cup of FIG. 1;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a front view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG.
1;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the lid of FIG. 8
without a gripping portion;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a front view of the lid of FIG. 9 without the
gripping portion;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 9 without the
gripping portion;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 9 without the
gripping portion;
[0041] FIG. 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the
lid of FIG. 8 without a gripping portion;
[0042] FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of another alternative
embodiment of the lid of FIG. 8 without a gripping portion;
[0043] FIG. 15 is a front view of a prior art PLAYTEX.RTM.
conventional lid;
[0044] FIG. 16 is a side view of the prior art PLAYTEX.RTM.
conventional lid of FIG. 15;
[0045] FIG. 17 is a top view of the prior art PLAYTEX.RTM.
conventional lid of FIG. 15;
[0046] FIG. 18 is a front view of a prior art GERBER.RTM.
conventional lid;
[0047] FIG. 19 is a side view of the prior art GERBER.RTM.
conventional lid of FIG. 18; and
[0048] FIG. 20 is a top view of the prior art GERBER.RTM.
conventional lid of FIG. 18.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1
through 4, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a cup assembly
of the present invention, generally represented by reference
numeral 10. Cup assembly 10 has a cup or container 100, a cap or
lid 200, a spout 300 extending from the lid, and a valve or flow
control element 700 (FIG. 4).
[0050] Referring to FIG. 5, cup 100 has a substantially cylindrical
shape defining an inner volume 105. Cup 100 has a top portion 110
having an open end 115, a middle portion 140 and a bottom portion
160. Middle portion 140 can have a diameter that is smaller than
the diameter of top portion 110 or bottom portion 160 to provide an
hour-glass like shape. Alternative shapes can also be used for cup
100, such as, for example, tapered.
[0051] Top portion 110 has an outer surface 120 with threads 125
formed thereon. The preferred embodiment has threads 125 for
removably engaging lid 200 with cup 100. However, alternative
engagement structures or methods can also be used to engage lid 200
with cup 100, such as, for example, a snap fit. Cup 100 is
preferably transparent or semi-transparent, which provides for
visual indication of the contents and amount within the cup, and
also can encourage or promote use by a child through visual
stimulation. Cup 100 can also be opaque.
[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, lid 200 has a center member
or lid body 210, an annular flange 250, spout 300 (which will be
described later in greater detail), an air vent 345 and handles
400. Center member 210 has an upper surface 220 and a lower surface
230. Preferably, center member 210 has a circular shape. More
preferably, center member 210 has an upwardly convex or dome-like
shape. However, alternative shapes can also be used for center
member 210, such as, for example, flat or concave. Annular flange
250 extends downwardly from the outer circumference of center
member 210 to provide a sealing or mating surface between lid 200
and cup 100.
[0053] Annular flange 250 has an outer surface 260 and an inner
surface 270. Outer surface 260 preferably has gripping structures
265 secured thereto. In the preferred embodiment, gripping
structures 265 are a number or series of tear-drop shaped
projections formed integrally with outer surface 260 of flange 250.
Preferably, gripping structures 265 are equi-distantly spaced
apart. Alternative shapes, designs and/or patterns for gripping
structures 265 can also be used to facilitate removable engagement
of lid 200 with cup 100, such as, for example, bubbles or wave-like
grooves or ridges. Inner surface 270 has threads 275 secured
thereto. Threads 275 mate with threads 125 of cup 100 to removably
engage the cup with the lid 200. However, as described above,
alternative engagement structures or methods can be used.
[0054] Lower surface 230 of center member 210 has a liquid mating
surface 235 and a vent mating surface 240. Mating surfaces 235,
240, are preferably adjacent to, or incorporated into, spout 300
and air vent 345, so as to frictionally engage flow control valve
700 and place the valve in fluid communication with the spout and
air vent. In the preferred embodiment, mating surfaces 235, 240 are
cylindrical channels integrally molded with center member 210 below
spout 300 and below air vent 345, respectively. Cylindrical
channels 235, 240 have a size and shape to mate with flow control
valve 700. Preferably, cylindrical channels 235, 240 have an inner
size and shape to engage with flow control valve 700. Lower surface
230 can also have a valve securing member 24.5, which engages with
a corresponding structure on flow control valve 700 to orientate
and/or assist in holding the valve in position. In the preferred
embodiment, valve securing member 245 is a substantially planar,
arcuate member extending orthogonally from lower surface 230 of lid
200.
[0055] Flow control element or valve mechanism 700 has first valve
portion or stack 730 and second valve portion or stack 732
connected together by substrate 738. Each valve portion 730, 732
has a lower portion 726, an upper portion 728 and valve faces 736
bearing slits. Each valve portion 730, 732 is configured to
frictionally engage cylindrical channels 235, 240, respectively,
and place flow control valve 700 in fluid communication with spout
300 and air vent 345, respectively.
[0056] Flow control element 700 preferably has a concave shaped
valve face 736 of valve portions 730 and 732, and, in conjunction
with the attendant curved shape of slits, provides superior fluid
flow rate through the slit over existing valve configurations. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,079,013 to Belanger, U.S. Pat. No. RE 37,016 to Morano,
U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445 to Manganiello and U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415
to Manganiello depict examples of valves that are usable with the
present invention. Additionally, alternative flow control
mechanisms and valves can also be placed in fluid communication
with spout 300 and/or air vent 345 to provide a resistance to flow
or an inhibitor to spillage and shakeout, absent a sucking force,
including a separate pair of stack valves that individually mate
with cylindrical mating surfaces 235, 240.
[0057] Handles 400 are preferably a pair of handles that extend
curvingly downward from annular flange 250 toward bottom portion
160 of cup 100. Preferably, handles 400 extend substantially down
in proximity to bottom portion 160 of cup 100. Handles 400 are
preferably diametrically opposed along annular flange 250. Handles
400 have a proximal end 450 where the handle is connected to flange
250, and a distal end 455. Handles 400 have a length and width that
allow an infant or child to fully grasp the handles and preferably
allow closure of the entire hand around the handles. Handles 400
preferably extend at least half way down cup 100. Handles 400 have
a curvature and shape that provides for sufficient space between
the handles and cup 100 for the hand of the infant or child when
holding the handles. Preferably, handles 400 are separated from cup
100 at distal end 455 a sufficient distance to allow the infant or
child's hand to pass between the distal end and the cup. The size,
shape and positioning of handles 400 promote better hand-to-mouth
coordination for the child or infant.
[0058] Handles 400 have a rigid portion 420, a gripping portion 460
and a gripping abutment 480. Gripping portion 460 is an area or
portion of handle 400 that is more flexible, resilient and/or
softer than rigid portion 420, to facilitate grasping and holding
of the handle by the infant or child. In the preferred embodiment,
gripping portion 460 is molded from a different material than rigid
portion 420 to provide for the difference in flexibility,
resiliency and softness. The different materials have different
levels of hardness or Shore A Hardness. Preferably, rigid portion
420 and the remaining parts of lid 200, i.e., center member 210,
annular flange 250 and spout 300, are made of the same material and
more preferably are integrally molded with each other.
[0059] Rigid portion 420 is preferably molded from a rigid
material, such as, for example, a polypropylene. Preferably,
gripping portion 460 is molded from a flexible, resilient and/or
softer material, such as, for example, a thermoplastic elastomer
(TPE). The TPE of gripping portion 460 preferably has a lower
hardness or Shore A Hardness than the hardness or Shore A Hardness
of rigid portion 420. While the preferred embodiment has rigid
portion 420 made of a first material and gripping portion 460 made
of a second material, the present disclosure contemplates more than
two materials, such as, for example, the rigid portion being a
plurality of materials and/or the gripping portion being a
plurality of materials.
[0060] Handle 400 has an upper or over-surface 402 and a lower or
under-surface 404. Gripping portion 460 is preferably formed along
under-surface 404 and substantially covers the under-surface. More
preferably, gripping portion 460 substantially covers under-surface
404 and wraps around sides 405 of handles 400 to partially cover
the over-surface 402. In the preferred embodiment, gripping portion
460 partially wraps around over-surface 402 and has ends 406, 407
with a wave-like shape, which facilitates grasping of the handles
400. The wave-like shape of ends 406, 407 further accommodates
varying sizes of hands and varying positioning of hands on handles
400. Gripping abutment 480 is formed along the under-surface 404 of
handle 400 near distal end 455 and further facilitates grasping of
the handle. Preferably, gripping abutment 480 is a circular or
semi-spherical projection.
[0061] Gripping portion 460 provides an infant or child with a
different texture or feel, as compared to rigid portion 420. This
provides textural stimulus for the use of handles 400. Preferably,
gripping portion 460 has a different color than the color of rigid
portion 420 to provide a visual stimulus for the use of handles
400. Other visual and textural stimuli can also be further provided
on handles 400 to further motivate the child to utilize the
handles, such as, for example, decorations or embossments. In the
preferred embodiment, rigid portion 420 and gripping portion 460
are opaque. However, either or both of rigid portion 420 and
gripping portion 460 can be transparent or semi-transparent. The
transparency or semi-transparency of lid 100 provides for visual
indication of the contents and amount within the cup, and also can
encourage or promote use by a child through visual stimulation.
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 12, preferably a first material
is molded, and more preferably injection molded, to form rigid
portion 420 of handles 400, as well as center member 210, annular
flange 250 and spout 300 of lid 200. To provide for a flow path for
a second material which is more flexible, resilient and/or softer
(with a lower hardness or Shore A Hardness) and to facilitate
bonding of the first material of rigid portion 420 with the second
material, the rigid portion preferably has an outer or first wall
425, an inner or second wall 430 and a center or third wall
435.
[0063] Outer wall 425 and inner wall 430 are substantially
equidistantly spaced apart and connected by center wall 435.
Preferably, center wall 435 is substantially perpendicular or
orthogonal to outer and inner walls 425, 430 to define a generally
U-shaped channel 440. Channels 440 are preferably formed by outer,
inner and center walls 425, 430, 435 along opposing sides of rigid
portion 420. The molding process for lid 200 and handles 400 is
preferably a two-shot injection molding technique using a first
material, such as polypropylene, for rigid portion 420, and a
second material, such as TPE, for gripping portion 460.
[0064] Preferably, there is at least one rib 445 formed in channel
440. More preferably, there are two ribs 445 in each channel 440.
Ribs 445 provide additional strength and integrity to handles 400.
Ribs 445 are preferably formed in channels 440 in proximity to
proximal end 450 of handles 400. Preferably, ribs 445 are generally
parallel to outer and inner walls 425, 430 and have a shape or
curvature that is similar to the shape or curvature of channel 440.
The shape, size and positioning of ribs 445 preferably reduce flow
resistance and further facilitate flow of the second material into
and along or through the channel 440. Ribs 445 increase the surface
contact area between the first and second materials, and improve
the bonding between the first and second materials of rigid portion
420 and gripping portion 460.
[0065] In the preferred embodiment, outer wall 425 of rigid portion
420 has a wave-like shape so that gripping portion 460 has a
corresponding wave-like shape along handles 400. To form gripping
abutment 480, a semi-circular projection 485 is formed in center
wall 435 along distal end 455 of the rigid portion 420. The second
material is molded over the projection 485 to form gripping
abutment 480. Rigid portion 420 has an end wall 490 formed in
distal end 455, which provides further rigidity to handle 400,
improves the bonding between the rigid portion and the gripping
portion 460, and provides a terminus for the flow of the second
material of the gripping portion. Preferably, end wall 490 is
substantially perpendicular to outer and center walls 425, 435.
[0066] In the preferred embodiment, inner wall 430 extends only
partially along handle 400. However, alternatively, inner wall 430
can fully extend along handle 400. Also, in the preferred
embodiment, channels 440 are disposed on opposing sides of rigid
portion 420 and run partially along the rigid portion. However, the
present disclosure contemplates any number of channels 400, which
may be disposed in various orientations and positions along rigid
portion 420.
[0067] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, alternative embodiments of lid
200 with rigid portions 1320, 1420, respectively, are shown.
Features of FIGS. 13 and 14 similar to the features of the
preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 12, have the same reference
numerals. The rigid portion 1320 of FIG. 13 has channel 440 formed
by outer, inner and center walls 425, 430, 435. But the channels
440 do not have ribs disposed at proximal end 450, compared to the
preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 12.
[0068] The rigid portion 1420 of FIG. 14 has outer wall 425 formed
orthogonally with a center wall 1435. But rigid portion 1420 does
not have an inner wall secured to center wall 1435 and does not
form a channel along rigid portion 1420, such as in the preferred
embodiment. Rigid portion 1420 also does not have an end wall at
distal end 455, such as in the preferred embodiment. Rigid portion
1420 has a number or series of apertures or holes 1450 formed
through center wall 1435. In contrast, the center wall 435 of rigid
portion 420 of the preferred embodiment, does not have apertures,
and provides a generally planar solid bottom surface of channel 440
along the flow path of the second material of gripping portion 460.
Apertures 1450 of rigid portion 1420 create orthogonal contact
surfaces along center wall 1435 between the rigid portion and the
gripping portion 460, and the second material of the gripping
portion flows through the apertures.
[0069] In the preferred embodiment, handles 400 are a pair of
handles integrally formed on opposing sides of lid 200 with a space
provided at distal ends 455 of the handles. However, it is
contemplated by the present disclosure for alternative numbers and
positions of handles 400 to be used. It is further contemplated by
the present disclosure for handles 400 to be integrally formed with
cup 100 at bottom portion 160 of the cup to provide a separation or
space from the cup in proximity to lid 100 or for the handles to be
integrally formed with the cup at both the top and bottom portions
110, 160. It is also contemplated by the present disclosure for
handles 400 to be a separate structure that is secured to cup 100
and/or lid 200, and/or removably secured, such as, for example, a
handle ring having handles 400 extending therefrom. It is also
contemplated by the present disclosure that gripping portion 460 is
formed with, or secured to, rigid portion 420 in other ways, such
as, for example, friction fit or adhesive.
[0070] During the molding process, an unexpected and significant
result occurred with the use of ribs 445 disposed in channels 440,
as compared to rigid portions 1320, and 1420 that did not have
ribs. It was discovered that ribs 445 prevented sink marks from
developing in gripping portion 460 when the second material was
molded into and through channels 440. In rigid portions 1320, 1420,
sink marks developed in the area of proximal end 450, which
distorted the intended shape of gripping portion 460 and had a
significant negative impact on the strength and integrity of
handles 400.
[0071] Additionally, during the molding process, an unexpected and
significant result occurred with the use of channels 440 and the
generally planar bottom surface (center wall 435) along the flow
path of the second material of gripping portion 460, as compared to
rigid portion 1420, which has apertures 1450 formed through center
wall 1435. It was discovered that channels 440 and the generally
planar solid bottom surface of center wall 435 significantly
improved the flow of the second material through channels 440,
resulting in an improved bond between the rigid and gripping
portions 420, 460, and further provided for a smoother outer
surface of the gripping portion.
[0072] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6 through 12, spout 300 has a front
wall 310, a rear wall 320, a first side wall 330, a second side
wall 340 and a top wall 350. Top wall 350 has a number of holes 360
formed therethrough. Front wall 310, rear wall 320, first and
second side walls 330, 340 and top wall 350 are integrally molded,
and define a spout volume 305 that is in fluid communication with
inner volume 105 of cup 100 (through flow control valve 700) and
with holes 360. In this embodiment, two holes 360 are shown but
other numbers of holes can also be used.
[0073] Top wall 350 has an upwardly convex or arcuate shape and
forms chamfered edges with front and rear walls 310, 320 and first
and second side walls 330, 340. Top wall 350 has a radius of
curvature r.sub.1. Preferably, radius of curvature r.sub.1 is from
about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, more preferably from about
0.35 inches to about 0.40 inches, and most preferably about 0.38
inches.
[0074] Front wall 310 has an outwardly convex shape with a radius
of curvature r.sub.2. Rear wall 320 has an outwardly convex shape,
in the opposite direction of front wall 310, with a radius of
curvature r.sub.3. Preferably, radius of curvature r.sub.2 is from
about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches, more preferably from about
4.0 inches to about 6.0 inches, and most preferably about 5.0
inches. Preferably, radius of curvature r.sub.3 is from about 3.0
inches to about 7.0 inches, more preferably from about 4.0 inches
to about 6.0 inches, and most preferably about 5.0 inches.
Preferably, radius of curvature r.sub.2 and radius of curvature
r.sub.3 are equal. The periphery of front wall 310 and the
periphery of rear wall 320 have arcuate shapes and are preferably
aligned so that first sidewall 330 and second sidewall 340 are
essentially chamfered edges of spout 300. Preferably, front and
rear walls 310, 320 define an ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape for
spout 300.
[0075] Spout 300 has a distal end 370, a proximal end 380 and a
height h.sub.1. Distal end 370 of spout 300 has a width w.sub.1 and
a depth d.sub.1. Proximal end 380 of spout 300 has a width w.sub.2
and a depth d.sub.2. Preferably, height h.sub.1 is from about 0.80
inches to about 1.80 inches, more preferably from about 1.0 inches
to about 1.40 inches, and most preferably about 1.20 inches.
Preferably, width w.sub.1 is from about 0.50 inches to about 0.90
inches, more preferably from about 0.60 inches to about 0.70
inches, and most preferably about 0.69 inches. Preferably, width
w.sub.2 is from about 0.80 inches to about 1.20 inches, more
preferably from about 0.90 inches to about 1.10 inches, and most
preferably about 0.97 inches. Preferably, depth d.sub.1 is from
about 0.10 inches to about 0.25 inches, more preferably from about
0.15 inches to about 0.22 inches, and most preferably about 0.20
inches. Preferably, depth d.sub.2 is from about 0.25 inches to
about 0.75 inches, more preferably from about 0.40 inches to about
0.60 inches, and most preferably about 0.56 inches.
[0076] Front and rear walls 310, 320 are inwardly tapered toward
distal end 370. Preferably, front and rear walls 310, 320 are
inwardly tapered along a substantially straight line or constant
slope. Front wall 310 has an angle of taper .alpha..sub.1. Rear
wall 320 has an angle of taper .alpha..sub.2. Preferably, taper
angle .alpha..sub.1 is from about 5.degree. to about 15.degree.,
more preferably from about 10.degree. to about 14.degree., and most
preferably about 13.5.degree.. Preferably, taper angle .alpha.2 is
from about 5.degree. to about 15.degree., more preferably from
about 10.degree. to about 14.degree., and most preferably about
13.5.degree.. Taper angle .alpha..sub.1 and taper angle
.alpha..sub.2 are preferably equal.
[0077] First and second side walls 330, 340 are inwardly tapered
toward distal end 370. Preferably, first and second side walls 330,
340 are inwardly tapered along a straight line or constant slope.
First side wall 330 has an angle of taper .beta..sub.1. Second side
wall 340 has an angle of taper .beta..sub.2. Preferably, taper
angle .beta..sub.1 is from about 5.degree. to about 18.degree.,
more preferably from about 10.degree. to about 15.degree., and most
preferably about 12.degree.. Preferably, taper angle .beta..sub.2
is from about 5.degree. to about 18.degree., more preferably from
about 10.degree. to about 15.degree., and most preferably about
12.degree.. Taper angle .beta..sub.1 and taper angle .beta..sub.2
are preferably equal.
[0078] During consumer testing of cup assembly 10, unexpected and
significant results occurred from the use of spout 300, as compared
to the contemporary spout designs for the PLAYTEX.RTM. and
GERBER.RTM. spouts shown in FIGS. 15 through 20. It was discovered
that spout 300 performed significantly better with marked
improvement in consumer preference and ease of use by infants,
compared to both the PLAYTEX.RTM. and GERBER.RTM. spouts.
[0079] The testing included infants between the ages of six (6)
months and eighteen (18) months who were provided separate cups
having spout 300, the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout and the GERBER.RTM. spout,
for equal periods of times. Consumer preference was tested and the
use of the cups and spouts was observed by the parent(s), including
the ease with which the infants were able to use the cups and
spouts, and the generation of preferred flow rates.
[0080] Spout 300 rated higher than the PLAYTEX.RTM. and GERBER.RTM.
spouts at %80 confidence for being easier for the infant to use.
Spout 300 rated higher than the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout at %80
confidence for preference of the flow-rate achieved by the infant.
Cup assembly 10 rated higher than the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout at %95
confidence for ease of drinking. These results are of statistical
and practical significance.
[0081] The embodiment of spout 300 tested had a change in widths
w.sub.1, w.sub.2 of 0.97 inches-0.69 inches=0.28 inches over a
height h.sub.1 of 1.20 inches, resulting in a rate of change of
spout width of 0.23. In contrast, the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout had a
change in widths of 1.30 inches-0.75 inches=0.55 inches over a
height of 0.875 inches, resulting in a rate of change of spout
width of 0.62. The GERBER.RTM. spout had a change in widths of 1.30
inches-0.75 inches=0.55 inches over a height of 0.90 inches,
resulting in a rate of change of spout width of 0.61.
[0082] It was discovered based on the consumer data that the
parameter of rate of change of spout width, and, in particular, a
lower rate of change of widths w.sub.1, w.sub.2 from distal end 370
to proximal end 380 of 0.23, as compared to the rate of change for
the PLAYTEX.RTM. and GERBER.RTM. spouts of 0.62 and 0.61,
respectively, was a contributing cause in facilitating the use of
spout 300 by the infant. In particular, the lower rate of change of
widths w.sub.1, w.sub.2 of spout 300 promoted lip closure by the
infant and facilitated generation of a suction force for achieving
a preferred flow-rate.
[0083] Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the rate
of change of spout widths w.sub.1, w.sub.2 should preferably be
between about 0.10 to about 0.60, more preferably between about
0.20 to about 0.30, and most preferably be about 0.23.
[0084] Additionally, it was further discovered from the consumer
data that the arcuate shape of top wall 350 with chamfered edges
along the transition areas between the top wall and the front and
rear walls 310, 320 and first and second side walls 330, 340,
further facilitated the movement of the infant's lips along spout
300, for proper lip approximation resulting in further promotion of
lip closure. In contrast, the PLAYTEX.RTM. and GERBER.RTM. spouts
had substantially flat top walls with sharper edges along the
transition areas between the top wall and the adjoining walls.
[0085] The embodiment of spout 300 tested had a change in depths
d.sub.1, d.sub.2 of 0.56 inches-0.20 inches=0.36 inches over a
height h.sub.1 of 1.20 inches, resulting in a rate of change of
spout depth of 0.30. In contrast, the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout had a
change in depths of 1.00 inches-0.30 inches=0.70 inches over a
height of 0.875 inches, resulting in a rate of change of spout
depth of 0.80. The GERBER.RTM. spout had a change in depths of 0.90
inches-0.25 inches=0.65 inches over a height of 0.90 inches,
resulting in a rate of change of spout depth of 0.72.
[0086] It was discovered from the consumer data that the parameter
of rate of change of spout depth, and, in particular, a lower rate
of change of depths d.sub.1, d.sub.2 from distal end 370 to
proximal end 380 of 0.30, as compared to the rate of change for the
PLAYTEX.RTM. and GERBER.RTM. spouts of 0.80 and 0.72, respectively,
was a contributing cause in facilitating the use of spout 300 by an
infant. In particular, the lower rate of change of depths d.sub.1,
d.sub.2 of spout 300 promoted lip closure by the infant and
facilitated generation of a suction force for achieving a preferred
flow-rate.
[0087] Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the rate
of change of spout depths d.sub.1, d.sub.2 should preferably be
between about 0.10 to about 0.70, more preferably between about
0.25 to about 0.50, and most preferably be about 0.30.
[0088] Also, it was discovered from the above unexpected and
significant results that the parameter of rate of change of spout
cross-sectional area, and, in particular, a lower rate of change of
cross-sectional area of spout 300, promoted lip closure by the
infant, which facilitated generation of a suction force for
achieving a preferred flow-rate. The embodiment of spout 300 tested
had an ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape. The area A.sub.1 for an
ellipse is equal to .PI.*a*b, where a is the radius of the major
axis and b is the radius of the minor axis.
[0089] Spout 300 has a cross-sectional area A.sub.1 at distal end
370 of about .PI.*(w.sub.1/2)*(d.sub.1/2). Spout 300 has a
cross-sectional area A.sub.2 at proximal end 380 of about
.PI.*(w.sub.2/2)*(d.sub.2/2). The rate of change of cross-sectional
areas A.sub.1, A.sub.2 of spout 300 is
(.PI.*(w.sub.1/2)*(d.sub.1/2)-.PI.*(w.sub.2/2)*(d.sub.2/2))/h.sub.1=0.27.
In contrast, the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout had spout cross-sectional areas
of about 0.75 inches*0.30 inches=0.225 sq. inches at the distal
end, and about 1.30 inches*1.00 inches=1.30 sq. inches at the
proximal end. Over a height of 0.875 inches, the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout
had a rate of change in spout cross-sectional area of about 1.229.
The GERBER.RTM. spout had spout cross-sectional areas of about
0.750 inches*0.250 inches=0.1875 sq. inches at the distal end, and
1.300 inches*0.900 inches=1.170 sq. inches at the proximal end.
Over a height of 0.900 inches, the GERBER.RTM. spout had a rate of
change in spout cross-sectional area of about 1.092.
[0090] It was discovered from the consumer data that the lower rate
of change of spout cross-sectional areas A.sub.1, A.sub.2 from
distal end 370 to proximal end 380 of 0.27, as compared to the rate
of change of spout cross-sectional areas for the PLAYTEX.RTM. and
GERBER.RTM. spouts of 1.229 and 1.092, respectively, was a
contributing cause in facilitating the use of spout 300 by an
infant.
[0091] Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the rate
of change of spout cross-sectional areas A.sub.1, A.sub.2 should
preferably be between about 0.10 to about 1.0, more preferably
between about 0.20 to about 0.50, and most preferably be about
0.27.
[0092] The embodiment of spout 300 tested had taper angles
.alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2 for front and rear walls 310, 320 of
about 13.5.degree. each, compared to corresponding overall taper
angles for the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout of about 18.degree. and
34.degree., and for the GERBER.RTM. spout of about 16.degree. and
24.degree.. It was discovered based on the consumer data that the
parameter of spout taper angles and, in particular, the smaller
taper angles .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2 for front and rear walls
310, 320, was a contributing cause in facilitating the use of spout
300 by an infant, promoting lip closure, and facilitating
generation of a suction force for achieving the preferred
flow-rate. The smaller taper angles .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2
for front and rear walls 310, 320 further facilitated the movement
of the infant's lips along spout 300 for proper lip approximation
resulting in further promotion of lip closure. It was further
discovered that the use of a constant slope for taper angles
.alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2 for front and rear walls 310, 320,
also facilitated the use of spout 300 by an infant.
[0093] Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the taper
angles .alpha..sub.1, .alpha..sub.2 should preferably be between
about 5.degree. to about 15.degree., more preferably between about
10.degree. to about 14.degree., and most preferably be about
13.5.degree..
[0094] The embodiment of spout 300 tested had taper angles
.beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2 for first and second side walls 330, 340
of about 12.degree. each, compared to corresponding overall taper
angles for the PLAYTEX.RTM. spout of about 12.degree. and
12.degree., and for the GERBER.RTM. spout of about 20.degree. and
20.degree.. It was discovered from the consumer data that the
parameter of side spout taper angles, and, in particular, smaller
taper angles .beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2 for first and second side
walls 330, 340 was a contributing cause in facilitating the use of
spout 300 by an infant, promoting lip closure, facilitating
generation of a suction force for achieving the preferred
flow-rate, and further facilitating the movement of the infant's
lips along spout 300 for proper lip approximation resulting in
further promotion of lip closure. It was further discovered that
the use of a constant slope for taper angles .beta..sub.1,
.beta..sub.2 for first and second side walls 330, 340, also
facilitated the use of spout 300 by an infant.
[0095] Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the taper
angles .beta..sub.1, .beta..sub.2 should preferably be between
about 5.degree. to about 18.degree., more preferably between about
10.degree. to about 15.degree., and most preferably be about
12.degree..
[0096] The embodiment of spout 300 tested had front and rear walls
310, 320 that were outwardly convex to form an ellipsoidal
cross-sectional shape, compared to the PLAYTEX.RTM. and GERBER.RTM.
spouts which had rear walls that were concave. Additionally, front
and rear walls 310, 320 had radii of curvature r.sub.2, r.sub.3 of
5.0 inches. It was discovered from the consumer data that the
parameters of the shape of the front and rear walls 310, 320 and
the radii of curvature r.sub.2, r.sub.3 of the front and rear
walls, were contributing causes in facilitating the use of spout
300 by an infant, promoting lip closure, and facilitating
generating a suction force for achieving the preferred
flow-rate.
[0097] Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the radii
of curvature r.sub.2, r.sub.3 should preferably be between about
3.0 to about 7.0, more preferably between about 4.0 to about 6.0,
and most preferably be about 5.0 inches.
[0098] The shape of spout 300, including top wall 350 being
arcuate; front wall 310 being outwardly convex and inwardly
tapered; rear wall 320 being inwardly tapered; and first and second
side walls 330, 340 being inwardly tapered at substantially equal
angles providing symmetry to the spout, was determined to promote
better lip approximation and lip closure for reducing liquid loss.
The shape of spout 300 provides for better transitioning between
bottle-feeding and cup drinking. Earlier promotion of lip closure
in a child's life through the use of spout 300, assists in
developing the necessary lip closure for stripping boluses from a
spoon and maintaining lip closure for chewing. It was discovered
based on the consumer data that various combinations of the
above-described parameters were contributing factors in
facilitating the use of spout 300 by an infant, promoting lip
closure, and facilitating generation of a suction force for
achieving the preferred flow-rate.
[0099] The present invention having been thus described with
particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be
obvious that various changes and modifications may be made therein
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *