U.S. patent application number 10/710643 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-25 for one-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking cup.
This patent application is currently assigned to NIKO DESIGNS, LLC. Invention is credited to Belcastro, Domenic.
Application Number | 20050184075 10/710643 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34864587 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050184075 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Belcastro, Domenic |
August 25, 2005 |
ONE-PIECE SOFT SPOUT VALVE ASSEMBLY FOR A NO-SPILL DRINKING CUP
Abstract
A one-piece soft spout valve assembly (10) for attachment to a
drinking cup (12) includes a diaphragm (11) having a body (17), a
spout portion (20) and a valve portion (22) integrally formed in
the body (17). The body (17) has an outward surface (30), an inward
surface (32), and a peripheral edge (16). The peripheral edge (16)
delineates the outward surface (30) from the inward surface (32).
Furthermore, a groove (18) is circumferentially formed in the
peripheral edge (16) for fixedly attaching to a drinking cup (12).
The spout portion (22) and the valve portion (22) form a cavity
(23) within the inward surface (32) of the body (17) and a drinking
opening (21) within the spout portion (20) on the outward surface
(30) of the body (17), whereby fluid may pass from the cavity (23)
to the drinking opening (21) through the valve portion (22) when
the valve portion (22) is forcibly actuated by the spout portion
(20) in response to an externally applied force by an user.
Inventors: |
Belcastro, Domenic; (Shelby
Township, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ARTZ & ARTZ, P.C.
28333 TELEGRAPH RD.
SUITE 250
SOUTHFIELD
MI
48034
US
|
Assignee: |
NIKO DESIGNS, LLC
11427 Heatherwood Court
Shelby Township
MI
|
Family ID: |
34864587 |
Appl. No.: |
10/710643 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60547326 |
Feb 24, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/714 ;
215/388; 220/717 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 47/2031 20130101;
F16K 15/147 20130101; B65D 47/32 20130101; A47G 19/2272
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/714 ;
220/717; 215/388 |
International
Class: |
A47G 019/22 |
Claims
1. A one-piece soft spout valve assembly for a no-spill drinking
cup comprising: a diaphragm comprising a body, a spout portion
integrally formed in said body, and a valve portion integrally
formed in said body within said spout portion, wherein said body
comprises an outward surface, an inward surface, and a peripheral
edge delineating said outward surface from said inward surface,
wherein said spout portion and said valve portion form a cavity
within said inward surface and a drinking opening within said
outward surface of said spout portion, whereby fluid may pass from
said cavity to said drinking opening through said valve portion
when said valve portion is forcibly actuated by said spout portion
in response to an externally applied force.
2. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said diaphragm is made from a flexible material.
3. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 2
wherein the flexible material is silicone or latex.
4. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
further comprising a plurality of web portions axially coupling
said valve portion to said spout portion, whereby said valve
portion is forcibly actuated by said web portions and said spout
portion in response to an externally applied force.
5. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said valve portion is a duck valve.
6. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said valve portion is comprised of a pair of opposing flap
portions, wherein each flap portion has two outer axial edges, and
said pair of flap portions are adjoined along opposite adjacent
outer axial edges, whereby said pair of flap portions of said valve
portion are normally closed.
7. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said valve portion is pyramidal.
8. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said spout portion is elliptical.
9. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
wherein said diaphragm further comprises a vent portion.
10. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
further comprising a groove circumferentially formed in the
peripheral edge, whereby said groove may engage a drinking cup or a
lid portion.
11. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
further comprising a drinking cup coupled to said diaphragm.
12. The one-piece soft spout valve assembly as recited in claim 1
further comprising a drinking cup and a lid portion coupled to said
diaphragm.
13. An integral valve and spout assembly for a no-spill drinking
cup comprising: a body, a spout portion integrally formed in said
body, and a valve portion integrally formed in said body within
said spout portion, wherein said body comprises an outward surface,
an inward surface, and a edge delineating said outward surface from
said inward surface, wherein said spout portion outwardly extends
from said outward surface forming a cavity within said inward
surface and a drinking opening within said outward surface of said
spout portion, whereby fluid may pass from said cavity to said
drinking opening through said valve portion when said valve portion
is forcibly actuated by said spout portion in response to an
externally applied force.
14. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
further comprising a plurality of web portions axially coupling
said valve portion to said spout portion, whereby said valve
portion is forcibly actuated by said web portions and said spout
portion in response to an externally applied force.
15. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
wherein said valve portion is comprised of a pair of opposing flap
portions, wherein each flap portion has two outer axial edges, and
said pair of flap portions are adjoined along opposite adjacent
outer axial edges, whereby said pair of flap portions of said valve
portion are normally closed.
16. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
wherein said valve portion is pyramidal.
17. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
wherein said spout portion is elliptical.
18. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
wherein said diaphragm further comprises a vent portion.
19. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
further comprising a groove circumferentially formed in the
peripheral edge, whereby said groove may engage a drinking cup or a
lid portion.
20. The integral valve and spout assembly as recited in claim 13
further comprising a drinking cup or a lid portion coupled to said
assembly.
21. A no-spill drinking cup assembly comprising: a diaphragm
comprising a body, a vent portion integrally formed in said body,
an elliptical spout portion integrally formed in said body, a
pyramidal valve portion integrally formed within said spout portion
of said body, and a plurality of web portions axially coupling said
valve portion to said spout portion, wherein said valve portion is
comprised of a pair of opposing flap portions, wherein each flap
portion has two outer axial edges, and said pair of flap portions
are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges, whereby
said pair of flap portions of said valve portion are normally
closed, wherein said body comprises an outward surface, an inward
surface, and a peripheral edge delineating said outward surface
from said inward surface, and a groove circumferentially formed in
the peripheral edge, whereby said groove may engage a drinking cup
or a lid portion, and wherein said spout portion outwardly extends
from said outward surface forming a cavity within said inward
surface and a drinking opening within said outward surface of said
spout portion, whereby fluid may pass from said cavity to said
drinking opening through said valve portion when said valve portion
is forcibly actuated by said web portions and said spout portion in
response to an externally applied force; a lid portion coupled to
said diaphragm; and a drinking cup coupled to said lid portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/547,326, filed Feb. 24, 2004, entitled
"One-piece Soft Spout Valve Assembly For A No-spill Drinking
Cup."
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to drink containers,
and more particularly, to valve assemblies for no-spill drink
containers.
[0003] Current no-spill valves suffer from a variety of
disadvantages. Some current no-spill valves are constructed of
multiple pieces that are relatively difficult to clean. Moreover,
some of these no-spill valves have both an inlet valve and an
outlet valve and thus require even more parts, which increases both
the material and manufacturing costs associated with the valves. In
an effort to reduce costs, one-piece valves constructed of a
silicon material have been developed. However, some of these
one-piece valves include a perforation formed in the valve that
allows fluid to flow into and out of the drinking cup. These
perforations, however, are prone to leakage, particularly if the
drinking cup into which the valve is incorporated is tipped over.
This is because there is no structure for sealing off the
perforation as the valve operates by the opening and closing of the
perforation itself.
[0004] Improvements over these valves have included a single piece
solid valve that is releasably engageable with the lid of a
drinking cup. In this configuration, the valve is located beneath
or in communication with a spout, typically constructed of a
plastic, in a drinking lid. The valve can be constructed entirely
of silicon or may alternatively be a silicon diaphragm disposed
within a plastic housing.
[0005] Therefore, a need exists for a one-piece assembly having a
valve that seals the drinking spout, a valve that is integrally
constructed with the spout allowing fluid to flow directly through
the valve and spout, and a valve that virtually eliminates leakage
through the valve and the lid. Also, there is a need for such a
closure that includes an additional valve to allow fluid pressure
to be released.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0006] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to
provide a one-piece spout and valve assembly for a drinking
cup.
[0007] It is a further advantage of the present invention to
provide an integral valve and valve seat that allows fluid to flow
directly through the valve and spout from the drinking cup.
[0008] It is another advantage of the present invention to provide
a no-spill valve that virtually eliminates any leakage through the
valve and the lid.
[0009] It is still a further advantage of the present invention to
provide a no-spill valve that allows fluid to pass at one location
and allows pressure to be released at another location.
[0010] It is yet another advantage of the present invention to
provide a no-spill valve and spout assembly that utilizes minimal
parts and thus makes cleaning relatively simple.
[0011] In accordance with the above and the other advantages of a
first embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece spill proof
valve and spout assembly for a drinking cup lid is provided. The
valve and spout assembly is preferably constructed of a flexible
material, such as silicone. The valve and spout assembly has a
raised spout that allows fluid to flow therethrough. The spout has
a valve integrally formed therewith and beneath the spout opening.
The valve is moveable between an open position allowing fluid to
pass through the raised spout and a closed position blocking the
flow of fluid therethrough. The valve and spout assembly includes a
circumferential rim that is intended to engage a lid portion to
effectuate securing the valve and spout assembly to a drinking cup.
The valve is moveable between the open and closed position upon
application of a slight force by the user.
[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a one-piece
soft spout valve assembly for a drinking cup is provided as a
diaphragm. The diaphragm has a body, a spout portion and a valve
portion integrally formed in the body. The body has an outward
surface, an inward surface, and a peripheral edge. The peripheral
edge delineates the outward surface from the inward surface. The
spout portion and the valve portion form a cavity within the inward
surface of the body and a drinking opening within the spout portion
on the outward surface of the body, whereby fluid may pass from the
cavity to the drinking opening through the valve portion when the
valve portion is forcibly actuated by the spout portion in response
to an externally applied force by an user.
[0013] Other advantages of the present invention will become
apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the
preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached
drawings and appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and
spout assembly attached to a drinking cup according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and
spout assembly attached to a drinking cup according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an integral
valve and spout assembly attached to a drinking cup opening
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and
spout assembly according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly
according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve and
spout portion of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vent portion
of a diaphragm according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a valve portion
of a diaphragm according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 10 is a top view of an integral valve and spout
assembly according to yet another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0024] FIG. 11 is a front cross-sectional view of an integral valve
and spout assembly according the embodiment of FIG. 10.
[0025] FIG. 12 is a side cross-sectional view of an integral valve
and spout assembly according to the embodiment of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] In the following figures, the same reference numerals are
used to identify the same components in the various views and
alternate embodiments.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 1, there is generally illustrated a
cross-sectional view of an integral valve and spout assembly 10
attached to a drinking cup 12 according to one embodiment of the
present invention. In this embodiment, the valve and spout assembly
10 is attached to a lid portion 14, which engages the drinking cup
12 by threads 15. Alternatively, as would be recognized by one of
ordinary skill in the art, the valve and spout assembly 10 can be
directly attached to the drinking cup without the need for a lid
portion. Also one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that
lid portion may also be attached to the drinking cup in a variety
of other suitable ways.
[0028] The valve and spout assembly 10 preferably is comprised of a
flexible material, such as silicone. Alternatively, a variety of
other suitable materials may be utilized as would be recognized by
one of ordinary skill in the art.
[0029] The drinking cup 12 and the lid portion 14 are both
preferably constructed of a plastic material. It will be understood
by a person having ordinary skill in the art that a variety of
other suitable materials may be utilized. Moreover, the material
may be selected depending upon whether the valve and spout assembly
10 is directly attached to the drinking cup 12 or to the lid
portion 14.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and
spout assembly 10 attached to a drinking cup 12 according to
another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment,
the valve and spout assembly 10 is attached in sealing compression
between a lid portion 14 and a drinking cup 12, in which the lid
portion 14 engages the drinking cup 12 by threads 15.
Alternatively, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in
the art, the valve and spout assembly 10 need not be directly
attached to the lid portion 14 (as shown) when the valve and spout
assembly 10 is retained compressively. Also one of ordinary skill
in the art would recognize that the lid portion may be attached to
the drinking cup in various other ways.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an integral
valve and spout assembly 10 attached to a drinking cup opening 12
according to another embodiment of the present invention. The valve
and spout assembly 10 includes a peripheral edge 16, which is
generally circular in shape when viewed from the top. The
peripheral edge 16 in this embodiment includes a groove 18 formed
therein to allow the valve and spout assembly 10 to engage a rim 19
of the drinking cup 12. The engagement of the rim 19 into the
groove 18 is preferably accomplished by a tight friction fit.
Alternatively, other suitable engagements can be effectuated
between the valve and spout assembly 10 and the rim 19 of a cup 12
or a lid 14 as would be recognized by a person having ordinary
skill in the art.
[0032] The valve and spout assembly 10 includes a raised spout
portion 20 through which a person can drink fluid from the cup 12.
The raised spout portion 20 includes a drinking opening 21 and an
integral valve portion 22, which is moveable between a normally
closed portion and an open position. The integral valve portion 22
of this embodiment is a duck valve.
[0033] Alternatively, the valve and spout assembly 10 may also
include a vent portion 24 (as shown in FIG. 1) for releasing
pressure that builds up in the cup 12. It will be understood by one
having ordinary skill in the art that the vent portion 24 may be
configured to relieve pressure, build up pressure or to let
pressure in and out of the cup 12. It will be understood that the
valve and spout assembly 10 can also be formed without the vent
portion 24.
[0034] The valve portion 22 is preferably comprised of a pair of
opposing flap portions 26, 28 that are normally closed to prevent
the flow of fluid. To open the valve portion 22, a user places
their mouth over the spout portion 20 and applies a slight force or
squeeze to the sides of the spout portion 20 (in the notional
direction of the externally applied force F as shown in FIGS. 5 and
6). Obviously, the external force may be applied to the spout
portion 20 in a variety of different ways. The external force will
cause the flap portions 26, 28 of the valve portion 22 to pucker
outwardly (as shown in FIG. 7) forming an opening between the flap
portions 26, 28 that will allow fluid to pass in either direction
from the valve portion 22 and through the drinking opening 21. Once
the force is removed from the valve portion 20, the flap portions
26, 28 will return to a normally closed position. The vent portion
24 preferably has the same configuration as the valve portion
22.
[0035] In the current embodiment, the valve portion 22 has a
pyramidal shape and the spout portion 20 has a cylindrical shape
when both are in their normally closed position. One having
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that a variety of other
shapes may be used to configure the valve and spout assembly.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an integral valve and
spout assembly 10 according to another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the valve and spout
assembly 10 is shown as a diaphragm 11 having a body 17, a spout
portion 20 integrally formed in the body 17, and a valve portion 22
integrally formed in the body 17. The valve portion 22 is also
preferably integrally formed within the spout portion 20. The body
17 has an outer surface 30, an inner surface 32, and a peripheral
edge 16 delineating the outer surface 30 from the inner surface
32.
[0037] The spout portion 20 and the valve portion 22 form a cavity
23 within the inner surface 32. The spout portion 20 and the valve
portion 22 form a drinking opening 21 within the outer surface 30
of the spout portion 20. Fluid may pass from the cavity 23 to the
drinking opening 21 through the valve portion 22 when the spout
portion 20, in response to an externally applied force, forcibly
actuates the valve portion 22 to an open position.
[0038] In the preferred embodiment the diaphragm 11 is made from a
flexible material such as silicone or latex. One of ordinary skill
in the art would recognize that other materials may also be
used.
[0039] The diaphragm 11 has a pair of web portions 36, 38
integrally connecting the spout portion 20 to the valve portion 22.
One having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that any
number of web portions may be used. Alternatively, it will be
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the spout
portion 20 and the valve portion 22 need not be coupled by web
portion, but may be integrally coupled, closely coupled, or even
have a space gap separating them as shown in the other embodiments
of the invention. The pair of web portions 36, 38 facilitate
forcibly actuating the valve portion 22 when an externally applied
force is exerted upon the spout portion 20.
[0040] The valve portion 22 of this embodiment is comprised of a
pair of opposing flap portions 26, 28. Each flap portion has two
outer axial edges 40, 41, 42, 43. The pair of flap portions 26, 28
are adjoined along opposite adjacent outer axial edges. That is,
outer axial edges 40, 43 are adjoined and outer axial edges 41, 42
are adjoined. The pair of flap portions 26, 28 of the valve portion
22 are normally in a closed configuration.
[0041] The spout portion 20 of the current embodiment is
elliptical. Also, the valve portion 22 is elliptical.
Alternatively, it will be recognized by a person having ordinary
skill in the art that the spout portion 20 and the valve portion 22
may have different geometries.
[0042] Optionally, as shown in the current embodiment, the
diaphragm 11 may include an integrally constructed vent portion 24.
The vent portion 24 relieves pressure by venting pressure when
gasses build up or releasing a vacuum when the internal atmosphere
is depleted within the cup. The vent portion 24 is constructed in
the same manner as the valve portion 22. Alternatively, one having
ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the vent portion 24
may have the same structure as the valve portion 22 disclosed in
the other embodiments.
[0043] The peripheral edge 16 of this embodiment has a groove 18
circumferentially formed therein. The groove 18 is primarily
circular and delineates an upper edge 46 and a lower edge 48 on the
peripheral edge 16, whereby the groove 16 may engage a drinking cup
or a lid. Alternatively, one having ordinary skill in the art will
recognize that that the upper edge 46 and the lower edge 48 need
not be circular, but may be any shape that sufficiently retains the
groove 18 of the diaphragm 11 in sealing contact with a cup or lid.
Moreover, the peripheral edge 16 does not necessitate an upper edge
46 (see FIG. 5) when used with a cup and lid combination, such as
the combination shown in FIG. 2.
[0044] FIG. 5 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly
10 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm 11 of the valve and
spout assembly 10 is shown with a mouth shaped spout portion 20
having a closely coupled valve portion 22 integrally assembled
therein. In order to actuate the valve portion 22, an external
force F must depress the spout portion 20 and bring it in squeezing
contact with the valve portion 22 whereby the flap portions 26, 28
are forcibly separated.
[0045] The vent portion 24 of this embodiment is configured to
relieve pressure when a vacuum is formed within the inward surface
32.
[0046] Moreover, the peripheral edge 16 has a lower edge 48 for
retaining the diaphragm 11 in a clamping fashion when used with a
cup and lid combination.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a top view of an integral valve and spout assembly
10 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In
this embodiment of the invention, the diaphragm 11 of the valve and
spout assembly 10 is shown with a cylindrical shaped spout portion
20 connectively coupled to a nozzle shaped valve portion 22 by web
portions 36, 37, 38, 39. The valve portion 22 is opened when an
external force F is applied to the spout portion 20 squeezing
contact with the web portions 36, 38. The actuation of the valve
portion 22 is also enhanced by the web portions 37, 39 in pulling
contact with the flap portions 26, 28 by the forcibly elongated
shape of the spout portion 20 caused by the external force F.
[0048] The vent portion 24 of this embodiment is configured to
relieve pressure when a pressure buildup is formed within the
inward surface 32.
[0049] The peripheral edge 16 with the internally formed groove 18
has a lower edge 48 and a smaller upper edge 46 for retaining the
diaphragm 11 in a clamping fashion when used with a cup or a cup
and lid combination. Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in the
art will recognize that the upper edge 46 need not be smaller than
the lower edge 48, but may be the same size or larger depending
upon the application to which valve and spout assembly 18 are
used.
[0050] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a diaphragm 11
according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment of the invention, the valve portion 22 is shown in an
actuated configuration where an external force (not shown) is
applied to the spout portion 20. In this configuration, gas and
fluid may pass in either direction from the cavity 23 through the
flap portions 26, 28 of the valve portion 22 to the drinking
opening 21.
[0051] Also, as shown in this embodiment, the outer axial edge 40
of the flap portion 26 is adjoined to the outer axial edge 43 of
the flap portion 28.
[0052] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a vent portion
24 of a diaphragm 11 according to another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the vent portion 24
of the diaphragm 11 has flap portions 27, 29 and is configured to
relieve vacuum conditions. Alternatively, one of ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that the vent portion 24 could be configured
to vent pressure conditions and or relieve vacuum conditions.
[0053] FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of a diaphragm 11
according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment of the invention, a valve portion 22 of the valve and
spout assembly 10 has a flap portion 28 with outer axial edges 42,
43. The valve portion 22 is connected to the spout portion 20 by
the webs 36, 38. Alternatively, a person having ordinary skill in
the art will recognize that the webs 36, 38 may fully or partially
contact the valve portion 22 to the spout portion 20.
[0054] FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show top, front, and side views,
respectively, of an integral valve and spout assembly 10 according
to yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this
embodiment of the invention, a diaphragm 11 has a body 17, a vent
portion 24 integrally formed in the body 17, and an elliptical
spout portion 20 integrally formed in the body 17. Also, a
pyramidal valve portion 22 is integrally formed within the spout
portion 20 of the body 17. The valve portion 22 is axially
connected to the spout portion 22 by four web portions 36, 37, 38,
39.
[0055] The valve portion 22 has a pair of opposing flap portions
26, 28. Each flap portion 26, 28 has two outer axial edges (not
shown). The flap portions 26, 28 are adjoined along opposite
adjacent outer axial edges (not shown). The flap portions 26, 28
are normally releasably closed.
[0056] The body 17 has an outward surface 30, an inward surface 32,
and a peripheral edge 16 delineating the outward surface 30 from
the inward surface 32. A groove 18, for engaging a drinking cup or
a lid, is circumferentially formed in the peripheral edge 16.
[0057] The spout portion 20 outwardly extends from the outward
surface 30. The outwardly extending spout portion 20 forms a cavity
23 within the inward surface 32. A drinking opening 21 is also
formed on the outward surface 17 of the spout portion 20. Fluid may
pass from the cavity 23 to the drinking opening 21 through the
valve portion 22 when the valve portion 22 is forcibly actuated by
the web portions 36, 37, 38, 39 and the spout portion 20 in
response to an externally applied force.
[0058] While particular embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, numerous variations and alternate embodiments
will occur to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended
that the invention be limited only in terms of the appended
claims.
* * * * *