U.S. patent application number 11/321026 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for twist up spout for beverage container.
This patent application is currently assigned to Rubbermaid Incorporated. Invention is credited to Christopher J. Claypool, Ian W. Cunningham, Brian D. Furlong, Kenneth W. Hull.
Application Number | 20060180585 11/321026 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36814643 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060180585 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cunningham; Ian W. ; et
al. |
August 17, 2006 |
Twist up spout for beverage container
Abstract
A container cap includes an outer cap, an inner cap and a
drinking tube. The drinking tube is extendable and/or retractable
through a twisting motion of the outer cap. When retracted, the
drinking tube is protected by the outer cap from environmental
contaminants.
Inventors: |
Cunningham; Ian W.;
(Huntersville, NC) ; Furlong; Brian D.; (Davidson,
NC) ; Hull; Kenneth W.; (Huntersville, NC) ;
Claypool; Christopher J.; (Huntersville, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEMPIA IP GROUP, LLC
223 WEST JACKSON BLVD.
SUITE 1100, BROOKS BLDG.
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Assignee: |
Rubbermaid Incorporated
Huntersville
NC
|
Family ID: |
36814643 |
Appl. No.: |
11/321026 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60640261 |
Dec 29, 2004 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/203.06 ;
215/387; 220/715 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2266 20130101;
B65D 47/244 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/203.06 ;
220/715; 215/387 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; A47G 19/22 20060101 A47G019/22; B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A cap for a container comprising: an inner cap including at
least one port therein; a drinking tube partially surrounding a
portion of the inner cap and slidably movable relative to the inner
cap; an outer cap partially surrounding a portion of the drinking
tube; and a retainer ring disposed around one end of the outer cap
and rotatably attaching the outer cap to the inner cap; wherein the
outer cap is rotatable relative to the drinking tube, the retaining
ring and the inner cap; wherein rotation of the outer cap displaces
the drinking tube in a longitudinal direction relative to the inner
cap.
2. The cap of claim 1, wherein the inner cap has an opening at a
first end adapted to mount the inner cap on a container.
3. The cap of claim 2, wherein the inner cap has at least one port
proximate a second end.
4. The cap of claim 2, wherein an inner surface of the opening is
threaded.
5. The cap of claim 2, wherein the inner surface of the opening is
adapted to secure the cap to the container in a snap-fit
arrangement.
6. The cap of claim 2, wherein the opening is threaded on an inner
surface thereof.
7. The cap of claim 1, wherein the inner cap includes a thread on
an outer surface thereof adapted to mount the retainer ring to the
inner cap.
8. The cap of claim 1, wherein an outer surface of the drinking
tube is threaded.
9. The cap of claim 8, wherein an inner surface of the outer cap is
threaded and cooperates with the thread of the drinking tube to
drive the drinking tube in a longitudinal direction when the outer
cap is rotated.
10. The cap of claim 1, wherein the retainer ring is integral with
the outer cap.
11. The cap of claim 1, wherein squeezing at two points along a
circumference of the retainer ring allows the retainer ring to be
removed from the inner cap freeing the outer cap and the drinking
spout.
12. The cap of claim 1, wherein the inner cap is open at a first
end and includes top surface at a second end.
13. The cap of claim 12, wherein at least one port is disposed in a
wall of the inner cap proximate the top surface.
14. The cap of claim 13, wherein a resilient seal extends outward
from the wall of the inner cap between the at least one port and
the top surface.
15. The cap of claim 14, wherein a second resilient seal extends
outward from the wall of the inner cap between the first end of the
inner cap and the at least one port.
16. The cap of claim 15, further including a third resilient seal
extending inward from the wall of the inner cap proximate the first
end of the inner cap.
17. A resealable container for fluids comprising: a container base;
an inner cap having at least one port therein; a drinking tube
partially surrounding a portion of the inner cap and slidably
movable relative to the inner cap; an outer cap partially
surrounding a portion of the drinking tube; and a retainer ring
disposed around one end of the outer cap and rotatably attaching
the outer cap to the inner cap; wherein the outer cap is rotatable
relative to the drinking tube and the inner cap; wherein rotation
of the outer cap displaces the drinking tube in a longitudinal
direction relative to the inner cap.
18. A method of dispensing liquids from a container comprising:
providing a cap comprising: an inner cap having at least one port
therein; a drinking tube partially surrounding a portion of the
inner cap and slidably movable relative to the inner cap; an outer
cap partially surrounding a portion of the drinking tube; and a
retainer ring disposed around one end of the outer cap and
rotatably attaching the outer cap to a portion of the inner cap;
wherein the outer cap is rotatable relative to the drinking tube
and the inner cap; wherein rotation of the outer cap displaces the
drinking tube in a longitudinal direction relative to the inner
cap; extending the drinking tube by rotating the outer cap;
exposing the at least one port in the inner cap; and tilting the
container to pour the liquid.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority benefit of U.S. provisional
application No. 60/640,261 filed on Dec. 29, 2004.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field of the Disclosure
[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to container
caps or spouts, and more particularly to extendable and/or
retractable caps or spouts for drinking containers.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] With a traditional drinking bottle or vessel, the drinker's
mouth comes into contact with a surface that has been exposed to
environmental debris. Many current container caps used on water
bottles, including the popular push-pull squirt spout are easily
subjected to dirt and other impurities when knocked over,
especially when used outdoors.
[0006] There are current solutions that provide a separate cap
piece that covers the drinking surface. Some of these caps are
connected to the bottle with some sort of hinge, tether, or strap.
The cap pivots or pulls out of the way and allows the user access
the liquid. The cap can then be pivoted or replaced when the user
wants to protect the drinking surface. In addition to the hinged
solutions, there are a number of products that offer a separate cap
that covers the drinking surface and can be fully removed.
[0007] The hinged or tethered cap solutions described above have at
least two drawbacks. First, as the cap hinges out of the way, it
hangs to the side of the bottle, often making it cumbersome to
drink from the container, to manage or store in a cup holder or to
store on a bicycle water bottle cage and the like. Second, it
requires the drinker to perform two actions to access the liquid.
They must first open the cap, and then a second operation is needed
to access the water such as pulling up on a traditional push-pull
squirt spout. Further, if the cap is free from the bottle, then the
drinker needs to remove the cap and manage it in some way. With the
separate cap solution, the cap can possibly be lost.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon reading the following description in
conjunction with the drawing figures, in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a container cap,
including an inner cap, a drinking tube, an outer cap and a
retainer ring, and container constructed in accordance with the
teachings of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the inner cap of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the inner cap of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 2C is a bottom plan view of the inner cap of FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the drinking tube of
FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a bottom perspective view of the drinking tube of
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view of the drinking tube of
FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 3D is a bottom plan view of the drinking tube of FIG.
1;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a bottom perspective view of the outer cap of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a top perspective view of the outer cap of FIG.
1;
[0019] FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of the outer cap of FIG.
1;
[0020] FIG. 4D is a bottom plan view of the outer cap of FIG.
1;
[0021] FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of the retainer ring of
FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 5B is a top perspective view of the retainer ring of
FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the container cap of
FIG. 1 in a closed condition;
[0024] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the container cap of
FIG. 1 in an open condition; and
[0025] FIG. 6C is a close up view of the circle 6C of FIG. 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0026] Observations and research of current users makes it clear
that keeping a drinking surface of a container cap protected is a
highly desirable feature. As water bottles are used in a variety of
environments from outdoor activities to public work-out facilities,
shielding the drinking surface and orifice from penetration of, or
contact with, dirt, debris, sweat, or other environmental elements
while still gaining easy access to the liquid is a product feature
that is desired by many users.
[0027] The container cap disclosed herein extends and retracts a
drinking tube with a twisting motion of an outer cap. When
extended, the drinking tube is partially exposed creating a
drinking interface for a user. When retracted, the drinking tube is
substantially covered and protected from contaminants by the outer
cap. The drinking tube is mechanically linked to the outer cap and
may be extended through rotation of the outer cap.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows an exploded perspective view of the container
cap 10 and a fluid container 5. The container cap 10 includes an
inner cap 12 that is secured to the fluid container 5, in this
embodiment by a threaded connection. An upper portion of the inner
cap 12 is partially surrounded by a drinking tube 14 that is open
at both ends and is slidably movable relative to the inner cap 12.
An outer cap 16 retains and partially surrounds the drinking tube
14. The outer cap 16 is rotatable relative to the drinking tube 14
and the inner cap 12. A retainer ring 18 secures the outer cap 16
to the inner cap 12, thus also securing the drinking tube 14
between the outer cap 16 and the inner cap 12. The retainer ring 18
may be fixed relative to the outer cap, but rotatable with the
outer cap 16 relative to the drinking tube 14 and the inner cap 12.
Alternately, the retainer ring 18 may be fixed relative to the
inner cap 12 and rotatable relative to the outer cap 16.
Regardless, the retainer ring 18 secures the outer cap 16 to the
inner cap 12 while allowing the outer cap 16 to freely rotate
relative to the inner cap 12. Additionally, an optional storage
strap 19 may be included for temporarily securing the container cap
10 and fluid container 5. For example, the storage strap 19 may be
temporarily placed on a hook (not shown) so that the fluid
container 5 is readily accessible to the user.
[0029] FIGS. 2A-2C detail the inner cap 12. The inner cap 12
includes a mounting portion 20 generally sized to be threadably
mounted to an outer surface of the container 5 FIG. 1). The inner
cap 12 generally narrows upwardly in an inward radial direction
from the mounting portion 20 towards a top surface 22 forming a
generally pyramid-like shape. A thread 24 encircles the inner cap
12 between the mounting portion 20 and the top surface 22. This
thread 24 rotatably attaches the retaining ring 18 to the inner cap
12. Between the thread 24 and the top surface 22, two resilient
seals 26, 28 are disposed circumferentially around the inner cap
12. Between these resilient seals 26, 28 are a plurality of
openings or ports 30 that penetrate through a top portion of the
inner cap 12. When the inner cap 12 is mounted to a container 5
(FIG. 1), access is provided to a storage volume within the
container 5 through the plurality of openings or ports 30.
[0030] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the top portion of the
inner cap 12. The resilient seals 26, 28 encircle the perimeter of
the inner cap 12 at two locations. The first seal 28 is disposed
just below the top surface 22 of the inner cap 12 and generally
above the plurality of openings or ports 30. The second seal 26 is
disposed just below a shoulder area 32 and generally below the
plurality of openings or ports 30. These seals 26, 28, cooperate
with the drinking tube 14 (FIG. 1) to seal the plurality of
openings or ports 30, thus preventing liquid from exiting the
container cap 10 when the drinking tube 14 is in a closed position.
This example of the inner cap 14 includes generally
trapezoidal-shaped openings or ports 30. However, the shape of the
openings or ports 30 could be modified to produce virtually any
particular flow pattern desired. Additionally, a single opening 30
could be used instead of a plurality. The inner cap 12 includes
posts 34 between each of the openings or ports 30 to support the
top surface 22 of the inner cap 12. Additionally, an annular shelf
36 is disposed just below the top surface 22 of the inner cap 12.
Furthermore, a third seal 29 is disposed on an inner surface of the
mounting portion 20 for sealing the inner cap and a top of the
container 5 (FIG. 1) when the cap 10 is secured to the container
5.
[0031] FIG. 2C is a bottom plan view of the inner cap 12. An
interior of the inner cap 12 includes one or more flow channels 38,
40. These channels 38, 40 allow all three seals 26, 28, 29 to be
made from the same material in the same molding process. Thus, an
optimal seal material can be used, and fewer manufacturing
processes are required. Additionally, inner threads 42 are visible
on the mounting portion 20 of the inner cap 12. The inner threads
42 engage threads on the outer surface of the container 5 (FIG. 1)
to secure the container cap 10 to the container 5.
[0032] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate the drinking tube 14. The drinking
tube 14 includes a generally cylindrical driver portion 44 and a
generally funnel shaped drinking portion 46. The driver portion 44
includes a plurality of threads 50 disposed on an outer surface
thereof. The drinking portion 46 terminates at a distal end 52 in a
widening spout portion 54. As shown in FIG. 3B, an interior of the
drinking tube 14 includes one or more downwardly projecting fingers
56. These fingers 56 include a generally arch shaped opening 58
between two legs 59. The arch shaped opening 58 generally widens
from near the drinking portion 46 to near the driver portion 44.
These downwardly projecting fingers 56 cooperate with the plurality
of openings or ports 30 on the inner cap 12 (FIGS. 2A-2C) to
stabilize and guide the drinking tube 14 as it slides relative to
the inner cap 12. Additionally, the arch shaped opening 58 provides
precise control of the flow rate of a liquid flowing out of the
openings or ports 30 by gradually increasing the area of a flow
path through the openings or ports 30 and the arch shaped opening
58 as the drinking tube 14 extends. Thus, the further extended the
drinking tube 14, the greater the flow rate of the liquid. Near the
attached ends of the fingers 56 is an annular ridge 60 (FIG. 3C).
The annular ridge 60 cooperates with the first seal 26 on the inner
cap 12 (FIGS. 2A-2C) to seal the openings or ports 30 when the
drinking tube 14 is in a closed position. Additionally, the second
seal 28 cooperates with the inside wall of the driver portion 44 to
seal the openings or ports 30 when the drinking tube is in a closed
position (See FIG. 6A)
[0033] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate the outer cap 16. The outer cap 16
may include a generally cylindrical base driver portion 70 having
threads 72 on an inner surface thereof. A flared retaining flange
74 is integrally formed near one end of the outer cap 16. Near the
other end of the outer cap 16, an opening 76 is formed. The opening
76 cooperates with the drinking tube 14 to provide an audible
signal that the drinking tube is fully up or down (See FIGS. 6A and
6B). The outer cap 16 rotatably secures the drinking tube 14 to the
inner cap 12 and protects the drinking tube 14 from ambient
elements when the drinking tube 14 is in a closed position. The
inner threads 72 of the outer cap 16 cooperate with the threads 50
on the drinking tube 14 to slidably extend the drinking tube 14
relative to the inner cap 12 when the outer cap 16 is rotated.
[0034] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the retainer ring 18. The
retainer ring 18 includes an inner thread 80 to cooperate with the
threaded mounting portion 24 of the inner cap 12 (FIGS. 2A-2C). An
annular flange 82 at a distal end of the retaining ring 18 retains
the flared retaining flange 74 of the outer cap 16 (FIGS. 4A-4D)
between the retainer ring 18 and the inner cap 12. The retainer
ring 18 secures the outer cap 16 to the inner cap 12, while
allowing the outer cap 16 to twist relative to the retaining ring
18 and the inner cap 12.
[0035] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate the container cap 10 in two
configurations, a closed, sealed condition, and an extended
drinking condition. In the closed condition, as shown in FIG. 6A,
the top edge 47 of the drinking portion 46 of the drinking tube 14
is at substantially the same elevation as the opening 76 of the
outer cap 16 (See FIG. 6C for a close up view). The top edge 47 of
the drinking tube 14 could be disposed between the top surface 22
of the inner cap 12 and the opening 76 of the outer cap 16 if
desired. The first seal 26 contacts an inner portion of the annular
ridge 60 of the drinking portion 46 of the drinking tube 14
providing a liquid-tight seal between the plurality of openings or
ports 30 and the outside environment. Similarly, the second seal 28
contacts an inner surface of the driver portion 44 of the drinking
tube 14 providing a second liquid-tight seal for the plurality of
openings or ports 30. The first and second seals 26, 28 effectively
prevent the contents of the container 5 from escaping or being
contaminated by environmental elements. Furthermore, the third seal
29 provides a liquid tight seal between the inner cap 12 and the
container 5.
[0036] The outer cap 16 substantially surrounds both the drinking
tube 14 and the inner cap 12 in the closed position. The outer cap
16 provides protection for the drinking tube 14 from the outside
environment. The retainer ring 18 attaches the outer cap 16 to the
inner cap 12 by capturing the flared retaining flange 74 of the
outer cap 16 and engaging the threads 24 of the inner cap 12. The
retainer ring 18 may be removed by applying a force in two
generally opposing locations on the retainer ring 18, thus
distorting the retainer ring 18 and allowing the inner threads of
the retainer ring 18 to disengage the threads 24 of the inner cap
12. In this manner, the container cap 10 may be disassembled for
cleaning and reuse.
[0037] The downward projecting fingers 56 penetrate through each of
the plurality of openings or ports 30. The arched portions 58
provide a fluid passageway from the container volume through the
inner cap 12. In the closed condition, the first and second seals
26, 28 prevent the fluid from escaping to the environment.
Additionally, the fingers 56 guide and stabilize the drinking tube
14 during extension and/or retraction.
[0038] The top edge 47 of the drinking tube 14 may include a notch
90 (See FIG. 6C) that is complementary in size and shape to a
corresponding annular ridge 92 in the outer cap 16. As the drinking
tube 14 approaches the fully closed position, the notch 90 and
ridge 92 releasably join together in a "snap fit" type arrangement,
thus providing the user with an audible and tactile indication that
the drinking tube 14 is closed. Additionally, this arrangement
provides stability to the drinking tube 14 partially preventing the
drinking tube 14 from unwanted movement when the container cap 10
is bumped or otherwise jostled. The shown arrangement of the ridge
92 and notch 90 could be reversed if desired.
[0039] FIG. 6B shows the container cap 10 in the open position. The
top 47 of the drinking tube 14 extends outward, away from the top
of the outer cap 16 and away from the top surface 22 of the inner
cap 12 when the outer cap 16 is rotated on one direction. When the
outer cap 12 is rotated in the opposite direction, the top 47 of
the drinking tube 14 retracts toward the top of the outer cap 16
and towards the top surface 22 of the inner cap 12. This extension
and/or retraction is caused by the interaction of the threads 50 on
the outer surface of the drinking tube 14 and the threads 72 on the
inner surface of the outer cap 16.
[0040] When the drinking tube 14 is extended, the inner wall of the
drinking tube 14 adjacent the first seal 26 moves from a smaller
diameter to a larger diameter portion, thus causing the first seal
26 to lose contact with the inner wall of the drinking tube 14. The
second seal 28, however, maintains contact with the inner wall of
the drinking tube 14, thus allowing fluid to travel in only one
direction when exiting the plurality of openings or ports 30. A
shoulder 96 of the drinking tube 14 contacts the outer cap 16 at
the fully extended and open position providing an oral and tactile
indication to the user that the container cap 10 is open.
[0041] Generally, the components of the container cap 10 can be
manufactured from plastic and/or elastomers through an injection
molding process. However, one or more of the components may be
manufactured from any appropriate material, such as, for example,
metal or ceramic. One skilled in the art could select an
appropriate material.
[0042] Additional features such as a "wiper" that swipes, and then
covers the drinking tube 14 as the drinking tube 14 retracts and/or
extends could be incorporated into the container cap 10. The wiper
could be disposed between the drinking tube 14 and the outer cap 16
and would wipe the drinking tube 14 as the drinking tube 14 is
extended and/or retracted further facilitating keeping the drinking
tube 14 clean. The wiper could be generally formed from a flexible
material, such as rubber, but may also be formed from a more rigid
material such as plastic.
[0043] As mentioned above, the retractable drinking tube 14 keeps
the surface that interacts with the drinker's mouth away from
environmental debris and therefore gives the drinker a cleaner and
more hygienic drinking experience. Further, the one-handed
extension of the spout allows the drinker to not have to divert
their attention from other activities.
[0044] Although certain functions and features of a twist up spout
have been described herein in accordance with the teachings of the
present disclosure, the scope of coverage of this patent is not
limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all
embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure that fairly fall
within the scope of permissible equivalents.
* * * * *