U.S. patent application number 11/720295 was filed with the patent office on 2008-06-05 for vessel cap having straw.
Invention is credited to Jin Hee Ahn.
Application Number | 20080128418 11/720295 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36498243 |
Filed Date | 2008-06-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080128418 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ahn; Jin Hee |
June 5, 2008 |
Vessel Cap Having Straw
Abstract
A vessel cap having a straw comprises a body mounted at a vessel
inlet through which liquid material stored in a vessel is
discharged outward, having a straw receiving portion at an upper
surface thereof, and having a through hole at one side of the straw
receiving portion; a straw horizontally disposed in the straw
receiving portion of the body, and passing through the through hole
thereby penetrating a sealing member formed at a vessel inlet when
vertically positioned; and a connection film connected between an
inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the body and
an outer circumferential surface of the straw for guiding the straw
to be vertically positioned. Once the straw is uprighted, the straw
penetrates the sealing member. A user can drink the liquid material
stored in the vessel by only one operation to open the cover
thereby to enhance the user's convenience.
Inventors: |
Ahn; Jin Hee; (Gyeonggi-do,
KR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OSTROLENK FABER GERB & SOFFEN
1180 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK
NY
100368403
US
|
Family ID: |
36498243 |
Appl. No.: |
11/720295 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
November 28, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR05/04018 |
371 Date: |
May 25, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/303 ;
220/288; 220/709 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/748 20130101;
B65D 2251/0025 20130101; B65D 47/066 20130101; B65D 2251/0056
20130101; B65D 51/226 20130101; B65D 2251/0093 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/303 ;
220/288; 220/709 |
International
Class: |
B65D 51/16 20060101
B65D051/16; B65D 41/04 20060101 B65D041/04; A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 29, 2004 |
KR |
10-2004-0098917 |
Apr 18, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0031797 |
Jun 14, 2005 |
KR |
10-2005-0050808 |
Claims
1. A vessel cap having a straw, comprising: a body mounted at a
vessel inlet through which liquid material stored in a vessel is
discharged outward, and having a space therein; a straw disposed in
the body; and a connection film connected between an inner
circumferential surface of the body and an outer circumferential
surface of the straw for sealing an inner circumferential surface
of the body, horizontally arranging the straw in the body, and
guiding the straw to be vertically positioned.
2. The vessel cap of claim 1, wherein a locking jaw locked by a
locking rib formed at the vessel inlet for coupling the vessel cap
to the vessel inlet is formed at a lower inner circumferential
surface of the body.
3. The vessel cap of claim 1, wherein a female screw portion
coupled to a male screw portion formed at an outer circumferential
surface of the vessel inlet is formed at the lower inner
circumferential surface of the body.
4. The vessel cap of claim 1, wherein a cover for protecting the
straw disposed in the body is openably mounted at an opened upper
surface of the body.
5. The vessel cap of claim 4, wherein one side of the cover is
rotatably connected to an upper end of the body by a connection
rib, and a stopping hook locked by a stopping protrusion formed at
the upper end of the body is formed at another side of the
cover.
6. The vessel cap of claim 4, wherein a locking portion for
maintaining a fixed state of the cover to the body is formed
between the cover and the body, and the locking portion comprises:
a locking protrusion downwardly extending at a lateral surface of
the cover and having an end of a spherical shape; a locking groove
formed at an upper end of the body as a spherical shape for
forcibly fitting the locking protrusion; and a notch portion formed
at the locking protrusion with a thin thickness and removed when a
force is applied to the cover in an open direction.
7. The vessel cap of claim 4, wherein a supporting member for
vertically positioning the straw when the cover is opened is formed
at an inner surface of the cover, the supporting member is
vertically formed at the inner surface of the cover, and a mounting
portion having a certain elastic force and mounting an outer
circumferential surface of the straw is formed at a lower end of
the supporting member.
8. The vessel cap of claim 1, wherein the straw is horizontally
disposed in the body under a state that an outer circumferential
surface thereof is supported by the connection film, and one end of
the straw is sharply formed so as to easily penetrate a sealing
member attached to the vessel inlet.
9. The vessel cap of claim 8, wherein at least one reinforcing rib
is formed at an outer circumferential surface of the straw in a
longitudinal direction.
10. The vessel cap of claim 8, wherein a reinforcing rib having a
straight-line shape or a cross shape is formed at an inner
circumferential surface of the straw.
11. The vessel cap of claim 8, wherein the straw has a sectional
surface of an oval shape.
12. The vessel cap of claim 8, wherein the straw has a sectional
surface of a diamond shape.
13. The vessel cap of claim 1, wherein the connection film seals an
inner circumferential surface of the body as a thin film wrinkles
to be flexibly transformed so that the liquid material can not be
leaked to an upper side of the body, and comprises a lower film
connected to a lower inner circumferential surface of the body and
an upper film connected to an upper inner circumferential surface
of the body.
14. The vessel cap of claim 1, wherein the body comprises: an
extension portion extending in a side direction of the vessel inlet
for disposing one end of the straw; a press portion formed at an
end of the extension portion and pressed by a user; and a bending
portion formed in the middle of the extension portion and curved
downwardly when the press portion is pressed.
15. The vessel cap of claim 14, wherein a supporting member for
supporting the straw is vertically formed at a lower surface of the
body, and covers an outer circumferential surface of the straw with
a certain elastic force.
16. The vessel cap of claim 14, wherein a contraction film for
preventing external materials or dust from being introduced into
the straw is formed at one end of the straw.
17. The vessel cap of claim 14, wherein the connection film seals
an inner circumferential surface of the body as a thin film
wrinkles to be flexibly transformed so that the liquid material can
not be leaked to an upper side of the body, and is connected to an
outer circumferential surface of the straw.
18. A vessel cap having a straw, comprising: a body mounted at a
vessel inlet through which liquid material stored in a vessel is
discharged outward, having a straw receiving portion at an upper
portion thereof, and having a through hole at one side of the straw
receiving portion; a straw horizontally disposed in the straw
receiving portion of the body, and passing through the through hole
thereby penetrating a sealing member formed at a vessel inlet when
vertically positioned; and a connection film connected between an
inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the body and
an outer circumferential surface of the straw for guiding the straw
to be vertically positioned.
19. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein a cover member for
protecting the straw disposed in the body is detachably mounted at
an upper portion of the body.
20. The vessel cap of claim 19, wherein the cover member is
attached to an upper circumferential surface of a straw receiving
portion formed at the body.
21. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein the body is formed as a
cylindrical shape, and a locking groove locked by a locking rib
formed at the vessel inlet is formed at a lower inner
circumferential surface thereof.
22. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein a female screw portion is
formed at a lower inner circumferential surface of the body, and is
coupled to a male screw portion formed at the vessel inlet.
23. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein the body has a rectangular
shape, and a fix flange fixed to the vessel is formed at a lower
surface of the body in a circumferential direction.
24. The vessel cap of claim 23, wherein the fix flange is attached
to an upper surface of the vessel.
25. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein the straw receiving portion
for positioning one end of the straw is provided with an opening so
that a user can easily position the straw vertically by his
hand.
26. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein a supporting member for
supporting the straw horizontally positioned in the straw receiving
portion is formed at a bottom surface of the straw receiving
portion of the body.
27. The vessel cap of claim 26, wherein the supporting member is
constructed as one pair vertically formed at a bottom surface of
the straw receiving portion of the body, and a mounting groove for
elastically mounting the straw is formed at inner surfaces of the
supporting members facing each other.
28. The vessel cap of claim 27, wherein an air inlet for supplying
external air into the vessel is formed at a center of the
supporting member, the air inlet is closed when the straw is fitted
into the supporting member as an outer circumferential surface of
the straw is adhered to the supporting member, and the air inlet is
opened when the straw is detached from the supporting member.
29. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein an air inlet for supplying
external air into the vessel is formed at a bottom surface of the
straw receiving portion.
30. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein the straw is horizontally
disposed in the body under a state that an outer circumferential
surface thereof is supported by the connection film, and one end of
the straw is sharply formed so as to easily penetrate the sealing
member.
31. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein at least one reinforcing
rib is formed at an outer circumferential surface of the straw in a
longitudinal direction.
32. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein a reinforcing rib having a
straight-line shape or a cross shape is formed at an inner
circumferential surface of the straw.
33. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein the straw has a sectional
surface of an oval shape.
34. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein the straw has a sectional
surface of a diamond shape.
35. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein a contraction film for
preventing external materials or dust from being introduced into
the straw covers one end of the straw.
36. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein a cut portion is formed in
a longitudinal direction at the straw positioned at an inner side
of the sealing member.
37. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein a diameter of the straw
positioned at a lower side of the connection film is larger than a
diameter of the straw positioned at an upper side of the connection
film.
38. The vessel cap of claim 30, wherein a punch portion for
penetrating the sealing member is formed at an outer side surface
of a lower end of the straw.
39. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein the connection film seals
an inner circumferential surface of the body as a thin film
wrinkles to be flexibly transformed so that the liquid material can
not be leaked to an upper side of the body.
40. The vessel cap of claim 18, wherein a straw closing portion for
closing an end of the straw when the straw is horizontally
positioned in the straw receiving portion is formed in the
body.
41. The vessel cap of claim 40, wherein the straw closing portion
is protruded in the body, and has a packing groove of the same
shape as that of an end of the straw for fitting the end of the
straw when the straw is horizontally positioned and thereby closing
the straw.
42. A vessel cap having a straw, comprising: a body mounted at a
vessel inlet through which liquid material stored in a vessel is
discharged outward a straw horizontally disposed in the body and
penetrating a sealing member attached to the vessel inlet when
vertically positioned; a connection film connected between an inner
circumferential surface of the body and an outer circumferential
surface of the straw for guiding the straw to be vertically
positioned; and an opening/closing unit formed at an upper end of
the straw for opening and closing the straw.
43. The vessel cap of claim 42, wherein the body is provided with
an upper plate for partially covering an upper surface thereof and
a lower plate for partially covering a lower surface thereof at an
opposite side to the upper plate, and the connection film is formed
between the upper plate and the lower plate.
44. The vessel cap of claim 43, wherein a supporting member for
elastically mounting an outer circumferential surface of the straw
and maintaining a horizontal state of the straw is formed at an
upper surface of the lower plate.
45. The vessel cap of claim 42, wherein an outer circumferential
surface of the straw is integrally formed at the connection film,
the opening/closing unit for opening and closing the straw is
formed at an upper end of the straw, and a lower end of the straw
is sharply formed so as to easily penetrate the sealing member
attached to the vessel inlet.
46. The vessel cap of claim 43, wherein the connection film is
formed as a thin film between the upper plate and the lower plate,
is elastically transformed when the straw is vertically positioned
thereby to support the straw, and maintains the vertical state of
the straw.
47. The vessel cap of claim 42, wherein the opening/closing unit
comprises: a sealing protrusion connected to an end inner
circumferential surface of the straw by a connection rib and having
a disc shape; a lifting member inserted onto the outer
circumferential surface of the straw and movable up and down; and a
discharge hole formed at an upper surface of the lifting member and
closed when the sealing member is inserted thereinto for
discharging the liquid material stored in the vessel.
48. The vessel cap of claim 47, wherein a hooking portion for
preventing the lifting member from being detached from the straw is
formed between an outer circumferential surface of an upper end of
the straw and an inner circumferential surface of the lifting
member, and the hooking portion comprises: a first hooking
protrusion formed at the outer circumferential surface of the upper
end of the straw; and a second hooking protrusion protruding from
the inner circumferential surface of the lifting member and locked
by the first hooking protrusion.
49. The vessel cap of claim 42, further comprising a locking
portion for maintaining a vertical state of the straw between the
straw and an upper surface of the vessel.
50. The vessel cap of claim 49, wherein the body has a rectangular
shape of which upper surface is opened, and a mounting flange fixed
to an upper surface of the vessel by an adhesion is formed at a
lower surface of the body.
51. The vessel cap of claim 49, wherein a supporting portion
extending outside the body for elastically supporting a horizontal
state of the straw is formed at a side wall of the body.
52. The vessel cap of claim 49, wherein a straw closing portion for
closing a lower surface of the straw when the straw is horizontally
positioned is formed in the body.
53. The vessel cap of claim 49, wherein the locking portion
comprises: a locking protrusion inwardly extending at both sides of
an opening formed at an upper surface of the vessel; and a locking
groove formed at a lower outer circumferential surface of the straw
for locking the locking protrusion.
54. A vessel cap having a straw, comprising: a body mounted at an
outlet of a vessel, having a space therein, and having an opened
upper surface; a cover hinge-connected to one side of the body for
opening and closing the body; a straw horizontally disposed in the
body; and a connection film connected between an inner
circumferential surface of the body and an outer circumferential
surface of the straw as a wrinkles type, and guiding the straw to
be downwardly moved as being expanded when the straw is uprighted
and contracted when the straw is pressed downwardly.
55. The vessel cap of claim 54, wherein a fix portion extending
outward at a lower surface of the body is fixed near the outlet of
the vessel.
56. The vessel cap of claim 54, wherein a supporting member that
covers an outer circumferential surface of the straw is vertically
positioned in the body so that the straw can be horizontally
positioned in the body.
57. The vessel cap of claim 54, wherein one side of the cover is
openably connected to an upper end of the body by a hinge rib, and
a locking protrusion locked by a locking groove formed at the upper
end of the body is formed at another side of the cover.
58. The vessel cap of claim 57, wherein a supporting rod for
vertically positioning the straw when the cover is opened is formed
at an inner surface of the cover, the supporting rod comprises a
first rod vertically formed at an inner surface of the cover and a
second rod spaced from the first rod, and a mounting portion for
mounting an outer circumferential surface of the straw is formed at
facing surfaces of the first rod and the second rod.
59. The vessel cap of claim 54, wherein an outer circumferential
surface of the straw is connected to the body by the connection
film, and a punch portion to penetrate the sealing member attached
to the vessel inlet is formed at one end of the straw.
60. The vessel cap of claim 54, wherein the connection film is
formed as a thin film wrinkles so as to be flexibly transformed,
and seals between an inner circumferential surface of the body and
an outer circumferential surface of the straw so that the liquid
material can not be leaked outward.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a vessel cap having a
straw, and more particularly, to a vessel cap having a straw
capable of enhancing user's comfort by integrally forming a straw
with a vessel cap.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vessel cap in accordance
with the prior conventional art.
[0003] The conventional vessel cap is mounted at a vessel inlet 106
of a vessel 104 for storing liquid material 102 to drink, and
serves to open and close the vessel inlet 106. A sealing member 108
for preventing the liquid material 102 stored in the vessel 104
from leaking is attached to the vessel inlet 106.
[0004] A locking rib 112 is protruding outward at a circumferential
surface of the vessel inlet 106, and a locking jaw 114 locked by
the locking rib 112 and coupled to the vessel inlet 106 is formed
at a circumferential surface of the vessel cap 110. A handgrip 116
held by a user for detaching the vessel cap 110 from the vessel
inlet is formed at one side of the vessel cap 110.
[0005] In the conventional vessel cap 110, when the user pulls the
handgrip 116 upward, the locking jaw 112 formed at the vessel cap
110 is detached from the locking rib 114 formed at the vessel inlet
106 and thus the vessel cap 110 is detached from the vessel inlet
106.
[0006] Then, the sealing member 108 attached to the vessel inlet
106 is detached to drink the liquid material therein, or is
penetrated with a straw.
[0007] However, in the conventional vessel cap 110, the sealing
member 108 needs to be detached by the user's hand, thereby to
cause user's inconvenience, and in addition, the sealing member 108
detached from the vessel inlet 106 has to be removed, thereby to
cause environmental pollution.
[0008] Furthermore, in case of drinking the liquid material 102 by
using a straw, the user has to carry an additional straw, thereby
to cause user's inconvenience.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a vessel cap having a straw capable of enhancing user's comfort by
integrally forming a straw with a vessel cap and capable of
preventing the straw from being lost while being used.
[0010] The second object of the present invention is to provide a
vessel cap having a straw capable of enhancing user's comfort by
drinking liquid material stored in a vessel with only one operation
to vertically position a straw without detaching a vessel cap from
a vessel inlet so that the straw can penetrate a sealing member
attached to the vessel inlet.
[0011] The third object of the present invention is to provide a
vessel cap having a straw capable of effectively sucking liquid
material stored in a vessel through a straw by vertically
positioning the straw and by supplying external air into the vessel
under a state that an air inlet formed at the vessel cap is
opened.
[0012] The fourth object of the present invention is to provide a
vessel cap having a straw capable of enhancing user's comfort by
vertically positioning a straw, then downward pressing the straw,
and penetrating a sealing member attached to a vessel inlet by the
straw.
Technical Solution
[0013] To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with
the purpose of the present invention, as embodied and broadly
described herein, there is provided a vessel cap, comprising: a
body mounted at a vessel inlet through which liquid material stored
in a vessel is discharged outward, and having a space therein; a
straw disposed in the body; and a connection film connected between
an inner circumferential surface of the body and an outer
circumferential surface of the straw for sealing an inner
circumferential surface of the body, horizontally arranging the
straw in the body, and guiding the straw to be vertically
positioned.
[0014] Preferably, a locking jaw locked by a locking rib formed at
the vessel inlet for coupling the vessel cap to the vessel inlet
may be formed at a lower inner circumferential surface of the
body.
[0015] Preferably, a cover for protecting the straw disposed in the
body may be mounted at an opened upper end of the body. One side of
the cover may be rotatably connected to an upper end of the body by
a connection rib. A stopping hook locked by a stopping protrusion
formed at the upper end of the body may be formed at another side
of the cover.
[0016] A supporting member for vertically positioning the straw
when the cover is opened may be formed at an inner surface of the
cover. The supporting member may be vertically formed at the inner
surface of the cover. A mounting portion for mounting an outer
circumferential surface of the straw is formed at a lower end of
the supporting member.
[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
vessel cap having a straw comprises: a body mounted at a vessel
inlet through which liquid material stored in a vessel is
discharged outward, having a straw receiving portion at an upper
portion thereof, and having a through hole at one side of the straw
receiving portion; a straw being horizontally disposed in the straw
receiving portion of the body, and passing through the through hole
thereby penetrating a sealing member formed at a vessel inlet when
vertically positioned; and a connection film connected between an
inner circumferential surface of the through hole of the body and
an outer circumferential surface of the straw for guiding the straw
to be vertically positioned.
[0018] Preferably, a cover member for protecting the straw disposed
in the body may be detachably mounted at an upper portion of the
body.
[0019] The body may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and a
stopping groove stopped by a stopping rib formed at the vessel
inlet may be formed at a lower inner circumferential surface
thereof.
[0020] A supporting member for supporting the straw horizontally
positioned in the straw receiving portion may be formed at a bottom
surface of the straw receiving portion of the body.
[0021] An air inlet for supplying external air into the vessel may
be formed at the center of the supporting member. The air inlet is
closed when the straw is mounted at the supporting member as an
outer circumferential surface of the straw is adhered to the
supporting member, and is opened when the straw is detached from
the supporting member.
[0022] A straw closing portion for closing the end of the straw
when the straw may be horizontally positioned in the straw
receiving portion is formed in the body.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0023] The vessel cap having a straw according to the present
invention has the following advantages in that since the straw is
rotatably disposed by the connection film in the body coupled to
the vessel inlet, when the cover mounted at the upper end of the
body is opened, the straw is rotated together with the cover, the
straw penetrates the sealing member attached to the vessel inlet
and is uprighted and accordingly, the straw can be conveniently
used under a mounted state to the vessel inlet by only one
operation to open the cover.
[0024] Also, since the straw is mounted in the vessel cap, the
straw is not lost while being used.
[0025] Also, since the straw is rotatably supported by the
connection film in the body coupled to the vessel inlet, when the
straw is positioned vertically, the straw penetrates the sealing
member attached to the vessel inlet. Accordingly, the liquid
material stored in the vessel can be sucked by only one
operation.
[0026] Also, when the straw is positioned vertically, the air inlet
formed at the vessel cap is opened thereby to supply external air
into the vessel. Accordingly, the liquid material stored in the
vessel can be sucked more effectively through the straw.
[0027] Also, when the user positions the straw horizontally at the
time of stopping drinking the liquid material stored in the vessel,
the straw is adhered to the straw closing portion formed in the
body, and accordingly, the liquid material stored in the vessel is
prevented from leaking outward.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap in
accordance with the conventional art;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according to
the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a state that a cover of
the vessel cap is opened according to the first embodiment of the
present invention;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a locking portion of the
vessel cap according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing a supporting member of
the vessel cap according to the first embodiment of the present
invention;
[0033] FIGS. 6 to 9 are sectional views showing other embodiments
of a straw mounted in the vessel cap according to the present
invention;
[0034] FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according
to the second embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according
to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 12 is a plane view showing the vessel cap according to
the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 13 is a view showing an operation state of the vessel
cap according to the third embodiment of the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap in which
a straw is horizontally positioned according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap in which
a straw is vertically positioned according to the fourth embodiment
of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 17 is a sectional view showing the vessel cap according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention
[0042] FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a supporting member
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 19 is a partial perspective view showing a straw
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 20 is a sectional view showing the straw according to
the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIGS. 21 to 23 are sectional views showing other embodiments
according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0046] FIGS. 24 and 25 are views showing an operation state of the
vessel cap according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according
to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0048] FIG. 27 is a sectional view showing an opening/closing unit
according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 28 is a view showing an operation state of the
opening/closing unit according to the fifth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0050] FIG. 29 is a view showing an operation state of the vessel
cap according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0052] FIG. 31 is a sectional view showing the vessel cap according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0053] FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing a locking member
according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 33 is a top view showing the locking member according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0055] FIG. 34 is a view showing an operation state of the vessel
cap according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0056] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0057] FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the eighth embodiment of the present invention;
[0058] FIG. 37 is a sectional view showing a state that a cover of
the vessel cap is opened according to the eighth embodiment of the
present invention;
[0059] FIG. 38 is a sectional view showing a state that the cover
of the vessel cap is closed according to the eighth embodiment of
the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 39 is a sectional view taken along line `A-A` of FIG.
38; and
[0061] FIGS. 40 and 41 are views showing an operation state of the
vessel cap according to the eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
MODE FOR THE INVENTION
[0062] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention
will be explained in more detail with reference to the attached
drawings.
[0063] FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according to
the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a
sectional view showing a state that a cover of the vessel cap is
opened according to the first embodiment of the present
invention.
[0064] A vessel cap according to the first embodiment of the
present invention comprises a body 16 mounted at a vessel inlet 14
through which liquid material 12 stored in a vessel 10 is
discharged outward and having a space therein, a straw 18 disposed
in the body 16, and a connection film 20 connected between an inner
circumferential surface of the body 16 and an outer circumferential
surface of the straw 18 for horizontally arranging the straw 18 in
the body 16 and guiding the straw 18 to be vertically
positioned.
[0065] The vessel 10 for storing liquid material to drink can be
formed of various materials such as a can, paper, or resin. A
locking rib 22 for mounting the vessel cap 30 is protruding at the
vessel inlet 14 in a circumferential direction. A sealing member 24
for protecting the liquid material 12 stored in the vessel 10 is
attached to the vessel inlet 14.
[0066] A cover 26 for protecting the straw 18 disposed in the body
16 is mounted at an opened upper surface of the body 16. A locking
jaw 32 locked by the locking rib 22 formed at the vessel inlet 14
for coupling the vessel cap 30 to the vessel inlet 14 is formed at
a lower inner circumferential surface of the body 16.
[0067] One side of the cover 26 is rotatably connected to an upper
end of the body 16 by a connection rib 34. A stopping hook 38
locked by a stopping protrusion 36 formed at the upper end of the
body 16 is formed at the other side of the cover 26. A handgrip 40
held by a user so as to detach the cover 26 from the body 16 is
formed at the cover 26.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, a locking portion 42 for maintaining a
fixed state of the cover 26 to the body 16 is formed between the
cover 26 and the body 16. The locking portion 42 comprises at least
one locking protrusion 42a downwardly extending at a lateral
surface of the cover 26 and having an end of a spherical shape, and
at least one locking groove 42b formed at an upper end of the body
16 as a spherical shape for forcibly mounting the locking
protrusion 42a. Meanwhile, the cover 26 may be detachably coupled
with the body 16.
[0069] The locking protrusion 42a is provided with a notch portion
44 having a thin thickness and being divided when a force is
applied to the cover 26 in an open direction.
[0070] That is, when a force is applied to the cover 26 in a
closing direction, the locking protrusion 42a formed at the cover
26 is forcibly fitted into the locking groove 42b formed at the
body 16. Accordingly, the locking portion 42 locks the cover 26
with the body 16. Under this state, if the cover 26 is opened, the
notch portion 44 formed at the locking protrusion 42a is divided
and thus the locking the cover 26 with the body 16 is removed.
[0071] A supporting member 46 for maintaining a horizontal state of
the straw 18 disposed in the body 16 when the cover 26 is closed
and for vertically positioning the straw 18 when the cover 26 is
opened is formed at an inner surface of the cover 26.
[0072] As shown in FIG. 5, the supporting member 46 is vertically
formed at the inner surface of the cover 26 in one body. A mounting
portion 48 for mounting an outer circumferential surface of the
straw 18 is formed at a lower end of the supporting member 46. The
mounting portion 48 has an opened lower surface and has elastic
characteristics.
[0073] When the cover 26 is opened, the supporting member 46 is
rotated with the cover 26 and thereby the straw 18 is uprighted.
That is, since the mounting portion 48 holds the outer
circumferential surface of the straw 18, when the supporting member
46 is rotated with the cover 26, the straw 18 is rotated together
thus to be vertically positioned. When the cover 26 is more
rotated, the mounting portion 48 is detached from the straw 18 and
thus the straw 18 is uprighted.
[0074] The outer circumferential surface of the straw 18 is
supported by the connection film 20 thereby to be horizontally
positioned in the body 16. One end of the straw 18 is formed to be
sharp so as to penetrate the sealing member 24 attached to the
vessel inlet 14.
[0075] When the straw 18 is uprighted, the straw 18 has enough
strength in order to penetrate the sealing member 24. In order to
enhancing the strength of the straw 18, at least one reinforcing
rib is formed at the straw 18 in a longitudinal direction.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, at least one reinforcing rib 50 is
formed at the outer circumferential surface of the straw 18 in a
longitudinal direction in order to reinforce the strength of the
straw 18.
[0077] As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a reinforcing rib
52 having a straight line shape or a cross shape may be formed at
an inner surface of the straw 18.
[0078] As still another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a straw 54
of an oval sectional surface may increase strength by contacting a
portion of longer diameter with the sealing member 24. As shown in
FIG. 9, a straw 56 of a diamond sectional surface at the portion
contacting the sealing member 24 may increase strength.
[0079] The connection film 20 is formed as a thin film having
wrinkles to be flexibly transformed, and is integrally formed at
the inner circumferential surface of the body 16. The connection
film 20 seals the body 16 so that the liquid material can not leak
to the upper side of the body 16.
[0080] The connection film 20 comprises a lower film 58 connected
to a lower inner circumferential surface of the body 16, and an
upper film 60 connected to an upper inner circumferential surface
of the body 16. The straw 18 is disposed between the upper film 60
and the lower film 58.
[0081] When the straw 18 is uprighted, one end of the straw 18
exposed outward is positioned at an upper side of the lower film
58, and another end of the straw 18 that penetrates the sealing
member 24 is positioned at a lower side of the upper film 60.
[0082] An operation of the vessel cap having a straw according to
the first embodiment of the present invention will be
explained.
[0083] When a user upwardly pulls the handgrip 40 of the cover 26
in order to drink the liquid material 12 stored in the vessel,
locking of the locking portion 42 between the cover 26 and the body
16 is released and thus the cover 26 is detached from the body 16.
That is, the notch portion 44 formed at the locking protrusion 42a
of the locking portion 42 is divided, thereby releasing the locked
state between the cover 26 and the body 16.
[0084] Then, the supporting member 46 formed at the cover 26 is
rotated upwardly together with the cover 26. As the result, the
straw 18 locked by the supporting member 46 is rotated together
with the supporting member 46 thus to be uprighted.
[0085] When the cover 26 is rotated by more than 90.degree., the
mounting portion 48 of the supporting member 46 is detached from
the straw 18 at the state that the straw 18 is uprighted.
[0086] Since one side of the straw 18 penetrates the sealing member
24 and another side of the straw 18 is exposed outside the body 16,
the user inclines the vessel 10 and then drinks the liquid material
12 stored in the vessel 10 through the straw 18.
[0087] Since the straw 18 is supported by the connection film 20,
the straw 18 is rotated, a portion of the straw 18 contacting the
connection film 20 being a rotating point. Since the body 16 is
sealed by the connection film 20, the liquid material 12 may be
prevented from leaking outward even if the liquid material 12 is
discharged through a hole of the sealing member 24 penetrated by
the straw 18.
[0088] In the vessel cap according to the present invention, the
straw 18 mounted at the body 16 penetrates the sealing member 24
and then is uprighted by only one operation to open the cover 26,
thereby enhancing the user's convenience.
[0089] FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap having a
straw according to the second embodiment of the present
invention.
[0090] The vessel cap of the second embodiment has the same
construction and operation as the vessel cap of the first
embodiment except a coupling structure between the vessel cap and
the vessel inlet.
[0091] In the vessel cap of the second embodiment, a female screw
portion 62 is formed at a lower inner circumferential surface of
the body 16, and a male screw portion 64 is formed at an outer
circumferential surface of the vessel inlet 14. Accordingly, the
female screw portion 62 is coupled to an outer circumferential
surface of the male screw portion 64, thereby coupling the vessel
cap 30 to the vessel 10.
[0092] A skirt 66 is formed at a lower end of the body 16 in a
circumferential direction and is mounted at a neck portion of the
vessel inlet 14, thereby coupling the vessel cap 30 with the vessel
10.
[0093] In the vessel cap of the second embodiment, in case of
detaching the vessel cap 30 from the vessel inlet 14, the vessel
cap 30 is rotated. As the result, the skirt 66 is divided, and the
locking between the vessel cap 30 and the vessel 10 is released. If
the vessel cap 30 is more rotated, the vessel cap 30 is detached
from the vessel inlet 14.
[0094] FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according
to the third embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a
plane view showing the vessel cap according to the third embodiment
of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a view showing an
operation state of the vessel cap according to the third embodiment
of the present invention.
[0095] A vessel cap having a straw according to the third
embodiment comprises a body 70 mounted at a vessel inlet 14 through
which liquid material 12 stored in a vessel 10 is discharged
outward, having a space therein, and having an opened upper
surface, a straw 18 disposed in the body 70 and horizontally
supported by a supporting member formed at the body 70, and a
connection film 72 connected between an inner circumferential
surface of the body 70 and an outer circumferential surface of the
straw 18 for arranging the straw 18 horizontally in the body 70 and
guiding the straw 18 to be uprighted.
[0096] The body 70 is coupled to the vessel inlet 14 in the same
manner as the aforementioned manner. The body 70 comprises an
extension portion 74 extending in a side direction of the vessel
inlet 14 for inserting one end of the straw 18, a press portion 78
formed at the end of the extension portion 74 and pressed by the
user, and a bending portion 76 formed in the middle of the
extension portion 74 and bent downwardly when the press portion 78
is pressed.
[0097] When the user presses the press portion 78, the bending
portion 76 is bent downward and one end of the straw 18 is exposed
outward.
[0098] The supporting member 80 is vertically formed at a lower
surface of the body 70 and covers the outer circumferential surface
of the straw 18 with an elastic force. Accordingly, the straw 18
can be horizontally disposed in the body 70.
[0099] A contraction film 82 for preventing external materials or
dust from being introduced into the straw 18 covers one end of the
straw 18. When the straw 18 is to be used, the contraction film 82
is removed.
[0100] The straw 18 is provided with a reinforcing rib to reinforce
the strength thereof.
[0101] The connection film 72 is formed as a thin film wrinkles to
be flexibly transformed, and is integrally formed at the inner
circumferential surface of the body 70. The connection film 72
seals the body so that the liquid material may not leak to the
upper side of the body 70.
[0102] An operation of the vessel cap having a straw according to
the third embodiment of the present invention will be
explained.
[0103] When the user presses the press portion 78 formed at the
body 70, the extension portion 74 of the body 70 is bent on the
basis of the bending portion 76. As the result, one end of the
straw 18 is exposed outward. The straw 18 is upwardly rotated
thereby to be uprighted.
[0104] The straw 18 is detached from the supporting member 80 and
is rotated to be uprighted. The lower end of the straw 18
penetrates the sealing member 24, and the upper end of the straw 18
is exposed outward. The straw 18 is supported by the connection
film 72 thereby to be rotated, and the body 70 is sealed by the
connection film 72. Accordingly, the liquid material is prevented
from leaking to the body 70.
[0105] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 15 is a
perspective view showing a vessel cap in which a straw is
horizontally positioned according to the fourth embodiment of the
present invention, FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a vessel
cap in which a straw is vertically positioned according to the
fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a
sectional view showing the vessel cap according to the fourth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0106] A vessel cap according to the fourth embodiment comprises a
body 150 mounted at a vessel inlet 12 through which liquid material
stored in a vessel 10 is discharged outward and having a straw
receiving portion 152 at an upper portion thereof, a straw 154
horizontally disposed in the straw receiving portion 152 of the
body 150, and a connection film 156 connected between an inner wall
surface of the body 150 and an outer circumferential surface of the
straw 154 for guiding the straw 154 to be vertically
positioned.
[0107] The vessel 10 has the same construction as the vessel of the
first embodiment, and a sealing member 24 for protecting the liquid
material stored in the vessel 10 is attached to the vessel inlet
12.
[0108] The body 150 is formed as a cylindrical shape, and a cover
member 158 for protecting the straw 154 disposed in the body 150 is
detachably mounted at an opened upper surface of the body 150. A
locking groove 160 for locking a locking rib 22 formed at the
vessel inlet 12 and thereby coupling the vessel cap to the vessel
inlet 12 is formed at a lower inner circumferential surface of the
body 150.
[0109] The body 150 is provided with a through hole 162 at one side
of the straw receiving portion 152. The straw 154 passes through
the through hole 162 and penetrates the sealing member 24.
[0110] A female screw portion is formed at an inner circumferential
surface of the body 150, and a male screw portion is formed at an
outer circumferential surface of the vessel inlet 12. Accordingly,
the body 150 can be coupled to the vessel inlet 12 by a screw
couple method. Besides the aforementioned coupling method, the body
150 can be detachably coupled to the vessel inlet 12.
[0111] The straw receiving portion 152 of the body 150 for
positioning one end of the straw 154 is provided with an opening
164 so that the user can easily position the straw 154 vertically
by holding it.
[0112] The cover member 158 is attached to an upper circumferential
surface of the straw receiving portion 152 of the body 150 by an
adhesion method, a thermal fusion method, etc. One side of the
cover member 158 covers up to the opening 164 of the straw
receiving portion 152.
[0113] A supporting member 166 for supporting the straw 154
horizontally positioned in the straw receiving portion 152 is
vertically formed at a bottom surface of the straw receiving
portion 152 of the body 150. As shown in FIG. 18, the supporting
member 166 is constructed as one pair vertically positioned at the
bottom surface of the straw receiving portion 152. Also, a mounting
groove 168 for elastically mounting the straw 18 is formed at inner
surfaces of the supporting members facing each other. An air inlet
170 for supplying external air into the vessel 10 is formed at the
center of the supporting member 166.
[0114] When the straw 154 is inserted into the mounting groove 168
of the supporting member 166, the outer circumferential surface of
the straw 154 is fitted into the mounting groove 168 and thus the
air inlet 170 is closed. On the contrary, when the straw 154 is
detached from the supporting member 166 thus to be uprighted, the
air inlet 170 is opened and thereby external air is supplied into
the vessel 10 through the air inlet 170.
[0115] When the user sucks the liquid material stored in the vessel
10, the liquid material can be more effectively sucked through the
straw 154 since external air is supplied into the vessel 10 through
the air inlet 170.
[0116] The air inlet 170 can be penetratingly formed at the body
150 besides the center of the supporting member 166. Also, the air
inlet 170 can be formed at any part only if external air can be
supplied into the vessel 10.
[0117] Under a state that the outer circumferential surface of the
straw 154 is supported by the connection film 156, the straw 154 is
horizontally arranged in the straw receiving portion 152 of the
body 150. One end of the straw 154 is positioned at an upper side
of the connection film 156, and another end of the straw 154 is
positioned at a lower side of the connection film 156. Another end
of the straw 154 positioned at the lower side of the connection
film 156 is sharply formed so as to easily penetrate the sealing
member 24 attached to the vessel inlet 12.
[0118] A cut portion 172 for effectively introducing the liquid
material stored in the vessel 10 is formed in a longitudinal
direction at another end of the straw 154 that penetrates the
sealing member 24 and is positioned in the vessel 10. That is, as
shown in FIG. 19, when the user sucks the liquid material stored in
the vessel 10 by inclining the vessel 10, the liquid material can
be easily sucked completely through cut portion 172 of the straw
154.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 20, one end of the straw 154 being
positioned at the upper side of the connection film 156 and
contacting the user's lip has a diameter less than a diameter of
another end of the straw 154 positioned at the lower side of the
connection film 156 and penetrating the sealing member 24.
Accordingly, strength of the straw 154 positioned at the lower side
of the connection film 156 and penetrating the sealing member 24 is
increased. A punch portion 180 having a sharp shape to penetrate
the sealing member 24 is formed at the end of the straw 154.
[0120] The upper end of the straw 154 contacting the user's lip is
provided with a contraction film 182 for preventing external
materials of dust from being introduced into the straw 154. At the
time of using the straw 154, the contraction film 182 is
removed.
[0121] A straw closing portion 184 for closing another end of the
straw 154 when the straw 154 is horizontally positioned in the
straw receiving portion 152 after the user stops drinking the
liquid material stored in the vessel 10 is formed in the body
150.
[0122] The straw closing portion 184 is protruded in the body 150,
and a packing groove 186 is formed at an inner surface of the straw
closing portion 184 with the same shape as that of another end of
the straw 154. Accordingly, when the straw 154 is horizontally
positioned, another end of the straw 154 is closely contacted to
the packing groove 186 and thus the straw 154 is sealed.
[0123] When the straw 154 is uprighted, the straw 154 needs enough
strength in order to penetrate the sealing member 24. In order to
reinforce the strength of the straw 154, a reinforcing rib is
formed in a longitudinal direction of the straw 154.
[0124] As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the straw 154 is provided with
a reinforcing rib 188 having a straight line shape or a reinforcing
rib 176 having a cross shape at an inner circumferential surface
thereof.
[0125] As another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a straw 190 is
formed to have an oval sectional surface. An strength of the straw
190 is increased by contacting a longer diameter to the sealing
member 24. As shown in FIG. 23, a straw 192 of a diamond sectional
surface at the portion contacting the sealing member 24 may
increase strength.
[0126] The connection film 156 is formed as a thin film wrinkles to
be flexibly transformed, and is integrally formed between the inner
circumferential surface of the through hole 162 of the body 150 and
the outer circumferential surface of the straw 154. The connection
film 156 seals the body so that the liquid material can not be
leaked to the upper side of the body 150.
[0127] The connection film 156 guides the straw 154 to be moved
under a connected state to the body 150 when the straw 154 is
uprighted or is horizontally positioned.
[0128] An operation of the vessel cap having a straw according to
the present invention will be explained.
[0129] FIGS. 24 and 25 are views showing an operation state of the
vessel cap according to the fourth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0130] When the user is to drink the liquid material stored in the
vessel 10, the user pulls the cover member 158 formed at the upper
portion of the body 150.
[0131] Then, the user positions the straw 154 vertically with
holding one end of the straw 154. As the result, the straw 154 is
detached from the supporting member 166 and is guided by the
connection film 156, thereby being upright. The sharp end of the
straw 154 penetrates the sealing member 24 thus to be positioned in
the vessel 10, and another end of the straw 154 is exposed outside
the body 150.
[0132] Under the state, the contraction film 182 that covers one
end of the straw 154 is removed and the vessel 10 is inclined, so
that the user sucks the liquid material stored in the inclined
vessel 10 through the straw 154.
[0133] If the straw 154 is vertically positioned, the air inlet 170
formed at the supporting member 166 is opened and thus external air
is introduced into the vessel 10 through the air inlet 170.
Accordingly, the liquid material stored in the vessel 10 can be
more sucked.
[0134] When the user stops drinking the liquid material stored in
the vessel 10, the straw 154 is horizontally positioned and one end
of the straw 154 is fitted into the mounting groove 168 of the
supporting member 166. As the result, the outer circumferential
surface of the straw 154 is adhered onto the air inlet 170 thereby
to block the air inlet 170, and another end of the straw 154 is
closely contacted to the packing groove 186 of the straw closing
portion 184 formed in the body 150 thereby to seal the straw
154.
[0135] Accordingly, when the user stops drinking the liquid
material, the liquid material stored in the vessel is prevented
from leaking outward through the vessel cap since the straw 154 is
closed and the air inlet 170 is blocked.
[0136] Furthermore, when a little amount of the liquid material
remains in the vessel 10, the liquid material is sucked through the
cut portion 172 formed at the end of the straw 154. Accordingly,
even a little amount of the liquid material can be sucked
completely thereby to enhance the user's comfort.
[0137] In the vessel cap according to the present invention, the
user has only to position the straw 154 formed at the body 150
vertically so that the straw 154 can penetrate the sealing member
24, thereby enhancing the user's convenience.
[0138] FIG. 26 is a sectional view showing a vessel cap according
to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 27 is a
sectional view showing an opening/closing unit according to the
fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 28 is a view
showing an operation state of the opening/closing unit according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention.
[0139] The vessel cap according to the fifth embodiment comprises a
body 200 mounted at a vessel inlet 12 through which liquid material
stored in a vessel 10 is discharged outward, a straw 202 disposed
in the body 200, a connection film 204 connected between an inner
circumferential surface of the body 200 and an outer
circumferential surface of the straw 202 for guiding the straw 202
to be vertically positioned, and an opening/closing unit 210 formed
at the end of the straw 202 for opening and closing the straw
202.
[0140] The body 200 has a cylindrical shape, and is provided with
an upper plate 206 for partially covering an upper surface thereof.
Also, the body 200 is provided with a lower plate 208 for partially
covering a lower surface thereof at an opposite side to the upper
plate. The connection film 204 is formed between the upper plate
206 and the lower plate 208, and the straw 202 penetrates the
connection film 204.
[0141] An inner space of the body 200 is divided into a first space
212 and a second space 214 by the connection film 204. The first
space 212 is exposed upwardly, and the second space 214 is formed
in the body 200.
[0142] A supporting member 218 for maintaining a horizontal state
of the straw 202 is formed at an upper portion of the lower plate
208.
[0143] The supporting member 218 is vertically extending from the
upper surface of the lower plate 208 and has an opened upper side,
thereby elastically mounting the outer circumferential surface of
the straw 202.
[0144] The outer circumferential surface of the straw 202 is
integrally formed at the connection film 204. An upper portion of
the straw 202 is positioned at the first space 212, and a lower
portion of the straw 202 is positioned at the second space 214.
[0145] The opening/closing unit 210 for opening and closing the
straw 202 is formed at an upper end of the straw 202. A lower end
of the straw 202 is sharply formed so as to easily penetrate the
sealing member 24 attached to the vessel inlet 12.
[0146] The straw 202 has the same reinforcing structure as the
aforementioned structure, and thus its detail explanation will be
omitted.
[0147] The connection film 204 is formed as a thin film between the
upper plate 206 and the lower plate 208, and is elastically
transformed when the straw 202 is horizontally positioned or is
uprighted thereby to support the straw 202 to be rotated. When the
straw 202 is uprighted, the connection film 204 maintains the
upright state of the straw 202.
[0148] As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, the opening/closing unit 210
comprises a sealing protrusion 222 connected to an end inner
circumferential surface of the straw 202 by a connection rib 220
and having a disc shape, a lifting member 226 inserted onto the
outer circumferential surface of the straw 202 and movable up and
down, and a discharge hole 224 formed at an upper surface of the
lifting member 226 and closed when the sealing member 222 is
inserted thereinto for discharging the liquid material stored in
the vessel.
[0149] A hooking portion 230 for preventing the lifting member 226
from being detached from the end of the straw 202 is formed between
an outer circumferential surface of an upper end of the straw 202
and an inner circumferential surface of the lifting member 226. The
hooking portion 230 is composed of a first hooking protrusion 232
formed at the outer circumferential surface of the upper end of the
straw 202, and a second hooking protrusion 234 protruding from the
inner circumferential surface of the lifting member 226 and locked
by the first hooking protrusion 232.
[0150] An operation of the opening/closing unit 210 will be
explained. When the lifting member 226 is pressed, the sealing
protrusion 222 is inserted into the discharge hole 224 of the
lifting member 226 and thus the discharge hole 224 is closed. On
the contrary, when the lifting member 226 is upwardly pulled, the
discharge hole 224 is detached from the sealing protrusion 222
thereby to open the discharge hole 224 and thus the liquid material
is discharged through the discharge hole 224.
[0151] An operation of the vessel cap having a straw according to
the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained.
[0152] The user uprights the straw 202 disposed in the first space
212 of the body 200 with holding the upper end of the straw 202.
The straw 202 is detached from the supporting member 218 thereby to
be uprighted, and the connection film 204 guides the straw 202 to
be uprighted.
[0153] When the straw 202 is uprighted, the lower end of the straw
202 penetrates the sealing member 24 attached to the vessel inlet
12. Then, the lifting member 226 mounted at the upper end of the
straw 202 is upwardly pulled. As the result, the discharge hole 224
formed at the lifting member 226 is opened thereby to open the
straw 202, so that the user sucks the liquid material stored in the
vessel 10 through the straw 202.
[0154] FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 is a
sectional view showing the vessel cap according to the sixth
embodiment of the present invention.
[0155] The vessel cap according to the sixth embodiment comprises a
body 254 fixed to an upper surface of a vessel 250 by a thermal
fusion or an adhesion method, etc. and having a straw receiving
portion 252 therein, a straw 256 disposed in the straw receiving
portion 252 of the body 254, and a connection film 258 connected
between an inner circumferential surface of the body 254 and an
outer circumferential surface of the straw 256 for guiding the
straw 256 to be uprighted.
[0156] The vessel 250 is formed of paper or resin, and has a
rectangular shape. A sealing member 262 for protecting the liquid
material stored in the vessel 250 is attached to an opening 260
through which the liquid material is discharged.
[0157] The body 254 has a rectangular shape of which upper side is
opened. A mounting flange 264 fixed to an upper surface of the
vessel 250 adjacent to the opening 260 by an adhesion or etc. is
formed at a lower surface of the body 254.
[0158] A supporting portion 266 for elastically supporting a
horizontal state of the straw 256 is formed at one side wall of the
body 254. When the straw 256 is horizontally positioned, one end of
the straw 256 is extending outside the body 254. The supporting
unit 266 having a circular groove shape of which upper side is
opened elastically maintains the horizontal state of the straw 256
at one side wall of the body 254.
[0159] A straw closing portion 268 for closing a lower surface of
the straw 256 when the straw 256 is horizontally positioned is
formed in the body 254. The straw closing portion 268 has the same
structure as the straw closing portion 184 of the fourth
embodiment, and thus its detail explanation will be omitted.
[0160] The connection film 258 and the reinforcing structure of the
straw 256 are same as those of the fourth embodiment, and thus its
detail explanation will be omitted.
[0161] A contraction film 270 for preventing external materials
from being introduced into the straw covers an upper end of the
straw 256.
[0162] A locking portion 280 for locking the straw 256 vertically
positioned and maintaining the vertical state of the straw 256 is
formed at the opening 260 of the vessel 250.
[0163] As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the locking portion 280
comprises a locking protrusion 282 inwardly protruding at both
sides of the opening 260 formed at the upper surface of the vessel
250, and a locking groove 284 locked by the locking protrusion 282
for inserting the straw 256.
[0164] When the straw 256 is uprighted, the lower end of the straw
256 penetrates the sealing member 262 and the straw 256 is inserted
into the locking groove 284. Also, the locking protrusion 282
formed at the opening 260 is locked by the locking groove 284 of
the straw 256. Accordingly, the vertical state of the straw 256 is
maintained.
[0165] An operation of the vessel cap having a straw according to
the sixth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. As
shown in FIG. 34, when the user rotates the straw 256 upwardly with
holding the end of the straw 256, the straw 256 is detached from
the supporting portion 266 thus to be uprighted. Since the straw
256 is connected to the connection film 258, the straw 256 is
rotated centering around the connection film 258.
[0166] The end of the straw 256 penetrates the sealing member 262
formed at the opening 260 of the vessel 250 thereby to open the
opening 260. Then, the locking protrusion 282 formed at the opening
260 is inserted into the locking groove 284 formed at the end of
the straw 256, so that the vertical state of the straw 256 is
maintained.
[0167] Then, the contraction film 270 that covers the end of the
straw 256 is removed, and the liquid material stored in the vessel
250 is sucked through the straw 256.
[0168] FIG. 35 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.
[0169] The vessel cap of the seventh embodiment has the same
structure as that of the vessel cap of the sixth embodiment except
that a body is extended in a longitudinal direction and a straw is
disposed in the body. That is, in the vessel cap of the seventh
embodiment, an extension portion 290 for mounting a straw therein
is formed at one side of the body. In addition, A cover for
preventing the straw 256 from being polluted by external materials
may be further connected with the body 254 at the upper portion of
the body 254.
[0170] FIG. 36 is a perspective view showing a vessel cap according
to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 37 is a
sectional view showing a state that a cover of the vessel cap is
opened according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention,
and FIG. 38 is a sectional view showing a state that the cover of
the vessel cap is closed according to the eighth embodiment of the
present invention.
[0171] A vessel cap having a straw according to the eighth
embodiment comprises a body 306 mounted at an outlet 302 through
which liquid material 12 stored in a vessel 300 is discharged
outward, having a space therein, and having an opened upper
surface, a cover 18 hinge-connected to one side of the body 306 for
opening and closing the body 306, a straw 310 disposed in the body
306 and through which the liquid material stored in the vessel 300
is discharged outward, and a connection film 312 connected between
an inner circumferential surface of the body 306 and an outer
circumferential surface of the straw 310 for horizontally disposing
the straw 18 in the body 306 and guiding the straw 310 to be
uprighted.
[0172] The vessel 300 has a rectangular shape, and the outlet 302
for discharging the liquid material stored in the vessel outward is
formed at an upper surface of the vessel 300. A sealing member 320
for protecting the liquid material stored in the vessel 300 is
attached to the outlet 302. The vessel 300 can be formed of various
materials such as paper, resin, etc. and has various shapes.
[0173] The body 306 has a rectangular shape of which upper surface
is opened. A fix portion 322 is extendingly formed at a lower side
of the body 306 thus to be fixed to a part adjacent to the outlet
320 of the vessel 300 by an adhesion method, etc.
[0174] A supporting member 324 for supporting the straw 310
horizontally disposed in the body 306 is vertically formed at a
bottom surface of the body 306. The supporting member 324 is
constituted with two rods spaced from each other. The straw 310 is
disposed between the two rods, and thus the horizontal state of the
straw 310 is maintained.
[0175] The cover 308 is openably connected to an upper end of the
body 306 by a hinge rib 326. A locking protrusion 330 locked by a
locking groove 328 formed at the upper end of the body 306 is
formed at the cover 308 at an opposite side to the hinge rib 326. A
handgrip 332 held by the user when the cover 308 is opened from the
body 306 is formed at the cover 308.
[0176] A supporting rod 336 for vertically positioning the straw
310 when the cover 308 is opened is formed at an inner surface of
the cover 308.
[0177] As shown in FIG. 39, the supporting rod 336 comprises a
first rod 338 vertically formed at an inner surface of the cover
308, and a second rod 340 spaced from the first rod 338. A mounting
portion 342 for mounting the outer circumferential surface of the
straw 310 is formed at facing surfaces of the first rod 338 and the
second rod 340. The first rod 338 and the second rod 340
elastically support the straw 310 mounted at the mounting portion
342.
[0178] When the cover 308 is opened, the supporting rod 336 is
rotated together with the cover 308 thereby to position the straw
310 vertically. That is, since the outer circumferential surface of
the straw 310 is mounted at the mounting portion 342, when the
supporting rod 336 is rotated together with the cover 308, the
straw 310 is rotated together thereby to be uprighted. When the
cover 308 is more rotated, the straw 310 is detached from the
mounting portion 342 thereby to be uprighted.
[0179] Under a state that the outer circumferential surface of the
straw 310 is supported by the connection film 312, the straw 310 is
horizontally disposed in the body 306. A punch portion 346 having a
sharp shape so as to easily penetrate the sealing member 320
attached to the outlet 302 is formed at the end of the straw
310.
[0180] The connection film 312 is formed as a thin film wrinkles to
be flexibly transformed, and is expanded upwardly or contracted
downwardly. The connection film 312 is integrally formed between
the inner circumferential surface of the body 306 and the outer
circumferential surface of the straw 310. The connection film 312
seals the body so that the liquid material can not be leaked to the
upper side of the body 306.
[0181] An operation of the vessel cap having a straw according to
the eighth embodiment of the present invention will be
explained.
[0182] FIGS. 40 and 41 are views showing an operation state of the
vessel cap according to the eighth embodiment of the present
invention.
[0183] When the user upwardly pulls the handgrip 332 of the cover
308 in order to drink the liquid material stored in the vessel, the
locking protrusion 330 formed at the cover 308 is detached from the
locking groove 328 formed at the body 306. As the result, the cover
308 is rotated centering around the hinge rib 326 thereby to be
opened from the body 306.
[0184] Under the state, the supporting rod 336 formed at the cover
308 is upwardly rotated together with the cover 308. The straw 310
elastically mounted at the mounting portion 342 of the supporting
rod 336 is rotated together with the supporting rod 336 thereby to
be uprighted.
[0185] When the cover 308 is rotated by more than 90.degree., the
straw 310 is uprighted and the mounting portion 342 of the
supporting member 336 is widened thereby to detach the supporting
rod 336 from the straw 310.
[0186] When the straw 310 is downwardly pressed, the punch portion
346 formed at the end of the straw 310 penetrates the sealing
member 320 formed at the outlet 302 of the vessel 300, and another
end of the straw 310 is exposed outside the body 306. Accordingly,
the user inclines the vessel 300 and then sucks the liquid material
stored in the vessel 300 through the straw 310.
[0187] The connection film 312 disposed between the straw 310 and
the body 306 has a wrinkle type. When the straw 310 is uprighted,
the connection film 312 is expanded. On the contrary, when the
straw 310 is pressed downwardly, the connection film 312 is
contracted thereby to guide the straw 310 to downwardly move.
[0188] In the vessel cap according to the eighth embodiment, when
the user opens the cover 308, the straw 310 mounted at the body 306
becomes right. On the contrary, when the user downwardly presses
the straw 310, the straw 310 penetrates the sealing member 320.
Since the straw 310 is stored in the vessel cap, the user's
convenience is enhanced.
* * * * *