U.S. patent application number 12/171581 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-22 for spill-proof cup assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to SEA PROFIT (HONG KONG) LIMITED. Invention is credited to Yat Keung YUEN.
Application Number | 20090020544 12/171581 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38476659 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090020544 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YUEN; Yat Keung |
January 22, 2009 |
Spill-Proof Cup Assembly
Abstract
A spill-proof cup assembly is disclosed as including a cup with
an open end, a cover for covering the open end of the cup to define
a cavity for containing a liquid, the cover having a drinking
spout, a vent, and support columns leading from the drinking spout
towards the cavity, and a flow control mechanism engageable with
the cover, and the flow control mechanism includes a first valve
membrane and a second valve membrane, in which the first valve
member includes an edge which is movable, when the flow control
mechanism is engaged with the cover, between a first position in
which the edge is in abutment with an interior surface of the cover
to prevent fluid communication through the vent into the cavity,
and a second position in which the edge of the first valve member
is out of abutment with the interior surface of the cover to allow
fluid communication through the vent into the cavity, and the
second valve membrane is movable between a first position in which
a generally convex surface of the second valve membrane is in
abutment with a sleeve of the flow control mechanism to prevent
fluid communication through the drinking spout from the cavity, and
a second position in which the generally convex surface of the
second valve membrane is out of abutment with the sleeve of the
flow control mechanism to allow fluid communication through the
drinking spout from the cavity, and the second valve membrane
includes a generally concave surface engaged with the support
columns of the cover for movement between the first and second
positions.
Inventors: |
YUEN; Yat Keung; (Kowloon,
HK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM J. SAPONE;COLEMAN SUDOL SAPONE P.C.
714 COLORADO AVENUE
BRIDGE PORT
CT
06605
US
|
Assignee: |
SEA PROFIT (HONG KONG)
LIMITED
Kowloon
HK
|
Family ID: |
38476659 |
Appl. No.: |
12/171581 |
Filed: |
July 11, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47G 19/2272
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 19, 2007 |
GB |
0714143.5 |
Claims
1. A spill-proof cup assembly including: a container with an open
end; a cover adapted to cover said open end of said container to
define a cavity for containing a fluid, said cover having a
drinking spout, a vent, and a support leading from said drinking
spout towards said cavity; and a flow control mechanism engageable
with said cover, wherein said flow control mechanism includes a
first valve member and a second valve member; wherein said first
valve member includes an edge which is movable, when said flow
control mechanism is engaged with said cover, between a first
position in which said edge is in abutment with an interior surface
of said cover to prevent fluid communication through said vent into
said cavity, and a second position in which said edge of said first
valve member is out of abutment with said interior surface of said
cover to allow fluid communication through said vent into said
cavity; wherein said second valve member is movable between a first
position in which a first surface of said second valve member is in
abutment with a sleeve of said flow control mechanism to prevent
fluid communication through said drinking spout from said cavity,
and a second position in which said first surface of said second
valve member is out of abutment with said sleeve of said flow
control mechanism to allow fluid communication through said
drinking spout from said cavity; and wherein said second valve
member includes a second surface which remains in contact with said
support of said cover during movement of said second valve member
between its said first and second positions.
2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first valve member
is generally frusto-conical in shape.
3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second valve
member is generally frusto-conical in shape.
4. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first surface of
said second valve member is generally concave and said second
surface of said second valve member is generally convex.
5. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first surface of
said second valve member is generally convex and said second
surface of said second valve member is generally concave.
6. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second valve
member is movable from its first position to its second position
upon application of a suction force via said drinking spout.
7. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first valve member
is movable from its first position to its second position when the
atmospheric pressure is larger than the pressure in said cavity by
a sufficient amount.
8. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein movement of said second
valve member from its first position to its second position is
adapted to bring about movement of said first valve member from its
first position to its second position.
9. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said first valve member
is resilient and is biased towards its first position.
10. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said second valve
member is resilient and is biased towards its first position.
11. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein said edge of said
first valve member is generally circular, oval or rectangular in
shape.
12. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein an outer edge of said
second valve member is generally, circular, oval or rectangular in
shape.
13. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein an outer edge of said
second valve member is reinforced with a lip portion.
14. A spill-proof cover assembly, including: a cover adapted to
cover an open end of a container to define a cavity for containing
a fluid, said cover having a drinking spout, a vent, and a support
leading from said drinking spout towards said cavity; and a flow
control mechanism engageable with said cover, wherein said flow
control mechanism includes a first valve member and a second valve
member; wherein said first valve member includes an edge which is
movable, when said flow control mechanism is engaged with said
cover, between a first position in which said edge is in abutment
with an interior surface of said cover to prevent fluid
communication through said vent into said cavity, and a second
position in which said edge of said first valve member is out of
abutment with said interior surface of said cover to allow fluid
communication through said vent into said cavity; wherein said
second valve member is movable between a first position in which a
first surface of said second valve member is in abutment with a
sleeve of said flow control mechanism to prevent fluid
communication through said drinking spout from said cavity, and a
second position in which said first surface of said second valve
member is out of abutment with said sleeve of said flow control
mechanism to allow fluid communication through said drinking spout
from said cavity; and wherein said second valve member includes a
second surface which remains in contact with said support of said
cover during movement of said second valve member between its said
first and second positions.
15. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said first valve
member is generally frusto-conical in shape.
16. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said second valve
member is generally frusto-conical in shape.
17. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said first surface of
said second valve member is generally concave and said second
surface of said second valve member is generally convex.
18. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said first surface of
said second valve member is generally convex and said second
surface of said second valve member is generally concave.
19. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said second valve
member is adapted to move from its first position to its second
position upon application of a suction force via said drinking
spout.
20. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said first valve
member is adapted to move from its first position to its second
position when the atmospheric pressure is sufficiently larger than
the pressure in said cavity.
21. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein, when said assembly
is engaged with a container, movement of said second valve member
from its first position to its second position is adapted to bring
about movement of said first valve member from its first position
to its second position.
22. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said first valve
member is resilient and is biased towards its first position.
23. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said second valve
member is resilient and is biased towards its first position.
24. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein said edge of said
first valve member is generally circular, oval or rectangular in
shape.
25. An assembly according to claim 14 wherein an outer edge of said
second valve member is generally, circular, oval or rectangular in
shape.
26. An assembly according to claim 16 wherein an outer edge of said
second valve member is reinforced with a lip portion.
27. An assembly according to claim 25 wherein an outer edge of said
second valve member is reinforced with a lip portion.
28. An assembly according to claim 12 wherein an outer edge of said
second valve member is reinforced with a lip portion.
Description
[0001] This invention relates to a spill-proof cup assembly and, in
particular, a spill-proof cup assembly with a flow control
mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] There are in existence various spill-proof cup assemblies
designed for preventing or at least minimizing out-flow of content
in the cup assemblies when, for example, the cup assemblies are
accidentally knocked over. A number of such mechanisms for
achieving spill-proof effect are rather complicated in structure
and thus with a high production cost.
[0003] It is thus an object of the present invention to provide a
spill-proof cup assembly and a spill-proof cover assembly in which
the aforesaid shortcoming is mitigated, or at least to provide a
useful alternative to the trade and public.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a spill-proof cup assembly including a container with
an open end; a cover adapted to cover said open end of said
container to define a cavity for containing a fluid, said cover
having a drinking spout, a vent, and a support leading from said
drinking spout towards said cavity; and a flow control mechanism
engageable with said cover, wherein said flow control mechanism
includes a first valve member and a second valve member; wherein
said first valve member includes an edge which is movable, when
said flow control mechanism is engaged with said cover, between a
first position in which said edge is in abutment with an interior
surface of said cover to prevent fluid communication through said
vent into said cavity, and a second position in which said edge of
said first valve member is out of abutment with said interior
surface of said cover to allow fluid communication through said
vent into said cavity; wherein said second valve member is movable
between a first position in which a first surface of said second
valve member is in abutment with a sleeve of said flow control
mechanism to prevent fluid communication through said drinking
spout from said cavity, and a second position in which said first
surface of said second valve member is out of abutment with said
sleeve of said flow control mechanism to allow fluid communication
through said drinking spout from said cavity; and wherein said
second valve member includes a second surface which remains in
contact with said support of said cover during movement of said
second valve member between its said first and second
positions.
[0005] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a spill-proof cover assembly, including a cover adapted
to cover an open end of a container to define a cavity for
containing a fluid, said cover having a drinking spout, a vent, and
a support leading from said drinking spout towards said cavity; and
a flow control mechanism engageable with said cover, wherein said
flow control mechanism includes a first valve member and a second
valve member; wherein said first valve member includes an edge
which is movable, when said flow control mechanism is engaged with
said cover, between a first position in which said edge is in
abutment with an interior surface of said cover to prevent fluid
communication through said vent into said cavity, and a second
position in which said edge of said first valve member is out of
abutment with said interior surface of said cover to allow fluid
communication through said vent into said cavity; wherein said
second valve member is movable between a first position in which a
first surface of said second valve member is in abutment with a
sleeve of said flow control mechanism to prevent fluid
communication through said drinking spout from said cavity, and a
second position in which said first surface of said second valve
member is out of abutment with said sleeve of said flow control
mechanism to allow fluid communication through said drinking spout
from said cavity; and wherein said second valve member includes a
second surface which remains in contact with said support of said
cover during movement of said second valve member between its said
first and second positions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of a spill-proof cup
assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0008] FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a cover forming part of
the spill-proof cup assembly of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 2B is a top view of the cover of FIG. 2A;
[0010] FIG. 2C is a side view of the cover of FIG. 2B;
[0011] FIG. 2D is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of FIG.
2C;
[0012] FIG. 2E is a sectional view taken along the line K-K of FIG.
2C;
[0013] FIG. 3A is a bottom perspective view of a first flow control
mechanism forming part of the spill-proof cup assembly of FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 3B is a first top perspective view of the flow control
mechanism of FIG. 3A;
[0015] FIG. 3C is a second top perspective view of the flow control
mechanism of FIG. 3A;
[0016] FIGS. 4A to 4C are sectional views showing the manner of
operation of the spill-proof cup assembly shown in FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 5 is a reverse side view of a second kind of flow
control mechanisms suitable for forming part of the spill-proof cup
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 5A is a top perspective view of a flow control
mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG. 5;
[0019] FIG. 5B is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 5A;
[0020] FIG. 5C is a top perspective view of a further flow control
mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 5D is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 5C;
[0022] FIG. 5E is a top perspective view of a yet further flow
control mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG.
5;
[0023] FIG. 5F is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 5E;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a reverse side view of a third kind of flow
control mechanisms suitable for forming part of the spill-proof cup
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6A is a top perspective view of a flow control
mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 6B is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 6A;
[0027] FIG. 6C is top perspective view of further flow control
mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG. 5;
[0028] FIG. 6D is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 6C,
[0029] FIG. 6E is a top perspective view of a yet further flow
control mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG.
6;
[0030] FIG. 6F is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 6E;
[0031] FIG. 7 is a reverse side view of a fourth kind of flow
control mechanisms suitable for forming part of the spill-proof cup
assembly of FIG. 1;
[0032] FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a flow control
mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG. 7;
[0033] FIG. 7B is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 7A;
[0034] FIG. 7C is a top perspective view of a further flow control
mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG. 7;
[0035] FIG. 7D is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 7C;
[0036] FIG. 7E is a top perspective view of a yet further flow
control mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG.
7;
[0037] FIG. 7F is a top view of the spout valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 7E
[0038] FIG. 7G is a top perspective view of a still further flow
control mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG.
7;
[0039] FIG. 7H is a top view of the vent valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 7G;
[0040] FIG. 7I is a top perspective view of a yet still further
flow control mechanism with its reserve side view as shown in FIG.
7; and
[0041] FIG. 7J is a top view of the vent valve membrane of the
mechanism shown in FIG. 7I.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a perspective exploded view of a spill-proof
cup assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention, generally designated as 10. The assembly 10 includes a
cover 12, a flow control mechanism 14 and an open-end cup 16.
[0043] The flow control mechanism 14 is made of a resilient
material, e.g. synthetic rubber, and is adapted to be releasably
frictionally engaged with the cover 12 to form a spill-proof cover
assembly. A neck 18 of the cup 16 is provided with external threads
20 for establishing releasable threaded engagement with threads 22
on an inner surface of the cover 12. When the cover 12 is thus
engaged with the cup 16, an enclosed cavity is formed for
containing a liquid, e.g. water or fruit juice. The flow control
mechanism 14 serves to control the flow of the liquid contained in
the cup assembly 10 to the outside environment and the flow of air
from the outside environment into the cup assembly 10, in a manner
to be discussed below.
[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2E, the cover 12 has a body 23 with
a drinking spout 24 fixed with two parallel support columns 26
extending into the cover 12. The support columns 26 are integrally
formed with the body 23 of the cover 12. Each support column 26 is
of a generally semi-circular cross section, and the two columns 26
are spaced apart from each other, allowing fluid communication
between the interior of the cover 12 and the outside environment
via the spout 24. The two columns 26 are surrounded by a circular
wall 28 integrally formed with the cover 12.
[0045] The cover 12 also has a vent 30 leading into the interior of
the cover 12. A circular interior surface 32 facing towards an open
end 34 of the cover 12 is surrounded by four sleeves 36 which are
spaced apart from each other by a slot 38. Each of the sleeves 36
is of a generally arc-shaped cross-section.
[0046] Turning now to FIGS. 3A to 3C, such show various views of
the flow control mechanism 14. The mechanism 14 is integrally
formed of a resilient material, e.g. synthetic rubber, and has two
frusto-conical valve membranes 52, 54 made of the same resilient
material. The vent valve membrane 52 has a generally convex outer
surface 56 and a generally concave inner surface 58 joined with
each other by a circular edge 60. As to the spout valve membrane
54, such also has a generally convex outer surface 62 and a
generally concave inner surface 64 joined with each other by a
circular edge 66. The valve membrane 54 is surrounded by a taller
outer circular sleeve 68 and a shorter inner circular sleeve 72
which are concentric with each other.
[0047] FIGS. 4A to 4C show the inter-engagement among the cover 12,
the flow control mechanism 14, and the cup 16 when in use, i.e.
when the spill-proof cup assembly 10 is properly assembled, and
with liquid, e.g. water 70, contained in a cavity 71 defined by the
cover 12 and the cup 16, and in the situation in which the cup
assembly 10 is positioned upside down.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 4A, in this upside down position, the
circular edge 60 of the valve membrane 52 abuts the circular
interior surface 32 to close the vent 30, and thus prevents the
water 70 in the cavity 71 from exiting the assembly 10 via the vent
30. At the same time, the convex outer surface 62 of the valve
membrane 54 abuts a free end of the shorter circular sleeve 72 to
prevent the water 70 in the cavity 71 of the cup 16 from entering
the interior cavity 74 of the cover 12, and thus out of the
drinking spout 24 to the outside environment.
[0049] Upon application of a suction force via the drinking spout
24, the valve membrane 54 is caused to deform such that the convex
outer surface 62 of the valve membrane 54 is out of abutment with
the circular sleeve 72. The water 70 in the cavity 71 of the cup 16
is then allowed to enter the interior cavity 74 of the cover 12 via
a number of openings 76 of the flow control mechanism 14,
subsequently through the space between the valve membrane 54 and
the circular sleeve 72, then through the space between the columns
26, via the drinking spout 24, and eventually out of the cup
assembly 10.
[0050] Upon flowing of the water 70 from the cavity 71 of the cup
16 into the interior cavity 74 of the cover 12, a pressure
difference is developed across the valve membrane 52. In
particular, the atmospheric pressure is larger than the air
pressure in the cavity 74. When such a pressure difference is large
enough, the valve membrane 52 is deformed, in particular the edge
60 of the valve membrane 52 is forced out of abutment with the
circular interior surface 32 of the cover 12 whereby air is drawn
from the outside environment via the vent 30 into the cavity 71
until a pressure equilibrium is reached.
[0051] Upon cessation of the application of the suction force
through the drinking spout 24, the valve membrane 54 returns to its
normal stable configuration as shown in FIG. 4C by virtue of its
own resilience, so as to close the space between the valve membrane
54 and the circular sleeve 72. Similarly, the valve membrane 52
also returns to its normal stable configuration as shown in FIG. 4C
by virtue of its own resilience, so as to close the vent 30. In the
situation as shown in FIG. 4C, although water is contained in the
cavity 74, such is prevented by the atmospheric pressure from
exiting the cup assembly 10 via the drinking spout 24.
[0052] It can be seen that during the course of the deformation of
the valve membrane 54 between its normal stable configuration as
shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C and the deformed configuration as shown in
FIG. 4B, the concave inner surface 64 remains in contact with the
columns 26 and is supported by the columns 26 for the resilient
deformational movement.
[0053] It can be seen in FIGS. 5 to 5F that the cross section of
the valve membrane 54a may be circular (as shown in FIGS. 5A and
5B), oval (as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D) or rectangular (as shown in
FIGS. 5E and 5F). In addition, and as shown in FIGS. 6 to 6F, a
free edge of the valve membrane 54b may be reinforced with a
thickened lip portion 78.
[0054] As shown further in FIGS. 7 to 7F, the valve membrane 54c
has a generally concave outer surface 80 and a generally convex
inner surface 82, and the cross section of the valve membrane 54c
may be circular (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B), oval (as shown in
FIGS. 7C and 7D) or rectangular (as shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F).
[0055] FIGS. 7G to 7J further show that the cross section of the
valve membrane 52 may be oval (as shown in FIGS. 7G and 7H) or
rectangular (as shown in FIGS. 7I and 7J) in shape.
[0056] It should be understood that the above only illustrates
examples whereby the present invention may be carried out, and that
various modifications and/or alterations may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit of the invention.
[0057] It should also be understood that certain features of the
invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of
separate embodiments, may be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any appropriate
sub-combinations.
* * * * *