U.S. patent application number 12/830833 was filed with the patent office on 2010-10-28 for flow control element for use with leak-proof cup assemblies.
This patent application is currently assigned to Playtex Products, Inc.. Invention is credited to Joshua S. Lieberman, Michael Maloney, Frank Manganiello.
Application Number | 20100270322 12/830833 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34422056 |
Filed Date | 2010-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100270322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lieberman; Joshua S. ; et
al. |
October 28, 2010 |
FLOW CONTROL ELEMENT FOR USE WITH LEAK-PROOF CUP ASSEMBLIES
Abstract
There is provided a flow control element for use with a drinking
cup cap having a first mating member in fluid communication with a
spout aperture. The flow control element has a first stack and a
first valve. The first stack has an upper portion that can be
positioned to be removably sealed in or with the cap. The first
valve is defined in a sidewall of the first stack and is configured
to provide selective fluid communication with the spout
aperture.
Inventors: |
Lieberman; Joshua S.;
(Pompton Lakes, NJ) ; Manganiello; Frank;
(Centreville, MA) ; Maloney; Michael; (Ontario,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO & PERLE, LLP
1 LANDMARK SQUARE, 10TH FLOOR
STAMFORD
CT
06901
US
|
Assignee: |
Playtex Products, Inc.
Westport
CT
|
Family ID: |
34422056 |
Appl. No.: |
12/830833 |
Filed: |
July 6, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10674284 |
Sep 29, 2003 |
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12830833 |
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10437413 |
May 13, 2003 |
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10674284 |
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10155636 |
May 23, 2002 |
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10437413 |
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09645975 |
Feb 4, 2000 |
6422415 |
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10155636 |
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09019765 |
Feb 6, 1998 |
6050445 |
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09645975 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/714 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16K 15/147 20130101;
A47G 19/2272 20130101; F16K 24/06 20130101; B65D 47/2031 20130101;
B65D 51/165 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
220/714 |
International
Class: |
A47G 19/22 20060101
A47G019/22; B65D 51/18 20060101 B65D051/18 |
Claims
1. A flow control element for use with a drinking cup cap in fluid
communication with a spout aperture of the drinking cup cap, the
flow control element comprising: a first stack having an upper
portion being configured to be removably sealed adjacent to the
spout aperture, said first stack having a sidewall, said sidewall
having a first valve to provide selective fluid communication with
the spout aperture, wherein said first valve comprises more than
one valve face, and each of said valve faces has at least a valve
slit defined therein.
2. The flow control element of claim 1, wherein said first valve
comprises two valve faces disposed on opposing sidewalls of said
stack.
3. The flow control element of claim 2, wherein each of said two
valve faces has a vertical slit disposed therein.
4. The flow control element of claim 2, wherein each of said two
valve faces has a planar configuration.
5. The flow control element of claim 1, wherein each said valve
slit is disposed in a selected position on said valve face, said
selected position being selected from the group consisting of a
substantially vertical position, a substantially horizontal
position, and an angled position.
6. The flow control element of claim 1, wherein each of said valve
faces is concave and curves inwardly toward said first stack.
7. The flow control element of claim 6, wherein each of said valve
faces has a first slit formed therethrough.
8. A drinking cup assembly comprising: a cup having an open end; a
cap being adapted to seal said open end, said cap having a first
aperture an a first mating surface in fluid communication with said
first aperture; and a flow control element having a first stack
adapted to have an upper portion removably sealed in said first
mating surface, said first stack having a first valve defined in a
sidewall thereof, said first valve selectively placing said cup in
fluid communication with said first aperture, said first valve
having a valve slit defined therethrough, said valve slit
comprising two slits in a criss-cross orientation on said valve
face.
9. A drinking cup assembly comprising: a cup having an open end; a
cap being adapted to seal said open end, said cap having a first
aperture defined in a drinking spout, and a first mating member in
fluid communication with said first aperture; and a flow control
element having a first stack, said first stack having a portion for
frictionally engaging an inside and an outside of said first mating
member and thereby to place said first stack in full communication
with said first aperture.
10. The drinking cup assembly of claim 9, wherein said portion
frictionally engages said inside, said outside, and a bottom of
said first mating member.
11. The drinking cup assembly of claim 10, wherein said portion is
a rim disposed at a lower portion of said first stack.
12. The drinking cup assembly of claim 9, wherein said first stack
comprises a first valve having a first valve face and a valve slit
defined through said first valve face, said first valve being
disposed on a sidewall of said first stack.
13. The drinking assembly of claim 12, wherein said first valve
face is concave and curved inwardly toward said first stack.
14. The drinking assembly of claim 13, wherein said valve slit is
disposed in a selected position on said first valve face, said
selected position being selected from the group consisting of a
substantially vertical position, a substantially horizontal
position and an angled position.
15. A drinking cup assembly comprising: a cup having an open end; a
cap being adapted to seal said open end, said cap having a drinking
spout and a first mating member, said first mating member having a
first mating surface and being in fluid communication with said
spout; and a flow control element having a first stack, said first
stack having a first valve face and first inner surface, and first
upper and lower portions, said first upper portion having a first
outer diameter, said first lower portion having a second outer
diameter, wherein said first stack is sized to frictionally engage
and hold in position said first mating surface of said first mating
member to place said first stack in fluid communication with said
spout, wherein said first outer diameter is larger than said second
outer diameter, wherein said first valve face is connected to said
first inner surface of said first stack, wherein said first valve
face is concave and curves inwardly toward said first stack, and
wherein said first valve face has a first slit formed
therethrough.
16. The drinking assembly of claim 15, wherein said first inner
surface of said first stack is smooth and tapered.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 11/342,403, filed Jan. 30, 2006, now pending,
which application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
10/674,284, filed Sep. 29, 2003, now abandoned, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/437,413, filed May 13,
2003, now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part application of
U.S. application Ser. No. 10/155,636, filed on May 23, 2002, now
abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
09/645,975, filed on Feb. 4, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/019,765
filed on Feb. 6, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445, the disclosures
of which are incorporated in their entirety herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates generally to flow control
elements. More particularly, the present invention relates to flow
control elements for leak-proof cup assemblies.
[0004] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Enclosed cups having drinking spouts and air vents that
allow the user to drink from the spout without creating excessive
vacuum in the cup, are known in the art. However, drinking spouts
and air vents are liable to leak liquid stored in the cup between
feedings, or if dropped, shaken, or inverted during use.
Accordingly, certain cups have been developed that use valving
mechanisms at the spout and at the air vent. These valves respond
to suction generated during feeding to open, allowing liquid to
pass through the spout and allowing air to enter the air vent when
a vacuum is developed in the interior of the cup.
[0006] Three patents disclosing such valves are U.S. Pat. No.
5,079,013 to Belanger, U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,670 to Morano, and U.S.
Pat. No. 6,0505,445 to Manganiello, all of which are commonly owned
by the assignee of the present application. Applicant has on the
market a cup that employs a valve assembly that is shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,050,445. The valve assembly is secured to the underside
of the lid or cap of the cup. Applicant is also aware of a prior
competitive product having a flow control element of the
configuration depicted in FIG. 1, which was sold as part of the
Tumble Mates Spill Proof Cup by the First Years.RTM..
[0007] Despite the effectiveness of these cup mechanisms, applicant
has discovered improved flow control elements and corresponding
valve configurations that provide improved fluid flow rates without
sacrificing the valves' resistance to spills or the valves'
durability.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a flow
control element having a valve located on the side of the
element.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
flow control element in which the side of the element has a valve
having an arcuate valve face.
[0010] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a flow control element in which the valve has a slit therein.
[0011] It is still another object of the present invention to
provide a flow control element in which the valve is a valve face
having a slit.
[0012] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
flow control element in which the side of the element has opposed
walls, and one or more of the walls has a valve therein.
[0013] It is still a further object of the present invention to
provide a flow control element in which the valve is on a side of
the element and has a slit with its elongated extent generally
along the axis of flow of the liquid from a cup.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention are achieved by providing a flow control element for use
with a drinking cup cap having a first mating member in fluid
communication with a spout aperture. The flow control element has a
first stack and a first valve defined in a side or sidewall of the
first stack. The first stack has an upper portion configured to be
removably sealed in the first mating member of the cap. The first
valve is configured to provide selective fluid communication with
the spout aperture through the flow control element.
[0015] Also provided is a flow control element that has a first
stack with an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion
is configured to be removably sealed within the first mating
surface. The lower portion is sized and configured to engage inner
and outer sides of the first mating surface. A first valve is
defined in the first stack and is configured to provide selective
fluid communication with the spout aperture through the flow
control element.
[0016] There is also provided a drinking cup assembly that
comprises a cup, a cap, and a flow control element. The cup has an
open end and the cap is adapted to seal the open end. The cap has a
first aperture and a first mating surface in fluid communication
with the first aperture. The flow control element has a first stack
and a first valve defined in a sidewall of the stack. The first
stack has an upper portion that can be removably sealed within the
first mating surface. The first valve is configured to selectively
place the cup in fluid communication with the first aperture.
[0017] Still further, there is provided a drinking cup assembly
that comprises a cup, a cap, and a flow control element. The cap
has a first aperture defined in a drinking spout and a first mating
member in fluid communication with the first aperture. The flow
control element has a portion that is sized and configured to
frictionally engage inner and outer sides of the first mating
member and thereby place the first stack in fluid communication
with the first aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art valve
mechanism;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a cup assembly;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 in FIG.
2;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the lines 3-3 in FIG.
2, with an alternate embodiment of a flow control element according
to the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the flow control element of
FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along lines 6-6 of the flow
control element in FIG. 5;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along lines 7-7 of the flow
control element in FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the flow control element of FIG.
5;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a top view of the flow control element of FIG.
5;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another alternate
embodiment of a flow control element according to the present
invention;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a sectional view of the flow control element
taken along lines 11-11 in FIG. 10;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the flow control element
taken along lines 12-12 in FIG. 10;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a top view of a portion of the flow control
element of FIG. 10; and
[0031] FIG. 14 is a bar graph comparing various embodiments of the
flow control element of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] Referring to the figures and, in particular, FIGS. 2 and 3,
there is provided an overall cup assembly of the present invention
that is generally referred to by reference numeral 10. The cup
assembly 10 includes a cup 12, a cap 14, and a flow control element
20. Cap 14 has a spout 16 and, preferably, an air vent 18.
[0033] Cap 14 is formed with mating surfaces that are preferably
adjacent to or incorporated into spout 16 and air vent 18, and can
frictionally engage flow control element 20 to place the flow
control element in fluid communication with spout 16 and air vent
18. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, cap 14 is formed
with cylindrical recesses 17 in spout 16 and below air vent 18.
These recesses 17 are configured to accept flow control element
20.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, control element 20 has one or more
stacks 24. Each stack 24 is substantially cylindrical, and the
resulting inner contour presents a simple, wide opening cylinder to
enable thorough cleaning of the stack after use and to minimize the
number of corners and niches in which dried or congealed liquid can
be deposited. It is preferred that the outer contour of stacks 24
be stepped, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, but that the inner contour
of the stacks be a constant diameter or of constantly diminishing
diameter, thus presenting a smooth, unstepped inner face. Thus, the
smooth inner face is preferably either cylindrical, frustoconical,
or a combination of the two. This smooth inner face further
enhances free fluid flow and promotes easy cleaning of stack 24.
The fact that this flow control element 20 is easy to clean is very
important both to the proper and sanitary functioning of the
assembly 10, and also to consumer acceptance of the element.
[0035] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each stack 24 of control
valve 20 has a concave shaped upper valve face 30, preferably with
the attendant curved shape of slits 32. It has been found that
elongated single slits 32 are preferable to cross-cuts or other
types of apertures through valve faces 30. It is also preferred
that slits 32 extend substantially from edge to edge of concave
valve faces 30.
[0036] The most preferred length of slit 32 that is aligned with
spout 16, is about 0.235 inches. The most preferred length of slit
32 that is aligned with air vent 18, is about 0.17 inches. The most
preferred inner diameter of the stack 24 that is aligned with spout
16, is from about 0.299 inches to about 0.368 inches, ideally a
frustoconical shape having the foregoing as minimum and maximum
diameters. The most preferred inner diameter of the stack 24 that
is aligned with air vent 18, is from about 0.247 inches to about
0.300 inches, and is ideally a frustoconical shape having the
foregoing as minimum and maximum diameters. The most preferred
height of the stack 24 that is aligned with spout 16, is about
0.803 inches from top to bottom, and about 0.521 inches from
indentation to bottom. The most preferred height of the stack 24
that is aligned with air vent 18, is about 0.73 from top to bottom,
and about 0.55 from indentation to bottom. The two stacks 24 are
preferably 1.6 inches on center. The preferred outer diameter of
the lower portion 26 of the stack 24 that is aligned with spout 16,
is about 0.545 inches. The preferred outer diameter of the lower
portion 26 of the stack 24 that is aligned with air vent 18, is
about 0.490 inches. These dimensions provide a friction fit with a
cup lid having cylindrical recesses 17 having preferred inner
diameters of about 0.499 inches and about 0.439 inches,
respectively. All of the foregoing measurements are subject to a
preferred tolerance of plus or minus about 0.005 inches.
[0037] It is preferred that the flow control element 20 is formed
from a single piece of elastomeric material, which facilitates easy
insertion into and removal from recesses 17. However, flow control
element 20 can be formed of two separate valving elements or stacks
24, each adapted to be inserted into recesses 17 or otherwise
engage cap 14. The elastomeric material used is most preferably
silicone, but TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), natural rubber, and
synthetic rubber (e.g., isoprene) are also preferred.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternate exemplary embodiment
of flow control element 120 is illustrated in use with a cup
assembly 110. Cup assembly 110 includes a cup 112, a cap 114 having
a spout 116 and, preferably, an air vent 118. Cap 114 can seal cup
112, with the exception of apertures 119 formed in spout 116 and
air vent 118. Cap 114 is formed with a first mating member or
recess 115 that aligns with spout 116 and a second mating member or
recess 117 that aligns with air vent 118. Flow control element 120
can communicate with spout 116 and air vent 118, to form the
entirely or substantially entirely spill-proof assembly 10.
[0039] Flow control element 120 is configured to be received in
first and second mating members 115, 117 of cap 114. Specifically,
flow control element 120 has a first stack 124 and, preferably, a
second stack 144.
[0040] First stack 124 is disposed proximate to spout 116 and
second stack 144 is disposed proximate to air vent 118. The first
and second stacks 124, 144 can selectively place cup 112 in fluid
communication with apertures 119 of spout 116 and air vent 118,
respectively. In some embodiments, control element 120 has only a
single stack, namely first stack 124 that mates with a single
mating member or other device for attaching the valve stack to cap
114, yet permits the selective flow of liquid from the cup 112 to
spout 116 and permits selective flow of venting air into the cup
through the spout.
[0041] Flow control element 120 is described below with
simultaneous reference to FIGS. 5 through 7. First stack 124 has a
lower portion 126 and an upper portion 128. Similarly, second stack
144 also has a lower portion 146 and an upper portion 148. It is
preferred that the outer dimension of upper portions 128, 148 is
smaller than the outer dimension of lower portions 126, 146,
respectively. Namely, first stack 124 has a step or transition
portion 130 between its upper portion 128 and its lower portion
126. In addition, second stack 144 has a step or transition portion
150 between its upper portion 148 and its lower portion 146.
[0042] First mating member 115 is configured to accept first stack
124, and second mating member 117 is configured to accept second
stack 144. Specifically, lower portion 126 of first stack 124 is
configured to be frictionally received in first mating member 115,
and lower portion 146 of second stack 144 is configured to be
frictionally received in second mating member 117. Since the outer
dimension of upper portions 128, 148 is smaller than the lower
portions 126, 146, the upper portions preferably do not come in
contact with the inside surface of the mating members 115, 117.
[0043] In order to form the desired friction fit, mating members
115, 117 and lower portions 126, 146 preferably have a
complimentary shape. For example, mating members 115, 117 and lower
portions 126, 146 can be substantially cylindrical in shape as
illustrated. Of course, other complimentary shapes are
contemplated. The friction fit between the inside surface of the
mating members and the outside surface lower portions of each stack
forms a substantially air-tight seal between flow control element
120 and cap 114.
[0044] To further improve the seal and retention forces between
mating members 115, 117 and stacks 124, 144, the lower portions
128, 148, respectively, can also include a retaining rim. For
example, lower portion 126 of first stack 124 can have a first
retaining rim 132, while lower portion 146 of second stack 144 can
have a second retaining rim 152.
[0045] Lower portions 126, 146 are pressed into mating members 115,
117, respectively, until retaining rims 132, 152 are received about
and form a friction fit with the outside surface of mating members,
respectively. Thus, retaining rims 132, 152 allow each stack 124,
144 to form a friction fit with both the inside and outside of
mating members 115, 117. Further, lower portions 126, 146 can be
pressed into mating members 115, 117, respectively, until retaining
rims 132, 152 are received about the mating members so that the
rims engage three sides (e.g., inside, outside, and bottom) of the
mating members.
[0046] Since retaining rims 132, 152 allow stacks 124, 144 to
engage at least the inside and the outside surfaces of members 115,
117, the tolerance between the outer dimension of lower portions
126, 146 and the inner dimension of the mating members can be
relaxed or increased. Retaining rims 132, 152 not only allow the
tolerances to be relaxed, but more importantly the rims allow the
length of engagement between mating members 115, 117 and stacks
124, 144 to be reduced. Thus, mating members 115, 117 and stacks
124, 144 can be completely engaged in a much shorter stroke than
previously possible.
[0047] Retaining rims 132, 152 can also include a chamfer 145 to
further ease the insertion of stacks 124, 144 onto mating members
115, 117, respectively. Thus, flow control element 120 can be
easier to insert into and/or remove from mating members 115, 117
than previously possible.
[0048] For example, each lower portion 126, 146 can have an outer
dimension that is smaller than was previously possible. Lower
portion 126 can have a diameter of about 0.52 inches and lower
portion 146 can have a diameter of about 0.455 inches. These
dimensions provide a friction fit of about 0.021 inches when first
mating member 115 has a diameter of about 0.499 inches and a
friction fit of about 0.016 inches when second mating member 117
has a diameter of about 0.439 inches. The relaxed tolerances can
make it easier to engage/disengage flow control element 120 with
cap 114. Yet, lower portions 126, 146 form a substantially airtight
seal by forming a friction fit with at least the inside and outside
surfaces of mating members 115, 117, respectively.
[0049] Mating members 115, 117 and stacks 124, 144 are spaced apart
from one another a selected distance. For example, mating members
115, 117 and stacks 124, 144 can be spaced apart from one another
about 1.6 inches on center.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, first stack 124 of flow control element
120 has a first valve 134. The first valve 134 is disposed in a
sidewall 136 of stack 124. First valve 134 has a valve face 138 and
a valve slit 140. Valve face 138 has a substantially planar shape
having a slight arcuate curvature and is disposed in upper portion
128 of first stack 124 proximate to spout 116. Thus, valve face 138
is defined on sidewall 136 of first stack 124.
[0051] Slit 140 is a normally closed slit defined in valve face
138. Slit 140 can be positioned in face 138 in any selected
orientation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, slit 140
has a substantially vertical orientation. In vertical orientation,
the elongated extent of slit 140 is generally along an axis of flow
143 of the liquid. Of course, slit 140 with other orientations,
such as, but not limited to, substantially horizontal (e.g., normal
to axis 143) or an angled orientation, are contemplated for use
with the present invention.
[0052] It should also be recognized that first stack 124 is
described herein by way of example only as including one first
valve 134, where the first valve includes one valve face 138 and
one valve slit 140. Of course, first stack 124 can have more than
one valve, more than one valve face, and/or for each valve face to
include more than one slit. For example, first valve 134 can
include multiple slits 140 in a criss-cross orientation, a
cross-slit orientation or possibly an aperture, however the latter
is less preferred.
[0053] Also, valve face 138 is described herein by way of example
as being substantially planar with a slightly arcuate curvature. Of
course, faces having other configurations such as, but not limited
to, non-planar faces are contemplated. For example, face 138 and
sidewall 136 can be one-in-the-same.
[0054] Several advantages are provided by placing first valve 134
in sidewall 136. For example, since first valve 134 is located at
sidewall 136, liquid in cup 112 exerts less of a force directly on
valve face 138 or slit 140 in the event the cup is dropped,
inverted and/or shaken. In fact, the arcuate shape of valve face
138 in the illustrated embodiment channels liquid away from slit
140 towards a top end 142 of first stack 124. The exertion of less
of the force from the shaken or inverted liquid on slit 140 has
been found useful in providing a more leak-proof design than
previously possible, while not affecting the ability of valve 134
to selectively place aperture 119 in fluid communication with cup
112 when desired.
[0055] Additionally, moving first valve 134 to sidewall 136 of
stack 124 allows the length of valve slit 140 to be increased as
compared to prior valves. Some prior valves had slits that were
located at the top of the stack. In these valves, the length of the
slit was constrained by the diameter of the stack. However, placing
first valve 134 on sidewall 136 of stack 124 allows the length of
slit 140 to be increased to match all or substantially all of the
height of the stack, if necessary. Increasing the length of slit
140 can increase the flow of fluid through the slit when first
valve 134 is opened.
[0056] The slits and valve faces at the top of the stack of some
prior valves have been known to be constrained by rim-stresses due
to the cylindrical configuration of the stack. In contrast, moving
first valve 134 to sidewall 136 of stack 124 also can remove these
constraints. This can make first valve 134 easier to open when
desired, even without increasing the length of slit 140.
[0057] Further, moving first valve 134 to sidewall 136 allows each
stack 124 to have more than one valve. Again, some prior valves
were located at the top of the stack. In these valves, placing more
than one valve at the top of the stack was not possible, or at best
very expensive to manufacture, due to the diameter of the stack.
However, placing first valve 134 on sidewall 136 of stack 124
allows the stack to have more than one valve in that stack, if
necessary.
[0058] The most preferred length of slit 140 that is aligned with
spout 116, is about 0.205 inches. The most preferred inner diameter
of first stack 124 that is aligned with spout 116, is from about
0.314 inches to about 0.360 inches. Also preferably, first stack
124 has a frustoconical shape. The most preferred height of first
stack 124 that is aligned with spout 116, is about 0.884 inches
from top to bottom.
[0059] Second stack 144 has a second or vent valve 154. Vent valve
154 is preferably a duckbill style valve. Vent valve 154 preferably
has a pair of bill-like flaps 158, which are configured to mate
along a slit 160. It should be recognized that vent valve 154 is
described as a duckbill valve by way of example only. Of course,
other types of air venting valves are contemplated.
[0060] The most preferred length of slit 160 that is aligned with
air vent 118, is about 0.205 inches. The most preferred inner
diameter of second stack 144 that is aligned with air vent 118, is
from about 0.268 inches to about 0.294 inches. As with first stack
124, the shape of second stack 144 is preferably frustoconical. The
most preferred height of second stack 144 that is aligned with air
vent 118, is about 0.487 from top to bottom.
[0061] In use, a user applies a vacuum or suction to spout 116.
Aperture 119 at spout 116 is in fluid communication with first
valve 134. Thus, the user-applied suction forms a negative pressure
on valve face 138. Once the suction reaches a first predetermined
limit, the pressure overcomes the resiliency of valve face 138,
causing at least a portion of the valve face to deflect. The
deflection of valve face 138 in turn causes slit 140 to open, which
allows the contents of cup 112 to be drawn from the cup by the
negative pressure.
[0062] Once the negative pressure within cup 112 reaches a second
predetermined limit, the pressure overcomes the resiliency of flaps
158, causing one or more of them to deflect. The deflection of
flaps 158 in turn causes slit 160 to open, which allows the air
from outside of cup 112 to be drawn into the cup.
[0063] The elastomeric properties of first and second stacks 124,
144, and thus first and second valves 134 and 154 are sufficient to
close slits 140, 160, respectively, upon the removal of the suction
force below the first and second predetermined limits,
respectively.
[0064] Steps 130, 150 ensure that upper portions 128, 148 do not
come in contact with the inside surface of mating members 115, 117.
This allows first and second valves 134, 154 to operate as intended
without unintended effects that could be caused by stresses
imparted on upper portions 128, 148 if contact with mating members
115, 117 were allowed.
[0065] The elongated shape of first stack 124 enables it to place
valve face 138 in close proximity to aperture 119 in spout 116. In
addition, the arcuate shape of valve face 138 is configured to
correspond to the shape of spout 116, which allows the valve face
to be in closer proximity to aperture 119 than in previous
systems.
[0066] The inner and outer diameter of first stack 124 permits
significant, relatively unconstrained fluid flow to the area of
first valve 134. It has been found that this arrangement provides
optimal balancing of suction needed to open the valve and for fluid
to flow through the valves. Similarly, its substantial cylindrical
diameter and resulting inner contour presents a simple, wide
opening and tube to enable thorough cleaning of first stack 124.
The fact that this preferred flow control element 120 is easy to
clean is very important both to the proper and sanitary functioning
of the assembly 110, and also to consumer acceptance of the
element.
[0067] Turning now to FIGS. 10 through 13, another alternate
exemplary embodiment of flow control element 220 is illustrated.
Flow control element 220 has a first stack 224 and, preferably, a
second stack 244.
[0068] First stack 224 has an upper portion 226 and a lower portion
228. Similarly, second stack 244 also has an upper portion 246 and
a lower portion 248. It is preferred that the outer dimension of
upper portions 226, 246 is smaller than the outer dimension of
lower portions 228, 248, respectively. Namely, first stack 224 has
a step or transition portion 230 between its upper portion 226 and
its lower portion 228. Also, second stack 244 has a step or
transition portion 250 between its upper portion 246 and its lower
portion 248.
[0069] Lower portion 228 of first stack 224 is configured to be
frictionally received in the first mating member of the cap, and
lower portion 248 of second stack 244 is configured to be
frictionally received in the second mating member of the cap.
[0070] In order to form the desired friction fit, the cap's mating
members and lower portions 228, 248 preferably have a complimentary
shape. For example, the mating members and lower portions 228, 248
can be substantially cylindrical in shape as illustrated. Of
course, other complimentary shapes are contemplated. The friction
fit between the inside surface of the mating members and the lower
portions of each stack forms a substantially air-tight seal between
flow control element 220 and the cap.
[0071] It is also contemplated for stacks 224, 244 to include a
retaining rim (not shown) to further improve the seal between the
stacks and the mating members of the cap. The retaining rims can
allow each stack 224, 244 to form a friction fit with at least the
inside and outside surfaces of the cap's mating members. In
addition, stacks 224, 244 can be pressed into the cap's mating
members until the retaining rims engage three sides (e.g., inside,
outside, and bottom) of the mating members.
[0072] First stack 224 has a pair of first valves 234. Each first
valve 234 is disposed in opposing sidewalls 236 of stack 224. Each
first valve 234 has a valve face 238 and a valve slit 240. Valve
face 238 has a substantially planar shape and is defined in
sidewall 236 of upper portion 226.
[0073] Slit 240 is a normally closed slit defined in valve face
238. Slit 240 can be positioned in face 238 in any selected
orientation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, slit 240
has a substantially vertical orientation. Of course, slit 240 with
other orientations, such as, but not limited to, substantially
horizontal or an angled orientation, are contemplated for use with
the present invention. Also, first valves 234 can each include
multiple slits 240 in a cross-slit orientation or possibly an
aperture, however, the latter is less preferred.
[0074] Also, valve face 238 is described herein by way of example
as being substantially planar. Of course, non-planar valve faces
are contemplated. Further, each stack 224, 244 is described herein
by way of example as having only one valve face. Of course, more
than one valve face on either or both of the stacks is contemplated
by the present invention.
[0075] Again, advantages are provided by placing first valves 234
in sidewall 236. For example, liquid in the cup exerts less of the
force on valve faces 238 or slits 240 in the event the cup is
inverted and/or shaken. Rather, liquid is directed at top end 242
of first stack 224. Exerting less of the force of the shaken or
inverted liquid on faces 238/slits 240 has been found useful in
providing a more leak-proof design than previously possible, while
not affecting the ability of first valves 234 to selectively place
the cap's apertures in fluid communication with the cup when
desired.
[0076] Also, moving first valves 234 to sidewall 236 of stack 224
allows the length of slit 240 to be increased, if needed, as
compared to prior valves and/or allows each stack 224 to have more
than one valve, which was also not possible in prior valves.
Further, moving first valves 234 to sidewall 236 of stack 224 can
also remove the rim-stress that can be caused on the slits and
valve faces at the top of the stack of some prior valves.
Accordingly, first valves 234 can be easier to open when desired,
even without increasing the length of slits 240.
[0077] The most preferred length of slit 240 that is aligned with
the spout, is about 0.205 inches. The most preferred inner diameter
of first stack 224 that is aligned with the spout, is from about
0.340 inches to about 0.425 inches. Also preferably, first stack
224 has a frustoconical shape. The most preferred height of first
stack 224 that is aligned with the spout, is about 0.830 inches
from top to bottom.
[0078] Second stack 244 has a second or vent valve 254. Vent valve
254 preferably has a concave shaped valve face 258, preferably with
a slit 260 as described in detail above with respect to FIG. 3. Of
course, other types of air venting valves are contemplated.
[0079] In use, a user applies a vacuum or suction to the cap's
spout. The aperture at the spout is in fluid communication with
first valves 234. Thus, the user-applied suction forms a negative
pressure on valve faces 238. Once the suction reaches a first
predetermined limit, the pressure overcomes the resiliency of valve
faces 238, causing at least a portion of the valve faces to
deflect. The deflection of valve faces 238 in turn causes slits 240
to open, which allows the contents of the cup to be drawn out by
the negative pressure.
[0080] Once the negative pressure within the cup reaches a second
predetermined limit, the pressure overcomes the resiliency of vent
valve 254, which allows the air from outside of the cup to be drawn
in.
[0081] The elastomeric properties of first and second stacks 224,
244, and thus first and second valves 234 and 254 are sufficient to
close the valves upon the removal of the suction force below the
first and second predetermined limits, respectively.
[0082] The following data compares the flow characteristics of flow
control elements 20, 120, and 220 of the present invention. Ten
samples of a flow control element as depicted in FIG. 3 (Valve A)
were tested against ten samples of a flow control valve as depicted
in FIG. 5 (Valve B), and against ten samples of a flow control
valve as depicted in FIG. 10 (Valve C). During this comparison, a
vacuum measured in pounds per square inch (psi) was applied to the
spout. The vacuum was initially set at 0.36 psi, and slowly
increased until a selected minimum flow rate measured in milliliter
per second (ml/sec) was achieved. The selected minimum flow rate
was 1.0.+-.0.1 ml/sec. Once the proper vacuum was achieved, the
valve was tested for time to expel 100 milliliters (ml) of water.
The vacuum necessary to achieve the selected minimum flow rate for
the ten samples was averaged, and is seen graphically in FIG.
14.
TABLE-US-00001 Valve A Vent Pressure Flow Rate Volume Time
Actuation Trial # (psi) (ml/s) (ml) (sec) Pressure 1 1.34 0.99 100
101.5 1.08 2 1.70 0.99 100 100.9 1.08 3 1.16 0.99 100 101.1 1.23 4
1.88 1.10 100 91.0 1.70 5 1.16 0.92 100 108.4 1.26 6 1.48 0.98 100
101.6 1.08 7 1.52 1.03 100 97.0 1.08 8 1.55 0.99 100 100.6 1.12 9
1.59 0.94 100 106.0 1.08 10 1.55 0.91 100 109.4 1.73 Average: 1.49
Standard 0.23 Deviation:
TABLE-US-00002 Valve B Vent Pressure Flow Rate Volume Time
Actuation Trial # (psi) (ml/s) (ml) (sec) Pressure 1 0.65 0.90 100
111.1 0.36 2 0.61 0.98 100 102.0 0.36 3 0.61 0.93 100 107.1 0.36 4
0.69 1.10 100 90.5 0.36 5 0.65 1.00 100 100.0 0.36 6 0.54 0.96 100
104.0 0.36 7 0.61 0.90 100 111.0 0.36 8 0.54 0.97 100 103.2 0.36 9
0.58 0.97 100 103.3 0.36 10 0.58 0.92 100 109.1 0.36 Average: 0.61
Standard 0.05 Deviation:
TABLE-US-00003 Valve C Vent Pressure Flow Rate Volume Time
Actuation Trial # (psi) (ml/s) (ml) (sec) Pressure 1 0.83 1.02 100
98.4 0.40 2 0.69 0.98 100 101.9 0.36 3 0.69 1.01 100 98.7 0.36 4
0.69 0.94 100 106.2 0.72 5 0.79 0.99 100 101.0 0.72 6 0.69 0.95 100
105.6 0.36 7 0.76 0.97 100 103.3 0.72 8 0.69 1.02 100 97.6 0.54 9
0.61 0.91 100 110.0 0.36 10 0.72 0.93 100 108.0 0.47 Average: 0.72
Standard 0.06 Deviation:
[0083] The vent actuation pressure is the pressure at which air was
first detected to be entering the cup through the vent. Prior to
the testing, the slits of all of the valves were initially manually
opened by squeezing the valves to eliminate healing effects, which
can cause the slits to reseal after manufacture.
[0084] The following data represents nominal values in inches of
various dimensions of Valve A, Valve B, and Valve C used in the
comparison.
TABLE-US-00004 Valve A Valve B Valve C Spout Wall Thickness at the
Slit 0.024 0.020 0.024 Spout Slit Length 0.235 0.205 0.205 Vent
Wall Thickness at the Slit 0.024 0.020 0.024 Vent Slit Length 0.170
0.205 0.170
[0085] This data shows that Valve B (FIG. 5) and Valve C (FIG. 10)
require minimal suction to achieve the selected minimum flow rate.
Moreover, this data shows that Valves B and C provide consistency
in the necessary suction from sample to sample, which provides a
more acceptable product than previously possible.
[0086] It should also be noted that the terms "first", "second",
"third", "upper", "lower", and the like may be used herein to
modify various elements. These modifiers do not imply a spatial,
sequential, or hierarchical order to the modified elements unless
specifically stated.
[0087] Various modifications may be made to the foregoing
disclosure as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Thus,
it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the
foregoing description and drawings are merely illustrative of
certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, and that
various obvious modifications can be made to these embodiments in
accordance with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *