U.S. patent application number 13/673450 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-25 for reusable beverage container with flexible spout.
The applicant listed for this patent is Gabi Concepts Ltd.. Invention is credited to Michael Melanson, Andrew Menceles, Nicholas Paul Poissant, Philip Laurier Poissant.
Application Number | 20130186918 13/673450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45003175 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130186918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Menceles; Andrew ; et
al. |
July 25, 2013 |
REUSABLE BEVERAGE CONTAINER WITH FLEXIBLE SPOUT
Abstract
The invention is a reusable beverage container including a cap
having a first top portion and an inner flange extending downwardly
therefrom, a receptacle, a neck portion, and a flexible spout. The
neck portion includes an inner diameter surface and an outer
diameter surface. The spout has a through-bore therein, a first
opening rim and a second opening rim formed by the through-bore,
and an outer surface having a plurality of ribs annularly disposed
about the outer surface. The spout includes a first portion. The
neck portion is operatively arranged to receive the first portion
of the spout. The second portion of the spout extends upwardly
beyond the neck portion, and the plurality of ribs is sealably
engaged against the inner diameter surface of the neck portion. The
first opening rim is sealably engaged to the first top portion when
the cap is secured to the neck portion.
Inventors: |
Menceles; Andrew; (Toronto,
CA) ; Poissant; Philip Laurier; (Toronto, CA)
; Melanson; Michael; (Richmond Hill, CA) ;
Poissant; Nicholas Paul; (Toronto, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Gabi Concepts Ltd.; |
Toronto |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
45003175 |
Appl. No.: |
13/673450 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
PCT/CA2011/050076 |
Feb 10, 2011 |
|
|
|
13673450 |
|
|
|
|
61348150 |
May 25, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
222/567 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 2547/063 20130101;
Y02W 30/807 20150501; B65D 41/0407 20130101; Y02W 30/80 20150501;
B65D 47/122 20130101; B65D 51/242 20130101; B65D 47/06
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/567 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/72 20060101
B65D005/72 |
Claims
1. A reusable beverage container comprising: a cap having a first
top portion and an inner flange extending downwardly therefrom; a
receptacle and a neck portion, said neck portion includes an inner
diameter surface and an outer diameter surface; and, a flexible
spout having a through-bore therein, a first opening rim and a
second opening rim formed by said through-bore, and an outer
surface comprising a plurality of ribs annularly disposed about
said outer surface, wherein said flexible spout comprises a first
portion having a first length and a second portion having a second
length, said neck portion is operatively arranged to receive said
first portion of said spout, said second portion of said spout
extends upwardly beyond said neck portion, a ratio between said
first length and said second length ranges from about 0.8 to about
1.2, and said plurality of ribs is sealably engaged against said
inner diameter surface of said neck portion, wherein said first
opening rim is sealably engaged to said first top portion when said
cap is secured to said neck portion.
2. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said
flexible spout is made of silicone.
3. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, said
flexible spout comprises a frusto-conical shaped spout portion in
communication with said first opening rim; and a tubular channel
portion in communication with said second opening rim.
4. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 3, wherein the
diameter of said first opening rim is larger than the diameter of
said second opening rim.
5. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said
inner flange includes threads disposed along an inner diameter
surface of said inner flange, and said outer diameter surface of
said neck portion includes threads disposed about said outer
diameter surface.
6. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 4, wherein said
first top portion of said cap are threadingly secured to said neck
portion.
7. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said
cap further comprises an outer flange extending downwardly from
said first top portion and a second top portion including an
aperture, said second top portion secured to said first top portion
to form a compartment between said first top portion and said
second top portion, wherein said compartment is in communication
with said aperture enabling a user to hold said container by
gripping through said aperture.
8. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 7, wherein said
first top portion of said cap comprises at least one drainage
aperture.
9. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein said
neck portion includes a rim and said spout extends approximately
1.905 centimeters above said rim of said neck portion.
10. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 1, wherein the
spout has a Shore A hardness of approximately 75 or less.
11. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 2, wherein the
Shore A hardness of the spout is in the range of approximately 10
to 50.
12. The reusable beverage container recited in claim 2, wherein the
Shore 00 hardness of the spout is in the range of approximately 10
to 50.
13. A reusable beverage container comprising: a cap having a first
top portion and an inner flange extending downwardly therefrom,
said inner flange having threads disposed along an inner diameter
surface of said inner flange; a receptacle and a neck portion
including an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface,
said outer diameter surface having threads disposed about said
outer diameter surface; and, a flexible spout having a through-bore
therein, said through-bore comprising a frusto-conical shaped spout
portion having a first opening rim, a tubular channel portion
having a second opening rim and an outer surface comprising a
plurality of ribs annularly disposed about said outer surface;
wherein said flexible spout comprises a first portion having a
first length and a second portion having a second length, said neck
portion is operatively arranged to receive said first portion of
said flexible spout, said second portion of said flexible spout
extends upwardly beyond said neck portion, a ratio between said
first length and said second length ranges from about 0.8 to about
1.2, and said plurality of ribs is sealably engaged against said
inner diameter surface of said neck portion, wherein said first
opening rim is sealably engaged with said first top portion when
said cap is threadingly secured to said neck portion.
14. A reusable beverage container comprising: a cap having a first
top portion and an inner flange extending downwardly therefrom; a
receptacle and a neck portion, said neck portion includes an inner
diameter surface and an outer diameter surface, said neck portion
formed from a first material; and, a flexible spout integral with
said neck portion, said flexible spout having a through-bore
therein and a first opening rim, wherein said flexible spout
extends upwardly beyond said neck portion, said flexible spout
formed from a second material different from said first material,
and said spout and said neck portion form a single piece, wherein
said first opening rim is sealably engaged to said first top
portion when said cap is secured to said neck portion.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO PRIOR APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is filed under 35 U.S.C..sctn.120 and
.sctn.365(c) as a continuation of International Patent Application
No. PCT/CA2011/050076 filed Feb. 10, 2011, which application claims
priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/348,150,
filed on May 25, 2010, which applications are incorporated herein
by reference in their entireties.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention broadly relates to beverage
containers, and, more particularly, to a reusable beverage
container with a flexible spout.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Beverage containers are well known. Generally, a beverage
container includes a receptacle, a spout assembly, and, optionally,
a cap.
[0004] A problem with prior beverage containers is that the spouts
are generally hard and rigid, and, therefore, not tactilely
pleasing to a user while consuming the beverage. Hard and rigid
spouts and straws are simply not always comfortable in the mouth.
Rigid spouts and straws do not conform to the soft tissue of human
lips. This poor fit can also cause leakage of the beverage about
the circumference of the spout or straw during consumption.
[0005] Another problem with prior spouts and straws is that liquid
can generally flow freely therethrough. If liquid is allowed to
flow freely, it can flow suddenly and unexpectedly, often onto the
user's face.
[0006] Yet another problem with prior beverage containers is that
the spout assembly generally includes multiple components, having
separate mechanisms to seal the spout assembly to the receptacle as
well as separate valves to regulate liquid flow. This causes the
spout assemblies to be less reliable, and more complicated and
expensive to manufacture.
[0007] Thus, there is a long-felt need for a beverage container
with a flexible spout assembly, preferably made of silicone or
similar "soft" material, which provides a user with a comfortable
feel when engaging the lips of a user. In addition, there is a
long-felt need for a beverage container where the liquid flow is
restricted, causing the liquid to flow in intermittent surges,
i.e., chugs. There is also a long-felt need for a beverage
container in which the spout assembly is constructed as a single
component.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention is a reusable beverage container
including a cap having a first top portion and an inner flange
extending downwardly therefrom, a receptacle, a neck portion, and a
flexible spout. In one embodiment, the neck portion includes an
inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface. The flexible
spout has a through-bore therein, a first opening rim and a second
opening rim formed by the through-bore, and an outer surface having
a plurality of ribs annularly disposed about the outer surface.
Additionally, the flexible spout includes a first portion having a
first length and a second portion having a second length. The neck
portion is operatively arranged to receive the first portion of the
spout. The second portion of the spout extends upwardly beyond the
neck portion at a ratio between the first length and the second
length which ranges from about 0.8 to about 1.2. The plurality of
ribs is sealably engaged against the inner diameter surface of the
neck portion and the first opening rim is sealably engaged to the
first top portion when the cap is secured to the neck portion. It
should be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, the spout is
substantially cylindrical in shape; however, the shape and size of
the spout may vary as necessary to conform to and sealably engage
the inner diameter surface of the neck portion.
[0009] In another embodiment, the reusable beverage container
includes a cap having a first top portion and an inner flange
extending downwardly therefrom, a receptacle, a neck portion, and a
flexible spout. The inner flange has threads disposed along an
inner diameter surface of the inner flange. The receptacle and the
neck portion include an inner diameter surface and an outer
diameter surface, where the outer diameter surface has threads
disposed about it. The flexible spout has a through-bore therein.
The through-bore has a frusto-conical shaped spout portion having a
first opening rim, a tubular channel portion having a second
opening rim and an outer surface having a plurality of ribs
annularly disposed about the outer surface. Additionally, the
flexible spout includes a first portion having a first length and a
second portion having a second length. The neck portion is
operatively arranged to receive the first portion of the flexible
spout. The second portion of the flexible spout extends upwardly
beyond the neck portion at a ratio between the first length and the
second length which ranges from about 0.8 to about 1.2, and the
plurality of ribs is sealably engaged against the inner diameter
surface of the neck portion. The first opening rim is sealably
engaged with the first top portion when the cap is threadingly
secured to the neck portion.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the reusable beverage container
includes a cap having a first top portion and an inner flange
extending downwardly therefrom, a receptacle and a neck portion,
where the neck portion is formed from a first material, and a
flexible spout. The neck portion includes an inner diameter surface
and an outer diameter surface. The flexible spout has a
through-bore therein and a first opening rim, where the flexible
spout extends upwardly beyond the neck portion. Furthermore, the
flexible spout formed from a second material different from the
first material. The first opening rim is sealably engaged to the
first top portion when the cap is secured to the neck portion.
[0011] A general object of the invention is to provide a reusable
beverage container with a flexible spout assembly that provides a
user with a comfortable feel when placed in contact with the user's
lips.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a reusable
beverage container where the liquid flow is restricted and does not
flow freely through the spout assembly.
[0013] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a reusable
beverage container in which the spout assembly is a single
component and directly engages the receptacle.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present
invention will be readily appreciable from the following
description of preferred embodiments of the invention and from the
accompanying drawings and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The nature and mode of operation of the present invention
will now be more fully described in the following detailed
description of the invention taken with the accompanying drawing
figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of
the beverage container of the present invention, showing the cap in
place atop the receptacle of the beverage container;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage container shown in
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 2A is a top view of the beverage container shown in
FIG. 2;
[0019] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
embodiment of the beverage container shown in FIG. 1 with the cap
removed, depicting the spout extending above the rim of the neck
portion, which view is taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG.
2A;
[0020] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the preferred
embodiment of the beverage container with the cap removed,
illustrating the spout extending slightly above the rim of the neck
portion, taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 2A;
[0021] FIG. 3C(1) is a perspective view of another embodiment of
the present invention, depicting the spout integral with the neck
portion and co-molded to form a single piece.
[0022] FIG. 3C(2) is a cross-sectional view of the beverage
container shown in FIG. 3C(1).
[0023] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the beverage
container in use, illustrating engagement of the spout with a
user's mouth and lips;
[0024] FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the beverage
container shown in FIG. 4;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the beverage
container shown in FIG. 4, depicting liquid flowing in intermittent
surges, i.e., chugs;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the receptacle of the
beverage container (without the spout) shown in FIG. 3A;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the long spout of the
beverage container;
[0028] FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view of the long spout shown
in FIG. 7;
[0029] FIG. 7B is a top perspective view of the long spout shown in
FIG. 7;
[0030] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the short spout of the
beverage container;
[0031] FIG. 8A is a bottom perspective view of the short spout
shown in FIG. 8;
[0032] FIG. 8B is a top perspective view of the short spout shown
in FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cap of the preferred
embodiment of the beverage container;
[0034] FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of the cap shown in FIG.
9;
[0035] FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of the cap shown in
FIG. 9;
[0036] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
shown in FIG. 1; and
[0037] FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area 10A
shown in FIG. 10, illustrating the interaction between the
plurality of ribs of the spout and the neck portion;
[0038] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of the beverage container shown
in FIG. 1, showing the long spout embodiment of the invention;
[0039] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of another embodiment of the
beverage container shown in FIG. 1, showing the short spout
embodiment of the invention;
[0040] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the
present invention, illustrating the cap engaging the neck
portion.
[0041] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the beverage container shown
in FIG. 13;
[0042] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a cap of a second
embodiment of the beverage container;
[0043] FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of the cap shown in FIG.
15;
[0044] FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view of the cap shown in
FIG. 15;
[0045] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the beverage container
shown in FIG. 13; and,
[0046] FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area 16A
shown in FIG. 16, illustrating the interaction between the
plurality of ribs of the spout and the neck portion.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0047] At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing
numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or
functionally similar, structural elements of the invention. It also
should be appreciated that figure proportions and angles are not
always to scale in order to clearly portray the attributes of the
present invention.
[0048] While the present invention is described with respect to
what is presently considered to be the preferred aspects, it is to
be understood that the invention as claimed is not limited to the
disclosed aspects. The present invention is intended to cover
various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within
the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
[0049] Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not
limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications
described and, as such, may, of course, vary. It is also understood
that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular aspects only, and is not intended to limit the scope of
the present invention, which is limited only by the appended
claims.
[0050] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It
should be appreciated that the term "operatively" is synonymous
with terms such as "functionally", "actively", etc., and such terms
may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and
claims. It should also be appreciated that the term "substantially"
is synonymous with terms such as "nearly", "very nearly about",
"approximately", "around", "bordering on", "close to",
"essentially", "in the neighborhood of", "in the vicinity of",
etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in
the specification and claims. An important element of the present
invention as described and claimed is the "flexible" spout of the
beverage container. By "flexible", we mean a spout that is capable
of being bent or flexed. We mean that the spout is pliable. It is
preferred that the spout is "soft" to enable a pleasing tactile
interface and feeling when the spout engages the lips of the user.
In a preferred embodiment, the spout is made of silicone, or other
similar natural or synthetic rubber, or a material having similar
characteristics. In a preferred embodiment, the spout is made of a
material having a Shore hardness range of approximately 10 to 50.
For example, in one embodiment the spout has a Shore A hardness of
approximately 75 or less. By Shore A hardness, it is meant the
hardness determined from a type A durometer according to the
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) D2240 testing
standards. In a preferred embodiment, the spout is made of silicone
and the Shore A hardness of the spout is between approximately 10
to 50. However, it should be appreciated that other durometers,
such as Type 00 durometers could be utilized, with the Shore 00
hardness of the spout ranging as low as approximately 10 to 50, and
that these ranges are given as examples only and are not intended
to limit the scope of the claims of the patent.
[0051] Although any methods, devices or materials similar or
equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or
testing of the invention, the preferred methods, devices, and
materials are now described.
[0052] In the description that follows, we describe two distinct
embodiments of the present invention. We refer to them herein as a
first and second embodiment (Embodiments I and II, respectively.)
The first embodiment is the preferred embodiment. Moreover, we also
describe three sub-embodiments of the first embodiment (Embodiments
I-A, I-B, and I-C, respectively.)
Embodiment I (Preferred Embodiment)
[0053] Adverting now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view
of a preferred embodiment of the invention. Beverage container 10
includes receptacle 11 and cap 13. Cap 13 includes convex handle
47, which extends across the diameter of second top portion 21 of
cap 13, and is open on both sides.
[0054] FIG. 2 is a front view of the beverage container shown in
FIG. 1.
[0055] FIG. 2A is a top view of the beverage container shown in
FIG. 2.
[0056] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a preferred embodiment
of cap 13 of beverage container 10. As also depicted in FIG. 1,
handle 47 extends across the diameter of second top portion 21 of
cap 13, and is open on both sides. Aperture 41 enables user 90 (not
shown in FIG. 9A) to hold beverage container 10 by gripping through
aperture 41 and wrapping his or her hand around handle 47 for a
secure grip. FIG. 9A is a top perspective view of cap 13 shown in
FIG. 9. FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view of cap 13 shown in
FIG. 9.
Embodiment I-A (Long Spout Embodiment)
[0057] In the long spout embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A, 4, 4A,
5, 6, 7, 7A, 7B, and 11, the spout sealably engages the neck
portion of the receptacle. When the spout is inserted into the neck
portion, the spout extends upwardly beyond the rim of the neck
portion. In a preferred embodiment, the spout extends upwardly
approximately 1.905 centimeters above the rim of the neck portion.
This dimension is not critical, and is not intended to limit the
scope of the appended claims. Perhaps more importantly, in the long
spout embodiment, is the ratio of the length of the spout relative
to the length of the neck portion of the container. As shown in
FIG. 3A, the length "x" of the portion of the spout that extends
beyond the rim of the neck is approximately equal to the length "y"
of the neck portion itself. In a preferred embodiment, in the long
spout embodiment, the ratio y/x is approximately equal to 1, or in
the general range of 0.8-1.2.
[0058] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of embodiment 1-A of
beverage container 10 taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. We
refer to this as the "long spout" embodiment of the invention. In
this figure, cap 13 has been removed, such that flexible spout 12
is shown inserted into neck portion 32 of receptacle 11. Neck
portion 32 includes inner diameter surface 33, outer diameter
surface 34, and rim 27. Neck portion 32 is operatively arranged to
receive at least a portion of spout 12. Spout 12 includes
through-bore 24, frusto-conical shaped spout portion 23, and
tubular channel portion 38, first opening rim 35, and second
opening rim 36. In this embodiment, spout 12 extends approximately
1.905 centimeters above rim 27 of the neck portion 32. It should be
appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, the spout is
substantially cylindrical in shape; however, the shape and size of
the spout may vary as necessary to conform to and sealably engage
the inner diameter surface of the neck portion.
[0059] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of beverage
container 10 shown in FIG. 3A, illustrating the engagement of spout
12 with user's mouth 91 and lips 93, 94. In use, the lower lip of
the user "kisses" the lower surface of the spout, and the upper rim
of the spout presses against the upper lip of the user. That is,
outer surface 26 of spout 12 is in contact with upper surface 97 of
lower lip 94 and first opening rim 35 of spout 12 is in contact
with philtral columns 95 of face 92 and that area of face 92
proximate thereto, between nostrils 96 and upper lip 93 proximate
the philtrim. Spout 12 may be made of any suitable substantially
flexible material, such as silicone, providing user 90 with a soft,
comfortable feel when engaged with user's mouth 91 and lips 93, 94
as user 90 drinks from beverage container 10. Silicones form a
group of a large variety of synthetic compounds that are polymers,
comprising silicon combined with carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and
other chemical elements. Silicone is preferable due to its soft,
rubber-like composition, thermal stability, and ability to repel
water and form watertight seals. In addition, many forms of
silicone have antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
[0060] FIG. 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of beverage
container 10 shown in FIG. 4. In this figure, the user's upper lip
93 and lower lip 94 enclose first opening rim 35 of flexible spout
12 within user's mouth 91. Due to the soft, flexible nature of
spout 12, outer surface 26 of spout 12 conforms to user's mouth 91
and user's lips 93, 94, providing a more enjoyable drinking
experience.
[0061] FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of beverage
container 10 shown in FIG. 4, depicting liquid 51 flowing in
intermittent surges 52, 53, 54, i.e., chugs. As user's mouth 91 and
lips 93, 94 engage spout 12 and user 90 begins to drink, liquid 51
flows by means of through-bore 24 into user's mouth 91. Liquid 51
flows in intermittent surges 52, 53, 54 so as to prevent liquid 51
from flowing suddenly and unexpectedly onto user's face 92.
Intermittent surges 52, 53, 54 of liquid 51 commence when user 90
tilts beverage container 10 upward to drink liquid 51. Upon tilting
beverage container 10, air space 46 is created above liquid 51
within receptacle 11 of beverage container 10. Initial surge 52 of
liquid 51 flows out of spout 12 until the air pressure above liquid
51 is decreased, which in turn causes the flow of liquid 51 to
cease. Air then enters beverage container 10 through spout 12
forming air pockets, which bubble up through liquid 51 into air
space 46. As the air bubbles enter air space 46 of receptacle 11,
the additional air increases the pressure in air space 46 enough to
initiate second surge 53 of liquid 51 to flow out of spout 12 into
user's mouth 91. This cycle repeats until user 90 tilts beverage
container 10 upright or beverage container 10 empties.
[0062] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of receptacle 11 of
beverage container 10 shown in FIG. 3A, with spout 12 removed.
Receptacle 11 comprises outer surface 14, inner surface 15, and
slightly convex bottom surface 16, and is substantially cylindrical
in shape. Outer diameter surface 34 of neck portion 32 includes
threads 25 disposed about outer diameter surface 34.
[0063] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of spout
12 of beverage container 10. Spout 12 comprises outer surface 26
having plurality of ribs 22 annularly disposed about outer surface
26. Through-bore 24 forms first opening rim 35 and second opening
rim 36. Frusto-conical shaped spout portion 23 is in communication
with first opening rim 35 and tubular channel portion 38 is in
communication with second opening rim 36, such that the diameter of
first opening rim 35 is larger than the diameter of second opening
rim 36. Spout 12 is easily removed from neck portion 32 (not shown
in FIG. 7) of receptacle 11 (not shown in FIG. 7) for easy cleaning
or replacement.
[0064] FIG. 7A is a bottom perspective view of spout 12 shown in
FIG. 7. In this figure, tubular channel portion 38 forms second
opening rim 36 on the lower end of spout 12. FIG. 7B is a top
perspective view of spout 12 shown in FIG. 7. In this figure,
frusto-conical shaped spout portion 23 forms first opening rim 35
on the upper end of spout 12 and tapers towards the center of spout
12.
[0065] FIG. 11 is an exploded view of beverage container 10 shown
in FIG. 1. FIG. 14 illustrates cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle 11,
along a longitudinal axis. When spout 12 is inserted into the neck
portion of receptacle 11, spout 12 extends approximately 3/4 inch
above the rim of the neck portion. In addition, when cap 13, spout
12, and receptacle 11, are secured to one another, cap 13 is flush
with receptacle 11.
Embodiment I-B (Short Spout Embodiment)
[0066] In the short spout embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3B, 6, 8,
8A, 8B, 10, 10A, and 12, the spout sealably engages the neck
portion of the receptacle similar to the long spout embodiment.
However, the spout only extends slightly above the rim of the neck
portion. The rim of the neck portion extends upwardly into a
channel in the spout to secure the spout to the neck portion.
[0067] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of embodiment IB of
beverage container 10 taken generally along line 3-3 of FIG. 1. We
refer to this as the "short spout" embodiment of the invention. In
this figure, cap 13 has been removed, such that flexible spout 12
is shown inserted into neck portion 32 of receptacle 11. In this
embodiment, spout 12 extends slightly above rim 27 of neck portion
32. Spout 12 engages rim 27 via channel 48, such that rim 27
extends upwardly into channel 48 to secure spout 12 to neck portion
32. It should be appreciated that in a preferred embodiment, the
spout is substantially cylindrical in shape; however, the shape and
size of the spout may vary as necessary to conform to and sealably
engage the inner diameter surface of the neck portion.
[0068] As described previously, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of
receptacle 11 of beverage container 10 shown in FIG. 3B, with spout
12 removed. Receptacle 11 comprises outer surface 14, inner surface
15, and slightly convex bottom surface 16, and is substantially
cylindrical in shape. Outer diameter surface 34 of neck portion 32
includes threads 25 disposed about outer diameter surface 34. (The
receptacle is common to embodiments I-A and I-B.)
[0069] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the short spout
embodiment of beverage container 10. In this embodiment, spout 12
includes channel 48. Spout 12 engages rim 27 (not shown in FIG. 8)
via channel 48, such that rim 27 extends upwardly into channel 48
to secure spout 12 to neck portion 32 (not shown in FIG. 8). FIG.
8A is a bottom perspective view of spout 12 shown in FIG. 8. FIG.
8B is a top perspective view of spout 12 shown in FIG. 8.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of beverage container 10
shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 10A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of
area 10A shown in FIG. 10, illustrating the interaction between
plurality of ribs 22 of the spout and neck portion 32. In this
embodiment, spout 12 extends slightly above rim 27 of neck portion
32.
[0071] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the short spout embodiment of
beverage container 10 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 12 illustrates cap 13,
spout 12, and receptacle 11, along a longitudinal axis. When spout
12 is inserted into the neck portion of receptacle 11, spout 12
extends slightly above the rim of the neck portion. In addition,
when cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle 11, are secured to one
another, cap 13 is flush with receptacle 11.
Embodiment I-C (Integral Spout Embodiment)
[0072] In the integral spout embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3C(1)
and 3C(2), the spout and neck portion are integral, i.e., of a
single piece. The spout and neck are formed using a co-injection
molding process to form a single piece. In a preferred embodiment,
the spout and neck portion are made from two different materials.
In a preferred embodiment, the spout is made of silicone, or of a
similar flexible, soft, material, whereas the neck is made of
plastic.
[0073] FIG. 3C(1) is a perspective view of yet another embodiment
of beverage container 10. In this figure, cap 13 has been removed.
This embodiment depicts spout 12 and neck portion 32 co-molded as a
single piece. FIG. 3C(2) is a cross-sectional view of beverage
container 10 shown in FIG. 5A.
Embodiment II
[0074] Adverting now to the drawings, FIG. 13 is a perspective view
of an embodiment of beverage container 10. Beverage container 10
includes receptacle 11, spout 12 (not shown in FIG. 13), and cap
13. Receptacle 11 has outer surface 14, inner surface 15 (not shown
in FIG. 13) and bottom surface 16 (not shown in FIG. 13). Cap 13
includes first top portion 28 and second top portion 21. First top
portion 28 includes raised first cover portion 29, depressed first
cover portion 31 (not shown in FIG. 13), sidewall 37 and at least
one drainage aperture 45. Second top portion includes handle
47.
[0075] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of beverage container 10 shown
in FIG. 13. FIG. 14 illustrates cap 13, spout 12, and receptacle
11, along a longitudinal axis. When cap 13, spout 12, and
receptacle 11, are secured to one another, cap 13 is flush with
receptacle 11.
[0076] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of cap 13 of beverage
container 10. Cap 13 includes first top portion 28 and inner flange
18. First top portion 28 of cap 13 includes sidewall 37, which has
an inner surface 30 and an outer surface 40. Cap 13 further
includes outer flange 39 extending downwardly and second top
portion 21 including aperture 41. Raised first cover portion 29 is
located within the circumference of the upper section of first top
portion 28 and depressed first cover portion 31 is located within
the inner circumference of raised first cover portion 29 of first
top portion 28 Inner flange 18 extends downwardly from raised first
cover portion 29 and includes threads 19 disposed within inner
flange 18.
[0077] FIG. 15A is a top perspective view of cap 13 shown in FIG.
15. In this figure, second top portion 21 is secured to first top
portion 28 forming compartment 42 between first top portion 28 and
second top portion 21. Compartment 42 is in communication with
aperture 41 enabling user 90 (not shown in FIG. 15A) to hold
beverage container 10 by gripping through aperture 41 and grasping
handle 47. One method of attachment of second top portion 21 to
first top portion 28 is a snap fit. Other methods of attachment are
well known to users of ordinary skill in the art. FIG. 15B is a
bottom perspective view of cap 13 shown in FIG. 15. First top
portion 28 of cap 13 is threadingly secured to neck portion 32 (not
shown in FIG. 15B) via threads 19 within inner flange 18. When
first top portion 28 of cap 13 is threadingly secured to neck
portion 32, outer flange 39 becomes flush with outer surface 14
(not shown in FIG. 15B) of receptacle 11 (not shown in FIG.
15B).
[0078] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of beverage container 10
shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 16A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of
area 16A shown in FIG. 16, illustrating the interaction between
plurality of ribs 22 of the spout and neck portion 32. Beverage
container 10 comprises first seal 43 and second seal 44. First seal
43 prevents liquid flow between inner diameter surface 33 of neck
portion 32 and outer surface 26 of spout 12. Plurality of ribs 22
is sealably engaged against inner diameter surface 33 of neck
portion 32. Plurality of ribs 22 of spout 12 flexes upward and
downward as plurality of ribs 22 engages inner diameter surface 33,
which is smooth, creating first seal 43, similar to a cork fitting
into a bottle. It should be appreciated that in a preferred
embodiment, the spout is substantially cylindrical in shape;
however, the shape and size of the spout may vary as necessary to
conform to and sealably engage the inner diameter surface of the
neck portion. Second seal 44 prevents liquid from flowing out of
spout 12 when cap 13 is engaged. Cap 13 is operatively arranged to
receive at least a portion of spout 12. First opening rim 35 is
sealably engaged to first top portion 28 when cap 13 is secured to
neck portion 32. First opening rim 35 of spout 12 matingly engages
raised first cover portion 29 of first top portion 28. Depressed
first cover portion 31 of first top portion 28 is forced downward
slightly within first opening rim 35, which compresses first
opening rim 35, forming second seal 44. At least one drainage
aperture 45 is disposed within raised first cover portion 29 of
first top portion 28. When first top portion 28 is forced downward
compressing first opening rim 35, at least one drainage aperture 45
allows air to escape to create a stronger second seal 44. It should
be appreciated that spout 12 is a single component. Unlike prior
beverage containers, there is no separate valve to prevent liquid
from flowing out of spout 12.
[0079] Thus, it is seen that the objects of the present invention
are efficiently obtained, although modifications and changes to the
invention should be readily apparent to those having ordinary skill
in the art, which modifications are intended to be within the
spirit and scope of the invention as claimed. It also is understood
that the foregoing description is illustrative of the present
invention and should not be considered as limiting. Therefore,
other embodiments of the present invention are possible without
departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
* * * * *