U.S. patent application number 15/691251 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for vessel with folded dam.
The applicant listed for this patent is Compleat LLC. Invention is credited to Robert J. D'Amato, Peter Herman.
Application Number | 20170361972 15/691251 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52824607 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170361972 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Herman; Peter ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
Vessel With Folded Dam
Abstract
A vessel has an inner flap and an outer flap that fold across a
base of the vessel to form a cover. The inner flap includes a dam
tab along the outer edge of the inner flap. When the inner flap is
folded down, the free edge of this tab contacts the wall of the
vessel and bends upward forming a "folded edge" dam. This folded
edge dam can either be one segment or be made of two or more
segments divided by one or more V-shaped cuts to allow each segment
to fold down and fit together seamlessly. A restrictive channel is
formed by the outer and inner flaps together with the "folded edge"
dam, which is present in-between the outer and inner flaps.
Inventors: |
Herman; Peter; (Jamaica
Plain, MA) ; D'Amato; Robert J.; (Lexington,
MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Compleat LLC |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
52824607 |
Appl. No.: |
15/691251 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
14672145 |
Mar 28, 2015 |
9751655 |
|
|
15691251 |
|
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|
61971774 |
Mar 28, 2014 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 5/0209 20130101;
B65D 2231/022 20130101; B65D 3/06 20130101; B65D 3/20 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65D 5/02 20060101
B65D005/02; B65D 3/06 20060101 B65D003/06 |
Claims
1. A vessel comprising: a base region, the base region having a
width and defining an inner side wall and an interior volume; a top
region comprising an inner flap and an opposing outer flap, the two
flaps delineated from the base region by two respective paths, the
inner flap comprising a dam flap extending from a free edge, the
flaps disposed so that, when folded along their respective paths,
the opposing flaps define an elevated spout having a spout opening,
and the dam flap forms a folded edge dam between the outer and
inner flaps that extends up the spout towards the spout
opening.
2. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the dam flap has a length
defined along the free edge of the inner flap, and a width
extending away from the free edge, the length greater than the
width.
3. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the dam flap extends more
than one half of the length of the free edge of the inner flap.
4. A vessel according to claim 1, wherein the dam flap and the
inner side wall cooperate to define a channel to direct substances
towards the spout opening when the vessel is being used for
drinking or pouring those substances.
5. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the inner flap is wider
than the width of the base region and has a scored outer edge
defining the dam flap, so that when the inner flap is folded down,
the dam flap contacts the side wall of the vessel and this action
folds the dam flap upward along the score line, thus forming the
folded edge dam.
6. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the dam flap comprises two
segments divided by a V-shaped gap, such that when the inner flap
is folded down, the segments of the dam flap are raised upward and
fit together in a fashion closing the V-shaped gap between the
segments.
7. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the spout comprises one or
more serrations configured to enlarge the spout opening when the
serrations are torn, compressed, stretched, or otherwise
distorted.
8. A vessel according to claim 1, wherein the flaps comprise
cooperating straw holes.
9. A vessel according to claim 8, wherein the flaps comprise one or
more serrations configured to be pushed through to form the
cooperating straw holes.
10. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the vessel comprises an
insulating material.
11. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the vessel is
manufactured by injection modeling, by thermoforming, or by
rolling, scoring and forming from a sheet.
12. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the outer flap comprises
an adhesive tab to secure the outer flap to the base of the vessel,
or adhesives on an inner surface of the outer flap and/or adhesives
on an outer surface of the inner flap, to secure the outer flap to
the top of the inner flap.
13. A vessel according to claim 1 wherein the inner flap comprises
a drain aperture disposed to allow fluid to flow from a space
between the inner flap and the outer flap, when the flaps are
folded, to the interior volume of the vessel.
14. A vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a spout
closure tab extending from the spout and configured to fold over
and cover the spout opening.
15. A vessel according to claim 14, further comprising an adhesive
on the spout closure tab, the adhesive configured to releasably
attach the spout closure tab to the spout when the closure tab is
folded over the spout opening.
16. A vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a plug
closure configured to removably fit within the spout opening.
17. A vessel according to claim 16, wherein the plug closure
comprises a stopper portion and a base portion, the stopper portion
extending from the base portion and configured to fit within the
spout opening, and the base portion configured to remain outside of
the spout opening when the stopper portion is within the spout
opening.
18. A vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a cap closure
molded over the spout to cover the spout opening.
19. A vessel according to claim 1, wherein the edges and/or fold
paths comprise a waterproofing material.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/672,145, filed Mar. 28, 2015 and titled
"Vessel With Folded Dam," naming Peter Herman and Robert J. D'Amato
as inventors, and also claims priority to U.S. provisional
application 61/971,774, filed Mar. 28, 2014, titled "Vessel With
Folded Dam," naming Peter Herman and Robert J. D'Amato as
inventors, and is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 61/186,458, filed Jun. 12, 2009; and is also related to
U.S. non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 12/813,840,
published Dec. 16, 2010 as US Published Patent Application No. US
2010/0314434 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,807 on Aug. 13,
2013; and is also related to U.S. non-provisional patent
application Ser. No. 13/942,916, filed Jul. 16, 2013 and published
Nov. 14, 2013 as US Published Patent Application No. 2013/0299567.
All of the foregoing applications, patents and publications are
hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all
purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Embodiments relate to vessels and methods of making the
same, and more particularly to drinking vessels, and to vessels
used for pouring liquid and/or non-liquid substances, composed from
flexible materials.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] It is known in the prior art to provide disposable liquid
containers such as paper cups. These cups are generally coated with
a substance that prevents the paper container from absorbing or
leaking the liquid contained therein. Furthermore, in the
restaurant arena, such as fast food restaurants, coffee shops,
etc., a separate lid, for example a plastic lid, is provided as a
complement to such cups in order to help prevent spillage of a hot
or cold beverage, for example. The lids are often plastic lids and
some have an opening for insertion of a straw while others form a
narrow opening conducive to direct user consumption.
[0004] However, since these cups often come in a variety of sizes,
a restaurant or coffee shop will generally be required to stock
lids in multiple sizes to complement the variety of cup sizes.
Accordingly, providing consumers with a variety of cup sizes in the
form of devices known in the prior art requires the use of separate
items (i.e., the cup and corresponding lid), generally made of
different materials and further requires coordination and assembly
of these items prior to serving a patron. Furthermore, more
organizations are on a quest to provide more environmentally safe
products such as 100 percent recyclable cups, which may be harder
to facilitate with cups made of different materials than their
corresponding lids.
Summary of Embodiments
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment, a vessel for holding and
dispensing contents includes a base region that has a width across
its top. The base has an inner side wall that defines an interior
volume. A top region of the base has two opposing flaps: an inner
flap and an opposing outer flap. In some embodiments, the two flaps
are delineated from the base region by two respective paths.
[0006] The inner flap includes a dam flap, or dam tab, extending
from a free edge (e.g., the edge of the inner flap that is opposite
the place where the inner flap folds from the base region). The
flaps are disposed so that, when folded along their respective
paths, they define an elevated spout having a spout opening, and
the dam flap forms a folded edge dam between the outer and inner
flaps, the folded edge dam extending up the spout towards the spout
opening. For example, in some embodiments, the inner flap,
including the dam flap, is wider than the width of the vessel and
has a scored outer edge defining the dam flap, so that when the
inner flap is folded down, the dam flap contacts the side wall of
the vessel and this action folds the dam flap upward along the
score line, thus forming the folded edge dam.
[0007] In some embodiments, the dam flap has a length defined along
the free edge of the inner flap, and a width extending away from
the free edge, the length greater than the width. In some
embodiments, the dam flap extends more than one half of the length
of the free edge of the inner flap.
[0008] Further, when the inner and outer flaps are folded, the dam
flap and the inner side wall cooperate to define a channel to
direct substances towards the spout opening when the vessel is
being used for drinking or pouring those substances.
[0009] A dam flap may have a single section, or may include two (or
more) segments divided by (one or more) V-shaped gaps, such that
when the inner flap is folded down, the segments of the dam flap
are raised upward and fold between the inner flap and the folded
outer flap, and fit together in a fashion closing the V-shaped gap
between the segments.
[0010] Some embodiments may include straw holes. For example, the
flaps and/or the base of the vessel may include one or more straw
holes. To that end, the inner and outer flaps may contain straw
holes, or serrations configured to allow a portion of the flap to
be punched out to form one or more straw holes. In some
embodiments, each of the inner flap and outer flap may have
corresponding straw holes that, when the outer flap is folded down
over the inner flap, the straw holes overlap to cooperate to form a
single straw hole allowing a straw to pass through the flaps to
extend between the interior volume and the exterior of the
vessel.
[0011] In some embodiments, the spout may include one or more
serrations configured to enlarge the spout opening when the
serrations are torn, compressed, stretched, or otherwise
distorted.
[0012] Various embodiments may include a variety of other features.
For example, in some embodiments, the inner flap may include a
drain aperture configured to allow material to flow into the volume
of the vessel from a space in-between the inner and outer
flaps.
[0013] The outer flap may, in some embodiments, include an adhesive
tab configured to secure the outer flap to the base of the vessel,
or adhesives on an inner surface of the outer flap and/or adhesives
on an outer surface of the inner flap, to secure the outer flap to
the top of the inner flap.
[0014] Some embodiments may include features to help seal the spout
opening. For example, some embodiments include a spout cover tab
extending from the spout and configured to fold over and cover the
spout opening. Some embodiments further include an adhesive on the
spout cover tab, the adhesive configured to releasably attach a
free end of the spout cover tab to the vessel spout when the spout
cover tab is folded over the spout opening. Alternately, some
embodiments include a plug closure configured to removably fit
within the spout opening. For example, a plug closure may include a
stopper portion and a base portion, the stopper portion extending
from the base portion and configured to fit within the spout
opening, and the base portion configured to remain outside of the
spout opening when the stopper portion is within the spout opening,
for example so as to prevent the plug closure from completely
falling through the spout opening.
[0015] Alternately, some embodiments include a cap closure molded
over the spout to cover the spout opening.
[0016] In some embodiments, edges of a surface, such as the edge of
a flap, for example, and/or fold paths (e.g., scores or creases)
may be waterproofed, for example by the application to the edges
and/or creases of a waterproofing substance.
[0017] Various embodiments may be formed or fabricated in a variety
of ways from a variety of materials. For example, in some
embodiments, the vessel is formed from an insulating material. In
some embodiments, the vessel may be fabricated by injection
modeling, by thermoforming, or by rolling, scoring and forming from
a sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The foregoing features of embodiments will be more readily
understood by reference to the following detailed description,
taken with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the embodiment of the
vessel of FIG. 1 with both flaps closed;
[0020] FIG. 2A schematically illustrates the embodiment of the
vessel of FIG. 1 with one open flap and one closed flap;
[0021] FIG. 2B schematically illustrates a cross-section of the
vessel of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an embodiment of vessel
with two open flaps;
[0023] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a blank configured for
forming into a vessel such as the vessel of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the bottom member of the
vessel of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a top view of the vessel of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the front side of the
vessel of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the left side of the vessel
of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates the back side of the vessel
of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates the right side of the
vessel of FIG. 1;
[0030] FIG. 11 schematically illustrates the bottom of the vessel
of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIGS. 12A-12C schematically illustrate embodiments of
serrations for forming or enlarging apertures in the vessel;
[0032] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a vessel
having a cap closure;
[0033] FIGS. 14A-14E schematically illustrate an embodiment of a
vessel having a spout cover;
[0034] FIG. 15 schematically illustrates an embodiments of a vessel
having a plug closure;
[0035] FIGS. 16A-16S schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment of a vessel;
[0036] FIGS. 17A-17J schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment of a vessel;
[0037] FIGS. 18A-18H schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment of a vessel;
[0038] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a
vessel;
[0039] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a
vessel;
[0040] FIG. 21 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a
vessel;
[0041] FIGS. 22A-22N schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment of a vessel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
[0042] Embodiments provide a vessel having features that assist in
retaining the content of the vessel and making the vessel more
user-friendly. Various embodiments include a dam flap that folds
between an inner flap and an outer flap to form a foldable dam that
impedes the escape of vessel content from the inner volume of the
vessel and guides vessel content to a spout.
[0043] The inner flap and outer flap fold across a base of the
vessel. The inner flap, which is folded first, is wider than the
width of the base of the vessel at the level of the fold and has a
fold line near its edge. Thus when this inner flap is first folded
down, the free edge of this flap hits the sidewall of the vessel
body and this contact bends the free edge of the inner flap upward
along the score line forming a "folded edge" dam. This "folded
edge" dam can either be one segment or have two or more segments
divided by one or more V-shape cuts to allow each segment to fold
down and fit together seamlessly. After the inner flap is folded
down, the second outer flap is folded down on top of the inner
flap. The outer flap holds the inner flap in place and forms a
restrictive channel for substances to flow up the spout. The
restrictive channel is formed by the outer and inner flaps together
with the "folded edge" dam, which is present in between the outer
and inner flaps. This vessel design allows substances to be poured
safely through the spout opening, without significant spillage even
when the user compresses the vessel. Further, the "folded edge" dam
does not rely on any adhesives or sealants that can interfere with
stacking and nesting of said vessels.
[0044] Definitions. As used in this description and the
accompanying claims, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated, unless the context otherwise requires:
[0045] To "affix" a sheet of material is to form a connection
between that sheet and another surface. Such a connection may be
created using an adhesive layer applied between overlapping
portions, or spanning adjacent portions, of the sheet and the other
surface being connected. The connection may alternatively, or in
addition, be achieved by crimping, fusing, or welding of the sheet
to the other surface, under conditions, for example, including the
application of one or more of pressure and heat.
[0046] "Cooperating" apertures are apertures in different surfaces,
or different locations of a single surface that align, for example
when folded over one another, to form an aperture (which may be
referred to as a "compound aperture") through which an object like
a drinking straw could pass.
[0047] A "frusto-conical" shape includes a shape similar to a
frustum of a cone, including, for example, a pyramidal section
having rounded edges, so as to approximate a frustum of a cone.
[0048] An "insulating material" is a material capable of being
formed into a vessel as described herein, and which has a thermal
conductivity of less than 0.2 watts per meter kelvin [(W/(mK)].
[0049] A "fold path" is a path along-which a flap, tab, or material
may be folded, and may include for example scoring paths and
creases.
[0050] The reference numbers in the attached figures are as
follows:
TABLE-US-00001 Ref. No. Feature 100 Vessel 101 Vessel body or base
108 Embossment or scoring to form specific fold or crease; 109
Embossment to indicate fill line 110 Sealed closure seam; 111
Bottom of vessel 113 Adhesive strip 114 Waterproofing applied to
edge and/or scoring or crease 115 Bottom edge 116 Score lines 120
Inner flap 121 Fold path that delineates inner flap from vessel
base 122 Drain aperture 123 Center point of edge of inner flap 124
Edge of inner flap 125 Flat region of folded flaps 126 Outer
surface of inner flap 130 Dam tab or dam flap 131 Part of tab or
dam flap 132 Part of tab or dam flap 133 V-shaped gap 134 Folding
path or crease that delineates dam flap from the remainder of the
inner flap 135 Edge of dam flap 136 Space sandwiched between folded
flap 120 and 140 140 Outer flap 141 Fold path that delineates outer
flap from vessel base 144 Edge of outer flap 145 Top of vessel;
outer surface of outer flap 146 Inner surface of outer flap 160
Closure tab 161 Adhesive for closure tab 162 Fold line that defines
closure tab 165 Adhesive tape 170 Ascending region of folded flaps
to form spout 171 Spout 172 Spout aperture 175 Second ascending
region of folded flaps 176 Opposing peak 185 Sidewall of the base
of vessel 188 Interior volume of vessel 193A-Z; Blanks from which
vessel may be formed 198 194 Line of asymmetry 195 Top of base
region 197 Elevated drinking portion including spout 220 Elevation
of opposing peak 225 Elevation of spout 290 Folded edge dam 291
Channel formed by folded edge dam 300 Width of the vessel at the
top of the vessel body 301 Width of inner flap including dam flap
401 Spout straw hole 402 Spout straw hole serration 403 Spout straw
hole serration 404 Spout straw hole serration 405 Spout straw hole
serration 411 Top straw hole 412 Top straw hole serration 413 Top
straw hole serration 421 Side straw hole 422 Sides traw hole
serration 500 Foldable tab to cover spout aperture 501 Scored path
that delineates foldable tab from blank 502 Intervening surface
portion foldable tab 523 Adhesive that releasably attaches the
closure tab to the spout 600 Plug closure 601 Plug base 602 Stopper
portion 650 Cap closure 660 Spout ledge 670 Lip tab
First Embodiment
[0051] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a vessel 100, which may be
a drinking or pouring cup for liquids and/or non-liquid substances,
having a base region 101, which may be a frusto-conical base region
or could have a shape other than a frusto-conical shape, and a pair
of opposing flaps 120 and 140 extending from the upper end 195 of
the base region 101. The base region 101, along with bottom member
111, forms an interior volume 188 of the vessel 100.
[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pouring or drinking vessel
in a closed configuration in accordance with a first embodiment.
The vessel 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is characterized by a base
101. The base allows the user to grasp vessel 100 in a comfortable
manner and allows the vessel to be easily maintained within a cup
holder, for example within an automobile.
[0053] Vessel 100 includes a top or cover formed from two
overlapping flaps. In the current view, flap 140 is visible since
it is the outer flap in this embodiment. The overlapping flaps form
a portion of an elevated pouring or drinking portion that includes
a spout 171 and an aperture 172. The spout 171 is configured so
that when the spout 171 is inserted in the mouth of a user in use
of the vessel for drinking, the lips of the user may come into
contact with the material over a full 360-degree angular extent of
the material disposed around the periphery of the aperture. The
spout 171 allows the user to easily pour or drink from the cup 100,
but helps prevent spillage of a beverage, for example, contained in
the vessel 100. Unlike a traditional gable top milk carton, such as
that provided in U.S. Pat. No. 2,826,349 which can be opened to
form a spout for pouring, the vessel is designed so that a user may
completely surround the aperture in the spout with her lips when
consuming the contents of the vessel.
[0054] FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the vessel of FIG. 1 with
outer flap 140 open and inner flap 120 closed.
[0055] The flaps 120 and 140 are configured such that when both
flaps are folded along their respective curved fold paths (121,
141), the outer flap 140 overlies the inner flap 120, and at least
a portion of the outer edge 124 of the inner flap 120 may coincide
with the scored path (designated 141) of the opposing outer flap
140, and the flaps 120 and 140 define an elevated pouring or
drinking portion 197 having a spout 171 formed between an extension
102 of the base region 101 and at least one of the two flaps 120
and 140.
[0056] Flaps 120 and 140 each form a portion of both spout 171 and
opposing peak 176. Spout 171 and opposing peak 176 are opposite one
another in the upper region of the vessel. Accordingly, tilting
vessel 100, for example, for consumption of a beverage contained
therein through spout 171, moves the beverage away from the
opposing peak 176.
[0057] The formation of spout 171 and opposing peak 176 are further
schematically illustrated in FIG. 2B, which schematically
illustrates a cross-section of vessel 100 along line A-A of FIG. 6.
The outer flap 140 includes (optional) central score lines 116 in
this embodiment. Central score lines 116 may be pre-formed into
flap 140 in order to facilitate folding the flap into a closed
configuration that accommodates the geometry of the vessel. In
particular, the central score paths 116 delineate a relatively
planar region 125 therebetween, and paths 116 delineate ascending
regions 170 and 175 outside of flat region 125.
[0058] The inner flap 120 includes a dam tab 130 having a first
portion 131 and a second portion 132, surrounding a "V" gap 133.
The dam tab 130 is part of the inner flap 120, and extends from the
portion of the inner flap 120 that is distal from the fold path
121. The dam tab 130 is delineated from remainder of the inner flap
120 by a corresponding folding path or crease 134. In some
embodiments, wherein the inner flap 120 (including portions 131 and
132) is wider (width 301 in FIG. 4) than the width 300 (FIG. 6) of
the vessel at the top 195 of the cup body 101, so that when the
inner flap 120 (including the dam tab 130) is folded down, the
inner flap's free edges (or outside edges) of portions 131 and 132
contact the opposing side wall 185 of the vessel 100 and this
action further folds or bends the free dam tab 130 upward along the
fold path 134, thus forming a "folded edge" dam 290.
[0059] When both flaps 120 and 140 are folded down, the dam tab 130
folds along the folding path 134 so as to lie between the inner
flap 120 and the outer flap 140, as schematically illustrated in
FIG. 2B. In the folded position, the dam tab 130 forms a dam (or
"folded edge dam") 290 that extends along the edge of the inner
flap 120 from the spout 171 towards (i.e., in the direction of) a
center point 123 of the edge of the inner flap 120. In this
embodiment, the folded edge dam 290 has two segments 131, 132
divided by a V shaped cut 133, such that when the inner flap 120 is
folded down, the two segments 131, 132 of the folded edge dam 290
are raised or bent upward and fit together in a fashion closing the
V shaped gap 133 between the segments, as schematically illustrated
in FIG. 2A for example.
[0060] The dam 290 inhibits or prohibits the flow of liquid (or
non-liquid substances) from the interior volume 188 of the vessel
100 to the space 136 sandwiched between the flaps 120 and 140.
Indeed, the dam 290 and the sidewall 185 of the base 101 form a
channel 291 for liquid (or non-liquid substances) that escapes the
interior volume 188 of the vessel. The channel 291 extends along
the spout 171 to the aperture 172, as indicated in FIG. 2B, for
example.
[0061] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a perspective view of the
vessel of FIG. 1 in an open configuration, in which both flaps 140
and 120 are in unfolded positions. The flaps, which oppose one
another, are more clearly seen in this configuration as an integral
part of the vessel walls. Each flap extends directly from the base
portion 101.
[0062] When both of the flaps 140, 120 of the vessel 100 are
unfolded, as illustrated in FIG. 3, successive vessels may be
stacked on one another. Such stacking permits compact storage of a
large number of vessels and facilitates easily retrieving a single
vessel from such a stack.
[0063] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a sheet of flexible
material 193, which may be referred to as a "blank," that may be
used to form the base and flaps of vessel 100 of FIG. 1. As
illustrated, the outline of the vessel is an asymmetric design
(about line 194, which is not part of the sheet 193A of flexible
material) formable into a vessel, having a frusto-conical shape
with a flat bottom, and which also includes a top. To form the
vessel, the outline may be cut along the periphery, scored along
fold paths, rolled, and affixed. The bottom edge 115 of the outline
forms the bottom edge of the vessel 100. Edge 115 is in the shape
of an arc, which allows the vessel 100 to have a substantially flat
base when formed. The various fold paths may be scored prior to
formation of the vessel to guide folding of the vessel into the
proper configuration.
[0064] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom 111 for the vessel 100. The
bottom 111, generally circular, may have a different diameter based
on the dimensions of the vessel. For example, to increase the
volume of the vessel the dimensions may be altered and the bottom
may have a larger diameter. The bottom 111 of the vessel 100 may be
affixed in the opening in the lower region of the base portion 101
when the sheet 193 is rolled. This enables the vessel 100 to retain
a liquid (or non-liquid substances) placed therein via an opening
in the upper region of the vessel when the flaps are unfolded. In
some embodiments, the bottom may be a part of the same sheet
forming the vessel.
[0065] FIGS. 6-11 illustrate different views of the vessel 100 of
FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a top view of the vessel 100. In this figure the
spout 171 is visible. As schematically illustrated, the spout 171
and the opposing peak 176 are located at opposing extremities of
vessel 100 and are formed from the folding flaps, of which flap 140
is visible. The folded flaps 120, 140 also form an integral cover
for vessel 100.
[0066] FIG. 7 is a front view of the vessel. The term "front" in
this description refers to the side having an elevated pouring or
drinking portion and a spout 171.
[0067] FIG. 8 is a side view (denominated the "left" side) of the
vessel 100, and FIG. 9 is back view of the vessel 100 of FIG. 1. In
the embodiment illustrated, the opposing peak 176 is at a lower
elevation (220), relative to the base 101 of the vessel 100, than
the spout 171. In other words, the aperture 172 of the spout 171
has an elevation (225), relative to the base 101 that is greater
than the elevation 220 of the opposing peak 176. Preferably, the
elevation 225 of the aperture 172 is at least 2 centimeters above
the planar region 125. This allows room between the spout 171 and
the planar region 125 for a user's nose, e.g., between the spout
171 and opposing peak 176. In addition, the elevation (220) of the
opposing peak is preferably at least 1 centimeter below the
elevation (225) of the spout, so the opposing peak will not contact
the user's face if the user tilts the vessel 100 while drinking
liquid from the vessel 100.
[0068] Seam 110, as shown in FIG. 9, represents the overlap of the
edges of form 193.
[0069] FIG. 10 is a side view of the vessel 100 of FIG. 1. As
further illustrated in this profile view, the spout 171 is formed
similar to cups that facilitate sipping a beverage through a narrow
opening.
[0070] FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the vessel 100 of FIG. 1. Once a
bottom 111 is secured to the opening in the base region 101 of
vessel 100, for example by gluing, the vessel will be able to
contain liquids (or non-liquid substances) placed therein without
leakage.
[0071] Under some circumstances the user of the vessel may desire
to insert a straw. This could be accomplished by inserting the
straw in the spout hole 172. To facilitate this insertion, some
embodiments include serration 401 in the spout 171 as schematically
illustrated in FIG. 12A, configured to be torn, compressed,
stretched, or otherwise distorted to allow a larger opening in the
spout 171. The serration 401 may include individual serrations 402
and 403 in each of flaps 120 and 140, configured to overlap one
another when the flaps 120 and 140 are folded, to form serration
401. Alternatively, some embodiments include circular serrations
412 and 413 in the top of the vessel (FIG. 12B), configured to
overlap one another (i.e., to form cooperating apertures) when the
flaps 120 and 140 are folded. Circular serrations 412 and 413 are
configured to be pushed through to form cooperating aperture to
allow the formation of a straw hole 411A (FIG. 12A), could be
included in the manufacture of the vessel 100. Some embodiments
include circular serrations 404 and/or 405 (FIGS. 12B and 12C),
which are also configured to be pushed through to allow the
formation of straw holes 411B, 411C, respectively, so as to allow a
straw to access the interior volume 188 of the vessel 100.
[0072] Under some circumstances the user may wish to enhance the
spill resistance properties of the vessel through the use of
closure tabs 160. These tabs could secure the outer flap 140 to the
body 101. In this embodiment, tab 160 is formed as an integral part
of the sheet from which the vessel 100 is formed and protrudes from
an edge of outer flap 140 (FIG. 14B; FIG. 14C). The sheet includes
a scored line or fold path 162 at the intersection of closure tab
160 and flap 140 to facilitate folding of the tab 160. The tab 160
may include an adhesive 161 on the side adjacent to the base 101
when folded in order to help maintain the cover 140 in a closed
configuration, in which case the tab 160 may be referred to as an
"adhesive tab."
[0073] Alternately, or in some embodiments, in addition, the
adhesive 161 may be on the outer surface of the base 101,
positioned to engage the tab 160 when the tab 160 is folded down
alongside the base 101. The adhesive 161 is capable of repeatedly
securing the tab 160 to the base 101 and repeatedly being removed
from base 101. The tab 160 may therefore be described as
"releasably" secured to the base 101, and adhesive 161 may thus be
referred-to as a "multi-stick adhesive."
[0074] In some embodiments, the vessel 100 may include a cover,
folding tab, plug or clip for end of spout 171 to impede flow
through the spout opening 172 when not in use. For example, FIGS.
14A-14E are similar to FIGS. 4, and 6-9, as indicated by common
reference numbers, but also include a spout cover tab 500 with a
multi-stick adhesive 523. Tab 500 is configured to be folded over
and cover the spout aperture 172 when the spout aperture 172 is not
in use for an extended period of time. The adhesive 523 releasably
attaches the spout cover tab 500 to the spout so that the spout
cover tab 500 may be lifted to expose the spout aperture 172. When
folded, the spout cover tab 500 may form a seal with the spout 171
to impede the flow of liquid (or non-liquid substances) through the
aperture 172. FIG. 14A schematically illustrates a top view of a
vessel 100 with a spout cover tab 500 folded over the aperture 172
of the spout 171. FIG. 14B schematically illustrates a front view
of the vessel 100 with the spout cover tab 500 in the open, or up,
position. FIGS. 14C and 14D illustrate, respectively, a left view
and a back view of the vessel 100 with the tab 500 in the closed
position. FIG. 14E schematically illustrates a blank 193C
configured for forming into a vessel 100 having a tab 500.
[0075] Alternatively, a cap or plug may serve to close the spout
opening 172 when not in use. For example, FIG. 15 schematically
illustrates a vessel 100 having a plug closure 600 within the
aperture 172 of the spout 171. The plug closure 600 includes a plug
base 601 and a stopper portion 602. The stopper portion 602 is
configured to fit within and through the aperture 172 of the spout
171, while the plug base 601 is larger than the areal dimension of
the aperture 172 of the spout 171, and so prevents the plug closure
600 from sliding through the aperture 172 of the spout 171. In some
embodiments, the stopper portion 602 is configured to fit snugly
into the aperture 172 so as to seal the aperture 172 and form a
"friction fit" or "press fit" with the spout 171.
[0076] FIG. 13 schematically illustrates a vessel 100 with a cap
closure 650 configured to be removably coupled to the spout so as
to cover and close the spout aperture 172. The cap closure 650 is
formed from a malleable material, such as a metal foil for example.
To close the spout 171, a user applies the cap closure 650 to the
spout 171 and squeezes the cap closure 650 to form it around the
spout 171, and to compress a portion of the spout 171 so as to
close and seal the spout aperture 172.
Other Embodiments
[0077] As mentioned above, a dam tab 120 may be one segment. An
embodiment of a single-segment dam tab 130 is schematically
illustrated in the embodiment schematically illustrated in FIGS.
16A-16S. This embodiment shares many of the features described
above, as shown by common reference numbers.
[0078] FIG. 16B schematically illustrates a vessel 100 with inner
flap 120 and outer flap 140. The inner flap 120 includes a
single-segment dam tab 130, which has a length 130L defined by the
folding path, or crease, 134. The dam tab 130 has a width 130W
defined in a direction perpendicular to the folding path or crease
134. The length 130L is greater than the width 130W, and in in some
embodiments, the length 130L may be at least 2 times the width
130W, or in various embodiments may be 3 times, 4 times, 5 times or
more the width 130W. In addition, the dam tab 130 may extend at
least from the center point 123 of the edge (124 and 135) of the
inner flap 120 to the spout 171, and may extend up the spout to or
near to the spout opening 172.
[0079] The width 301 of the inner flap 120, which includes the dam
tab 130, is greater than the width 300 of the top 195 of the vessel
100, so that when the inner flap 120 is folded down, as
schematically illustrated in FIG. 16B, the dam tab 130 folds
upward, away from the inner volume188 of the vessel. When the outer
flap 140 is folded down, the dam tab 130 is disposed between the
inner flap 120 and the outer flap 140, to form a folded edge dam
290. In such a configuration, the folded edge dam 290 is in
physical contact with the inner sidewall 185 of the base 101 of the
vessel, along the fold path 134.
[0080] The dam 290 and the sidewall 185 of the base 101 form a
channel 291 for liquid (or non-liquid substances) that escapes the
interior volume 188 of the vessel 100. The channel 291 extends
along the spout 171 to the aperture 172, as indicated in FIG. 16D
and FIGS. 16E, for example. The channel 291 directs such escaped
liquid or non-liquid substances towards the spout opening 172 when
the vessel 100 is being used for drinking or pouring those
substances.
[0081] In some embodiments, some edges and/or fold
lines/creases/corel ines of the flaps and vessel may be
waterproofed, or have an additional layer of waterproofing coating
114. For example, as schematically illustrated the in embodiment in
FIG. 16N, edge 124 of inner flap 120 (which includes the edge 135
of the dam tab 130) and/or edge 144 of outer flap 140 and/or the
edge 127 between the inner flap 120 and outer flap 140 and/or the
fold lines/scoring (134) that delineates the dam tab 130 from the
remainder of the inner flap 120, may be coated or impregnated with
(additional) waterproofing material 114 such as a
polylactic-acid-based compound, or a polyethylene-based compound,
to name but a few examples.
[0082] In the event that any content of vessel escapes the volume
188 of the vessel 100 and finds its way between the folded inner
flap 120 and outer flap 140, the escaped content may flow back into
the volume 188 of the vessel through the drain aperture 122.
Several of the embodiments shown and described herein schematically
illustrate a drain aperture 122 through an inner flap, but it
should be noted that the drain aperture is optional in all
embodiments, and may be included in, or omitted from, any inner
flap.
[0083] FIG. 16F schematically illustrates a sheet, or blank 193D,
from which a vessel 100 may be formed by, for example, rolling the
form into a frusto-conical shape and closing the flaps 120 and 130.
In this embodiment, the blank 193D schematically illustrates the
outer flap 140, the inner flap 120, including the dam tab 130, as
well as the drain aperture 122. A similar blank 193F, omitting the
drain aperture 122, is schematically illustrated in FIG. 16O.
[0084] Also schematically illustrated in FIGS. 16F and 16Q are
blanks 193D and 193H having several optional fold lines 131, 141
that delineate the flaps 120 and 140 from the base 101 of the
vessel 101, and fold line or crease 134 that delineates the dam tab
130 from the remainder of the inner flap 120.
[0085] FIG. 16Q schematically illustrates another embodiment of a
blank 193H for forming a vessel 100, and having optional adhesive
strips 113. The adhesive strip 113 on the outer flap 140 is on the
inner surface 146 of the outer flap 140; the surface that faces the
inner flap 120 when the inner flap 120 and outer flap 140 are
folded, as schematically illustrated in FIG. 16A for example.
Stated alternately, the adhesive strip 113 on the outer flap 140 is
on the inside surface 146 of the vessel when the outer flap 140 is
not folded down, because that surface faces inwards.
[0086] The adhesive strip 113 on the inner flap 120 is on the outer
surface 126 of the inner flap 120; the surface that faces the outer
flap 140 when the inner flap 120 and outer flap are folded. Stated
alternately, the adhesive strip 113 on the inner flap 120 is on the
outside surface of the vessel when the inner flap is not folded
down, because that surface faces outwards from the vessel 100.
[0087] FIG. 16R schematically illustrates another embodiment of a
blank 193I for forming a vessel 100, and having a spout ledge 660
extending from the extension 102 of the base region 101 between the
inner flap 120 and the outer flap 140. When the spout is formed,
the ledge 660 reinforces the spout 171.
[0088] FIG. 16S schematically illustrates another embodiment of a
blank 193J for forming a vessel 100, and having a lip tab 670. The
lip tab 670 helps to prevent wicking of water on that edge of the
spout, and may also improve the way that the spout feels in the
mouth of a user. The lip tab 670 folds down and is attached to the
spout 171 with adhesives, producing a folded edge along the bottom
of the spout opening.
[0089] FIGS. 16H, 16I, 16J, 16K, 16L and 16M schematically
illustrate the vessel 100 pursuant to this embodiment. FIG. 16H is
a top view of the vessel 100, FIG. 16I is a front view of the
vessel 100, FIG. 16J is a left-side view of the vessel 100, FIG.
16K is a back-view of the vessel 100, FIG. 16L is a right-side view
of the vessel 100, and FIG. 16M is a bottom-view of the vessel
100.
[0090] FIGS. 17A-17K schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment having many of the same features of other embodiments
described herein, as shown by common reference numbers. Various
possible combinations of features are schematically illustrated in
blanks 193K, 193L, 193N and 1930.
[0091] FIGS. 18A-18H schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment having many of the same features of other embodiments
described herein, as shown by common reference numbers. Various
possible combinations of features are schematically illustrated in
blanks 193P, 193Q, 193R, 193S, and 193T.
[0092] FIG. 19 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a vessel
100 having a plug closure 600 as previously described.
[0093] FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a vessel
100 having a cap closure 650 as previously described.
[0094] FIG. 21 schematically illustrate an alternate embodiment
having many of the same features of other embodiments described
herein, as shown by common reference numbers. Indeed, the
embodiment of FIG. 21 represents a vessel of the embodiments
described herein, and also includes an adhesive tape 165 physically
coupled to the top 145 of the vessel (i.e., the outer surface of
outer flap 140) and extending over the edge 144 of the outer flap
140 and attached to the base 101 of the vessel 100. The adhesive
tape 165 secures the flaps 120 and 140 in a closed or folded
position, as shown in FIG. 21.
[0095] FIGS. 22A-22N schematically illustrate an alternate
embodiment having many of the same features of other embodiments
described herein, as shown by common reference numbers, and also
schematically illustrate a spout cover tab 500 with a multi-stick
adhesive 523, as previously described. The spout cover tab 500 is
delineated by two fold lines, 501, as schematically illustrated in
FIG. 22A, for example. In this embodiment, the two fold lines 501
are parallel to one another, so that folding both of the fold lines
produces a narrow intervening surface 502. The intervening surface
502 has a width approximately equal to the width of the spout 171
at the spout aperture 172, so that the spout cover tab 500 may more
easily fold around the spout 171 at that point. Various possible
combinations of features are schematically illustrated in blanks
193U, 193V, 193W, 193X, 193Y, 193Z and 198.
[0096] Materials and Fabrication
[0097] The embodiments described herein may generally be made of a
flexible material such as paper. However, other embodiments may be
provided in which the vessel is composed of other flexible
materials that are suitable for forming into a vessel that is
capable of containing liquids and has a structure similar to vessel
100, such as treated paper and plastics including polyethylene
terephthalate, polypropylene, polystyrene, polylactic-acid-based
compounds, etc.
[0098] The vessel may be fabricated by injection modeling, by
thermoforming, or by rolling, scoring and forming from a sheet
(e.g., sheet 193). A vessel 100 may also be manufactured with an
insulating material made from plastic or paper based products such
as extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) or cardboard respectively, so
that the contents can be better insulated from the outside.
[0099] In embodiments where the vessel is composed of a material
such as paper, the vessel may be coated on one or both sides with a
waterproofing coating, such as wax, a polylactic-acid-based
compound, or a polyethylene-based compound. Furthermore, the
coating may be applied before or after the vessel is formed from a
blank.
[0100] The embodiments described in all sections above are intended
to be merely exemplary; numerous variations and modifications will
be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations and
modifications are intended to be within the scope of the present
disclosure as defined in any appended claims.
* * * * *