U.S. patent number RE43,077 [Application Number 11/981,851] was granted by the patent office on 2012-01-10 for no-spill drinking cup apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Luv n' care, Ltd.. Invention is credited to Nouri E. Hakim.
United States Patent |
RE43,077 |
Hakim |
January 10, 2012 |
No-spill drinking cup apparatus
Abstract
An improved no-spill cup construction and valve assembly which
provides an extremely secure seal against accidental liquid flow
from the cup spout. The act of sucking at the cup spout creates
negative pressure or a partial vacuum against a valve near the
spout, causing the valve to invert which unblocks an opening in the
valve. When the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely
through the valve and spout. When not in use, the valve sits in a
resting, closed position, with the valve pressed against a center
seal-off, sealing off the opening in the valve assembly. The closed
position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage,
such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force
liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down,
or shaking the cup, are ineffective. The cup assembly further
allows liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow
and minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of the
valve assembly in the cover of the cup.
Inventors: |
Hakim; Nouri E. (Monroe,
LA) |
Assignee: |
Luv n' care, Ltd. (Monroe,
LA)
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Family
ID: |
22002975 |
Appl.
No.: |
11/981,851 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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60056218 |
Aug 21, 1997 |
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Reissue of: |
09138588 |
Aug 21, 1998 |
6321931 |
Nov 27, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
220/714;
220/203.29; 215/387; 215/11.4 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D
47/2031 (20130101); B65D 51/165 (20130101); A47G
19/2272 (20130101); B65D 43/0231 (20130101); B65D
2543/00351 (20130101); B65D 2543/00972 (20130101); B65D
2543/00527 (20130101); B65D 2543/00046 (20130101); B65D
2543/00537 (20130101); B65D 2543/00092 (20130101); F16K
7/12 (20130101); B65D 2543/00296 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47G
19/22 (20060101); A61J 9/00 (20060101); B65D
51/16 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;220/714,711,717,716,202,203.01,203.29,203.28,203.19,203.11,703
;215/11.4,387,260,261,200 ;222/491 ;137/859,852,843,511 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
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WO |
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Other References
Federal Circuit Decision of Feb. 23, 2007 in appeal of Nouri E.
Hakim v. Cannon Avent Group, PLC, et al. (Appeal No. 05-1398).
cited by other .
Magistrate's Report and Recommendation of Feb. 2, 2005 re U.S.
Patent No. 6,321,931, (U.S. District Court, W.D. Louisiana, Civ.
3-02-1371). cited by other .
Magistrate's Report and Recommendation of Feb. 2, 2005 re U.S.
Patent No. 6,357,620, (U.S. District Court, W.D. Louisiana, Civ.
3-02-1371). cited by other .
International Search Report from PCT/US98/17379. cited by other
.
International Search Report from PCT/US99/19238. cited by other
.
EPO Search from EP98943302. cited by other .
EPO Search from EP 06 00 9518. cited by other .
EPO Search from EP 07 01 5953. cited by other .
EPO Search from EP 99 94 3860. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Yu; Mickey
Assistant Examiner: Hicks; Robert J
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Goldberg Cohen LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims all rights of priority to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60,056,218, filed Aug. 21, 1997.
Claims
We claim:
.[.1. An apparatus for use in a no-spill drinking cup, said
apparatus comprising: a valve holder, such valve holder comprising
at least one valve and a blocking element, said valve comprising a
flexible material, said blocking element comprising an area of
material which is impenetrable to the flow of liquid, said valve
further comprising an opening through said flexible material, said
valve having a resting position wherein said flexible material sits
with said opening against said blocking element such that said
valve is closed to the passage of liquid through said valve, said
valve moving into an open position for the passage of liquid
through said valve upon the application of negative air pressure to
the top of said valve, said open position being a position wherein
said flexible member comprising said opening lifts off of said
blocking element..].
.[.2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a
cover, said valve holder being located in said cover, and a cup,
said cover being adapted to attach to said cup..].
.[.3. An apparatus for use in a no-spill drinking cup, comprising:
a flexible valve member comprising an opening through said valve
member, said valve member having a closed position and an open
position, wherein said valve member sits against a blocking element
with said opening against said blocking element when in said closed
position such that said blocking element blocks the passage of
fluid through said opening in said valve member, and wherein said
valve member moves away from said blocking element to allow passage
of liquid though said opening of said valve member upon application
of negative air pressure to said valve member..].
.[.4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, further comprising a
cover, said flexible valve member being located in said cover, and
a cup, said cover being adapted to attach to said cup..].
.[.5. A no-spill cup apparatus, comprising: a flexible valve member
comprising an opening in said valve member, said flexible member
having a proximal side and a distal side; and a blocking element,
said blocking element comprising a first area which is impenetrable
to the flow of liquid, and a second area through which liquid can
flow, said distal side of said flexible valve member resting
against said blocking element when said flexible valve member is in
the resting, closed position such that said opening of said
flexible valve member rests against said first area when said
flexible valve member is in said resting, closed position, said
flexible valve member backing off said blocking element upon the
application of negative air pressure to said proximal side of said
flexible valve member to allow fluid to flow through said second
area of said blocking element and through said opening of said
flexible valve member..].
.[.6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said opening
comprises a slit..].
.[.7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said first area
is the central area of said blocking element, and wherein said
second area is the peripheral area of said blocking element..].
8. A no-spill drinking cup apparatus, comprising: a flexible valve
member, said flexible valve member having an opening therein; and,
a blocking element.Iadd., .Iaddend.said flexible valve member
resting against said blocking element when said valve member is in
its closed position such that said opening sits against said
blocking element to block the passage of liquid through said
opening.Iadd.; said flexible valve member further comprising an
open position, said flexible valve member being displaced away from
said blocking element in said open position to provide liquid
access to said opening, said flexible member assuming said open
position upon application of negative air pressure to the top of
said valve member; wherein said flexible valve member inverts upon
application of negative air pressure to said valve member to move
said opening away from said blocking element.Iaddend..
.[.9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, said flexible valve
member further comprising an open position, said flexible valve
member being displaced away from said blocking element in said open
position to provide liquid access to said opening, said flexible
member assuming said open position upon application of negative air
pressure to the top of said valve member..].
.[.10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said flexible
valve member inverts upon application of negative air pressure to
said valve member to move said opening away from said blocking
element..].
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said flexible valve
member is located in a valve assembly.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein said valve
assembly comprises at least one subunit for containing said valve
member.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valve
assembly comprises at least two subunits, each of said subunits
comprising a valve member therein.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valve
assembly comprises at least two subunits, a first subunit
comprising a first valve member comprising a first opening, and a
second subunit comprising a second valve member comprising a second
opening, said first opening being larger than said second
opening.
15. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
14, wherein said first opening is an "X" shaped slot.
16. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
14, wherein said second opening is a "T" shaped slot.
17. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
14, wherein said first opening is an "X" shaped slot and said
second opening is a "T" shaped slot.
18. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
.[.8.]. .Iadd.11.Iaddend., wherein said .Iadd.valve
.Iaddend.assembly further comprises a removable cap.
19. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
.[.8.]. .Iadd.18.Iaddend., wherein said cap comprises a valve
assembly carrier for securing said valve assembly to said cap.
20. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
18, further comprising a cup for attachment to said removable
cap.
21. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
20, wherein said cap is provided with screw threads for screwing
onto said cup.
22. An .[.assembly.]. .Iadd.apparatus .Iaddend.as claimed in claim
20, wherein said cap is a snap-on cap, for attachment to said
cup.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said blocking
element is located in said subunit.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said blocking
element comprises a solid central area impenetrable to liquid flow,
and a peripheral region surrounding said central area, said
peripheral region having at least one area open to the passage of
liquid.
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 24, wherein said opening rests
against said central .[.region.]. .Iadd.area .Iaddend.when said
valve member is in its closed position.
26. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein said subunit
comprises a valve retainer for securing said flexible valve member
in said subunit.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said opening
comprises a slit.
.[.28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said opening is
a slit..].
.[.29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein said opening is
a slit..].
.Iadd.30. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said opening
is a hole..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said
inversion of said flexible valve member constitutes a change in
shape from convex to concave..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said
inversion of said flexible valve member constitutes a change in
shape from concave to convex..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a no-spill cup assembly with an
improved valve mechanism to prevent liquid from flowing out of the
cup when not desired.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
No-spill cup assemblies are well known in the art. In the past, a
variety of such assemblies have been developed and marketed. In
general, the goal of a no-spill cup is to provide a construction
which minimizes or prevents liquid from emerging out of the cup
when liquid flow is not desired, i.e. when the user is not
drinking. However, though the assemblies of the prior art are
intended to avoid such accidents, their construction is such that
they generally do not provide a secure enough protection against
undesirable spilling or leakage. Thus, when such cups are inverted,
or more significantly, when they are shaken vigorously, liquid will
often emerge from them. This can be a particular problem with young
children, for whom these cups are usually intended. Accordingly,
there is a need in the art for an improved cup assembly for
preventing undesired spilling of liquids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved
no-spill cup assembly.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cup
assembly which prevents liquid from flowing out of the cup when the
user is not drinking.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly
which minimizes and/or eliminates accidental or undesirable liquid
flow or spillage out of the cup.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly
which provides the ability to regulate the flow rate of liquid out
of the cup.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a cup assembly
which can be used by young children, to avoid accidental spilling
of liquid therefrom.
Further objects of the invention will become apparent in
conjunction with the disclosure herein.
In accordance with the invention, an improved cup construction and
valve assembly is provided which provides an extremely secure seal
against accidental liquid flow from the cup spout. Further to the
invention, a user places his or her mouth against the spout of the
cup assembly to suck liquid out of the cup when desired. The act of
sucking at the spout of the cup creates negative pressure or a
partial vacuum against a valve in the cup spout, causing the valve
to invert, or turn inside out, either partially or totally, thereby
unblocking an opening such as an orifice or slit in the valve. Once
the opening is unblocked, liquid can flow freely through the valve
and spout.
In contrast, when not in use, the valve sits in a resting, closed
position, with the valve pressed against the center seal-off,
thereby sealing off the opening or slit in the valve assembly.
Thus, in its relaxed state, with no negative pressure applied, the
valve sits in a closed position with the fluid opening sealed by
the center seal-off. Moreover, in accordance with the dual valve
nature of the device in the preferred embodiment, an adjacent valve
similarly seals when no negative pressure is applied, thereby
blocking off the air vents in the cover of the cup, and further
preventing the possibility of fluid flow. Consequently, the closed
position provides an extremely secure seal against fluid leakage,
such that inadvertent spills or even deliberate attempts to force
liquid outside of the cup, such as by turning the cup upside down,
or shaking the cup, are ineffective.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the cup assembly allows
liquid flow to be regulated between regular or maximum flow and
minimal flow levels or rates by rotating the position of a valve
assembly in the cap or cover of the cup. The valve holder is
constructed as a two subunit assembly, with one subassembly holding
a valve with a larger slit or orifice for fluid flow than the valve
in the second subunit. Thus, upon rotation of the valve holder,
either a low-flow valve or a higher flow valve can be positioned in
the hole leading to the spout. In this manner, a dual position
valve assembly is provided allowing either regular flow or minimal
liquid flow conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1(a) is an exploded front view of a no-spill cup assembly in
accordance with the present invention. FIG. 1(b) is an exploded
perspective view of the no-spill cup assembly of FIG. 1(a).
FIG. 2(a) is an exploded front view of a second embodiment of a
no-spill cup assembly in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2(b) is an exploded perspective view of the no-spill cup
assembly of FIG. 2(a).
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the valve assembly of the present
invention.
FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of
the valve assembly of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 5(a) is an exploded front view of the cup assembly of the
present invention, showing the rotation of the valve holder or
assembly, into two alternate positions for placement in the cap or
cover of the cup. FIG. 5(b) is an exploded perspective view,
showing the placement of the valve holder into the cap, in either
of the two positions illustrated in FIG. 5(a).
FIG. 6 is a series of additional views of the valve holder or
assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. 6(a) is a top view of the valve holder.
FIG. 6(b) is a front view of the valve holder. FIG. 6(c) is a side
view of the valve holder. FIG. 6(d) is a cross-sectional view of
the valve holder wherein the valve is in a relaxed state, sealing
off fluid flow. FIG. 6(e) is a cross-sectional view of the valve
holder, showing the valve in an inverted state, to allow fluid flow
through the valve.
FIG. 7 is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of
the valve assembly of the no-spill cup, in accordance with the
present invention.
FIG. 8 is a series of additional views of a further embodiment of
the valve assembly shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8(a) is a top view of the
valve holder or assembly. FIG. 8(b) is a front view of the valve
holder. FIG. 8(c) is a side view of the valve holder. FIG. 8(d) is
a cross-sectional view of the valve holder wherein the valve is in
a relaxed state, sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 8(e) is a
cross-sectional view of the valve holder, showing the valve in an
inverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve.
FIG. 9 is a series of additional views of another embodiment of the
valve assembly shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 9(a) is a top view of the
valve holder or assembly. FIG. 9(b) is a front view of the valve
holder. FIG. 9(c) is a side view of the valve holder. FIG. 9(d) is
a cross-sectional view of the valve holder wherein the valve is in
a relaxed state, sealing off fluid flow. FIG. 9(e) is a
cross-sectional view of the valve holder, showing the valve in an
inverted state, to allow fluid flow through the valve.
FIG. 10 is a side view of a no-spill cup with a soft gripping area,
in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a series of additional views of another embodiment of
the cap of the present invention. FIG. 11(a) is a partial sectional
view of a cap with an insert molded or glued in gasket, in
accordance with the invention. FIG. 11(b) is a side sectional view
of the cap of FIG. 11(a). FIG. 11(c) is a top sectional view of the
cap of FIG. 11(b).
FIG. 12 is a series of additional views of another embodiment of
the cap of the present invention. FIG. 12(a) is a partial sectional
view of a cap with a molded lip which wedges against into the
inside surface of the cup, in accordance with the invention. FIG.
12(b) is a side sectional view of the cap of FIG. 12(a). FIG. 12(c)
is a top sectional view of the cap of FIG. 12(b).
FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a cap having a soft spout, in
accordance with a further embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 14 is a side sectional view of a cap having a reduced volume
spout, in accordance with a further embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS
As will be shown in conjunction with the attached drawings, a novel
cup assembly is disclosed for providing prevention against
accidental liquid spills. FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are a front view and
a perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of the cup
assembly, in accordance with the present invention. The volume of
the cup or liquid holding portion of the assembly can be adjusted
as desired. In one embodiment, a 7 oz. drinking cup is provided, as
shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively, a 9 oz. drinking cup, as shown in
FIG. 2, a 61/2 oz. cup, or any other desired size can be provided,
as well.
The sides of the cup can be provided with no handles, one handle,
two handles or any other number of handles, for the user's use to
grip the cup. This handle or handle is preferably sized for a
child's hands. In addition, the outside appearance of the cup
and/or the cap can be a solid color, or can be printed with any
desired design.
In a further embodiment of the invention, a no spill cup with a
soft gripping area can be provided, as shown in FIG. 10. In
accordance with this embodiment, a soft ring 102 is provided around
the outside of the cup. This ring can be of any width desired, and
serves as a finger grip, to make it easier to grasp the cup
securely. Preferably, the ring is approximately two inches (2'')
wide. In a preferred embodiment, the soft ring 102 has shapes or
designs 106 cut out of it, such as stars, ovals, or so forth. The
hard cup, in turn, has raised areas or protuberances corresponding
to those shapes or designs. The soft ring fits snugly over these
raised areas of the cup, each of the protruding hard shapes fitting
into the cutouts of the soft ring, with the surface of the raised
areas and the soft ring being flush when the ring is inserted onto
the cup.
In one embodiment of the invention, the cup is constructed from
polycarbonate. In an alternate embodiment, the cup is constructed
from polypropylene. If desired, clear polypropylene can be
utilized. Alternatively, any other suitable materials can be used
for the components of the no-spill cup. The components of the cup
are all made of durable materials, resistant to breakage,
dishwasher safe, and preferably color fast.
In accordance with the invention, cup 7 includes a no-spill cap or
cover 11, a valve holder or assembly 31 and tumbler cup 22.
No-spill cap 11 includes a spout 14 for drinking liquid from the
cup. The spout is sized to allow an individual to place his or her
mouth over the spout to drink therefrom. In the preferred
embodiment, the spout is sized for the mouth of a child,
particularly for a child of a young age.
No-spill cap 11 forms a cover for placement over tumbler cup 22.
When attached to the cup 22, a secure seal is formed such that no
liquid can emerge through the connection between the cap 11 and cup
22. In use, cap 11 is sufficiently secured to cup 22 such that
shaking the cup assembly, dropping the cup on the floor, or other
vigorous movement of the cup assembly, or application of sharp
force thereto, is insufficient to separate the cap from the
cup.
In one embodiment, no-spill cap 11 and tumbler cup 22 include
mating male and female screw threads, such that the cap 11 is a
screw-on cap which can be easily rotated onto the tumbler cup 22,
as shown in FIG. 2. In an alternative embodiment, a snap-on cap is
used, as shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a resilient ring
portion of cap 11 securely fits over lip 10 of tumbler cup 22, as
is well known in the art. Although a screw-on cap or a snap-on cap
are shown as two preferred embodiments, alternatively, any other
suitable mechanism to secure the cap to the tumbler cup can be
utilized.
Either the screw-on cap and/or the snap-on cap can be further
provided with a gasket 110 between the tumbler cup and the cap, to
further seal the connection between the cup and the cap. This
gasket can be part of the tumbler cup 22 or the cap 11, or can be a
separate element inserted between the cap and the cup. In a
preferred embodiment, the gasket 110 is part of cap 11, as shown in
FIGS. 11(a)-(c).
Alternatively, the cap can be provided with a small annular inner
lip, on the inside of the cap, which acts as a gasket. This lip, as
shown in FIGS. 12(a)-(c), wedges inside the cup when the cap is
screwed or placed upon it. The lip acts to further prevent the
possibility of liquid flow through the contact between the cup and
the cap.
In a preferred embodiment, finger grips .Iadd.12 .Iaddend.are
provided on the outside of the cap, such as grooves or the like.
These grips facilitate removal and application of the cap,
particularly in embodiments requiring the screwing of the cap on
and off of the cup.
The cap is also preferably interchangeable with numerous tumbler
cups of different sizes. In this embodiment, the rim of the tumbler
cups are all of the same diameter, although the tumbler cups
themselves are of different volumes. For example, the same sized
cap could be used on a 61/2 oz. cup and/or a 7 oz. cup and/or a 9
oz. cup, and so forth.
In a further embodiment of the cap, the cap has a soft spout 130 as
shown in FIG. 13. Preferably, the spout is made of a
thermo-elastimer. Spout 130 can be insert molded to a polypropylene
cap, providing a combination cap having a hard section for
attachment to the cup, and a soft spout portion. Preferably, the
spout has a small channel extending therethrough to reduce the
liquid volume which can be trapped within the spout portion.
In a further embodiment of the cap, the cap has a reduced volume
spout as shown in FIG. 14. Reduced volume spout 140 is designed to
reduce the volume of liquid which can be trapped within the spout.
Reduced volume spout 140 has a volume reduction member 144 inserted
therein to reduce the internal volume of the spout, and to provide
a channel 148 for liquid flow. Preferably, valve assembly subunit
142 extends up into spout 140 to further reduce the amount of
liquid which can be trapped in spout 140. Valve assembly subunit
142 can, for example, extend into volume reduction member 144.
Accordingly, this embodiment reduces the space between the valve
and the opening of the drinking spout, to reduce the amount of
liquid potentially trapped in this area.
As shown in FIG. 1(b), no-spill cap 11 includes valve assembly
carriers 16 and 18. In the preferred embodiment, valve assembly
carriers 16 and 18 are tapered holes provided on the underside of
the cap. Valve assembly carrier or tapered hole 18 leads to an open
spout 14, providing a path for liquid flow. Thus, valve assembly
carrier or hole 18 is fully open on both sides, both on its top
surface, which leads to spout 14, and on its bottom surface
opposite tumbler cup 32, for the flow of liquid out of tumbler cup
22 through hole 18 and through spout 14 into the user's mouth.
Valve assembly carrier or tapered hole 16, in contrast, provides a
passage for the flow of air into the cup during use, allowing
liquid to exit through opposing hole 18 and spout 14. Hole 16 is
open on one side, i.e. on its lower surface opposite tumbler cup
22. On the opposing side, hole 16 merges into the inner surface of
cap 11. The inner surface of cap 11 is further provided with one or
more, preferably small, vents or holes for air flow, allowing air
to flow through the vents of cap 11 and through hole 16 into the
cup assembly during use.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, no-spill cup 7 further includes valve
holder or assembly 31. Valve holder 31 is preferably constructed
from a high temperature ABS material, and is dimensioned to fit
snugly into cap 11. In the preferred embodiment, valve holder is a
separate assembly which fits into cap 11. Alternatively, the valve
holder can be provided as an integral part of cap 11 and/or cup 7.
For example, valve holder 31 can be molded as a part of cap 11,
such that the valve holder is inseparable from the cap.
In the preferred embodiment, valve holder 31 is a two-subunit
assembly connected by bridge 34. Each subunit of the two-subunit
assembly is sized to frictionally fit into and be held by either
one of tapered holes 16 and 18. The spacing between tapered holes
16 and 18 is the same as between the subunits of valve holder 31,
such that the valve holder can be easily secured within cap 11. The
sizing and tapering of holes 16 and 18 and the sizing of valve
holder 31 are dimensioned so as to provide a secure, snug mating
between the valve assembly and the tapered holes. In a preferred
embodiment, the top of the valve holder (i.e. the side facing the
spout) and the bottom of the valve holder (i.e. the side facing the
cup) has two different diameters. The top is proportioned to fit
snugly into the tapered hole, and the bottom is proportioned such
that it cannot be inserted into hole 16 or 18. In this way, a
mechanism is provided to prevent the valve holder from being
inserted into the holes in the wrong orientation, i.e. upside
down.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged, exploded, perspective view of the valve
holder of the present invention. Valve holder 31 consists of two
valve holder subunits 37 and 39, connected by a bridge 34. Each
valve holder subunit is intended to hold a single valve therein. As
shown in the figure, valve or valve member 42 is intended for
placement in subunit 37, and valve or valve member 45 is intended
for placement in subunit 39. Valves 42 and 45 each include a slit
for the passage of liquid. The slit is preferably through the
center portion of the valve, and is dimensioned to allow a
predetermined flow level or rate of liquid therethrough, as
desired.
Valve holder subunits 37 and 39 open into sealing units 37a and
39(a) and valve retainers or endcaps 37b and 39(h), respectively.
Taking subunit 37 as an example of the function of each subunit, as
shown in FIG. 3, subunit 37 is initially in an open position in
which the sealing unit and the valve retainer have been pulled or
hinged apart. In one embodiment, the sealing unit and the valve
retainer have a tab 60 connecting them, to prevent the components
from being permanently separated accidentally. Alternatively, the
valve retainer can be welded into place (e.g. by sonic welding), as
shown in FIGS. 4 and 7. The sealing units each have at least one
open section 58, such that, in the valve assembly's disassembled
state, fluid can pass, unobstructed, through the sealing unit since
no valve is in place. Likewise, the valve retainers are open on
both sides for unobstructed passage of fluid through the valve
retainer in the disassembled state when no valve is in place.
To assemble the valve assembly, valve 42 is inserted into the valve
holder by placement of the valve between sealing unit 37a and valve
retainer 37b. After a valve has been placed into one or both of the
subunits, the valve retainers can each be folded or hinged back
about tab 60, over the sealing unit 37 (or under sealing unit 39,
in the orientation shown in the figure) and snapped into place to
close the subunits, as shown in FIG. 5. The resilience of the
sealing unit allows for a tight seal to be established between the
valve retainer and the sealing unit. When closed, each subunit
secures or encapsulates a valve tightly therein, maintaining the
valve in place in the valve holder. For clarity, reference is
primarily made to subunit 37, although subunits 37 and 39 are
preferably the same in all features other than the size of the
valve opening. For the purposes of the present discussion, it is
assumed that subunit 37 is the subunit intended for initial
placement into hole 18.
As shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9, upon closing a subunit (e.g.
subunit 37 in FIG. 3), valve 42 sits securely against center
seal-off stop or center stop 52 in sealing unit 37a, with the
opening 70 in valve 42 being flush against center seal-off stop 52.
Valve 42 includes a top, proximal side which will face the spout of
the cap, and a distal side which rests against the center seal-off
stop when the valve is placed in valve holder 31.
Center stop 52 functions as a sealing portion or blocking element
of the valve assembly which seals off and blocks the flow of fluid
through the valve. In a preferred embodiment, center stop 52
consists of a solid central area or portion 56 which is
impenetrable to the flow of liquid therethrough. Surrounding the
central area or portion 56 is preferably a peripheral area or
region 58, having open areas such as slots or so forth, for
allowing the passage of liquid therethrough, as shown, for example
in FIG. 8(a). Central area 56 or center stop 52 further includes
stems 74. As shown in FIG. 9, stems 74 can further be reinforced
with braces 72, which are reinforcing elements, which provide
additional material strength to the connection between the stems
and the valve holder.
When in the normal resting position, valve 42 relaxes to sit
securely against the center stop 52, as shown in FIG. 8(d). In this
resting position, opening or orifice 70 of valve 42 presses firmly
against the central area 56 of center stop 52, preventing any fluid
flow through the valve, and maintaining the valve in a closed
configuration.
To drink from the cup, a user raises the cup to his or her mouth
and begins to suck liquid through spout 14. In the process, the
user creates negative pressure or a partial vacuum against the top
of valve 42 in subunit 37. Valve 42 is constructed of a flexible
material which is designed to fully invert and turn inside out, or
to begin to invert and turn inside out, upon creation of a partial
vacuum against the top of the valve 42, as shown in FIG. 8(e). For
example, valve 42 can be a membrane, either in whole or in part.
Preferably, the valve is constructed of Kraton or silicone. If
silicone is used, a 45 durometer silicone such as Lims 6045 is
preferred, which is available from General Electric or from Wacker
(a subsidiary of Bayer) of Germany. The materials used for the
valve assembly and its components are sufficiently durable and heat
resistant that the entire valve assembly can be placed in a
dishwasher or boiled.
In a preferred embodiment, the valve material is constructed of a
single material with a greater thickness of material on the center
area which seals off on the center stop, and with a thinner portion
of material on the sidewalls. Providing a thinner sidewall portion
contributes to the flexibility of the valve at its edges, which
further assists and encourages inversion of the valve, by causing
the valve to flex at the sidewalls first upon application of
negative pressure thereto. Preferred dimensions for the valve
thickness are approximately 0.4 mm of thickness on the sidewalls
and approximately 0.9 mm of thickness on the center area.
Upon inversion of valve 42, opening or orifice 70 is displaced away
from central area 56 of center stop 52. The inversion of the valve
therefore unblocks opening 70 allowing fluid flow through the
subunit. As negative pressure is being applied to the top of the
valve 42 located next to the spout, negative pressure is likewise
being applied to the bottom of the adjacent valve in the other
subunit, located in the other tapered hole of the cup cover. Thus,
this negative pressure, opens the second valve as well, by
displacing the opening in the other valve away from its center
stop. Inversion of valves 42 allows fluid flow to proceed through
both subunits of the assembly. Liquid will flow through one subunit
of the valve assembly, the subunit connected to the spout,
concurrently accompanied by air flow through the other subunit of
the assembly, the subunit connected to the air vents. In this
manner, liquid smoothly and easily flows though the valve assembly,
the spout, and out of the cup.
In a preferred embodiment, the valve assembly is further provided
with a flow bridge 84. Flow bridge 84 blocks movement or expansion
of the valve 42 beyond a certain maximum distance to prevent the
valve from overextending itself, or from being subjected to
excessive strain or distension, as shown in FIG. 8(e). Thus, the
flow bridge prevents the valve from inverting beyond the point
where it can no longer easily revert to its original position. In
addition, the flow bridge provides a shield or a barrier preventing
the valve from damage. Thus, it blocks objects such as a spoon or
so forth, whether in a dishwasher or otherwise, from easily
damaging the valve.
When negative pressure is released or removed from the spout, the
valve reverts back to its resting position, and fluid cannot flow
through the closed slit in the valve. In the resting position, no
liquid will spill from or emerge out of the cup.
Further embodiments of the valve holder and assembly are shown in
FIGS. 4 and 7-9. As shown in FIG. 4, instead of the valve retainer
shown in FIG. 3, a detachable snap fit valve retainer 81 can
alternatively be provided. Or, as shown in FIG. 7, valve retainer
94 can be provided as well. Valve retainers 81 and 94 serve the
same function as valve retainers 37b and 39(b), holding and
securing the valve within the valve assembly. It is preferred that
the valve retainer, whichever embodiment is utilized, be sonic
welded on, to ensure that the valve cannot be dislodged or removed
from the holder.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, a system is provided for
maintaining a tight seal against fluid flow when the cup is not in
use. An extremely secure seal is provided, such that excessive or
vigorous shaking is ineffective to force fluid out of the cup.
Significantly, the valve construction disclosed results in a much
tighter seal than that observed in the no-spill cup assemblies of
the prior art. In accordance with the invention, unless the user
sucks through the spout, no liquid will flow through the valve.
In the preferred embodiment, subunits 37 and 39 are preferably
identical in all respects excepts for the size of the orifice or
slit in valve 42 and the slit in valve 45. It is preferred that one
valve be provided with a larger opening than the other valve, such
as a longer slit in one valve than the other. In one embodiment,
one valve is provided with an opening in the form of a slit of
approximately two hundred thousandths ( 200/1000) of an inch in
length, while the second valve is provided with a slit of
approximately fifty thousandths ( 50/1000) of an inch.
Alternatively, other lengths may, of course, be used as well in
accordance with the invention.
By varying the size and/or shape of the opening in the valve, the
present inventor has further provided a novel dual acting flow
system for regulating fluid flow. In this system, the level of flow
of liquid out of the cup during use can be easily regulated.
Regulation is accomplished by a simple rotation of the valve
assembly which converts the cup between a faster or higher liquid
flow, and a slower or lower flow system.
As shown in FIG. 5, valve holder 31 can be inserted into cap 11 in
either of two configurations. In a first configuration, valve 45,
having a larger opening or slit, is placed into hole 18, the hole
in communication with spout 14. In this configuration, a first,
higher, flow level of liquid through the valve is established when
the user sucks liquid through the spout, due to the use of the
valve having the larger opening therein. By removing the valve
holder 31 from holes 16 and 18, and flipping the valve holder 31
one hundred eighty degrees) (180.degree.), the other valve 42,
having the smaller opening, can be inserted into hole 18. This
valve 42 provides a second, lower flow state, in which liquid can
still flow out of the spout, but at a lower flow rate than flow
through the first valve. In this way, the rate of flow of liquid
out of the cup can be regulated by a parent. Although a two level
flow system is disclosed, greater or fewer flow levels can be
provided by varying the number of attached subunits having valves
therein, or by providing replacement valve holders having different
sized openings 70 therein. In all configurations, however, liquid
only flows through the valve when the user sucks through the spout,
as disclosed above.
Any form of desired opening suitable for passage of a desired level
of liquid can be utilized in the valve. The opening 70 can be, for
example, a slit, a slot, an orifice, a hole, or so forth. Likewise,
by the term opening, it is contemplated that multiple openings of
these or any other types can be provided as well.
In one embodiment, the opening 70 is an "X" shaped slot 78, as
shown in FIG. 7. In another preferred embodiment, the opening is a
"T" shaped slot 76, as also shown in FIG. 7. Use of the X-shaped
slot 78 shown in FIG. 7, will provide a higher flow rate than the
T-shaped slot 76 shown therein. The flow rate, of course, depends
on the total length of the slots, or in general, on the size of the
opening. Accordingly, both the X-shaped slot and the T-shaped slot
can be used in a single valve assembly, each placed in its
respective subunit in this preferred embodiment, a two level flow
system is provided, as previously discussed.
In a further embodiment, both openings are X-shaped, with one
opening larger than the other. A 7 mm opening (the length from end
to end of each crossbar of the "X") can be used for the fast side,
and a 6 mm opening for the slow side.
It is further preferred that the valve holder be marked to indicate
which subunit is suitable for higher flow, and which for lower flow
of liquid therethrough. Accordingly, the valve holders can be
explicitly marked "Fast" and "Slow" as shown in FIGS. 7 and 9,
respectively. Alternatively, or additionally, the subunits or the
valve holders can be marked with a hare or rabbit, signifying fast
flow, and a tortoise or turtle, signifying slow flow, as
respectively also shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. The subunit connected to
the spout is, of course, the subunit which controls the liquid flow
rate. The valve holder can be marked, for example, on the subunit
itself, or on the bridge in an area directly adjacent to the
subunit, as shown in the figures. In one embodiment, the valve
holder is marked on the top and bottom (i.e. the sides facing the
spout and the cup, respectively), such that the symbols and/or
words can be seen from the top when the valve holder is being
inserted, and from the bottom, once it has already been inserted,
to determine which speed valve is in place in the spout. In an
alternate embodiment, the words and/or symbols are only on the
bottom of the valve, so that the user can see them from the bottom
when inserting the valve holder, and can also view the valve holder
from the bottom, once inserted.
Having described this invention with regard to specific
embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not
meant as a limitation since further modifications may suggest
themselves, or may be apparent to those in the art. It is intended
that the present application cover all such modifications and
improvements thereon.
* * * * *